Lieutenant-Colonel James Domville was born in Belize on 29 November 1842. He would emigrate to New Brunswick at the age of 18. In New Brunswick, Domville would play an important role in the development of the 8th Regiment of Cavalry, i.e., the 8th Hussars. He first joined the militia in 1866. He would be required to take to the field when the threat of a Fenian raid cast its shadow upon the province. In 1878, Domville would find himself joining the 8th Regiment of Cavalry in Sussex, then under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel John Saunders.
As a major with the 8th Cavalry, Domville would lead a contingent of soldiers to provide an escort for the Governor-General, The Marquis of Lorne, and his wife, Her Royal Highness Princess Louise, during their visit to Saint John in 1879. Moreover, Major Domville would greet the distinguished couple when their train stopped in Sussex. This meeting with the Princess would be fortuitous. The charm of the Princess would convince the men to approach her in an effort to have her more permanently associated with the regiment. In the end, she would oblige the regiment and, in 1884, the regiment would be re-designated the 8th Princess Louise's New Brunswick Regiment of Cavalry.
However, before this could occur, John Saunders would die, leaving the Lieutenant-Colonelcy vacant. Major Domville, a member of the regiment for only two years, would be appointed commanding officer in 1880. Domville would command the Regiment for nineteen years, becoming the longest serving Commanding Officer in the Regiment's history. Under his leadership, the 8th Hussars became one of the most highly respected cavalry regiments across Canada.
However, before this could occur, John Saunders would die, leaving the Lieutenant-Colonelcy vacant. Major Domville, a member of the regiment for only two years, would be appointed commanding officer in 1880. Domville would command the Regiment for nineteen years, becoming the longest serving Commanding Officer in the Regiment's history. Under his leadership, the 8th Hussars became one of the most highly respected cavalry regiments across Canada.
Moreover, during his tenure with the regiment, Domville would serve the people of New Brunswick as a Member of Parliament. First, as a conservative under the auspices of Sir John A. MacDonald, 1872-1882. Early in his political career, Domville almost sparked a fight on the floor of the House of Commons after calling another MP a 'Bankrupt.' Thankfully cooler heads intervened before this could occur. Ultimately, during his time with the conservative caucus in Parliament, Domville found that he was often at odds vis-à-vis his party's polices. It did not help when Sir John A. MacDonald backed a rival in his riding, leading to his defeat. As such, he would eventually run for the Liberal party and was re-elected under their banner, serving from 1896-1900. Following this, in 1903, Domville would be appointed to the Senate by Sir Wilfrid Laurier. He would serve in the Upper Chamber until his death at age 78 on 20 July 1921.
Domville's tenure as commanding officer would be remembered fondly by a great many people. He ensured that the regiment always gave its best. For example, during the 1881 Dominion Day celebrations, the regiment would parade with finesse for the visit of the Governor-General, the Marquis of Lorne. However, it would not always be easy for Domville, nor the regiment. A poorly functioning economy would limit the funds directed at the militia. Yet, Domville would not allow this to drastically impact the operation of the regiment. He implemented a rotational training program for the regiment's seven troops. Ultimately, Lieutenant-Colonel Domville's leadership would ensure that the 8th Cavalry remained a top-notch militia regiment which was acknowledged on several occasions by the Federal Government. Despite the success of Domville's tenure as CO, his last few years would be marked by tension within the regiment. A bitter animosity would stifle the relationship between the CO and his second-in-command, Major Alfred Markham. It seemed that the Major, as well as some other officers, believed that the Domville had been CO long enough. Eventually, Alfred Markham would be appointed as commanding officer of the regiment in 1899. He lasted a little over a week. The dispute between the two men would be concluded when higher authorities intervened, retiring both Lieutenant-Colonels James Domville and Alfred Markham in 1899.
Besides this, Domville was active in several business pursuits in his adoptive province and across the continent. He helped develop the Albert County shale fields. He also financed a steam ship that carried passengers to the Yukon during the Klondike Gold Rush. As well, on the 14th Dominion Day, i.e., Canada Day, Lieutenant-Colonel James Domville would parade down Broad Street of Sussex. He would be one of 3000 soldiers that turned out to celebrate with the Governor-General. The impact of nineteen years of service would leave an indelible impact on the regiment, and contribute to its future successes.
Besides this, Domville was active in several business pursuits in his adoptive province and across the continent. He helped develop the Albert County shale fields. He also financed a steam ship that carried passengers to the Yukon during the Klondike Gold Rush. As well, on the 14th Dominion Day, i.e., Canada Day, Lieutenant-Colonel James Domville would parade down Broad Street of Sussex. He would be one of 3000 soldiers that turned out to celebrate with the Governor-General. The impact of nineteen years of service would leave an indelible impact on the regiment, and contribute to its future successes.