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The Mounted Force K Troop on Review
16 August 2003

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The unrest of the west prompted the government to recruit a force of able-bodied men with sound constitution, whom had mastered the written and spoken languages of either French or English; and were practical marksmen and skilled horsemen.

Finding recruits for the mounted force was not difficult. There were many men of all ages, even those under-age, that were eager for a change in their lives and an opportunity to experience the adventure of the unknown and vast North-West Territories. Many were not prepared for the harsh conditions they endured during the March West.

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Recruitment

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The Mounted Force Wanted Immediately by Government
2 October 1873
Halifax, Nova Scotia

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The call for order in Canada brought forth many men from all over the world. They were drawn into joining the police force by curiosity, romance and the chance for adventure on ‘the Frontier' of the North-West Territories.

Enlistment began with 150 recruits at Fort Garry. The men were assembled by the time Colonel George Arthur French was appointed in October. The force had swollen to 300 by the following spring at Fort Dufferin.

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The Launch

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The Mounted Force At Elbow of N. Saskatchewan River
10 September 1871

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In 1871, Treaty #1 was signed at Lower Fort Garry. Further, it is site of the oldest fur trading post still intact in North America, was the major business site for the Red River Settlement, and later became a detachment for the North-West Mounted Police.

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The Mounted Force At Elbow of N. Saskatchewan River
10 September 1871

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In December 1873, Colonel French started his appointment and took over the task of bringing the group of 150 men from Fort Garry to Fort Dufferin. Through his recommendation, the mounted recruits were increased to double that of Fort Garry. Subsequently, upon arrival at Fort Dufferin, the troop had reached 300 strong.

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The Mounted Force Lieutenant Colonel George A. French
1876
Ottawa, Ontario

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By the time Colonel French has finished the round trip of the March West, he amazingly rode almost 2,000 miles on horseback in 3 ½ months. Unfortunately, after serving three years on the force, Colonel French was fired as Commissioner of the North-West Mounted Police due to irreconcilable differences around the politically charged railway scandal.

French was engaged as Commissioner of the North-West Mounted Police only after the troops arrived at Fort Garry. Upon arrival at the Fort, he organized and accompanied the troop of men by rail to Fort Dufferin. Colonel French and the entire police troop were not prepared for what lie ahead on their great March West.