True and Fascinating Canadian History
Vet of the Month: June 2014
Reg.#14011, Sergeant Harold George Searle
RCMP Vets. Ottawa, ON
It was a great honour for me to meet Reg.#14011, Sergeant Harold Searle at the Ottawa AGM in June, 2014. He and his family took time to visit our home for dinner. At his age, Harold is counted as one of the most senior among all RCMP Veterans.
Harold presently lives in Windsor, NS and his memory of policing Nova Scotia is as sharp as a newly purchased scout knife. In his day, only three members were posted to Windsor but today the strength of the Detachment numbers about 30 RCMP members.
Harold Searle was born on a Saskatchewan farm in 1918. He joined the Force in 1941 and served for twenty five years in 'H' Division. (Nova Scotia)
Harold told me a very memorable and funny story of long ago. He recounted that after Basic Recruit Training at 'Depot', he was transferred to Nova Scotia along with six other recruits. Upon reaching Halifax, he recalled that the Sergeant Major paraded him in to meet the CO.
At the time, the CO of 'H' Division was O.209, Assistant Commissioner Alexander Neville Eames -- the same Officer who gained unusual wide fame in the Force over the 'Mad Trapper' capture in the high Arctic in 1932. After marching up to the CO's desk and standing at attention, Harold said that A/Comm'r Eames stood up. Harold said, 'those eyes of his looked right through me, I have never forgotten his eyes'.
Harold continued telling the story with a wee glint in his eye. He said, 'In those early days of the Force, men like Eames who received their Commission were sent to Ottawa where they underwent a 'hate course'. It was designed for new RCMP Inspectors. 'After the 'hate course', Harold said, 'the new Officers then returned to their original postings but they always looked down on the NCO's and men -- that's the kind of a man that Eames was -- he was aloof and remote. He wasn't too popular with the men'.
Down through the years, Harold has kept busy with a host of community activities. As well as keeping in touch with Vets in Nova Scotia, he gardens and takes long walks. He has also learned all about computers and he makes good use of e-mails to stay in touch with friends.
Each year, Harold looks forward to the Vets Annual General Meeting and he is already planning to see everyone in Québec City in 2015. Harold is a Life Member of the 'H' Division Vets Association.
The 2014 AGM in Ottawa, ON was made all the more memorable when I met Nova Scotia Vet Harold Searle. He will always be welcome in our home.
Reporting from Fort Healy,
J. J. Healy
June 23, 2014
