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Life in the Force.18 April 1874
Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta
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Daily life in the force commenced and ended with the sound of the bugle. The routine was similar each day with some slight variation in the start time and extra duties. In the winter, the day started a bit earlier and the duties to correspond with that season would be delegated accordingly. The men; their order of dress; the drills; patrols and outpost duties; barracks and grounds maintenance; and wood chopping, were all assignments structured to establish a form of law and order within the troop – to stay on the straight and narrow. Their equipment and training, including their horses was reflective of an infantry style of dress and mannerisms.In 1882, regimental life of "D" Division employed 26 officers. The troop consisted of 1 Superintendent, 1 Inspector, 1 Staff Sergeant, 1 Duty Sergeant, 1 Corporal, and 21 Constables. Life seemed somewhat uneventful and did not fulfill the officers' romantic notions of taming the Western Frontier.
Within a few years, there was no need to have the size of troops originally thought and the number of men posted at the Fort was decreased. Finally, in 1884, the Fort became an outpost of Fort Calgary and "E" Division under Inspector Griesbach.
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The determined recruit4
Life in the Forces Constable Fred A. Bagley1880
Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta
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Frederick Augustus Bagley joined the mounted police force at the age of 15 years and dedicated 25 years of his life to the service throughout Alberta and Saskatchewan. In 1902, he continued on with his service and joined the Canadian Troop to Sixth Contingent as a Sergeant-Major during the South African War.6
Life in the Force Frederick Augustus Bagley1 May 1874
Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta
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The influential relationship between his father and Colonel French, coupled with Frederick's unbreakable desire, earned him the position as Trumpeter with "A" Division. On May 1st, 1874 he writes in his journal the victory of his conquest:"Went to the "New" Fort, Toronto, with the intention of enlisting in the North West Mounted Police three troops, of which were then in process of organizing for the purpose of augmenting the three troops, which had, in the fall of 1873, already proceeded, via the "Dawson" Route as far West as lower "Stone" Fort Garry on the Red River. Colonel George Arthur French, the Commissioner of the Force, and my father had served together in the Royal Artillery of the British Imperial Army, and the Colonel at once informed my father in downtown Toronto of my actions and whereabouts. Father lost no time in coming post haste to interview the Colonel, with the view of preventing my enlistment, but after a rather stormy argument between us he arranged with the Colonel to take me on as a Trumpeter for a period of no more than six months. And so I am now a member of the North West Mounted Police at the age of fifteen years."
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Inspection and Order of Dress9
Life in the Force Summer Dress1874
Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta
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Everything had its place and when out of order was ground for discipline. Each season had an order of dress complete with accoutrements:Summer Dress: Serges, Breeches, Boots and Spurs, side Arms, Carbines, Felt Hat.
Winter Dress: Serges, Breeches, fur caps, moccasins and stockings, no spurs, side arms, carbines.
Fur Coats and Pea Jackets to be hung on pegs
Note: Pillow Pallaise (filled with hay) Blanket, Rug, on the bed according to the diagram. When moccasins are worn, spurs should be worn on Long Boots.
All articles should be neatly folded.
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Life in the Forces First portion of Kitlist1889
Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta
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TEXT: "Laying out Kit for Inspection"1. Fur cap in summer
Felt hat in winter
2. Cap
3. Tuque
4. 1 Pair Breeches
5. 1 do [Pair] do [Breeches]
6. 2 Pairs Blankets
Rolled in 3 fold each and doubled in half
7. 1 Pair Sheets
Folded in 3 each and doubled in half
8. 1 Pair Drawers
9. 1 Over Shirt
10. 2 Pairs Socks
11. 1 Pair Gantlets
12. 1 do [Pair] Gloves
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Life in the Forces Second portion of Kitlist1889
Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta
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13. 1 do [Pair] Mitts wool.14. 1 do [Pair]do [Mitts] elk
15. 1 do [Pair] Moccasins
16. 1 Field Jacket lined
17. 1 do [Field] Trousers lined
18. 1 Muffler
19. 1 Water Proof sheet
20. 1 Clothes Brush
21. 1 Hair do [Brush]
22. 1 Button do [Brush]
23. 1 Boot do [Brush]
24. 1 Holdall complete
{knife, fork, spoon, raiser, comb, shaving brush, button brass, sponge}
25. 1 Pair Goggles
26. Haversack
27. 1 Burnisher
28. 1 Pair Boots (Long)
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