True and Fascinating Canadian History
The Mystery of The Mountie
and His Rogue Regimental Number
by J. J. Healy
In August 2008, my wife and I had a wonderful time exploring Vancouver Island -- I had been to Victoria, BC many years ago for a Highway Patrol & Traffic Course in 1969 but it was the first visit for my wife.
We frequently stayed overnight at unique B and B's along the Island's west coast -- our hosts were extremely cordial and kind and the BC weather was spectacular. Mysteries were far, far away from my mind -- any dismay dreams of such affairs had been left parked back east. Or, at least that's what I had intended.
However, one day just as I was about to feel relaxed on the Island, a new mystery lunged at me and nearly choked me. While driving, I found the grave site of NWMP member Cpl. Bernard Emil 'Bernie' Lasswitz in a small cemetery which I spotted not far off the main highway near Ucluelet, BC.
One will note that his grave stone identifies him as a member of the NWMP with Reg. #90. The Reg.# 90 on the grave marker is the mystery.
According to historical records held by Kamloops RCMP Veteran Jack White, Lasswitz was given Reg. #1626. Regimental # 90 was assigned to a member identified as Alexander McKenzie who was killed by a lighting strick in Edmonton, AB in 1885.
Cpl. Lasswitz died at Port Alberni, BC on January 14, 1938. His after-life mix-up of Regimental Numbers has left researchers baffled.
Toronto Veteran Jack O'Reilly reported that he found Lasswitz's obituary in the April, 1938 issue of 'The Quarterly' showing that he died in Port Alberni and it cited his Reg.#1626.
What has happened to ever cause this mix-up? There's no doubt that Corporal Lasswitz is lying under a rogue Reg.#
It seems that mysteries pop up whenever I travel. And in this case, it's very nlikely that Cpl. Lasswitz will reach out from the other side to help us with the mix-up of his Regimental #'s.
So, we appeal to all volunteers to dig in and help us.
The whole thing caused me to think about equally frightful mix ups with my own Reg.#.
Just imagine that on the way to the cemetery you're being hauled around 'Depot's Parade Square for the last time by a half dozen carefree Cadets on a steamy Friday afternoon and your pine box is identified with an incorrect Reg.#!
Who's to know?
It could happen to any one of us. Think about that!
Reporting from the Fort,
J. J. Healy,
Reg.#23685
September, 2008
