North-West Mounted Police - South African War 1899-1902 at RCMP NMC
On Sunday, November 5th 2023, the RCMP Veterans - Ottawa Division unveiled a new plaque to honour the service of the North-West Mounted Police - South African War 1899-1902.
The plaque was unveiled by Member of Parliament for Orleans Marie-France Lalonde, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of National Defence, Colonel Hanrahan, CWO Dubé, Tanya Mirsky and SSM Rozon of the RCMP and RCMP Veterans Association,Ottawa Division, President Wayne Jacquard.
The plaque reads:
North-West Mounted Police - South African War 1899-1902
From a total strength of 900, the North-West Mounted Police granted leave to 290 officers and members to serve, along with 155 horses, in South Africa with the 1st (commanded by Commissioner L. W. Herchmer), 2nd and 5th Battalions of Canadian Mounted Rifles; Strathcona’s Horse (commanded by Superintendent S. B. Steele); and the South African Constabulary. North-West Mounted Police members fought in major battles of the War and were recognized for their frontier experience, bravery, and extraordinary leadership in combat.
“The North-west Mounted Police are well and favourably known beyond the bounds of Canada, and I would like that it had been known to the world as one of the corps which had taken part in the great South Africa War. With but a few exceptions all ranks were willing to go, and it was not a question of who would go, but who must stay at home.”
Commissioner A. Bowen Perry, Annual Report of the North-West Mounted Police December 20, 1900
Sergeant A. H. L. Richardson, serving in Strathcona’s Horse, was awarded the Victoria Cross for conspicuous gallantry under enemy fire on July 5, 1900, the only member ever to be recognized for this highest award for valour while serving in the Force.
Police à cheval du Nord-Ouest - Guerre en Afrique du Sud 1899-1902
Alors que la Police à cheval du Nord-Ouest disposait d’un effectif total de 900 hommes, elle a accordé un congé à 290 officiers et membres, accompagnés de 155 chevaux, afin qu’ils servent en Afrique du Sud, au sein des 1er (commandé par le commissaire L. W. Herchmer), 2e et 5e Bataillons du Canadian Mounted Rifles; du Strathcona’s Horse (commandé par le surintendant S. B. Steele); et du South African Constabulary. Les membres de la Police à cheval du Nord-Ouest ont pris part à d’importantes batailles pendant la guerre et ont été reconnus pour leur expérience des régions pionnières, leur bravoure et leur leadership remarquable au combat.
“La Police à cheval du Nord-Ouest est bien et favorablement connue au-delà des frontières du Canada, et j’aimerais qu’elle soit connue du monde entier comme l’un des corps qui ont pris part à la grande guerre en Afrique du Sud. À quelques exceptions près, tous les grades étaient prêts à y aller et la question n’était pas de savoir qui irait, mais qui resterait à la maison.”
Commissaire A. Bowen Perry, Rapport annuel de la Police à cheval du Nord-Ouest, 20 décembre 1900
Le sergent A. H. L. Richardson, qui a servi au sein du Strathcona’s Horse, s’est vu décerner la Croix de Victoria pour bravoure remarquable sous le feu de l’ennemi lors du 5 juillet 1900 et est le seul membre ayant reçu cette plus haute distinction pour son courage alors qu’il servait dans la Gendarmerie.