Fonds F0374 - Calgary Mounted Constabulary fonds

With the outbreak of World War II in 1939, a corps for home defense duty was created from local horsemen in Calgary, Alberta area who were otherwise ineligible for military service. The corps’ patrolled the Glenmore Dam but also acted as reconnaissance for army units in training at Sarcee Army Camp. At the outset, there were two mounted troops with 4 sections in each and spares assigned to each section, but high rates of enrollment prompted the creation of a third troop. The 60 members were an eclectic mix of backgrounds: cowboys, polo players, professional show riders, businessmen, professionals, lawyers, dentists, doctors, stockmen and those with a keen interest in riding. Chief of Police David Ritchie, M.C and Major E.W. Firmstone were the honorary commanders.

Initially known as the mounted section of the Calgary Auxiliary Police, the organization was temporarily disbanded before being reformed in early 1942 under the name of Calgary Mounted Constabulary. The original officer in charge, Major P.P. Littlewood, and troop commanders, T.P. Brown and Eric Harvie were reappointed to their roles. They later succeeded Littlewood as commanding officer. J.H. Farish was appointed adjutant. The quartermaster throughout the war was Calgary journalist, Fred Kennedy.

The troop served under the combined authority of the military and city police. Members furnished their own horses, paid for their own uniforms and were officially sworn-in as special constables. They learned cavalry formations and drills and to shoot with rifles and handguns. Lectures instructed on A.R.P (Air Raid Precaution) work, map reading and police work. The group also partook in ceremonial events such as the jumping display at Calgary Horse Show and the Calgary Stampede parade (1944), and performed musical rides. Displays and activities were warmly received and acclaimed by the public. Weekly parades were held on Wednesday evenings and Sundays.

Although on special call for five years, the group did not draw pay and were disbanded at the end of the war.

For further information see Fred Kennedy's article, "Calgary's Pony Soldiers" in Field, Horse and Rodeo. - vol. 1, no. 9 (March 1963), p. 5-6.