Alan Baird

Police Constable Frank George Waylett's story continues...………………….. On the 9th of January in 1905, Edmond Avery [35] is on trial at the Old Bailey for stealing from his master. Edmond Avery stole bacon and butter and some other items from his employer. Police Constable 176K Frank George Waylett produced a plan of the shop. Even the lessor charges/crimes could warrant the production of plans. Edmond Avery was found not guilty. [The bacon was off and so was the evidence.] On the 2nd of March in 1909, James Curley [32 navvy] is on trial at the Old Bailey for killing/murder of Elizabeth Watts. James Curley and Elizabeth were living as man and wife at 9 Mermaid Court. They were having a party in their rooms with some friends and James Curley had quite a lot to drink. Not long after the party ended, Elizabeth could be heard screaming, 'let me out,' and 'Police murder,' etc. Elizabeth Watts then jumped out of the bedroom window to escape. This was from the top floor of a 4 storey building. On the arrival of the Police they had to break down the door leading into the Curley's rented rooms to arrest James Curley. He claimed he had not hit Elizabeth and that she jumped out of the window because she feared he was going to hit her. Police Constable 176K Frank George Waylett produced the floor plans for this 4 storey building. The verdict was not guilty of wilful murder but guilty of manslaughter and the prisoner was sentenced to 8 years penal servitude. On the 7th of February in 1911, Nathan Marriott [32 carman] is on trial at the Old Bailey for the manslaughter of Samuel Evans [60.] Basically Nathan Marriott had been drinking and was in charge of a two horse van and had been collecting fish offal for the company he was working for. Witnesses confirmed he was driving at excessive speed and the van was also travelled on the wrong side of the road at times and this resulted in the death of Samuel Evans. Nathan Marriott also made no attempt to stop at the scene of the accident. The prisoner was borne of good character and had served in the Army and had received good conduct papers. Therefore the sentence was 9 months hard labour. On the 28th of February in 1911, Thomas Hoy [27 porter] is on trial at the Old Bailey for breaking the peace and wounding. Thomas Hoy and a number of other men were out looking for an individual and to do him harm. Thomas Hoy was armed with a pistol and there were crowds in the streets due to the disturbance. William McLoughlin was shot in the back but was not the intended target and a Police Constable was assaulted before Thomas Hoy could be arrested. William McLoughlin was taken to Poplar Hospital but the bullet was too near his spine to be removed and so still remained in his body. Police Constable 176K Frank George Waylett produced and proved the plans. Thomas Hoy was found guilty and seven previous convictions were proved against him which all included violence. Thomas Hoy was considered to be, 'typical of the worst type' and sentenced to 7 years penal servitude. In 1911, Police Constable Frank George Waylett was on duty for the Coronation Parade through London and was therefore awarded the Metropolitan Police Coronation medal for 1911 whilst serving in Bow or 'K' division. [This medal is missing from the group.] [one more post should finish off his career] My apologies for the spacing within the sentences. I do not know why it did that. Everything seemed fine when I was typing it on the computer?

Police Constable Frank George Waylett's story continues...………………….. On the 2nd of June in 1903, John Guion [37] is on trial at the Old Bailey for the wilful murder of Hannah Sibley. John Guion's wife was Hannah Sibley's daughter and Ernest Sibley's sister. John Guion was a greaser on board a ship and the couple had only been married since March in 1902 but were having difficulties. John Guion's wife had returned to live with her mother at the family home at 99 Prince of Wales Road, Custom House. John Guion had made repeated attempts to see his wife but he was refused entry each time. At 11pm Hannah Sibley answered a knock at the door and John Guion shot her and he entered the house but he was disarmed and overpowered by Ernest Sibley and a lodger. Police Constable 176K Frank George Waylett produced and proved the plan of the ground floor of the house at 99 Prince of Wales Road, Custom House. John Guion was found guilty of manslaughter and was sentenced to 10 years penal servitude. On the 22nd of June in 1903, Elizabeth Wills is on trial at the Old Bailey for unlawfully endeavouring to conceal the birth of a child by secret disposition of the dead body. Police Constable 176K Frank George Waylett produced and proved the plan of the ground floor of 4 Mount Place, in Ilford. Elizabeth Wills was found guilty and the jury recommended mercy due to her weak intellect and she was sentenced to 12 months hard labour...…….. [seems a bit harsh to me.] On the 20th of July in 1903, George Edward MacDonald Williams [23] is on trial at the Old Bailey for the manslaughter of Joseph Carter Ellis. The incident occurred in the Royal Albert public house in Freemason's Road, Custom House. It occurred at approximately 10.30pm and the public house was about to close. There was some laughter in the bar and George Williams thought, wrongly, that they were laughing at him and so her turned around and struck a woman and then punched Joseph Carter Ellis who then fell and banged his head on the floor. Joseph Ellis was then taken home but later died. Police Constable 176K Frank George Waylett produced the plan of the Royal Albert public house including the lobby and pavement area outside the premises. George Williams was found guilty and the court noted he had a previous conviction for assault which occurred on the 4th of February in 1901 and he was sentenced to 18 months with hard labour. On the 20th of June in 1904, Henry William Cooper [42] is on trial at the Old Bailey for the killing/murder of Margaret Holmes They had been residing as a couple at 21 Star Street, in Plaistow, since the end of October in 1903. Henry Cooper was a ship's fireman and so would be away for weeks at a time. In general they seemed to get on very well but then a complaint was made to the Police that Henry Cooper had assaulted Margaret Holmes and he was issued with a summons and was fined £3.5s. Henry Cooper attacked Margaret Holmes with a knife, in their room at 21 Star Street. Margaret Holmes had knife wounds to her face and neck and a deep wound to the area at the back of her left ear and Henry Cooper had also attempted to cut his own throat. Police Constable 176K Frank George Waylett told the court how Margaret Holmes had previously approached him and made a complaint about the physical violence done to her by Henry Cooper and she was informed to go the the clerk's office at the court to report the matter. Police Constable 176K Frank George Waylett also produced the plan of the premise at 21 Star Street in Canning Town which also included the Layout of the furniture etc. Henry Cooper was found guilty and sentenced to ''Death by Hanging.'' Henry Cooper's sentence of ''Death by Hanging'' was later commuted to life imprisonment. More of Police Constable 176K Frank George Waylett's the story to come later...…………….

Police Constable Frank George Waylett' story continues...………. On the 25th of July in 1898, Charles Truett [60] is on trial at the Old Bailey for the murder of Augusta Caroline Truett who was his sister-in-law. George Truett who was married to Augusta Caroline Truett was away at the time of the incident due to ill health. Augusta Caroline Truett was left in charge of the ''Railway Tavern public house'' at 3 Colt Street in Limehouse. Charles Truett had a family dispute about some money he felt was owed him when his father died. He entered the public house and went into the bar parlour where Augusta was resting on a couch and stabbed her. In hospital the wound became infected and she later died. Police Constable 176K Frank George Waylett was responsible for submitting the plans of the Railway Tavern to the court. Charles Truett was found guilty of the act but insane at the time of its commission so as not to be responsible. Charles Treutt was sentenced to be detained during Her Majesty's pleasure. On the 24th of October in 1898, Henry Crampin [18] is on trial at the Old Bailey for the killing/manslaughter of James Neal. Basically the individuals involved had been drinking but apparently were not drunk and it was James Neal who started the fight and Henry Crampin defended himself by stabbing James Neal in the chest. James Neal later died in the early hours of the morning, in the hospital. Police Constable 176K Frank George Waylett produced and proved the plans of the locality. Henry Crampin was of good character and was found not guilty of the charge. On the 23rd of October in 1899, William Fry [21], Richard Fry [20] and Albert Bowers [32] are on trial at the Old Bailey for the killing/manslaughter of Benjamin Robert Billson. Basically the prisoners were under the influence of drink at the time of the assault on Benjamin Robert Billson [50] and they also assaulted a male friend of Billson's and his wife was also a witness to the attack. Benjamin Robert Billson suffered a head injury whilst falling to the ground. Police Constable 176K Frank George Waylett produced and proved the plan of the locality which was drawn to scale. William and Richard Fry were sentenced to 18 and 21 months with hard labour. Albert Bower was found not guilty. On the 11th of September in 1900, William Burrett [35] is on trial at the Old Bailey for the wilful murder of Ada Burrett. Ada Burrett was a prostitute and was stabbed by her husband multiple times ie wounds to the scalp, arms, breasts, buttocks, back and abdomen etc. Police Constable 176K Frank George Waylett produced and proved the plans of 10 Alexander Street. William Burrett was found guilty and sentenced to ''Death by Hanging.'' On the 7th of January in 1901, Sampson Silas Salmon [32] is on trial at the Old Bailey for the wilful murder of Lucy Smith [30]. Lucy Smith's husband was Sampson Smith and Sampson Silas Salmon was Sampson Smith's wife's first cousin and he was lodging with the family at 23 Venour Road. Basically although the prisoner was not known to drink alcohol, it appears he had started to drink and his behaviour became aggressive and strange. Sampson Silas Salmon stabbed to death his cousin. Richard John Wheeler a medical practitioner at 560 Mile End Road attended the incident. He stated ''the deceased was lying on her back in the kitchen, fully dressed and had a large severe gash on her throat which almost went from ear to ear. Police Constable 176K Frank George Waylett prepared the plans for 23 and 25 Venour Road and this included the back yard etc. Sampson Silas Salmon was found guilty and sentenced to ''Death by Hanging.'' In 1902, Police Constable Frank Waylett is on duty for the Coronation Parade through London and is therefore awarded the Metropolitan Police Coronation medal for 1902 whilst he is serving with Bow or 'K' division. I will continue the update of Police Constable Frank George Waylett's career, in a future post, over the next couple of days.

That was some Xmas gift in 1892, I am sure Police Constable Frank George Waylett appreciated the gesture. All the details published on who got what from the total of £79 donated to the Eastbourne Borough Police.

-Hi, Police Constable 881 Edward Watkins of the City of London Police is famous because of a single night shift in 1888. If that night shift had not occurred, then Police Constable 881 Edward Watkins would have faded into history un-noticed. Here is a Metropolitan Police Constable that faded into that same history un-noticed but when we look into his career...…..he should have been given greater credit for his work. Police Constable Frank George Waylett had an ability and talent for producing scaled plans which were presented to the Judge and jury, normally at the start of any trial and he would then answer any questions the judge, legal councils or jury had regarding the evidence he was presenting. Frank George Waylett was born in Billeriay, Great Burstead, in Essex, in 1868. Frank Waylett's original trade was as a 'draper.' This obviously involved working very carefully with cloth/materials and having to be exact with his measurements, templates etc. Prior to joining the Metropolitan Police in 1893, Frank George Waylett served as a Police Constable in the Eastbourne Borough Police which became part of the Essex County Constabulary. This service covered the period from the 31st of May in 1888 to the 31st of January in 1893 and then he applied and was accepted into the Metropolitan Police. On the 6th of January in 1892, there is an interesting article in the Eastbourne Gazette which details Police Constable Frank Waylett receiving £2.17s.6d. The money came from gifts which totalled £79.00 and was donated to the serving personnel of Eastbourne Borough Police. At the time of joining the Metropolitan Police, Frank Waylett's physical description was of being five feet ten and a quarter inches tall, 12 stones in weight, grey eyes, black hair and having a ruddy complexion and he was also single. On the 6th of March in 1893, Frank George Waylett joins the Metropolitan Police and is assigned to Holborn or 'E' division and given the warrant number of 78385 and the collar number of 186E. On the 23rd of July in 1894, Paul Koczula [24], Susannah Koczula [24] and George Schmerfeld [31] are on trial at the Old Bailey for the wilful murder of Sophia Frederica Matilda Rasch. George Shmerfeld was charged with murder, as an accessory before the fact. Sophia Rasch was the wife of a restaurateur at 167 Shaftsbury Avenue and Paul Koczula and Susannah Koczula had worked at the restaurant for approximately 9 months. They murdered Sophia Rasch and stole £40 in cash and £50 in belongings. At the Old Bailey trial Police Constable Frank Waylett stated he had experience in making plans and produced the plans and tracings which were made to scale and these were handed to the jury. The plans had to be accurate and precise and identified the restaurant and other area's involved and which also included the entrances and exits from the building and the internal layout of furniture etc. Police Constable Frank Waylett then explained the plans and tracings and answered any questions relating to this work. The court found Paul Koczula and George Schmerfeld guilty of murder and they were sentenced to, 'Death by Hanging.' Paul Koczula was hanged. George Schmerfeld's sentence was later commuted to life imprisonment. Susannah Koczula was found not guilty. In 1897, Police Constable Frank Waylett was awarded the Queen Victoria Metropolitan Police Jubilee medal for 1897 and the medal was engraved 'PC F Waylett.' Normally the medal would have indicated which division he was attached to but this medal does not detail this information. This is because he had been taken off Holborn or 'E' divisions establishment and was temporarily transferred to the Commissioner's Office at Scotland Yard or 'CO' division. This information is available in the 'Police Orders' which relate to this period. I believe, although Police Constable Frank Waylett was at the Commissioner's Office at Scotland Yard, he was not on any of the departments establishments lists. This is probably because he was about to be assigned to another division, after he had completed some specialist training. That specialist training, I believe, involved the production of crime scene plans for court purposes and the standardisation of these plans in accordance with the Metropolitan Police requirements. The reason for this theory is because Police Constable Frank Waylett is then posted to Bow or 'K' division and is then involved in the production of such plans for numerous incidents, involving serious crimes, including that of murders. I will stop the story there and post the next stage of his career when I have more time to submit the next post.

Hi, The ''Ripper Up'' incident in December of 1888. Alfred Eagleton threatened a couple with a knife and injured the woman and also threatened Police Sergeant Joseph Roskelly who then disarmed and arrested Alfred Eagleton. At the court hearing it was stated, ''Eagleton was known as a very dangerous man.'' It is therefore understandable why the woman who was injured in the attack, now refused to prosecute this local man who was classified as dangerous. Alfred Eagleton was born in approximately 1860/1862 and resided in London and it is proving difficult to identify this individual. There is a City of London Police Constable John Eagleton who was born in Watton, in Norfolk, in approximately 1831 and his son Alfred Eagleton fits all the above details ie born St Botolph Aldersgate, in 1860. In the England Census of 1881, we find John Eagleton is now recorded as being a ''Pensioner City Police'' and has retired to Watton, in Norfolk. Alfred Eagleton appears to have remained in London where he was born/lived but I am struggling to confirm if this is the same ''Alfred Eagleton'' that turned out to be such a bad individual. Maybe we will never find out who ''Alfred Eagleton'' really was but I think I will have to leave the search for him...……..maybe I will try again at some future date.

HI, The newspaper article on the death of James Maguire in the Police cells, at Ilford Police Station, seems perfectly straight forward and does not attempt to place the blame on anybody Dr. Evans was the doctor who originally treated John Maguire for his head wound. The previous on-duty Station Police Sergeant Clarke said, ''the doctor certified that the deceased was drunk and was fit to be placed in a cell. Dr. Evans was also the doctor who then carried out the post-mortem on John Maguire and presented the medical evidence at the court hearing. The only part of the evidence that I find a bit strange, is the statement from Dr. Evens regarding the post-mortem results. Quote ''There was a fracture of the base of the skull on the left side and there had been bleeding of the brain over the seat of the fracture. Death was caused by this bleeding which must have continued for four or five hours. The fracture probably occurred before deceased was found by PC Walker.'' We have the time-line for when Station Police Sergeant Joseph Roskelly took over responsibility for the prisoner and that was at 9pm. The other part of the time-line which is known, is that the prisoner, James Maguire, was found on the floor of the cell at 1.30am. The doctor was sent for and Dr. Evans arrived approximately 15 minutes later. Therefore Station Police Sergeant Joseph Roskelly had now been responsible for John Maguire for approximately four and three quarter hours in total. Dr. Evans stated at the hearing that, ''this bleeding continued for four to five hours.'' So it would appear the medical evidence is stating there was no real bleeding within the skull when the incident originally occurred or while they transporting him by ambulance to the Police Station or when Dr. Evans originally treated John Maguire and certified him fit to be placed in the cells but all the damage was done over the period the new shift took over ie the arrival of Station Police Sergeant Joseph Roskelly. Just my opinion and food for thought.....

Hi, I think it is reasonable to suggest that Police Sergeant Joseph Roskelly must have been a good and hard working and professional Metropolitan Policeman. He served as a Police Sergeant in Whitechapel or 'H' division for approximately a decade and which was considered to be a hard and difficult posting. Police Sergeant Joseph Roskelly also served in Whitechapel or 'H' division throughout the Jack the Ripper murder period in late 1888 which must have been an extremely difficult time for all of the Whitechapel or 'H' divisions personnel. The pressure was on them to catch JTR and the criticism was never ending and from all quarters. Police Sergeant Joseph Roskelly also served in Whitechapel or 'H' division, after 1888 and up to 1891 when there were still false alarms sounding that 'Jack the Ripper was back.' On the 15th of July in 1891, his efforts and hard work paid off, as he was promoted to Station Police Sergeant because again he was considered to be a valued and dedicated member of the Metropolitan Police. The question now is, what was the major disaster that occurred in his career which resulted in Station Police Sergeant Joseph Roskelly being reduced in rank to Police Sergeant 2nd Class, on the 3rd of November in 1899. This was a heavy blow especially when you consider he retires on pension approximately 2 years later. On the 14th of October in 1899, local newspapers reported on a 'prisoner's death at Ilford Police Station.' James Maguire [50] and a labourer was found drunk and incapable, on a footpath, in Romford Road. James Maguire was then taken by ambulance cart to the Police Station and a doctor attended and dressed a small wound on his head. Police Sergeant Roskelly was then responsible for the prisoner from 9pm onwards. At approximately 1.30 am the prisoner was found on the floor of the cell and a doctor was again summoned. Unfortunately the prisoner was declared dead. The post-mortem showed death to have been caused by internal bleeding within the head which probable had continued over a period of 4 to 5 hours. Police Sergeant Joseph Roskelly gave evidence at the inquest and stated when he came on duty he had checked on the prisoner and all appeared to be fine. The Jury returned a verdict of 'death from compression of the brain caused by the fractured skull.' The death of the prisoner and Joseph Roskelly's punishment of a reduction in rank, in my opinion, may well be connected. The court hearing did not suggest the Police were to blame for the death of the prisoner or that there were failures in Police procedures but Bow or 'K' division would have certainly carried out their own investigation and who knows what they have come up with. As the Station Police Sergeant on duty, he certainly would have been responsible for what happens in the Police Station and maybe they needed to blame somebody. I am not saying this is what caused his reduction in rank but it is certainly a good theory to why he was reduced in rank.

2nd of March in 1889, newspaper article by the East London Observer, titled ''The Troubles of a Ticket-of-Leave Man.'' This article is about Victorian supervision/license of ex-convicts. John Wood [22] was charged with being a convict and failing to report himself according to the terms of his licence. He was on a second charge of failing to produce his license. John Wood had completed a 5 year sentence for robbery but the courts had also given him a 3 year police supervision requirement. On the 31st of December in 1887 John Wood reported to Police Sergeant Roskelly at Shadwell Police Station who served him with a notice and directed him to report himself to this police station on the 9th of each month. John Wood was at that time residing at 99 Sutton Street. John Wood claimed he had gone to New York and destroyed his copy of the license on arrival in America. On return he had handed himself in to the Police and the court remanded him over for a week in order to prove the truth of his statements. Full article is attached

More Police Sergeant Joseph Roskelly short stories :- 7th of June in 1884, newspaper article by the East London Observe, article headed ''A Cannibal.'' James Goodman [30] was charged with violently assaulting Christopher Griffiths of 400 Cable Street, St George's in the East. Not only did he assault his neighbour but he also severely bit him on the face and the court stated 'he has acted like a savage dog.' Found guilt and sent to the kennels...…....I mean jail for two months. Police Sergeant Roskelly attended the incident and gave evidence at the trial. I have attached the article should anybody wish to read the fuller version of what happened.

, Regarding the newspaper articles on the Alfred Eagleton incident where Police Sergeant Roskelly disarmed and arrested him, in December of 1888...…………….here is the summary of these articles so far :- [a] 4th of December in 1888. Morning Advertiser [London].' Ripper Up,' article. Note - The woman screamed, 'He has killed me.' 'The woman appeared to be badly hurt.' [previously posted] 8th of December in 1888. East London Observer. 'Ripper Up,' article. Note - The woman Screamed, 'He has kicked me.' 'The woman appeared to be badly hurt.' [previously posted] [c] 15th of December in 1888. East London Observer. 'Ripper Up,' article. Note - The newspaper article was simply a repeat of the article which was published on the 8th of December in 1888. But also added to the end of the story, the fact that the 'woman now refused to prosecute.' Remember the original articles stated this man was considered to be a very dangerous man. All the court could then do then was...….. 'Mr Saunders then cautioned the prisoner and then allowed Alfred Eagleton to be discharged from the court. [attaching the full article]

Hi, I have just realised something regarding Police Sergeant Joseph Roskelly's brave actions in arresting the knife wielding Alfred Eagleton in December of 1888...………. The original article that I posted, was actually dated the 8th of December in 1888, ''Ripper Up'' I also typed out a copy the text of the article and posted that on the site. I found it strange when the article stated :- The woman screamed, ''He has kicked me.'' and later the article stated ''The woman appeared to be badly hurt.'' But now I will post details of an article, dated the 4th of December in 1888 and which comes from the' Morning Advertiser [London].' This article comes from the JTR Casebook site and clearly states :- The woman screamed, ''He has killed me.'' and later the article stated ''The woman appeared to be badly hurt.'' Therefore the incident appears to be much more serious than I originally though because Alfred Eagleton actually wounded the woman in the attack. Since he was 26 years old in 1888, he must have been born in approximately 1862 but I am still trying to find more about him especially any trial or sentence details. In JTR Casebook there is also details confirming that Joseph Roskelly was residing in the Mile End area but we already knew that from the England Census of 1881.

Hi, To be honest, your bid took me to my maximum bid, so anything higher and I would have been knocked out. I placed the bid in advance but I watched the sale on their site and the suspense was terrible. I actually thought, ''I need to stop collecting.'' I would not be surprised, if the next sale contains other examples of 'H' division medals. I think it may have been the same collector that was selling off his collection over the last two auctions. If I ever sell it, I will let you know. I know how you feel as I have been in the same boat on numerous occasions. regards, Alan. P.S. my wife would have preferred if you had won...…………….

Hi, Police Sergeant Joseph Roskelly was born in Cornwall and after he had completed his service with the Metropolitan Police retired to Cornwall. A Cornishman through and through. On the 20th of June in 1895, there was a civil case being heard at the Cornwell Assizes and Joseph Roskelly gave evidence at this hearing. Obviously by stating Joseph Roskelly was a Police Sergeant with the Metropolitan Police may have given his evidence more substance. The case revolved around a contested 'will' and his wife was the niece to the deceased. Joseph Roskelly's evidence related to the last time he had seen his wife's uncle and to the uncles state of mind. The article is far too long to go through completed but basically the family successfully contested the will.

Hi, Regarding Police Sergeant Joseph Roskelly's incident in 1900 when he was involved in the capture of 2 burglars....I had previously only posted the newspaper article describing the event. This is quite a good example of how reading the newspaper article and also in this case, the Old Bailey trial record, gives you a much better picture of what actually happened. It is only in the Old Bailey record [11th of September in 1900] that we learn Police Sergeant Joseph Roskelly was off duty and in civilian clothes and was taking a walk with his wife when the incident occurred. I have also added a transcript of the ''Ripper Up'' newspaper article from the 4th of December in 1888 which might be easier to read.

Hi, Just as Police Constable 881 Edward Watkins was part of the City of London Police hunt for Jack the Ripper in 1888, here is the story, so far, of Police Sergeant Joseph Roskelly of the Metropolitan Police who served in Whitechapel or 'H' division and who also was part of the hunt for Jack the Ripper. Joseph Roskelly was born in St. Sampson, Fowey, in Cornwall, on the 14th of March in 1855. Nearly everywhere you will find his surname spelt 'Roskelly' but the real spelling of his name is 'Roskelley.' On the 17th of January in 1876, Joseph Roskelly joins the Metropolitan Police and was assigned to St. James's or 'C' division and was given the warrant number of 59872. On the 17th of December in 1880, Police Constable Joseph Roskelly is promoted to Police Sergeant and transferred to Whitechapel or 'H' division. The promotion to Police Sergeant within a 4 year period, is evidence, that he was considered to be a very good Policeman. One source, I have seen stated there were 44 Police Sergeants on the establishment of Whitechapel or 'H' division. In the England Census of 1881, we find that Police Sergeant Joseph Roskelly is serving at the Police Station at 102 Mile End Road, in Whitechapel. On the 16th of November in 1885, at the Old Bailey, John Durkin was indicted for unlawfully assaulting Elizabeth Jackson and actually occasioning her bodily harm. [living as common-law/died after the assault] Joseph Roskelly [Police Sergeant H6] gave evidence at the trial and John Durkin was found guilty of aggravated assault and sentenced to 6 months with hard labour. On the 25th of October in 1886, at the Old Bailey, three prisoners were charged with violent theft and Joseph Roskelly [Police Sergeant H9] gave evidence and all three prisoners were found guilty and sentenced to 18 months with hard labour. In 1887, Police Sergeant Joseph Roskelly was on duty for Queen Victoria's Jubilee Parade through London and was therefore awarded the Metropolitan Police Jubilee medal for 1887 whilst serving in Whitechapel or 'H' division. In 1888, Police Sergeant Joseph Roskelly was one of a small band of Police Sergeants that administered Whitechapel or 'H' division. In the, 'casebook 'H' division personnel for 1888,' it is recorded that there were 19 x 1st Class Sergeants, 4 x 2nd Class Sergeants and 14 x 3rd Class Sergeants. Police Sergeant Josph Roskelly's duties would have been to supervise and check on the beat Police Constables under his supervision. I would suspect that Police Sergeant Joseph Roskelly may well have been a 1st Class Sergeant because in just a couple of years he was promoted to Station Police Sergeant. [rank marking of 4 chevrons for a SPS] On the 4th of December in 1888, the East London Observer published an article titled, 'Ripper Up.' An 'Alfred Eagleton' demanded money from a man and a woman and when the woman told him to go away, he produced a knife and threatened to, 'Ripper Up.' Police Sergeant Joseph Roskelly was also threatened by the prisoner whilst he was brandishing the knife. Basically Police Sergeant Joseph Roskelly disarmed the prisoner and took him into custody and he was then remanded over by the court. [see full account of newspaper article added to the end of this post] Note the play on words in the title of the article because this is at the height of the Jack the Ripper terror. On the 15th of July in 1891, Police Sergeant Joseph Roskelly is promoted to the rank of Station Police Sergeant and I believe he was then transferred to Bow or 'K' division. In 1897, Station Police Sergeant Joseph Roskelly was awarded the Queen Victoria Jubilee Clasp for 1897. On the 11th of May in 1899, Station Police Sergeant Joseph Roskelly does something wrong and is reduced in rank to Police Sergeant 2nd Class. Unfortunately at this moment, I do not know what his actions were that resulted in this punishment. On the 11th of September in 1900, at the Old Bailey, two prisoners were charged with housebreaking and Police Sergeant Joseph Roskelly [Police Sergeant 'K' divn.] gave evidence. It appears Joseph Roskelly whilst out walking with his wife and in civilian clothes, noticed several men acting suspiciously near a house. He obtained a key from a neighbour and entered the said property and caught the two men in the act of burglary. A Police Constable assisted in taking the prisoners back to the Police Station. The prisoners were given 2 and 9 month sentences. [What a story and what a man] On the 20th of January in 1901, Police Sergeant Joseph Roskelly retired from the Metropolitan Police and Bow or 'K' division. Joseph Roskelly was 45 years old and had completed 25 years and 4 days of service with the Metropolitan Police. Joseph physical description was 'dark twining grey hair, grey eyes, dark complexion and was five feet and seven and a half inches tall. Hopefully there is still a little more of his story to come...………….. More photographs re Police Sergeant Joseph Roskelly or Roskelley………….

Hi, Obviously, the original suggestion that Police Constable 881 Edward Watkins blew his Police whistle at Mitre Square to raise the alarm of Catherine Eddowes murder, originated from the press sketches in 1888 which appear to show him doing such a thing. I am surprised that the City of London Police were so far behind the Metropolitan Police in the use of Police whistles. Joseph Hudson of Birmingham supplied the Metropolitan Police with 21,000 whistles in 1884. That is also probably why George Morris, a retired Metropolitan Policeman, still retained a Police whistle or obtained one by another means. I do seem to remember something which quoted PC 881 Edward Watkins as saying he had not given the 'general alarm' at Mitre Square and this obviously was because he had requested George Morris to take on this task and get additional assistance. The information probably came from the Catherine Eddowes inquest. I think it is reasonable to say that PC 881 Edward Watkins also did not raise any alarm using a rattle because he had already designated the duty of raising the alarm and getting addition assistance to George Morris and also because there are no accounts of PC Watkins doing such a thing. I believe it was well known that whistles could be heard from a distance of a 1,000 yards [900m] so it is slightly confusing why the City of London Police did not take up this new means of summoning assistance sooner. I also seem to remember reading somewhere that individuals of substance ie money ….....would often carry whistles for their personal protection. Alan.

Hi, Here we have a nice original newspaper archive photograph from 1987. The stamp states, 'The Daily Telegraph published - 3 Oct 1987.' Obviously, they reproduced this section of the sketch showing Police Constable 881 Watkins signalling for assistance, in Mitre Square. The larger original sketch would have been created so that the newspaper readers could get an idea or feel for the events on that fateful night. [Jack the Ripper and the murder of Catherine Eddowes] This sketch therefore does not really need to closely resemble Police Constable Watkins physical appearance because the person, place and situation are all indicated in the sketch scene. Actually, I have just noticed that the sketch appears to show Police Constable Watkins about to blow his whistle for assistance. I am not a Ripperologist but I am sure it was only the night watchman George Morris [Met. Police pensioner] that did that. I don't remember any suggestions that Watkins blew his whistle? Alan.

Hi, Obviously, everybody knew John Christie was a mass murderer but it would appear they only needed to convict him on one count of murder and that appears to be for the murder of his wife 'Ethel Christie.' The Clerk continued : 'Members of the jury, the prisoner at the bar, John Reginald Halliday Christie, is charged with the murder of Ethel Christie on or about the 14th of December, 1952. Are you guilty or not guilty? Christie replied, 'Not Guilty.'

Hi, Just a brief summary :- It says in the book, 'John Christie enlisted as a Private in the Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire Regiment, number 106733, on the 19th of September in 1916, nearly seventeen and a half years old. He was entered into the reserve and not mobilised until the 12th of April in 1917. He was picked to serve as a Signaller. On the 2nd of April in 1918 Private Christie was sent to France and later injured by the blast of a mustard gas shell and demobilised on the 22nd of October in 1919. That must mean he could not have got the WW1 trio? Alan.

Hi, Thanks for pointing out the difference between 'War Reserve Police' and 'Special Constables' as I did not know that. During the Second World War it must have been very difficult to check/search the records for individuals whilst London was being bombed and also having a desperate need for officers especially with so many men off serving in the forces. Although I have never read the ''John Christie'' story, I knew I had a copy somewhere in the house. Eventually I found it...…….''John Christie of Rillington Place by Jonathan Oates.'' Interestingly in 1953, Detective Percy Law is now Detective Chief Inspector Law within the Photographic branch of the C.I.D. at Scotland Yard. He presented the photographic evidence to the Judge and jury during the early stages of the trial. ''''One of the Police Officers recalled, 'over the years I have seen some shocking sights but never one so un-nerving as that which greeted ourselves. It should be stated that the alcove [kitchen] containing the three bodies was packed indeed, as it only measured 4 feet high and was five feet and six inches deep. Yet there was worse to come...……….'''' Alan.

Hi and thanks for putting in the link. Unfortunately, I never realised that Charles and Percy Law, who were both Inspectors at Scotland Yard and served there during the same period..... were related. I missed that link. I do not have any of the original research any more but some of the details are extremely interesting . Detective Inspector Percy Law [Scotland Yard, C.I.D. Photographic Branch] is quite famous because he was involved in one of the most famous serial killer cases in British history in 1953. When John Christie left his flat at 10 Rillington Place in Notting Hill, he left behind his wife's body under the front room floor-boards, three bodies hidden behind an alcove in the kitchen and then for good measure, two more bodies buried in the garden. I believe I read somewhere he served as 'special constable' during the war in London I have never read the full story but you would have thought the smell in the flat would have become unbearable. It was Detective Inspector Percy Law that took the photographic evidence which was presented to the court in the trial of John Christie. That photographic portfolio would be part of the trial records and I would guess it might be available from the National Archives because the trial records were opened to the public in 2002. I used the 'British Newspaper Archives' searching under John Christie or Rillington Place, until I found an article that gave his full name as Inspector Percy Law, most of the articles just stated Inspector Law. If you search the internet you will find copies of the original black and white crime scene photographs somewhere. It must have been horrendous photographing the bodies within that dark and shabby and run down ground floor flat. Alan.

Hi, It is getting a bit late at night here but it is a good time to post this information to you in Australia. Go onto 'Ebay' and then 'Scotland Yard' and then 'paper and ephemera' and you fill find part of an article which has a picture of 'Detective Inspector Law of Scotland Yard's Photographic section. It is only £2.00 and they post worldwide. I believe it comes from and 1950's articles on the scientific aspects of Scotland Yard. The newspaper clipping will probably be only a few inches in size but you will probably never see another example. regards, Alan.

Hi, Part 2. 'Comparing two City of London Police Constables - Police Constable 881 Edward Watkins and Police Constable 492 Henry Webb - that rejoined for Queen Victoria's Jubilee in 1897,' I believe that the City of London Police and the Metropolitan Police would have had a set criteria for the rejoining of ex-Police personnel for duties relating to the Queen Victoria's Jubilee for 1887 and 1897. It certainly would not have been done on an ad hoc or unprofessional way. For the purposes of this comparison, I will concentrate on the Queen Victoria Jubilee of 1897. For the purposes of this comparison, I will concentrate on the City of London Police criteria for the rejoining of ex-Police personnel for duties relating to the Queen Victoria's Jubilee for 1897. Queen Victoria 's Jubilee in 1897 would have been one of the biggest events that London has ever seen. This historic event was on a huge scale but the City of London Police did have previous experience from Queen Victoria's Jubilee from 1887 regarding how to organize and manage such an event. For the Queen Victoria Jubilee in 1887, the City of London Police issued 900 Queen Victoria City of London Police Jubilee medals to its personnel. By 1897, naturally the establishment of the City of London Police would have increased over the previous decade. 'The City of London Police awarded the following number of medals and clasps to their personnel in 1897.' [a] 535 Queen Victoria City of London Police medals for 1897 were awarded. 485 Queen Victoria Police Clasps for 1897 were awarded. [These 1897 clasps were then attached to their original 1887 Jubilee medals which had previously been awarded.] [c] This means a total of 1,020 Queen Victoria City of London medals and clasps for 1897 were awarded. I can find no data that gives an exact number of ex-City of London Police personnel that were selected to rejoin but I would suspect it would be in the double digit figure range. Where that figure would be found ie lower or middle or higher double digit range, would require additional information. If we knew the establishment figure for the City of London Police in 1897 or around that date, we could then determine with greater accuracy the number of additional City of London Policemen that rejoined to man this historic event. The criteria used for the City of London Police may have been more specific and rigid than the criteria used for the Metropolitan Police because while the City of London Police rejoining numbers were much smaller, the Metropolitan Police numbers rejoining were in the high hundreds level. The 'Update of information on Pensioners who rejoined the Metropolitan Police for the 1897 Jubilee by J. H. F. Kemp,' records over 800 plus individual Police pensioners who rejoined the Metropolitan Police in 1897. 'Therefore we have PC 881 Edward Watkins and PC 492 Henry Webb that were both selected to rejoin the City of London Police for Queen Victoria's Jubilee Parade in 1897. What basic facts can be deduced from their circumstances that might help to indicate this criteria for rejoining the City of London Police.' [a] Both Edward Watkins and Henry Webb had completed their pensionable engagements with the City of London Police and were now City of London Pensioners. Both Edward Watkins and Henry Webb were considered to be first class Police Constables. [Statements given at the time of the Catherine Eddowes murder in Mitre Square etc clearly indicate the PC 881 Edward Watkins was considered to be a good and reliable Police Constable. Henry Webb actually rejoined at the age of 63 which is clear evidence that the City of London Police must have considered him to be a good and reliable Police Constable. It should also be remembered that Henry Webb had also served Queen and Country in the Royal Navy for 6 years, prior to joining the City of London Police. One huge reason for the selection of Edward Watkins for these duties, was that he was one of the most famous City of London Police Constables. His story and connection with the murder of Catherine Eddowes, at the time of the murder and at the time of the inquest, was published in every newspaper and even included sketches of him in uniform. I believe this fame would have placed him at the top of any list of rejoining City of London Police Constables.] [c] Both Edward Watkins and Henry Webb had participated in Queen Victoria's Jubilee Parade in 1887 and therefore they had first hand experience on what the City of London Police duties would be during this historic event. [d] Both Edward Watkins and Henry Webb were residing in London and were therefore available to take on these City of London Police Jubilee duties. [e] Both Edward Watkins and Henry Webb would have been required to be both fit and well and in general good health. Hopefully I have not made too many mistakes as I am not the greatest typist. regards, Alan. My apologies I don't quite understand why the bold lettering keeps jumping in or why the lists ie [a] etc keep getting messed up, as when I am writing the reply on my computer, everything looks fine. Alan.

Hi, Part 1...…..This medal is a City of London Police Jubilee medal for 1887 and with the 1897 clasp and was awarded to ''PC 492 Henry Webb.'' I will give you all his details in this entry but in Part 2...….. I will compare this individual to PC 881 Edward Watkins in a specific way but that will have to be done later. Police Constable 492 Henry Webb. City of London Police. Henry Webb was born in Sunninghill, in Berkshire, in 1834. Henry Webb served in the Royal Navy for approximately 8 years, from 1857/1858 to January of 1866 and this explains why at 31 , he was an older recruit than normal , on joining the City of London Police. On the 8th of February in 1866 Henry Webb became Police Constable 492 Henry Webb, warrant number 3868 and was assigned to the 3rd division. PC Henry Webb [City Policeman 492] gave evidence at the Old Bailey trial of James Knight and Charles Chandler who were charged with coining offences, on the 4th of April in 1870. PC 492 Henry Webb gave evidence relating to their previous convictions and both men were convicted and sentenced to 5 years penal servitude. PC Henry Webb [City Policeman 492] gave evidence at the Old Bailey trial of William Williams [25] who was charged with simple larceny, on the 9th of January in 1871. William Williams was accused of stealing a half chest of tea from a wagon at New Bridge Street, in Blackfriars. PC 492 Henry Webb arrested William Williams and gave evidence at the trial. The prisoner was found not guilty. PC Henry Webb [City Policeman 492] gave evidence at the Old Bailey trial of John McDonald [31] for robbery, on the 12th of January in 1874. The prisoner attempted to rob an individual of a bag which contained a number of diamonds. PC 492 Henry Webb arrested the prisoner outside the Blue Anchor Public House. The prisoner was found guilty and sentenced to 18 months imprisonment. It is interesting to note that the heaviest sentence passed down was for 'coinage offences.'' Maybe they considered this type of offence was the greatest danger to the economy or maybe the heavier sentence was due to having prior convictions In 1887, PC 492 Henry Webb was on duty for Queen Victoria's Jubilee Parade through London and was therefore awarded the Queen Victoria City of London Police Jubilee medal for 1887. In 1888, PC 492 Henry Webb walked the streets of the City of London during the famous investigation and hunt for Jack the Ripper. The City of London was obviously heavily involved in the investigation especially regarding the Catherine Eddowes murder, in Mitre Square. It is also interesting to note that PC 492 Henry Webb would have been an extremely experienced Police Constable and would have been 53 years old in 1888. On the 19th of May in 1892 PC 492 Henry Webb retired on pension from the City of London Police when he was 58 years & 2 months old. I would suspect that it was quite an achievement for a Police Constable to still be pounding the beat at his age and therefore he must have been quite fit and in good health. I am sure he must have gained a great deal of respect from his colleagues, that he managed to complete his 26 years of pensionable engagement. From his person record which survived, we know that in 1892 he was five feet and ten and a half inches tall, had a fresh complexion, dark brown hair and grey eyes. Henry Webb also had visible tattoo's on both his arms. Henry Webb's retirement was only 4 years before the retirement of Edward Watkins. In 1897, Henry Webb was recalled to duty with the City of London Police for Queen Victoria's Jubilee Parade through London in 1897 and was therefore awarded the Queen Victoria City of London Police Jubilee Clasp. Henry Webb at this point is now 63 years old. I would suggest that he was recalled to duty because of his excellent record and for no other reason. It is interesting to note that some ''City of London Police personal files'' do survive but others like Inspector George Izzard or Chief Inspector James Izzard do not. Even where a file does exist, you cannot confirm that it is complete because they do not seem to ever come with any index of their contents. The personal file also vary considerably in size ie Edward Watkins with approximately 13 pages [13 single sides of information] and Henry Webb only having 5 pages. [5 single sides of information] and that is just two examples.