Author: Martin McKay

A British Transport Police (BTP) officer (Sgt Kyle Gordon) and staff member (Amanda Radley) have been recognised in The King’s Birthday Honours List 2026.

Additionally, former BTP officer Stephen O’Callaghan (currently TransPennine Express Safeguarding and Crime Prevention Lead) has also been made an MBE. And Chris Henley, a voluntary railway chaplain, has been awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM).

All of us at the BTP History Group would like to send our congratulations.

The Honours page has been updated.

From the BTP website:

Child exploitation expert Amanda Radley and Sergeant Kyle Gordon have been made Members of the Order of the British Empire (MBEs).

As a lead member of BTP’s County Lines Taskforce, Amanda has pioneered improving the safeguarding response to vulnerable children and adults at risk of exploitation, working within the force and across varying agencies to develop a preventative, responsive, and collaborative model.

This trauma informed proactive safeguarding approach has directly supported the protection of over 1,200 children across Britain’s rail network.

She’s helped shape key policy reforms ensuring children’s voices are central to legislative change, and has taken her expertise across the country to strengthen knowledge within law enforcement agencies on best practice safeguarding principles.

Kyle joined BTP in 2015 and has led transformative improvements in the safety, effectiveness, and professionalism of the police medic operations within the force, particularly in the treatment and rescue of casualties on the rail tracks.

The high-performing London Underground disruption team he leads has deployed to major events across the capital, including Notting Hill Carnival, New Year’s Eve celebrations, and the London Marathon.

He has also expanded the team’s remit to include all first aid at work and police medic training nationally across the force, and also developed a bespoke risk assessment, operating procedures, and procured specialised PPE tailored to improve officer and casualty safety.

Amanda Radley MBE said: “I’m extremely honoured and proud to receive this recognition and genuinely appreciate that colleagues took the time to make this nomination. With over 30 years in public service, it definitely reflects the collective efforts of all my colleagues and teams along the way, as well as the children, families and adults I have worked with who have strived to make the changes necessary and improve their lives, often in difficult circumstances.

“I have been extremely fortunate to have experienced a number of roles and organisations throughout my career and am very grateful that my position in BTP over the last six years has given me an opportunity to bring all that knowledge and insight to fruition. I have been so impressed by the force’s approach to safeguarding, it’s openness to accepting different opinions and allowing me into many conversations across the organisation to influence how we do things, hopefully improving outcomes for children and vulnerable adults as a result.

“For those on the County Lines Taskforce and the partners we’ve worked with over the last few years, I’m blown away by the passion and commitment, and I’m so proud of the results we’ve achieved together, the collaborative safeguarding approach we’ve developed and the improvements across the country in recognising children as potential victims and prosecuting those exploiting them.

“After a long career which inevitably has not always been easy, it’s amazing to get this recognition, and whilst extremely proud of the achievements made, I know we have more to do, and I fully recognise we don’t always get it right. I look forward to continuing to focus on improving outcomes and hopefully making a difference.”

Sergeant Kyle Gordon MBE said:

“While I’m incredibly honoured, I do feel this recognition reflects not just my work, but the dedication of my team, who put themselves at risk every day to try and save the lives of others.

“The work I’ve been recognised for has focused on improving training, safety, and welfare for our specialised team who work in extremely challenging and hazardous environments, often dealing with individuals who have suffered serve injuries.”

A former BTP officer of 20 years has also been recognised in The King’s Birthday Honours list. Stephen O’Callaghan has been made an MBE for outstanding contributions to policing, safeguarding and public safety. Stephen now works for TransPennine Express as its Safeguarding and Crime Prevention Lead.

Additionally, Chris Henley, a voluntary railway chaplain, has been awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM). For over a decade Chris has offered compassionate support to rail staff and BTP officers facing trauma, grief and emotional distress.

Reflecting on the achievements of all four Honours recipients, BTP Chief Constable Lucy D’Orsi said: “The contributions Amanda, Kyle, Stephen and Chris have made to BTP, policing and the railway are outstanding and I’m extremely proud to see their achievements recognised in His Majesty’s Birthday Honours.

“They embody everything we stand for as a police force – showing unwavering commitment to protecting the public and keeping Britain’s rail network safe. A massive congratulations to all of them from everyone in BTP on this richly deserved recognition.”

Sources:
BTP Website: Two from BTP awarded MBEs in King’s Birthday Honours
HM Government Cabinet Office : Birthday Honours List 2026

The Final Beat

An update to my previous post (from May 2025) on the documentary film about PC Robert Smith: PC Robert Smith (Film)

The film has now been completed and will receive its premiere screening at York University later in April 2026. The finished documentary will run to around 33 to 34 minutes.

Robert Smith, a PC with the London and North Eastern Railway Police, aged 64 years, was killed during the early hours of the morning of the 29th April 1942, during the biggest raid by the Luftwaffe carried out on York in World War Two. He was on duty in the police office when it took a direct hit.

He is recognised in the BTPHG Second World War Roll of Honour (RoH).

More details on the original post (link above).

Second Update:
The premiere screening went ahead as planned and was covered by the local BBC News: ‘Film will future-proof legacy of wartime PC‘
Bill Rogerson, our Chair & Secretary, was interviewed for the piece, and also took part in a question and answer session on stage after the screening.

Also see:
Baedeker Air Raid commemoration
PC Robert Smith – Gravesite Dedication

 

Significant Cases in British Railway History

BTPHG member Malcolm Clegg has written another railway crime related book to be published within a few months and it takes another place on the virtual BookShelf.

The book, published in hardback by Pen & Sword, contains 192 pages and will be released on 30th April 2026. It will be available from Amazon, other online retailers, most book shops or direct from the publishers, and is available to pre-order now.

From the publisher’s description:

The vast majority of Britain’s railways were built between 1825 and 1900. By the turn of the nineteenth/twentieth century, over one-hundred different railway companies were operating in Britain on more than 22,000 miles of railway track.

Although these new railways brought prosperity to the nation, and enabled goods and passengers to be speedily transported the length and breadth of the country for the first time, this remarkable feat of engineering brought with it some unwelcome side-effects, one of which was crime.

A vast number of passengers travel on Britain’s railway network each day, and unfortunately, a considerable amount of crime does occur on our railways. The types of crime committed on Britain’s railways varies considerably from petty or minor crime, to more serious crimes.

Most people would consider that the crimes of “murder” and “attempted murder” are amongst the most serious crimes committed in our country, irrespective of where these appalling acts take place.

A substantial number of murders and attempted murders have taken place on the railway network of Britain, during its two-hundred years of operation, and details surrounding the vast majority of these cases are revealed in this book, some for the first time.

The author has spent many months of research, mainly through old newspaper archives, in order to obtain establish and publish historical information about murders committed on Britain’s railways, many of which have been long forgotten, or lost in the annals of time.

Congratulations to PCSO Thomas Gilmour and Station Support Officer Marion Dudgeon, who were each awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) in the New Year Honours List 2026.

Additionally, Commander Paul Brogden of the Metropolitan Police was awarded the King’s Police Medal (KPM). Paul served with BTP between 2007 and 2018, most recently as Chief Superintendent (Divisional Commander – B Division).

The Honours page has been updated.

From the BTP website:

Two members of British Transport Police (BTP) staff have been recognised with honours in The King’s annual New Year’s Honours list.

PCSO Thomas Gilmour, based in Preston, and Station Support Officer Marion Dudgeon, based in Newcastle, were each awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM).

Thomas, a School Liaison Officer, was nominated for his outstanding efforts to promote railway safety as well as his substantial charity work.

Last year he took on the monumental task of educating nearly 30,000 young people across Greater Manchester about railway safety – a significant increase in the average 25,000 per year he has spoken to in his eight years in the role.

His engaging school sessions have been widely praised by teachers and students for helping children understand railway safety.

In addition, he has launched an abandoned bicycle re-distribution scheme in partnership with a cycle charity, as well as spearheading a scheme to send stationary to children in Malawi.

In 2025 Thomas was awarded the Greater Manchester Community Hero Award, and he furthers his efforts to keep young people safe with fire, water and road safety advice as a volunteer with Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service.

Marion Dudgeon started her policing career in 1980 and has been recognised for 45 years of dedicated service while continuing to inspire colleagues today.

Her early achievements included helping plan the first Great North Run in 1981 and contributing to Sunderland’s Safer Cities programme, which launched innovative crime prevention projects for young people.

In 1994, Marion joined BTP as manager of the Area Justice Unit, earning respect for her meticulous approach to criminal justice. She personally reviewed 1,000 witness statements after the Selby train crash in 2001 as part of the welfare process for her team.

Returning to BTP in 2017, she continues to mentor colleagues and support major operational changes, cementing her reputation as a trusted and influential figure.

A colleague said of Marion: “She is truly the beating heart of our station. Her knowledge, care, and commitment inspire us all.”

Chief Constable Lucy D’Orsi said: “Thomas’s passion makes him a fantastic example of what it means to be a PCSO, and he is a true credit to BTP. It is humbling to see someone dedicate so much of their time to supporting charity work.

“Marion’s contributions have shaped policing in the north east, strengthened the criminal justice system, and supported countless colleagues and communities.

“The respect and admiration their colleagues have for them can’t be underestimated and make them a credit to our force.”

Thomas said: “I feel honoured and privileged to receive this level of recognition for services to railway safety. Being able to make a positive contribution both locally and internationally that will have a lasting impact on communities.

“You can never put statistics on how many lives you save by doing these talks, but I’m sure it does save lives, and that’s job satisfaction at its highest.

“I just try to be a decent human being every day. Any individual can make the world a better place, and every small act of kindness and selflessness makes the world just that little bit better to live in.”

On receiving her honour, Marion said: “I was shocked, delighted and honoured to receive this nomination and I had to re-read the letter several times before I believed the content.

“As I am nearing the end of my policing career, this really is the icing on the cake of a fantastic career in policing during which time I have worked and continue to work with some amazing people, some no longer with us, and I have been given some fantastic opportunities to expand my experience and knowledge. Thank you to everyone for supporting and believing in me over the last 45 years.”

A very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from all at the BTPHG!

Happy Halloween from the BTPHG.

As we approach Remembrance Day it is time again to reflect on those RDC officers who were killed during the conflicts, either overseas or on duty.

A reminder that we have the Roll of Honour pages detailing those officers.

The 2025 Poppy Appeal for the Royal British Legion is now underway. There are volunteer collectors out on the streets and stations. You can also donate online.

A new railway crime related fiction book is now available.

Cabinet of Curious Cases by E. H. Lockwood

Step back into the shadowed world of Britain’s railways with Cabinet of Curious Cases — a collection of historical mysteries blending fact, fiction, and the forgotten origins of railway policing.

From the first recorded railway murder investigation on the Stockton & Darlington line in 1827, to echoes of the Crimean War, to spectral mysteries on the Isle of Man and beyond, these stories weave together gripping narrative with real history.

Inside the Cabinet, you’ll discover:

• Murder on the Darlington Line (1827): Constable John Metcalfe investigates the brutal death of mine owner Percival Drake aboard Locomotion No.1, inspired by the earliest days of railway policing.
• Echoes of Balaclava: The story of William Nicholson, a Crimean War veteran who went on to serve as a Railway Police Inspector.
• Phantom of the Rails: A chilling Victorian mystery set against the backdrop of the Isle of Man’s steam railway.
• Death in the Dugout & The Final Watch: Later tales linking wartime sacrifice, railway policing, and the enduring duty of constables across generations.

Why this book matters

Lockwood’s stories celebrate the little-known history of the world’s first railway constables while offering compelling tales for lovers of mystery, history, and crime fiction alike.

Cabinet of Curious Cases is available in A4 print for £9.99

 

 

Last year I posted a piece about the Court of Appeal verdict on two innocent men who had their convictions quashed. Sadly, neither Saliah Mehmet or Basil Peterkin lived to learn of their exoneration. They were two more victims of the  disgraced BTP officer Derek Ridgewell.

This week (17th July 2025) another two men were cleared. So far, 13 cases have been overturned.

Errol Campbell, who died in 2004, had been jailed for 18 months for theft and conspiracy to steal while Ronald De Souza, who was part of the group known as the Stockwell Six, was detained for six months for attempted robbery.

Assistant Chief Constable Charlie Doyle said BTP was “sincerely sorry” to those affected by the criminal actions of Ridgewell.

“[His] appalling actions in the 1970s and 1980s led to the criminalisation of innocent people,” he said.

“I am disgusted by the actions of Derek Ridgewell, and while we know we can’t change the past, his actions do not represent the BTP of today.

“We’re continuing to review records relating to his corrupt practices, which includes those relating to officers who were associated with DS Ridgewell or may have assisted him in his criminal activity. We continue to actively pursue a criminal investigation into the actions of those involved and will present a file to the CPS for consideration once we have completed our enquiries.”

BBC News report: Two framed by corrupt officer decades ago cleared

Also see: Convictions Quashed