George Arthur French

Commissioner George Arthur French

George Arthur French was a military man, through and through. Trained in England at Sandhurst and Woolwich, attached to the Royal Artillery for ten years, French came to Canada in 1870 as Inspector of Artillery. When Prime Minister John A. MacDonald searched for a military man to head the NWMP, French was ready and available.

French ran the NWMP with a strict and inflexible hand. Not everyone appreciated this military approach and officers and recruits deserted or were fired for insubordination. He made enemies within the force; his lack of patience with politicians gained him even more. Once the March West was completed and the men established in posts throughout the prairies, French resigned in 1876.

French continued his career with the British Army, serving in India, Australia and South Africa. In 1902 he was knighted. Sir George French retired from active service in 1910 with the rank of Major-General. He lived peacefully at his estate in England until his death in 1921.