ALLINSON, D.G. (Dallas G. Allinson)
The Gallery
The Nameplates
Pillar Location: Pillar: 09 - IX, Row: 31, Column: B
Troop Number and Year: TR. 2 1967
Pillar Location: Pillar: 09 - IX, Row:31, Column:B
Troop Number and Year: TR. 2 1967
The Stories
Dallas was born in Lucky Lake, Saskatchewan on April 25, 1946. He was raised in nearby Beechy, along with 3 brothers and 6 sisters. Growing up ranching and farming, he always had a fondness for livestock, mainly horses. He worked for local farmers and ranchers during the summer and played hockey during the winter. Dallas recalls, “Every chance I got I was on a horse or on the ice.”
While helping his dad on a town job, Dallas was stopped for a vehicle road check. His old truck, a ‘52 International, was “a disaster”, Dallas recalls. “We had no money to fix it, so, of course, it failed inspection.” The officer was Cpl. Young of the Kyle detachment. He mentioned to Dallas that he would be a good fit with the force, so Dallas applied in 1966 while playing hockey for the Rosetown Red Wings. In March he got the call to start training in Regina.
He trained in Regina and Penhold with his first posting being Brandon, Manitoba, Sub Division Detachment. With his love of horses, it was only natural that he would apply for the Musical Ride. He was off to Ottawa in the summer of 1968. For the next two years, Dallas recalls, “it was hockey and horses, and I even got paid for it.”
The 1968-69 Musical Ride tour of England, Scotland, and Wales included the following highlights:
A 6-year-old mare named “Burmese” was presented to Queen Elizabeth II on this tour.
They attended a special lunch with the Royal Family, and later performed a special ride at Windsor Castle.
It was the first time for the RCMP Musical Ride to perform at Cardiff Wales Castle.
The boys stayed in Edinburgh Castle for one month, keeping the horses at the renowned St. Cuthbert’s stables. They had to perform a “walk ride” performance because of the cobble stone esplanade.
The 1969-1970 Tour of Japan, the eastern U.S., and Manitoba.
The tour, which included Osaka, Japan, was the first time the ride had ever performed in Asia. Before leaving for Japan a number of promotional photos were taken at “N” Division. One of these photos was later used for the 1975 issue of the $50.00 bill. (Photo – The Dome). It wasn’t until almost 50 years later that it was confirmed who was in the picture. Some of the boys passed away not knowing.
The Manitoba Centennial Tour was special for Dallas as he met his wife, Carol, at the Red River Exhibition in Winnipeg where she was showing horses.
He was transferred to ‘K’ Division and posted in Banff, Alberta, where he and Carol were married and had two boys. His older son, Aaron, and his wife Kari, live in Saskatoon. They have two children, Brie and Jonathan. Their younger son, Jordy, and his wife, Carrie, live in Lethbridge and also have two children, Charli and Austin. Fifty years later, Dallas and Carol are still married.
While stationed in Banff, Dallas took part in many local parades—on horseback, of course. In 1972, he rode in the Calgary Stampede Parade with three other members. Premier Peter Lougheed was the Parade Marshal.
His six short years on the Force gave him opportunities to travel the world and come to know many wonderful people, especially fellow members. Over the years, the art of sculpting has become another of Dallas’ passions. His bronze work, “The Riding Master” was inspired by his friendship with Fred Rasmussen, Riding Master, 1974-75. When asked about his Riding Master, Dallas always begins with the same words, “He was the best.” This piece was purchased by Saskatchewan Premier Brad Wall and gifted to Queen Elizabeth II on her 2010 visit to Canada.
Divisions Served: D, N, K
Pillar Location: Pillar: 09 - IX, Row: 31, Column: B
Regimental Number: 25609
Training Division: Depot
Troop Number and Year: TR. 2 1967
Home Town: Beechy, SK
Engagement Date: Mar 01, 1967
Regimental Number: #25609
Troop Number and Year: TR. 2 1967