True and Fascinating Canadian History
Vet of the Month: May, 2021
Reg.#5426, CSM George Frederick 'Tim' Griffin
RCMP Vets. Ottawa, ON
For a famous RCMP horse trainer, it seems that George Frederick 'Tim' Griffin's life got off to an unusual start. One report said that he was born in 1884 in Everton, England, but it was also said that he was born at sea near Liverpool, while some 'ole timers boasted that Griffin's first cradle was more likely a horse blanket fitted snuggly into an English saddle. But, it is no exaggeration that Griffin was born with a deep love of horses. He cultivated a rare expertise and an unusual intuition with mounts, and his reputation as one of the finest horse riders to ever join the RCMP followed him throughout his life.
Any person who knew horses would agree that Tim Griffin was regarded in the top echelons as one of the very, very best equestrians in Canada. Down through the years, the RCMP was proud to have him as their very own. Upon his death, he wanted to be buried in the RCMP Cemetery in Regina and within direct line of the stables where he had spent a large portion of his life.
At the age of 16, Griffin joined the 18th Royal Hussars, a cavalry regiment of the British Army, which first formed in 1759. After serving for 12 years with the Hussars, he was first noticed at a horse show in England as an outstanding horse rider, and prior to WWI he was enticed by the RNWMP to immigrate to Canada.
In 1967, a short story was published about Griffin's life in the Vancouver RCMP Veterans publication Scarlet and Gold. His collaboration with the RNWMP came about this way, "In 1910, a famous Light Cavalry Unit of the British Army, the 18th Hussars, held an endurance test. This competition was one to try the courage and athletic ability of young men who made up the personnel of this well-disciplined unit. One of the men whose stamina and superb athletic ability caught the attention of observers was Trooper Griffin. His style and, in particular, his obvious familiarity with horses were noted by one of the attending experts in this field - RNWMP Inspector C. H. West. Following completion of the endurance test young Griffin was approached by Inspector West, who suggested that Griffin come to Canada and take charge of their [RCMP] equitation course."
Although the RNWMP had done their best up until Griffin's arrival in Regina, it seems that in the early 1900's the RCMP was in dire need of more knowledgeable and highly trained horse instructors. The Scarlet and Gold reported that, "Some groupings of good riders had been picked haphazardly about the turn of the century. These were men who had some riding experience in their earlier years, but it was only after Tim Griffin's arrival as a trainer and instructor that a concerted effort to form a specially-trained group was undertaken. From this effort, the famous Musical Ride was formed and later developed into one of the best known exhibitions of its kind in the world...". The Troop of 32 RCMP scarlet riders on black horses, which became famous around the world, is one legacy which can be directly atributed to Tim Griffin.
The Scarlet and Gold article also said, "Finally, arrangements were completed and in [1912] the young cavalryman, who was to make his mark as one of the best riding instructors in the history of the Force, came to Regina and for the next thirty years instructed men in the care and handling of horses. It was because of his excellence as a trainer that much of the glamourous history of the Mounted Police has been written...". There was no mistake about Tim Griffin's superb equestrian skills, and there is no doubt that Griffin's ability with horses and his Canadawide fame to a large extent formed the early legacy and good reputation of the Force. CSM George Frederick 'Tim' Griffin was a striking and memorable figure in the early days of the Force.
Griffin joined the RNWMP in 1912, and due to his previous experience with horses, he was posted to 'Depot' Division in Regina, SK, as a Riding Instructor. In March, 1918, he was appointed as the Squadron Sergeant-Major for the RNWMP "A" Squadron Cavalry Draft to France, and he served overseas in that capacity until April, 1919. After WWI, he was awarded the War Medal, the Victory Medal, the King George V & Queen Mary Silver Jubilee Medal and the RCMP Long Service Medal. Griffin then returned to Canada, and he spent the remainder of his service in the equestrian field with moves between Regina, and Ottawa and back to Regina until his retirement on August 11, 1941.
As a Riding Instructor, Griffin made several tours with the Musical Ride, including the International Horse Show in London, England in 1930 and the tour to St. Louis, Missouri in 1936.
In his last year of service, Tim Griffin was given a Leave of Absence to travel to Hollywood, California, as the Technical Advisor on the movie North West Mounted Police. The movie held its premiere at Regina, SK. His skill as a rider and his knowledge of horses made him a logical choice for this prestigious assignment.
Over a lifetime with horses, George Frederick 'Tim' Griffin earned the equivalent of a doctoral degree in equine science. Wherever horses were found, he was reputed to be an equestrian of the highest calibre. He was a highly ethical and honest person, and he was known for the respect he showed to his trainees and those under his command, as well as to the horses. No one can ask for more than that. In his honour, Griffin Bay, Regina, SK, was named after Reg.#5426 Corps Sergeant Major (CSM) George Frederick 'Tim' Griffin
Tim Griffin died in Surrey, BC in 1977. He wanted to be buried in the 'Depot' Division Cemetery in Regina, SK.
I am very grateful to Historian Don Klancher of the RCMP BC Veterans Association for his friendship and for sending me the top photo of George Frederick Griffin in this piece, and for his encouragement to write this short story.
Scarlet and Gold. (1967). V(49). pp 21-23. Tim Griffin. A Fine Horseman; An Able and Tireless Instructor. A Vancouver, BC RCMP Veterans publication.
Reporting from Fort Healy,
J. J. Healy
May 23, 2021
