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Friends of the Mounted Police Museum FRIENDLY NOTES      Les amis du musée de la Gendarmerie Royale du Canada NOTES AMICALES

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Volume 8, ISSUE 4 Fall 1998 In this issue:  Mounted Police Tattoo 125 McIllree's Diary continued... A Special Thank You Membership Committee Donor Wall of Appreciation Trivia Quiz Miscellaneous Info Calendar of events, Answers to Trivia, Board Member List

MOUNTED POLICE TATTOO 125

RCMP Musical Ride in the 'Dome' position

In the summer edition of Friendly Notes we promised that a detailed report would be included in this issue. Here it is:
     The Tattoo presentations were initiated by the Friends of the Museum to celebrate the 125th Anniversary of the Force and to raise much needed money to upgrade the RCMP Centennial Museum. We are proud to say that we were successful beyond our expectations. The Force received a great deal of publicity and the Museum will benefit by about $100.000.
     Two shows were presented at Saskatchewan Place in Saskatoon on June 13 and four in the Regina Agridome from June 25 to 28. In Regina each Tattoo began with a lone horseman riding slowly into the dimly lit arena which had been decorated to resemble a fort from the early West. The rider, legendary Jerry Potts, dressed in buckskin, looked searchingly to left and right as though he were expecting some unseen foe to spring from the shadows. Jerry Potts was engaged by the Force in 1874 to act as guide, interpreter and scout. When he was satisfied that "the coast was clear", he turned and waved for others to enter. The next rider to appear was Commissioner George A. French who was followed in turn by other riders, a horse drawn covered wagon, red river cart, a field gun and a number of members on foot all wearing the familiar red jacket of the 1870s.
     The simulated March West of 1874 was followed by a number of other Tattoo features including the Aboriginals. It was most fitting that native Indians and Metis should play a significant role in the Tattoo since they were the main occupants of the Prairies when the North West Mounted Police travelled west. In addition to the re-enactment of the signing of Treaty No. 7, Indian Chief Crowfoot presented an impressive address to the group in attendance. The Aboriginals also put on very enjoyable demonstrations of dance and song, all wearing the colourful dress of their ancestors.
     The Police Service Dogs under the guidance of their handlers presented a very entertaining show. Police dog "Max", a fully trained German shepherd under the direction of Sgt. Gary Carlson of "F" Division, put on a flawless demonstration of obedience and showed an uncanny ability to locate drugs in one of many containers scattered about the arena floor. Four partially trained pups from the training centre at Innisfail, Alberta also showed what they had learned. They took turns running an obstacle course, and although they were not perfect, they were a delight to watch.
     An Emergency Response Team of highly trained members, utilizing the element of surprise, a steel battering ram mounted on a truck, a number of explosives and decisive action, demonstrated how quickly and efficiently they were able to subdue would-be criminals holed up on a small building. It was a very impressive exercise.
     The Musical Ride of course always delivers an excellent presentation. Although each Tattoo offered several interesting features, there is no doubt that the Ride was the heart of it all.
     The young Cadets from Troops 21 and 22 added a very important dimension to the show. They delivered first class demonstrations of self defense, endurance and marching. With their positive attitudes, they have already taken the first step toward becoming valuable members of the Force. Three riders from the Victoria State Police in Melbourne, Australia came to Canada to compete against members of the RCMP in a Mounted Arms Competition. They were Sgt. Greg Williams and Constables Jan Vains and Kevin Knowles. Csts. Vains and Knowles competed with two members from the Musical Ride. The weapons were hand guns, swords and lances and the Australians clearly demonstrated their skill by taking first and second place. Congratulations to our visitors from "down under". They are great ambassadors for their Country.
      The RCMP Tattoo presentations were held in conjunction with the Can-Am Police Fire Games. We were privileged to have the closing ceremony of the Games take place during the fourth Tattoo presentation on Sunday afternoon, June 28th. The traditional torch was passed from Curtis Kemp of Regina to a representative from Milwaukee, Wisconsin where the next games are to be held in the year 2000.
     The Grande Finale was undoubtedly the most nostalgic part of the Tattoo. The entire cast was represented in a magnificent splash of colour dominated by red coats. It concluded with the traditional flag lowering ceremony; the parading of the RCMP Regimental Guidon and finally, the singing of O’Canada by everyone, including the audience.
     The Tattoo programs were presented with the kind permission of RCMP Commissioner Philip Murray and we were very pleased to have him attend the show on Friday evening, June 26th.


Comm'r Philip Murray (L) & Kenn Barker President of Museum Friends
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MC ILLREE'S DIARY CONTINUED...

     Reg. No. 6 John Henry McIllree was one of the "Original 300" who participated in the March West in 1874, and he kept a handwritten diary of the trip. In the summer issue we left off on July 20th....

      21.7.74
      Roused at 3:30 A.M. Started about 5:30. Passed over a dreary, barren, dull uninteresting country. Did not see even a prairie hen. Went about 14 miles and rested near a water course where we had dinner and I had a delicious bath. The name of the creek was north Antler Creek. After dinner I went out with the gun and shot a duck. Started about 3 P.M. again and went on over the same dull prairie land until we came near to our Antler Creek, when the scenery changed it being undulating ground and the creek fringed very prettily with trees/ Picquitted the horses out. Oats have given out, had supper, and turned in about 10:30. Days are pretty long. Average 3:00 A.M. to 10:30 P.M. The rest sleep?
      22.7.74
      Left South Antler Creek about 5:30 A.M. our troop leading. A very hot dreary ride, over a very hot dreary ride, over a very barren flat country until midday when we stopped alongside of a swamp where the water was very bad, in fact too bad to make tea so we had to go dry. Pasturage bad also. Went on again about 3 P.M. and our hearts were gladdened about 5 P.M. by the sight of the Souris River which we crossed here for the 2nd time. The banks were very steep on either side but the ford was good. It was really a lovely spot. After coming off the hot dusty prairie, to get down into a cool green valley, with a clear rapid stream running over a gravel bed, was so jolly. We camped on the top of the bank for the night, and everything was great. About 20 miles made.
      23.7.74
      Started at 5 A.M. sharp. E troop to the front. Reported that Indians were in the woods around the camp. One was certainly seen by one of our Officers. After we left the Souris the country was just the same barren waste and the day was extremely warm. We only went about 12 miles today and stopped at the Riviere des --- which was nearly dry. Close to the river is the Hill of the murdered scout. Some Indians murdered him up there with a stone. The stone that he committed the deed with is still lying there, and the murderer cut out a full figure of his victim in the turf about twelve feet long. Slept nearly all remainder of the day and turned in early as I believe we start at daylight in the morning.
      24.7.74
      Started at 5 A.M. Travelled all morning overthe same dreary waste and heat oppressive. No wood or water. About noon we arrived at St. Peters Spring, which was a fraud as there was very little sign of water. We stopped there to rest and immediately began to clean out the spring and dig other wells. After a good deal of manual labour we got a good supply of water from the spring and we managed to water most of the horses. The water was splendid, as cold as ice. It was sight to see the flocks of birds coming to drink, looks like they had not seen water all the summer. Horses played out badly all morning and we had to leave several behind us, one of which has since reported defunct. Started again and travelled until dark when we had to cross a valley which we accomplished after some delay, and after going another half mile or so we camped in a snug little valley near a place named Roche Perce. Was on guard come night. Everything very quiet. Made about 24 miles.
      25.7.74
      In camp at same place. Still on guard. Horses all out grazing. Had an addition to the Force in the shape of a colt last night. The place where we are camped is very pretty. It is a long valley surrounded by hills. The river Souris runs on one side and a creek long creek or back wash from some where on the other side. There is plenty of wood and good grass and we stop for a few days to rest the horses. We met here Mr. Shurtitoff and party from Fort Ellice who have been farming there since spring. They report everything destroyed by grass hoppers. They relieve us of a good deal of our heavy baggage and take it to Fort Ellice. Did nothing in particular all day, but loafing around the camp. A good many ducks were shot by the men today. Came off guard at 7 P.M. and turned in early.
      26.7.74
      Sunday Still in camp. Beautiful weather. Divine service at 10 A.M. Everything very quiet. Nearly had a stampede in afternoon owing to someone by careless shooting putting a bullet into one of our horses. Slept most of the afternoon. Went up to the top of the highest hill in the evening and the view was very pretty. Turned in early.
      27.7.74
      Still in camp. Preparing the train of waggons. Went out with the gun in the afternoon but got nothing but hawks and muskrats. Fine weather.
      28.7.74
      Still in camp. Loafed all day. Weather fine.
      29.7.74
      Busy until 5 P.M. getting ready to start having ten miles to travel that evening. Did not start until 6 P.M. It was a lovely moonlight night and I rode most of the way alone thinking of many things, past and future. Arrived at Wood End about 8:30 P.M. and camped up on the brow of a hill above a valley. Brought the horses to water and turned them out under a picquet. Had supper and a smoke and turned in.
      30.7.74
      Remained all day Wood End. Went down early in the morning and had a bathe in the Long Creek which runs through the valley, which I enjoyed muchly. Saw some fish and went down after breakfast to make war on them but after a couple of hours work and a good wetting, I gave it up as a bad job. We have not caught a fish so far. Had to make a road up one side of the valley and down the other side for the teams to cross. I forgot to mention that we left a troop behind at Roche Perce leaving all our sick horses with them and part of the baggage and stores. Col Jarvis commands and they go to Fort Ellice and meet us at Bow River. A very pretty valley here with Long creek winding through it. Turned in early. Had a muster parade of men and horses at 7 P.M. where all were accounted for.
      31.7.74
      Rouse at 4:30 A.M. Very cold indeed. Started about 5 A.M. Travelled until about 12 and camped alongside of a swamp for dinner. Started again about 2 P.M. and went on until about 6:30 P.M. having made about 27 miles. We camped at the second crossing of the Long Creek. It was rather symbolical leaving Wood End in the morning as we will not see any wood for about 4 days. Went out with the gun and got three ducks and a prairie chick. Great lots of ducks shot.
      1.8.74
      Started from 2nd crossing of Long Creek at 5:30 A.M. Made 14 miles in the morning and crossed Long Creek for the 3rd time, where we had dinner. There was the grave of a poor fellow here who was drowned in the creek on the 28th April. There was board here stating that this was a Commission Depot but we would not see much Depot. Started again at 2 P.M. and travelled until dusk having made 28 miles. Horses stampeded in the evening owing to a rocket being sent up to guide some men who were behind, but they did not go far fortunately. Went on guard at 7 P.M. and was up most of the night. Great lots of ducks killed today. You can kill lots with sticks and stones. The country is improving a little the grass being better. We are camped near where we crossed the Long Creek for the 4th time.
      2nd.8.74
      Sunday Remained in camp all day and was on guard until 7 P.M. Slaughter of ducks still going on. Had divine service for the different denominations. Horses getting a good rest, but many of them are pretty sick and will not last much longer. I don’t know how we are going to get through with the horses we have. Over 100 ducks killed by our troop today with sticks and stones.

More to come...

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A SPECIAL THANK YOU
     The Museum Friends Board of Directors take this opportunity to sincerely thank all of the organizations and individuals who contributed to the success of RCMP Tattoo 125 financially, by volunteering their time, or by providing support in a very special ways:

• Credit Unions of Saskatchewan / Title Sponsor
• Wascana Energy / Grande Finale Sponsor
• CBC Saskatchewan / Old West Sponsor & Media Partner
• Harvard Group of Radio Stations / Competitions Sponsor
• Radio Canada / Sponsor
• Regina Inn / Official Hotel
• Phoenix Group / Official Communications Sponsor
• Printwest Communications / Official Printer
• Regina Free Press / Media Sponsor
• Saskatchewan Weekly Newspaper Association / Friend
• Indian & Northern Affairs Canada / Aboriginal Sponsor
• Wheaton Chev Olds / Transportation for Australian Team
• Trakker Communication Inc. / Internet Sponsor
• Canadian Regional Airlines / Australian Police Transportation
• Quantas Airlines / Australian Police Transportation
• Tourism Regina / Mounted Arms Trophy Sponsor
• Cable Regina / Friend
• Saskatchewan Government Insurance / Friend
• KPMG / Adopt a Horse Sponsor
• IPSCO / Adopt a Horse Sponsor
• Agrium Potash / Adopt a Horse Sponsor
• The Co-Operators / Adopt a Horse Sponsor
• Agrevo / Adopt a Horse Sponsor
• Ron Sebastian of the Longdraw Percheron Ranch
• Jackie Ferguson and her group of riders
• Carol Gay Bell and the Saskatchewan Express
• Cadet Troops numbers 21 and 22
• Members of the RCMP Veterans Ladies Auxiliary who did such a fine job of selling RCMP memorabilia before, during and after each show.
• Doug Egan and members of his Tattoo Organizing Committee who brought it all together
• Inspector Norm Boucher, Officer i/c of the Dog Training Section, Innisfail, Alberta
• The Commanding Officers and Members of "F" and "Depot" Divisions who so willingly supported the project every step of the way.
• Retired members of the RCMP who not only partici-pated in the Tattoo but also helped in many other ways.
• The Museum Staff whose office functioned as an important co-ordinating centre.

      Many people made important contributions to the Tattoo and their collective contributions were vital to a successful outcome. Among them were three individuals who we feel deserve honourable mention. They are Bill Perry, Producer of the Tattoo; Al Nicholson, Marketing Committee Chairman, and Wendy Kraushaar the Recording Secretary. Over a period of two years, Bill and Al put in hundreds of volunteer hours on this important anniversary project. Their dedication and special talents resulted in a quality show and many thousands of dollars that will benefit the RCMP Centennial Museum. Wendy worked for several committees and co-ordinated virtually all of the paper work that paved the way for a successful Tattoo. In short, she did an outstanding job of organizing the multitude of details involved. We sincerely hope we have not missed anyone in this thank-you article. If we have, we apologize.

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MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE REPORT
A warm welcome to the following persons who have become members of the "Friends" since June 22 nd , 1998

Jack Douglass, Burnaby E.A. Gostling, West Vancouver Arleen Hund, Regina Robert Early, Livermore CA Tom Dufault, Thunder Bay David J. Smiley, Calgary George F. Kush, Monarch Patricia Klees, Sloatsburg, NY Grant McTeer, Belle River Dave & Sandra Neville, Wainwright Stuart & Mrs. E. Waddell, Pentiction Lawrence Beglau, Regina

Rick W. Tatryn, Guelph Terry Baskier, Edmonton J. Victor Taboika, Calgary Donna Murray, Thedford ON O. McPherson, Surrey Marvis Marko, Saskatoon Jean Dickson, Weyburn Sheila Dowling, Regina Irene Hawkins, Stoughton Pete M. Clark, Malone NY Charles A. Cook, Kanata Pete Bachiu, Redlands, CA Pamela Ng Yuen Man, Richmond Hill

Lloyd J. Donovan, Charlottetown Donalda Johnson, Central Butte Eric Huber, Saskatoon Bill Ard, Langley Wai Chiu, Calgary Ching Dong Wong, Calgary Syndi Grant, McKinleyvill, CA Matthew S. Lourey, Fort Polk, LA John W. Scott, Winnipeg Ronelle Lagere, Halifax Cynthia Toews, Landmark, MB

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DONOR WALL OF APPRECIATION

The following changes / additions to the "Donor Wall" have been made since our last issue to September 22, 1998:

$1,000	$500	$100
de Lint & Taylor, Regina Wai Chiu, Calgary Ching Dong Wong, Calgary	Hal Whetsone, Vancouver	John & Margaret Maidens, Tsawwassen Mrs. M. Ablott, Newark Nots ENG Dr. Murray C. Patrick, Fredericton Steve Conlon, Vermillion Clifford Mullin, Swan River Stuart & Elizabeth Waddell, Penticton Troop 19 (1998) Erik C. Lund, New Brighton, MN Bruce A. Beaudreau, Langley Terry & Barbara Kushniruk, Cranbrook Ronald Quiring, Gloucester Donald A. Deeks, Prince Albert Wm & Linda Pringle, Carcross Larry Hunter, Vancouver Supt. Gerald Doucet, Regina Orest & Pauline Kaminski, Flin Flon Ida & Frank Saskowski, The Pas Cliff K. Wilde, Dawson Creek Gerald R. Engel, Victoria Bob & Kae Harvey, Kamsack Michael V. Tuttle, Winston Salem, NC

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TRIVIA QUESTIONS Who ordered the RCMP to purchase only black horses? What are the lances of the Musical Ride made of? By whom, and when, was the new Guidon presented to the RCMP? Jump to the answers!

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MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS

FRIENDS BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND COMMITTEE CHAIRMEN President Immediate Past President Secretary Director Director Director Director Force Rep. Museum Rep. Kenn Barker, RCMP (Ret'd) Ivan Thue, RCMP (Ret'd) Ron Ostrum, RCMP (Ret'd) Bill Perry, RCMP (Ret'd) Tom Light, RCMP (Ret'd) Mac MacGillivray, RCMP (Ret'd) Tony Brezinksi, RCMP (Ret'd) Supt. Gerald Doucet C/M Bill Mackay Historian Committee Membership Committee Newsletter Committee Volunteer Committee Kenn Barker, RCMP (Ret'd) Ron Ostrum, RCMP (Ret'd) Ivan Thue, RCMP (Ret'd) T.O. Lewis, RCMP (Ret'd) MUSEUM STAFF Curator Secretary/Registrar Conservator/Collections Mgr. William (Bill) Mackay Wendy Kraushaar Carmen Harry	CALENDAR OF EVENTS Museum Hours Summer June 1st to September 15th 8:00 a.m. to 6:45 p.m. Winter September 16th to May 31st 10:00 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Scarlet & Gold Gift Shop Hours Manager: Jim Hill, RCMP (Ret'd) Summer 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Winter 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Be sure to Visit the Gift Shop for Christmas Specials!!
Interested in the Friends?? Want to become a member or renew your membership?? Click here!!

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Answers to Trivia

1. Who ordered the RCMP to purchase only black horses?
   Commissioner S.T. Wood (in 1938)
2. What are the lances of the Musical Ride made of?
   They are made of bamboo, eight feet in length, with steel point and butt. They bear a read and white pennant which is crimped after a fashion adopted by the 16th British Lancers following a battle in which their pennants became bloodied and crushed.
3. By whom, and when, was the new Guidon presented to the RCMP?
   It was presented by H.M. Queen Elizabeth II, in July 1973.

Back to Trivia Quiz questions...

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