VET OF THE MONTH : November 2008

by J. J. (Buffalo Joe) Healy

To most police officers, an assignment to the 'VIP Section' is a rather lack-lustre assignment and as a junior RCMP member I shared this view. The duty of protecting VIP's has little to do with operational police work. On the other hand, the protection of state officials is a responsibility not to be taken lightly. As a young corporal early in my career (1976 to 1977), I had the distinct privilege of being assigned to protect former Prime Minister Trudeau.

One evening, I was sitting in the front seat of the limousine en route from 24 Sussex Drive to the Parliament Buildings and Mr. Trudeau was in the rear seat. As we approached the doors of the Centre Block, Mr. Trudeau leaned forward and tapped me on the shoulder. He asked: 'Have you ever been inside the House of Commons?' I replied, 'No, Sir.' He said, 'Come with me. Tonight is a night to be remembered.'

I recall running up the stairs past a Commissionaire following the PM. He took me to the seating gallery above the Opposition benches and pointed to a particular seat where he told me to sit. I recall him saying, 'Keep an eye on me. I do not expect that this will be long. Pay attention to what is happening.'

I understood that I was to be back at the limo ready to meet him when he exited, but I still did not understand what it was that I was about to witness.

As the free vote was taken that summer evening, I came to appreciate the fact that I was present at the historic decision of the Federal Government to pass Bill C-84 thereby abolishing capital punishment. It was July 14, 1976. Not only did I witness the operation of a democratic government in action, but I was mindful that I had been invited by the leader of my country to participate as a citizen observer in a memorable vote which changed the law and the course of history in Canada.

I was, all at one time, a proud citizen of Canada, an RCMP officer assigned to help protect the democratic process and a peace officer whose duty it was to uphold those laws made within the walls of the room in which I had been invited to sit. Never before had the drama of politics and its impact on the profession of policing been so real to me. It was a memorable life moment. I recall intensely the night that capital punishment was abolished in our country. It made me pause to reflect upon those who received the ultimate punishment given by a society prior to the passing of this law.

Throughout my 36 year career in the Force the vast majority of men and women who served Canada and the RCMP have been honourable, proud and honest people. I can name but very, very few members who committed a criminal act or an act of dishonesty. The following story chronicles an unfortunate and negative anomaly among the membership of the Force.

A noose around the neck has never been a favoured way for anyone to exit this life and retire to the hereafter, but one member of the Royal North West Mounted Police (RNWMP) holds the distinct disgrace of having been hanged in Canada. The threads of the rope used in his execution are as intertwined as the events leading up to his capture and conviction.

Reg. # 6020, Jack John Lindsay Wilson came to Canada by way of Scotland and left his wife behind with the promise of building a new life for them in the New World. He joined the Royal North West Mounted Police (RNWMP) in 1914. On August 31, 1917 he was medically discharged from the RNWMP with a case of tuberculosis. Later, he joined the Canadian Military Corps. Despite having a wife overseas, Wilson's idea of building a new life included plans to wed another woman by the name of Jessie Patterson.

Out of the blue, Wilson's first wife arrived unexpectedly in Canada from Scotland. Her presence was no doubt untimely and unwanted. Wilson found an opportunity to shoot her on September 27, 1918 just southeast of Blaine Lake, Sask. After the deadly deed, he then wed Miss Jessie. All seemed perfect. Time passed and at the end of WW I, Wilson was absorbed back into the Force and even promoted to the rank of Sergeant!

Soon after, an investigation was launched against Wilson for fraud activities and on November 7, 1919 he was arrested. He was sent under escort to the Guardroom at 'Depot' Division. First, Wilson was demoted from Sergeant. Then, he attempted to commit suicide but his failed, so he was discharged from the Force.

It is recorded that Reg. # 5833 Cst. Earnest Pascoe was the 'Depot' Div. Guardroom Provost in 1918 when prisoner Wilson attempted suicide.

By now, Reg. # 4754 Inspector Charles John Prime was running a parallel investigation into the strange circumstances of the death of Wilson's first wife and the marriage to the second wife. Eventually, the murder file was turned over to the Saskatchewan Provincial Police as it had occurred in their policing jurisdiction.

On December 16, 1919 Wilson was charged with murder. At trial he was convicted and sentenced to death. On April 20, 1923 former RNWMP Sergeant J. J. L. Wilson walked his final steps up the gallows and was hanged at the Prince Albert Penitentiary in Saskatchewan.  He was also buried in Prince Albert.

To our knowledge, Wilson is one of very few members of the Force to be executed.  Several other members have served life sentences for murder.

Reporting from the Fort,


J. J. (Buffalo Joe) Healy

**I am thankful and appreciative again to Vet. Jack White of Kamloops, BC for his historical research. Details for this story were written in collaboration with Jack and with his kind permission.

Fort Healy, Canada

'Maintain Our Memories'

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