GuestBook

How are we doing?

Welcome to the BTPHG GuestBook.

Use this feature to comment on the website – let us know what you like, comment, add to or correct us on our articles or features, or even add some constructive criticism!

Add the letters / numbers shown in the Anti-Spam box to the CAPTCHA field before submitting.

But before you do so, have a look at our Blog. If there’s an entry there concerning the topic you want to mention then post your comment there. That way a message will be sent to the Author as well as being displayed on the blog.

Of course, if you don’t want your comments to be publicly displayed you can always go to our Contact page to send us a private message.

43 entries.

David Smith from Cleethorpes wrote on April 7, 2019 at 10:46 PM:

Just to say thank you for an interesting site. I saw it mentioned in a local history Facebook page for Grimsby and followed the link across so I have enjoyed reading about our local links to the BTP.

Admin Reply by: Martin McKay

Thank you very much, David. We are pleased you enjoyed the site. Always good to have some positive feedback 😊.

Dave Wilkinson from Formby, Merseyside wrote on February 16, 2019 at 7:57 PM:

I wonder if I may correct some information which is contained within Bob Butcher's item on dock policing (History Lines No:-20, April 2011). Towards the end he talks about Dover Docks. "During the seventies Dover Harbour Board began employing police....." You may be interested to know that the Dover Harbour Board Police (now the Port of Dover Police) were formed in 1933, following DHB's withdrawal from a policing contract with the Dover Watch Committee. A small point which has obviously gone uncorrected for quite some time.

Admin Reply by: Martin McKay

Thanks Dave, I will mention your comment on the page. WebMaster

Julien McGowan from Bournemouth wrote on February 5, 2019 at 8:32 PM:

I am Julien McGowan and I am John William Freeman’s great grandson. My grandmother was Rita Freeman, Johns daughter. I never met John and indeed only had it confirmed recently that he was my great grandfather as my mother was adopted out during the war from his daughter Rita. He passed away before I was born though but would have loved to have met him but I am immensely proud of his fortitude and tenacity and hope I have inherited some of his traits. I would love any informaton or records concerning his incredible career. Kind regards Julien

Admin Reply by: Martin McKay

This message has been replied to by email. Webmaster.

Chris Nixon from Nottingham wrote on November 19, 2018 at 3:54 PM:

I’ve just found your entry for John William Freeman. Your members may be interested to know that I knew John and Ethel in the last few years of his life; he lived next door to my grandparents, and on Saturday mornings I would go and spend time talking to him about his long career. His medals were in a display case on the sideboard, and a framed print from the battle of Omdurman on the wall. We were instrumental in getting the Army to look to his welfare, with the result that one Saturday, there was a Major General at my grandfather’s door asking if we would take him and introduce him to Mr Freeman. His medals were remounted, the print was cleaned and he was supported. I believe his medals are in the 17/21st Museum now. Wonderful man - I treasure the stories told over a glass of South African sherry!

Admin Reply by: Martin McKay

Thanks Chris, It’s really good to hear from someone who has actually met him; a fascinating footnote. And pleasing that he was looked after.

Link to the article: https://www.btphg.org.uk/?page_id=806

John laflin from Lairg Highlands. wrote on February 6, 2018 at 5:02 PM:

My father was drill instructor, and we lived in a house just outside the gates, with the commandant next door. I grew up at BTC Tadworth from 1948 to 1965 when my father took early retirement. His nam was Sgt Bernard J C Laflin. A wonderful man, you could hear him in the local village Walton on the Hill as he barked out his marching instructions. Sadly no longer with us he is greatly missed, and it was lovely to see pictures of him.

Admin Reply by: Martin McKay

Thanks John, Your father was obviously very well known and respected in the force, and thanks to his appearances in course photos we must have more of him than anyone else!

David Armstrong wrote on September 20, 2017 at 2:45 PM:

Found vintage dairy list of early 196O Police Cadet Course lads namely Dave Furness. Barry PRYOR. Derek CROSS. David Hebdon and *Shaftoe BROWN. Thank you for your time and patience. David Armstrong. Retired B.T. Police, Newcastle upon Tyne.

David Armstrong wrote on June 14, 2017 at 4:26 PM:

***Alan re your research on the Lancaster. Railway I have a great **Rare Photograph of a BTC Police Officer 195oS PHOTOGRAPH, with dog. Steam engine DRAKE in background. Can send copy if required. REPLY: This message has been forwarded. Webmaster

David Armstrong wrote on June 14, 2017 at 4:22 PM:

BTPH. **HULL MEMBER DERRICK BROWN, I believe I remember you from BT Police Courses (Newby Wiske or Tadworth ) during the 196Os. From David Armstrong Ex Cadet and Police Officer,Newcastle Central, Newcastle upon Tyne. Please respond if applicable. Cheers. REPLY: This message has been forwarded. Webmaster

Dave Wilkinson wrote on January 27, 2017 at 4:38 PM:

I wonder if I may draw your attention to an inaccuracy in respect of a particular photograph in your gallery. The photo in question is 65 of 65 in "Constituent Forces". The photo is captioned "SE & Chatham Railway Police at Dover Railway Station 1906". The police officers are in fact members of the Dover Borough Police. The gentleman in the centre with the white beard is a local worthy, William J. Barnes. I hope this is helpful. Dave Wilkinson REPLY: Thanks Dave. Following some more communications, I have now amended the entry. Although it no longer relates to the railway police, it's such a good photo I have left it in the gallery. Webmaster

Paul Armstrong wrote on January 7, 2017 at 6:07 PM:

Hi, I'm looking to trace any officers that served with my late father PC Terry Armstrong, after training at Sandgate (1974) he served at Folkestone Harbour, London Bridge, Dover Harbour and finally Ashford (Elwick Rd and International House). REPLY: If anyone can help Paul, please make contact with us, as outlined above. Webmaster

Brian Eccles wrote on January 2, 2017 at 8:09 AM:

I am the grandson of Mitchell Eccles was wondering if anyone in the archives section of British Transport Police History Group could help me track down information on my grandfather Mitchell Eccles who I believe may have served with the NBR police around 1920. I have found an old brass service medal with a enamelled Union Jack Flag on a white banner on the left hand side and a Red Rampant Lion on a yellow enamelled banner on the right side front face of the medal . On the back is a personalized inscription as follows: Presentaion to Mitchell Eccles by NBR Police 22 of July, 1920 Western Division SECURITY Any help on tracking down this historical reference and any information regarding my grandfather's history with the NBR Police would be greatly appreciated. Thank you Grandson of Mitchell Eccles

REPLY: This message has been replied to by email. Webmaster.

alan wrote on November 20, 2016 at 3:27 PM:

Hi I am researching the Lancaster and Preston Junction Railway and see that they had their own police force. Does any one have any information on it ?

REPLY: This message has been replied to by email. Webmaster

Laurence Swain wrote on June 28, 2016 at 8:52 AM:

What an excellent source of information. Thank you for all this research and provision! I was able to date a Bristol & Exeter Railway Police truncheon that belongs in my late fathers collection, I hope it is okay to link to your site from a photograph of the truncheon in question, my visitors need to see and enjoy your site. I have other railway truncheons that I'd like to date and will come back here later. The B&ER truncheon is under Ref:4 on page http://alan.swain.me.uk/truncheons.htm (Not for sale though).

REPLY: Hi Laurence, Yes, of course you can link to our site. Thank you for your kind comments. Regards. Webmaster

John Leslie WORLEY wrote on May 1, 2016 at 5:50 PM:

Police Constable 1580 WORLEY joined September 5th 1971. stationed at Swansea Docks for the first five years of service, then spent the rest of my service at Swansea rail. I was medically retired on the 15th April 2000, due to being assaulted during an arrest at Swansea in 1998, since retirement I have had four knee replacement operations because of this assault. I remember Tadworth well, spent many a happy week there it was truly a place that stood the test of time, I was there when Micky BRYANT was an Instructor together with Colin THOMAS who was my class Instructor, it will be missed that I know, such a shame, but time moves on and the force must move with these times.

REPLY: Yes, it was a shame that Tadworth closed, but the new training facility in north London is well thought of. Thank you for your contribution. Webmaster.

Carly Emery wrote on April 6, 2016 at 4:44 PM:

I wondered if you had any information on my Grandfather - Charles Emery. He served within BTP at Southampton Docks. I believe he served between the 60/70's to early 80's. Sorry I don't have any further information. Many Thanks Carly REPLY: This message has been replied to by email. Webmaster

JACQUELINE SUTHERLAND wrote on February 17, 2016 at 1:03 AM:

To whom it may concern, Dear Sir/Madam I would like to find out any service information that you may have please, on my grandfather DAVID ARNOLD. He was born on 29 May 1892 and died on 4 October 1956. He was with the British Transport Police (possibly with the Greater Western Railway - number 294) and based primarily at Swansea docks. I believe that he would have joined the British Transport Police after 1913 and worked with them to 1940's. I can provide a newspaper photograph of him and others if that will assist. Many thanks for your assistance. Regards Jacqueline Sutherland (Granddaughter) REPLY: This message has been replied to by email. Webmaster.

Jacqueline Connor wrote on January 28, 2016 at 5:57 AM:

My great grand father William Jennings from Ireland is listed in the 1901 census as a Dock Constable (Harbour) and possibly( L. & D co.) Is this a private police force? He died within 3 years of the census as did his wife Lily. My grandmother was placed in the Bethnal Green Poor House orphanage. They were living in West Ham. I would like to find out more about him and wondered if you can help me trace his records or point me in the right direction, please. Thank you. REPLY: Yes, being shown as a Dock Constable indicates he was employed at one of the docks, and as they lived in West Ham it was probably one of the London docks. He would have the powers of a police constable whilst on the dock and been employed by the dock company. Although the BTP History Group includes dock and canal police amongst its constituent forces, the London docks are not part of it, as they had no connection with the railways. I did check his name against our records, just in case, but with a negative result – although our records are far from complete. Webmaster (A fuller reply and correspondence was entered into by email)

Jacqui Woodham wrote on January 22, 2016 at 11:32 AM:

I have a photograph of my great great grandfather who I believe, according to stories and the census information was a railway detective. His name was Henry Johnson born around 1851 aka Bluff Johnson. I wondered if you had any record of him and likewise would you like the photo to accompany this information?

Ronnie Coulter wrote on January 14, 2016 at 6:04 PM:

Trying to find out some information out on my grandfather Joseph Coulter born July 31, 1884, in Ballymena, Antrim, Northern Ireland. We know he served in the BTP after serving with Glasgow Police.

Rhys Davies wrote on June 22, 2015 at 12:07 PM:

Trying to find out some information out on my father Geriant Davies would have been mid to late 1960's done his training in Hendon later transferred to Gwent police don't know if anyone has any info / pictures passing out etc Thanks REPLY: This entry has been replied to by email. Webmaster