The RCR » Individual Submissions » Beaver Island

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An other ranks helmet plate of the 1894 pattern. This particular example is of the one-piece, flat variation of the1894 helmet plate. Convex one-piece versions, as well as two-piece versions (the cypher is separate) are also known. The officers' helmet plate was in three pieces (star, cypher and laurel) with a gilt washed finish.

 

Beaver Island

Reproduced from Pro Patria #33, August 1977

RR#2
Ilderton, Ontario
NOM 2AO

07 July, 1977

From: WO G.W. Norman

I wish to take a moment to write "Pro Patria" with an item that may be of Regimental interest.

In Jul 74 1 RCR sent a small crew to King William Island on Exercise Northern Quest. A bit of Adventure Training while searching for further remains of the ill-fated "Franklin Expedition" of mid last century. As you recall a European skeleton was recovered and consequently dispatched to the Museum of Man in Ottawa.

Members of the exercise erected a proper cairn of cement with a Regimental Plaque and Hat Badge at the location of the discovery. I took it upon myself to write to the Secretariat Geographical Names to ensure The Regiment would be remembered in that district, by way of a place name. Preferably an island. The Royal Canadian Regiment, or Pro Patria Island seemed a little long, so I tried Beaver Island on for size. The annual meeting to adopt new names had already met in 1974 and would be considering names in 1975. Beaver Island was rejected then since it is 150 miles North of the Arctic Circle and beyond the Beavers Boundary.

I re-wrote to the 1976 Board explaining the Regimental significance of the Beaver. The purpose of the exercise and erection of the Brass Cairn. Out of the blue (Royal that is) came a letter this past June. It is attached for your information.

Mook

---

Secretariat Geographical Names

From: Alan Rayburn, Executive Secretary

I have received a reply from the Canadian Permanent Committee on Geographical Names representative of the Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development recommending the approval of the name Beaver Island. Beaver Island was officially adopted on June 7, 1977 at 68° 36' 97° 38' and will be shown on the next published edition of map sheet 67 A/10.

I regret the time taken to obtain a decision on this matter but it is our policy to do a local check of all names when possible. In remote northern areas this takes a considerable length of time.

Thank you for your interest and assistance.

Sincerely yours, Alan Rayburn,
Executive Secretary