I_♥_Police

7 hours ago, Dave Wilkinson said:

This particular Merseyside Police ceremonial helmet replaced the "Liverpool City" version which we talked about previously. The change took place in circa.1983. Again supplied by Christy's of Stockport, the helmet shown is the version which is worn by Sergeants and Constables. There is a helmet which has chrome plated edging to the peak which is worn by the OIC of the mounted section. You will notice that the side "roses" are smaller than the previous issue, and it includes the current (ceremonial) version of the Merseyside Police helmet plate. A sign of the times is that the plumes are now made of a synthetic material whereas the old Liverpool City versions were made of real horse hair. Traditionally, the red plume is worn by mounted drummers.

 

Dave.   

Not horrible by any means, however you can see the difference cant you in terms of becoming more and more cheapo. Ints interesting isnt it because I know Bernard Hogan Howe of the Met was seen on horseback when he was Commissioner and I think in the early 2000s when he served as Assistant Commissioner close to his time of heading Merseyside and he has been seen on horseback many times as well as a couple of Commanders at least. In fact there was some controversy about how much the Met spent on a bicorn spelling? hat for a DAC to wear on horseback some years ago which is on the net somewhere. Thanks for posting, very nice. Shame in some ways very few have mounted branch now and East Anglian forces seek support from the city for mututal aid where horses are required. Don't suppose you have a commissioners cap or any senior officers caps with braiding as would love to see any of those?

On 02/04/2023 at 12:33, Dave Wilkinson said:

In an attempt to generate some discussion of this subject I'm going to post some further images from my helmet collection. First up is a Liverpool City Police Chief Inspector's helmet. The gent who wore this helmet was the officer commanding the Liverpool City Police, Liverpool & Bootle Constabulary and Merseyside Police Mounted Department (up until circa. 1984). Just to clarify, although the plate has on it the King's Crown and the Liverpool City wording, the helmets continued to be worn by the mounted men on ceremonial occasions across the time period of the three forces through to 1983. They were expensive items for the force to buy and were only worn on two or three occasions each year. There was no personal issue. They were drawn from the Mounted Dept. Stores for the event and returned immediately after. This particular helmet was a "one off". It was the only one with chrome edging to the peak, and was  worn by the one and only Chief Inspector commanding the Dept. They were often seen being worn on "Grand National" day. 

 

In 1983, the whole of the "Liverpool City" stock of helmets were withdrawn and replaced by the current "Merseyside" badged version which continues in use to this day. That said, they are now seldom if ever worn. I will show the Merseyside current version in a later post.

 

Dave.  

What an absolutely amazing looking helmet. I dare say it can't have been much fun to wear, but even so. Out of interest is it padded inside at all or like the old cork liner type ones? What a true one off as you say and consigned to history had it not been for your post so thanks.

Also, on the subject of helmets I don't suppose you have a Met inspectors helmet with the two silver bands rather than one black one or any information about this? I've seen photos from 80s Brixton riots with Inspectors wearing them in serials and one as recent being worn a few years ago on Flickr. I would imagine this is newly issued at the time as surely if it was an old one passed on the liner would have disintegrated? Do you also know Dave what forces issued Inspector helmets? I know Met, Northampton chief constable has been pictures in one and Sussex but no others. Thanks.

23 hours ago, Dave Wilkinson said:

Its a long time since anyone contributed to this thread so here are a couple of items from my collection. Firstly, a cap worn by the Chief Constable of Rochdale during the early part of the 20th century and a ceremonial helmet worn by Inspectors in the City of London Police. The latter item ceased to be used during the 1960's.

 

Dave.  

Looks amazing Dave thanks for posting!

I personally don't know of any other force that has given out new badges with the new crown yet other than this? I wonder if Notts has issued new cap badges and helmet plates yet?

1 hour ago, Dave Wilkinson said:

Oldham Borough Police, without a doubt.

 

Dave.

Amazing collection as always Dave. Thanks for posting. Never even knew most of these existed, let alone seen them before.

23 hours ago, bigjarofwasps said:

Some interesting LSGC’s engraved with the prefix Detective.

 

The first is to a MDP senior officer issued in the 1990’s.

 

The second is to a DC issued in 2016.

 

The last to a female Officer who was attached to CID in the Met during the 1950’s. 

great post. Thank you. Do you have any idea why the DS is on the medal as 'PS (CID)'. I don't understand this unless its historical or a strange regional variation as I have literally never seen this in the job at all, written down or spoken about. Very strange terminology.

On 18/02/2023 at 16:59, Dave Wilkinson said:

The cap badge is the bullion wire coat of arms of Coventry. I think that they are Coventry bobbies as those bullion wire badges were indeed worn by Senior Officers of Coventry City Police as can be seen in the second image of my badge grouping from there.

 

Dave.

Thanks for posting Dave! No one else has a collection like you do and we rely on you for these gems!

16 minutes ago, bigjarofwasps said:

Reliability of my source, is untested. Although they are involved in ceremonial stuff within the U.K. oldest police force, so I have no reason to doubt the validity of their information. They have also expressed their disappointment in not being awarded said medal, as well. 
 

My understanding is that Worcestershire Medals, will be producing this award and that they won’t be physically available until July.

 

Putting all this aside for a second, I find it very difficult to believe that “every” serving soldier would be issued with one, anyway!!  

 

Going slightly off topic, but quoting the my same source further…

 

Covid Medal is out.

Wider Service Medal is in.

Nuclear Medal, is still to be finalised, including ribbon.

NDM isn’t even being considered. 
 

Royal Mint have suspended any new orders, a few months back now. Whilst they clear previous backlog. No new or current medals, will be produced for the foreseeable future. Delays as much as 12 months have been suggested. 
 

 

So the much talked about Covid medal which they have been on about for years  has now been binned off?

20 minutes ago, Paul463 said:

Was speaking to an Army colleague at the weekend and he tells me it is all serving personnel, no 5 year criteria.

I really hope this is the case rather than the post above saying people just directly involved!!!!! How reliable do you think your source is? Someone said on here that no contracts have been awarded so regardless of the truth, we will be waiting ages for them!

7 hours ago, bigjarofwasps said:

The saga continues, with regards to the criteria for the KCM. 
Although, “sources” in positions of know, believe that it’s going to be limited to Royal household members, and military personnel directly involved. Establishes of anything between 500-5000 max. Certainly nowhere near, the mass issue of previous jubilee awards. I fear there will be lost if disappointed people, but at least EBay, won’t be flooded with them……

Talk about bearer of bad news!!! How reliable do you think your source is?

21 hours ago, Zulu_00 said:

Allegedly from The Sun although I can't confirm this. 

On 27/01/2023 at 15:00, bigjarofwasps said:

I fear this is…….

I ran that title through google with 'The Sun' next to it and it is apparently from The Sun. I suppose its just how reliable the source is they got it from. As far as I know, theres still been no official announcement so it may well be the truth, just leaked early perhaps. On Google, someone has put in a Freedom of Information Act request asking for the eligibility and the request has been refused by the MOD, unsure why that would be.

3 hours ago, Zulu_00 said:

Seen on Facebook

2 hours ago, bigjarofwasps said:

I fear this is…….

I really hope it is fake news!! What a dreadful blow. Where is that press cutting from? Why do you think its fake news?

11 hours ago, Paul463 said:

I'm sure there will be time, the QPJM issue was an absolute debacle.  My medal was presented in October 22, our Adj is still to get hers.

23 hours ago, bigjarofwasps said:

More and more rumbles appearing about this being a very limited issue affair….

 

I was reading on another forum, about the company that make them, expressing concerns that time was moving on if a mass production was to be requested, in order have them produced in time……….

 

Having said that the Royal Mint are certainly in no hurry to release, any new medals either, so who knows? 
 

 

On 04/01/2023 at 18:47, Zulu_00 said:

 

Rumour is same as QPJM but I'm a bit skeptical

On 04/01/2023 at 18:47, Zulu_00 said:

 

Rumour is same as QPJM but I'm a bit skeptical

https://www.newsletter.co.uk/must-read/the-coronation-of-king-charles-iii-is-not-likely-to-take-place-until-2023-3845878

Hi all

If you google something like 2023 coronation medal it does show several results saying that one will be issued, however its still the problem of who will get it and how many. Someone has also put in a FOI request according to google but it has not yet been replied to.

for everyone of the standard five year criteria would you say or just a specially selected bunch?

On 02/01/2023 at 08:50, bigjarofwasps said:

I’m hearing rumours that Worcestershire Mint have the contract. But no word yet on any criteria.

8 hours ago, Zulu_00 said:

Word on the street is military tailors are gearing up for a mass issued coronation medal

I really hope its the same criteria as the last jubilee medal. Will be miffed if I dont get one, haha. It seems certain now that no Covid medal is forthcoming. Surely if there was one then this would have been announced during the New years honours for those individuals who specifically went above and beyond towards it. it also looks like a general one will not be issued either sadly.

Wow what a lovely badge. Is Jersey one of those places that still has one badge for Pc's and Sergeants and another for Inspector above or is it one for everyone now?

great picture

3 hours ago, bigjarofwasps said:

🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄

🎄Merry Christmas, everyone🎄

🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄

Great design and picture. Very Creative! HAPPY CHRISTMAS hope you and your family are all well and having a grea ttime.

21 hours ago, bigjarofwasps said:

A few feet away from Constable Tyler’s grave. Is the grave of 10 year old Ralph Joscelyne, who was also shot and killed during this incident. 

Absolutely dreadful, tragic incident. Great photos, just a shame to see them neglected but I think you did a good deed remembering them with this in the hustle and bustle of modern life. The reality is, very few people would have a clue who these people were. Even current job who arent interested in history would know. Sad really to think that.

21 hours ago, bigjarofwasps said:

Saw this which, I thought might be of interest? 

 

“King Charles III is the oldest monarch to assume the British throne at 73 years old.”

 

The reason why, I mention this is that I have heard rumours that the 8th September might be the qualification date for the Coronation Medal as apposed to the 6th May……

neverknew either of those things but good to know. I wonder if everyone with five years will get one though or its just those involved in it? I will be pretty sore if I dont get one, haha.

On 24/11/2022 at 14:37, bigjarofwasps said:

Thought this might be of interest? 
 

 

thank you for posting! Definitely! I would be interested to see the first CiiR cap badges and helmet plates and wonder who will be first. No one seems to have changed yet

23 hours ago, bigjarofwasps said:

 

Thanks mate.

 

I will be sure to do that, when the medal arrives.

 

Here’s a picture of my medal ribbons, in the meantime.

I don’t believe there will be a further reduction anytime soon, as there’s not long been one from 22 to 20. But who knows, what the future may bring. NZ Police only have to do 14 years for there’s! 
 

Inter changeable qualification criteria, now there’s an interesting concept….

Thanks for posting. Apart from the LSGC and jubilees what are the ones at the top?

8 hours ago, bigjarofwasps said:

Interesting comment on another platform, made by a Metropolitan Police Officer

 

“My medal presentation with the Metropolitan Police this month has been postponed until January. The reason given being a mix up in the Home Office over engraving our medals, but I expect it is to prepare us for King Charles III effigy on the new medals. I actually Gordon we qualified pre September 8th, but there has been such a backlog because of the pandemic that we are only just catching up now. Since these medals are a gift from the Monarch, and not simply issued, I would suspect a line has been drawn, and from Jan 2023 all new long service medals presented in the MPS will have King Charles head on them.”

 

Anyone else heard this?

 

I do know that colleagues from my old force who qualified for their LSGC’s the same time as me, are yet to be contacted by HR to even acknowledge that they’ve qualified for theirs! I’m still to receive mine, although I was informed that I’d receive it by the end of this month (November)…….

what a fantastic achievement. Congratulations. Would love to see a picture of the medal and a picture of you in uniform as well as a career summary? Only if you feel comfortable of course, its just things like this are so interesting. 20 years in the job will soon be a thing of the past.

Reminds me of the old saying 'the more things change, the more they stay the same'. Just goes to show everything comes full circle in the end

thanks for letting us know by the way as I had no idea whatosever

8 hours ago, bigjarofwasps said:

Anyone heard anything further re this potential new medal? 

Nothing unfortunately and a Google search reveals little. Shame really.

Very interesting. Thanks for posting and first example I have seen.

On a side note, someone has changed the Ministry of Defence Police page on Wikipedia to a new logo with CiiR however it has been changed back so I assume this may be 'fan made'? I have not seen anything on Force twitters or facebook announcing they have changed cap badges which would likely be done. The Met would surely be one of the first but this does not seem to have happened yet.

5 hours ago, bigjarofwasps said:

Yes I would imagine the QPM will now become the KPM.

 

Although I don’t believe it is issued for gallantry anymore, I believe the QGM or indeed KGM is used in that instance. 
 

 

Feels very strange using KPM and KGM abbreviations. Just not used to it.