Our Heroes

Colonel J. Fred Scott was born on July 3, 1892, in Meaford, Ontario. He moved west in 1911 and settled in Calgary to article in law, beginning a lifelong connection to Alberta that would encompass military service, law, ranching and community leadership.

During the First World War, Scott was commissioned as a lieutenant in the 21st Alberta Hussars and travelled overseas with the 89th Battalion. His family suffered a profound loss when his brother was killed near Courcelette on September 28, 1916, while serving with the 31st Battalion.

Scott transferred to the Royal Flying Corps, serving in France as a gunner and observer before medical concerns brought him back to the Canadian Expeditionary Force. He subsequently served with Calgary’s 50th Battalion. After contracting pneumonia, he returned to Canada and worked with a remount unit, rounding up wild horses in Alberta’s foothills for military service.

Discharged as a captain, Scott pursued ranching and farming before being admitted to the Alberta Bar in 1922. He became a successful lawyer and accomplished polo player while continuing his military service in the part-time Militia.

With the 15th Canadian Light Horse, Scott rose through the ranks to lieutenant-colonel and became commanding officer in 1935. The following year, the regiment amalgamated with another unit to become the 15th Alberta Light Horse.

As war approached in 1939, Scott was asked to take command of The Calgary Highlanders after their commanding officer was declared medically unfit for active service. He accepted and led the battalion overseas in 1940.

In Britain, Scott helped pioneer Battle Drill Training, preparing soldiers to respond quickly and effectively to the demands of combat. He brought that experience back to Canada in 1942, serving first at the Royal Military College in Kingston and then as commanding officer of the Canadian Battle Drill School in Vernon, British Columbia. In October 1944, he was promoted to acting colonel and appointed commandant of the A10 Canadian Infantry Training Centre at Camp Borden.

Scott was discharged on November 10, 1945, after serving his country through two world wars. Returning to Calgary, he practised law alongside J. V. H. Milvain, a future Chief Justice of Alberta, until 1976.

His connection to future generations continued through his active interest in the Calgary elementary school bearing his name, Colonel J. Fred Scott School.

Scott passed away on February 13, 1982, at the age of 89. His memorial banner honours a soldier, military educator and community leader whose dedication helped prepare Canadians for service and contributed to Alberta’s growth.

Lest We Forget.