Genealogy Chat

Does anyone know where I can get information abouta relative who used to be a special police constable please? My grandfather served as a sergeant and I understand he went to Ascot and Newbury when the races were on. This would be in the late 50's.
I'm going out now but will check in first thing tomorrow.
Thanks
Di

Police personnel records are closed for 75 years, so you won't be able to get anything from his personal file.

As a special, he wouldn't have had the rank of Sgt. Once a special went past constable, it was section officer rank, then divisonal officer, up to Commandant. If rumour has it that he was a Sgt., then he must have been a regular for that to be true. See:

http://www.policeuk.com/specials/ranks.html

It was (and still is) common for specials to be used at the likes of race meetings, football matches, country shows, etc.

Probably the best bet is local newspaper archives. If he was promoted past the rank of Constable, it is quite probable that it would have been mentioned in the local newspaper. There may well be a photograph in their archives.

An enquiry to the force HQ would, at best, provide confirmation that he was at some stage a special.

Your local records office might have some details of your local force where he is mentioned, but it won't contain any personal details. Maybe some case where he gave evidence.

Good luck!

I contacted our local Police HQ and was given details of my Dad, Uncle and Grandad's time in the Force. They couldn't have been more helpful, definitely worth a try.

Frances

Thats interesting, Frances. Did you get personal details and was it within the past 75 years?

Ian

Ian and Frances
Thank you for your replies and I'll certainly contact the local force in Berkshire and see what info I can get. Would I need any other info as I don't have his force details only his DOB and address.
Di

That should be all that you need.

Good luck and dont forget the local papers. I know that my force only kept very scant records of specials, and they were mostly in the local sub divisional offices. The vast majority were destroyed, as there was no need to keep them. Specials didn't have any pension rights, or hardly any other rights either when it comes to that, so there was ne requirement for records to be preserved.

Ian

Sorry Ian and Di, have only just logged again and seen your replies.

Ian,
Yes I did get personal info. I visited the HQ personally (after contacting the force historian). He had known my Dad and Uncle, which I suppose made it easier, (my Dad died in 2002) and I was given photo copies of the enlistment papers, plus shown personal effects which my Dad had donated, belonging to him,my Grandad and Uncle,
I was also loaned two pocket books used by my Grandad which I was able to copy and make into a booklet for my records. I gave a copy to the Police Achives as a way of saying thankyou.

Di,

Have you looked at the Black Sheep Index? It has details that might include your grandfather. I was given a copy of my grandfathers enlistment papers and also a photograph when I visited the County HQ, hope you are lucky too.

Frances

Ian and Frances
Sorry but not been around the last 24 hours.
Thank you for you info again. Will look at Black sheep site too.
I live in N Wales so will have to write to the Berkshire force for my rels info.
Di