City of London Police Whistles
There have been several different styles of whistles, which
the City Police have used over the years. The City from 1886 up until the
late 1980’s used a metal type of whistle. Some had a brass finish and some
white metal finish. Today the City Officers are still equipped with whistles
but they are made of plastic. Most of the City Police Whistles have the name
of the Force stamped on them as well as the manufacturer name, J. Hudson and
Co. Birmingham. Some examples also have a serial number on the top cap of
the whistle. Other examples also have a number stamped which is assigned to
the particular officer. Another example which was issued by J. Hudson was
stamped City of London Police Reserve. The whistles were suspended from a
brass chain from the second button of the Officer’s Tunic.
City
of London Police Reserve Whistle (Fig.66).
Other
various styles of City of London Police Whistles (Fig.66b)
City
Police Whistles- There are several British manufacturers that supplied
whistles to the City of London Police; J. Hudson & Co, A.De Coury & Co,
Barrall to name a few. I have photos and descriptions of each of these three
manufacturers below.
1
1) This London City Police whistle, is stamped with
Control number A267. It has the J. Hudson & Co. address
stamped 13 Barr Street Birmingham. This address indicates it was
manufactured between 1888-1909.
2
2)
This London City police Whistle, is stamped with control number 2512. It has
the J. Hudson address of 244 Barr Street Birmingham. This address indicates
it was manufactured from 1909 onward to about 1937. This whistle has a
patent#5727-08 stamped on the top cap.
3
3) This
London City Police Whistle, has no control number nor patent number but has
the same address 244 Barr Street Birmingham. 1909-1937.
4
4) This whistle is stamped J. Hudson & Co.
Barr Street Hockley Birmingham. The stamping indicates this
particular whistle was made in about 1937. This key tag , was used by the
City Police. It offered a 2/6 reward to the finder! Also attached to the
whistle is the key to the Police Box!
5.
This London City Police Whistle was manufactured by A. De
Courcy & Co. in 1900 for the City Police. Occasionally the top cap is
stamped with a number, this example is not.
6
6) This
City Police Whistle was manufactured in Birmingham by John Barnall between
1886-98. This whistle was made in brass. There was also a Barnall whistle
that was stamped specifically London City Police.
7
7) Current Day Metropolitan Whistle stamped London City
Police, Made in England.
Police Rattle
Early Example of a Police Rattle- Some forces stamped
their initials on the body or handle, but most did not. The City and Met
Police, used rattles for over 50 years, but in 1884 it was felt that the
rattles had become old-fashion and cumbersome so converted to whistles. As
well the sound of a whistle could be heard approximately 800-900 yards, more
than double the distance that the sound of a rattle carried.
City of London Police Rank Epaulettes
Civilian Support &
Special Constable
(Fig.67)
Constable pre 1970 &
Constable
Current
(Fig.67a)
Sergeant
&
Acting
Inspector (Fig.67b)
Inspector
&
Chief Inspector (Fig.67c)
Superintendent
&
Chief Superintendent (Fig.67d)
Commander,Assistant
Commissioner &
Commissioner (Fig.67e)
City of London Police Medals
City of London Officers has been awarded various orders and
decorations over the years. A great number of City Officers fought for King
and country during both the first and second world war and therefore
received the appropriate medals which they were entitled to receive. However
there have been a few medals, which are specifically issued to City of
London Police Officers.
Queen’s Jubilee Medal 1887
This award was issued to all ranks of the Police Force who
were on duty at the Jubilee procession on 21st June 1887. As the
procession took place in London, only members of the City of London Police
and the Metropolitan Police were eligible for the award. The medal was
issued in bronze, with only 872 Medals being awarded.
As a result these medals are quite scarce. Recipients of the
medal who were later on duty on 22nd June 1897,received a clasp for
the medal which read “1897”. A total of 485 Bars were issued for the 1887 Medal, and 535 Bronze Medals were issued for Officers on Duty that day.
The
ribbon was dark blue. The Officer’s rank, divisional number and last name
are engraved around the rim on the medal. (Fig.68)
Coronation Medal 1902
This medal was
issued to commemorate the Coronation of Edward VII. The medal was issued to
officers of the City of London who were on duty during the official
celebrations on the 9th of August 1902. Again the medal was issued in silver, with only five being issued to Senior Officers. There were 1060 bronze medals awarded.
The ribbon is red with a
thin central blue stripe. The Officer’s rank, divisional number and last
name are engraved around the rim of the medal. (Fig. 68a)
Coronation Medal 1911
This medal was issued to mark the
coronation of George V on the 22nd of June 1911(1400 medals were issed to City of London Officers). However unlike the other medals, which were only issued to officers on duty the day of the celebration, this medal
was greatly extended to cover a great diversity of recipients from other
forces other than just the City of London and Metropolitan Police. As well
the recipients did not have to be on duty the day of the celebration. The
medal was issued for all ranks in silver, and the ribbon is of red, with
three thin blue stripes, one in the center, and one on either edge. The
officer’s rank, divisional number and last name are engraved around the rim
of the medal. (Fig. 68b)
Police Long Service Medal
This medal was instituted in 1951, and is still issued today.
The award is presented to officers who complete 22 years of service in any
United Kingdom Police Force and is not specific to the City of London
Police.
The medal is cupro-nickel is always issued with the officer’s
Rank, and both names. Where no rank is mentioned, it is assumed that the
recipient is a constable. The Police force is not listed on the medal.
The ribbon is dark blue, with two white
stripes at each edge.
(Fig.68c)
City of London Police Swimming Medal
An example of other medals and medallions issued
by the City Police to their officers is a City of London Police swimming
club medal. One example which I was fortunate enough to acquire was issued
to P.C. Barker 108B for the quarter mile standard time in 1935. The time the
officer had in the quarter mile was 9 minutes, 8 2/5 seconds. The medal is
silver and has red enamel on the front and the above information engraved on
the back. (Fig.68d,e)
