RCMP/RNWMP/NWMP
Insignia Collector
Sergeant Archibald BIRTWISTLE
Royal North West Mounted Police
Reg No. 4493
Date of Engagement 17/08/1906
SOS Date 25/11/1927
Born Norwich, Cheshire, England
Date of Birth 02/06/1876
Date of Death 01/11/1964
Served Postings: Depot, F, O & HQ
In 2016 I aquired a RWNMP Sgt. ranked tunic with proper collar dogs, shoulder titles and a ribbon for the 1911 Coronation Medal for King George the V. The Reg Serge came with a pair of breeches. Ink markings in the Tunic were barely visible however the ink the waist band of the breaches "BIRTWISTLE" was visible. The nominal roll for the Canadian Contingent for King George's Coronation included Corporal Birtwistle of the RNWMP.
Archie Birtwistle was born in Northwick, Cheshire England in 1876 . The eldest of 12 siblings Archie remained in school until grade 8. Archie excelled in sports specifically track. A photograph below depicts Archie with trophies in England in the early 1900's.
Archie initially served with the Scots Guards but left in 1906 to Canada to begin training with the RNWMP.
With the start of the First World War Archie went over seas with the Canadian Expeditionary Force with the RNWMP. Archie guarded prisoners of war in Europe in 1918.
Archie was Struck of Strengh in 1927 to become the Chief of Police in Charlottetown, PEI intil he retired in 1949.
RNWMP Coronation Contingent ride past Officers Quarters at Depot.
Members and their Horses load onto CPR train cars for voyage from Regina to London, England
1911 Coronation of King George V
Sir Wilfrid Laurier inspecting RNWMP Contingent in London.
RNWMP Accomodations in Alexandra Park, London durring Coronation.
RNWMP in England for Coronation of King George V.
Illustrator Arthur Hilder's painting of RNWMP procession.
Illustrator Arthur Hilder's painting of RNWMP procession.
1911 Group of London Metropolitan Police and RWNMP. Cpl. Birtwistle top row, third in from the left.
