Cst. John Allen
February 24, 2012
George Arthur Allen joined the NWMP March 19, 1892 at Regina and was issued the regimental number of 2783.
After service in ‘K’ and ‘M’ Divisions he took his discharge in 1900. As part of the WWII effort, Allen rejoined the Force as a Special Constable, March 11, 1940, and served as a Guard at Victoria and the Esquimalt Drydocks, BC.
He took his discharge on March 19, 1946, when the program was discontinued.
Tale of The Paper Trail For A $15.20 Cab Fare
It seems that money was an issue with George during his career and post career. Many can relate to his problems.
The Comptroller of the Force wrote to the Officer Commanding, Calgary, November 27, 1895, stating that he wrote on 19 February and 18 June of 1895 that there had been an overpayment of $00.60 (one day of pay) to Constable Allen. A follow-up memorandum had also been sent on September 06, 1895, asking “Will you be good enough to let me know what is being done in this matter.” A draft and deposit of $00.60 were issued, October 04, 1895, on Form 116, repaying the $00.60.
Upon retiring, in 1961, at the age of 89 years George Allen was granted a medical pension of 20% by Treasury Board, P.C. 3/402, dated March 23, 1961, for “fracture dislocation of the right ankle, the said condition being the result of an injury arising out of or directly connected with his service in the Force.”
April 16, 1962 George Allen, now 90 years of age, attended “E” Division HQs in Victoria to get a Form A-44 (old Medical Form) as he had a prostrate infection and wanted to go to the DVA hospital. He was told that this was not covered by his pension, but none-the-less he should attend the Administration Offices of HQs and get an A-44. Stepping off the elevator he was told to be careful, but he tripped and crashed to the floor. He asked to be taken to the DVA hospital as he did not feel well. He was taken by taxi and he paid $15.20 for the trip. George Allen later requested that the $15.20 be paid at public expense.
The paper trail is amazing for a $15.20 expense!
June 29, 1962 – Supt. C.B. MacDonell, Admin. Officer writes to the Commissioner seeking approval to pay George Allen the $15.20.
July 09, 1962 – the Assistant Adjutant, Insp. W.C. Ferguson, writes to the Director, Services and Supplies, seeking payment of the $15.20.
August 21, 1962 – the Benefit Trust Fund denied the claim of $15.20, as it is not covered by George Allen’s service in the Force. But, they did agree it was deserving of payment, due to George Allen’s past service, signed off by D/Commissioner J.R. Lemieux, Assistant Commissioners F.A. Lindsay and J.H.T Poudrette.
September 17, 1962 – Assistant Commissioner Poudrette, Director, Services
and Supplies authorizes a cheque be issued by the CO “E” Division to George Allen.
September 24, 1962 – a further memorandum was sent by Assistant Commissioner Proudrette to the CO “E” Division advising “the Commissioner and the Honourable Minister of Justice” have granted final authorization of the payment of $15.20.
October 31, 1962 – Ex-Constable George Allen passed away at Victoria, BC.
I wonder if he ever got that cheque for $15.20? Could not someone back in April of 1962 dug in their pocket and slipped the old guy $20.00 for cab fare, or dug into the coffee fund? Imagine the time and paper work involved in this claim for $15.20….even in 1962 it was not that much money! But this is only one example over the history of the Force, of how it buries itself in paperwork.
Submitted by Veteran Ric Hall with the assistance of Veteran Joe Healey (RCMP Gravesite database website) and Collections Canada.
