Ric Hall’s Photo Corner
October 21, 2014
For this week, Ric Hall has selected the photo theme of “horses were still a fundamental component of the Force in 1916 – 1919.”
In 1916, the Force purchased the first police car and was used at “Depot” Division for prisoner escorts. However, horses were the primary mode of transportation for all members of the Force.
Ric has included photographs from Sergeant Frank Pearson’s (Reg. #6298) photo collection which were taken between 1915 and 1918.
When the Canadian government authorized the creation of “A” Squadron RNWMP and sending members to the Western Front in World War I – Frank Pearson was one of the members of this Squadron. After World War I, he returned to Canada and would later serve in “F” and “E” Divisions. His last posting was Cloverdale British Columbia as a Preventative Services member. Frank retired on September 23, 1939 and volunteered as a driver with the Bunny Bus – driving children with cerebral palsy to and from treatments in Vancouver.
In recognition for his service in the Force and to the community, the City of Surrey named the new Surrey Detachment annex after him on December 2, 2010.
1914 – Photograph of RNWMP Constable Frank Pearson on horseback at “Depot” Division (Source of photo – Ric Hall’s Photo Collection).
1914 – Photograph of an unknown RNWMP member on horseback. In the background one can see the outdoor facilities (Source of photo – Ric Hall’s Photo Collection).
Photograph of RNWMP members to commence mounted sword exercises (Source of photo – Ric Hall’s Photo Collection).
Photograph of RNWMP members on horse back outside a World War I recruiting station (Source of photo – Ric Hall’s Photo Collection).
Photograph of RNWMP members taking a break from their mounted duties. Cst. Frank Pearson is in the foreground on the right (Source of photo – Ric Hall’s Photo Collection).
If you have any Force photographs that you would like to be included in a forthcoming Photo Corner webpage, please contact Ric at rshall69@shaw.ca. He will scan the photographs and return the originals to you.
