The Mystery of the Rogue Regimental Number
In August 2008, the grave marker for NWMP member Cpl. Bernard Emil 'Bernie' Lasswitz was found in a small Ucluelet Cemetery on Vancouver Island. One will note that his grave stone identifies him as a member of the NWMP and Regimental # 90. The Regimental # 90 on the grave marker is the mystery.
Click on photo for larger version
According to records held by Kamloops Vet Jack White, Lasswitz was given Reg. # 1626. Regimental # 90 Original Series (OS) was given to a member identified as BRABY and Regimental # 90 New Series (NS) was given to a member named McKENZIE. This mix-up of regimental numbers has left researchers baffled. Cpl. Lasswitz died at Port Alberni, BC on January 14, 1938.
Jack O'Reilly of Toronto reports that he found Lasswitz's obit in the April, 1938 issue of 'The Quarterly' showing that he died in Port Alberni and his Regimental # was 1626.
It's unlikely that Cpl. Lasswitz will reach out from the 'other side' to help us with the mystery of his Regimental #'s. So, we appeal to all volunteers to 'dig in' and help us.
J. J. Healy Reg. # 23685 CoordinatorUPDATE: November 18th, 2008
Subject: Regimental Numbers & The Mystery of the Rogue Regimental number
Good afternoon Buffalo Joe,
Here's an update on a couple of historical items
It appears that the first Royal North West Mounted Policeman (RNWMP) was assigned Regimental #4229 in June 1904, give or take one or two. The last Regimental # assigned, at the end of January 1920, would be 9021, again give or take one or two.
Tomorrow I will be at Library and Archives Canada and I intend to order the Lasswitz file to see why the number "90" appears on his head-stone. If I order the file tomorrow, I should be able to look at it on Thursday, my next day at the archives. I will keep you posted and the plot thickens!
Kind regards,
Glenn Wright
Historical Section
Strategic Partnerships & Heritage Branch
Royal Canadian Mounted Police
Ottawa, Ontario