CanCollect

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,

• • 18^th (Queen Mary’s Own) Hussars,

• • Royal Artillery,

• • Royal Berkshire Regiment,

• • Royal Sussex Regiment,

• • Scots Guards,

• • Welsh Guards,  and

• • York & Lancaster Regiment

1. its also possible that WOODS was a member of the Provincial Police.

I was reading through the posts and may have glanced over if anyone has already provided you this info--not that it assists you much in the way of determining the mystery but here is the information on file with the RCMP regarding the "Regimental Number" 1788-

like I told you in our little chat off site, I mine has a slight bend, but it could have been from having sat on for so long, but yes the recruits very shiny  and extremely flat.

RCMP-GRC CURRENT VERSION BADGE - RETIRGE-

I cant remember if it was LES saying check the back of the badge - unfortunately the RCMP issue badge is not hallmarked. the finish on some older badges being a faint gold like the RET one below have a slight curve to them ,but ive seen recruits coming out of Depot as recently as 2010 with badges that are flat and have a very polished deep gold color with noticeable pitting designs.