Colonel Frederick Charles Jamieson, VD
Colonel F.C. Jamieson, while not the first commanding officer of the Alberta Dragoons, was one of the best known supporters and key figures of the Regiment. Born on 18 May 1875 in North Gower Ontario, Jamieson came to Alberta at an unknown age and by the time the Boer War broke out, he listed his occupation as a farmer and lawyer. He enlisted at Edmonton on 30 Dec 1899 for service in South Africa and listed his next of kin as his mother, Mrs Mary Jamieson, of Lacomb, Alberta. During the Boer War, Colonel Jamieson served with the Canadian Mounted Rifles in the rank of Pte under Commissioner Herchmer of the RNWMP. He was discharged on 14th Jan 01 upon his return from South Africa. Colonel Jamieson was one of the first officers to join the independent squadrons of Canadian Mounted Rifles that would later join together to form the 19th Alberta Mounted Rifles. He routinely attended the summer concentrations and by 1914 had established a legal practice in Edmonton: Rutherford, Jamieson, and Grant Solicitors. At the outbreak of the Great War, he listed that he was married to Anne Catherine.
Upon mobilization, Colonel Jamieson was appointed as commanding officer of the 1st Special Service Squadron (19AD) as part of 1st Can Div CEF. He proceeded overseas in 1914 and served on the frontlines until his appointment as GSOI of Camp Sarcee from July to November 1916.
Following this, he was appointed to the British Canadian Recruiting Mission in USA in an effort to encourage Americans to join up in the fight (see pic below right, Jamieson standing). In 1918, Colonel Jamieson assumed command of the 260th Battalion, CSEF and he served in Siberia through 1919.
Upon his return from overseas service, Col Jamieson resumed his civilian practice and continued to serve in the Militia, eventually commanding the Edmonton Garrison as Brigade Commander of the 79th Infantry Brigade. He also dabbled in politics and, while unsuccessful in the 1926 and 1930 elections, he won a by-election in January 1931 for the Provincial Conservative party in Edmonton. Colonel Jamieson was defeated in the 1935 provincial elections and returned full-time to his legal practice. He also assumed numerous appointments which included the President of the 19th Dragoons Association and ultimately, honourary-colonel of the Regiment he loved so dearly. He was also an avid member of the Freemasons.
A soldier to the end, Colonel Jamieson established and served with the Veterans Volunteer Reserves in Edmonton at the outbreak of WW2. Following the war, he was appointed as the first president of the Alberta Historical Society and served in this capacity from 1947-1952. He personally penned several articles on early Alberta military history. An excellent marksman, he participated in numerous rifle matches and continued to proudly carry his rifle from the Boer War which he had carved his name into on his return from South Africa.
Colonel Jamieson remained in Edmonton for the rest of his life and he continued to practice law with his son Kenneth until 1962. He passed away in 1966 and was laid to rest in the Mount Pleasant Cemetery (5420 106 Street). For those that wish to pay their respects, the grave site is Grave 2, Block 102, Section F and although it was unmarked the Society contacted the Last Post from Veterans Affairs and a headstone was installed in the Spring.
Edmonton recognized Colonel Jamieson's contribution with the naming of the Jamieson Place neighborhood in Edmonton in his honour.
