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Calgary, 8th February 1900
By Lt. Col. Steele, Commanding

R.O. 5

To - Lieut. Colonel Belcher
2nd in Command, Strathcona’s Horse

Instructions re-trains carrying 1st Contingent, Strathcona’s Horse and other matters of importance.

Sir:

You will take command of the train which leaves here on the evening of Saturday the 10th instant on its arrival in Regina, and which is composed of the following equipment –

1. Tourist cars, not to exceed fifty (50) men per car. Sergeants two to a section, others four to a section, one section of each car to be free for hand baggage. Half last car for Officers and other half for Non-Com. Officers. Officers half to be fitted as first class sleepers, commissariat to be attached, making 6 tourist, 1 baggage, 1 commissariat. Officer in charge of train to issue transport requisition including sleeping accommodation. The arrangements subject to change from here. Communicate with Mr. Wm. Whyte, Winnipeg, if any trouble with train or advise me.

2. The train will have the following Officers and Non-Commissioned Officers and Privates aboard:

Medicine Hat & Maple Creek – 20 men including Squadron Sergeant Major Hynes and temporary Corporals.

Fort MacLeod – 20 men and temporary Corporals
Pincher Creek - 16 men and temporary Corporals
Edmonton - 20 men and temporary Corporals
Calgary - 40 men and temporary Corporals
Prince Albert and Battleford - 20 men and temporary Corporals and Squadron Sergeant Major Hooper but excluding Quartermaster Parker.
Regina - 37 men and temporary Corporals, exclusive of self.
Moosomin - 40 men and temporary Corporals, excluding Mr. Christie and Mr. Fall.
Manitoba - 20 men and temporary Corporals, excluding Mr. Mackie

Total 283

Moosomine and Manitoba compliment to be picked up en route at Indian Head, Virden, Moosomine, Oak Lake, Brandon, Portage La Prairie and Winnipeg. Lists of how squadron will be attached. All subject to change.

3. I also enclose copy of Regimental orders issued this date for your guidance. I have advised all Officers accompanying troops en route to tell off the men in groups of fours, who are friends, putting the best man as No. 1, and sizing, but paying particular attention to their best friends and comrades as far as you can, and if possible at least one drilled man in each group. This should be maintained.

On your arrival in Ottawa you will report to Colonel Cotton.

Take the troops from the different locations, place them under an Officer or Non-Commissioned Officer. The Officer must come from the same district as the men if possible.

(1) The non-commissioned officers of the N. W. M. Police to have preference, (temporarily) of rank and next

(2) The Non-Commissioned Officers of the Imperial Army and -

(3) The Officers of the Canadian and other Militia and Volunteers and -

(4) The old and experienced Constables and ex-Constables of the N. W. M. Police and

(5) Non-Commissioned officers of the Militia and Volunteers and

(6) Men with knowledge of drill and discipline must be considered as well.

4. Warn all hands anyone absent or drunk will be severely dealt with.

5. As the horses are purchased “C” Squadron and balance of “A” Squadron will be sent in charge.

6. I will wire you as each train goes through from the West.

7. As soon as you get to Ottawa start to equip the men with everything they require, make sure that all the measurements (size rolls) are in the hands of the proper officers in the Military Department.

8. Start drills at once, give them plenty of it as there is no time to be lost.

9. As horses arrive see that they are properly arranged and told off to men according to size weight (subject to change). Senior Officers will have choice. Find out what shoeing is to be done.