Dedicated to Reg.#11675, Lance Corporal Charles Bismark ‘Tiny’ Hermann  ·  R. I. P. Dédié à Matr.#11675, Caporal suppléant Charles Bismark ‘Tiny’ Hermann  ·  R. I. P.

Charles Bismark ‘Tiny’ Hermann represents one of the most outstanding Canadian sport figures in our national history. He was an all-round sports person; excelling in track and field, football, rugby and curling. He received many accolades for his remarkable sports skills. He was an extremely talented person, who sadly died too soon. He was affectionately known as ‘Tiny’.

Tiny, who as an adult stood 6’2” and weighed 280 lbs, was born in 1906 in Halifax, NS. In 1931, he joined the Nova Scotia Provincial Police (NSPP) and he served in Glace Bay, NS. In 1932, the NSPP was absorbed into the RCMP and Tiny was attached to the RCMP ‘Marine’ Division. His job involved the protection of Canada’s Atlantic coastline, the enforcement of liquor laws, and the collection of Customs and Excise revenue for the Canadian Government. It wasn’t long before senior RCMP Officers noticed his leadership skills and his affable personality, and one year later, Tiny was transferred with the RCMP to Ottawa. Ottawa Headquarters exposed Tiny to a broader perspective in Canadian policing, and he also had the opportunity to meet new and influential friends both inside and outside the RCMP. Soon after his arrival in Ottawa, Tiny’s football skills became evident and he was recruited as a place kicker with the Ottawa Rough Riders. He embarked on an outstanding sports career.

Hermann played for the Ottawa Rough Riders from 1933 to 1940. According to Middleton Sports Heritage Hall of Fame (middletonshwof.com) Tiny Hermann “…was regarded as one of football’s greatest players. He was an All Canadian in 1936, 1937, 1938, and 1939, and he was a member of the Rough Rider Grey Cup Championship Team in 1940.”

WWII broke out in 1939, and in 1941, Hermann took his discharge from the RCMP and he signed on with the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN). He achieved the rank of Lieutenant-Commander and, for his contributions to the Allied efforts in WWII, was awarded the Order of the British Empire. After the conflict ceased, Tiny returned to Ottawa to explore new opportunities.

After the war, Tiny had a successful career as coach at Ashbury College in Ottawa. Sadly, his life was cut short in 1966 when he died tragically in a plane crash in Metcalfe, ON on the outskirts of Ottawa. He was buried in Capital Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Ottawa.

Charles Bismark ‘Tiny’ Hermann is a member of the NS Sports Hall of Fame (an Original Inductee). He was an all-round super athlete, a decorated War Veteran and an outstanding police officer.

Reporting from Fort Healy,

J. J. Healy
February 23, 2022