True and Fascinating Canadian History
Vet of the Month: December, 2018
O.144, NWMP Inspector Ernest Joseph Camies
RCMP Vets. Ottawa, ON
Ernest J. Camies was born in 1867 at Winchester, England. He immigrated to Canada at the age of 18, and upon his arrival there was little doubt that he was looking for adventure. And he found it. He joined the North West Mounted Police (NWMP) in 1885 at the rank of Sub-Constable. He was 18 years ofage.
Ernest Camies' career was as long and rewarding as it was varied -- in the early years, transfers took him across the Prairies as well as to South Africa. At first, he served in the following postings; Regina, SK., Fort MacLeod, AB., Fort Steele, BC., once again to Fort MacLeod, AB., and then to The Leavings at Willow Creek, AB. He gained more experience with each move, and his dedication and his dependability did not go unnoticed by Senior Officers. One could say that some Officers took advantage of Camies due to the frequency of the transfers, but he was good natured and he took the travel, its hardships and job variety all in stride.
Within NWMP circles Ernest Camies was reputed to be a highly self disciplined Officer, a hard worker as well an experienced horseman. In view of these attributes, it came as no surprise when he was selected in 1900 to join 220 other NWMP to fight in the South African War. Upon his return to Canada he was transferred once again throughout Alberta -- to Fort Macleod, Pincher Creek, and the Crows Nest Pass. He also worked for two years on the Peace River-Yukon Trail.
At the time, no one realized that Camies travels and the harsh working conditions were taking their toll on his health. Yet, the transfers continued -- he moved once again to Fort MacLeod and then he was appointed the Officer In Charge of Clairsholm Detachment. At the time of his retirement, he was appointed Clairholm's District Magistrate.
According to history, Ernest Camies maintained a clean discipline record in the NWMP. While dependability might have been rare among some NWMP, it was a personal hallmark of Camies, and regular promotions came his way; he was promoted to Corporal in 1892, to Sergeant in 1896, to Staff Sergeant in 1902, and to Sergeant Major in 1904. He received a Commission to Inspector in 1905. He was 38 years of age.
Life on the prairies was not easy. After twenty-five years of service, and in poor health, Inspector Ernest Camies retired in 1910 at 43 years of age. He returned to Winchester, England. For awhile his health improved, and at the outbreak of WWI he joined the Royal Engineers.
Inspector Camies dedicated his early life to the NWMP. From the time of his engagement in the NWMP, he accepted an unusual number of transfers across Alberta and Saskatchewan. He seemed to enjoy everything he did in spite of the hardships which he frequently experienced. Yet, he was not one to complain.
Inspector Camies first joined the Force at a young age and with the bare credentials yet his overall performance was admirable and his dedication to the job was exceptional. His pedigree was average stock, and one must consider that he had no political connections which sometimes were advantageous, he had no prestigious educational letters nor special professional skills, and he had no previous military training. It can be said of Inspector Camies that he earned a successful career in the NWMP in the old fashioned and honourably way. He worked hard for it. And that is truly the way in which he will be remembered.
Inspector Camies died on January 18th, 1935. He was buried at Boscombe East Cemetery, Bornemouth, Hampshire.
I would like to acknowledge the help of Reg.#27934, retired RCMP Sergeant Dave Murdoch, great grandson of Inspector Ernest Camies. Thanks Dave for sending me the background information about Inspector Camies as well as the photos which I added to this piece. There is much which can be admired about the life and times of Inspector Ernest Camies of the NWMP.
Reporting from Fort Healy,
J. J. Healy
December 23, 2018
Boscombe East Cemetery, Bornemouth, Hampshire. England
