FEATURED CONTRIBUTIONS FROM VETS
I have been very happy to receive messages from Vets in response to this website. This page is dedicated to the sharing of memoirs and comments.
All Vets are invited to contribute to the Vets’ Corner. A variety of contributions will be posted. Please include your name and regimental number.
Restoration and Memorial to Dawson City Police Cemetery
Dear Joe:
Attached is one of the slides that depict the (1964) gravesites at Dawson City in the Yukon Territory.
Years ago, I investigated a hit and run accident and the magistrate sentenced the accused to
two months to be served in Dawson City. What do you do with a trusty prisoner for two months?
Although we had a guard for him at night, I had to guard him during the day and I decided I wasn't
going to sit outside his cell in the basement -- so we spent the whole two months refurbishing the
grave site.
The owner of the hardware store a Mr. Cailey donated the lumber, paint and fencing, and Henry Henry and I worked for the whole two months. We had a Chevy station wagon for one of the police cars and I put a canvas in the back. We then went to nearby creeks and hauled different coloured gravel for the walkways. We put black gravel for over the graves, white grave around each grave and red gravel for the entrance walkway.
I never thought to take a picture of it before we started but it was very much in disrepair and neglect over the year, previous members had cut trees and mowed the grass. Most of the gravesites were marked with just tree branches with a board with the name and regimental number. We had all the records in the files at the Detachment so I made all the headboards with the details that were available. Eventually, I sent a copy of the attached photograph off to Ottawa to show them that we had refurbished the gravesite as their directive was forwarded annually to every Detachment that had a gravesite.
This alert must have really impressed the people in Ottawa because when I was transferred to Carcross it resulted in Ottawa requesting the remains be dug up and re-interred in the Dawson City graveyard. My timing was out because I had located the gravesite near Tagish Post and spent about a week making new headboards, cleared all the trees out, cut the weeds and grass and planted a few flowers. It is a major undertaking because it involved a 50 mile ride and camping out for a few days.
Locating the Tagish Post was a bit of a challenge to begin with because the trees had grown up along the shore and it meant lots of treks ashore and searching through the woods. When I located the site it was obvious because of all the garbage that had been left behind. The only building left was the horse stable that was for only one horse and partly dug into the ground.
I located an old Indian gravesite but no indication of any members had been buried there or any markers to indicate this. About four miles south of the Tagish Post I found the gravesite. It was apparent that they had been located after they drowned and got caught up in the fish nets that they were servicing when their canoe overturned. They had been brought ashore at that point.
The members must have cut down some of the spruce trees and dug the graves. I was able to locate the site because the small patch of poplar trees that had grown up in the interim and I decided to check out that area from the Tagish river.
When I got back to the Detachment and opened the mail there was the directive to dig up the remains and have them transferred to Dawson City. Again that is another story!
Regards,
Frank Dunn
Reg.#21738
Memorial to Reg.#30326, Cpl. James Leroy Duggan
Cpl. James Leroy Duggan died at Truro, Nova Scotia on June 14, 2008. He was 56 years of age. He was born on April 2, 1952, at Antigonish, NS and he joined the Force in Halifax on his birthday in 1973.
Cpl. Duggan underwent Basic Training at 'Depot' Div. Afterwards, he was posted to 'B' Div. and then to 'H' Div. where he was serving at the time he passed away.
He was awarded the RCMP Long Service Medal, Gold Clasp and Star. He was also awarded a CO's
Commendation for bravery following an serious accident in May 2008 involving his police car. Cpl. Duggan
was able to exit the car and save the life of his partner after the vehicle went over a rocky cliff
and was resting unside down in sea water.
Source: The Quarterly Vol. 74(2) Spring 2009. p.98
J. J. Healy
RCMP Sgt. Gavin Nash's Arduous Patrol to old Cape Fullerton
Cape Fullerton Detachment was established in 1903 as a response to Canadian Government concerns over sovereignty and the activities of foreign whalers in the Hudson Bay. Cape Fullerton Detachment was located at N63.59 W88.59 in the Northwest Territory (now part of Nunavut). The area around Fullerton Harbour was populated by numerous Inuit families making its location prime for its day.
In the following years, it was discovered that the waters of Fullerton Harbour were too shallow to accommodate ships so the RNWMP post closed in 1922, relocating to Chesterfield Inlet.
Part of the RCMP responsibilities in the North is the inspection and maintenance of RCMP gravesites. Cape Fullerton has two such sites. Cst. J. Russell, R.N.W.M.P Reg.#4152 and S/Sgt. M.H.E. Hayne, R.N.W.M.P., Reg.# 869 were both interned near the old Detachment.
Early in March 2006, I was the Detachment Commander in Rankin Inlet. The local Bylaw Officer and Freelance Videographer Albert Kimmaliarjuk told me that he planned to go to Cape Fullerton to capture video scenes for a documentary. Seeing the opportunity not only to inspect the grave sites, but to embark on an actual patrol to the first Arctic Detachment intrigued me so I also planned to accompany Albert Kimmaliarjuk.
The few days before the trip were marked with remarkably warm temperatures (-17 degrees Celsius) for this time of year. The weather was closely monitored and found to have a favourable forecast for the entire trip. Preparations were made and at 0630 hours on March 17th, 2006, our patrol commenced. Our patrol team consisted of Cst. Elliot Chubak, Albert Kimmalirjuk and Albert’s cousin Willie. Albert’s 70 year old father Elie would join the patrol from Chesterfield Inlet to guide us to Cape Fullerton.
Our patrol would be over land and the frozen waters of Hudson Bay. Cape Fullerton was located over 200 kilometres from Rankin Inlet. The snowmobiles and qammutiks were prepared and the patrol set of on the first leg to Chesterfield Inlet. Four gruelling hours overland, the patrol arrived at Elie Kimmaliarjuk’s house. Repairs were needed to the qammutiks as the 30 gallons of gas each person was transporting wreaked havoc on the wooden sleds.
Driving a Skidoo with a 200 pound qammutik over frozen rocks and tundra proved to be not very enjoyable, Cst. Chubak damaged his throttle en route as well necessitating a trip to a local skidoo dealer. Chesterfield Inlet members, Cpl. Kurtis Komtski and Cst. Allan Nickerson took Cst. Chubak to the local 'Canadian Tire' for the parts.
For those 'living in the south' or new to or who have never been North, the local landfill serves as our 'Canadian Tire'. With an 'almost new' throttle installed and the qammutiks fixed, the patrol left Chesterfield Inlet. Now on the frozen sea ice of Hudson Bay, the trip became much more enjoyable.
Three hours later, with the light fading fast behind the horizon, Elie and Albert were noted checking the GPS and pointing off in the distance. Albert reassured us that it would be about ten minutes more, but an hour later we finally arrived at our home for the weekend!
A small 10 foot by 10 foot cabin never looked so good after the journey we had just encountered. Of minor concern was the window of the cabin that had been smashed out. Inside, there was about a foot of snow with some very distinctive tracks. Albert calmly explained, "it looks like a polar bear broke in looking for food”. Albert took plywood from his qammutik and fixed the hole, but not our old, jittery nerves. But, after a good feed of bannock and bologna, it was off to sleep.
The morning of the March 18th, 2006 was beautiful as we saddled up for our trip to Cape Fullerton. Our eagle eyed Cst. Chubak spotted the pole marking the channel. It wasn’t long after that, we heading up Fullerton Harbour. Once there, the old Detachment buildings stood as a reminder of how incredibly tough our RNWMP members had it back then.
For being abandoned in 1922, the buildings were in remarkably good condition. All the doors and windows were gone and the building was full of snow. It was a good size with an outbuilding that appeared to have an old holding cell. The view from the site was breathtaking. After a few photos, we went to the surrounding hills to locate the grave sites.
Two unmarked graves of whalers were located. One had been smashed into, likely by a polar bear. The damaged grave site was reported to the Archaeologist for Nunavut who will consult with local elders to determine the best course of action. The remains were still covered eliminating the need for emergency repairs.
Cst. Chubak and Albert located the two RNWMP graves: Reg.#4152, Cst. J. Russell, RNWMP
and Reg.# 869, S/Sgt. M.H.E. Hayne, RNWMP.RIP
Day three of the adventure started the same as the other two. Spectacular weather and amazing views. On the way back to Chesterfield Inlet, Albert spotted polar bear tracks. After tracking for two hours, the remains of the bear were found. Interestingly enough, an Arctic fox was feasting on the remains. The fox was intent on finishing his meal and paid no attention to his audience. We left the fox to his well deserved meal.
We made it back to Chesterfield Inlet around noon. After a nice lunch provided by Albert’s’ mom, we fuelled up the snow machines and headed for Rankin Inlet. The final four hours proved to be the hardest. After close to 300 kilometres on the skidoo, it was a test of mental and physical strength. With Rankin Inlet finally on the horizon, it was full speed ahead to a warm meal and a hot bath.
Elie Kimmalirjuk said he could not remember the last time an RCMP member had visited the old Cape Fullerton Detachment. For Cst. Chubak and me, it was an experience of a lifetime.
Perhaps the next trip will reveal the much talked about Mystery Ghosts of Cape Fullerton?
That is a story for another time.
"I was very pleased to learn of your website.
I recall that Reg.#7501 William John Henderson was my great-uncle.
According to my research, W. J. Henderson was buried January 2, 1919, in Row A, grave 1, Canadian
Plot, Russian Naval Cemetery, located about 3 miles to the southeast
of Vladivostok.
His cause of his death was listed as menengitis.
The Russians allowed the funeral service to be conducted in the Cemetery Chapel and the officiating persons included L/Col Powell, Base Commandant; a party from the NWMP under Major G. S. Worsley; and Captain Playfair representing the Canadian Associated Press.
Henderson is not on the RCMP Honour Roll due to his "death circumstances" but he is commemorated in Canada's National Book of Remembrance.
I have a photo copy of the newspaper column that embodied the January 4th, 1919 letter to his (William John's) father, W. L. Henderson from Major H. McCausland, Senior Chaplain, C. E. F. (Siberia).
I also have a couple of copies of newspaper photos. One reads: "Unveiling Ceremony in the Canadian plot of the Russian Naval Cemetery at Vladivostok, which took place on Sunday, June 1st, 1919
The monument is dedicated to 14 Canadians who are buried there, and the use of the plot has been extended to British, French, and Americans. The clergymen who performed the ceremony were: Rev. (Major) Harold McCausland, M.C. senior chaplain of the C.E.F. (s), and Rev. (Capt.) J. M. E. Olivier, Roman Catholic Chaplain.
The second picture is from a different angle and reads: "Scene at the unveiling ceremony in the Russian Naval Cemetery, on June 1st, 1919. The tall, erect Officer at right-centre is Major-General James Elmsley of Toronto, O.C. of the Canadian Expeditionary Force (Siberian). At his right hand is Gen. Chichak, O.C. of Czech-Slovaks in the Vladivostok area. At the extreme right is Lt.- Col. Tassier, of the French Army, who is reading the Order of Service from the same leaf as Lt.- Col. Powell, Base Commandant.
A message from Bradley N. Hall, Secretary-General, Canadian Agency, Commonwealth War Graves Commission, May 24, 2005, "The cemetery you seek was formally known by the name Churkin Naval Cemetery. In it are interred 31 war dead. The plaque commemorates, by name, 13 others who died and were buried elsewhere in Russia but whose graves could not be confirmed.
This cemetery does cause us some difficulty. For many yeas access was restricted due to its location; however, the various Commonwealth Service Attaches were able to visit from time to time and provide reports.
Some ten years ago the Commission, with assistance from the Canadian Navy, manufactured and placed new headstones and spruced up the cemetery. Since then there has been a bit of vandalism and in fact, Henderson's headstone was one of those I have just had manufactured again and shipped to Vladivostok for replacement.
The Commission office responsible for the site is located in Maidenhead, England. General enquiries can be sent to: outer.area@cwgc.org. In terms of a list of those buried there, you may search the database at www.cwgc.org or you may contact Johanne Neville of my office. She can provide you with a hard copy of all those buried in the cemetery or commemorated on the Vladivostok Memorial. She can be contacted directly at cwgc-canada@vac-acc.gc.ca"
*Dear Bud; sincere thanks to you for this very meaningful
contribution to your great uncle W. J. Henderson as well as
to the memory of all RNWMP members of the Canadian Expeditionary
Force (Siberia).
JJH
Dear Joe;
Reg.#3630 Arnold Creelman, NWMP
"I have recently learned more about NWMP Arnold Creelman. He was born on July, 24 1878 and he was the son of David Moore Creelman (1847-1919) and Margaret Ellen Moore (1849-1931). He was born at Princeport, Colchester County, NS and he had a twin brother, Alden Winslow Creelman (1878-1940).
Arnold Creelman applied for engagement in the 102nd Battalion of the Canadian Army at Terrace, British Columbia March 6, 1916 and he listed his former employment as: “5 years in the Mounted Police” [dates unknown]
He listed his last employment as a “Locomotive Engineer” at Terrace, B.C. and he also listed ‘Elizabeth’ of Terrace, B.C. as his wife and next-of-kin.
His Army Service dates from 6 Apr 1916 to date unknown with a Regimental Number of 704006.
Can you tell from the Reg. No. approximate dates of NWMP service?
Meanwhile, I will make efforts to learn the date of his death and the place of his burial".
Sincerely, Gord Creelman, President, Creelman Security Services*Dear Gordon, I checked the historical files of Vet Jack White
of Kamloops, BC. Jack lists Cst. Arnold Creelman as joining
the NWMP on April 12, 1900 then leaving the Force on April 11,
1905. As well, Jack's files show that Cst. Creelman died on
March 4th, 1949 and he is buried in Granges, BC.
Hi Joe;
Reg.#1197, Sgt. George Frederick 'Skinny' Adams, NWMP
Hi Joe;
I did some poking around about 'Skinny' Adams and it led to an interesting story.
'Skinny' had gone to BC to do some hiking. He must have slipped then
fell into 3 feet of water in a ditch and drowned. He was 78 years of age when he died
and the accident happended in Richmond, BC.
While in the NWMP, he got himself into trouble twice. Once for not exercising the horses when told,
and another time for not getting them water when he was stable orderly at 'Depot'. He was CB'd for 10 days.
How things have changed! 'Skinny' left the Force at some point and then re-engaged in 1900. He continued on until 1911.
Our thanks go out to:
Cpl K. M. Derksen,
HQ' Policy & Program Drug Evaluation Branch
Reg.#1469 Boaz Albert Lutz, NWMP - Sudden Death
Hi Joe;"I have all the records from the archives in Ottawa. I have the written reports from all three of the men involved in the accident.
They were on their way for a weekend of fishing at
Jackfish Lake when the horse got spooked and bolted
throwing all three from the wagon. My great uncle Boaz
was the only one that died on that April 27th day
as a result of the accident.
I don't live near North Battleford Sask. I live in Kingston Ontario, but thought if the grave could still be identified I would like to make the trip out west to see it.
I understand that the R.C.M.P. assign people to look after the graves and wanted to know if it went back as far as the N.W.M.P. I was wondering if there was a special section for the members of the N.W.M.P. in the cemetery?
Thanks for all your efforts.
It was very interesting to get all the reports from Ottawa, they included all the letters from Boaz's brothers and listed everything that was in his kit at the time of his death.
Earl M. LutzKingston, Ontario
Hi Joe;
The RCMP's first OIC Detachment
Dear Joe;In reply to your note, yes, my dad passed away, as you state, on Feb. 20, 1987.
He passed away at Port Moody, BC and he is buried in the family plot at
Mountainview Cemetery in Vancouver, BC.
Dad joined the BC Provincial Police in 1931 and of course came to the RCMP
in the takeover in 1950. At that time, he was a corporal. He had been born in Glasgow, Scotland
on August 10th, 1901 and came to Canada with his family in 1914.
His father, also John Macdonald, joined the BCPP and retired as an Inspector.
Dad was in charge of Burnaby Detachment at the time of his retirement and had originally held that position as a Staff Sergeant. When he was commissioned to Inspector, Burnaby became the first detachment to be commanded by an Officer. At the time, Burnaby was Canada largest detachment.
Burnaby Detachment's first OIC was Reg. #0.479 (#16306) Inspector John Archibald Mcdonald.
Two sons were also in the Force; Reg.#16817 Ian Douglas Macdonald
and Reg.#20654 Rod Macdonald.
Yours truly,
Rod Macdonald
Reg.#20654
*Dear Rod,
Thanks very much for your interesting note which truly forms our history.
As an aside, I arrived from 'Depot' to Burnaby Det. in May, 1965. This was shortly
after your Dad had retired. Your Dad would have been followed by Reg. # 0.499 Insp.
F.L. Jeeves who was my first OIC in Burnaby.
I believe Insp. Jeeves was followed by Insp. Gibbons and then possibly Insp. R. H. Simmonds?
Buffalo Joe Healy
Reg. # 23685
Hi again Joe;
'Depot' Div. Grave Digging Detail - 1958
Here is my second e-mail to you within just a few minutes. After sending the first e-mail I went back to your website and checked out 'Buffalojoes Corner'. Your story about digging the grave was also very familiar to me.I joined the Force Sept. 22 1958 and arrived at 'Depot' two days later. Before being squaded, while
waiting for the rest of "F" Troop to arrive, four of us were assigned
to dig the winter supply of graves, three to be exact. I don't
recall just how long it took us, a few days I suppose.
Anyway, I too was curious about who may have been placed in those
graves so this past October (2008) when Fabulous "F" Troop had our
fifty year reunion, my wife and I toured 'Depot' Cemetery to check
out those three graves.
It wasn't too hard to figure out of course since the three dates of death on the stones were all side by side
and the first three burials after September 24th 1958. I also took
a photo (attached).
Rod Macdonald
Reg.#20654
Memorial Service – November 15, 2008 - Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Morrisburg, Ontario
Some weeks ago, I was contacted by PEO 65548, Jim Becksted, Toronto Police Service Each November, he and his mother lay a Wreath of Remembrance at the graveside of his Dad. Jim found his Dad’s name in the RCMP National Grave databank, and he invited me to attend his father’s grave this year.
Jim's Dad, RCMP Reg.#13613, Cst. Clare Meredith Deeks Becksted was born on August 4, 1916 in Morrisburg, Ontario. He joined the Force on August 30, 1940 and during his service, he worked in ‘D’, The Musical Ride, ‘H’ and ‘A’ Div. He left the Force to get married on November 25, 1946.
Cst. Becksted died in Toronto on August 12, 1982 and he is buried in the family plot at Mount Peasant Cemetery in Morrisburg, Ontario.
It was an honour for me to be invited by Jim Becksted to his Dad's resting place. Some spiritual readings from the Bible were read and afterwards Jim layed the Wreath of Remembrance in memory of his Dad. Jim had the headstone & badge recently cleaned so it's a real gem, mostly due to the talents of Upper Canada Granite in Morrisburg.
Included also is a picture of Jim with his mom at her recent 85th birthday.
We salute Reg.#13613, Cst. Clare Meredith Deeks Becksted.
Buffalo J