True and Fascinating Canadian History
Vets of the Month: October 2008
Reg.#9826, Corporal Steven Hugh George Margetts
RCMP Vets. Kamloops, BC
Introduction:
As a general rule, police officers are most frequently called into tragic or desperate situations involving some aspect of a sad humanity. It might be an assault, a robbery, a family dispute or a traffic accident. But, there's also a comical side to policing. Not every day perhaps, but very often something funny will happen that will leave the police officer scratching his or her head or wondering what else the shift will bring!
There's no doubt that every police officer has wonderful yarns to tell. The short story which follows was told by a great friend whom I have known for over 40 years -- I met Jack White while he was posted with GIS in New Westminster Sub/Div about 1966. Jack lives now in Kamloops, BC. Thank you!
We pause and give a tip of the Stetson to deceased member Corporal Steven Margetts, RCMP
Dear Joe;
Here's a wee item for your Vet of the Month segment. Let's just call it 'Going Overboard for Duty'!
Actually, it's a short story about Reg.#9826 Corporal Steven Hugh George Margetts who served the RCMP from 1921 to 1946.
In 1930, Corporal Margetts was enroute north to Pangnirtung Detachment on the Police Marine Vessel 'Beothic'. Thinking ahead, he decided to take two live pigs with him for food at Christmas. However, after he boarded, rough weather arose, and in the midst of the storm the crates broke wide open and the waves washed his two pigs overboard! After being alerted, Cpl. Margetts promptly dove into the icy water and luckily he managed to rescue one pig. The other pig got away by swimming in the opposite direction.
No doubt after the daring rescue, Corporal Margetts' lone pig was well protected and cared for after they had both taken an unexpected polar pig-dip!
This was Cpl. Margetts second or third trip north as he was the NCO i/c Pangnirtung Detachment beginning in 1923. Over the years, he also served in 'HQ', 'N', 'G' & 'H' Divisions.
During WWII, (November 1, 1939 to November 17, 1944) he enlisted with the Provost Corps, and rose to the rank of Captain with Service #C.41957.
The RCMP was all in the family. Cpl. Margetts father was Reg.#7373, S/M James Margetts, his brother was Reg.#13021, Cst. James Victor Margetts and his grandson was, Reg.#41013, Cpl. Stephen Margetts who is currently serving in the Force.
Corporal Steven Hugh George Margetts died in 1982. He was buried in Ottawa, Ontario.
Yours truly,
Reg.#16721, Veteran Jack White
Kamloops, BC.
October 23, 2008
