The BTPHG are pleased to be able to present this rare footage of the opening of Tadworth, then known as the British Railways Police Training School.
The film is currently held in the Imperial War Museum, having originally been shot by the Southern Railway Film Unit.
The Training School was formally opened by Lieutenant-Colonel Sir Hugh TURNBULL, K.CV.O., K.B.E. the Commissioner of the City of London Police on Friday 17th December 1948. Before the ceremony, Sir Hugh inspected a passing-out parade of 50 students and watched a demonstration of drill and self-defence. He said that the school excelled compared to other Police Training establishments and hoped that it would have a happy and successful future. By the time the school was formally opened, 679 Police Officers (including 35 women) had already attended Tadworth for their training. At this time there were over 4000 officers in the Force.
Film of the opening ceremony (no sound)
The film begins with a close-up of Police Sergeant Laflin shouting commands, he is then followed Chief Inspector Brewer (the Deputy Commandant).
A view of the school building is shown, and then three rows of police officers lined-up for inspection. A group of senior police officers undertake the inspection, followed by, a march past of male and female officers. The scene then cuts to inside the college building where a senior police officer shows dignitaries around the new facilities. Finally, there are some training demonstrations and some speeches made to a seated audience of police officers and other dignitaries.
Mr G V Frankton (Commandant), Lt.Col. Sir Hugh Turnbull (Commissioner of the City of London Police), Mr V M Barrington-Ward and Mr R A Riddles (both of the Railway Executive)
Click photo for a larger view
Acknowledgments:
We would like to thank BTPHG member David Hoare for sourcing this film and making arrangements to purchase this copy (including streaming rights), and for making a contribution to the cost. Members of the BTPHG Committee also contributed, which meant no Group funds were drawn upon.
Also, see A Brief History of the Training Centre, Tadworth