We trust that many of you have noted the 150 year anniversary of the London, England subway, "the underground," which is being celebrated this year, to mark its start in 1863.
Here on the other side of the world, we are recognizing the formation, also in 1863, of the New Westminster Volunteer Rifles, when the Columbia Detachment of Royal Engineers disbanded. This volunteer group eventually led to The Royal Westminster Regiment of today.
It is interesting to consider time and context, as London had its first subway at the same time as New Westminster was carving its place out of the forested landscape overlooking the Fraser River.
London had underground transit while our little town had only a few, often impassable, trails and roads.
Another connection between the cities is a gentleman who would have been well aware of the London event and very interested in its inaugural trip. A number of us will soon be marking a special date concerning this man who is fundamentally tied to the Royal City's history.
The man? Richard Clement Moody, Colonel when here, as Commanding Officer of the local Royal Engineers. The date? The 200th anniversary of his birth on Feb. 13, 1813.
Moody was born at St. Ann's Garrison, Barbados. Schooled in England, he spent additional time in military education and training.
Prior to arriving in the new colony of British Columbia in 1858, he had held such appointments as professor of fortifications at Woolich, a Royal Military Academy, and first governor of the Falkland Islands.
The year he was born, the War of 1812 in North America between British and American forces was ongoing, and in Europe there was a long string of battles involving prominent names like Napoleon and Wellington. It was also the year that Pride and Prejudice and The Swiss Family Robinson were published, the London Philharmonic Orchestra was formed, and in Europe, the waltz was becoming very popular.
It is fascinating to consider what Moody would think of how this area and the city that was to be the capital has turned out.
He would see aspects of his surveyed plan for the town still evident on the ground and he could stand at the site of the primary survey location, accurately relocated years ago.
He could gaze upriver from the former Engineers' camp and from the location of his residence, to a view of the Fraser and the mountains in the background that he would clearly remember.
He could note the hilly landscape and where he would have sited the capital buildings.
He could stand at the graves of his men who now lie in the Fraser and St. Peter's cemeteries and salute his Corps' coat of arms in the city hall foyer.
Thank you Colonel Richard Moody for what you did for our community, and happy 200th birthday.
