As we approach the Coronation of the King and Queen Consort it is worth noting that the railway police have been involved in the policing of coronations since that of Edward VII. Each one has seen the movement of large numbers of people by public transport in circumstances where celebrations have been looked after by police officers mindful of the importance of safety and security.
The Coronation of HM The Queen in 1953 presented serious challenges to the BTC and LT Police which required the deployment of officers from around the country. For example operational feeding at a time when shortages were common and some rationing still in force required careful planning.
For the general public national events normally involve a day off work. It is the lot of the emergency services to work while others party. However, overtime and the granting of time off in lieu has been a feature of conditions of service for many years, thanks to the efforts of the Federation. I recently came across in this memorandum in the BTPHG collection. From the Chief of the North Eastern Railway Police to his Inspectors on this subject. He was writing about the Coronation of George V in 1911. By the standards of the time the leave or pay arrangement was generous.
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The Chief in question was the famous Captain (later Brigadier General) HORWOOD. Known for the reforms he introduced into the railway police, he later went on to be the Commissioner of Police for the Metropolis (1920-1928). He was nicknamed the ‘chocolate soldier’ in the Met after an attempt to assassinate him using arsenic laden Walnut Whips.
The Coronation 2023 will see a large police operation. I have no doubt that HORWOOD would be proud of both the Metropolitan and British Transport Police contribution to the event.
Our best wishes are with police officers, from all forces and especially those of the British Transport Police, who will work to safeguard the events of this weekend.
The British Transport Police History Group (BTPHG) sends its loyal and sincere greetings to Their Majesties on the occasion of their Coronation.
Philip Trendall
Chair