True and Fascinating Canadian History

RCMP Cadets salute the Honour Roll at 'Depot' Division, Regina, SK

The RCMP National Grave Discovery Database & History Website:

A Unique Canadian Legacy

Welcome to the RCMP National Grave Discovery Database and History Website. Here is a home, a detachment of repose, a depot for deceased members of the North West Mounted Police (NWMP), the Royal North West Mounted Police (RNWMP) and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP).

Members of the Force, veterans, families, and friends share an obligation to protect and preserve the graves of those who served.

The website consists of two main parts; the website itself, and a database. Each of these can be navigated by using the tabs to the left.

I. The RCMP Grave Website

This unique resource features over 540 pages documenting Canadian history through stories and photographs of deceased RCMP members. Their contributions to Canada's early settlement date back to Confederation.

The site catalogs monuments erected across Canada commemorating members killed in the line of duty—testaments to the trust Canadians place in the RCMP.

Hundreds of RCMP members lost their lives during the North West Rebellion (1885), in South Africa, WWI, and WWII. Many are buried in foreign lands, though their graves have been located and photographed. Others whose remains were never recovered are memorialized on war monuments in cemeteries worldwide.

The Vet of the Month feature shares monthly stories celebrating the lives of special RCMP veterans.

II. The RCMP Grave Discovery Database

Conceived in 2000, this comprehensive database allows users worldwide to:

Identify all deceased RCMP members,

Read career histories and obituaries,

Locate gravesites in Canada and internationally,

Assess grave conditions.

The database is updated daily with new information from families and volunteers.

Notable Achievements

190 of 320 graves from the famous March West (1874) have been discovered,

Hundreds of WWI references including Canadian Expeditionary Force Attestation Papers, military records, and grave photographs,

Extensive geographical links connecting Canadian landmarks to pioneer RCMP members,

125,500+ photographs (as of 2026), representing the largest collection of its kind in Canada.

The RCMP Honour Roll

Two hundred and fifty-one names are listed (2026) on the RCMP Honour Roll -- these members lost their lives in peace and in the line of duty. All their graves have been located, inspected, and photographed. Current efforts focus on restoration.

Mission Statement

RCMP Veterans are dedicated to locating, inspecting, and maintaining gravesites of deceased members, honoring the men and women who dedicated their lives to serving Canada and the Force.

'Maintain Our Memories' has been adopted as the motto of the website. It calls to mind both the official Motto of the RCMP which is; 'Maintiens Le Droit' and our need to remember. The motto pays homage to the Force, to the service of community performed by members and the lives sacrificed by many members killed on duty.

Goals

The goals of the RCMP Grave Discovery Database and History website are:

1. to create a thorough and accurate record of all the burial locations of NWMP, RNWMP and RCMP deceased members,

2. to ensure that the graves of our deceased members are regularly inspected and maintained.

History on Parade

Canadian history is interwoven with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and its predecessors. This website preserves a rich tapestry of recollections, photographs, and achievements spanning from the Force's formation in 1873 to today. The histories of Canada and the RCMP run on parallel tracks.

This website stands as a testament to deceased members—their legacy, contributions to Canadian history, and dedication to building a peaceful nation.

An Invitation

RCMP veterans, active members, families, and friends are invited to join this meaningful project. Much work remains: cemeteries need investigation, gravesites require regular inspection, and data collection continues.

Your involvement makes this important work possible. Input and contributions are always welcome.

I am honoured to be involved in the meaningful task of remembering and offering continued respect to deceased RCMP Members.

About the Project Founder

Superintendent J. J. (Joe) Healy (Rtd.)
Amateur Historian | M.Ed., M. Ad. Ed.

My association with the RCMP began in boyhood in St. Stephen, NB (1948) and led to my long and rewarding police service beginning with 'G' Troop in 1964 as Reg.#23685. I am honored to contribute to this meaningful task of remembering and honoring deceased RCMP members of the Force.

Read more about this project in The Ottawa Citizen (2023)

See: rcmpgraves.com in The Ottawa Citizen: 2023

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