Vet of the Month: April, 2010
by Mr. Earl Haslet
by Mr. Earl Haslet
Over time, it has not been unusual to find one, two or more family members serving in the Force. This story
by Friend of the Force, author Mr. Earl Haslett is such an example. The Haslett family name stretches back to the
founding days of the NWMP and the Haslett name lives up to its honourable reputation with new generations in the
RCMP in the present day.
Earl Haslett begins by saying; 'Two of my relatives served in the North West Mounted Police (NWMP) before 1900.
My first relative was Reg.#1649, Constable William Haslett and William's brother was Reg.#2017, Cst. Henry Haslett.
The life stories of both Haslett brothers can be found in Earl Haslett's book titled:' Along the River Foyle - A Haslett (Hazlett) Family
of Ulster'.
A copy of the Haslett book can be found in the RCMP library.
Reg.#1649, Staff/Sergeant William Haslett, NWMP
NWMP William Haslett was born on October 9, 1864 in Belleville, Ontario. His military service began when he joined
the Midland Battalion which led him to see action in the Riel Rebellion. Shortly afterwards, Haslett joined the Noth West Mounted
Police on October 24, 1885. He received regular promotions along the way.
S/Sgt. Willliam Haslett's policing service was extensive as he was posted to the following places as listed by his relative
Mr. Earl Haslett; Regina; 'F' Division at Prince Albert; 'B' Division in Regina; Fort Saskatchewan; Wood Mountain; Lake Bennett in the Yukon;
Tagish Post and Dawson in the Yukon; Regina Depot; Erwood; Peace River-Yukon Trail Party;
Fort MacLeod; Crowsnest Pass; Fort MacLeod.
We do not know exactly when Haslett received each of his promotions but his performance must have been very
satisfactory because he gained the rank of Staff Sergeant. In 1908, Haslett was posted to Frank Detachment in
British Columbia as the NCO In-Charge when Reg.#4584, Cst. George E. Willmet was murdered there on April 12, 1908.
(RCMP Honour Roll #32)
S/Sgt. Haslett's Service Record only lists one minor slip-up which resulted in him appearing in Service Court.
He was convicted of 'tyranical conduct to an inferior' and fined $15.00 by Superintendent Primrose.
William Haslett left the Force on April 6, 1911. He was granted a life pension of $286.20 per year.
Mr. Haslett must have remained eager to find more excitement in his life. After serving in the NWMP for over twenty four years,
he joined the Military Police Corps as a Lieutenant and served in WWI.
Mr. Haslett died on March 27, 1941 in Toronto.
He and his brother are buried in the Belleville Cemetery,
Belleville, Ontario.
RIP
RIP
Author and relative, Mr. Earl Haslett says that he continues to have an interest in the RCMP as his nephew,
Allan Haslett is in the Force, and a great niece married a recent graduate from Regina's 'Depot'. The Haslett
history and it's affiliation to the Force continues to this day.
Congratulations to all Haslett's but let's recall Reg.#1649, Staff/Sergeant William Haslett, NWMP. We offer him
a tip of the Stetson during this month of April, 2010.
Reporting from the Fort,
J. J. (Buffalo Joe) Healy
J. J. (Buffalo Joe) Healy
CLICK HERE : BUFFALO BLOG
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