Soldier Profile
Lieutenant Colonel George Joseph Maunsell, Deputy Adjutant General
City: 2375 Woodstock Rd, Fredericton, NB
In the entrance way of St Peter’s, there is a tablet dedicated to Colonel Maunsell and his wife Anna Jane Mooney, who had been active members of the congregation when they lived in Springhill. He was born in 1836 in Ireland, educated at the Royal Military College in England, and commissioned as an ensign in the 15th Regiment of Foot. The 15th Regiment was sent to New Brunswick in 1862 during the Trent Affair, but Maunsell remained in Britain, joining his unit two years later. He took his release from the British army and on 29 June 1865 was appointed the adjutant general of the New Brunswick militia. In November 1865, he was promoted lieutenant colonel. He played a key role in reforming the militia and during the Fenian crisis. After confederation, he received the federal appointment of deputy adjutant general of Military District #8 covering the Province of New Brunswick. In this role, he had the responsibility for integrating the provincial militia into the federal system. He was noted for good organizational ability, sound management, and innovative thinking. In 1883 the federal government authorized the establishment of three infantry companies to “serve as practical schools of Military Instruction.” In addition to being the deputy adjutant general, Maunsell was appointed commanding officer of “A” Company of the Infantry School Corps stationed in Fredericton. The Infantry School Corps underwent a number of names changes and in 1896 Maunsell was appointed the first commanding officer of The Royal Regiment of Canadian Infantry, soon to be named The Royal Canadian Regiment. Colonel Maunsell was described as a “popular and respected officer, praised for his tact and leadership.” After he retired, he returned to Britain, where he is buried.
