The Mystery of the Disappearing NWMP Viscount
by J. J. (Buffalo Joe) Healy
by J. J. (Buffalo Joe) Healy
There are but two ways to bury or dispose of oneself in this world; to die or to lie. To most, the former comes
quite naturally but there are unexpected exceptions such as being murdered -- suppose, for example, that one is in the wrong
place at the wrong time? Death may arrive as an surprise guest.
To lie is another matter. Lying about one's past quite simply makes life more complicated. Rather than enjoying the benefits
of a quick, neat death fabricating stories tends to haunt the soul and the situation simply drags on endlessly. More peas
make a thick broth harder to swallow. Men who lie about their past often find it hard to keep a straight face -- to slip up
is always a risk. Lying is always on one's mind. In summary, of the two choices; death is the preferred option if a man wants to
erase his past. Death has the benefit of less explanation.
Years ago, it was often suggested that the best way for a man to disappear was to join the French Foreign Legion -- the
Legion was reputed not to ask too many questions about one's past. A man sent to a foreign post becomes lost among
others with deep secrets in their past. No one is encouraged to overwork their tongue. An ideal motto for the Legion
might be summed up in seven succinct words, such as: 'Keep your mouth shut and keep shooting!'
In review, there have always been stories about men who prefer to fade into life's background. Some men want to
flee. Others need to be free -- to be untied of responsibility, marriage, family, inlaws, friends or the dog.
Perhaps too many lovers. Desperation.
Now we come to the mystery -- 'The Mystery of the Disappearing NWMP Viscount'. The mystery surfaced as a result of research
once conducted by Edmonton RCMP Vet AJH 'Joe' Collinson. Joe submitted the book article found here. In essence, the book alludes
to a Viscount Boyle who once served in the NWMP and commanded a militia unit called 'Rocky Mountain Volunteers.'
The one problem facing Vet Collinson is that there is no record which lists the Viscount as a NWMP. One might say that
the vanishing Viscount is vexing and equally vague.
The inquisitive investigator such as Joe Collinson is prone to ask: 'Could one hide their true identity inside the ranks of the
noble North West Mounted Police (NWMP)?' The short answer is quite affirmative. Precedent has been set. The most famous
'MacIntosh Mystery' is now well known to our readers. The MacIntosh of the Mounted Police Mystery had its origins in
Prince Edward Island.
In the case at hand, there is no simple answer to the Viscount mystery. Yet, we have this claim that Viscout Boyle was
once a member of the North West Mounted Police. How could it be? Could Viscout Boyle have been hired into the NWMP during the
fog of administrative engagement? Perhaps using an alias? The Mystery raises more questions than a new mother.
Further, does the literature written about the NWMP speak of them having had a post at Fort George led by Viscount Boyle?
Doubtful. That aside, one could suppose that the allusive Viscount Boyle may have been a party to a militia unit which called
themselves the 'Rocky Mountain Volunteers.'
However, the tid-bit about the 'Rocky Mountain Volunteers' also needs three point
validation. With so little to go on, one finds it hard to get a grip on the real Viscount Boyle. In Cold Case Investigative
parlance, an experienced 'D' would say: 'It's like tying to put a saddle on a pig'!
As a beginning step, an APB has been put out. Help is needed to solve the Mystery of the Viscount. He up'ed and
disappeared.
This broadcast to all mounts! Answer your radio, Constable Boyle! That's an order!
If you're sleeping, you might be forgiven. If you're dead, you will be forgiven. If you're lying, you'll be facing
Superintendent Steele in the morning -- with no spurs!
Cold Case Code: 'D' = Detective
Reporting from the Fort,
J. J. (Buffalo Joe) Healy
December 25, 2010
December 25, 2010
Source: : George, Ernert and Austin Albert Mardon.
Lethbridge Politicians. 2008. Golden Meteorite Press.
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