Kevin Ross

I did intend to ask about the medals. Uncle Sid served in the Royal Garrison Artillery during the First war - so that would be the British War Medal and the Victory Medal. You have explained the third - thanks. But why is he wearing it on his right? Uncle Fred was in a Reserved Occupation during that war - he was a shipwright at the Yard. So, he is wearing no medals in the PC photograph. But he was given the attached certificate. Alas, I have no idea where these medals might be. I do have Sgt David Moore's wooden truncheon, however!

Thanks Dave. I've attached a photograph of Uncle Sid (Sydney Moore, born 1892); and two of Uncle Fred (Frederick Moore, born 1893), one as a PC and one (direct from Central Casting!) as a Detective Sergeant: Kevin

Thank you for the recommendation Dave - I'll order this book today. Two (of six!) of David Moore's sons had police careers: Sydney followed his father into the Devonport, then the Plymouth force - he became a sergeant; Frederick joined the Metropolitan police (in London, not the Yard!) and became a first class Detective Sergeant. But I think of more interest to members of this forum would be David's brother, Frederick Albert Victor Moore (1864-1944). He served in the (London) Metropolitan police, and features in this 2006 ''Guardian' article: https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2006/mar/03/arts.artsnews1 I've attached a photograph.

Thanks again Dave. I have long wondered why the Force is shown in different photographs wearing different pattern helmets. I hope you find the attached interesting. "Miss Lily Moore'" is my grandmother; she died in 1992, aged 90. 'Mayon-cottage' is the house where she and my father were born, and in which I grew up. I think I'm right in saying that the Devonport Borough Police (and 'H' Division of the Devon Constabulary, who policed Stonehouse) amalgamated with the Plymouth Borough Police in 1914. The Force became the Plymouth City Police in 1928, when Plymouth acquired City status. Kevin

P.S. Dave - may I ask, why are the 'eye' badges of different colours? The helmet badge and buttons seem to me to be of different hue because of age? - but the 'eye' badges by design. Kevin

Dave That's enourmously helpful! In fact, it's answered all of my questions - thank you very much indeed. I've attached a photograph of the Demport Police in 1910 (Sgt Moore far right, I think). At this time the policemen wear nothing on their shoulders - it would seem that on their collars they wear: the 'eye' shape badge; their division letter; their number; the Crown. Thanks again for your help. Kevin

Hello I have attached a photograph a detachment of the Devonport Borough Police, in 1913. (This detachment had helped police the Cornish china clay strike.) The sergeant is my great grandfather, David Moore (1868 -1917). May I ask: what is the badge on his chest? I know he was awarded a Merit Badge for meritorious conduct, when a PC in 1900; but I have been given to understand that these merit badges were typically of cloth, and worn on the cuff. But he doesn't appear to have anything on his cuff! So I'd be grateful for a steer here. All of these policemen wear a different badge on their right upper-arm. This would appear to be a red cross badge, similar to that worn by the RAMC. Is that what this is? All of the policemen wear a round device on their shoulder. Again, I would be grateful to learn what this is. Thanks in advance for any assistance. Kevin