Constable 328 Gilbert Usher “Gibb” Renwick
Over the course of his career with the Vancouver Police (1946 – 1973), Gibb Renwick worked in Patrol, Traffic, Mounted, CCB (Central Complaint Bureau), and Court Liaison, but that was not the extent of his years of service. Like many men of that time, Gibb had previously served during World War II.
On September 19, 1939, Gibb enlisted with the Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders of Canada. He was shipped overseas, seeing time in the trenches of France and Germany.
On August 10, 1942, he single-handedly eradicated two enemy machine gun nests.
During one operation while under heavy fire at the beaches of Dieppe, Sgt Renwick went to the rescue of his Lieutenant-Colonel (C.C. Merritt), who was trying to save wounded men from the advancing tide. He was able to pull Merritt to safety, then went back to assist removing the numerous wounded. As he was doing so, he was shot in the chest and taken as prisoner of war.
He was listed as missing in September 1942.
Over the course of his internment, Gibb made 3 unsuccessful attempts to escape his captors.
He was finally liberated in April 1945.
On July 20, 1945, Gibb was discharged from his duties overseas, returned to Canada, and joined the Vancouver Police. He also re-enlisted, this time with the Irish Fusiliers (Militia), in the rank of Bandsman. Being a ‘true Scotsman’, Gibb had became quite a talented piper; he joined not only the VPD band, but was the resident Piper for Royal Canadian Legion Coquitlam Branch #263.
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In Episode 16 Dieppe: Battle Line 1963 of this 25-minute video, Gilbert Usher Renwick is featured as “The Canadian.”
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Gibb did, in fact, resign on January 7, 1956, to go into business in Hawaii, but alas, it was short-lived, having lost a sum of money in the venture. He was re-engaged on May 8, 1956, and assigned to Patrol. He superannuated at the age of 58 on October 13, 1973, after 27 years of police service.
Other References
Vancouver Police photo – Gilbert Usher Renwick, circa 1950
Winnipeg Tribune – Awards Feb 5, 1946, pg 13
Waja100, Daily Motion: Episode 16 Dieppe. 11/25 videos.