Also found through RCMP E DIV - Veterans some tidbits of what occurred in and around that time as the war broke out. During the influx of refugees fleeing Europe into Canada. The estimated number by loose census was that 170,000 had come to Canada. With 173,568 German and Austrian aliens living in Western Canada in 1914, the Canadian government decided to increase the Force establishment by 434 members for one year. These members would be designated as the RESERVE Division and would be based in Regina. In September 1914, they commenced their training at the old Indian School about a mile and half from “Depot” barracks in Regina. The intent of this Division was to deploy members to combat issues or concerns relating to the enemy aliens.
However the COMMISIONER soon informed OTTAWA that there was no concern on his part about the GERMAN AND AUSTRIAN population. And in fact the number of aliens who were thought to be an issue and interned, the COMMISIONER reported that the number was so low it was inconsequential and it was widely believed by all that the RNWMP would maintain order and would serve to protect not only its Citizens but his Men made it known that all were under the protection of the RNWMP
The COMMISIONER knowing that most of his men were fiercely loyal and to eliminate the very real possibility of men deserting to join the war he disbanded the RESERVE FORCE and offered all of his members the opportunity to pay for their discharge - many did and returned to their original British Regiments -------which are as follows:
Coldstream Guards,
King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry regiment,
Irish Guards,
Leinster Regiment,
Oxford & Bucks Light Infantry,
18th (Queen Mary’s Own) Hussars,
Royal Artillery,
Royal Berkshire Regiment,
Royal Sussex Regiment,
Scots Guards,
Welsh Guards, and
York & Lancaster Regiment
its also possible that WOODS was a member of the Provincial Police.