10/09/2026
On October 9th 1922 Constable Robert McBeath V.C., was fatally shot whilst protecting his community.
Constable McBeath was a decorated hero, serving with the Seaforth Highlanders during WWI. He single handedly silenced five German machine-gun positions in France. For his bravery he was awarded the Victoria Cross.
Just seven years later, after immigrating to Vancouver with his wife Barbara and joining the VPD, he and his partner, Detective Quirk were walking the beat at Granville and Davie at 2:30 in the morning.
The two officers noticed an erratic driver, signalled the driver to stop and when he didn’t, they jumped onto the car’s running boards. The car finally came to a halt and McBeath escorted the driver to a patrol box whilst his partner stayed with the passenger.
At this point the driver pulled a gun and shot both officers before making his escape. Constable McBeath and Detective Quirk were rushed to St Paul’s hospital. McBeath died shortly after. He was only 24 years old.
The gunman was later caught, charged and found guilty of manslaughter. He was sentenced to life imprisonment.
Constable Robert McBeath’s funeral was one of the largest in Vancouvers history.
He is remembered as a hero, a police officer, a Highlander, a husband and a son.
A young man who dedicated his life to serving others. We shall never forget his bravery.
The VPMA proudly displays casts of Constable McBeath’s medals as well as a pocket watch given to him in thanks by the People of Sutherland.
The inscription reads;
‘Presented with the war stock certificate, by the People of Sutherland to Lance Corporal Robert McBeath, 5th Seaforth Highlanders in recognition of the gallantry and heroism which won him the coveted Victoria Cross. January 1918.’
