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.

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.

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.

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.

Hello Dave.

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

Kind regards, Malcolm.

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.

Hi Malcolm,

Thank you for the images. Without doubt Canterbury. There are several Richardson's who were awarded a KPM, but none for Canterbury Police and none with those first names. The photo was taken before 1913, for sure. Probably between 1900 and 1907 when John W. Farmery was Chief Constable. I think that is him in the centre front row. If you could post a close up of his head and shoulders I can confirm or otherwise. Of course, if the photo was taken between the years shown then I doubt whether the medal is the KPM?

The medal certainly looks like a KPM. If it is not Sgt. Richardson who is wearing the medal, but someone else, then there is a possibility that the award may have been earned whilst the recipient was serving in another police force and he has later transferred to Canterbury. That is the only explanation I can give for it not being recorded in the reference book I have.

I hope this is helpful.

Dave.

Hello Dave.

Many thanks for all the help. Greatly appreciated.

I think Richardson is the Sergeant in the middle. Not the one with medals.The photo was accompanied by a letter of thanks from his police force and his St. John Ambulance service cross.

Kind regards, Malcolm.

Many thanks Malcolm, for the close up photo. I'm fairly sure it is Mr. Farmery. Best of luck with your research. I'd be interested in knowing the outcome of it all. Especially the potential KPM mystery.

Best wishes, Dave.

PS. An afterthought. Does the date of the letter you mention and the name of the individual who signed it tie in with my time frame/ name of the Chief?

Dave.

Hello Dave.

The letter is from the Chief Constable's Office, Canterbury, dated 11th May 1928. It is a character reference relating to the previous five years when he was employed as Sergeant in charge of the Detective Department. I cannot read the signature, but looks like J. A. A. Donnelly or Downely? Captain, Chief Constable.

Kind regards, Malcolm.

Malcolm,

On the date in question, the Chief Constable of Canterbury was Captain J. A. McDonnell. He was Chief from 1st August 1923 until 31st May 1930.

Best wishes, Dave.

Hello Dave.

Thanks for all your help. Greatly appreciated. Will post an update if I find anything further. Kind regards, Malcolm.

Hello,

Lovely photo showing excellent range of various Canterbury Police badges.

With regards to the medal there is a chance it could be the Coronation (Police) Medal 1911, it certainly has the correct suspension and ribbon, the colours obviously being visually altered by the early photographic process.

I know that puts the photo beyond the dates Dave suggest but not by much and in any case if it is a KPM it cant be before 1909.

regards

Hello Simon.

Thank you for interesting post.

I have enlarged the picture as much as I can and the medal appears to have an obverse portrait of Edward VII.

In light of your post I would now amend my original attribution and suggest it could be a Delhi Durbar Medal 1903. However this would need to take into account changes make by the photographic process to the ribbon colour as you suggest.

The coloured stripes on each side of the ribbon extend to the edges, as per the Delhi Durbar 1903 ribbon. The 1911 Police Coronation ribbon has a thin strip of red outside of the blue stripes. This is not present in the photograph.

What do you think?

Kind regards, Malcolm.

Malcolm,

Simon could well be right. The 1911 Coronation medal was awarded to the following members of the Canterbury City Police viz

Chief Constable Mr. L. T. DUNK
Inspector Christopher JACKSON
Sergeant John Charles IVES

If correct then the CC in the photo is obviously not Mr. Farmery. Just for your added interest (and Simon's), see the attached photo.

Best wishes, Dave.

Hello Dave.

I have had another look and now I am sure Simon is correct. Having put the two obverses together it is not possible for me to be clear about EDVII or GV busts. The darker colours of the ribbon also favours Simons attribution.

I think both my attempts have been wrong – sorry for muddying the waters!

Kind regards, Malcolm.

Malcolm,

No problem. You got there in the end with a nudge from Simon!

Dave.

Malcolm,

If EVIIR the monarchs head would be facing right (as you look at it) and from what i can see the monarchs head is facing left, so I am more inclined to think the 1911 Coronation.

regards

Dave,

A lovely display to which you can now add a pair of WM Kings Crowns as collar badges.

The CC's Helmet Plate would be appear to be quite rare if you havent got it!

regards

Simon,

Thank you! I think the CC's helmet plate is probably a generic military back plate with a small Canterbury shield affixed to the centre on (perhaps) a black velvet backing. All the parts being silver plated before assembly. The chances of finding the original is probably "nil", but making up a look alike is doable.

Cheers, Dave.

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)

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)

Just seen these badges listed as Victorian Lancaster City Police Badges - available here

Nice badges, but a bit pricey!!

regards

I thought the same - but figured it was worth adding to the thread

Yes, nice badges, although not sure what the WM Lancaster coat of arms is?

Cap badge perhaps, Dave will know.

regards

Hi Gents,

These badges have been continually re-listed by the seller for about the last two years now, with no takers. The metal "shield" is the centre of the helmet plate. It was occasionally worn as a cap badge. The merit badges are "generic" and turn up from time to time. All Very, very overpriced!

Dave.