When duty called in time of war, many Vancouver Police Department members joined the Canadian Armed Forces to serve their country. They took a leave of absence, hoping to return to the Department after the war.

Some of them did not return, giving their lives to protect their country. We pay tribute to their sacrifice.

World War II 1939-1945

henry-alexander-flemming-smith
Henry Alexander Flemming Smith
Died April 17, 1943
Age 27
james-hector-sutherland
James Hector Sutherland
Died August 28, 1944
Age 33

Word War I 1914-1918

david-angus-morrison
Constable 159 David Angus Morrison
Died May 8, 1915
Age 28
robert-mclean
Constable 114 Robert McLean
Died June 27, 1916
Age 30
john-keefer-kennedy
Police Court Prosecutor John Keefer Kennedy
Died August 14, 1916
Age 40
edward-herbert-parsons

Constable 66 Edward “Herbert” Parsons
Died September 23, 1916
Age 29

hazen-winslow-hall
Constable 197 Hazen Winslow Hall
Died March 7, 1917
Age 31
reginald-lemon
Constable 152 Reginald Lemon
Died August 15, 1917
Age 27
ernest-scarlett
Constable 124 Ernest Scarlett
Died August 15, 1917
Age 34
james-murray-watson
Constable 22 James Murray Watson
Died August 11, 1918
Age 31
john-elliott
Constable 67 John Elliott
Died September 2, 1918
Age 28
william-morrison
Constable 148 William Morrison
Died September 29, 1918
Age 33
harry-hayward-symes
Constable 83 Harry Haywood Symes
Died July 25, 1920
Age 40

News Articles

The Chief’s “Nine Boys”
The Province
November 2, 1914

Splendid Contribution of Vancouver Police Force to the Empire
The Vancouver Sun
September 27, 1915

For the Fallen

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.

Laurence Binyon

VPD WWII Veterans

In addition to those VPD officers who lost their lives in World War II, there were many others who also served their country. This list of VPD officers and staff who fought in WWII is not complete, as it was difficult to find information for many who served.

Contributors

Retired Inspector Joanne McCormick and VPD civilian Lawrie Stewart spent countless hours researching the history of our VPD officers who were killed in the World Wars.

We are grateful for their efforts in honouring these young officers and their ultimate sacrifices.