True and Fascinating Canadian History
The Mystery of
the Mysterious Mad Trapper
by
J. J. Healy
The Mystery story which follows is dedicated to deceased Chief Superintendent Jack White. Jack was a first class police officer and a friend. He was also a keen historian and he was deeply committed to researching and accurately recording the history of the Force. He passed away in 2011.
Jack now knows the secret answer to a tremendous Canadian mystery.
A Mystery Series - Seven Mysterious Parts
Part I : March 2011
Overview
This is a mystery ... a true story about Canadian history. I will only suggest that readers prepare themselves by having a glass of cold water nearby. I would leave it to the reader to forewarn others before revealing the surprising nature of the words here below.
The origins of the Mystery go back many, many decades. And, the mystery taps all of Canada; from the far, frozen north to the sunny deep south, from Canada's beautiful east coast to its impressive west coast. Parts of the mystery had such an impact on Canada's history that it forever changed the RCMP and the course of Canadian policing.
The Magnificent, Monumental, Memorable Canadian Mystery is a story yet to be fully revealed -- I can't reveal it! Imagine! A mystery so deep and bizzare that one would not be believed if the full story should be told!
The solution to the Mystery was a tightly controlled, highly secretive operation. Only a very small, specially selected number of caring Canadians worked on the mystery. It may seem truly strange, but no one person in the small group knows the identity of anyone else in the group. I am deeply appreciative to them all. They have become my friends. Thank you. Each person's true identity will eventually be revealed.
For the present, each dedicated person in the working group will now be identified by their Code Name: first, is 'The Regent', second is 'The Administrator', thirdly 'The Don', fourth is 'The Zipper', next 'The Paper Boys', and finally 'The Carpenter'. I acted in the role of 'Magnificent, Monumental, Memorable Mystery Co-ordinator for Canada.'
The solution to the old mystery began to unravel in the very early days of 2010 but finishing touches and additional research on the mystery are ongoing.
There will come a day, perhaps very, very soon that Buffalo Joe may have to inform the Commissioner! The Mystery is one which will make Canadian detectives squirm, shake and shutter!
Upon learning of this mystery, seasoned police officers will say: 'To hell with the overtime budget. Call in all the troops. Cancel days off! We must unearth whatever remains!'
For today, the details of the mystery must be kept secret. No one can know! For if one knew, he or she would faint!
One day, long, long ago it all began this way...
Hello, hello?
Why, yes, this is the Funeral Home. But, we are deeply sad to inform you that your grandfather's remains have gone missing! Now, please, please be calm.
Yes, everything is under control. We want to assure you that everything is under control here at the Funeral Home. It's just that...er...that... er...that we can't find your grandfather's remains.
Yes, yes, I perfectly understand how you must feel. Please don't raise your voice. I hear tension in your voice. I can assure you that we just need a few more weeks. I'm quite certain that your grandfather is here somewhere?
Yes, I'll call you soon...I promise...(if only I could only find him...)
Years and years and years pass by...
Why yes, I'm still here on the phone...waiting...
The Mystery will unravel as more information comes in...
A Magnificent, Monumental, Memorable, Canadian Mystery
A Mystery Series
A Mystery Series
Part I
A Long Awaited Parcel Arrives
Three rapid, sudden, sharp knocks made me sprint from the den to the front door. I was expecting a parcel from Air Canada. Over the years, the speed of my sprints inside our home has astonished my wife – in fact, she had been able to calculate my speed whenever lemon pie was mentioned. I have set records.
As I opened the door, I was surprised. The mail carrier was walking away in spite of my immediate response to his knocks. He had hurriedly left the porch. I caught him as he stepped on to the mail truck which was parked on the road. The parcel was very, very special to me and it had been long coming. Over the past year, I had not slept for many nights. My wife will attest. The parcel had traveled a long journey.
“I’m home, I’m home, I’m here”, I shouted. The mail carrier was about to sit at the steering wheel. But, he stopped suddenly. He paused motionlessly as if he had not expected to hear my voice. I guessed he was in a hurry.
I felt a little guilt. But, the mail carrier stepped off the truck and walked again towards our porch. He hadn’t gone far when he approached the first step and stopped. Without any warning, he tossed the parcel to me. I was surprised. Shocked. I was exhilarated and angry at the same time. On the one hand, I was overjoyed as I had been told to expect an out of the ordinary parcel. On the other hand, I was angry about the casual way that the parcel had been tossed to me. I thought that the mail carrier had acted carelessly. My wife had collected some pieces of Waterford crystal - what if the parcel had contained a delicate piece of Irish work?
On this day, I had not intended to play football with the mail carrier. It was a very special day. It was the eve of my tenth anniversary of retirement from the RCMP. I would have forever regretted if I had dropped the parcel. If the parcel was intended for my wife, she would also have been disappointed. Doesn’t everyone enjoy the sparkle of handmade Waterford?
In Ottawa, it was an overcast, dark day. It was January 25, 2011. The porch was covered in snow and I was standing in the narrow doorway in my slippers. I was taken off guard as the mail carrier approached. I was not expecting a low level mail missile to be tossed. Snow prevented me from stepping on to the porch. I would have worn winter boots and stood on the porch if I had thought the mail carrier might throw me a pass. I cautiously caught the parcel although the distance between the mail carrier at the bottom step of the porch and the doorway was about twelve feet.
My wife and I celebrate family anniversaries. In fact, she enjoys every opportunity to surprise me. She had mentioned celebrating my tenth retirement anniversary. We thought perhaps dinner at our favourite neighbourhood restaurant? In the past, my wife has also ordered gifts from the catalogue. Land’s End delivers. I thought Rolex. After all, I had a full supply of golf balls and tees.
After my successful catch, I returned to our home’s interior. I looked at our home address and the return address. I recognized the name of the sender. I said a little prayer that the parcel had arrived safely. I was lucky that I had once been an outside receiver. The parcel deserved respect and dignity. I had waited a long, long time to hold this parcel. I wanted to call my wife. I wanted to call the person who had sent the parcel to me. She too would be happy. I could not open the parcel yet. It had to be placed carefully in a safe place. I was overjoyed and filled with awe that I was finally holding the parcel.
The mail carrier did not intentionally mean to offend me. Simply put, he was in a rush. As he drove away, I thought that he would never have guessed the contents of the parcel. But my wife would. It was delicate. It was a secret of a few.
To fully appreciate the importance and the significance of the parcel and its connection to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), I must begin my story with its origins that began exactly eighty years ago.
Finally, my wife and I had sufficient cause to celebrate my anniversary.
February 23, 2011
This is the end of Part I
There are seven parts to this mystery series.
^ Back to Top ^
A Magnificent, Monumental, Memorable, Canadian Mystery
Part II
Heroes in my Life
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In Part I, published a month ago, I celebrated that I had received a very special gift on the eve of the tenth anniversary of my retirement from the RCMP. A parcel had arrived in the mail. I had waited a very long time to hold it. To grasp the deep significance of the parcel, I have to go back many, many years and connect with my childhood heroes including TV cowboys, teachers and well known members of the Force.
Heroes inspire. It's a gift donated freely. Throughout my youth, each hero contributed precious principles to my life. Heroes inspired me to join the RCMP. I experienced a long, exciting and rewarding career in the Force which allowed me to serve all across Canada and to work in several countries around the world.
Life is a math act. The sum of the admirable qualities of my heroes equals the priceless value of the contents of the mysterious parcel.
If space permitted, I could list several benefits of daydreaming. The notion followed me throughout my early school days but it was never accepted by my teachers. Daydreaming was about as popular as a snake bite from a full hooded cobra. I have noticed, however, that over time, benefits of reflection, daydreaming, rest and yoga continue to be advanced in schools. Buddhism has become popular among adults too. The Ottawa Citizen. p.A3 of March 22, 2011 announced that employees of Justice Canada will soon be able to take advantage of 'mindfulness-based stress reduction' based on Buddhist concepts. I'm no expert but I'd guess that the peaceful exercises include: closed eyes, relaxation and reflection. Tends to remind me of something I'd dream up.
It’s not widely known, but some university professors also take advantage of a day nap on a regular basis between scholarly assignments. Years ago, I recall one of my professors who had justly earned a renowned, worldwide reputation. I was impressed by his list of publications. One day, I walked into his office unexpectedly. I found him leaning back comfortably in his chair seemly asleep. New school learning, I thought. I didn’t intend to interrupt him but he awoke. He explained that he can best reflect on deep theoretical matters when in a state of repose. I called it daydreaming. Anyway, for the first time in my RCMP career, the thought crossed my mind that perhaps I too should have chosen a career in academia. After all, I explained to the learned professor: ‘... a mid day snooze was a benefit not offered in my job’. As a police officer, it’s difficult to nap and at the same time maintain momentum on a fraud investigation.
But wow! The benefits of tranquility in the professor’s day caused me to think back to the 1950’s when I was a young boy. Pedagogy was an unexplored science. Although I was considered a normal, overall, good kid in school, my mind had a tendency to wander in class. I enjoyed the odd fantasy on my teacher’s time. But, the trend of the day was against me. Teachers labelled any distraction in class as daydreaming. It was a serious liability in my school. Interestingly, it was said to be unworthy and wasteful in education. I admitted to my parents that I was to blame. Persistent daydreaming resulted in critical remarks on my report card. At one point, the collective opinion of my teachers was that the cure for me might be a stint in the Canadian Army. I always admired our Canadian Infantry and, as a boy, the Canadian Guards were the most impressive. In the late 1950’s, the ‘Guards’ were my principle drill instructors in Cadets. I was sad when they were disbanded, but as a young boy the Canadian Guards had a tremendous impact on my life.
I fondly remember the rough style, immaculate uniforms and the spontaneous quips of Staff Eddy and Sergeant Bailey. On the Parade Square it was sometimes difficult not to giggle at their steady steam of witty remarks. These men had served in WWII.
The red sash, worn by each across their chest was a reminder of the blood given in battle by Canadian soldiers. Heroes all. The red sash held special meaning. I have to admit that recently I’ve been curious as to what became of their sash's?
Photo:Source: http://www.canadianguards.ca/eason.htm Jimmy (Joe) Eason photos
After a few weeks at the Army Base in Gagetown, NB my father intervened with the Base Commander. I went back to high school. My father and mother loved me.
In turn, I admired their everlasting faith that I would somehow succeed. They were kind parents and I also loved them. They were my first ever heroes.
Back in school, my principal, Mr. McGeachy took an active interest in my learning. He designed a scholastic program which was reasonable. He recognized my strengths and interests. He also provided encouragement in other school activities and sports.
Few educators may be considered heroes in Canada but in my mind, Mr. McGeachy deserves the highest award for saving a pupil’s life. Mine. He is a hero. Today, we remain friends.
On another occasion, I accidently winked at a girl in ‘Trig’ and got caught by Miss Alma Douglas. It caused a full blown ruckus in class. Miss Douglas was in no mood for a fair trial. Rather, I was summarily indicted. Miss Douglas sternly pronounced to my classmates that, after reviewing her teaching career which went back some forty years, ‘…she had never seen the likes of it’! After supper, my Dad more readily accepted my ‘lazy eye-lid malady theory’. Years later, after I had joined the Force, I met Miss Douglas in the bank in my home town. She had forgotten ‘the Grade 10 wink affair’ in trigonometry but she was proud that I recognized and spoke with her. I reminded her that I had joined the Force. I realized it was likely to be the last time that I would see her. I had saved sufficient kisses, so I deposited a wee one on her cheek. She hardly resisted. It may have been her only one.
Then we said good-bye. Miss Douglas was an excellent teacher, a memorable and expert mathematician. Teachers were friends. Even today, teachers are very special. I love only one but I am indebted to them all. My heroes.
Yet it’s true. Daydreaming was a high danger act for a young boy. Not unlike the activities of James Bond. As a by-product of time lost, daydreams did not have whole hearted respectability among many adults. My early TV heroes; Lash LaRue, Roy Rogers, Red Rider and the Lone Ranger were largely to blame for my idle pursuit. I credited daydreams for churning out endless, colourful, exciting imaginations. Events played out in my dreams ended mostly in peaceful outcomes. Death did not enter my mind. Instead, I dreamed in a world of hope. Vulgarity and obscenities were not practices of my TV heroes. I was a cowboy living in the old west with my horse, Honey. She was Olympic material – shiny, responsive, majestic and trustworthy. I was a boy -- another person in another time.
I called my heroes by first name; Lash, Roy, Red and the Ranger. A Canadian TV actor, Tonto, was my survival skills instructor. As a cowboy, my mandate was simple; protect new immigrants to the west. Saving lives was a high priority. I expected no reward. There were few written rules, life was simple. I didn’t understand the rule of law but I did believe in fair play. Bad guys also deserved justice. I offered outlaws options; first, a warning and perhaps a few reprimands. I recall that my gun was kept holstered. Every consideration was given to ensure that outlaws were taken alive. I set traps to capture them. I felt it was senseless to kill anyone thus men were viewed worthy of capture. Allow the courts to speak. I admired the qualities of the TV cowboys; daring, brave, fair, upright, disciplined, protecting those in need, protecting life. All fine equestrians. My favourite cowboys demonstrated these attributes. Worthy qualities for any man, I thought. Cowboys were my early heroes.
In high school, I realized that my parents and teachers had certain expectations of me. It seems they collaborated together about my future career – for sure it included higher learning. But, I dreamed of horses and outdoor living on the prairies. Performing good deeds was my priority, and if time allowed, perhaps some romance. My life as a cowboy made higher education impossible. I dreamed that my heroes would agree with my viewpoint. Dreams have the advantage of flowing in the direction of the dreamer.
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I was born in the early 1940’s. I was confined to the limited world around me; a small town in south western New Brunswick. It was surrounded by forests where my pals and I were free to roam and explore safely. Summers were long and I had ample time to practice skills which Tonto identified as important for survival. I learned to build a fort, harvest supplies, construct bows and arrows and chase rabbits. I bought my first Red Rider BB rifle. In the bush, perhaps I’d meet a bear. I had to ensure that life inside the fort was protected and sustained. I admired Tonto’s loyalty to his masked partner. Tonto was a favourite hero. As an aside, I’ve wondered what became of the silver spurs worn by the Lone Ranger after he passed away?
Winters in my youth were particularly harsh. Winter survival was very serious business. My favourite comic hero was the RCMP’s Yukon Sgt. Preston and his dog King. Weather conditions in New Brunswick differed little from the freezing conditions in the Artic. Sgt. Preston maintained law and order in the north. He fought to survive in the Artic’s harsh, unforgiving deep freeze environment. I did too. I learned how to build a snow fort. Instinct said that my snow fort required insulation. I had to be ready for the possibility of every danger. My mother complained that blankets and pillows went missing from our home. I also needed enough food for my dog. At the time, teen smoking and watching Elvis’ hips on TV were also on the danger list. Comics books too. As a seven year old boy, there were no street drugs, but if I had been reading a comic and got caught, it was equivalent to being 'found in possession'. Nevertheless, I read enough comics to learn how to ski and snowshoe. Sgt. Preston implied that these skills were necessary for trapping and survival in the Artic. I tried my best to emulate the life of Sgt. Preston and his partner King. They were heroes. I only had time for heroes.
Jean Béliveau was unquestionably my larger than life hockey hero. His father had been a Quebec police officer. I had a simple option with hockey sweaters; red or blue. It was an easy choice. Montreal’s red was mine. I wouldn’t let my mother take it off when I went to bed. To me, Jean was huge yet his broad strides on skates made him faster on ice than any other player.
Béliveau was a powerful skater and equally brave. He was always in the midst of the action wherever the TV panned. As well, Jean often offered his body to stop shots. I dreamed that my name was near Jean’s on the Stanley Cup. I would have have loved to receive one of Jean's sweaters. After Jean retired and the NHL expanded, my loyalty was divided between Toronto’s #27 (now a Canadian Senator) and Boston’s #4 (a business executive). These two men were also heroes because of their amazing speed, defensive tactics and their slap shot. They were pioneers in the changing style of Canadian hockey.
From the time that I was a little boy, I wanted to join the RCMP. I recall my parents taking me to a parade in St. Stephen, NB about 1950. I was wearing an RCMP costume which had been sent to me by my cousins in New York.
Two red coated RCMP constables stopped their Harley’s during the parade and each one took a turn to hold me in their arms. I felt perfectly safe. I’ve never forgotten the memorable impact that they and the Red Serge had on my life. The pair of RCMP on their Harley’s became fast heroes.
In school, I began reading books on the Mounties. One of my first books was ‘Mounty in a Jeep’ by author T. Morris Longstreth, published by The MacMillan Company. New York, 1949. ‘Mounty in a Jeep’ follows the fictional activities of a young recruit by the name of Sam Acton. After basic training, he had been posted to a small Detachment in Alberta. Sam had been given a jeep by his father and he used it to pursue criminal investigations. Sam Acton was another hero in my dreams. In the mid 1960’s, after I joined the Force, one of first police cars in ‘E’ Div. was coincidentally a jeep. NellyBelle.
In Grade 4 history, Superintendent Sam Steele popped up. He had always been considered the most famous of Canada’s North West Mounted Police. He was an adventurer and his life style added fuel to my dreams. I admired Superintendent Steele when I read that his life was lived mainly outdoors. I did too in my dreams. Sam Steele was reputed to be an experienced horse trainer.
The ‘toughest to train horses’ were given to him. He never failed. In addition to being an excellent rider, he was also expert in hunting, exploring and tracking. He was highly disciplined and he set high standards for recruits under his charge. He gained the trust of his junior ranks. Superintendent Steele was dispatched to the hot spots in early Canada. His career took him to posts across the prairies, to the Klondike Gold Rush and to South Africa.
Aboriginals accepted his promise to enforce the rule of law. To Superintendent Steele, everyone was subject to the same law. He contributed greatly to peace among men during the construction of the CPR. Although an expert with the rifle and the pistol which he carried, Superintendent Steele preferred peace over violence in the settling of disputes.
His legacy is firmly based on his reputation as a man whose life was grounded in fairness and honesty. Superintendent Steele was an early NWMP hero whom I would have been proud to have served under. In recent years, his collection of letters, medals, swords and uniforms has been returned to Canada from England. His collection rests at the University of Alberta. I’ve often wondered if his collection at the U of A is thought to be complete?
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Sgt. John Nicholson Cawsey was a famed member of the RCMP. He and his Police Service Dog ‘Dale’ were pioneers in the successful introduction of dogs into Canadian police work. As a kid, one of my earliest memories of the RCMP was reading books about Sgt. Cawsey finding a lost child with the assistance of ‘Dale’.
Owing a German Shepherd can be a fond memoery for any youngster. Teaming up to play games, boy and dog, only increased my dream time. On TV, I admired the bond between man and dog. Forever, the dog must be obedient to its master. As tots, my sister and I also had a German Shepherd (Tin) for a pet. He often ‘saved’ me as I required his help to find my home after a day in the forest. He died after being struck by a car.
Throughout my career, I’ve admired the men, women and dogs of RCMP’s Police Service Dog Section. I have one sad memory of a time when I was an Officer in a position of authority. At the time, the Officer in Charge of the RCMP’s Police Dogs in Alberta required my concurrence to destroy a dog based on its failed performance in an actual situation. Seemly, for some, it may have been small decision but it bothered me afterwards. I wished the dog could have lived, but the Inspector and the Force Veterinarian had a professional obligation.
Young Canadian men and women who join the RCMP are inspired by heroes in the Force. This truth is apparent when I talk with applicants. Applicants connect their hero to a particular incident in their own lives. Perhaps a relative was in the Force; maybe the applicant met an RCMP member at school or in a sporting activity. My hero in high school was Cst. Bill McLellan. One spring afternoon in 1963, he picked me up in his Studebaker cruiser. I had skipped school and I was hitch hiking on the Trans Canada outside St. Stephen, NB. As he approached, I thought surely that I was off to the clink. But, we became friends as he too had once skipped a day of studies in Nova Scotia. Bill was my mentor. He encouraged me to graduate and apply for the Mounties. Solid advice to a young man from a hero.
The battles in which the Force has been asked to participate include: the North West Rebellion, the South African War, WWI, Siberia and WWII. While at ‘Depot’ for basic training in 1964, I studied more seriously the role of the Force in these wars. Many, many lives of members of the Force were lost in these overseas conflicts.
In more recent years, RCMP members have been killed on duty in United Nations Missions. As well, hundreds of members have lost their lives in domestic police duty. They are heroes to all Canadians. Their names are etched in the RCMP’s Honour Roll and they are remembered.
As set out in the Bible, their devotion to Canada and the Force is interpreted as an act of service and love. ‘Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends’.(John 15.)
Unfortunately, a member of the RCMP, Cst. 'Spike' Millen, did lay down his life and two other men were shot and may have died in 1932 while in pursuit of the Mad Trapper. I heard endless stories about the Mad Trapper known as Albert Johnson. Described as a surly and crazed man, Johnson and his RCMP pursuers of the early 1930’s had been the subject of several books and articles. After basic training and once posted to Detachments, I met people who had heard how Johnson had been cornered then killed in a shoot-out with the RCMP. The tale of the Mad Trapper held special fascination for thousands of people, including me -- the many week chase for the Mad Trapper in Canada’s north added weight to the legends of the Mounties.
The wilderness chase of the Mad Trapper added mystic to a motto from RCMP movies and deed of the Mounties: ‘They always get their man’.
My parents were from Brooklyn, New York. The Mad Trapper chase was broadcast on radio around the world. In their hometown of Brooklyn, my parents heard of Canada’s RCMP and their heroic deeds. How could a person not marvel at men in parkas with dogs and sleds braving the Arctic freezing cold while trying to capture the elusive fugitive known as Albert Johnson? The true identity of Albert Johnson remains unknown. Whenever I hear the tale of the Mad Trapper being repeated in conversation, I usually perk up to listen.
Even today, the story of the Mad Trapper holds special interest to Canadians. Not long ago, scientists exhumed the Mad Trapper’s body for forensic examination. His body was studied and a TV documentary was made. I have also read several books on the case. I believe that every person in the case deserves credit; RCMP Special Constables, volunteers, trappers, local men, natives, doctors, the Royal Canadian Signal Corps and pilot ‘Wop’ May. RCMP members also deserve additional recognition for their bravery. Early in the case, Cst. ‘Buns’ King was shot and wounded by the Mad Trapper. To his credit, the Officer In Charge of the hunt, Inspector Eames persisted in the hope that Johnson would be taken alive.
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I recalled admirable actions of my cowboy heroes: 'Take’em alive. However, Constable Millen was killed by Johnson and Staff Sergeant Earl Hersey of the Royal Canadian Signals Corps was wounded. In the end, Albert Johnson, the Mad Trapper was cornered and he too was killed.
Members who served on the RCMP’s St. Roch also led unbelievable experiences in the frozen north. Led by their Captain, Superintendent Henry Larsen and his men travelled through the North West Passage. They spent a winter locked into an ice flow. Coincidently, at ‘Depot’ in 1964, my recruit friends and I were handed the unusual duty to dig a grave at the RCMP Cemetery in Regina, SK. After his death, Superintendent Larsen was laid to rest in the grave site beside the one that we had dug.
In recent years, Superintendent Larsen’s daughter has sent me messages which have helped in my research. The unusual style of her father’s cap badge which I had seen in photos is fascinating. Collectors would love to have it. Captain Larsen and the crew of the St. Rock are heroes.
Conflict leading to death is never an honourable end game in policing. Death is not a glory wished or wanted. The upright posts in life's end zone are only two; fairness and justice. Preserve life and protect property. These are the glories of heroes. Hence, my dream theme always was: ‘Take’em alive’. Seems to ring somewhat similar to the RCMP's motto 'Maintiens Le Droit’.
For many years the early history of the RCMP read as a tale of heroes. The March West, settling of the West, the North West Rebellion, WWI and WWII, the tale of the Mad Trapper, services of the Police Dog Section, work by ‘Air’ Division Services and the exploratory Voyage of the St. Rock -- each revealed inspirational qualities by some of the most famous and colourful of my Mounted Police heroes.
Heroes in my life.
This is the end of Part II
There are seven parts to this Mystery Series.
There are seven parts to this Mystery Series.
^ Back to Top ^
A Magnificent, Monumental, Memorable, Canadian Mystery
A Mystery Series
Part III
Murder: No Small Matter
A Mystery Series
Part III
Murder: No Small Matter
Educators, parents and the average Joe are perpetually worried that today’s school children are not being strenuously taught about the value of Canadian history. As evidence, only one history course is mandatory in Ontario high schools. That in itself seems out of whack. Canadian history is out of style. It has become old fashioned, relegated to the archives. Some argue there’s not enough time but I firmly hope there will be a revival of interest in history. Perhaps the problem lies in the human brain and its capacity for memory. After all, it is miraculous, but it has limits. I propose we look at another species for a new model of learning.
Canadians should look to elephants as a valuable source of inspiration. Elephants are reputed to have unusually highly developed memories. At least, clinical science says so. Apparently, the number of folds in their grey matter contributes to this remarkable phenomenon. In brief; more folds, more space, more capacity, more memory. This well-known elephant trait seems well out of the ordinary given the fact that people are highest among all mammals in the evolutionary chain.
Yet, the memory capacity of humans is remarkable and far out distances an elephant provided it is exercised properly. This well tested observation of people and memory is certainly valid even in the early stage of human life. Very young children, for instance, can learn multiple languages more easily than adults. I have a little friend about five years of age. He speaks Arabic to his father and Spanish to his mother. He rambles in English to his friends and he is schooled in French. He amazes me. Somehow, his brain’s ability is remarkable but not highly unusual. Some children learn how to spell, articulate and demonstrate uncanny mental exercises with great success at a very early age. The work of their little brains seems unlimited. Their memory and recall is impressive. Ask grandparents. Observe elephants.
Unfortunately, Canadians tend to easily forget our Canadian heroes. How many of the following people do our young people recognize; Emily Murphy, Georges Cartier, Louis Papineau, D'Arcy McGee, Simon Fraser, Sir Frederick Banting, Sir Sandford Fleming, George Brown, Pauline Johnson, Sir Arthur Currie, Brother Andre, Marc Garneau, Julie Payette and Rick Hansen -- just to name a few?
All are famous Canadians. Each person has contributed greatly to the development of Canada and its culture. As a people, I know that we are proud of them. But, by in large, the general tendency of many Canadians is not to know the remarkable story that lies behind the name. On the Shakespearian memory scale, let’s agree that to forget our heroes and their stories is an education tragedy. Unquestionably, my 'ole friend and Canadian History Professor, Dr. J. L. Granatstein would side with me.
Here’s one example. I’ll turn to a famous and worldwide Canadian institution; the RCMP. Down through the years, there have been volumes written about the RCMP, its history and its exploits. But, by far, less is known about the police personalities involved in these famous exploits. In broad terms, many Canadians know about the role of the North West Mounted Police (NWMP) and the March West but few would be able to identify individual members of the Force who actually participated in this grand event; Cherry, Bray, Crozier and Jarvis.
It is a shame that Canadians do not pay sufficient attention to the characters that are mentioned in cursory fashion in our history books. Perhaps excepting for the larger than life names of Sam Steele and Henry Larson most Canadians would be hard pressed to name great and noteworthy members of the RCMP who have played pivotal roles in some of our country’s most memorable milestones.
As a young constable through the 1960’s, I was exposed to yarns and story-telling in ‘Depot’ Division by instructors such as Sergeant Tom Forster. I recall stories told by senior members at the various Detachments to which I was assigned. One story teller was Sergeant Eric White. He was my NCO in Maple Ridge Detachment outside Vancouver, BC. Sgt. Eric White and recently deceased Superintendent Jack White (no relation) successfully solved a brutal murder in Coquitlam, BC. I listened with intense interest to the tall tales of times past. I learned to appreciate the trials and tribulations, triumphs and tragedies of situations faced by members of the Force at various times. As often happens, I learned more about the situation and less about the personalities directly involved in the case.
For instance, I knew about the North West Rebellion, Duck Lake, the Klondike days, the construction of the CPR and the Winnipeg Strike -- the causes, the outcomes, the statistics -- but I could not identify the members who fought or were killed in the midst of these mostly hazardous episodes. Also, I knew the RCMP was involved in Canada’s major overseas ground conflicts; the Boer War of South Africa, the World Wars and Siberia. I knew as well the RCMP’s contributions to the Canadian Navy and the Canadian Air Force during war time. But, like others, I could not picture a member of the RCMP in Red Serge who actually took part in these activities. Many of the RCMP’s dead are buried in overseas cemeteries; Belgium, England, France, Ireland, Italy and South Africa.
In 1971, however, a particular situation involving the RCMP of decades ago came to life for me. It deeply changed the way I viewed Canadian history and the nation-building role which the RCMP played. The personalities involved in the case imprinted themselves on my mind in a way that left lasting and remarkable impressions. I was involved in a seemingly small incident. At the time, I could not forecast how it would connect me to a famous murder case which had happened many decades earlier. A member of the Force was the victim. These memories have stayed with me for the remainder of my life. The murder has direct implications to the mystery which is now unfolding. Now, I’d like to tell you the story.
After several years in policing on Canada’s west coast, I was transferred to Prince Edward Island. May 24, 1971 was a most unusual day on Prince Edward Island. It was a long weekend. I was posted to Charlottetown Highway Patrol and, as expected, traffic was heavy. I was assigned to Highway Patrol duties in Queen’s County – some miles outside Charlottetown. Without warning, the Island experienced an unusual, sudden, wild, fierce and heavy snow storm. I was working alone, and unexpectedly I was involved in the investigation of several car accidents on the Trans Canada. The storm worsened. At noon, highway visibility was zero. As a result, I forced other motorists to stop driving and pull over until the weather cleared. The strategy worked. Because of the present danger, RCMP supervisors ordered all police patrol cars off the highway. With the aid of emergency lights, I crept along until I arrived at downtown Charlottetown ‘L’ Div. Headquarters.
On this blizzard afternoon, I was working alone in the Highway Patrol office. Earlier in the day, I had heard Superintendent Pantry come active on the police radio. I realized that he, too, was somewhere on patrol. As the storm worsened, I became concerned, but I knew that he wasn’t in danger. Although I was curious, I couldn’t guess his location. It wasn’t my business to ask. I didn’t anticipate it, but in a matter of minutes, Supt. Pantry and I were about to meet again.
About 2PM that afternoon, Supt. Pantry suddenly burst into my office. He was unusually excited. He clutched an envelope. He was very, very upbeat and he anxiously wanted to show the file to me. As it happened, the envelope in his hand contained the original file of a very, very celebrated RCMP case of many decades ago. At first, his anxiousness was a mystery to me. I became more and more curious. Years ago, someone in the RCMP had understood the historic value of this particular police file. Someone had set the file aside saving it from destruction. Someone wanted to preserve its history.
Now, in the company of Supt. Pantry, I was being invited to peruse the entire original RCMP reports from decades past. The reports in the file had been signed by all the members involved in the case.
Supt. Pantry told me that the RCMP file had been given to him by a friend, but at the time, he would not divulge the person’s name. That’s a topic for another mystery. Anyway, we thumbed through the file together -- we treated it delicately -- I’d guess about one hundred pages --the file also contained the remarkable original photographs of the suspect from the case.
The file was too long to read thoroughly in one afternoon. Soon, the snow storm abated. I was expected back on the highway. But, I was anxious to review the file page by page so Supt. Pantry allowed me to secure the file overnight. I had to promise that I would deliver the file to his desk early the following morning. His intention, he said, ‘…was to mail this [remarkable] file to Archives Canada in Ottawa.’ As soon as I was alone, I immediately photocopied the file. The file was valuable as well as historical. Early the following morning, I delivered the original file to Supt. Pantry in his office. He asked whether I had sufficient time to read it, adding, “No worry, Constable Healy, I’m sure there will be time later for you to finish it.” We laughed. Supt. Pantry knew me too well. He had wisdom and experience.
Indeed, on my own I did review this file. I read it again and again and became more and more captivated by the story. It was at this time that I began to appreciate the reality of the personalities connected to a tale not only well known in the Force, but known as well around the world.
From the pages of the file which I studied in detail I felt that I befriended certain heroes of the Force. These heroes in alphabetical order are:
Superintendent A. E. Acland - Commanding Officer ‘G’ Division, Edmonton, AB.
Special Constable J. Bernard - Posted to Arctic Red River Detachment
Inspector A. N. Eames - Officer Commanding, The Western Arctic Sub Division
Cst. A. W. (‘Buns’) King - Posted to Arctic Red River Detachment under Constable Millen
Sir J. H. MacBrien, K.C.B., C.M.G., D.S.O -- Eighth RCMP Commissioner. 1931-1938
Constable E. (‘Spike’) Millen -- Constable In Charge of the Arctic Red River Detachment, N.W.T
Constable R. G. McDowell -- Posted to Arctic Red River Detachment Under Constable Millen
Corporal R. S. Wild - Admin. Assistant in Aklavik, N.W.T. to Inspector A. N. Eames
Special Constable L. Sittichiulis - Posted to Aklavik. On loan to Constable Millen
So, to which file am I referring?
Many people may have already guessed that it is none other than the famous
‘The Tale of the Mad Trapper’
How could it be any other?
Over the years, I have read and re-read the file and the actions of each person in their role in the pursuit of ‘The Mad Trapper.’ It is a case which did capture the imagination of a worldwide audience. At the time, there was a boom in the purchase of radios so that the pursuit of the killer and the RCMP’s progress could be followed. The story could make a unique Canadian history case to study for generations of our youth.
Due to space limitations, the list of the RCMP which I identify is exclusive. Other RCMP were mentioned in the file but were not so directly involved in the actual pursuit. I also truly acknowledge that many, many other people honourably and bravely contributed to the final outcome of ‘The Mad Trapper case’. For instance, WWI Ace and bush pilot ‘Wop’ May’s flying ability in life threatening weather conditions was outstanding and incredulous. The Royal Signals Corps in the north sent volunteer searchers.
The Corps also provided radio communications. History of the RCMP was marked during the pursuit because it was the first time that an airplane had been used in the pursuit of a police suspect. The invaluable help of ‘Wop’ May and the airplane contributed to the formation of the RCMP ‘Air’ Division in 1937.
There were injuries and medical experts saved lives. Others involved in the pursuit were former RCMP members, RCMP Guides, civilian volunteers and the Native People. Others in the case included; clergy, witnesses, jury members, grave diggers and carpenters. One way or another, the ‘Mad Trapper case' emotionally marked these people for the remainder of their lives. Each person who aided the RCMP also remained faithful to the RCMP until the pursuit was over. This story as I tell it is memorably dedicated to all these people. Thank you.
Truthfully, however, one could say today that the file remains open. The killer has never been positively identified. There are unlimited theories. His identify, his motives, background, evasive strategies, his apparent hate for the police, his money,his expert use of weapons, his super strength, his rock climbing skills and his determination are still being researched and talked about. Several fascinating books on the case have been written by Canadian authors.
I never tire to learn more about the RCMP who were involved and their work conditions. In 1931, the RCMP lacked effective communications. The case became the largest manhunt in Canadian history. The pursuit covered unusually large geographical distances under the harshest of weather conditions. Reports from popular books say temperatures were about minus 40C to minus 50C. Severe deadly cold wind was always present. Imagine the energy expended to drive a dog sled over treacherous snow and ice in heavy winter clothes at those temperatures. If one stopped for a moment, perspiration turned to ice. Week after week, men had to endure the perils of the Arctic cold. Death was nearby. One person depended on another.
Persistence, bravery and survival skills have to be hallmarks of their efforts. Food was scarce for both men and their sled dogs.
Great care had to be taken with the sled dogs. They had to be kept secure. Each dog ate an abundance of food which also had to be transported. Dogs were required to transport the injured to hospital and haul supplies over the long pursuit. The high probability of an ambush haunted the men. The environment was mostly stormy with high winds. I have given a lot of thought to the cold, dark, isolated wilderness which men faced during this pursuit. I’ve thought also of the quirky Maritime spring storm which had led me to be exposed on a far more personal level to this story. The Maritime storm quickly passed. Not so, in the Arctic. Every person in the north could tell a tale about the dangers of living in the Territories and the toll of the cold.
The tale and pursuit of ‘The Mad Trapper’ by the RCMP became a legend which fascinated a worldwide audience. In the ensuing years, hundreds of books, articles, research papers, movies and interviews have been produced.
Now for those who may not know, it is essential to become familiar with the outline of this story.
Who was ‘The Mad Trapper’ and how and for what reasons was he chased?
'The Tale of the Mad Trapper’
(Notes here are taken from my copy of the RCMP file,
Arctic Sub-Division Reference #37-8. [1931 and 1932]
(Notes here are taken from my copy of the RCMP file,
Arctic Sub-Division Reference #37-8. [1931 and 1932]
Note:
The method which I followed for the compilation of this story was to use a copy of the actual police report. Normally, a police report is purposely bland. The questions to be probed by the investigators are these; who, what, where, when and how many? These are the issues important to the judiciary. The use of adjectives, minute descriptions, weather conditions, the precise location of the moon in the sky, the colour of the dogs and harness and romantic notions are not part of a police report -- that is the job of journalists, researchers, authors, students and others.
To learn more about ‘The Tale of the Mad Trapper’, I encourage the reader to find the books which I list in the bibliography. If the reader finds any fault with the following presentation of the case, I kindly ask you to tell me. I will provide a copy of the file page from which my details originate.
I use [ ] brackets to insert or repeat names to help the reader.
In 1931, there were scant few RCMP in the Western Arctic. The full complement consisted of about eleven RCMP of various ranks under the command of one Officer, an Inspector.
The case began on July 12, 1931. A memo from Reg. #7536, Corporal Richard S. Wild, in Aklavik, NWT Assistant NCO on behalf of the Commanding Officer, Officer #5700, Inspector A.E. Eames was sent to Reg.#9669, Constable E. (‘Spike’) Millen, Constable In Charge of the Arctic Red River Detachment, ‘…it has been reported that a strange man going under the name of Johnson landed somewhere near Fort MacPherson on the evening of Thursday, July 9th, 1931.’
The memo said that Johnson arrived on a raft and that he owned very little kit but he had lots of money. Johnson had purchased supplies in MacPherson and he had enquired about the route into the Yukon. Constable Millen was asked to make enquiries about Johnson whenever he was in the area of Fort MacPherson.
Constable Millen replied to Inspector Eames on September 11, 1931. Constable Millen reported the following;
• he [Cst. Millen] met a man who identified himself as Albert Johnson on July 21, 1931 in Fort MacPherson,
• Albert Johnson told Cst. Millen that he had worked the previous summer and winter on the Prairies and that he arrived at Fort MacPherson via the MacKenzie River,
• Cst. Millen informed Albert Johnson that if he intended to stay in the MacPherson area, he would require a hunting licence which could be purchased at the Arctic Red River Detachment or in Aklivak. Johnson replied that he was undecided about his future plans,
• Albert Johnson told Cst. Millen that rather than live in Fort MacPherson, he preferred to live alone in the bush and that he didn’t want to be bothered by others. Cst. Millen found Johnson to be evasive in his replies. Johnson told Cst. Millen that if he [Johnson] did not stay in the area, that it was not necessary for the RCMP to know ‘all about him’. Cst. Millen did not follow up any further questions with Johnson,
• Later the same day, Cst. Millen interviewed Mr. Douglas, the Northern Trader at Fort MacPherson. Cst. Millen learned that Johnson was assembling some kit for a portage and that Johnson had purchased a canoe and other goods at the Hudson Bay Co.
• Mr. Douglas and Mr. Middleton, both of the H.B. C. told Cst. Millen that Johnson ‘…comes in and gets what he wants and pays for it and bothers no one.’
• In his report, Cst. Millen summed up that Johnson had no definite plans, that he [Cst, Millen] would re-interview Johnson again when he visited Fort MacPherson to determine where Johnson intended to settle. Constable Millen’s report was received by Inspector Eames. On August 11, 1931, Inspector Eames personally wrote a lengthy memo to Constable Millen.
Inspector Eames told Cst. Millen that he [Eames] was surprised that he [Millen] had accepted Johnson’s excuse for being evasive about his travel plans. Inspector Eames explained that it was important for the RCMP to know the intended address of men coming into the north in the event there was an accident or if a person was reported as lost. Cst. Millen was told to ‘…keep track of Johnson…’.
Further, Inspector Eames said, that under suspicious circumstances or, if necessary, the RCMP has the right to search a person’s kit under the Games Regulations. Johnson, instructed Inspector Eames, was to be encouraged by Cst. Millen to communicate with the RCMP about his whereabouts and his conditions as this was a common practice after ‘…the death of Nicol and Beaman on the Gravel River.’
In his conclusion, Inspector Eames said that if Johnson intends to travel to the Yukon, he should ‘…drop you (Cst. Millen) a line acquainting the RCMP of his safe arrival as this help to the RCMP can prevent long police patrols which sometimes are unnecessary.'
The next RCMP memo was written by Reg.#10269, Constable R. G. McDowell on January 2, 1932. Cst. McDowell said that he had acted on instructions from Inspector Eames and that he left Aklavik at 7:30AM on December 30, 1931 along with Reg.#10211, Constable A.W. King and Special Constables L. Sittichhiulis and J. Bernard. The destination of the RCMP patrol was the cabin of Albert Johnson which was situated on the Rat River near Destruction City, so called after many miners had perished on their way to the Yukon Gold Rush of 1898.
In his report, Cst. McDowell said the patrol (consisting of the four RCMP; McDowell, King, Sittichiulis and Bernard) reached Albert Johnson’s cabin at 10:30AM the following day which was December 31, 1931. Cst. McDowell approached Johnson’s cabin just as Cst. King knocked on Johnson’s door, at the same time shouting …’are you there Mr. Johnson?' There was an immediate shot through the door from inside the cabin. The shot hit Cst. King who fell, then got up and staggered into some bushes.
Cst. McDowell was able to secure his own rifle and began to shoot at the cabin so as to distract the occupant(s). Cst. McDowell was nearly hit by rifle fire on two occasions as he moved in the direction of Cst. King. In the meantime, Special Constable Sittichiulis was first to reach Cst. King. After reaching Cst. King, Cst. McDowell evaluated Cst. King’s condition as serious.
Cst. McDowell made the decision to immediately abandon an attack on the cabin. Instead, the patrol would strap Cst. King in a dog sled and race towards Aklavik. The patrol travelled all night and twenty hours later, they reached Aklavik. The date was January 1, 1932. Cst. King was admitted to All Saints Mission Hospital where he was attended by surgeon Dr. Urquhart.
Inspector Eames was told of Cst. King’s condition and how the police patrol to Johnson’s cabin unfolded. In turn, Inspector Eames sent a telex dated January 1, 1932 to Superintendent A. E. Acland –Commanding Officer ‘G’ Division, Edmonton, Alberta. Inspector Eames reported on the condition of seriously injured Cst. King.
Further, Inspector Eames reported that a complaint had been received by the RCMP of Johnson hunting without a games licence and of interfering with Indian trap lines. He concluded by revealing in the telex that ‘…McDowell brought King [to] Akalvik travelling eighty miles [in] twenty hours. Surgeon [Urquhart] reports bullet entered two inches below left nipple and emerged same place on right side. Am leaving to arrest Johnson when dogs rested probably Sunday morning.’
Over a matter of hours, a somewhat routine interview of Albert Johnson turned into a Criminal Code matter; Attempt Murder of a Police Officer. No small matter. Albert Johnson was a wanted man.
On January 12, 1932, Inspector Eames sent another telex to Superintendent Acland. In his detailed message, Inspector Eames said that he had led a new patrol to Johnson’s cabin and his group also consisted of: Constables Millen and McDowell, Interpreters [Special Constables] Bernard and Sittichiulis, three civilians and an Indian guide.
Inspector Eames said that due to poor information which was given to the guide, he and the group arrived at Johnson’s cabin on January 9, 1932. On approach to the cabin, the group was fearful of an ambush and that the area afforded little protection except for the banks of the [Rat] river. Johnson was commanded to leave the cabin but he refused. A decision was made to rush the cabin, but it was unsuccessful due to heavy fire from two automatic pistols from within. However, the door to the cabin was smashed with rifle butts and a quick peek inside revealed that the cabin was dug out five feet below ground level.
Gunfire continued between Johnson and the police patrol for fifteen hours during which time Johnson had time to repair and close the door. At three AM, the party used high explosives which blew in the door again and caused a hole in the cabin’s roof. Another rush to the cabin by the group failed. The patrol had expected that Johnson would be stunned by the explosives but instead his gunfire was increasingly strong. Inspector Eames speculated that Johnson likely had found shelter from the explosives by extending the limits of space under the cabin.
By this time, dog provisions were running low and other supplies for the patrol were depleted. Inspector Eames made the decision for the group to return to Aklavik. They arrived in Aklavik at four PM on January 12, 1932. In his telex, Inspector Eames said that no one in the group had been injured and that he would be returning to the cabin as soon as he could assemble a larger volunteer party. The next time, he said, a base camp would be established near the mouth of the Rat River.
On January 16, 1932, Inspector Eames’ Assistant, Corporal R. S. Wild sent a telex to Superintendent Acland in Edmonton, AB saying that Inspector Eames had left Aklavik for the Rat River early that morning.
On January 31, 1932, Inspector Eames reported via telex to Superintendent Acland that Staff Sergeant Riddell of the Royal Canadian Signals had been placed in charge of a search group which included Cst. Millen.The search party found Johnson and Johnson fired on the group. The party took cover. Civilian Gardlund fired at Johnson when Johnson exposed himself from behind shelter.
Mr. Gardlund thought that he had hit Johnson, perhaps wounded or killed him. There was no further gunfire for the next two hours and the group felt that Johnson was incapacitated. The group decided to carefully approach Johnson’s position from different angles. The party consisted of Cst. Millen, Staff Sergeant Riddell and civilians Verville and Gardlund. When the party got to within twenty five yards, Johnson opened fire and Millen was struck and fell. The remainder of the group was able to rescue Cst. Millen but he soon died.
The three remaining men guarded Johnson’s position so that he could not escape. Upon receiving word of the death of Cst. Millen, Inspector Eames began to rush every volunteer to the scene which he could muster. Inspector Eames also recommended that an airplane be requisitioned with Captain May as his preferred pilot. He said the plane was necessary as a search party could not remain in the field too long without provisions. Inspector Eames closed his telex by advising Superintendent Acland that he intended to leave Aklavik with the new pursuit party on Monday, February 1, 1932.
February 3, 1932. A telex was sent to Inspector Eames by Superintendent Acland. Inspector Eames’ request for an aircraft to assist in the pursuit of Johnson was approved by Commissioner Sir James Howden MacBrien. In the telex, Commissioner MacBrien instructed Inspector Eames to have Cst. Millen’s body transported part way out of the north by aircraft and then transfer it by rail into Edmonton. The Commissioner also wanted an update on Cst. King’s condition. Finally, the Commissioner told Inspector Eames to take Johnson’s fingerprints ‘…after capture whether dead or not and forward them quickest method.' The true identity of Johnson was still very much in question.
February 11, 1932. A memo was sent to Inspector Eames in Rat River by his Assistant, Corporal Wild in Aklavik. Cpl. Wild reported that Captain ‘Wop’ May took off in his aircraft from Aklavik with new provisions for the pursuit teams but Captain May had to return due to poor weather. Eventually, the weather cleared sufficiently so that Captain May could fly and safely land at Rat River a couple of times to deposit the provisions.
After depositing loads of supplies at Rat River, Captain May intended to pick the supplies up again and fly them to Inspector Eames’ base camp. Cpl. Wild ended his memo by suggesting to Inspector Eames that he [Inspector Eames] return some of the RCMP search party to Aklavik as a fresh supply of RCMP were prepared to replace them.
February 17, 1932. A short message from Corporal Wild to Superintendent Acland in Edmonton, AB said; ‘Inspector Eames reports Johnson shot and killed by Police Party on Eagle River today. Staff Sergeant Hersey, Royal Canadian Signals member of party shot and seriously wounded by Johnson. Hersey is now in Hospital, Akalvik.’
February 18, 1932. A lengthy, four page detail report was compiled by the C.I.B. Office in Aklavik. Statements provided by all the members at the Inquest that followed shortly afterwards, provided details of the sequence of events between February 11th and February 17, 1932.
The remainder of the file consists of RCMP memos which talk about the sightings of Albert Johnson and describe the possessions, guns and ammunition found on his person. Albert Johnson used every possible trick to evade capture. He exhibited the signs of an expert marksman. He had super strength to climb high mountains which other men could not imitate.
His true identity is still not known, his actions were never understood. He killed one member of the Force and wounded two others. Fortunately, Constable King of the RCMP and Staff Sergeant Hersey, Royal Canadian Signals both recovered from their gun wounds. In the end, though, the violence perpetrated by Albert Johnson was visited upon himself and he, too, was killed.
An Inquest was held … ‘a man known as Albert Johnson came to his death from bullets fired by a police posse endeavouring to arrest the said Albert Johnson for the shooting of Constable King and Constable Millen of the RCMPolice from information received from Inspector A. N. Eames, Q.M. Sergeant R. F. Riddell and Constable A. W. King.’
A ‘Warrant to Bury’ was authorized by Dr. J. A. Urquhart to bury Albert Johnson on February 18, 1932.
Case Closed?
In this story, I have introduced several, very special members of the RCMP and I have described their role in the case. Constable Millen was shot and killed. Constable King and Staff Sergeant Hersey were seriously wounded. The story as I have presented it is brief. Many excellent books have been written on the topic and some suggestions for further reading are listed below.
The intrigue of this story prompts us to learn more about the personalities of each of the RCMP involved in this tragic event.
In Part IV, I will develop one personality among all those RCMP mentioned. He has garnered attention in the modern day for very, very mysterious reasons.
On May 23rd, 2011, which is the 138th year Anniversary of the Force, then the name of our Mystery Man will be published. Then, the Mystery behind the Mystery Man can begin to be revealed.
J. J. Healy @Fort Healy
APRIL 23, 2011
This is the end of Part III
There are seven parts to this Mystery Series.
There are seven parts to this Mystery Series.
^ Back to Top ^
A Magnificent, Monumental, Memorable, Canadian Mystery
A Mystery Series
A Mystery Series
Part IV
A Family Matter : A Well Kept Secret
A virus and a secret share but one commonality. They both lie deep within the living organism. One lies entrenched in the living cell; the other lies deep in the living soul. Anyone with a microscope can study a virus. No one but God can reach the soul. The soul is the safety deposit box for secrets.
In my estimation, within nearly every family is housed a secret. It might be a health issue which could affect employment or promotion. Perhaps a family member won the lottery and wants to shy away from publicity. Maybe Auntie Mable once had a tendency to get tipsy after too many pre-lunch G and T's. Perhaps a person has a criminal record which prevents them from holding a passport or restricts cross border travel.
I recall as a police officer, years ago, one of my most exciting shifts at Toronto's Pearson International Airport was Saturday night. It was always fight night. A happy couple might arrive at the immigration post to be told that one of them had a 'secret past' -- a criminal record which dated back several years. The criminal record of one prevented both from sharing a honeymoon in Hawaii. Their flight departed; but they remained to fight between each other.
Today, more steps are taken to keep secrets from becoming public yet persistent savvy tecko's with cameras have ways to spy and pry. The public's craving for tabloid news has become as vital as air to a Navy Seal. News thirst about celebrities has become so fashionable that it sucks the ink out of magazine publishing companies.
The Healy's too have family secrets. The Ottawa Citizen (p.C9), for instance, wrote on May 12, 2011 that Henry Healy of the Clan Healy in Moneygall, Ireland is related to American President, Mr. Barack Obama. In my family, the Healy's preferred to keep the Obama connection 'under wraps' as publicity was not encouraged. Yet, inevitably the story broke in the Canadian press and on American TV networks.
But, now is nigh time to reveal a different, well kept family secret which connects the Healy's to a famous, historical RCMP Officer who led a murder case many, many years ago.
Over the past few months, I've been setting the scene for the release of a great Canadian mystery.
The mystery revolves around a well guarded secret. For me, it is a very personal family matter. I've been able to keep the secret hush-hush for a long time. But, some months ago I told my wife. Then I told some of my siblings -- at least the ones who would best understand my role in the situation. A very few select friends already know -- they are my highly trusted secret keepers.
Secrets can be big or little. The Canadian Armed Forces have big secrets. Their specialized units operate in hostile countries. Secrecy is required to protect their training techniques, policies and war readiness procedures. Secrecy is also required to protect their travel and the names of the countries in which they work. Secrecy allows our soldiers to stay alive. Bravo.
And, here's a little one. I notice a friend of mine in church every Sunday. I’m not sure of his exact age, but let’s say he’s much older than me. He sports a full crop of black, wavey, well combed hair. We share the same barber. Once day, by accident, the barber let out a secret -- my friend in church wears a very, very expensive toupee.
And now on to the Memorable Mystery. The 'Tale of the Mad Trapper' or as I prefer, the 'The Tale of the Tragic Trapper' stands out as being uniquely the largest manhunt and pursuit of a criminal in RCMP history. The pursuit of Albert Johnson caused a clash of times, a fracture between an old RCMP and the need for a faster evolving modern RCMP.
The chase involved many, many people in a variety of search, rescue and capture roles. Constable Edgar Millen was killed. His family was affected along with many others. RCMP Constable Alfred King and Canadian Signals Corps member Earl Hersey were left severely injured after both had been shot. They and their families were affected. Other lives were never the same. Some native people, for instance were traumatized. No one was able to forget the evil and the inexplicable treachery of the killer in Canada's northland.
The hunt for the still unidentified man was a singular turning point in the history of the RCMP. The chase demonstrated the unlimited potential of modern inventions in law enforcement such as aircraft. In this case, an aircraft was used to carry police from post to search area. It also carried much needed supplies for man and dog. The aircraft travelled hundreds of miles in a few hours whereas it took a member and a dog team days to cover the same distance. The aircraft and radio communications equipment played a role in preventing an unexpected ambush by the killer on the police party. Radio equipment shared a vital role in the pursuit as the search team could communicate with the aircraft's pilot 'Wop' May.
The role of the aircraft in this case cannot be underestimated. Permission to use an aircraft, for the first time, in a pursuit was the inspiration of the senior RCMP Officer in Command of the Western Artic, Reg.#5700, Inspector Alexander Neville Eames. Commissioner MacBrien supported his idea of the aircraft, saw its advantages, took the idea to Cabinet and they approved it. The chase of the Mad Trapper was a case which challenged Eames’ leadership skills and ingenuity; he proved his merit every step of the way.
Unquestionably, the approximate seven week chase was a spectacular recipe of events. The purchase of home radios became fashionable. The radio allowed the pursuit to be heard around the world. Some people listening to the chase wished the killer would outpace the police, but in reality, most people knew the deep intent of the RCMP to capture him. Eames, as the on-site Officer In Command of the pursuit, is reported to have wanted the killer to be taken alive -- a fact which, in my view, has been totally overlooked. The Officer distinguished himself as a leader, more so because he placed a high value on the person's life notwithstanding the crime. The value to protect life had been instilled in the Officer, in spite of the killer's deeds.
To Eames, the killer was a man, a person. The Officer's hope to capture the killer alive also provides a valuable insight into the early traditions of the men in the Force -- how people ought to be treated, when 'Maintiens le Droit' meant exactly what it meant. Am I the only Canadian who senses that the old fashioned RCMP method of 'persistent pursuit' and take' im alive tradition has been replaced by an efficient 'quick kill' culture? If that claim holds validity, judges ought to be concerned. Oh sure, pathologists will have secure employment but judges might be laid off as the number of suspects dwindle because they are dead which makes it far more unlikely they'll get up for their first court appearance.
The pursuit of the Trapper covered hundreds of kilometers under the harshest freezing cold and windy weather conditions imaginable. The dangers which the police party faced cannot be numbered nor fully understood. The possibility of running out of food arose every day. There was the possibility that sled dogs may not have sufficient energy to perform their tasks. Some dogs died under the stress of their heavy duties. A fire at night to keep warm might have been desirable, but it could be advantageous to the killer for he could identify the police overnight camp.
The police party always had to remain alert. There was no time for rest. Medical equipment and supplies were few in 1931. A hospital was not within reasonable distance to be of solace. Travel by dog team at night led to the high probability of falling into frigid water. If so, it meant death from freezing. At times, cold wind ripped so fiercely that snow covered the aircraft. When the wind stopped, the aircraft had to be found, then the snow removed to free it to operate and fly. The RCMP were forever alarmed that the killer might successfully escape across the border into America and then fall beyond their authority. He might also evade capture because of his uncanny ability to travel over impossible high mountains.
In my mind, every person who was involved in the operation was a hero. In spite of not being adequately trained for a pursuit of this nature, the RCMP members and others worked together as a cohesive team with one purpose; to capture the police killer. Little has ever been recorded of complaints from the RCMP members in the pursuit or from the many others who helped the RCMP. To those who feel they may have been overlooked, I think they all deserve credit. In the end, whether or not one RCMP member deserved more accolades than another is a moot point. The duties of the RCMP were only twofold; first, to capture the accused and secondly to present the accused to the court.
In my mind, however, of all the heroic persons involved in the 'Tale of the Tragic Trapper', one Officer stands out as being very, very special. He is at the top of my list of heros. I think he well deserved the 'Gold Ring', and he was, in fact awarded the Order of the British Empire (O.B.E.).
The Officer was the team leader, Inspector A.N. Eames. He was the ever present On-Site Commander. He was not selected for this specific operation but when it arose, within his police jurisdiction, he did not set it aside. He was active in his role as the Senior Officer from the first minute and he remained brave to the end of the pursuit. He consulted with his team but he made the final decision at every stage of the pursuit. He put his life constantly on the line as did every person in the pursuit. He had to withstand the same conditions as his men, but he was also responsible for each of them. He recognized the individual skills of each RCMP member in his team.
In the early stages, he had to consider the advantages of allowing Cst. Millen to continue the pursuit since Cst. Millen was the only RCMP member who had come face to face and spoken to the killer. Eames continuously reviewed the police party's progress and modified it as the pursuit turned right and left and upside down. He listened and evaluated intelligence from his guides as well as his newly formed air command. He regularly reported pursuit progress to Headquarters in Edmonton who in turn notified Ottawa. His men held him in high esteem. Commissioner MacBrien had full confidence in Inspector Eames' work, his ability, his judgement, his knowledge of the north and its ever present dangers. This Inspector knew the law and the rightful authority of the RCMP. He was not afraid to back up his opinions as he once demonstrated very forcefully in a letter to Cst. Millen.
As the on-site commander, Inspector Eames played the most central role in the capture of the killer. In July 1931, at the immediate outset of what became a tragedy, he correctly perceived that 'Albert Johnson' would likely cause trouble. I find it hard to explain why Inspector Eames detected trouble but, to some police officers, there is a 'smell' (perception) of impending danger.
I can attest that different situations emit different smells. An accurate perception or the right sense of trouble brewing can keep a police officer alive. The ability to 'size up' a situation depends on a variety of factors; the police officer's background, his or her past experiences, his or her level of education, having faced similiar situations in the past, observations and movements of the suspect, observing and evaluating behaviour, the time of day or night, the location and nature of the event under investigation.
Consider this minor example. In Burnaby Detachment in 1965, I had highly experienced senior constables as trainers. I have always been appreciative to them for their help. In one situation, one day at a large shopping mall, I was told by my senior trainer to arrest a highly intoxicated person. But first, my trainer held me back so that he could share a secret with me about alcoholism. I have never forgotten the lesson and afterwards the secret saved me from many, many tustles. This is what my trainer said. An alcoholic can 'smell' a police officer's attitude as the officer approaches. An alcoholic will immediately 'smell' if the officer is kind, non-judgemental and understanding, or, if the officer is rude, rough and ready to fight.
Perhaps the police officer presents vibes that he or she is somewhat important? Anyway, the 'smell secret' which I was told holds true. After my lesson on alcoholism, I approached the intoxicated person differently than I would have; in the role of a relaxed, non-threatening person. I offered my hand and helped him up. Reassurance helps. Cover up embarrassment. A brief, friendly conversation, followed by a 'Please, follow me'. Down through the years, I learned two traits of an alcoholic; they know and they don't know. They know they are a sick. They don't know how to reach for help. I think police officers have a societal obligation to learn secrets of their trade. Secrets are revealed by people when police officers earn their trust. Trust is earned after one converses with people. An improved police service to the community would be one outcome if more police officers were encouraged to talk. And listen. And afterwards take action through involvement.
My hero, the man of whom I speak, Inspector A. E. Eames knew how to detect trouble and prepare for the responses necessary. He had a full and exciting career in the Force -- until a sad moment at the very end. I recall Burnaby, BC. Inspector Eames and I were both there. For the record, I have never officially reported the incident. He deserves not to be reminded of more tragedy, yet the mystery of his last days deserves an airing.
In order to more fully appreciate this man’s contributions to the Force, the next installment of our ongoing mystery will reveal more details about both Eames’ personal life and his work life.
The ‘Tale of the Tragic Trapper’ brought fame to Inspector Eames which he had neither sought nor revelled in. His resulting high profile makes the secret that will be revealed all the more mysterious.J. J. Healy @Fort Healy
MAY 23, 2011
This is the end of Part IV
There are seven parts to this Mystery Series.
There are seven parts to this Mystery Series.
^ Back to Top ^
A Magnificent, Monumental, Memorable, Canadian Mystery
A Mystery Series
A Mystery Series
Part V
Of Life and Lore
Part V
Of Life and Lore
Prelude
A wide cast of characters played a role in the life and career of Alexander Neville Eames. Unfolding in this drama, like in every drama, there are a protagonist and an antagonist; forces of good and evil, hero and villain, police officer and criminal.
In this particular drama of ‘The Monumental, Memorable Mystery’, the protagonist or central figure is A. N. Eames. This is not the time to focus on the ‘Mad Trapper’. Instead, this segment illuminates the character of the protagonist and the distinguished career of Assistant Commissioner Eames which included his role in a 1932 Arctic murder case.
It has been a pleasure for me to learn and write about the life and times of A. N. Eames. In the past, I have described him as a hero, but that ideal does not mean that I worship him. All men are flawed including A. N. Eames and me. Like every person down through time everyone has had personal foibles, struggles and setbacks. I think of him as a sage grandfather from whom I learned valuable life lessons. One of those lessons is the determination which he displayed during the hunt and the unquestionable apprehension of someone who killed a police officer.
Assistant Commissioner A. N. Eames
Assistant Commissioner A. N. Eames
A. N. Eames had a stellar career in the Force; he was an extremely hard worker and his perseverance was quickly noticed by senior Officers; he was prompt, fast to learn, reliable and trustworthy. At age 29, he joined the Force with considerable experience and it was clearly noted on his application that he could ride a horse. It was not long before he came to the attention of Commissioner A.B. Perry. He established a solid work ethic in Calgary which impressed his Inspector -- who requested of the Commissioner that Eames be paid .25$ more per day while Eames was employed as Quarter Master and Mail Orderly. The request was approved.
He rose rapidly through the ranks, he gained unexpected fame due to the significent role he played as the Inspector in Charge of the pursuit, capture and death of the 'Mad Trapper'. He also enjoyed a seemingly happy personal life.
His superior Officers could rely on Eames and he was transferred several times wherever he was required. In 1919, he was selected to open Pincher Creek Detachment in Alberta. Eventually, Eames became the Commanding Officer of two provinces and, while posted to Nova Scotia, he was awarded the prestigious Order of the British Empire (O.B.E.) for his years of dedicated service to Canada especially during WWII. So, it is hard for me to believe when I received a note that an aura of sadness surrounded his death.
One thing is known for certain: after death, a person’s life cannot be fully told – there are always gaps; things not said, not recorded. The author uses his or her prerogative to include in the autobiography whatever they wish to choose. This writing style may be advantageous to the deceased as, in most cases, it is customary, whenever possible, to emphasize the good aspects of his or her life.
Similarly, a eulogy does not contain the ugliness of daily life which the person may have encountered. Eames’ deserved all the credit he was given for his work, but in unusual fashion, he was insistent to deflect accolades away from himself and instead, lent inspirational remarks towards his subordinates and others. This quality of humility was a sign which A.N. Eames always presented.
For an example of Eames' charitable words about others, I refer readers to Archives Canada and 'The Report of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (1934) for the Eighteen Months Ended March 31, 1934. Briefly, Eames acknowledges all the help and the sacrifices which were made by everyone in the pursuit. In his report, he tried not to overlook anyone who had come unselfishly to the assistance of the RCMP.
Eames' reluctance to openly talk about his career can be well understood by the following story. In 1948, a nephew, John Eames, arrived in Vancouver from England to visit his Uncle Alex. It seemed that A. N. Eames was not the least interested in sharing old police yarns with his nephew. When it came to recalling stories of his years in the Force, John Eames described his Uncle Alex '...as rather like the old British Army Colonel...[he has] been around but doesn't want to talk about it.'
Nephew John returned to England having not learned a dry morsel of his Uncle Alex's career in the Force. Later, John Eames wrote to the Commissioner asking for an overview of his uncle’s career and whether or not his uncle was the same person involved in the ‘Mad Trapper’ case. Poor John Eames. In his letter to John Eames, Commissioner S. T. Wood was equally evasive – noting only that during A.N. Eames’ career ‘... the Albert Johnson case came up’. (An S.T. Wood memo on the Eames file dated October 6, 1950)
I can't explain the reasons for the Commissioner to stall John Eames' enquiry. As one helpful suggestion, the Commissioner could have sent John Eames a copy of The Annual Report of 1934 in which the entire story of A. N. Eames, the RCMP and the 'Mad Trapper' is exposed? It's equally curious why Uncle Alex would not share a nibble or two with his nephew from England?
I title Part V of this Memorable Mystery: A.N. Eames: 'Of Life, Lore, Loss, Loneliness and Legacy’. I have the advantage of owning a copy of his Service File which I referenced very thoroughly. The Service File of Reg.#5700, Officer Number 0.209, A. N. Eames was an invaluable thread which helped me follow him from his engagement into the RNWMP in 1913 to his retirement from the RCMP in 1946. Eames’ Service File also permitted me to garner insights of a personal nature into his life.
Over the past few months I have been weaving a mystery – certainly one of the most fascinating mysteries involving a member of the Force down through the annals of the RCMP. I have alluded to certain known facts; first, the mystery surrounding A. N. Eames began many, many years ago. He died in North Vancouver in 1965 about the time I arrived from ‘Depot’ to Burnaby Detachment in British Columbia’s Lower Mainland. Secondly, A. N. Eames is best known for his connection to the ‘Tale of the Mad Trapper.’ At that time, Inspector Eames was the Officer in Charge of the RCMP’s Western Arctic Region.
The Mad Trapper case began in late 1931 and stretched on for about seven weeks into 1932. It involved a mysterious man who wounded one RCMP member and one Canadian Military man. He murdered another RCMP member and was thus pursued vigorously by the RCMP. The mysterious man was labelled ‘Albert Johnson’, but he actually has never been identified with certainty.
Eames led the Johnson case and he demonstrated a high degree of bravery. Once, in forty degree below temperature, he, among others, held four pounds of dynamite inside his clothes, close to his body, so that it would thaw before it could be ignited and tossed at Johnson’s cabin. At another point, after the dynamite had been tossed, Eames and trapper Garlund rushed Johson’s cabin believing he was dead. Instead, the pair was unexpectedly confronted – almost face to face. From inside his cabin, Johnson shot at Eames and Garlund but missed -- they were close enough that Johnson shot the flashlight out of Garlund’s hand.
Thirdly, the mystery leads us to the final days of Alexander Neville Eames. It was deemed, I presume by A.N. Eames' strong will, that I was left with a very special and personal memorial of his life. It was passed on to me through faithful friends. I have had a lifelong interest in Eames' exciting career and today I am very mindful of honouring the memory of A. N. Eames.
Alexander Neville Eames joined the Royal North West Mounted Police on August 9, 1913 at the age of twenty-nine. Shortly before engagement into the RNWMP, Eames had arrived in Canada from his home in the District of Abergavenny, Wales.
If we go back to his early life in Great Britain, we learn that he was born on December 26, 1883 as the fourth oldest of six children to William and Sarah Eames. We can deduce that Eames’ was a modest man for he never mentioned the social status of his family or the fact that his parents employed a Governess, a General Servant and a Grooming Servant. His family must have been fairly well-to-do.
There is no reference to Eames’ early schooling in Wales, however, it was noted that he was well read and confident in conversation. As well, his penmanship was excellent and so his writing was noticed by his superiors from the earliest days of his career. It is thought that he may have been home schooled by the Governess in the employ of his parents. In his application to the Force, his occupation was identified as a Game and River Keeper. A letter of recommendation written on his behalf described Eames as being 'strictly sober, honest and extremely willing to work hard'.
He arrived in Quebec City on August 5, 1913 as a passenger on board the ship ‘Sicilian’. From Quebec City, Eames paid $22.50 for a one way train ticket to Regina, Saskatchewan. Interestingly, about thirty other men from England, Ireland and America were also listed on the ‘Sicilian’ manifest with their destination as Regina, SK.
Eames remained in Regina from Aug 1913 to Dec 1913. He was then transferred to Red Deer, AB. He distinguished himself early in his career. His Commanding Officer recognized him as ‘one of our smartest and most-painstaking non-commissioned officers’ who was very efficient and always conscientious'.
In March 1917, Eames was promoted to Corporal and soon thereafter became the acting Quarter-Master Sergeant in Calgary. In this new role, he was granted $0.50 extra pay per day which was very timely as he was soon to be a married man and any additional income would be welcome.
Eames married Margaret Louise Chalmers in the district of Calgary on July 14, 1917 at St. Luke’s Anglican Church in Red Deer. Happily, Eames adjusted so well to his new responsibilities both as the Acting Sergeant and as a husband that his Commanding Officer wrote two letters of recommendation for further promotion. His CO advocated so well that the Commissioner deemed it a nice gesture to confirm the promotion to Sergeant on December 17, 1917 just in time for the Christmas holidays. Eames’ CO described Eames as having 'a stellar work ethic and splendid ability'. It seems that Eames had a reputation for being 'thoroughly competent, attentive and efficient'. The new Sergeant also had a strong sense of duty.
In April 1918, Eames volunteered to go overseas with the Canadian Expeditionary Force of the Royal North West Mounted Police Calvary (Military Service No 2684314). He was sent to England and arrived on May 18, 1918, which was six months before Armistice Day. He was then sent onto France. He held the rank of Lance Corporal with the Canadian Light Horse and it was reported that he saw action. He was awarded both the General Service Medal and the Victory Medal. He was discharged from the CEF on March 14, 1919 and he returned home to Canada later in the same month.
Upon his return and his re-engagement with the RNWMP, Eames’ had served in the Force about seven years. He was recommended for promotion to Staff Sergeant, but to his consternation, 'HQ' declined his superior Officer's advice. Instead, he received his Commission on February 1, 1920 and was promoted to Inspector. His annual salary was stated to be the grand sum of $1200.00 per annum. He was sent to Lethbridge, AB to open the Pincher Creek Detachment.
A. N. Eames was an Inspector for 16 years, was transferred to Edmonton in 1920, Fort Norman, NWT in 1924, Vancouver in 1926 and Herschel Island in 1929.
It was during this time as the Officer Commanding the Western Arctic Subdivision in the NWT that Eames was involved in the hunt for the Mad Trapper. The chase which took place over the winter of 1932-1933 was a distinct highlight of his career.
In the aftermath of that very public and famous manhunt, Eames was promoted to the rank of Superintendent in November 1936. As the years passed, Eames gained seniority in the Officer Corps and he became the senior Superintendent in the Force.
The success attached to his career continued as he was promoted to Assistant Commissioner in April 1943. His last posts were that of the Commanding Officer first in ‘F’ Div., (Saskatchewan) and then ‘H’ Div., (Nova Scotia).
In July 1946, he received the very distinguished honour of being received into the Order of the British Empire and shortly thereafter on August 15, 1946, he retired to pension. His pension was calculated to be $3700.00.
Assistant Commissioner Eames enjoyed retirement on Canada's west coast for almost 20 years. He and his wife had no children but they travelled throughout British Columbia and became re-acquainted with old friends. He also kept in touch with serving Officers as well as the Commissioner
A. N. Eames died at age 81 on January 13, 1965 at his residence in North Vancouver. Ironically, it is in death that the mystery of Eames' life unfolds.
This instalment reflects a portion of the life and lore of A. N. Eames. The next instalment will reveal the secret about how his life ended and his loneliness. I will also acknowledge all my friends -- East and West -- who contributed to reuniting the special memories of Assistant Commissioner Eames to me. I remain sincerely thankful to them.
In Part VI, I will summarize the inspirational legacy of a remarkable and unforgettable Canadian, Assistant Commissioner A. N. Eames.
I would like to acknowledge the use in this story of newspaper clippings; one is from the Calgary Herald and shows the date January 18, 1965. The other clipping, I believe is from the Halifax Chronicle Herald, but the real source was not noted on the clipping in the Archive file. I do appreciate the work and I thank the authors of both newspaper articles.
I also want to thank my friends at National Archives Canada, Ottawa for their help with identifying files and for finding material which I likely would never have uncovered. Archives Canada, Ottawa provides valuable help and their employees are first class and always willing to assist. Thank you.
This is the end of Part V
There are seven parts to this Mystery Series.
There are seven parts to this Mystery Series.
^ Back to Top ^
A Magnificent, Monumental, Memorable, Canadian Mystery
Part VI
Of Loss, Loneliness and Legacy
Part VI
Of Loss, Loneliness and Legacy
"Hell is a place where men are forgotten
where souls lie in anguish and sorrows begotten"
(J.J.Healy)
where souls lie in anguish and sorrows begotten"
(J.J.Healy)
RCMP Commissioner Apprised Of Mystery
Late in the afternoon of July 21, 2011, I informed Commissioner William J. S. Elliott that a Magnificent, Monumental, Memorable Mystery which involved a distinguished, long deceased Officer had been solved by a small group of volunteer Canadians.
The Commissioner should not be caught off guard if the Mystery about Assistant Commissioner Eames was to be picked up by the press. In his reply, the Commissioner expressed his appreciation for the alert.
My message to the Commissioner follows here. However, I recommend the reader first becomes well informed about the medical issue of forgetfulness. Although Assistant Commissioner A. N. Eames led a courageous life, one must speculate whether or not forgetfulness played a role in the last days of his dramatic life.
Is it possible that Assistant Commissioner Eames was forgotten...forgotten...?
Forgetful Aims
Among aging Canadians, forgetfulness is a fear which will not go away. Small, yet early 'lapses' may be a sign of worse clinical pronouncements to follow. Slight memory loss hypothetically begins at birth -- that is, if one accepts that the overriding purpose of birth is to die. Yet, memory loss can affect people at any point of life, notwithstanding well intended aims never to forget. To forget where one left one's glasses, or a book, or to forget gas for the car may seem minor.
But, persistent forgetfulness is more problematic as it may lead the patient into harm. Interestingly, in clinical trials, well trained police officers can also experience forgetful episodes when they try to accurately reconstruct their thoughts and observations after an accident. Memory plays an important part of a police officer's career if he or she is called as a credible witness.
As an aside, I recall one journalist on television (see, I've forgotten his name) speaking about his perceptions of the public. It seemed to him that people had forgotten, in some situations, how to behave. To him, some people expressed their feelings in contradictory ways -- we might say odd. For instance, a father will cry when his first child is born. Yet, others might be gleeful (or, relieved) when a person dies -- perhaps a rich life has come to a natural close. Cry for a gift given, laugh at a loss. In short, at times, people let their guard down. They forget -- so to speak. New life is natural and death is also natural. Both acts are part of the cycle of human generations, and no matter how one responds, the fact that death follows life has been wholly accepted by all cultures.
Forgetfulness is not wished on anyone because the condition is far from being thoroughly understood. An Ottawa friend who is a neuropsychologist tells me that puzzle-like-games of varying difficulty are used in the clinical assessment of patients who suffer mental ailments related to aging. Essentially, the choice of puzzles which the doctor chooses is determined by factors such as the age and health of the patient plus cues which the professional will pick up during a pretest interview. My friend's explanation of the methodology used to measure precise degrees of forgetfulness sounded very logical, sound and simple. But, my wife uses a less precise measuring tool. As a woman, she just seems to know that I persistently experience forgetfulness on Saturday mornings when the grass requires mowing. Anyway, measuring forgetfulness is science and I get the general drift of the scientific method.
A basic awareness of the natue of forgetfulness is important to the reader because as this Mystery unraveled it drove the Investigative Team in several directions, taking them on more twists and turns than the Montreal Grand Am.
Eighteen months ago, I received a very curious message from Mr. Keatley. He probably did not realize the furor of activity which would result from the few typed lines that he sent to me. As soon as I read the name A. N. Eames, I was startled to attention. I could not believe that one of the most illustrious members of the Force and one of my personal heroes seemed to be unaccounted for in death. Quickly on the heals of the realization that a mystery was embedded in the final chapter of A/Comm'r Eames' life came my resolution to solve the mystery and to as best as I was able to rectify what seemed to be a past error.
Message to Commissioner William J. S. Elliott
July 21, 2011
July 21, 2011
Dear Commissioner Elliott,
Urn and remains finally found: Officer Number 0.209, Reg. # 5700, Assistant-Commissioner Alexander Neville Eames, Officer In Charge (Inspector) of Western Arctic District and responsible for the ‘Mad Trapper’ Investigation – end of 1931 and early 1932.
Greetings from an Ottawa retiree and Vet volunteer. My name is retired Supt. Joe Healy, formerly OIC Peacekeeping Branch. You might recall that my wife, Cathy, and I met you and your wife on the train in Montreal several months ago.
As a sincere courtesy to you and the RCMP, I want you to be the first to know that a long time ‘Mystery’ has been solved. I think you ought to be aware of the ‘Solved Mystery’ as the story may soon hit the popular press.
Even before I left the Force in 2001, I had begun work on a list of NWMP, RNWMP and RCMP names and the location of their graves. Finding graves of members and caring for them has been an interest for me, along with other Vets, over many, many years.
Today, I maintain a database of about 18,000 deceased members’ names going back to 1873. Thousands of members’ graves have been located and photographed across Canada and around the world. I am very, very grateful for all the research, contributions, ideas and foot work which has been done by members, vets, friends and families.
I think you will find the following story fascinating. At this time of your career in the Force, you might consider the item as a ‘good news’ story?
Background:/p>
About eighteen months ago, I received a short note of concern from a friend, Mr. Reg Keatley, living in Calgary, AB. In his note, Mr. Keatley said that he had done some preliminary research on the location of Reg.#5700, A/Comm'r Eames’ grave but that he could not find it. He suspected A/Comm'r Eames had been cremated, but the Burnaby, BC funeral home could not locate his urn. Very, very mysterious, so I decided to take action.
I began a series of lengthy, discreet, long distance telephone calls with the funeral home. What if the story leaked out before his urn was found?
Did someone forget to bury A/Comm'r Eames? It's a dilly of a question for Canadians familiar with RCMP history.
Company records clearly showed that the cremation on A/Comm’r Eames had taken place in January 1965. But, the funeral home could not find A/Comm’r Eames’ urn. One problem, I learned, was that old urns (going back to the 1960's) were not organized on a company computer, thus a search of the property and its buildings would be extremely time consuming for staff.
For several months leading up to Christmas 2010, the funeral home reported that they had no luck finding A/Comm'r Eames’ urn. In the meantime, I had secretly told my wife that a 'special out of town guest' might be arriving from the West coast on Air Canada for Christmas. Let's just say that 'our guest' did not fly into Ottawa as we had hoped. Instead, 'our guest' had to spend another Christmas in a dark, solitary closet somewhere in Burnaby, BC.
In January 2011, the funeral home called with very, very exciting news. In fact, the employees at the funeral home were equally excited as me. A grounds keeper employee assigned to the search for the Eames urn had finally found it six long months after the search had first started. It was found in the midst of many thousands of forgotten urns. The funeral home assured me that the urn would be immediately shipped to me in Ottawa via Air Canada.
True to their word, later in January 2011, the funeral company put the special parcel on Air Canada. I was very, very relieved as I finally was about to take possession of Assistant Commissioner Eames’ remains. I never guessed that I would meet one of my long time heroes under these circumstances.
I felt very sorry for A/Comm'r Eames and the circumstances which led me to believe that he had been forgotten for about forty-six years. I also thought back to my first arrival at Burnaby Detachment from 'Depot' in 1965 just a few weeks after he had been cremated. In fact, I had cause to visit the funeral home in 1965 when a friend had passed away. Little did I realize that A/Comm'r Eames was waiting nearby, probably asking himself why 'new recruit Healy' didn't rescue him and bury him properly?
I spent about eighteen months in Burnaby before my transfer down Surrey way. So I had driven by the funeral home a thousand times on duty. Anyway, his parcel finally arrived but it was tossed to me by the post man as a football. I signed for the safe keeping of A/Comm’r Eames’ and I mailed the officials documents back to the funeral home. The employees of the funeral home deserve tons of credit for their persistence. I am very appreciative. The employees searched as diligently as the RCMP had pursued the half frozen crazed man of years ago. A/Comm'r Eames would have been proud.
Since January 2011, the urn containing A/Comm'r Eames' remains has been properly, safely and respectfully stored.
I soon called an ‘ole, trusted, proven friend and historian in the Force for quiet advice. Superintendent Brian Brennan of ‘H’ Div, Halifax, NS generously gave me private time to discuss eventual burial strategies and burial locations, ideas related to the Force and lots of encouragement as I began to write the first instalment of a Monumental, Memorable Canadian Mystery.
I needed more time to determine if any relatives of A/Comm'r Eames are living. So, rather than release the Eames' story too early, I decided to write a Mystery about A/Comm’r Eames, his career and especially his involvement with 'The Mad Trapper’ case. A/Comm’r Eames was no ordinary member of the Force. He is a legend, not only in the history of the Force, but in Canadian history. The pursuit activities of The 'Mad Trapper' by he and his posse were heard on radio by people around the world in 1932. It was Eames' idea to employ an airplane (piloted by Wop May) for the first time to help the police in an investigation.
History of A/Comm’r Alexander Neville Eames
A/Comm’r. Eames was born in Wales in 1883 – if alive, he would be 128 years of age. He sailed to Canada and joined the RNWMP in Regina, SK in 1913 at age 29 years. Over his 33 year career, he was promoted through the ranks. He was promoted from Superintendent to Assistant Commissioner when was appointed as CO ‘H’ Div.
As a constable, he enlisted in the Canadian Expeditionary Force and was attached to the Canadian Light Horse Regiment as a Lance Corporal and served in Great Britain and France from May, 1918 to March 1919. He was awarded the General Service Medal and the Victory Medal.
A/Comm'r Eames was 49 years of age in 1932 at the time of the ‘Mad Trapper’ investigation and pursuit. In those days, he was the Inspector, Officer In Charge of the Western Arctic.
In July 1946, he received the very distinguished honour of being received into the Order of the British Empire. Shortly thereafter, A/Comm'r Eames retired to Vancouver, BC on August 15, 1946. His pension was calculated to be $3700.00 per annum.
A/Comm’r. Eames died in 1965 at age of 81. A religious service was held for him at a funeral home in North Vancouver, BC. According to newspaper accounts his service was well attended by members of the Force as well as two elderly sisters from Wales. After his service, his body was taken to Burnaby for cremation. Records show that his wife paid for the funeral service and his cremation.
Many years later, his wife, Margaret Louise Eames died in 1983 at age 100 years. Mrs Eames had lived another eighteen years after her husband had been cremated -- but not buried? That's the secret mystery. One could speculate why A/Comm'r Eames was not buried -- perhaps Mrs Eames could not afford a burial or maybe she forgot?
A/Comm’r. Eames’ final remains were left untouched at the Burnaby funeral home since 1965 until 2011 – 46 years after he died.
The Eames’ had no children. His siblings have long died. At the present time, I am trying to contact distant relatives in Wales and in Western Canada. It is my hope to consult with whomever I find about a burial service sometime in the future. I intend to places notices in the national press and some newspapers on the West coast.
If a relative of A/Comm'r Eames is found, I’d like to arrange an RCMP burial service perhaps at the RCMP National Cemetery in Ottawa or at ‘Depot’ in Regina, SK or at a cemetery in Vancouver, BC. Until I exhaust all searches for relatives, I cannot finalize plans for his burial. The Commissioner's Office will be kept informed of my progress as well as the Ottawa Vets Association.
Yes, the urn of A/Comm’r Eames has been found in Burnaby, BC and now safely stored in Ottawa, ON. But, what were the reasons for Mrs Eames to leave her husband's cremated remains forever ‘forgotten’?
That's another story. Another mystery.Yours truly,
J. J. (Joe) Healy,
Reg.#23685
Commissioner Elliott's Reply
Dear Supt. Healy;
'Thank you very much for your e-mail and for sharing the tale of the discovery of Assistant Commissioner Eames' remains. I recall meeting you in Montreal. I believe we also met some time back in Ottawa.
I will speak [about this matter] in Ottawa when I return next week. I am out of town at the moment.
I hope you are well.
Thank you again.
William Elliott
This is the end of Part VI
There are seven parts to this Mystery Series.
There are seven parts to this Mystery Series.
^ Back to Top ^
My Discovery Team Revealed
I sought help and advice of close friends who helped me with a Magnificent, Monumental, Memorable, Canadian Mystery. This Mystery would not have been solved without the help of this fine Team. I am very, very appreciative to all of them.
I am very appreciative to Mr. Reg Keatley (The Regent) for alerting me that something was amiss with A/Comm’r Eames’ grave. It could not be found! It was missing!
Mr. Keatley was alarmed that a senior Officer of the Force might not have been properly buried. Solid clues dug up by Reg lead to this case being solved!
Thank you Reg!
Christine (The Administrator) works at the funeral home. She was pleasant and helpful from the moment that she learned of my plight. Christine helped me immensely with the discovery of A/Comm'r. Eames' urn and its safe delivery to me. Christine also promptly returned many, many phone calls.
Thank you Christine!
Superintendent Brian Brennan (The Zipper) of ‘H’ Div, Halifax, NS generously gave me his private time to discuss burial issues related to the Force. He was also full of encouragement as I wrote each Part of a Memorable Canadian Mystery. As well, Supt. Brennan was my on-call spell checker.
Thank you Brian!
I am very, very appreciative to my friend Don Lintott (Dr. Don) of Vancouver, BC. Don and his wife Deirdre, along with their daughter Laura visited our home in Ottawa during the summer of 2010. While the Lintott's visited, I explained the Eames' file to Don and asked him to represent me, as a colleague, at the funeral home in Burnaby. Don quickly agreed. Don visited the funeral home and established a professional contact on my behalf. The funeral home agreed, through 'Dr. Don', to respect my wish that the search for the Eames' urn become a priority. Don enjoyed being asked to help me in 'an undercover discovery of the dead' capacity. Don's role to keep continual contact with the funeral home was very important as I was kept up to speed on a regular basis.
Thank you Don and Deirdre!
Two friends,Mr. Gerry Vullings of Ottawa and Mr. Robert O’Rourke of Peterborough (The Paper Boys helped me expertly with computer searches and genealogical materials on A/Comm’r Eames’ family background. Genealogical work is time consuming and I appreciate their expertise, their ability to get through ‘the maze’ of details and the hours they devoted to the research.
Thank you Gerry and Bob!
Retired Deputy Commissioner Herman Beaulac, a friend for forty years, made a very special, decorative oak box for A/Comm’r Eames’ remains. Herman The Carpenter eagerly agreed to help me, freely, long before I told him for whom I required the urn.
Thank you Herman!
ComplicationsI learned one aspect about funeral homes from the Eames' case. Many, many, years ago when the practice of cremation was first introduced into Canada, people held the idea that a 'cremation' also included the full burial phase including a service. Such was not the intention of funeral homes. After the cremation of a family member, when they were told that an additional cost was attached to the next phase (burial), they decided to leave the remains in the care of the funeral home versus taking responsibility for them. Over many years, funeral businesses have been left with thousands and thousands of unclaimed remains. A/Comm'r Eames was just one case among the thousands of urns which were 'forgotten'. The particular reason for A/Comm' Eames being assigned to loneliness in a cupboard in not yet understood.
I was told that, that under provincial law, remains of a person must be retained by the funeral home until they are claimed by a rightful person(s).
In the Eames Mystery case there was a 'faint hope clause' at work. The funeral home said that among the thousands of unclaimed urns are hundreds which have tags with illegible/faded writing. Thus, each 'urn' with an illegible tag would have to be opened (one by one) and a metal identification ID marker inside the urn would have to be retrieved then cross referenced against the Log. If the writing on A/Comm'r Eames' temporary urn had not been clearly readable, much more time would have been required to search for and scan the metal ID marker.
As the months rolled by, I was hoping for a 'slight' possibility that the writing had not faded from 1965 and that A/Comm'r Eames would breeze though without more verification. In our case, the sun did rise -- the writing on the urn by the funeral home employees in 1965 can clearly be read and the writing identifies A/Comm'r Eames as the sole occupant. A/Comm'r Eames deserved to be set free -- he mused that his space was getting too crowded much like an RCMP cellblock in Burnaby Detachment after a house party northside. He much preferred open, stary skies with no limits.
Legacy of Assistant Commissioner Alexander Neville Eames, O.B.E.
To close, I would like to present a short sketch of A/Comm'r. Eames for I began to read about him many years ago. I would like to have met him. One is struck by his eyes. They look warm, kind, gentle and thoughthful. One perceives, through his eyes, that he is not a threat. His skin is tight. It's also dark from overexposure to the sun. It's as smooth as a newly purchased piece of duck tape.
He was always a person of special interest because of his leadership in the 'Mad Trapper' file. I have often thought, for instance, about the weeks and days that he was away from his wife.
I have thought about the Arctic cold and how the cold must have affected him. In all likelihood he and his men were not clothed warmly for the severe conditions that they had to face. I have wondered if he was able to sleep satisfactorily under the cold conditions. It's not too far a stretch of the imagination to consider that two men sleeping and huddled closely together would be a natural strategy to stay alive. The dogs too would be helpful sleeping companions provided they had been sufficiently fed.
The dogs were a vital part of Inspector Eames' planning. Each man in the pursuit knew that the dogs had to be constantly cared for and fed. Inspector Eames was the first and foremost person in authority so he had the men to care for first, but the dogs were the answer to further travel or help in an emergency. Under his leadership, he must have ensured that everyone took turns with chores such as feeding the dogs or settling them from fights.
Then Inspector Eames must have been a leader whom his men respected and admired. He and his men had to work together and live together for weeks and weeks. Under Arctic conditions, Inspector Eames would have had to listen as well as talk. The men in his posse also had personal experiences in the north. He would only be a wise leader if he listened to their advice. If there was to be a team, the team depended on team collaboration.
Any materials in 1932 that might have made a tent could not be compared to new fabrics of today. It's likely that he and his men counted stars night after night whether it was for a pursuit or any investigation. Tarps were available in the 1930, but tarp is heavy and after a heavy storm it will leak or absorb water. The point about tarp is that Inspector Eames and his men would not have found it comfortable.
Years ago, the light went out for A/Comm'r Eames when he died and was cremated. But, presently I feel that another light has been turned on -- a light of renewal now that his remains have been discovered. It is my view that every life is special. My sentiments for A. N. Eames are special yet also very memorable. First, because of his courageous reputation in the 1932 Arctic case. But, I also feel as though I had a close encounter with him when I was given a unique opportunity by Supt. Pantry in the early 1970's to read police reports by Inspector Eames. Then finally, I think that we might nearly have met in Burnaby in 1965 - he was being cremated and I was being incubated into the Force.
A/Comm'r Eames was especially known for his humility. Yet, I think he deserved every promotion he received in the RCMP. He undertook his share of cross Canada transfers. He served in World War I. He was married, but he and his wife probably didn't spend as much time together as they would have preferred. He never wrote a book about his experiences and accordingly to legend, he rarely spoke of his Arctic experiences. He never boasted about his past. In spite of his accomplishments and the dangers he faced, few people would recognize him. Later in his career, while in the RCMP, he became the senior Superintendent. It was from the Superintendent rank that he sprung to an Assistant Commissioner. His reputation was solidly based on rightful obedience to his superiors and dependability.
By all indications and norms in policing, one would think that an RCMP Assistant Commissioner would be considered highly successful in his profession. And in nearly every aspect of his career, A/Comm'r Eames was. But, in death he was forgotten and the reasons for him to be set aside may never be known.
I considered it as being never too late to meet A/Comm'r Eames. It is a very special honour for me to care for his final remains and to ensure that he receives a respectful burial. I can assure the reader that he has been kept warm so that if he ever awoke, he would welcome the warmth of Ottawa over the Arctic. He has been long, long dead, but I often wished that I could review his career and the circumstances which forged us together.
If A/Comm'r Eames awoke, I have mused that his first sentence to me would be...'You're too slow and you sure took your time!'
The mystery attached to finding out what had happened to A/Comm'r Eames' remains post cremation has been solved.
Why he was forgotten and relagated to the dark recesses of a funeral home is another mystery that cannot be fully understood.
Congratulations to the entire Canadian Discovery Team! Thank You!
This concludes the Monumental, Memorable Canadian Mystery. After plans are firmly arranged for a Memorial Service for
A/Comm'r Eames a final chapter will be written.
This is the end of Part VI
There are seven parts to this Mystery Series.
There are seven parts to this Mystery Series.
^ Back to Top ^
A Magnificent, Monumental, Memorable, Canadian Mystery
A Mystery Series
Assistant Commissioner A. N. Eames
A Mystery Series
June 26, 2012
Part VII : A Private Person & Police Officer Was Given A Private Memorial Service
I buried Assistant Commissioner Alexander Neville Eames of Vancouver BC at noon today in a private ceremony at the RCMP National Memorial at Beechwood Cemetery, Ottawa, Ontario. I conducted the rite of Christian Service of the Dead in the presence of Mr. James Patterson, Executive Manager of the Beechwood Cemetery. It was a very, very special honour and an emotional event for me to lower him into his final resting place. Now, may he rest in peace.+
Today's Memorial Service closes the final chapter of an RCMP Officer who led an unusual and exciting portion of his life in the Arctic. In historical accounts, Assistant Commissioner Eames demonstrated that he was dedicated to preserving the lives of his subordinate police officers while also maintaining the peace in Canada.
Assistant Commissioner A. N. Eames' personality, integrity, confidence, work ethic, ideals and professional police officer attributes illuminated all the fine features of the NWMP, the Royal North West Mounted Police (RNWMP) and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP).
He will long be remembered. He long inspired my life as a police officer.
St. Michael, Protector of Police Officers will be pleased.
Graveside Memorial Service
O.209, Assistant Commissioner A. N. Eames
Sunday, June 8th, 2014
On Sunday, June 8th, 2014, a very special Memorial Service was held at the gravesite of Assistant Commissioner A. N. Eames. The Graveside Service at the RCMP National Memorial Cemetery was conducted by RCMP Chaplain Pierre Belanger. It had been previously agreed that the Eames Memorial Service would take place during the weekend of the 2014 Annual General Meeting of the RCMP Vets Association.
Above
Chaplain Pierre Belanger led the assembled at the Eames grave with prayers
& RCMP Mounted Guard in the background
Above
The Eames' grave marker prior to unveiling
Above
Right to Left: Edmonton, AB Vet AJH (Joe) Collinson
& Ottawa, ON Vet J. J. (Joe) Healy
Above. Right to Left:
National Division Ottawa C/Supt. Marty Chesser unveils the Eames' grave marker
with Ottawa, ON Vet J. J. (Joe) Healy
Above
National Division Ottawa Pipes & Drums
Hi Joe:
Thanks for taking the time to send me an e-mail—I am very pleased to make contact with you.
I replied to your e-mail some time ago but have not heard back from you so thought that I would try again. My reply contained several pictures of Eames and Aklavik but the files may have been too big for your e-mail to accept so I have not included them in this communication. I would be pleased to send them to you in a separated email.
But first of all let me introduce myself: I am John Crawley; I am 69 years old and I live near Edmonton, Alberta. My reason for having my sister Paddy ask you to contact me is that our mother (Lucy Ball, deceased) was matron of the Aklavik hospital from 1929 to 1932. She was a close friend of Inspector Eames, Constable Edgar Millen and Constable Robert McDowell.
My mother was instrumental in getting a commitment from the City of Edmonton to properly maintain the Edgar Millen Park and memorial site. By the way, the correct address for his park is 115 Avenue and 86 Street (just off Fort Road). The address on RCMPgraves is not quite correct.
In researching Inspector Eames I came upon the www.rcmpgraves.com web site and your involvement with it. Thank you so much for your work in remembering him. He was a lifelong friend of my mother and I grew up on stories my mother told of him. He bought her, Nurse Mildred McCabe and Nurse Kay Brownlee a flight in Wop May’s airplane in appreciation for all they did during the Albert Johnson affair. I have several pictures take of this event.
When my mother died I inherited a quantity of photographs and negatives that she took during her time in Aklavik along with notes about their subjects. For the past three years I have been using these pictures and notes to write her story in the form of an historical novel.
My writing is presently at 600+ pages. I am not attempting to rewrite the “Mad Trapper” story, which has been told many times, but wish to accurately chronicle that period of time in the north and the remarkable untold story of my mother. Her recollections of what happened in Aklavik throw a slightly different light on that time in history including some of the Albert Johnson saga. My hope is that the book will get a new generation interested in those historic events and the incredible people involved.
I look forward to a chat on the phone or contact by e-mail ( alittlmoreink@hotmail.com ) with someone who is as keenly interested in the events of that time as I am. My phone number is: 1-780-968-0359 and I am home most times. If long distance is a problem I have anytime calling and can phone you if you supply me with your number.
Yours Historically,
John Crawley
'Maintain Our Memories'
Reporting from the Fort,
June 26, 2012
J. J. Healy
Reg.#23685
