Constable William Moss (Memorial)

Constable William Moss killed in the line of duty of March 12, 1959

Cst. William Moss was tragically killed on March 12, 1959 during the International Woodworkers of America strike at Badger that eventually became known as the “Badger Riot”.

Cst. Moss was struck on the head with a piece of pulpwood during a melee on March 10, 1959. He was taken to a hospital in Grand Falls but died two days later.

A logger was arrested and charged with murdering Cst. Moss but was eventually acquitted by a 12-man jury in the Newfoundland Supreme Court.

Vida Hounsell of Glovertown, mother of the late Cst. Moss, later unveiled a commemorative plaque in his honor during special ceremonies at the old Newfoundland Constabulary headquarters at Fort Townshend on May 12, 1971.

Source: RCNA Website (Add Site Link)

The Constable William Moss Minor Softball Tournament was inaugurated in 1980 through the personal efforts of Constable Gary Browne, Mr. Peter Harvey, then president of Softball Newfoundland, and Mrs. Gen Adams of the Cabot Street Recreation Association.

The Const. Moss Memorial Tournament began in 1980 with just four St. John’s inter-city teams. In just a few short years, the event had become, as it is to this day, the premier boys’ and girls’ tournament in our province, with as many as 30 teams participating.

The tournament quickly far surpassed all police and community expectations relating to the breaking down of barriers between law enforcement members and our youth.

Source: Waterford Valley Softball Website (Add Site Link)