What Is Known About PC Field.
Unfortunately, it has not been possible to fully identify PC Field as only three references to him have been found in the Hertfordshire Police Historical Society archives. None of these references include details of his first name and Field is a fairly common surname, so despite extensive searching of other sources no further information has been found which can identify him.
The main reference is the following General Order:
General Order 22 of the 9th October 1902 announced that under the provisions of the Police Reservists Act 1902, the Police Authority for the County has decided that the Army Service of those Police who were called upon to re-join the Colours as Reservists during the late war shall count as approved service for Pension or Gratuity under the provisions of the Police Act 1890. This order affects the undermentioned Sergeant and Constables.
PC Hyiatt 91 D Division Service with Regiment 2 Yrs 294 days. PC Wood 172 B Division Service with Regiment 1 Yr 24 days. PC Warren 55 E Division Service with Regiment 1 Yr 350 days. PC Hunt 134 D Division Service with Regiment 351 days. PC Pusey 183 F Division Service with Regiment 2 Yrs 183 days. PC Hammond 89 B Division Service with Regiment 2 Yrs 218 days. PC Burgess 107 D Division Service with Regiment 236 days. PC Field 234 A Division Service with Regiment 31 days. PS Wilcox 138 B Division Service with Regiment 340 days. PC Stevens 60 A Division Service with Regiment 1 Yr 185 days.
It is immediately apparent that PC Field, having been recalled to the Colours, served for only a month before he was released from the Military. Was this because he was found to be unfit for Army service, he became ill, or the war ended, and he was demobilised. Whatever the reason was it would seem that it is unlikely that he ever went to South Africa.
The only additional information this General Order reveals is that he was probably the first man to be issued with the Warrant Number 234 as no record has been found of it having been issued before and he was stationed in A or the Ware Division.
The second reference is General Order 43 of 24th September 1902 which announced that 14 Officers were to receive an increase in their rate of pay with effect from their last pay day. In relation to PC Field the Order reads:
PC field 234 is Appointed on 23/11 per week from the 4th September 1902.
This is significant in that it would appear that PC Field had not yet been Appointed as a Constable when he was recalled to the Army which indicates that he had only just joined the Hertford County Constabulary and was undergoing his initial training, which he only completed on re-joining.
The last reference is General Order 45 of the 21st October 1902, which is another Order announcing an increase of pay, this time for 10 Officers with effect from the 2nd October 1902. In relation to PC Field the Order reads:
PC 234 Field from 26/10 to 28/- per week.
This seems odd as only a month earlier he was Appointed on 23/11 per week and yet he is now apparently on 26/10 per week and about to go on 28/-. It is possible that this is an error as there was a PC 179 Alfred J. Field Appointed 18th January 1901, and this Order may refer to him.
It seems that PC 234 Field did not stay in the Constabulary for very long as PC 234 Harry Moore Inwood was Appointed on the 8th January 1905 and served until 1930.
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