1908 – According to a small 16 page British Columbia Command handbook published 1974, “The Frontiersmen were first organized in British Columbia in 1908 in the Nicola Valley”. And “The first Vancouver Squadron was formed in 1910”.

1908 - The Adjutant-General, Colonel F.L. Lessard of the Canadian Militia wrote on February 12, 1908 to the Secretary, Legion of Frontiersmen in London that the Legion of Frontiersmen may proceed in Canada provided that: a) the organization does not interfere with Militia recruitment, b) drilling (training) be carried out with the permission of the Militia Officer Commanding the Command or District at such times and places agreed to by him, c) Headquarters approval is required for the pattern of uniform, d) no public expense is involved, and d) if organized into a Civilian Rifle Club they must adhere to appropriate regulations.

1908 – July 01, Nelson BC Command records its first general meeting. These are the only known surviving documents in Canada of such meetings. By 1909, 77 members were enrolled. This Command elected leaders, and intended to liaise with the 102nd Battalion Canadian Militia. The Nelson Command was documented from 1907 to 1914 by E.C. Wragge, a lawyer in Nelson, and appeared to have evolved along two distinct formations, one being mounted rifles and the other being scouts & guides.

1908 – In England at this time during the official visit to Leeds by King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra: "The Guard of Honour in the station yard was composed of Frontiersmen, in their peculiar uniform, consisting of slouched hat, blue shirt, and khaki breeches and putties [sic]."

Commentary by UK Historian: The guard was likely commanded by Major Patrick Forbes who had just been appointed to take over from founder Roger Pocock to run the Legion. This is the first time Frontiersmen wearing puttees are noted. Usually the uniform footwear was leather leggings and boots. The Strathcona boot seems to have come into use later and Roger Pocock had his own boots made with a softer leather ankle. The early Frontiersmen did not approve of anything other than the shirt. The patrol jacket seems to have come in during the 1920s for parade wear, leaving the shirt still for working dress. When fascist Blackshirts began marching, the Legion of Frontiersmen ceased wearing the shirt order, for fear of being mistaken for what Roger Pocock called "politicians in uniform.

Author’s Note: Regarding the uniform, the Legion of Frontiersmen’s Founder Roger Pocock stressed that comfort and practicality in the field. Worldwide It could vary somewhat due to climate and availability. Old photographs readily illustrate this. The original LF uniforms were far more practical than the restrictive and colourful military uniforms of the Victorian era.

1909 - In letters regarding Legion of Frontiersmen “Camp No. 1 White Horse” Yukon Territory receives permission from the RNWMP to use the RNWMP “machine gun” for training.

1910 - Saskatoon Command (later “B” Squadron North Saskatchewan Command), formed about May 1910, leader R. Boulton (drowned July 1914), secretary T.E. Potts.

1910 – Lac Ste. Anne Squadron, 35 miles west of Edmonton, formed about June 1910, squadron leader S.W. Caws (killed in action WW1), secretary D. M. Rourke, Troop No.1 led by N. Seton, Troop No.2 led by W. McLeod, Troop No.3 led by J. Yates, and Troop No.4 led by H. Appelle.

1910 – Carmacks, Yukon Territory. is the address on the enrolment form of Victoria and Vancouver Island WW1 era commandant S. Rowlinson. L.F. Form 6, numbered 517, the Legion of Frontiersmen Certificate of Enrolment states:
“This is to certify that Seymour Rowlinson of Carmacks Yukon Territory has this day been enrolled as a Member, Class A, of the Legion and his Badge, Legion No 4435, has been forwarded herewith. Headquarters: 6 Adams Street, London, W.C. Dated 30th day of May 1910, (signed) T. Watson(?) Captain, Secretary Legion of Frontiersmen.”

1911 - Lac Ste Anne (Alberta) Sub-unit Officer Commanding, Stanley Winther Caws, reports:
“… our Sub-unit here is in a prosperous state, and at present it looks as though we will be able to get a decent little Squadron going soon. We have branches at Wabamun Lake and the North Paddle, and I hear that an effort is to be made to start a Troop in Edmonton. The Lac Ste Anne Sub-unit is the senior organization in Alberta, and we hope that in time Lac Ste Anne will be recognized as being the Legion Headquarters for Alberta. We have to contend with great difficulties in our work, as nearly all our boys are on the trails (at present our crowd is scattered between the Gold Coast of Africa and the Arctic circle), and we can seldom raise more than ten to fifteen. However, six of us have our ranches close together (in a) row, and we are making an effort to do some regular work.”

1911 – Labrador and Newfoundland Command formed about April 1911 by A.W. Wakefield of Battle Harbour. It is reported that Wakefield is the Commandant (on active service WW1) and the secretary is F.E. Heath of Rigolet. The formal structure of this command is noted as: “A” Squadron St John’s leader E.W. Vere-Holloway (commanded LF gunners, St. John’s harbor WW1); No.1 & No.2 Troops responsible to Vere-Holoway with Troop No.3 leader Joseph Walters of St. Anthony’s, and Troop No.4 led by Mr Hutchins of Bonavista Bay. “B” Squadron leader was A.W. Wakefield of Battle Harbour, with No.5 Troop led by J. Ford of Nain, No.6 Troop led by T. Evans of Hopedale, No.7 Troop led by H.I. Paddon of Grand River, and No. 8 Troop led by H.B. Williams of Red Bay.

1911 – Regarding Newfoundland (previously mentioned) “The branch at Battle Harbour with the assistance Dr. Seymour Armstrong and Martin Spencer established sub-units at St. Anthony (50 men) and other Labrador communities of Grand River, Mud Lake, Nain, and Red Bay.”

1911 – Hamilton Squadron formed about April 1911, leader A.T. Potts (on active service WW1), secretary D. Dodds.

Author’s Note: An old photograph shows some of Hamilton Squadron wearing navy colored shirts with shoulder chains, bandannas, gauntlets, khaki riding breeches and riding boots with spurs, with wide brimmed slouch hats evident.

1911 - Okanagan Squadron formed about April 1911, headquartered at Vernon BC and led by Legion Captain J.P. Audy (killed in action WW1), note correct name is Prosper John Theodore Audy. No. 1 Troop under command of Legion Lt. H.C. Verral is at Vernon with No.2 Troop listed as Nelson.

1911 - Vancouver Squadron formed about May 1911, the dominant leader became Legion Capt. G.H. Sloan (killed in action WW1) who transferred from Hamilton Squadron as “extra Organising Officer”, with J. Miller as secretary.
No.1 Troop is Vancouver city,
No.2 Troop (Boatmen) is Vancouver city based with Legion Lt. C. Plowman in charge,
No.3 Troop is located in New Westminster, and
No.4 Troop is located in North Vancouver.

Author’s Note: Unique in Canada is Vancouver Squadron’s No.2 Troop (Boatman). No other Legion of Frontiersmen unit in Canada is known to be solely comprised of boatmen or to have been designated for water or sea-borne service. The Colony of Newfoundland (later a Canadian province as of 1949) with its strong maritime tradition undoubtedly had men superbly capable of sea-borne service.

1911 – Imperial Headquarters, to which Canadian Frontiersmen report, is sufficiently organized to gain public recognition and attention as the following quote indicates. “One cannot help looking back with pride to the Pageant of the Empire spectacle which was a feature of the Festival of Empire demonstrations at the Crystal Palace during the month of Their Majesties’ Coronation in 1911. Therein our beloved leader, Colonel Driscoll, D.S.O. took part with 70 or 80 typical frontiersmen, and among these 70 or 80 representatives of our Legion were no less than 200 war medals and decorations.”

1911 - Yukon Territory’s Whitehorse Troop is reported as being formed in 1911 and led by Legion Captain P. Jameson.

Author’s Note: Regarding Yukon sites mentioned (both previously and following) it is evident from correspondence to the RNWMP to borrow a machine gun for training, stamped 1909, that the Legion was active before this date, c.f. 1909 prior information.

1912 - Yukon Camp No.1 Commandant is F. Harbottle. The location of Camp No.1 is at, Carmacks.

1912 - Yukon Territory’s Dawson Troop formed in about October 1912 and led by Legion Lieutenant A. Hart who later made his way from Dawson to England so that he could enlist with the 25th Royal (Frontiersmen) Fusiliers as a private, although he was offered a commission. (invalided,WW1).

1912 - Advertisements

• Somerville’s Rare Old Scotch (6 and 10 Years old), purveyors to the House of Lords, The Treasury, and other government offices, is advertised as the “Only” Scotch Whisky supplied to the Legion of Frontiersmen.
• Legion Rules and Regulations cost one penny, post free.
• A Legion full dress uniform included a black (navy) serge shirt for 10/6, a Stetson hat 5/6, riding breeches 21/-, waist belt 2/6, cavalry cloaks made to measure 15/6, gauntlets 4/6 for total cost, 2 (pounds) 19/6. A patrol jacket complete to measure cost 17/6. Mess Dress, complete sold for 2 (pounds) 15/6. All prices advertised in by Silverstone & Son, High-Class Tailor & Cutter of London in October 1912.

1912 – Mud Lake, Labrador. A troop photo of Frontiersmen with rifles pose at “present arms.”

1912 – “A branch of the Frontiersmen was established in St. John’s in 1912 by E.W. Vere-Holloway and was made up of ex-members of the boys brigades who qualified.”

1912 – Walter Frederick Rendell, active with the Church Lads Brigade, assumed command of the Legion of Frontiersmen in St. John’s. He then enrolled into the Newfoundland Regiment as a Captain and Adjutant, proceeded overseas. Was wounded in Gallipoli 1915, and wounded in France 1916. Lieutenant Colonel Walter Frederick Rendell was awarded the CBE in 1919. Later in WW2 he served with the Home Guard.

1912 - Chilliwack Valley sub-unit (troop) secretary J. Worral reports that the sub unit is invited by the local Militia Corps in to take part in a camp on Vancouver Island. Also noted is a registration number, “6009 Frontiersmen G.L. Snow is granted leave of absence to proceed to California.”

1912 – Calgary Command, formed about June 1912 by V.J.C. Eccles, and Command Staff listed includes Col. G.E. Sanders CMG, DSO (on active service WW1); Lt.Col. P.J. Daly CMG, DSO (on active service WW1); Capt.V.J.C. Eccles (killed in action WW1), Lt.Col. J. Drummond. “A” Squadron leader is Legion Capt. J.C. Page (on active service WW1) with Troops No.1, No.2, No.3, No.4 led by Lieutenants Miller, Watson, Donalson, and Gilson respectively (all of whom are on active service WW1). “B” Squadron’s Troops No.5, No.6, No.7, No.8 are led by Lieutenants Lake, Emery, L’Amy, and Hogg respectively, (all of whom are also on active service WW1).

1912 - Vancouver Command, 11 September 1912, under Legion Lieutenant G.H. Sloan aided by the Adjutant Lieutenant F.E. Dorchester has decided to open a section for dismounted men. In order to do this Lt. C. Plowden reverts from adjutant to Second Lieutenant in charge of the Dismounted section, while Second Lieutenant E.P. Waldo is in charge of the Mounted section. The Quartermaster Sergeant and secretary for Vancouver is J. Miller and the unit’s Press Agent is T. Thomas. Messers A.P. Brown and Company of 849 Pender Street West are appointed regimental tailors. A news report describes F.E. Dorchester as “an out-and-out Imperialist of some prominence” (apparently a compliment), E.P. Waldo “ex-Munster Regiment served in Africa”, and C. Plowden “ besides holding his majesty’s commission for 18 years, is also, a Colonel by a commission from the King of Greece”. The news report states that: “There are other ex-officers acting as troopers” and it goes on to say “We hope the Command here will reach a thousand strong in the next few months.“

1912 – “A” Squadron Moose Jaw (later in South Saskatchewan Command by March 1913) was formed about December 1912, leader F.T. Flavell.

1912 - Vernon and Okanagan Command under Organizing Officer Lt. Prosper J. Audy, P.O. Box 441 of Vernon had a meeting on October 05 establishing an Annual Subscription of $5.00, lists standards of eligibility, and details of the uniform to be worn: stiff brim Stetson with leather hatband and Legion crest & monogram, navy color shirt with shoulder chains, silk blue with white “bird’s eye” (polka dot) pattern bandanna, khaki (any shade) breeches or trousers with high brown riding boots, brown fringed gauntlets and regulation Legion holster. As well as smoking concert was to be held at the Oddfellows’ hall in Vernon on October 23rd at 8:15.

1912 - Saskatoon, Saskatchewan Sub-unit held its annual meeting in December 1912 at its HQ, Boulton’s Garage, 2nd Avenue North. “Captain Boulton in his opening speech, spoke of the splendid advance the Saskatoon Sub-unit had made in the past twelve months, and also how the Unit increased, considering that in January of 1912, there were only six in the Troop. There were now one Captain, one Lieutenant, one Sergeant-Major, one Sergeant, one Corporal, and 54 Troopers, beside the band. There are also two honorary members who have made up their minds to join the Legion” As well a mix of Troopers and NCOs was elected to positions on the Executive Council with two Troopers elected to positions of Secretary and Treasurer. Reviewing the recent past parade for, and inspection by the visiting Duke of Connaught; Captain Boulton and all Frontiersmen had been complimented. The Duke of Connaught said: “Captain Boulton, you have one of the finest bodies of men I have met in my travels through Canada”. As well the Sub-unit’s padre Lieutenant E.P. Goulding was reported married in Dublin, Ireland.

1913 - The Government of Newfoundland granted exemptions from Customs on all arms, ammunition, and other equipment for use of the Legion. St. John’s Rifle Club grants privileges to the Frontiersmen and annual subscription to it for $3.50 instead of the regular $7.00. St. Anthony’s Troop, officer commanding, Lt. C.M. Spencer reported that applications are “coming in fast” and that the unit has adopted as a uniform “Sailor suit, brown scarf.”

1913 - Vancouver Command was visited by Trooper Tom Burrows of Fiji, the world’s champion club swinger. A big concert was planned by the British Columbia Empire Club, at which the Command will receive a flag. The first mounted parade had been scheduled for about the end of January.

1913 - Rank and Leadership: A Vancouver newspaper, details the Legion’s aims, history, officers and so on. Importantly, the very unique way that rank structure was and still continues to be within the Legion is reported: “Whilst in uniform or on parade, discipline is discipline, yet from colonel to the latest-joined trooper they are equals.” The article continued, “Position counts for little in this democratic organisation (sic), except so far as it will help the aims of the Legion, and the Legion itself. Many erstwhile officers, indeed, gladly serve as troopers.” Referring to the Chief Executive Officer of the Legion of Frontiersmen, the report continued with a description of the CEO. “Col. Driscoll is well known throughout the Empire in connection with the Driscoll Scouts. He obtained his present rank in actual war service, having always been an irregular who has been on the spot when the Empire had fights to win. A better Commandant would be hard to find.” Regarding the local Vancouver officer commanding, Lt. G.H. Sloan who came from Hamilton: “He is an unusually keen officer, and no one could mistake him for aught but a soldier. He served as a scout and guide with French’s column in the South Africa War, being an ex-Scots Grey.” Other officers of Vancouver Command include Lt. Waldo who held a commission in the Royal Munsters in South Africa and a recent transfer from Burma Command, Lt. Hocking.

1913 - Chilliwack Valley Troop was formed about January 1913, the Organising Officer being H. Hastings.

Author’s Note: This conflicts with an earlier report about Chilliwack Valley 1912, listed previously.

1913 – The citizens of Calgary, Alberta were proposing the building of an “airship” to be called the “Calgarian” for the defence of Great Britain. No doubt the Legion of Frontiersmen would rally to this cause. The Frontiersmen then took the concept a step further and Calgary command advocated the training of “aerial scouts” for air reconnaissance; a concept of some foresight given the evolution of the war to come.

1913 – Toronto Troop formed about February 1913, leader W.H. Slater (invalided WW1), secretary J.S. Warren.

1913 – Montreal Troop formed about March 1913, leader C.H. Macnutt (on active service WW1).

1913 – Winnipeg Squadron formed about March 1913, leader E.C. Laver, adjutant M. Langfier, secretary E.C. King.

1913 – Southern Saskatchewan Command formed about March 1913, leader F.T. Flavell of Moose Jaw, Southern Saskatchewan Command Organizer.

1913 – “A” Squadron, North Saskatchewan Command, at Askwith (sic) 25 miles west of Saskatoon formed about June 1913, secretary T. Fairbrother.

1913 – “B” Squadron, South Saskatchewan Command, at Willow Bunch and HQ at Bengough (75 miles south of Moose Jaw) formed about August 1913, led by A.L. Dove MC (on active service WW1), medical officer (Dr.?) Ireland.