Issued in error ?

[Deelibob]

I have recently acquired an 1897 jubilee medal issued to Police Constable James McQueen " CO" Division, recourse to The book Metropolitan Police the Men and their medals reveals  James entitlement to the 1897 medal in the above stated Division but also that he is warrant number 83079 but was formerly 40396, With this in mind I ask if anyone can confirm if James received a medal for 1887 and if so is the issue of an 1897 instead of a bar in error unique or did it as I suspect a common error due to the logistic nightmare of such large numbers of returning Pensioners.

I would be most grateful for any information on this medal.

Regards to all and Stay Safe in these strange times

Peter

[Alan Baird]

Hi,

I did a quick check in the National Archives and ''Metropolitan Police retirement reference number 21/17/6405 relates to the retirement of James McQueen who left the service sometime between 1884-1887.'' I would suspect James McQueen retired on pension before Queen Victoria's Jubilee in 1887 and was not one of the pensioners that was requested to return to duty to assist in the Police manning for this event. Nothing came up when entering the original warrant number of 40396. You could get a copy of his retirement details from the National Archives which would be worth while since you have the medal in your collection.  

Alan.    

[Deelibob]

Alan, Thank you. I am much obliged.