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.
Video: Vancouver Police Remember
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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
We Remember
World War II 1939-1945
Henry Alexander Smith
Henry Alexander Flemming Smith was born on December 11, 1915, in Kilsyth, Scotland. His parents, Alexander and Helen, settled in Vancouver to raise Henry and his brother Kenneth. Henry’s father was fatally wounded in World War I.
Henry joined the 3rd Battalion Canadian Scottish Reserves in 1940, attaining the rank of corporal. He was hired as a probationary constable at the Vancouver Police Department on January 2, 1941, and issued badge #197. The following year, he was granted an indefinite leave of absence to enlist for active duty during the Second World War.
Henry joined the Royal Canadian Air Force in June 1942 at the rank of Leading Aircraftsman (LAC). He did stints at Edmonton and Saskatoon before being transferred to elementary flying training school (EFTS #23), RACF Station Davidson, Saskatchewan.
While away, his probationary period with the Department came to an end, and he became a regular member on November 1, 1942, with his position held until his return.
Henry was given his pilot’s ranking on April 3, 1943. Just two weeks later, on April 17, while flying a Cornell I dual instructor aircraft, he and his co-pilot, Sergeant J.G. Sullivan from New York, were killed during a training flight. The plane hit a creek bank 95 miles northwest of Regina during a low-flying exercise. Both men died on impact.
Henry was 27 years old.
His wife, Kathleen, who was living in Davidson with him at the time, accompanied his body back to Vancouver one week later for burial in the Mountain View Cemetery. She received the Mother’s Memorial Cross in his honour.
Book of Remembrance
Constable Henry Alexander Flemming Smith is commemorated on Page 214 of the Second World War Book of Remembrance.
Obituary
The Province
April 24, 1943
Henry Alexander Flemming Smith
Died April 17, 1943
Age 27
James Hector Sutherland
James Hector Sutherland was born on March 4, 1910, in Vancouver. He enlisted in the Royal Canadian Artillery in June 1928, and was promoted through the ranks to battery sergeant major (warrant officer).
On October 8, 1930, James was hired by the Vancouver Police Department as a probationary constable. He was assigned badge #170.
While assigned to the VPD Mounted Squad in September 1939, James was granted indefinite leave to enlist for active service in the Second World War. He was assigned to the 11th Anti-Aircraft Battery, 1st Anti-Aircraft Regiment, RCA, and commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant.
He arrived in Scotland on September 5, 1940, and was promoted to captain and taken on strength with the 4th Canadian Anti-Tank Regiment RCA as acting major. In April 1943, he was transferred to the 1st Anti-Tank Regiment RCA, and confirmed in the rank of major on September 2, 1943.
“In August 1944, the Canadians were working along the Adriatic coast of Italy with the objective of breaking through the Gothic Line, the last major German defence line separating the Allies from the Po Valley and the great Lombardy Plain in northern Italy. The Germans fought hard to break through, as there were many factories in the north producing vital supplies. The line was formidable, composed of machine-gun posts, anti-tank guns, mortar and assault-gun positions, and tank turrets set in concrete, as well as mines, wire obstacles, and anti-tank ditches.
The Allied plan called for a surprise attack upon the east flank, followed by a swing toward Bologna. To deceive the Germans into believing the attack would come in the west, the 1st Canadian Division was concentrated near Florence, then secretly moved northward to the Adriatic.
In the last week of August 1944, the entire Canadian Corps began its attack on the Gothic Line, with the objective of capturing Rimini. On August 25, the Canadians crossed the Metauro River, the first of six rivers lying across the path of advance. They moved on to the Foglia River to find that the Germans had concentrated their forces here. It required days of bitter fighting and softening of the line by Allied air forces to reach it.” (Veterans Affairs Canada: Canada – Italy 1943-1945)
On August 28, 1944, James sustained a penetrating shrapnel wound, referred to in his medical file as a “sucking chest wound.” He died of his injuries that night, the same date as his police and military comrade, Lance Corporal Harold Francis Dore.
James was 34 years old.
James was buried in the Montecchio War Cemetery in Marche, Italy. It was chosen by the Canadian Corps for burials during the fighting on the Gothic Line, as the path of the anti-tank defensive system ran through the valley just below.
Book of Remembrance
Constable James Hector Sutherland is commemorated on Page 456 of the Second World War Book of Remembrance.
War Diary 1st Anti-Tank Regiment RCA
Excerpts relating to Major James Sutherland
News Articles
44 Vancouver Police With Armed Forces
Vancouver Sun
May 29, 1942
The Vancouver Sun
October 12, 1944
James Hector Sutherland
Died August 28, 1944
Age 33
We Remember
Word War I 1914-1918
David Angus Morrison
David Angus Morrison was born on August 3, 1886, in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, to parents Eliza and Robert H. Morrison.
On December 2, 1913, David was hired as a constable with the Vancouver Police Department, and given badge #159. On August 10, 1914, he was granted indefinite leave to enlist for military service, with his position to be held until his return.
Private Morrison sailed from Canada aboard the SS Andania on October 7, 1914, as part of the first contingent – 72nd Battalion, Seaforth Highlanders. Once in France, he transferred to the 16th Battalion – Manitoba Regiment.
On May 6, 1915, David suffered a gunshot wound to his spine in the Battle of Frezenberg Ridge in Boulogne. He died two days later, on May 8, 1915.
He was 28 years old.
Morrison was the first Vancouver Police officer killed during World War I. Chief Constable McLennan “expressed his sorrow, characterizing him as one of the finest specimens of manhood on the local force and giving him a high character as an officer.” (Vancouver Daily World; May 18, 1915, pg 1)
David Morrison is buried in the Boulogne Eastern Cemetery in France. His mother, Eliza Morrison, was presented with the Memorial Cross (later called the Silver Cross), which is given upon the active duty death of a soldier, sailor or airman.
Book of Remembrance
Constable David Angus Morrison is commemorated on Page 29 of the First World War Book of Remembrance.
News Articles
First Break in Ranks of Police Contingent
Vancouver Daily World
May 18, 1915
The Province
May 25, 1915
Constable 159 David Angus Morrison
Died May 8, 1915
Age 28
Robert McLean
Robert McLean was born in Donegal, Ireland, on June 16, 1886. He emigrated to Canada and settled in Winnipeg, Manitoba, where he served for two years with the Winnipeg Police Service before moving to Vancouver.
Robert was hired as a constable with the Vancouver Police Department on May 13, 1913, and issued badge #114. He was reported to be one of the most popular men on the force, and loved his work in Traffic.
On September 9, 1915, he was granted indefinite leave to enlist for active service, with his position held for his return.
Robert served as a private in the Canadian Infantry 15th Battalion, which was one of three battalions recruited for the war by the 48th Highlanders of Canada. He sailed from Halifax to England in the spring of 1916. From there, he arrived in France, posted temporarily at the Canadian Base Depot.
Robert was killed on the battlefield in France on June 27, 1916. He is buried in the Railway Dugouts Burial Ground in Belgium.
He had just turned 30 years old.
Robert McLean is buried in the Railway Dugouts Burial Ground in Belgium.
Book of Remembrance
Constable Robert McLean is commemorated on Page 129 of the First World War Book of Remembrance.
News Articles
Vancouver Daily World
July 13, 1916
Vancouver Sun
July 13, 1916
The Province
July 13, 1916
Constable 114 Robert McLean
Died June 27, 1916
Age 30
John Keefer Kennedy
Police Prosecutor
John Keefer Kennedy was born in Hamilton, Ontario, on November 21, 1875, to parents John and Louise Kennedy. He had one brother and two sisters. The family moved to Montreal that same year when John’s father because the Chief Engineer for the Montreal Harbour Commission, which would result in his knighthood in 1916 by King George V.
John attended McGill University and became a barrister in 1898, establishing a law practice in Montreal before migrating west. He opened a new practice, Kennedy & Mackintosh, in Vancouver. He then joined the City of Vancouver as police court prosecutor some time before September 1907.
John had service with the 6th Duke of Connaught’s Own Rifles before enlisting for the war in July 1915, taking leave from his position. When the regiment was disbanded, he joined the Canadian Expeditionary Force – Army on October 23, 1915, and was appointed to the rank of lieutenant in the 62nd Battalion.
John sailed from Canada to England in March 1916. Upon arriving in France in June, he was transferred to the 7th Battalion of the Canadian Infantry – British Columbia Regiment.
On August 8, 1916, whilst fighting in Flanders, he was wounded by shell fire, causing serious injury to his upper body. He died six days later on August 14, 1916.
He was 40 years old.
The Memorial Cross, also known as the Silver Cross, was awarded to his mother, Lady Louisa Kennedy.
John Keefer Kennedy is buried in the Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery in West Flanders, Belgium.
Book of Remembrance
Police Prosecutor John Keefer Kennedy is commemorated on Page 112 of the First World War Book of Remembrance.
News Articles
Lt. J. K. Kennedy Badly Wounded
Montreal Gazette
August 10, 1916
Vancouver Sun
August 11, 1916
Lt. J. K. Kennedy Died of Wounds
Montreal Gazette
August 17, 1916
Lieut. Kennedy Succumbs to Wounds
Vancouver Sun
August 18, 1916
Police Court Prosecutor John Keefer Kennedy
Died August 14, 1916
Age 40
Edward “Herbert” Parsons
Edward “Herbert” Parsons joined the Vancouver Police Department as Constable #66 on January 22, 1910, after serving four years with the Winnipeg Police.
He joined his brother, Inspector #71 John Alfred Parsons, who joined the previous year. A second brother, Detective Sergeant #372 Leonard Philip Parsons joined in 1912.
Herbert resigned from the Department in September 1914. On December 21, 1915, he attested in Vancouver and was assigned to the 102nd Battalion, CEF.
In January 1916, he held the role of Pipe Corporal, moving up to Drum Major in March. His training, prior to going overseas, was held in Borden, Ontario. On June 18, 1916, the 102nd embarked for Britain aboard the SS Empress of Britain.
Disembarking in France on August 12, Herbert was appointed Lance Sergeant. While on course training at the 1st Army School in France, Herbert was killed by the premature explosion of a “Stokes” shell (three-inch mortar) on September 23, 1916.
He was 29 years old.
Herbert was buried at Hazebrouck Cemetery, Hazebrouck, France. The Memorial Cross was presented to his mother, Harriet Matilda Parsons. She had two other sons also at the Front.
Book of Remembrance
Constable Edward Herbert Parsons is commemorated on Page 145 of the First World War Book of Remembrance.
News Articles
The Province
October 2, 1916
Well Known Police Officer is Killed
The Province
October 3, 1916
Constable 66 Edward “Herbert” Parsons
Died September 23, 1916
Age 29
Constable Hazen Winslow Hall
Hazen Winslow Hall was born on February 7, 1886, in Forest City, New Brunswick.
On May 26, 1913, Hazen joined the Vancouver Police Department, and was given badge #197.
On January 17, 1916, Hazen was granted an indefinite leave of absence to enlist for active military service, with his position held for his return. He served with the Duke of Connaught’s Own 158th overseas battalion until March 11, 1916, when he was transferred to the nominal roll of the 62nd Battalion, and later to the 47th Battalion – 4th Division Canadian Infantry. He attained the rank of corporal.
While he was away, he was advanced to 1st class constable.
Hazen arrived in France on August 11, 1916, after completing his training and the sea voyage to Europe. In November of that year, he was appointed acting corporal, 47th Battalion Canadian Infantry – Western Ontario Regiment.
On March 5, 1917, Hazen was impaled by shrapnel entering his right lung on the battlefield. He died two days later on March 7, 1917.
Hazen had just turned 31 years old.
Hazen’s widow, Hazel, later received the Memorial Cross in his honour.
Book of Remembrance
Constable Hazen Winslow Hall is commemorated on Page 249 of the First World War Book of Remembrance.
News Article
Daily Colonist
March 14, 1917
Constable Hall is buried in the Barlin Communal Cemetery in France.
Constable 197 Hazen Winslow Hall
Died March 7, 1917
Age 31
Reginald Lemon
Reginald Lemon was born on June 17, 1890, in London, England, to parents Anne and John George Lemon. His mother was originally from Vancouver, and Reginald and his wife, Lily, would later reside on W.13th Avenue. Prior to moving to Canada, he had six years of non-wartime military service in England.
On December 28, 1911, Reginald was given badge #152 when he was hired by the Vancouver Police Department just one week after his brother Wilfred. The brothers were close – they both married women named Lily on the same day, September 30, 1911, in London.
Reginald was granted indefinite leave at half pay to enlist for active service on August 1, 1915, with his position held until his return. His brother, Wilfred, enlisted one year later in May 1916.
Reginald served with the 30th Reserve Battalion at Shorncliffe, England, and the 3rd Canadian Pioneer Battalion. When he arrived in France in July 1916, he transferred to the 7th Battalion, Canadian Infantry – BC Regiment, and attained the rank of sergeant.
On August 15, 1917, Reginald was killed in action in France during the Battle for Hill 70, along with fellow VPD Officer Ernest Scarlett. This little-known, but critically important victory for the Canadians, fell between the more famous Vimy Ridge (April 1917) and Passchendaele (Fall 1917) battles. Reginald was one of 1056 soldiers who died that first day, fighting for supremacy on a 70-metre hill in the countryside of France.
He was 27 years old.
Reginald’s brother, and fellow VPD officer, Wilfred, survived the war and returned to policing afterwards, retiring as a superintendent in 1948. Sadly, their brother George, who also enlisted, was killed in the same battle as Reginald, just a few days later, on August 21, at the age of 23.
Both brothers’ names are inscribed on the Vimy Ridge Memorial, along with over 11,000 names of Canadian soldiers who were missing or presumed dead in France, most of which had no other known grave.
Reginald Lemon
Reginald Lemon Vimy Memorial
The Battle for Hill 70
More information about the Battle for Hill 70: Wikipedia | The Canadian Encyclopedia
Book of Remembrance
Constable Reginald Lemon is commemorated on Page 274 of the First World War Book of Remembrance.
Articles
Vancouver Daily World
September 10, 1917
The Province
September 10, 1917
Constable 152 Reginald Lemon
Died August 15, 1917
Age 27
Ernest Scarlett
Ernest Scarlett was born in Brentwood, Essex, England, on March 14, 1883. His parents, William and Maria Scarlett, moved the family to Moore, Warrington, Lancaster, and Ernest eventually immigrated to Canada. He and his wife, Lucy Grace Scarlett, resided on W.7th Avenue near Cambie.
Prior to arriving in Canada, Ernest served in the military in the 1st Life Guards for nearly four years, and as a police constable in Liverpool, England, for two years. According to a local news story, he also saved the lives of a dozen fellow workmen from drowning while he was employed in New York.
On March 28, 1911, he started with the Vancouver Police Department as a constable, and was issued badge #124. In January 1912, he was commended for catching two burglars after following their footprints in the snow for more than an hour. One suspect received a three-year imprisonment sentence.
Ernest and Constable 125 Cecil Pennington “Jack” Walker were best friends. They joined the police department within days of each other, and were never found far apart over the next few years. The both enlisted on February 1, 1916, and were granted military leave to volunteer their service overseas.
They joined the 158th Battalion, 6th Duke of Connaught’s Own Rifles, and were first appointed corporal, then sergeant, in preparation for their initial training in Vernon, B.C
Ernest and Jack sailed aboard the S.S. Olympic from Halifax on November 14, 1916, arriving in England for further training. On April 21, 1917, the pair arrived in France, both losing their rank and reverting to privates. They were separated at this point — Jack was transferred to the military police and Ernest carried on with the 7th Battalion and was involved in the Battle for Hill 70.
On August 15, 1917, was the first day of the siege. Ernest and fellow policeman Reginald Lemon, along with 1054 other Canadian soldiers, died that day. According to the Canadian War Graves Casualty Report, Private Ernest Scarlett “during an attack at Hill 70, was hit in the stomach by a bullet and killed.”
He was 34 years old.
Ernest was immortalized on the Vimy Memorial, along with the names of over 11,000 Canadian soldiers who were posted as missing or presumed dead in France, most of which have no other known grave.
The Memorial Cross was presented to his widow, Lucy Grace Scarlett, and to his mother, Mrs. Maria Scarlett, in his honour.
Vimy Memorial
The Battle for Hill 70 Memorial
More information about the Battle for Hill 70:
Wikipedia | The Canadian Encyclopedia
Book of Remembrance
Constable Ernest Scarlett is commemorated on Page 322 of the First World War Book of Remembrance.
News Articles
Well Known Traffic Officers Have Enlisted
The Province
January 31, 1916
Former Policeman Killed in Action
Vancouver Sun
September 4, 1917
Constable 124 Ernest Scarlett
Died August 15, 1917
Age 34
James Murray Watson
James Murray Watson was born in 1887 in Aberdeen, Scotland. He later immigrated to Canada, while his parents, Andrew and Christina Watson, remained in Fraserburgh, Scotland.
On October 10, 1912, James was hired as a 3rd class constable with the Vancouver Police Department, and presented with badge #22. On June 1, 1915, he advanced to 2nd class constable.
James was advanced one month in rank for meritorious duty for the arrest of a high-profile murder suspect in March 1915, and promoted to 1st class constable in absentia on September 10, 1915.
James was granted indefinite leave to enlist for active service on August 5, 1915, with his position held until his return. His close friend and police comrade, William Morrison, joined him.
The pair enlisted with the 18th Canadian Army Medical Corps, training in Canada, then sailed forth to England. Watson was transferred to the 72nd Canadian Infantry Battalion, and Morrison was sent to an artillery unit.
James suffered from “hammer toes,” and underwent surgery. Two months later he was discharged and embarked for France on August 12, 1916, where he was attached to the Canadian Artillery Pool.
On August 13, 1917, he was awarded the Good Conduct Badge upon completion of two years of military service. In October, he was reunited with Morrison and the 72nd.
August 1918 was the beginning of the end of WWI. The 100 Days Offensive (3rd Battle of Picardy), or Battle of Amiens, was in preparation throughout the month of July, and the surprise attack started on August 8th.
On August 11, 1918, James was killed on a French battlefield when his battalion attacked and captured Maucourt and Chilly.
He was 31 years old.
According to The Province newspaper (October 29, 1918, pg 13):
“It was during the big drive, when the victorious battalions of Canada were forcing the still fiercely fighting Huns back toward Germany, that Pte. Watson fell while taking part in a gallant charge. Pte. Morrison heard of it, and despite the hail of bullets, the bursting of shrapnel and high explosives, he went in search of his chum, finally locating the place where Pte. Watson had met a hero’s death. He brought the body back with him and was disconsolate, as his letters testify.”
He was 31 years old.
Sadly, his friend, William Morrison, was killed in action on the Sancourt battlefiend in France the following month.
James was memorialized with the inscription of his name on the Vimy Memorial in France. He is also honoured with a large upright headstone in the Pitsligo Parish Church yard in his birthplace.
The Memorial Cross was awarded to his mother, Christina Watson of Scotland.
Vimy Memorial
Book of Remembrance
Constable James Murray Watson is commemorated on Page 519 of the First World War Book of Remembrance.
News Articles
The Province
October 29, 1918
Constable 22 James Murray Watson
Died August 11, 1918
Age 31
John Elliott
John Elliott was born in Enniskillen, Ireland, on October 5, 1889. His parents, Andrew and Mary Elliott, stayed in Ireland, when John later immigrated to Canada. He was a carpenter by trade.
John served two years with the Royal Irish Constabulary before he came to Canada. He was hired by the VPD as a 4th class constable in September 1912, and issued badge #67. On August 15, 1914, he was granted indefinite leave to enlist for active service, with his position to be held for his return. He was advanced to 1st class constable in absentia.
Elliott first joined the 72nd Regiment of the Seaforth Highlanders as a private, sailing from Canada on October 3, 1914. He entered France on February 9, 1915, and two months later suffered a gas attack. Only weeks later, he and his fellow soldiers were occupying a reserve trench near Ypres, Belgium Salient, when it was blown in by German shell fire. When Elliott went out to help repair the trench, he was shot in the right index finger.
After eight days in hospital in Rouen, France, Elliott was sent to High St. Hospital in Manchester, England, for two days, and then on to Sidgely Hall, a Red Cross Hospital, on May 12, 1915. He was discharged on July 12, 1915, and on November 19, 1915, he returned to France with the 16th Battalion.
The following year, on June 13, 1916, Elliott was struck by high-explosive shell particles, receiving shrapnel to his left arm, and to his left eye and temple, which caused defective vision. He remained fit for general service, but convalesced in England.
In May 1917, John received his commission, being promoted to lieutenant. On October 8, 1917, he again arrived in France to join his unit, but a few months later, the shrapnel wound was causing him pain and blindness. He was sent back to hospital in England.
In June 1918, Elliott joined the Canadian Corps Reinforcement Camp, a centre in France where troops were held before being sent forth to reinforce existing field units. He left for the field on August 6. Sadly, on September 2, 1918, Elliott was reported from base as killed in action.
He was one-month shy of his 29th birthday.
Book of Remembrance
Constable John Elliott is commemorated on Page 403 of the First World War Book of Remembrance.
Constable Elliott is in the back row, third from the right.
Lieutenant John Elliott is buried at the
Dominion Cemetery in Pas de Calais, France.
Constable 67 John Elliott
Died September 2, 1918
Age 28
William Morrison
William Morrison was born in Lerin Durness, Sutherlandshire, Scotland, on July 29, 1885. When William later immigrated to Canada, his parents, Hugh and Williamina Morrison, remained in Scotland.
William served as a constable with the Winnipeg Police Department for 15 months before heading to Vancouver. He was hired as a constable with the Vancouver Police Department on December 5, 1911, and issued badge #148. William’s brother, Hector, also served with the VPD from 1912 to 1950.
On August 5, 1915, William was granted indefinite leave to enlist for active service, with his position to be held until his return. He enlisted at the same time as his close friend and police comrade, James Watson. They trained and proceeded overseas together, with the Canadian Army Medical Corps.
When Watson was transferred to the 72nd Battalion, Seaforth Highlanders, Morrison was sent to an artillery unit. In October 1917, Morrison’s application for transfer was approved, and the two friends were together again.
William was awarded the Good Conduct Badge after two years of military service.
In August 1918, William suffered the death of his friend James. According to The Province newspaper (October 29, 1918, pg 13):
“It was during the big drive, when the victorious battalions of Canada were forcing the still fiercely fighting Huns back toward Germany, that Pte. Watson fell while taking part in a gallant charge. Pte. Morrison heard of it, and despite the hail of bullets, the bursting of shrapnel and high explosives, he went in search of his chum, finally locating the place where Pte. Watson had met a hero’s death. He brought the body back with him and was disconsolate, as his letters testify.”
Shortly after this traumatic loss, an arm injury hospitalized William for 19 days. He returned to his unit in the field on September 19, 1918. Sadly, ten days later on September 29, he was also killed in action on the Sancourt battlefield in France.
He was 33 years old.
“It was only a short time later, however, that death came to him in the same way, boldly facing the enemies of civilization and humanity.”
In honour of William’s bravery and loss during battle, the Memorial Cross was presented to his mother.
William Morrison is buried in the Sancourt British Cemetery in Nord-Pas-de-Calais
Book of Remembrance
Constable William Morrison is commemorated on Page 474 of the First World War Book of Remembrance.
News Article
The Province
October 29, 1918
Constable 148 William Morrison
Died September 29, 1918
Age 33
Harry Hayward Symes
Harry Hayward Symes was born in England, son of Samuel and Edith Symes. In February 1901, he joined the West Kent (Imperial) Yeomanry, spending nearly two years in South Africa fighting during the Boer War. After his discharge, he joined the Johannesburg (South Africa) Town Police, spending close to five years in that service. He left South Africa in January 1907, arriving in Canada a month later.
On September 24, 1910, Harry was appointed constable #83 with the Vancouver Police. Four years later, on September 23, 1914, he enlisted with the 72nd Battalion. He spent 19 months in France at the front, serving with the 16th Battalion – Manitoba Regiment, and 3rd Brigade.
On July 18, 1916, a shell burst near him throwing him to ground, knocking him unconscious for some time. He spent six weeks in hospital, and a further 10 weeks in an Epsom (UK) convalescent camp. He was very weak when he came out of hospital, and never recovered his strength. “Shell shock” was listed on his casualty form, and is more familiarly known today as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Harry also suffered conjunctivitis due to debris lodging in his eyes during the shell fire.
On March 28, 1918, Harry was discharged from the military in Victoria, B.C., deemed physically unfit for further service, due to his injuries. He returned to the Vancouver Police as a 1st class constable, but within months he booked off on extended leave. He resigned while on leave, on August 15, 1919.
Harry died on July 25, 1920, after ten weeks at the Esquimalt Military Hospital. His death certificate cited chronic Bright’s disease and heart failure. Bright’s disease is also known as Trench Nephritis, today referred to as Acute Nephritis. Clearly, Harry suffered as a casualty of war.
Lance Corporal Harry Symes was given a soldier’s burial at Ross Bay Cemetery in Victoria, BC.
He was 40 years old.
He left behind his wife, Mary Annie Symes, of Port Washington, Pender Island, B.C.
Harry Hayward Symes – Valcartier 1915
News Articles
Victoria Daily Times
July 26, 1920
Victoria Daily Times
July 29, 1920
Constable 83 Harry Haywood Symes
Died July 25, 1920
Age 40
VPD Officers Who Served & Fought
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.
The list of VPD officers and staff who fought in WWII is not complete, as it was difficult to find information for many who served.
Stories of War
News Articles
Conduct of Vancouver Police Volunteers Excellent
Vancouver Daily World
March 22, 1915
Splendid Contribution of Vancouver Police Force to the Empire
The Vancouver Sun
September 27, 1915
The Chief’s “Nine Boys”
The Province
November 2, 1914
Research Credit
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.
