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52 entries.
Bill Kelly wrote on January 9, 2024 at 12:24 AM
The 'unknown BTP sergeant' in the still shot from Michael Palin's 1980 documentary partly shot at Rainhill station, is Sergeant James Pearce. The son of a church minister, he was a real gentlemen. He would often make a cup of tea in the mess at Lime Street Station (now part of Wetherspoons pub) and tell the young officers to 'never drink anything stronger'. He was active through the 60's, 70, 80. In the late 60s he arrested a man who was harassing him for being drunk. The man had continually demanded to be arrested. In the event it was later found that the man had killed his wife. Sgt Pearce received a commendation.
Admin Reply by: Martin McKay
Hi Bill,
I will add his name to the gallery.
Many thanks.
Webmaster.
Derek Parker wrote on November 25, 2023 at 10:02 AM
I have read the articles written in your history group with great interest. They bring back so many memories to me. I joined the BT Police in February 1972 at Euston. The boss there was Superintendent Edmunds. After my initial training at No:6 Regional Police Training College Ryton on Dunsmore .” Does anyone remember Mr Suthers the Drill SGT,feared by many loved by few . I then returned to Euston and was sent on a course to the BTP College Tadworth. On starting duties at Euston as a Probationer it was not long before we were allowed out solo. I remember patrolling the Concourse at Euston with another Probationer PC Rowlands. When we saw in the distance a man snatch a woman’s purse and leg it out of the station. We gave chase across the busy Euston Road and apprehended him about a mile away. Both myself and PC Rowlands received a Commendation, we were both really pleased so early in our Service. I eventually transferred to Birmingham New Street. Hence I recognise some of the names mentioned in your columns, as I have worked with these folks. I also remember the following people, PCs Turner, Majster, Povey, mabbitt and PW Mabbit, SGTs Breakwell and Liversley. I trained as a Dog Handler at the BTP Dog Training School at Elstree. This was next to The film studios. On return to New Street there were 2 dog handlers, myself and PC Street. I also remember the duties at Curzon Street and being informed by another PC that the place was haunted oh great thanks mate 😂. My only criticism was in those days we only had plain unmarked vehicles, so when responding to emergency calls it was so difficult with just headlights and a car horn. I believe the Chief Constable at the time would not permit signage or blue beacons on vehicles. However I stand to be corrected but was there not a vehicle based at Rail House Broad Street called the bomb vehicle with a blue light attached. However I never saw this vehicle. Before becoming a dog handler, I was on the same shift as Paul Turner we worked a lot in pairs and had many good times together at New Street.
On leaving the BT Police I continued my career in another Emergency Service .
Best Regards
Derek Parker

Ex PC M55 Euston
Ex PC W177 Birmingham New Street
Admin Reply by: Martin McKay
Thanks Derek,
Nice to see examples of officer’s recollections. Everyone adds to our history.
Regards.
Webmaster.
Chris Hadfield from Birkenhead wrote on June 14, 2022 at 11:41 PM
Hi,
I am hoping you will be able to help me!
I am looking for any information about Detective Sergeant/Inspector Charles Hewlett Parson (1866-1929).
Originally born in Suffolk in 1866, I know he served with the LNWR and was stationed near Aston, Northamptonshire, Crewe, Wigan and later around the Liverpool and Birkenhead areas.
I think he joined on the 11th March 1890 and served until the mid/late 1910s. In 1911 he was listed as a Detective Sergeant.
I am currently making a family history book for a direct descendant of his so hoping to find any photos of Detective Charles Hewlett Parson, our family have none of him at all, it would top it off to find one of him in his uniform.
If anyone knows of any or where I could find any that would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you for all your help,
Admin Reply by: Martin McKay
Hi Charles,
Thank you for your enquiry.
I will reply privately, but if anyone does have a photograph please let us know.
Mark Doel from Blackwood wrote on May 31, 2022 at 9:56 PM
Thank you very much for your article “Southampton Docks Police, 1890” (https://www.btphg.org.uk/?page_id=4109). John Samuel Coffin was my 2 x great uncle. It was terrific to find a photo of him here.

In addition to the information from the 1881 Census, in the 1901 Census he describes his occupation as Police Inspector. Presumably he was still with the Docks Police. Also, in addition to the children listed there were two more: Catherine Frances born 1873 Southampton and Mabel Lily born 1883 Southampton.

His wife was Sarah Fanny Pearce. She was born in Romsey. They married in 1867 in Southampton.

If you have any further information on John please let me know.
Admin Reply by: Martin McKay
Thanks Mark,
I’m pleased you found the article useful.
I’ll pass on the extra information to the author.
Roger Young from Bradford wrote on September 10, 2021 at 1:25 PM
Hello,
Re. Joseph "Joss" Wilson
I am wondering how I may find out more about my grandfather's police record, or hear from anybody who knew him, particularly the time he spent at St. Andrew's Dock in Hull.
He joined after the war in '46 I believe. After a course at Easingwold Police Training College he did beat duty on Paragon Station and Hull Docks before being appointed detective-constable in 1952. Later he took further course at the West Riding Detective Training School, Wakefield and the BTP College at Tadworth.
He was the Police Federation representative for constables of Hull Division of the BTC Police and the divisional welfare officer. I think he retired at the end of the 70s. Thank you, any information or assistance would be most appreciated.
Admin Reply by: Martin McKay
Hi Roger,
I will see if we have anything in our records, but it the meantime if anyone has any memories of Joss, let us know.
Leslie Carter from Catalina wrote on May 8, 2021 at 5:57 AM
Excellent site and associated history, well done. I have an interest as a retired New South Wales (Australia) police officer. I spent a bit of time as Commander of a transit police unit, southern suburbs of Sydney.

Thank you and stay safe.
Admin Reply by: Martin McKay
Hi Leslie,
Thank you for your comments. Always good to get some positive feedback! 😊
Helena Corfield from Maidstone wrote on January 25, 2021 at 3:51 PM
Hello
My dad was btp first post Port Talbot docks.Then promoted to London. I was just wondering if anyone has any memories of him Anthony Stoppani. Last post area commander of SE London.
Admin Reply by: Martin McKay
Hi Helena,
I knew your father when he was on the LT Area. He was certainly a very well respected officer and I know his passing caused great sadness amongst his colleagues. Any comments from members will be forwarded.
Martin Mckay (Webmaster)
Anyone wishing to make a private response can use the website Contact Form.
Dr David Wilkin from Maldon wrote on December 23, 2020 at 9:41 AM
Thank you for this excellent resource.
Admin Reply by: Martin McKay
Thank you for your comment. Much appreciated.
David Armstrong from Newcastle wrote on April 17, 2020 at 1:25 PM
I recognized a (196Os onward, probably a 197O British Transport Police photo of a Alsatian jumping out through a railway carriage window. I believe the dog was called ‘STORM’ and a now well retired BTP Officer wrote a booklet on his BT Police experiences. Has any one the name of the officer etc? I think his first name was Harold?
Admin Reply by: Martin McKay
Can anyone help David with this question?

Update: Further research finds that it was PC Harold Philbin.

http://nottspolicedogs.blogspot.com/2007/10/whoops-wrong-train.html
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.