On October 1, 2025 the latest Vancouver Police Department vessel ‘R.G. McBeath V.C.’ was christened by Mrs. Joanne Watts, using a bottle of ‘Final Salute’, a single malt whisky crafted by Tumbleweed Spirits Distillery.
Robert McBeath was born in Scotland and, at just 16, enlisted in the Seaforth Highlanders Regiment during the First World War. In 1917, at the Battle of Cambrai, he displayed extraordinary bravery by single-handedly attacking and capturing several German machine-gun positions, taking many prisoners. For his gallantry McBeath was awarded the Victoria Cross (VC), the British Empire’s highest military honour.
After the war, McBeath immigrated to Vancouver. He first joined the British Columbia Provincial Police, and not long after, the Vancouver Police Department. On October 9, 1922 while on midnight patrol, he and fellow officer intervened to stop an armed suspect. McBeath was shot and killed in the line of duty, just 24 years old. His funeral was one of the largest ever held in Vancouver, a testament to the respect and admiration he had earned in both military and police service.
To honour his sacrifice, the VPD christened a police boat in his name, followed years later by its replacement. That tradition continues today with the VPD’s newest vessel, the ‘R.G. McBeath V.C.’, ensuring his courage and service are remembered for generations.
Using ‘Final Salute’ single malt whisky to christen a police vessel named after a fallen hero is a perfect moment to honour Constable McBeath’s sacrifice. ‘Final Salute’ is now used across Canada as a fitting tribute to any and all of the ‘Fallen’, those that have died while protecting their communities. Purchase your own bottle of ‘Final Salute’ via the Tumbleweeds Spirits Distillery website, and they will ship anywhere in Canada.
