[Click image to go to the gallery.]
Our photo expert, Steve Beamon, has traced another picture taken at Kings Cross in 1924. This ties in with the photo of a larger group of other sporting teams taken on the same occasion.
Both photographs are available in the Sports and Social gallery.
HG member Ian Oliver advises that John Glyn DAVIS (known as Glyn), passed away on Thursday 25th January 2024 at the age of 91, at Lymington, in Hampshire.
Glyn joined the BTC Police in 1953 and retired 32 years later, having spent his entire service at Southampton Docks.
Although not an HG member Glyn did complete a HG Police Service Record and with it included a short memoir of his life. This is available in our HistoryBank section as:
Glyn Davis Recalls ……The reminiscences of an ex-Southampton Docks Officer
Just a reminder that we do ask retired Officers and Staff to complete a Police Service Record (PSR1) detailing their history with the Force. This will form part of an invaluable record of the BTP’s history which will otherwise be lost. As with Glyn, membership is not required, although new members most welcome.
As we know the BTP has a proud history and it is something that the BTP History Group celebrates. But it is also our responsibility to recognise that not all our history is good.
Today, another of former D/S Derek Ridgewell’s convictions was quashed at the Court of Appeal. Sadly, neither Saliah Mehmet or Basil Peterkin are alive to learn of their exoneration.
BBC News report: Half-century convictions linked to racist officer quashed
Guardian article:
“I Just Went Bent”: How Britain’s most corrupt cop ruined countless lives
(See note [1])
Following the outcome of the appeal Chief Constable Lucy D’Orsi issued the following statement:
“As I have commented previously on behalf of the British Transport Police (BTP), I am sincerely sorry for the trauma suffered by the British African community through the criminal actions of former police officer DS Derek Ridgewell who worked in BTP during the 1960s and 70s. In particular, it is of regret that we did not act sooner to end his criminalisation of British Africans, which led to the conviction of innocent people, including Mr Peterkin and Mr Mehmet.
“This is simply inexcusable and is something that my colleagues and I are appalled by. The actions of DS Ridgewell do not define the BTP of today which is enriched by highly professional, kind and committed officers and staff who are passionate about protecting the public. I have also met retired officers who are equally appalled by the criminal actions of DS Derek Ridgewell. I acknowledge that, during those times, systemic racism played a role in the culture of the Force, as it did across many parts of society.
“We continue to engage and work closer with the British African community. We cannot undo the past, but we can learn from it. This is an important and sombre point of reflection in our history. BTP is committed to combatting racism, which includes Afriphobia, which led to these historic cases that targeted African youths and destroyed lives.
“Since I last commented on this we have agreed to fund a bursary for a British African youth to study law. The bursary will be funded by the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA), and aims to ensure that British African communities are better represented within the UK judicial system, which will benefit us all.
“My colleagues and I are profoundly sorry to all those affected by DS Ridgewell’s atrocious actions and the trauma that victims and their families suffered as a result. I would like to reiterate my sincere apology for the trauma caused to the British African community by a corrupt BTP officer, whose misuse of his powers caused harm not only to the innocent young people criminalised, but also to their families and community.
“The identification of DS Ridgewell’s victims has always been important to us and we are thankful that the Criminal Cases Review Commission identified and successfully appealed for justice for Mr Peterkin and Mr Mehmet. We continue to encourage any possible victim or their family to reach out if they feel they have been subject to a miscarriage of justice.”
Source: Statement regarding outcome in court of appeal today
[1] Updated (25/01/24) with article from The Guardian newspaper by Simon Hattenstone. As is noted in the article, Basil Peterkin was Afro-Caribbean and Saliah Mehmet was a Turkish-Cypriot.
Also see: BTP to Launch Law Bursary
It was announced on Friday (29/12/2023) that Detective Superintendent Gareth Williams M.B.E. and Special Inspector Christopher Angus JAMIESON B.E.M., have received recognition in the New Year Honours List 2024.
Congratulations to them both.
The Awards table has been updated.
Detective Superintendent Gareth Williams has been awarded an MBE for his services to policing and his incredible work leading the British Transport Police (BTP) County Lines Taskforce.
Gareth joined BTP in 1992 and in his 30-year career has worked across a broad range of roles from covert policing, to homicide and domestic abuse investigations. In 2019 he wrote a successful bid for funding which saw the creation of the first ever BTP County Lines Taskforce.
Under Gareth’s stewardship the taskforce has delivered impressive results, protecting vulnerable people who have been coerced into the drug trafficking industry, and bringing numerous offenders to justice who have sought to coerce and exploit the vulnerable.
His citation reads: “His unfaltering drive to identify and disrupt those who seek to coerce and control the vulnerable is inspiring to those who work with and for him.”
It adds: “He has regularly gone above and beyond, leading the way in the fight against county lines criminality. The railways and public are significantly safer because of his leadership, commitment, and dedication.”
On receiving this honour, Gareth said: “I am extremely proud for my achievements to be recognised in this way. Throughout my career, I have been fortunate to work with many outstanding individuals, who have provided invaluable support and guidance to me.
“Most recently, I have had the pleasure of establishing and leading the County Lines Taskforce; a team of outstanding individuals, motivated by simply doing the right thing – making interventions to keep vulnerable people safe.
“When we embarked on our county lines efforts, I didn’t fully understand the scale of the challenge, but I have been extremely proud to watch us not only maintain our initial impetus and impact, but continually improve over the last four years.
“It’s been an honour to lead a team that has made a real difference to exploited young people, involved in drug supply on the railway network.”
Chief Constable Lucy D’Orsi said: “Gareth has been outstanding in leading our county lines taskforce. He has worked tirelessly with his team to safeguard exploited vulnerable children and make the railway network safer for everyone. He is relentless in his pursuit of those causing harm to communities through the supply of illegal drugs and exploitation of people.
“His dedication to policing is admirable, leading the way for others and showcasing the very best of the British Transport Police. We are extremely proud of him, and I wish to congratulate him on this honour on behalf of everyone.”
Christopher Jamieson, of North Berwick, received a BEM for services to policing. He has worked as a Special Inspector for the British Transport Police since 2007.
(We await details of S/Inspector Jamieson)
A new Christmas picture this year, featuring someone well known to the History Group.
🎅 Seasonal Greetings from all of us at the BTPHG 🎅
And let’s look forward to a great New Year!
*Santa duties at Llantrisant Guildhall (09/12/2023)
Tuesday 12th December marked the 35th anniversary of the Clapham Train Crash. A memorial service was held at the scene, led by the Railway Chaplains.
The BTP was represented by Chief Constable Lucy D’Orsi and officers from Clapham Junction.
The History Group was represented by our Chair, Tony Thompson. Tony, as Superintendent, was the BTP Incident Officer at the crash. He says: “I believe that I was the only former BTP officer present that had attended the Clapham crash. I was able to speak to the CC about how BTP managed the response and the subsequent investigation led by the late Supt Tony Stoppani.”
Some photos from the event:
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 2023 Poppy Appeal for the Royal British Legion is well underway. There are volunteer collectors out on the streets and stations. You can also donate online.
Very sadly, we learnt today that HG member Henry Wreathall died on Wednesday, aged 101 years (just ten days short of his 102nd birthday).
Sergeant Henry Wreathall retired from the BTP in 1982, having served in the Humber Ports division and had been in charge of the Force Dog Section at Hedon for five years until its closure in 1965.
Almost ten years ago Henry was kind enough to share some photographs and clippings with the History Group (see below).
BTPHG Chair Tony Thompson remembers:
“Very sorry to hear the sad news of the passing of former Sergeant Henry Wreathall of Hull Docks who almost reached his 102nd birthday. I had the privilege of joining former colleagues to celebrate his 100th birthday in Hull. He was a fantastic police officer and supervisor, commanding the respect of all who served with him. I remember him showing me how to deal with my first fatality in 1971.”
R.I.P Henry.
See also:
Henry Wreathall’s Gallery
Henry Wreathall turns 100!
Update October 2023
Tony Thompson has donated five additional photos and one video taken at Henry’s 100th Birthday celebration. These have been added to the Henry Wreathall turns 100! page.
Very sadly, it was reported this week that Police Sergeant Graham Saville of Nottinghamshire Police died after being hit by a train as he attempted to save a distressed man on the tracks.
The incident happened in Balderton just before 7pm on Thursday 24 August.
Sergeant Saville was taken to Queen’s Medical Centre where, despite the best efforts of medical staff, the 46-year-old died on Tuesday 29 August with his family at his bedside.
Chief Constable Kate Meynell said: “Today is a day of mourning for the entire police family.
“Graham was a hugely respected and popular colleague and his death in the line of duty has come as an enormous shock to us all.
“Our hearts and deepest condolences go out to his family and we will do everything we can to support them through this unimaginably devastating time. It is impossible to put into words how devastating this news is for everyone who loved and respected Graham.
“On Thursday, he went to work to protect the people of Nottinghamshire from harm, and it is testament to his bravery and dedication as a police officer that he was fatally injured while attempting to save another man’s life.
“His service and sacrifice will never be forgotten.”
The BTP History Group would like to add our condolences.
The ‘Non Railway Police Officers killed on duty on the railway’ table, which sits at the bottom of the Roll of Honour (Line of Duty) page, has been updated. Sadly this now totals 105.
Source: Nottinghamshire Police
Perhaps a slightly unusual topic for the BTP History Group to feature on our blog? But on hearing the news that CC Lucy D’Orsi will be conducting the review into security at the British Museum it seemed that this unique combination of BTP and history was worth stretching the remit for.
BBC News: British Museum worker sacked over missing items
British Museum Press Release:
Announcement regarding missing, stolen and damaged items
Photo Credit: British Museum / Creative Commons License
