(G) Oswald John Thorne - Policing Hunsdon Part 4

Stolen Barn Doors – Tracking The Offenders.

Early 1954 saw quite a layer of snow which remained on the ground long enough to assist me in tracing my next culprits. On the old airfield many hangers were used by various farmers, who utilised them for storing hay, straw or agriculture machinery. Some farmers had already had, and others were, fitting very large sliding doors to protect their contents from the weather and for security reasons. The owner of a hanger reported the theft of a pair of such doors from a building located just inside what used to be the main airfield entrance, opposite the rectory. On attending the scene it was obvious the doors were enormous, taking note of a similar pair fitted to an adjacent hanger each door was about twenty five feet high and eighteen feet wide. To transport them away, at least a large trailer would have been required, even then a good part of the doors must have overhung the sides. Being such a size, it was very doubtful if they could have been transported down the only adjacent road. Walking around the hanger I noticed numerous tyre marks and from these deduced the approximate length and width of a trailer or lorry. It was likely to have been a trailer with a long towbar, this would allow more room for the doors to overhang at the front. All tyres fitted to the suspected trailer were smooth, or almost smooth, as they had not left any real tread pattern in the snow, the width of them and the wheel base were measured in case they could come in handy. The most significant clues had been left in the snow by a jeep type vehicle, no doubt used to tow and to which the long draw bar was attached. Where this vehicle had turned around tyre marks were left clearly enough to indicate it was fitted with ex-War Department tyres, with deep shaped tread bars across their whole width. Such tyres had been on fighting vehicles in the desert, when fitted correctly they left a clear pattern in the sand showing in which direction they had travelled. I, therefore, got the same directive with those left in the snow at the scene. Another clue gleaned was due to the tyre on the front near side being fitted incorrectly, in fact, the tread bars were facing backwards. There were about six farms adjoining to and part of the old aerodrome, it appeared more likely that the doors had gone to one of these. Tracks in the snow were followed but then lost owing to the snow melting, so my task was made harder and the usual searches had to be made without the culprit’s knowledge. A farm near Eastwick was visited, among others, at night and without difficulty an ex-Army four wheel drive converted truck was found openly parked in a farm building. Was I lucky? A quick glance confirmed the tyres were the same as I had been looking for. The front near-side tyre was fitted back to front. On seeing the occupier he immediately admitted the vehicle was his, when I put the facts to him of his vehicle’s tyre tracks being at the scene of the offence he said, “I know what you are looking for, my stupid son and his mates thought up the idea.” It appears they wanted a closed in hangar to work in during the cold winter evenings. Walking with him to a building he pointed and said, “There they are.” The large doors had already been hung. My efforts resulted in five youths being summoned for the larceny of the doors.

A Chicken Hierarchy.

Summers were very pleasant in the country and many hours were spent in my garden when duty allowed. Maria loved sunning herself on the lawn wearing shoulder-less dresses, knitting or sewing while keeping her eye on the twins, if they weren’t with me in the chicken-run digging with their spades or chasing the birds.

Most times when I reared batches of chickens one would get at least four or five cockerels in a batch of fifty day-olds. My usual practice was to rear these cockerels for Christmas dinners and share amongst the family, however, if a suitable bird came along it was kept for possible breeding purposes. These cockerels somehow seemed to have a protective instinct over their flock, so when anyone went a bit too near to his hens he took action to protect them. With neck feathers ruffled the intruder was quite often attacked by him pecking or scratching with his spurs. It was not long before the twins were attacked when they got too near however, the danger was soon overcome, Irene and Noreen armed with their spades would confront the aggressive bird from both directions. He soon realised being attacked from two sides was beyond his control, resulting in him retreating rapidly with both girls in close pursuit.

Village Cricket.

Some of my tours of duty were quite pleasant, a regular task at weekends was to attend the Village cricket match at Widford, the next village. The pitch was, and still is, located at the side of the main A119 main road in a lovely setting surrounded by chestnut trees beneath which we sat on the numerous shaded seats. Widford team was made up of local farmers, gentry and other local lads who were talented and good enough to hold their own against the many visiting teams brought up from the city of London. The pitch although used by the village was owned by Captain Pawle who resided in an old farmhouse nearby, his city contacts ensured the village cricket team had a full fixture list. These included many celebrities from the BBC and film fraternity. No trouble was ever encountered but my presence was expected at such gatherings although all I would do was to assist in car-parking or similar tasks.

When mum and father visited it was usual for them to dress the twins up and convey them in the twin pram a mile or so to Widford, then sit in the shade under the chestnut trees. It was not far into the cricket season before the twins were joining celebrities near the cricket pavilion. On returning home if Maria had not accompanied them the talk would be all about what dresses so-and-so was wearing or what somebody’s wife was like, to be surprised later with a photograph of the personality in a fashion magazine. Often such matches continued well into the evening so it was usual for tea to be taken in the pavilion. However, most of the stars had picnics near their large, elegant, sporty type cars they had parked under the surrounding shady trees. A couple of the stars who attended one match were later in the evening found by me behind a haystack in the next village. This couple later married and continued very successful film careers, emigrating to Australia where they still reside.

Enforcing The Law Whoever It Concerned.

Quite often one had to carry out tasks we disliked immensely and, invariably, the person in question was one who was respected greatly by local residents, especially churchgoers. One lady concerned was middle-aged and either the sister or sister-in-law of a local Lord who resided in a large mansion at the edge of the parish of Hunsdon. It was usual when local residents were convicted of motoring offences in other Police districts for our local Police Station to be informed. In this case the lady concerned had been convicted in Thame Court, Oxfordshire, of a motoring offence, for which the court decided to pass a sentence of disqualification until the offender had passed another test. This type of conviction was and is becoming increasingly prevalent where elderly drivers are concerned and the Courts think it a gentle way of gradually getting them off the road. In due course that information found its way into my correspondence box at the Sub-Division Station for me to note. By having to note the memo was a way of tying us down and ensuring one did his duty. The conditions put on such a conviction meant in effect the offender had to apply for a new provisional licence, the conditions of such a licence were, in effect, just the same as when one first learned to drive. “L” plates had to be displayed and one had to be accompanied by a qualified driver. The first condition was not of any inconvenience to the lady in question but the second was. As she made numerous half mile journeys to the Church to do voluntary work lasting one or two hours, or mile long journeys to the village visiting sick or invalid members of the parish. Talk in the village was such that the lady in question was taking chances. At first when her journeys were obvious a qualified friend accompanied her, but later her car was seen parked at various locations, one in particular being at the Church. On one occasion I walked into the Church where I saw her cleaning the pews, nobody else was inside so one could only presume she had driven to the Church alone. Talk continued for some months, she was obviously taking too many chances, so I had to do my duty even though this very fine person was doing more good in the village than harm by her driving.

On many occasions my tour of duty was as an observer in the area car during which the problem had been discussed with my driver, Peter Mardling [PC 526 Peter Mardling Ed.]. One afternoon we were patrolling in Stanstead Abbotts when we saw our lady driving alone, we turned round and stopped her. She was unable to produce her Driving Licence when requested, so Peter issued her with the usual form to present it within five days at my cottage. Within a couple of days she called and produced a Provisional Licence. This, of course, resulted in her being reported for not being accompanied by a competent driver. She also handed to me a statement explaining the circumstances of how she lost her full licence and the conditions that had been imposed on her attendance at Thame Court. My report was submitted to the Superintendent, and in due course, a summons was issued for her to attend Ware Court, which she did being accompanied by her solicitor. The case was adjourned for fourteen days. On the thirteenth day a message was received that this poor lady had committed suicide, the following few days dealing with her sudden death were the most uncomfortable I have ever lived through. From the notes that she had left she was unable to continue her life, dedicated to charity, owing to the driving restrictions placed upon her. Policemen aren’t supposed to have feelings but as I played the main part in this episode, I couldn’t help feel that I was partly responsible for her early death. Should I have warned her as soon as I suspected that she was breaking a very minor traffic law? Like many things in life one never knows if the course taken was correct.

A Medical Scare.

By that time Maria had settled in well, enjoying country life and taking part in the many local functions. As a village Bobby’s wife she was asked to take part in everything. Our twin girls were growing up fast and were known by most of the villagers. By the age of two they were the centre of attention and became more daring as time went by. The eight years in Hunsdon were probably the happiest years in Maria’s life, in the short period of five years she had been transformed from a slave labourer under Hitler’s tyranny to a prominent position in an English village. After her serious accident she was now enjoying life. As a result of a sore throat she attended the local doctor who gave her a prescription, within forty eight hours of taking the medicine she was confined to bed with a high temperature and her body was swollen up like the Michelin man. Dr. Barker was contacted and came immediately. He was very puzzled and said he would contact a specialist he knew. At about 5 p.m., he returned with his specialist friend who had a practice in London, but who lived locally. A very methodical man he asked many questions and wrote down a list of possible causes, crossing out the possibilities until he was down to two. He then asked me for a metal spoon with which he pressed and scraped the handle down the swollen part of Maria’s thigh, watching the reaction through a magnifying glass. After carrying out this procedure three times he crossed out one more item and acted on the one remaining. The conclusion was that Maria had had a violent reaction to the medicine prescribed and as soon as it was discontinued, she was up and about looking after us again within three days; but it was a very frightening and worrying time.

Surprising A Pair Of Thieves.

My work was still very enjoyable and often exciting. On the edge of my Beat and located just inside “B” Division was Rye House, an outer part of Hoddesdon. It had been decided to construct a new large sewage station that would serve numerous towns in Hertfordshire, such as Stevenage, Hatfield and Welwyn Garden City. On my first visit to the site I found the most reliable escape route from the area via the newly constructed sewage tunnel. For me to view this I was taken for a tour of inspection in one of their motorboats and was amazed with what ease one could travel to the surrounding towns in secrecy and protection. While this massive station was under construction I had to visit the area regularly while on late and night shifts. Within a short time and, even before completion, cubes of fertiliser made from filtered sewage, the size of Oxo cubes, were being flown to Jersey and Guernsey for tomato growing. While on one of my visits and sitting resting astride my motorcycle, outside Rye House stadium, my attention was drawn towards the main site, a quarter of a mile away. It was illuminated by numerous lights enabling me to see any movement. The quiet scene was broken when I saw two figures creeping over the large mounds of earth, travelling in my direction. If I went towards them I could have been seen, so I decided to wait as there was more than fifty per cent chance that they would make towards Hoddesdon and me.

Still sitting on my motorcycle I waited and listened. Within a few minutes I heard the faint sound of crunching on the gravel road that gradually became louder the nearer they got to me. As the night was fairly dark I and my motorcycle were well concealed and my dark shape remained still. At a distance of about twenty yards two approaching figures could be made out against the background of the dry, gravel road. The nearer they came a large high sided wheelbarrow could be made out moving along at an even distance between them. When they were almost level with me I could see the first person was clasping and pulling a rope over his shoulder, which in turn was attached to the heavily laden barrow. Now was the time for me to move, so, with about three enormous strides I stood in front of them barring their way, at the same time shining the beam of my strong torch into the face of the leading figure, then into that of his following companion. The suddenness of my action obviously caught them by surprise, so while they stood motionless my eyes quickly scrutinised the laden barrow. It was full to overflowing with new blocks and tackle, the chain operated type used for lifting heavy objects. An account later established that the barrow contained eight complete sets at an estimated price of £80.00 per set. My two thieves made no attempt to deny the theft and co-operated when I instructed them to continue walking to Hoddesdon Police Station about two miles away. At 1.30 a.m. there were very few people about to see the troupe walking along Burford Street in that small, silent town with me following on my quiet motorcycle.

A Holiday At Butlins Skegness.

During the early part of 1954 it was decided we were in a position to take a holiday, with transport of our own it would be easy to take a break at a Butlin’s Holiday Camp. We had tried this type of holiday together in Wales and realised they had many facilities for young children that would give us some time to ourselves. On a Saturday morning at the end of May we packed our suitcases and various pieces of equipment required for two toddlers, including two potties. Notice everything in two’s, two potties because the twins would always have to compete with one another. We left Hunsdon early and headed towards the east coast, Skegness being our destination. After numerous stops, in lay-bys or quiet lanes en-route for potty drill, our journey was generally uneventful, Maria keeping the girls occupied with various games on the rear seat. By now it was found necessary for their mother to sit between them preventing possible fights that would have been inevitable on such a long journey. Our old car behaved well considering its age, however, we eventually pulled into the large car park, full of newish cars that made me envious. We alighted and made our way to reception while the twins were being fully occupied looking at all the new things that they were eager to play on. After being guided to our chalet we unpacked while the girls played on the large lawn area outside. Our accommodation was smallish and a bit sparse, a double bed one side and double bunks for the girls on the other. It was not long before the twins sleeping facilities caused an argument, both wanted to sleep in the top bunk but after some gentle persuasion they agreed to occupy different bunks on alternate nights. Our first meals were enjoyed in very pleasant company while the girls played in the nursery after consuming their meal earlier. Entertainment for the young children continued throughout the week allowing Maria and I to have restful periods to ourselves. Evenings were pleasant and shows were given at a suitable time after the youngsters had been put to bed. Chalet patrols were provided and where children were heard crying, or otherwise requiring attention, the chalet number would be displayed in the theatre or where the parents were.

With twins, both parents are usually kept fully occupied, so after entering the baby competition both Maria and I were in the full limelight in the great Dance Hall, packed with onlookers, parents, children and numerous grandparents, as Butlin’s was a great place for families. We were surprised that in one week something like thirty sets of twins were taking part. After being displayed in front of a panel of judges for about three quarters of an hour our pair were judged the winners. A photographic session followed the decision of the distinguished judges who were well known stage and radio personalities. During the rest of the week the four of us saw our photographs displayed in almost every shop, dance hall and theatre within the camp. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves being waited on while the girls were looked after at mealtimes and during the evenings.

The week seemed to fly by, it wasn’t long before we were loading up our faithful Ford and heading back southeast towards the pleasant countryside of Hertfordshire. The one thing I clearly remember is the twins slept nearly the whole journey back, having thoroughly exhausted themselves the previous week with so many new things to do.

Another Addition To The Family.

During the winter 1954/55 I continued with a correspondence course from the Force Training Department so as to have a further attempt at Part 1 of the Promotion Exam. That gave Maria and I some more early nights in bed studying, but things did not turn out as they should have done, as by October Maria believed she was pregnant again, if so it was unexpected. This time we both made sure we had enough baby equipment, not having to rush about at the last minute. Medical science had progressed a little since the twins were born and it was soon established by tests and visits to the hospital that Maria was only expecting one, although in the back of our minds we still wondered if they, the medical profession, had got it right. We were still not sure so we even considered taking out insurance against Maria having twins again, but after hours of discussion we decided against it.

Ruth continued to visit and kept a close eye on Maria but she, Ruth, appeared to be getting itchy feet, having gained Midwifery experience. For a number of years she had been looking for opportunities for advancement and had applied for a few positions. It was not long before she told us she was moving to London, where she had obtained the position of Superintendent of a Midwifery School, there she would be responsible for the training of all new young midwives. However, she did not move until shortly after Maria’s second confinement, again in Hertford Hospital, where our only son was born on the 9th April 1955. Christened Anthony John, but soon to become known as Tony. As before, my Mum and Dad came to stay with us, assisting Maria for a couple of weeks and keeping an eye on the twins, who were by now very active.

As the weather was fairly kind to us, and when my shift permitted, dad, I and the twins enjoyed being outside in the garden. Tony being a fairly contented baby progressed well and allowed Maria to run the household. As with the twins, when my parents left us, it was not difficult to place him in a bedroom on his own and within a couple of weeks he was sleeping right through the night. To allow for the change around the twins were moved to the front bedroom and soon settled into two new low single beds. Generally, the move was satisfactory except, their front bedroom overlooked the public house opposite, known as the Turkey Cock and its adjoining car park. The public House consisted of two wartime wooden huts placed together making a fair sized pub that had been provided by the War Department because the original Turkey Cock had been situated in a dangerous position at the end of the main aerodrome runway. For some reason the drinking public thought these two wooden shacks were marvellous, thus drawing many customers from far and wide. They christened it the “craziest pub” in the country. During the summer tables and seats were placed outside and it was the many comings and goings of patrons that provided entertainment for the twins who were by then tall enough to look through the bottom of the front bedroom window. Through this window they watched for hours, although they were put to bed by 7 p.m. It became Maria’s habit to check on then at 8 p.m. and put them back into bed!

Blatant Criminality.

When I first moved to Hunsdon the large car park at the side of these licensed premises was used to store ex-WD vehicles by one of the brother occupiers, who was making a business of repairing and reconditioning them. One night at about 1.45 a.m. when returning from late patrol I had a look inside an old NAFFI van that had been converted into a mobile fish and chip conveyance. The side where customers used to be served from let down and the door had not been properly secured. To satisfy my curiosity I lifted the side door slightly and shone my torch inside. My suspicions were soon verified as the interior was jammed full of items normally sold at garages such as tyres, radiators, wheels andd boxes of spark plugs. In fact, everything one steals from a garage break in and easily used by any person repairing vehicles. What a cheek! Parking a load of stolen property opposite an occupied Police house, or so I thought, and my house at that! It was about 2.30 a.m. when I returned home and I didn’t lose much time in telephoning Ware Police Station and telling them of my find, requesting a Station Officer to contact the CID to call me in the morning. Before going to bed I sat down by the remains of our fire to look through my Police files. Each morning outstation officers received three pieces of Police information. One from our own county, one from New Scotland Yard and the other issued by the Metropolitan Police. I was reading the latter when I saw an item covering a garage break-in in North London, the items stolen were identical to those packed away in the old chip van. Feeling satisfied with my efforts and relaxed I soon fell asleep in my chair and there to remain until about 7.45 a.m. when Maria woke me opening the sitting room door. DC Rarp [DC 200 Desmond John Rarp Ed.] telephoned me and arranged for a meeting in about half an hour. When he arrived he was accompanied by the CID Sergeant. The three of us walked over to the Pub where we told the occupier we intended to search his premises and vehicles. After searching vehicles and premises, including the loft, we recovered property from numerous break-in offences, enough to fill a five ton truck. We were all very tired after loading a lorry, then unloading it at the Divisional Station at Bishops Stortford. I left the CID to do the paperwork and charge the occupier of the premises with receiving stolen property. Those responsible for the break-ins were arrested and charged the following day. About three months later those responsible were convicted at Chelmsford Quarter Sessions, our Hunsdon resident received something like two and a half years imprisonment. As was usual after such incidents all my residents behaved themselves rather well after reading accounts in the local paper.

Part1 Promotion Exam Passed.

Later in 1955 my telephone rang early one morning, the voice at the other end was a well-known Constable who was then performing reserve officer duty at Ware, known to be a bit of a ferret. “I’ve got a bit of interesting news for you,” he said. It appears that during the night it was normal practice for despatches from Divisions to be delivered from the Sub-Division, there nosy reserve officers perused the contents. “You’ve passed your Part 1 and so have I.” I breathed heavily with relief. At last I had managed it. At first it seemed as if one could relax, but then I sank back into the chair realising Part 2, Police Duty subjects, were now to be tackled and passed. After feeling somewhat satisfied I made a cup of tea and then took one up to Maria and told her the news. We then toasted ourselves with the tea, before I prepared for my motorcycle journey to Ware Police Station. The news of my pass had to be given to me officially, my Inspector was Rueben Palmer [Inspector 20 Reuben Palmer Ed.] To pass on such news appeared to be a special occasion. A pep talk followed to encourage me to study and take the next part of the exam. On the journey home it was good to reflect that I was capable of better things and when I walked into my sitting room I saw the table was piled high with books and papers. It appeared that Maria had the same thoughts as my Inspector, I was expected to tackle the next examination without delay.

A Fishy Tale.

Months soon passed and I believe it was autumn 1955 when information was received from my neighbouring Constable James at Stanstead Abbotts, about fish pilfering. No, not poaching fish, but stealing fish that had already been caught. At that time fish caught at sea was sent to its final destination via the railway during the night, eventually being delivered to wet or fried fish shops in the area of Stanstead Abbotts, Ware and Hertford. Stanstead Abbotts had a small station with a signal box near the level crossing and it was from these locations that fish went missing. As two of us were keeping observation for most days of the week it ought not to take long before the culprit was caught, or so we thought. Weeks went by but we had no luck, however, the fish still went missing, but only during the days when we were not watching, this led us to believe that we had a quisling in our midst. Observation was continued during the winter and following spring without results, but the stealing stopped when the early light mornings came upon us. During the following summer of 1956 while in Ware Police Station a magistrate was seen talking to the Reserve Station Officer, both were standing in the enquiry office near the telephone switchboard. It was not unusual for a magistrate to stand there, especially as they were often about the Station on Court days, the Court House being attached to the Police Station.

Nothing more was thought about the fish until later in the year while I was performing Station Duty reserve at Ware. I was sitting operating the switchboard and there at the side of the cabinet, staring me in the face, was displayed a typed list of out-stations officer’s duties, showing the dates and times for the month. It was then I remembered the magistrate standing by the switchboard. Surely the magistrate wasn’t mixed up with stealing fish, I would have to be sure of my facts if I arrested a man in such a position. As time went by it came to my ears that the magistrate in question was employed as a relief signal man between Hertford and London, this information put the said gentleman as my No 1 suspect.

Duties continued as normal until the middle of October when another shortage of fish was reported missing from a consignment from Hertford. About two stone of fish was missing from a box. As a result of this report PC James and I took up alternate day’s observation, but instead of me taking the second day as indicated on the duty sheet at the side of the switchboard I changed and kept observation on the third morning. This meant rising early, travelling the four miles to Stanstead Abbotts Station, then getting into position for the arrival of trains from London. I watched the first train pull in and depart but the suspect did not show himself, however, at that time in the morning train arrivals were frequent, so within fifteen minutes the next possibility screeched to a halt, doors opened and slammed from the Guards van from which a pedal cycle emerged, being pushed by the suspect. Attached to the rear carrier of the cycle was a good sized box that, I hoped, contained the spoils. It then became necessary for me to change my position so as to be able to see the cycle and rider emerge from the station entrance. Numerous passengers walked out and crossed the forecourt, the last to show himself quickly mounted his cycle and started his journey homeward. I mounted my machine and pulled up alongside of him. As soon as he recognised me the expression on his face changed to one of terror. We both dismounted and I asked him to open the box attached to his rear carrier. At first glance all that could be seen was broken ice, but as I moved that the black skin of well packed fish came into view, the amount was later established to be over twenty pounds in weight. As with most of my other arrests I walked or cycled with them to Ware Station where my arrest caused quite a stir, resulting in him being immediately suspended from the list of magistrates. Numerous previous offences were admitted that had taken place over two years. What he did with such regular amounts of fish I never established however, I did notice his house was one of the first to contain a large chest freezer. My colleagues pulled my leg very much over such an arrest, implying I would never get promoted after such a “fishy incident.”

A Fox In The Hen House.

The winter of 1955/56 saw Maria and I back to early bed study sessions. Days were usually long and busy, the chickens always wanted feeding and cleaning out once a week, a task always made difficult in bad weather. One night Vic woke us up making a lot of noise, this was unusual as she knew all the country noises and the village was normally quiet until six o’ clock in the morning. After same time she quietened down and I fell asleep. Next morning while walking through the chicken run, I saw with regret, the reason Vic was so agitated the night before. The pop hole through which the chickens pass to enjoy their outside run was wide open, for some reason I had forgotten to shut it the night before, I was about to pay for my forgetfulness. Glancing around the runs one could see the remains of something like eight headless carcasses scattered in the runs. Looking in the henhouse verified another two hens were dead, the amount of feathers strewn about indicated the sort of battle that had gone on during a visit from one of our local foxes. This type of behaviour by a fox in the country is not unusual and they appear not to be very hungry, but delight in decapitating fowls. To make the best of a bad job the intact birds were plucked and eaten by us and our friends. The lesson was learnt, from then on I never forgot to shut the birds up safely, or if I was out, Maria would walk the fifty yards in the dark.

Training Continues.

Although I had now been in the Police Force over six years my training continued in various forms, all lectures were held at HQ Hatfield, but the journey was now easy, door to door transport on the motorcycle. I attended another driving course, this time advanced driving which lasted for five weeks! My total driving instruction received in the Army and now in the Police Force, was to date in the region of twenty weeks with numerous other courses to come. Firearms duty provided a change with the normal practice trips to HQ Hatfield and Royston ranges. I received a few call outs that were mostly routine and came to nothing, except when animals went berserk or escaped from a zoo or farm and they had to be destroyed.

Part 2 Promotion Exam – Qualified To Sergeant.

Studies for promotion continued and spring 1956 saw me once again taking my place in the examination room, this time at Watford Town Hall. I was sitting behind a Detective Constable who, with the rest at us, read the questions over at the beginning, he then abruptly stood up and said, “That’s enough for me,” and walked out. After such distraction I managed to continue to read the questions and they seemed fair to me perhaps that is what one does say when the right subjects have been studied well. After what seemed like hours of writing, not only my brain, but also my fingers were getting tired. When the trauma was over numerous participants stood outside discussing the questions until we all thought the answers given were wrong. Now we had to wait for a few months. I was not told of my results this time, as with my previous examinations, but on visiting the Police Station it was pointed out to me that there was a sealed envelope in my correspondence box. Opening this with haste I read the results paper, then read it again, then for the third time before the contents sunk in. In fact, I had passed for Sergeant, with about twenty five marks to spare. Arriving back home and handing Maria the results paper she was just as pleased about the outcome as I was. Passing exams was not the only thing necessary for promotion, one’s superiors, Sergeants, Inspectors and Superintendents had to give a grading later, then it was necessary to attend a promotion board, usually consisting of the Chief Constable, or his assistant, as well as two senior Superintendents. This interview had to be applied for. For some reason, maybe because I didn’t want to leave the countryside I didn’t apply.

Fatal Accidents.

Shortly after this I dealt with two accidents that had dire consequences, both of these I just happened to come across. The first was near Ware canal bridge and involved an articulated lorry and a paper boy riding a pedal cycle. Both were travelling north and as the articulated lorry turned and rounded the sharp left hand bend into the main street the lad was caught between the kerb and the lorry. Articulated trailers don’t just follow around in the path of the towing unit, they cut across in a straight line, and this was what occurred, trapping the lad between the trailer and curb, causing him to fall off his machine and under the rear near side trailer wheels, resulting in fatal injuries. The lad’s body was not a pretty sight. As accidents go it was a simple one to deal with, but traumatic when dealing with the lad’s parents. So far I had not become hardened to such incidents, and by the time I had completed the enquiries it affected me almost as much as it had his relatives.

The second fatal accident occurred, again, in Ware High Street. As before I came upon it while travelling to Ware Police Station. On reaching the area known as the Priory, I saw an Allard sports car on the footpath at an angle. From the position of the car it must have been travelling south towards London. One or two onlookers were standing around, gazing at the front of the damaged car, but nobody seemed to be in charge of it. I was not keen on dealing with the task for a reason that I am not able to remember, but having second thoughts, I parked my transport and enquired of the onlookers if they knew what had happened or where the driver was. After a few minutes one of the bystanders, who looked as if he wanted to say something came up to me and whispered, “The driver has gone into that house,” indicating a house on the corner. I approached the building, still not keen to get involved. The front door of the dwelling was ajar, I gave it a gentle knock and push, when a voice called me in. A middle aged man of about fifty was standing by the sitting room window holding a handkerchief up to and dabbing his forehead. Asking if he was alright, he indicated he was not injured. Looking at the driver’s forehead I saw an area of top skin only about half inch square was missing, it could only be described as a graze. Weighing up the situation I decided it was not necessary to complete a full report. An accident card that would cover the damaged car would be sufficient if I took brief details. With the driver’s agreement, his car, a very well built one, was towed away to the local garage at Charvill’s. Completing at the scene I continued my journey to the Police Station where the report was submitted to my superiors, and it was not long before I had forgotten the incident.

About a week later I looked through my correspondence box at Ware and came across a telephone message from HM Coroner, Hammersmith, which read, “Please instruct PC Thorne to submit a full report for the information of HM Coroner, covering the sudden death of Mr. Wood, driver of Allard sports car, index No. ABC 123, who died from injuries received when involved in an accident on the A10 Ware.” This serious change of circumstances made it necessary for me to visit Charvill’s garage where the car was still stored. I inspected it very closely and while looking at the interior mirror I found a piece of dried skin was still adhered to the mirror swivel. The mirror and bracket were quickly removed together with the dried skin and placed into a cardboard box for later production at the inquest. The Force photographer took pictures of all relevant parts and vehicle examiner submitted his report covering the mechanical condition of the car. Consequently, about a month later I attended the Coroner’s Court where an open verdict was recorded. Incidentally, the Pathologist reported the deceased as dying from a fractured skull of the forehead, confirming the mirror bracket was identical to the depressed fracture. This incident taught me a lesson that there were no short cuts, the job had to be done properly, and that was the Police way, not much different to the Army.