Member of C Pro C has fatal heart attack while escorting Queen Elizabeth II at CFB Moose Jaw, Manitoba-1978
Foreward This article was prepared by Captain (Retired) Lloyd Saunders who was the Base Security Officer at CFB Moose Jaw when MWO Danny O'Donnell died while driving the lead escort vehicle during the visit of Queen Elizabeth II in July of 1978.

On July 30, 1978, HM the Queen, HRH Duke of Edinburgh and HRH Prince Edward were due to visit CFB Moose Jaw for the purpose of boarding the Royal Aircraft, destination Saskatoon, from visiting the cities of Regina and Moose Jaw. Danny, in the MP vehicle, was at the main Gate facing inward waiting to lead the Royal Carcade to the departure point. The BComd and I were at the departure point. The route was from the main Gate to the the first intersection (approx 90 yds), left turn and straight to the departure point (approx 175yds). The BComd and I could see the intersection. When the Carcade reached the main gate, the RCMP lead vehicle peeled away and the car carrying the Royals fell in behind Danny. Danny then radioed me that he was now the lead vehicle and I acknowledged. It should have taken approx 10 seconds to reach the intersection. We couldn’t understand why it was taking so long to drive 90 yds. I radioed him but no answer. Danny and I were using RCMP radios and were only in contact with the carcade. A minute later we noticed the carcade coming around the corner but the lead vehicle was now an RCMP vehicle. I then headed over to the Base command post (CP) approx 70 yds away. Before I got there the Carcade was passing me and I noticed that the Queen was leaning forward with a distressed look on here face. I phoned Sgt Don Duncan (major retired) at the MP Command Post and asked him what happened?” he said that it appeared that Danny may have had a heart attack and that an ambulance was despatched was was taking him to the hospital in Moose Jaw. As I was heading back to the departure point, the Queen’s ADC came running up and said that Her Majesty wanted to know what happened to the lead driver. When I gave him the info, he ran back and passed it on to the Royals. A few moments later the Queen took the Royal salute, inspected the honour guard then the Royal party boarded the A/C for Saskatoon. The BComd and I then proceeded to Danny’s PMQ to advise Mrs O’Donnell of the situation. The BComd then left and I drove Mrs O’Donnell and their two sons to the hospital, we were only there for about 5 minutes when the Dr came out and advised that Danny had passed on. Note: 1. Before reaching the intersection the MP vehicle jumped the sidewalk pushing aside a wooden planter and coming coming to a halt against a light standard. There happened to be an off duty Medical Officer on the sidewalk as a spectator within yards of the stopped vehicle. His response was less than a minute and he went to the hospital with the ambulance. Note: 2. The U.S. Secret Service calls it a motorcade, the RCMP calls them carcades. Note: 3. The Queen sent a msg from Saskatoon via the base comm center to Mrs O’Donnell offering condolences from her and Prince Phillip. Capt. (Retired) Lloyd Saunders, CD Canadian Military Police

See MWO O'Donnell Honored

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