True and Fascinating Canadian History
Vet of the Month: August, 2023
Officer O.198, Assistant Commissioner Albert John Cawdron
RCMP Vets. Ottawa, ON
In a way, Albert John Cawdron fell into the policing profession quite by accident. While some people struggle to make friends, young Albert realized early in life the importance of influential friends, and with their help over many years, he became highly successful in his role as a senior Canadian police officer. Albert not only experienced war, but his leadership skills were also noticed by friends in high places and by those who were able to advance his career. He was quick to learn, and he rose quickly through the ranks. Making friends served him well throughout his entire life.
Albert Cawdon was born in Ottawa on August 25th, 1873. His father, Henry Cawdron just happened to be the longtime Manager and Caretaker of the Rifle Range near Ottawa where the Dominion Police Force (DPF) held their Annual Revolver and Rifle Shooting Qualifications. Albert was employed in an administrative role by his father at the shooting range, and although his job had some responsibilities attached to it, his role also had limitations. His talents were not being fully exercised or tested. He was twenty-one years of age.
One day in 1894, Albert was working as a clerk at the Rifle Range, and quite by coincidence, Commissioner Percy Sherwood of the Dominion Police Force (DPF) was also visiting the range. This is the unlikely spot where Albert and the Commissioner's paths crossed. Commissioner Sherwood may have had a hard outer shell, but he was reputed to be an astute and very observant and keen police officer. While at the shooting range, Commissioner Sherwood was impressed almost immediately by Albert Cawdron's appearance and self confidence, his speaking ability and his organizational skills. Albert Cawdron's life was soon to change and a new, and unexpected career in policing awaited him. Commissioner Sherwood promptly proposed that Albert Cowdron join the Dominion Police. The Commissioner elected to mentor Albert, and upward mobility for Albert was given a whole new definition.
Soon after they met, Commissioner Sherwood hired Albert as an Administrative Clerk. From 1895 to 1896, Albert worked in a temporary position, but in 1897 Commissioner Sherwood requested additional funds from the federal government to hire Albert full time. Albert was assigned to manage the Commissioner's Office. It was here where he met new friends. Albert realized that he was given an unusual job opportunity by the Commissioner and that his life was entering a new and exciting phase. He was young, and his future in the Dominion Police looked bright.
Albert Cowdron took full advantage of working for Commissioner Sherwood. Only a few years after he was engaged with the Dominion Police, Albert enlisted with the first Canadian Contingent destined for the South African War. He served as a Bugler for two years, and while in South Africa he was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel. Upon his return to Ottawa and to the Dominion Police, he was assigned to the Plain Clothes Detail. This transfer afforded Albert the opportunity to gain fresh insights into a whole range of criminal investigations which he previously had missed. According to the Beechwood Cemetery website, he was also assigned to Special Duty for the Royal Tour throughout Canada by the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and York. He also held a similar role in security when the Royals visited Quebec in 1908 as the Prince and Princess of Wales.
New promotions came rapidly. In 1913, Albert was appointed Official Secretary to Commissioner Sherwood, and he continued to rise through the ranks of the Dominion Police. When then-Commissioner Sir Percy Sherwood left Canada for England in 1915, Albert Cawdron was appointed the Commissioner of Police in Sherwood's absence. In 1918, when Percy Sherwood became Chief Commissioner, Albert Cawdron was rewarded for his years of service and appointed Acting Commissioner of the Dominion Police.
In 1920, the Dominion Police was absorbed into the RCMP. Albert Cawdron was one of three Officers of the Dominion Police to join the RCMP. As an RCMP Superintendent, he first acted as the Director of Criminal Investigations. In 1926, he was appointed the Chief Investigator for the Royal Commission on Customs and Excise. He was promoted to Assistant Commissioner in May of 1932.
After a long career in policing, Albert Cawdron retired from the RCMP on January 1, 1936. He had led a highly successful life. His leadership skills were recognized early in his life, and over the years he was rewarded by promotions and increased responsibility. His mentor Commissioner Percy Sherwood remained a close friend all of Albert's life.
Assistant Commissioner Albert Cowden's life was cut short. He was killed in a motor vehicle accident in Ottawa in September, 1938. He was sixty-five years of age. Albert Cowdron was buried in Beechwood Cemetery in Ottawa. A photogaph of his grave is illustrated below.
I am very appreciative to Volunteer Donna Lewis who provided some very helpful biographical information about the early life of Albert John Cawdron. At one time, there was some uncertainty about his exact date of birth, but it was verified by Volunteer Lewis from a Certificate of Registration of Death Ontario #011601.
http://beechwoodottawa.ca/en/blog/dominion-police-rcmp-albert-john-cawdron
Reporting from Fort Healy,
J. J. Healy
August 23, 2023
