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  #1  
Old 12-05-17, 07:03 PM
mjw mjw is offline
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Default POLICE MERIT BADGE

I recently obtained this 'MERIT' badge issued by the Canterbury Police Force. It came with a photograph that contains three individuals wearing a similar badge in uniform. One of them has the Kings Police Medal.

I would like to ask if any Forum members are familiar with this badge and if so, can they tell me anything about it? The photograph probably dates from around the early part of the 20th century.

Kind regards, Malcolm.
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File Type: jpg POLICE 1.jpg (36.0 KB, 59 views)
File Type: jpg POLICE 2.jpg (32.6 KB, 31 views)
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  #2  
Old 12-05-17, 09:01 PM
altcar73 altcar73 is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mjw View Post
I recently obtained this 'MERIT' badge issued by the Canterbury Police Force. It came with a photograph that contains three individuals wearing a similar badge in uniform. One of them has the Kings Police Medal.

I would like to ask if any Forum members are familiar with this badge and if so, can they tell me anything about it? The photograph probably dates from around the early part of the 20th century.

Kind regards, Malcolm.
Malcolm,

I have a fairly comprehensive collection of insignia from Canterbury Police, but this item is new to me. I have a number of merit badges from several different police forces in the UK but not this one. The best course of action from a research point of view is to look at the Canterbury Watch Committee minutes. These are located at the local history section of the main library in Canterbury. If you would care to allow me sight of the photo I may be able to put an approximate date on it. I hope this is helpful.

Should you ever consider moving it on, please let me know.

Best wishes, Dave.
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  #3  
Old 12-05-17, 09:03 PM
mjw mjw is offline
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Hello Dave.

Many thanks for the reply. Will do as you suggest.

Can you tell me what these badges were awarded for? Was it for some act of bravery or for long service etc?

Kind regards, Malcolm.
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  #4  
Old 12-05-17, 09:14 PM
altcar73 altcar73 is offline
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Malcolm,

Firstly, I've just done a quick search of KPM's and other gallantry awards awarded to members of police forces between 1909 and 1978 and no one (according to my reference book) from Canterbury Police was ever awarded a KPM. The KPM being introduced in 1909. Are you sure that those shown in the photo are from Canterbury Police?

Secondly, the criteria for the award of force merit badges depended upon the force itself and what the Watch Committee considered worthy. It could be good police work over a long period or a single act, be it policing or creditable conduct of some kind.

Dave.
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  #5  
Old 12-05-17, 09:23 PM
mjw mjw is offline
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Hello Dave.

I will try to scan the picture sometime over the weekend and post details.

Kind regards, Malcolm.
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  #6  
Old 12-05-17, 11:50 PM
mjw mjw is offline
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Photo and details. 1. first shows the badge printed onto the photo mount. 2. The photographers signature. 3. Depicts the whole group. 4. Those wearing the MERIT badge. 5. What I believe to be a Kings Police Medal and South Africa Medal 1877-79.

It is possible the badge I have belonged to Sergeant Lewis Edwin Richardson.

Kind regards, Malcolm.
Attached Images
File Type: jpg 1. CANT BADGE.jpg (94.3 KB, 39 views)
File Type: jpg 2. CANT SIG.jpg (46.3 KB, 34 views)
File Type: jpg 3. CANT GROUP.jpg (59.9 KB, 51 views)
File Type: jpg 4. CANT TRIO.jpg (45.6 KB, 63 views)
File Type: jpg 5. CANT MEDALS.jpg (114.0 KB, 56 views)

Last edited by mjw; 13-05-17 at 06:14 AM.
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  #7  
Old 01-02-20, 03:57 AM
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dpk dpk is offline
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Default British Police Merit Badges (metal and embroidered)

Hello All,
Am writing a book on medals and awards to British Police by local authorities (Counties, Cities & Boroughs) and would like to learn more about the 'Merit badges' issued by a number of forces. these were both metal and embroidered types, some for true 'Meritorious Conduct' including Bravery) and also some for achieving what was known as 'Merit Class' (exams, experience & length of service to gain designation as 'Merit Class' with extra pay etc).

Any info or images most welcome- please help!!

David (dpk@iinet.net.au)
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  #8  
Old 01-02-20, 05:34 AM
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Default Police Merit Badges- metal and embroidered

I am writing a book on medals & awards issued to UK police by local authorities- Counties, Cities & Boroughs. Any info and images most welcome- in particular the 'Merit badges' Issued for both 'Meritorious Conduct' (including bravery sometimes) and also for achieving 'Merit Class' (a system where officers moved up through 'classes' based on exams, experience and time servied to reach 'Merit Class'. This gave them various pay rises etc and when they achieved 'Merit Class' were often given a badge to wear- either metal or often embroidered.

Couple of examples shown....

Seeking any info and images!

David (dpk@iinet.net.au)
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File Type: jpg Merit badge Unknown 1 cropped.jpg (14.5 KB, 8 views)
File Type: jpg Merit badge unknown 3 cropped.jpg (19.4 KB, 3 views)
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  #9  
Old 25-03-20, 03:06 PM
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Just seen these badges listed as Victorian Lancaster City Police Badges - available here
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File Type: jpg Merit.jpg (60.3 KB, 13 views)
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  #10  
Old 25-03-20, 03:14 PM
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Originally Posted by Wooffy View Post
Just seen these badges listed as Victorian Lancaster City Police Badges - available here
Nice badges, but a bit pricey!!

regards
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  #11  
Old 25-03-20, 03:27 PM
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I thought the same - but figured it was worth adding to the thread
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  #12  
Old 25-03-20, 03:37 PM
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Yes, nice badges, although not sure what the WM Lancaster coat of arms is?

Cap badge perhaps, Dave will know.

regards
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