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RCMP NATIONAL MEMORIAL CEMETERY AT BEECHWOOD
THE NO. 1 PROVOST COMPANY (RCMP) – PLAQUE UNVEILING – 08 NOVEMBER 2020
November 8, 2020
Remembrance Ceremony
Unveiling of plaque for the No. 1 Provost Company (RCMP)
RCMP National Memorial Cemetery at Beechwood
- Beechwood Video – 08 November 2020 – CLICK HERE
- Event Photos compliments – Gilbert Bouffard – CLICK HERE
Publication source – The Spirit Fall 2020
The year 2020 commemorates the 75th anniversary of the end of the Second World War. We also remember the many RCMP members who, during this and all other wars, served in Canadian and Commonwealth military regular forces, especially the many who made the supreme sacrifice for their country. In September 1939, the RCMP was called upon to establish a military police force to accompany the 1st Canadian Infantry Division into battle in Europe. Initially, 116 RCMP non-commissioned member volunteers were accepted into the Provost. These members were outfitted in Canadian Army uniforms, kit and weapons and each maintained their RCMP identification, wearing the Force’s insignias and badges. These members trained at “N” Division, from September until their deployment with the 1st Canadian Infantry Division in December 1939. Throughout the duration of the Second World War, at least 215 RCMP member volunteers served with the 1st Provost Company (RCMP) and fought gallantly in battle-fields across Europe.
08 November 2020 – A plaque was unveiled and installed along the ”Major General George Pearkes, VC”, pathway in the RCMP National Memorial Cemetery at Beechwood to commemorate the No.1 Provost Company (RCMP) and in particular to honour 12 RCMP members who volunteered and were killed while serving during the War. (Read More)
Thank you to all the participants, Roy Berlinquette, Brendan Heffernan; Dave Jeggo; Kevin Mole; Louise Morel, Christine Windover, and James Patterson and Andrew Roy of Beechwood, Canada’s National Cemetery, a partner of the RNMC. The presence of Pipe Major Graeme Ogilvie and Bugler Charles Armstrong certainly enhanced the ceremony. Riders S/M Martin Kohnen and Sgt. Scott Williamson and their horses were also a meaningful addition to the ceremony. This was the last official event for Riding Master Martin Kohnen as he will be retiring at the end of the year. We wish him all the best in his retirement and thank him for his collaboration and support over the years.
A special thank you to some members who share their talents and technical skills for this type of initiative. Gilbert Bouffard (photos); Nick McCarthy of Beechwood Cemetery and Greg Fedor (video production) Chaplains Pierre Bélanger; Garth Hampson; Suzanne Sarault and our Sergeant-at-arms, Marc Dureau.
Considering that there are no RGMs nor special evenings for Honours & Recognition, it was the perfect moment to present Marc Dureau with the President’s Commendation for his passion, his dedication and his many accomplishments. Michel Pelletier, President Ottawa Division