Canadian Virtual War Memorial

Royal Canadian Mounted Police

Additional Information

Inspector Lorne James Sampson was born in Hilton Beach, Algoma, Ontario on January 8, 1895 to William and Ella Sampson. He moved to Saskatchewan with his parents shortly before joining the Force in September, 1914. One year later, when he took his discharge to enlist for service overseas, he was a Corporal. He served with the 119th Battalion in Canada and England, and then was transferred to the 58th Battalion for service in France.

At the end of his war service, in 1919, he rejoined the Mounted Police. With his promotion to Sergeant, the same year, he was transferred from Regina to Vancouver, where he remained until 1932.

A quotation from the official report of his Commanding Officer, in 1932, will serve to indicate the regard in which he was held by his superiors:

"This NCO is most versatile and his services could be used in any capacity and to fill any position that might be required.”

"He, as a Policeman, has had a great deal of practical experience, more especially in Federal work, being employed as a Detective Sergeant on the West Coast for some considerable time, and I understand that he has been complimented on a number of occasions by Judges, for his successful handling of a number of difficult cases.”

In June, 1932, Sergeant Sampson returned to Regina and was promoted to Depot Sergeant Major., followed in April, 1933, with his final promotion to commissioned rank.

Inspector Sampson was transferred to Saskatoon in charge of the northern training squad and it was while serving in this capacity that he received his fatal injuries. On May 8, 1933, he was on duty endeavouring to suppress a disturbance at the relief camp in Saskatoon. He died as a result of injuries received in a fall from his horse. He was survived by his young widow and two children, Douglas, aged eleven, and Pamela, seven. He is buried at the RCMP Cemetery at Depot Division, Regina.

Commemorated on Page 54 of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Honour Roll Book.