Honouring the Legacy of the RCMP Schooner St. Roch and Its Crew
On November 9, 2024, the RCMP National Memorial Cemetery at Beechwood hosted a ceremony to unveil a commemorative plaque honouring the iconic RCMP police auxiliary schooner St. Roch, its Captain, the late Henry Larsen, its crew, and the invaluable contributions of Inuit guides like the late Joe Panipakuttuk. This event celebrated the ship’s historic voyages, which played a pivotal role in maintaining Canadian sovereignty and fostering connections in the Arctic.
The ceremony welcomed distinguished guests, including members of the Larsen family, the Panipakuttuk family, representatives of the Royal Norwegian Embassy, staff and students from Henry Larsen Elementary School, and representatives from the Royal Canadian Geographical Society, the Arctic Circle, and the Canadian Nordic Society.
The St. Roch: A Floating Police Detachment
Built in 1928 in North Vancouver, the St. Roch was commissioned as a floating police detachment and patrol vessel to serve in Canada’s Western Arctic. Under the command of Norwegian-born RCMP officer Henry Larsen, the small, ice-fortified wooden schooner and its crew of eight to ten served both RCMP detachments and Indigenous communities in Canada’s remote North.
For over 20 years, the St. Roch carried out critical missions, including supply runs, law enforcement, and fostering relationships with the Indigenous peoples of the Arctic. The ship’s versatility and resilience earned it the nickname “Workhorse of the North.”
Historic Maritime Achievements
In 1942, after a gruelling 28-month voyage, the St. Roch became the first vessel to cross the Northwest Passage from the Pacific to the Atlantic. In 1944, it made history again, completing the return journey via a more northerly, deep-water route in just 86 days, becoming the first ship to traverse the Northwest Passage in both directions. This year marks the 80th anniversary of that groundbreaking return voyage. For their remarkable achievements under harsh Arctic conditions, Captain Henry Larsen and the crews of the 1940/42 and 1944 patrols were awarded the Polar Medal by King George VI.
The Role of Inuit Guides
The contributions of Inuit guide and hunter Joe Panipakuttuk and his family were critical to the success of the St. Roch’s 1944 voyage. Joe, his wife Letia, their children, and other family members supported the crew with their expertise in navigation, hunting, and survival. Joe and his eldest son Aariak, praised by Larsen as natural seamen and skilled hunters, later became long-serving Special Constables in the RCMP Arctic.
In 1974, Joe Panipakuttuk was posthumously awarded the Polar Medal, recognizing his invaluable contributions to the success of the 1944 voyage.
A Legacy of Exploration
The St. Roch continued its remarkable service after the Arctic voyages. In 1950, it became the first ship to circumnavigate North America, sailing from Vancouver to Halifax via the Panama Canal. Later, in 1954, under Larsen’s command, it returned to Vancouver, where it now rests as a centerpiece of the Vancouver Maritime Museum, standing as a lasting tribute to its crews and their achievements.
Honouring Captain Henry Larsen
Captain Henry Larsen, born in Hvaler, Norway, joined the RCMP in 1928 and retired in 1961 as a Superintendent. A celebrated Arctic explorer, Larsen received numerous accolades, including the Royal Geographical Society’s Patron’s Medal and the Royal Canadian Geographical Society’s inaugural Massey Award. He is widely regarded as one of Canada’s most recognized Arctic explorers.
Unveiling the Commemoration
The unveiling of the plaque was led by: Madame Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Veterans Affairs Canada, RCMP Commissioner Mike Duheme Henry Larsen's daughter Doreen Riedel and son Gordon Larsen Martha Kyak, granddaughter of Joe Panipakuttuk, alongside grand-nieces Ina Kaunak and Mary Nashook Trigve Bendiksby, Chargé d’Affaires of the Royal Norwegian Embassy and Wayne Jacquard, President of the RCMP Veterans Association – Ottawa Division.
A National Historic Treasure
In 1962, the St. Roch was designated a National Historic Site by the Canadian Parliament, recognizing its extraordinary contributions to Canada’s Arctic sovereignty and exploration.
The ceremony at the RCMP National Memorial Cemetery celebrated not just the ship, but the men and women who made its missions possible, ensuring their stories continue to inspire generations. Beechwood Cemetery is honoured to preserve and share this remarkable legacy of resilience, exploration, and collaboration in Canada’s North.