Dave Wilkinson

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.

Spot on Peter. Had forgotten that they even had a badge. Thanks for sharing mate! Dave.

Gents, Mike is correct. The Metpol. issued uniforms to their SC at the start of the Great War and as far as I'm aware whilst the armlet was worn, the metal arm plate was not. Dave.

Dave, Looks impressive!! Dave.

Dave, I may have one. Send me an email and I'll see what I can find. dave.wilkinson73@btinternet.com Dave.

Having seen the engraving close up, I would say that this was not the work of the Royal Mint. You are wise to leave well alone. Dave.

I can't comment on the style of naming, what I would caution is buying anything from a HK based seller. Take great care. There are many individuals who are "producing" no end of fake/altered items of memorabilia which purport to be from the pre.1997 disciplined services in HK. Dave.

Dave, I would not hold out much hope. His warrant number would be the key to identification. As I understand it divisional numbers were/are re-issued, so over a period of time (in theory) several individuals could have used that number. Someone with greater knowledge than me may be able to narrow the field down for you. Dave.

Dave, I don't think the "10" relates to the year of issue. It may be the size. When you get it, closely examine the lining and some other markings may be revealed. Police Orders dated Thursday April 9 1936, No:- 3 announced that chrome plated buttons etc were to be fitted to new issues of clothing. Your tunic has on it chrome plated buttons (as opposed to the earlier white metal version which required polishing), so it post dates 1936. I hope this is helpful. Dave.

Nothing apparently wrong with the tunic or helmet. It appears to be of the pattern called the No:- 1 tunic/uniform which was worn on ceremonial occasions through to 11th November 1972 (think I have the date correct), when they were withdrawn. If you look inside the sleeve you should find some stamping in blue ink (The letters "MP" and the Crown together with a year). The year shown is that in which the tunic was issued. The helmet would have been worn (quite correctly) with the tunic. If you look at archive photos/film of the Queen's Coronation, you will see that this tunic and helmet were worn on the day by Metpol. Sergeants and Constables. Hope this is helpful. Dave. Ps. Forgot to mention that the tunic would have been worn with a black leather "snake" belt.

Bruce, There was only one Constable W. BELL serving in "D" Division during the period covered by the medals. His Warrant No:- was 78129. His first name was William. He joined the Metpol. on 21st November 1892 and was posted to "D" Division. He retired on pension as a Constable on 13th November 1920. He spent the whole of his service in "D" Division (Marylebone sometimes referred to as St. Marylebone). I hope this is helpful. Dave.

Excellent! Thank you for sharing. Dave.