Dave Wilkinson

Just to round this off, so to speak, CHRISTIE was convicted and sentenced to death on 25th June 1953 by Mr. Justice Finnemore at the Old Bailey. He was executed at HMP Pentonville by Albert Pierrepoint on Wednesday 15th July 1953. Although he was convicted of the murder of seven persons, the police believed his victims numbered as many as twelve. Dave.

Having regard to Christie's activities, I would not be inclined to take any notice of medal ribbons he may be wearing. The man was obviously seriously disturbed and was probably always so. He was also a "con man" of the first order. He gave evidence at the trial of a man (Timothy Evans), who was subsequently wrongly executed for a murder that he (Christie) committed. Dave.

If he was a War Reserve (and I believe he was), he would not have been entitled to the SC LS medal. His entitlement to the Defence Medal would depend on how long he served. In any event, I doubt that he would ever have been awarded it. He had a rather pressing appointment with Albert Pierrepoint. Dave.

There would probably have been one on his personal file. Whether that still exists, is the question. The other avenue to explore, if you have not done so, is to try to trace any living relatives. They may be able to help. Dave.

It is what it is. Many towns in the UK issued them. The only way you are likely to get any additional information is to examine the Watch Committee minutes for the period in question or perhaps there may have been some mention of an award in the local press. Dave.

Peter, Interesting that you should mention the murder of Constable Pritchard of the Anglesey Constabulary. Attached is a photo of his murderer being arrested. The Senior Officer at the back of the group is the Chief Constable of Anglesey, Robert Protheroe. I guess that there can be few occasions when the CC leaves his office to supervise an arrest. That said, the murder of a bobby on the (then) sleepy island of Anglesey must have been an earth shattering event. Of course, in those days the police prosecuted in the lower courts and I'd wager that Mr. Protheroe himself prosecuted at the murderer's first appearance at the Magistrates Court. Dave.

They had better hurry up. PCSO's are on the way out. Norfolk Constabulary have scrapped their entire compliment. The CC stated that when they were introduced, they were a good financial option. However, over the years their salary has increased to the extent that they are now not much cheaper than a recruit Constable. As a result of the cash saved he has been able to recruit 80 probationers. I visited London recently and was amazed to see PCSO's walking around in threes, and on one occasion there were four of them chatting on the corner of a street! The Met. obviously have far too many, with not a lot to do. Dave.

I don't suppose it will be too long before they introduce a long service medal for the Border Agency. I think that's their current name, although its difficult to keep up. They keep on changing it, and their uniform etc ! Dave.

You have a mixture of current and obsolete. Regrettably, I don't have the time to go through such a large number. Someone else may be able to oblige. As an aside, I see that you live in Australia. Most of the items shown are easily obtainable in the UK for quite reasonable cost and in view of the cost of postage I would suggest that you attempt to dispose of them in your own locality. Dave.

Perhaps you would kindly supply me with a list of those (other than Fiji) that still display the Queen's Crown on the headdress insignia of their police and military and utilise the Queen's Crown as part of their rank insignia. Republic's I'm talking about, not Commonwealth countries where the Queen is still head of state. I look forward to hearing from you. Dave.

I'm sorry but I don't go along with the rather over simplistic theory as outlined in your first paragraph. Fiji achieved independence from the UK in 1970 - 48 years (nearly half a century) ago. I'm fairly certain that in the last 48 years they would have had a need to place orders for insignia, both for headdress and for rank insignia. Not on one, but almost certainly on many occasions. As far as I'm aware they have regular contact outside Fiji both by sea and air. They are certainly not isolated as you seem to be suggesting. They have a comprehensive range of post - independence medals which I suspect are manufactured outwith Fiji. So, no, I don't think this it is a supply or cost issue. There are other, perhaps, political reasons. They certainly are the only ex. colonial Republic that I know of that has not demonstrated its "divorce" from the UK by removing from its police and other disciplined services all vestiges of British colonialism. I wonder why? Dave.

The current ones have press studs. Previous issues have had a brass buckle and also an anodised gold buckle. Dave.

That is not unusual. However, I suspect that the two individuals you mention were actually members of the First Police Reserve. War Reserve Constables ceased to be known as such following the cessation of hostilities in 1945. Those wishing to continue made up what was known as the First Police Reserve. The last such Reserve Constable on Merseyside retired from the force on 1st July 1980. Whether he was the last one in the UK, I know not. Dave.

Its interesting to note that the tunic button which can just be seen to the top left of the medals appears to be that of the old British Colonial Police Service. Crossed batons surmounted by the Crown. The whole surrounded by a wreath of laurels with a scroll below reading "Salus Populi". Fiji certainly appears to be a very confused Nation insofar as it seems to cling, quite deliberately to its British Colonial past. Union Jack forms part of its flag, the Queen's Crown still is shown on the rank insignia of the police (plus its force badge) and its military. It does not really know whether its staying, coming or going! Dave.

If he held a King's Commission in the rank of Captain he would have been entitled to use that rank in perpetuity and it would (presumably) have been shown on any named medals he was awarded. Most (but not all) Special Constabularies used police ranks. As to the position in respect of Monmouthshire, I'm not able to comment. An enquiry with the current force covering that area (Gwent Police) may prove fruitful, assuming your enquiry reaches someone with an interest, otherwise it may go unanswered. Most police forces in the UK no longer have any historical personnel records for the special constabulary. Dave.

Contact Kent Police Museum. They may be able to answer your second question. Dave.

Dave, See the appended photo. This particular one sold on eBay on the 28th Nov. 2018 for £41. Dave.

Dave, The last issue cape was made of a rubberised material. It was fastened at the neck with a leather strap and buckle. The collar number was an individually made (for each officer) badge consisting of his div. letter & number. This was affixed to one side of the leather strap with loops and split pin. The capes appear on eBay from time to time. Hope this is helpful. I will try to find a photo for you. Dave.

The archives of the Foreign & Commonwealth office would also contain this information. I suspect that such papers would be currently held at the National Archives, Kew. Dave.

Peter, It was worth a try, but (as you say yourself) attempting to deal with faceless civil servants in circumstances such as these is like peeing in the wind. Nothing will divert them from a decision already made. I'll wager that you were not alone in pointing out the folly of the proposed action. What compounds the situation is that no one did (or even to-day does) anything to trace living relatives. They simply sit there waiting for someone to "claim" the medals. So, sad. Dave.

Thanks for sharing this sad tale Peter. What a shame that the late Mrs. Birch did not claim his GSM. The authorities, I believe, have to share a degree of blame in that someone should have ensured that she was properly advised as to her entitlement. Alas, too late now.......... Dave.

RUC mess dress. Whether they are currently worn with PSNI badges etc I know not. Dave.

Mike, Great minds think alike!! Dave.

Dave, Unless you are sure of what you are buying, take great care in splashing out on painted truncheons. There are so many "chair legs" fashioned to look like the real thing by those interested in making a quick buck, that its fraught with danger. Even seasoned experts can be caught out. Personally, I've always stayed well clear. But each to his own. As they say, forewarned is forearmed. Dave.

You could try contacting the SJAB HQ in London. If they can't help they may be able to point you in the right direction. Dave.