L. H. Nicholson Named R.C.M.P. Commissioner EW chief of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police in Canada is Commissioner Leonard Hanson Nicholson, M.B.E., who assumed that position May | on the retirement of Commissioner S. IT. Wood. Comumis- M.B.E. Wood, a years, retired at his own request. sioner Mountie for 38% Commissioner Nicholson was born at Mount Middleton, N.B., in 1904. In 1923 he joined the R.C.M.P. as a constable and served until 1926. Later he served in both the New Brunswick and Nova Scotia Provincial Police forces, returning to the R.C.M.P. with Commissioner S. T. Wood retires after 38% years Page Two the rank of inspector when the Nova Scotia force was absorbed by the Mounted Police in 1932. From 1932 to 1937 Inspector Nicholson had charge of the Criminal Investigation Branch in Nova Scotia and headed the same branch in Saskatchewan from 1938 to 1941. In 1940 he was promoted to superintendent. With the Canadian army from 1941 to 1946, Superintendent Nichol- son attained the rank of colonel and served in England, Italy and North- West Europe. He returned to the Force in 1946, was promoted to assist. ant commissioner and appointed Di- rector of Criminal Investigation at Headquarters, Ottawa, a position of responsibility he has filled since. Commissioner Nicholson is an offi cer (Brother) of the Order of St. John of Jerusalem; a member of the Cana dian General Council, Boy Scouts Association; and a member of the Executive Committee, Dominion o: Canada Rifle Association. Says Good-Bye to British Columbia ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER ALAN T. BELCHER The man who had the job of organizing the Royal Canadian Mounted Police in Britis Columbia after the provincial police changed over, Alan T. Belcher, left British Columbt¢ in March to resume his post as head of the Mounted Police in Alberta. During his stay ir British Columbia Mr. Belcher had a difficult job to do but set about it in a fashion that ha: won a place of honor for the Royal Canadian Mounted Police in this province.