Cpl. Charles George Fairman – #9520

The image of RCMP Corporal Charles George Fairman was popularized on many postcards as being the Mountie on the horse.

EARLY YEARS

He was born on November 12, 1896 in England.

At the age of 16 years, Charles joined the British Imperial Army and served six years with the last four years being served in World War I with the Royal Army Service Corp.  Charles actions were noted noted in “Dispatches.”  Based on his service he was awarded the 1914-15 Star, British War Medal and the Victory Medal.

Photograph of British World War I medal similar to those awarded to Charles George Fairman.

JOINS THE FORCE

After his discharge from the British Army, Charles immigrated to Canada where he joined the Royal Canadian Mounted Police on October 9, 1920 was issued the regimental number #9520.

As an able rider, he was assigned to as an assistant riding instructor until he was transferred to Ellesmere Land in the summer of 1922 where he served for three years. While in the North, he was one of the original members at Craig Harbour Detachment (1922 – 1923).

On October 8, 1927, he took his discharge to return to England and returned to Canada to re-join the Force on April 25, 1930 in Ottawa.  Charles was transferred to the RCMP Musical Ride and the following year accompanied the Ride to Bueno Aires Argentine and was appointed the Assistant Riding Instructor.

Photograph of a post card illustrating RCMP Corporal Charles George Fairman (Soruce of photo – Ric Hall’s Photo Collection).

He would go on to be transferred to “HQ” Ottawa, “Depot” and “E” Division.

On March 2, 1935, Charles married Miss Jean Craig Hynd at Vancouver BC.

While stationed in Vancouver in 1935, he was one of the “background Mounties” in the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer movie production of “Rose Marie” which was filmed in the Lynn Canyon area of North Vancouver, BC.

Photograph taken from the Rose Marie movies starting Nelson Eddy leading a group of RCMP members (Source of photo – Ric Hall’s Photo Collection)

On October 27, 1938, Charles retired from the Force after completing 20 years of exemplary service.

RETIRES

In retirement, Charles was afflicted with Bright’s disease and he succumbed to it’s affects at St Joseph’s Hospital, Hamilton, Ontario on October 30, 1942 at the age of 45 years. At the time of his death, he was employed by the British Security Service at Hamilton Ontario.

Charles was survived by his widow. one daughter (Barbara), at home; his parents, two sisters and three brothers, all of England. Attending his funeral in Review Order as Pall Bearers were six members of Toronto RCMP Headquarters, “O” Division.

In recognition of his service, a geographical area in Nunavut was named after him:

Fairman Point, Nunavut – southeast Ellesmere Island (Lat: 76·30·00N Long: 81·17·00W) – named after 9520 Corporal Charles George FAIRMAN, RCMP.

Map of Ellesmere Island and the area named after RCMP Charles George Fairman.