Larry Burden’s This Day In The RCMP

The achievements and contributions of the Force have been built upon the individual contributions of many past Veterans. These contributions have largely been forgotten.

Veteran Sgt. Larry Burden (#35982), who served  in “E” Division for 20 years, has spent many years researching and summarizing these achievements by specific date.  Nearly every day, Larry sends out an email message with a selection from his work in progress manuscript “This Day In The RCMP” to individuals interested in these historical notes.

In an effort to share his research to a large group, Larry has agreed to permit us to develop a webpage on our website. Each webpage will post Larry’s historical notations over the past week.

If you wish to contact Larry Burden or provide additional information about his research, please email him at larryburden8@gmail.com.

February 17^th

1915 – #6327 Cst Robert Dunn found himself in the Orderly Room at Kindersley, Saskatchewan, charged with falsifying an expense receipt of 75 cents. For his crime #4381/O.174 Inspector William Craysfort “Bill” Proby sentenced him to 3 months hard labour and then dismissed him from the Force. Ironically Inspector Proby was himself dismissed from the Mounted Police in 1922 and his officer number was reassigned to another officer.

1932 – Albert Johnson, ‘the Mad Trapper of Rat River,’ was killed by RCMP in a shoot-out after a 48-day 240 km manhunt in 40 below weather. Johnson had been charged with killing one Mountie, #9969 Constable Edgar (Newt) Millen (HR51) and wounding #10211 Constable Alfred Weldon ‘Buns’ King. The manhunt was the first ever to be broadcast live on Canadian radio. Albert Johnson was believed to be 31 years of age but was never actually identified. No family member ever came forward to claim the body even though he had over $2000 cash and a quantity of placer gold in his possession. (See January 30, 1932)

 1988 – Member of Parliament, The Honourable John Crosbie presented Pilot / Special Constable #43056 / O.1885 Colin N. MacLeod a Commendation from the Canadian Port and Harbour Association and the Certificate of Merit from Department of Transport for his rescue and evacuation of a seriously injured crew member from Motor Vessel “Humber Arm” during blizzard. In addition, Pilot MacLeod was presented the Commanding Officers Commendation for “actions above and beyond the call of duty”.

February 18^th

1900 – #3165 Constable Zachary Lewis was killed in action at Paardeberg Drift (Horse Mountain), South Africa while serving with the 2nd Special Services Battalion, Royal Canadian Regiment in the Boer War. He was one of seven Mounties killed in the South African War.

1965 – Members from the Stewart B.C. Detachment assisted in the recovery of victims of an avalanche on Grandue Mountain located 48 km north of Stewart. The avalanche killed 26 people at the Oranduc Copper Mine camp.

1967 – Police Dog handler #19758 George Hawkins and #21108 Cst. Alfred Erickson attended the scene of a shooting.  Upon their approach, the man fired a shotgun at them with pellets striking Hawkins.  His dog attacked and Hawkins fired a warning shot and the man surrendered.

1983 – #31471 Constable Gordon Henry Gavin responded to a robbery in progress at a local store in Enderby, BC. He overpowered and disarmed the gunman who was armed with a rifle. His efforts earned him a Commanding Officer’s Commendation.

February 19^th

1889 – Gabriel Dumont 1838-1906 the Saskatchewan Metis leader and associate of Louis Riel is pardoned by the Crown for his role in the 1885 Rebellion.

1908 – Constables #4247 William Cashman and #4312 John O’Neill head out from Norway House, Manitoba and travel to Keewatin NWT by dog sled to arrest four men wanted for murder. They make it back to their detachment in only 26 days, having traveled a distance over 600 miles. One of the accused was sentenced to death, another one committed suicide while awaiting trial and the remaining two accused were sentenced to serve time in prison.

1970 – Canada formally claims jurisdiction over waters of Northwest Passage, and between islands of Arctic Archipelago. The formal claim is made as a show of sovereignty, even though the Mounted police have patrolled the area for decades.

 1995 – Commendations to #42958 Terry Jacklin and #44422 Nick Lee for attempting to rescue passengers of a submerged car in the icy waters of the Birkenhead River, B.C.