RCMP Avalon East History Page

The History of Avalon East District

A Memorandum of Agreement was made on July 12th, 1950 between the Government of the Province of Newfoundland and the Government of the Dominion of Canada. This agreement gave the Royal Canadian Mounted Police the authority to undertake the duties and services of a law enforcement nature formerly undertaken by the Newfoundland Rangers and certain selected members of the Newfoundland Constabulary. The governments agreed to the establishment of approximately 40 detachments and a strength of 140 Mounties to commence policing duties throughout the province on the 1st of August, 1950.

On August 1st, 1950, Bell Island welcomed it's first Mountie, as Constable Jim Byrne crossed the tickle and paved the way for the future of the Mounted Police in Conception Bay. Other early Mounties serving on Bell Island included, Constables P.B. Harris, and Hap MacDonald. Ferryland detachment opened it's doors shortly thereafter, covering not only the Southern Shore, but areas of St. Mary's Bay including Trepassey, St Shott's and St Mary's.

October, 24th, 1966, concerned residents of Trepassey area submitted a letter to the Honourable Alec. T. Hickman, Minister of Justice for the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The citizens stated that "Trepassey - Portugal Cove - St Shott's area is no longer isolated, as in the past, when there was little need of any police force as the residents were law abiding and neighbourly." The authors of this specific letter requested the establishment of a force at Trepassey as numerous vehicular accidents and civil cases being handled by Ferryland Detachment, were increasing. The community of St Mary's also forwarded a request for policing services during this period. The requests were subsequently approved and on October, 4th, 1967 the Constable in charge of the detachment wired St John's with an official telegram announcing the official opening of Trepassey Detachment.

On March 7th, 1967, the Minister of Justice received another request from the Honourable Phillip Lewis and the Honourable John Mahoney for the establishment of a Mounted Police detachment in the District of Harbour Main. The elected officials stated Harbour Grace detachment covered from Marysvale to Holyrood, where St John's detachment carried on the policing from Holyrood into the city of St John's. The Minister of Justice noted that the Magistrate for the Magisterial District of Holyrood is fairly busy and perhaps a detachment is warranted, as Harbour Grace and St John's detachments have an extremely large area to cover. On the 18th of September, 1967, the detachment at Holyrood officially opened.

Prior to the governmental agreement between the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador and the Government of the Dominion of Canada, in 1950, members of the Mounted Police were instrumental in the shaping of policing within this province. Mounties were active in the education and training of the Newfoundland Rangers in Whitbourne, prior to Joey Smallwood's genesis as Canada's last father of Confederation.

During the Second World War, the German U-Boat, U-518, sunk the ‘Rose Castle' and ‘PLM-27' at Bell Island, before completing it's intended mission.

It's mission!

To plant a spy in the heart of Canada!

The virgin U-Boat commander, with two kills to his fame, landed his cargo in Quebec. Within twenty-four hours, the spy was arrested by officers of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

Since 1950, Bell Island alone, has been home to more than one hundred and twenty officers of the RCMP. The salt of Newfoundland and Labrador has seeped into the veins of the Mountie as much as the Mountie has woven into the fabric and foundation of this distinct province. From investigating crime, tracking international criminals, to community consultation, and chasing harp seals off the Trans Canada Highway, we remain, ... dedicated to your service.

Maintiens Le Droit!

Kevin Jackson, Constable
Avalon East District

Who was the first Newfoundlander to join the Force?

RCMP Veterans Association
A page maintained by Newfoundland and Labrador RCMP Veterans

Lest We Forget...
A page dedicated to our war veterans.

Honour Roll
Mounties killed in the line of duty.

Newfoundland Rangers
A link to the Newfoundland Ranger Force

Fisherman's Memorial
From Sheevaun Nelson's "Lost at Sea", a site dedicated to lost fishermen.

RCMP National History
A link to our national web site.