Vet of the Month – September 2008
The story for September took place at 'Depot' Division in 1899. It is an unbelievable sad tale. The story commemorates all families of members because too often family members remain in the foreground and frequently are not mentioned.
The story was contained in notes which were kindly given to me by Regina Vets Reg. # 14375 W. Kenn Barker and Malcohm J. H. Wake, Reg. # C/654. I have paraphrased their notes for the story. I sincerely thank them for their interest in the RCMP Grave Location and Maintenance Program.
On December 11, 1899 a fire broke out at a house on 'Depot' Square, NWMP occupied by Reg. # 2112 Cst. and Mrs George Saunder. On that morning, Cst. Saunders was on stoker duty. He went to work at 5:00AM after starting a fire in the stove to warm their home. By 6:00AM, their house was left in ashes. Mrs Saunders jumped from the house with their infant. She injured herself by a cut artery and was reported to be in poor condition. Three other children, however, died in the flames. The three children were Charles William, George Delnar and Reginald Kellsey.
More sadness was to follow the Saunders family. It was reported that Const. Saunders died of a heart attack some months after the tragic fire. Regina's "Leader" newspaper dated Thursday, September 27, 1900 reported that: "Shortly after the bugle sounded 'Lights Out' at the police barracks, Regina, on Wednesday night Const. Saunders was stricken down by the hand of death. He was sitting with his wife at home about eleven o'clock, when he complained of a pain in his heart. A moment later he straightened back in his chair, turned purple in the face and before Mrs Saunders could return with help was dead.
The following morning the flag flying at half mast gave the first intelligence to the members of the police force that one of their most popular constables was no more.
The deceased was given a military funeral at the barracks on Friday. Const. Saunders was a young man of 32 years of age and had been 12 years in the force. He came from England and had seen service with the Hussars in India. Mrs Saunders has had her share of sorrow within the last year. Last fall her home was burned and three of her children cremated. Now she is left with one child to morn the loss of her husband. Mrs. Saunders has the sincerest sympathy of her many friends".
Post Script. Cst. George Saunders, Reg. # 2112 died on September 19, 1900, nine months after the fire. He is buried at the 'Depot' Cemetery, Block A, Row 6, Plot 86.
The exact burial plots for the three children; Charles William (7 years), George Delman (5 years), and Reginald Kellsey (3 years) are not identified.
Sources: Additional details on the Saunders' story may be found in RCMP Museum Archival File # 987-132-21 and Supt. J. H. McIllree's NWMP Pocket Diary, File # 987-132-20.
"The Leader" Regina, NWT, December 14, 1899; Sask. Vital Statistics.
Notes given to me by Regina Vets Reg. # 14375 W. Kenn Barker and Malcohm J. H. Wake, Reg. # C/654.
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