PC 497 Christopher Michael Davies
Early Life.
Christopher Michael Davies was born on the 11th January 1950 at Redhill, Hendon, Middlesex.
His father, Royden Davies married his mother, Eileen Frances Harris on the 27th November 1947. Christopher was their only child.
Police Cadet Service.
Christopher joined the Hertfordshire Constabulary as Police Cadet 42 on 15th August 1966 and served until 10th January 1969.
His original four page Application Form has survived and shows he applied to join the Hertfordshire Police Cadets on the 27th June 1966 when he attended Watford Central Police Station. He was seen by Sergeant 32 J.H. Powell who took the following particulars: Height 6 feet 1 inch, weight 12 stone 6 lbs, chest measurements 35 inches minimum 38 inches maximum.
Under Particulars of Candidate Christopher wrote his full name and present address of 13 Fire Brigade Cottages, Pinner Road, Pinner, Middx. He then listed his previous addresses:
1. 178 Byron Road, Wealdstone, Middx. 11th January 1950 to June 1951. 2. 62 Gurney Road, Northolt, Middx. June 1951 to August 1953. 3. 20 Ranmore Gardens, Harrow, Middx. August 1953 to October 1955. 4. 13 Fire Brigade Cottages, Pinner Road, Pinner, Middx. October 1955 to June 1956. 5. 127 Hobbs Hill Road, Hemel Hempstead. June 1956 8th November 1959. 6. 12 Upper Barn, Hemel Hempstead. 8th November 1959 to 28 January 1963. 7. 23C Dean Drive, Taunton, Somerset. 28th January 1963 to October 1963. 8. Upcott Hall, Bishop’s Hull, Taunton, Somerset. October 1963 to 29th July 1965. 9. 19 Whitehurst Avenue, Hitchin. 30th July 1965 to 3rd June 1966. 10. 13 Fire Brigade Cottages, Pinner Road, Pinner, Middx. 3rd June 1966 to present date.
He gave his age as 16 years 5 months and date of birth as 11th January 1950 and that he was born in Redhill, Hendon, Middx. He said his Religion was Methodist, his parents were both British, his occupation was a Student and he was single, his father’s occupation was a Sales Manager.
He gave the following details of his education:
1. Pinner Park Infants, Headstone Lane Pinner. 12th January 1955 to June 1956. 2. Bennetts Gate Infants and Junior, Oliver Road, Hemel Hempstead. June 1956 to July 1961. 3. Bennetts End Secondary Modern, Bennetts End Hemel Hempstead. September 1961 to January 1963. 4. Askwith Secondary Modern, South Street Taunton Somerset. February 1963 to 22nd June 1965.
He had been a school Prefect.
He then went on to study at the College of Further Education, Cambridge Road, Hitchin.
He had been a member of the Air Training Corps in Taunton between 4th December 1964 and 15th July 1965 and had taken part in the following sports: Cricket, Football, Judo, Badminton, Golf, Table Tennis, Tennis and Snooker.
He stated that he had never been charged or summoned for any offence, had never previously applied to join the Police, and had never been previously employed.
He gave details of two referees:
1. Mr. Thomas Massingham a Master Builder of 7 Fire Brigade Cottages, Pinner Road, Pinner, Middx. 2. Mr. Leonard Green a Divisional Officer of G Division HQ. London Fire Brigade Pinner Road, Pinner, Middx.
Both had known him since his birth to present day.
He then completed a Health questionnaire to which the only thing of note was that at some time he had suffered a fractured left wrist.
Christopher was informed by letter, dated 7th July 1966, from the Training Department Superintendent R.H. Oliver, that arrangements were being made for him to take a written examination at his local Police Station and that they would contact him to arrange it in due course.
The Metropolitan Police Inspector at Harrow wrote to the Chief Constable at Hatfield on the 24th July 1966 stating: “I saw the applicant at Pinner Police Station at 10.30 a.m. on the 23rd July 1966. He was well spoken, good mannered, clean and well dressed. On appearance and demeanour, he appeared to be suitable for employment as a Cadet. He completed the examination under my supervision. The question and answer papers are attached. Nothing is known locally to the applicant’s detriment.” The examination papers have not survived but by the mere fact he was later accepted he clearly did well enough.
Various enquiries were conducted with his referees, also to verify his numerous different addresses and as well as to his last school. The Headmaster completed a questionnaire and added under additional comments: “I think that Christopher would be well fitted in the Force, and I think that the Force would get good service from him in every way.”
New Scotland Yard wrote on the 18th July 1966 that nothing was recorded in their records to the detriment of Christopher regarding his application for employment with Hertfordshire Constabulary.
At the bottom of the fourth page of his original Application Form were details of his examination by the Police Surgeon who stated on the 9th August 1966, “I have examined this candidate and consider him fit for police duties.”
This is followed by a record of interview by selection board which recorded just one thing, also on the 9th August 1966, which was “Accepted,” and is signed A. Wilcox Chief Constable.
Starting His Cadet Service.
So, on the 15th August 1966 Christopher joined the Hertfordshire Constabulary as Police Cadet 42. It is believed that at this time he would have undergone training at the Hatfield Police Headquarters and spent some time on Divisions.
Injury On Duty.
Between the 25th April and the 12th May 1967 Christopher was one of 16 Cadets who attended the 1967 North Wales Course led by Instructors Sergeant Cox and Constable Shinner. During the final part of the Course, which comprised a four day exercise of sleeping under canvas and walking during the day whilst carrying a rucksack containing the daily requirements, Christopher complained of feeling numbness in his arms as a result of carrying his rucksack. Despite having his rucksack straps adjusted he continued to suffer but managed to complete the exercise.
On his return to Hatfield, he sought medical advice from his own Doctor who diagnosed a Neuromuscular strain and sent him to Edgware General Hospital to see a Neurologist. He was signed off sick to the extent he was excused Drill. Following treatment, he made a full recovery, and the incident was classified as an injury on duty.
A Big Change To Headquarters And The Cadet Force.
January 1967 saw the newly constructed main Headquarters building at Stanborough occupied and the continuing development of the site as regards sports facilities and accommodation for an expanding Cadet Force.
On the 3rd September 1967 that year’s newly recruited Cadets moved into the hostel accommodation at Headquarters followed on the 1st October 1967 by the existing Cadets. Each Cadet was supplied with a list of instructions as to what they were allowed to do whilst living at Headquarters. One of those instructions was that Cadets were not allowed to keep a personal vehicle at Headquarters or on the streets in the area of Welwyn Garden City.
A Major Mishap.
Just after 2 p.m. on Friday 16th February 1968 a collision occurred at the junction of Parkway and Stanborough Road, Welwyn Garden City. Two private cars were involved one being driven by Christopher with three other Cadets as passengers, and the other was driven by a Police Inspector with a Chief Superintendent as a passenger. No one was injured but both vehicles were damaged.
Christopher admitted that he knew he should not have had his vehicle and initially the Head of Training, Superintendent R.H. Oliver, recommended that he should be required to resign from the Police Cadets. On reflection considering Christopher was certain to be prosecuted in relation to the collision, and also as his vehicle had been in a dangerous condition, he recommended that he be allowed to stay as a Cadet believing that should he be convicted then he will have been punished sufficiently.
On the 29th March 1968 at Welwyn Magistrates Christopher was convicted of driving without due care and attention for which he was fined £10 and his licence was endorsed and for using a defective vehicle for which he was fined £20 and his licence was endorsed.
Fortunately for Christopher the Chief Constable accepted the recommendation and he remained as a Cadet.
Applying To Become a Police Constable.
Christopher’s Hertfordshire Constabulary Form R1 two page Application For Appointment As Constable has survived. It virtually duplicates his application to become a Police Cadet except for the following: His home address as of November 1966 was now 348B Lucas Court, Alexandra Avenue, Harrow, Middx. His present occupation was a Police Cadet and he was the holder of Hertfordshire Constabulary Cadet Corps Intermediate and Final Educational Certificates. He signed and dated it on the 6th December 1968.
At the bottom of the second page in the section entitled Interview By Selection Board is the single word, “Accepted” and dated 10th December 1968 and signed Assistant Chief Constable (Admin) L. Sample.
Appointed Constable.
Again at the bottom of the second page of Christopher’s Form R1 is a record of his Attestation which occurred on his 19th birthday 11th January 1969 at Welwyn Garden City before [unreadable signature Ed.] Justice of the Peace. He was Appointed Constable on the same day.
Christopher’s Hertfordshire Constabulary single page Personal Record shows the following: It gives his full name and Warrant Number as 497. Place and date of birth: Edgware General Hospital 11.01.1950. Height: 6 feet 2 ½ inches, eyes: brown, hair: brown, complexion: sallow, distinctive marks: birth mark on right upper arm. Married or single: single. Education: Secondary Modern and College of Further Education. Religion: Church of England. Previous Police Service: Cadet 15th August 1966 to 10th January 1969. First Aid Certificate: St. Johns Ambulance. Life Saving Certificate: Royal Life Saving Society Intermediate Certificate. Driving Experience Four Wheeled Vehicles: 1967 to present.
Training School.
Christopher attended Course No. 270 at the No. 5 District Police Training Centre Eynsham Hall between the 13th January and the 11th April 1969. On completion of his Course, he achieved 5th place out of 16 students in his Class and 17th place out of 46 students on his Course. He received the following awards: Re-examination Certificate of the St. John Ambulance Association, 1500 metres Distance Award of Swimming and a Bronze Medallion of the Royal Life Saving Society.
An Eventful Evening.
On Thursday the 3rd April 1969 a report was sent from the District Police Training School at Eynsham Hall to the Chief Constable at Hertfordshire which detailed the events of a Road Traffic Collision which had occurred at 11 p.m. the previous day. In short Christopher had been a rear seat passenger in a private car being driven by a colleague from his course at Eynsham Hall, when the car collided with a stone wall. The driver, who provided a negative breath test, and front seat passenger received minor injuries, but Christopher suffered slight concussion and was detained overnight in Hospital. His parents were informed, and his father collected him from Hospital and took him home. His Medical Record shows that he was off sick for two days as a result.
Commandant’s Observations.
The Police Training Centre Commandant made the following observations: Constable Davies is a tall, well-built man who was always well turned out. He has above average intelligence and throughout the Course has shown that he was keen to learn and improve himself. His questions in class have been constant and searching and he has obtained a satisfactory knowledge of theory. In dealing with staged practical incidents, he was able to take control quite easily, but he was a little self-conscious in front of his fellow students. He applies theory to practice well and should have no difficulty with this aspect of his work. The subject matter of his reports was quite good, but punctuation and presentation were only fair. His written work showed considerable improvement during the Course. A very keen sportsman, he represented the Centre at road running, and his enthusiasm and sense of fair play were an example to his fellow students. His manners have been above reproach, and his pleasant nature made him very popular. Constable Davies was a very good student. He was keen to improve himself and assist others, and obviously intends to make a success of chosen career. He should develop well with experience.
On successfully completing his course at Eynsham Hall Christopher returned to Hertfordshire and commenced duties in C Division at Watford Central.
Tragedy.
Christopher was off duty during the evening on Tuesday the 4th November 1969 when he was killed as a result of injuries received when his car, a Vauxhall Cresta, overturned on the A405 near the M1 overbridge at Bricket Wood. No other vehicle was involved in the collision.
On the 5th November 1969 Chief Constable Raymond Buxton wrote to Christopher’s parents: Dear Mr. and Mrs. Davies, I would like to take this first opportunity to express to you on behalf of the Hertfordshire Constabulary and myself how deeply grieved we all are about the tragic death of your son last night. While Christopher was only in his probationary period, he had already made his mark and was settling well. The Force and, in particular, the Watford Division officers, will be very sad about this unfortunate occurrence, I know the officers dealing with the accident are in close touch with you but please do not hesitate to contact me if you feel there is any more we can do.
On the 6th November 1969 Christopher’s father wrote to the Chief Constable: Sir, May I on behalf of my wife and myself express my sincere gratitude for your letter relating to the tragic and sudden death of our beloved son. As you are aware he was our only child and as such was the whole centre of both my wife’s and my own life. We were very proud and honoured when he decided to join the Police Force and the faith and confidence we had in him as a man – even though not 20 years old – he was a man in his outlook on life, on his behaviour and his devotion to his work. He derived great satisfaction in his duty as a Police Constable and was determined to be a credit to both the Force and us his parents. We know he was a credit to us, and I believe from what you have said in your letter, and from the views expressed by officers and fellow Constables, that he was a credit to the uniform he so conscientiously wore. Our only regret, and I think it would be his too, is that fate decided against him being an even greater credit to the Force he was employed in. May I however express once more, both to yourself and the officers at Watford Central, my sincere gratitude for the sympathy and assistance we have received and yet to receive.
Force Obituary.
General Order 96 of the 7th November 1969 announced Christopher’s obituary: It is with deep regret that I have to announce that Constable Christopher Michael Davies, stationed at Watford Central received fatal injuries in a road accident at Bricket Wood on 4th November 1969. Constable Davies was off duty at the time of the accident. Further details with regard to funeral arrangements will be notified later.
Appeal For Witnesses.
Published in the Harrow Observer on Friday 7th November 1969 under the headline: Policeman’s Road Death. A 19 year old Policeman, Christopher Michael Davies, of Lucas Court, Alexandra Avenue, South Harrow was killed in a road accident when his car overturned on the A 405 at Bricket Wood, near St. Albans. on Tuesday night. PC Davies was stationed at Watford. No other vehicle was involved and Herts. Police are appealing for witnesses.
Funeral.
Christopher’s funeral was held at Ruislip Crematorium at 12 noon on Thursday 13th November 1969.
Inquest.
Mr. R.M. Godman Deputy Coroner for the Watford District held an Inquest on the 28th November 1969. He found that Christopher Michael Davies, a Police Constable of 348B Lucas Court, Alexander Avenue, Harrow died on the 4th November 1969 at the General Hospital, Peace Memorial Wing, Watford as a result of shock and haemorrhage from multiple injuries due to his motor car overturning and his death was accidental.
On Wednesday 19th November 1969 Christopher’s father wrote to the Chief Constable: Dear Sir, May I express on behalf of my wife and myself our sincere gratitude for the presence of the Assistant Chief Constable and all other members of Hertfordshire Constabulary both from Headquarters and Watford Central. The sight of so very many of Christopher’s friend and colleagues who attended the service was one which we will always remember, and we are both as proud of our son in death as we have been during his short life. Please convey our grateful thanks to all who were present and for the wonderful wreath received.
In Memory.
In a memo dated 3rd December 1969 from Superintendent G.H. Cronin in charge of the Training Department to Assistant Chief Constable L. Sample in charge of Administration the following was discussed: Presentation of Trophy. Sir, With reference to our conversation relating to the Trophy which Mr. and Mrs. Davies wish to present to the Force in memory of their son. I suggest that consideration be given to using the trophy as an award for the best individual Cadet in cross-country running. I suggest we run three races during the year scoring in the normal manner and that the trophy be awarded to the Cadet receiving the lowest number of points for the three races. I feel that such a trophy would greatly add to the interest of Cadets in cross-country running and three individual races would assist in team selection for cross-country league matches.
Mr. Sample then added a hand written note to the Chief Constable: Sir, I think this is a sound suggestion and would maintain interest in this branch of Cadet competition.
On the 8th December 1969 the Chief Constable wrote to Mr. and Mrs. Davies: I have been taking advice about your kind offer to provide a trophy for some sporting activity to perpetuate Christopher’s memory in the Force. Superintendent Cronin, the officer-in-charge of training, has suggested that such a trophy would be very welcome for a cross-country competition for Cadets. We are building up interest in this field and already the Cadets have done well in running against boys from other Forces and organisations. As Christopher was a Cadet for over two years a cup for individual competition among the Cadets in the Hertfordshire Constabulary would be very welcome. The Police Cadet Corps is now a permanent branch of the Service, indeed it is going to expand greatly and we look to it to provide more and more recruits in the future. If you feel this suggestion is akin to what you had in mind you may agree the trophy might be called “The Christopher Davies Cross-County Cup” for presentation to the best individual Cadet performance in cross-country running each year. Perhaps you would like to give the matter some thought and, of course, if any other idea would be more appropriate and suitable to you I will be happy to make a change. When you write again I will ask Superintendent Cronin or another senior officer to contact you to finalise the detail. Once again thank you for your offer. It is a very kind thought and it is greatly appreciated.
Mr. and Mrs. Davies presented the Constabulary with the Christopher Davies Challenge Trophy, a hallmarked silver cup, to be awarded to the best Cadet cross-country runner each year in memory of their son.
Christopher Davies Challenge Cup
Originally there was a plate with the winner’s names engraved on it attached to the base of the trophy but unfortunately this has been lost, but the following are known winners:
1970 Cadet Brian Wilson.
1971 Cadet Peter Munn.
1974 Cadet Ian Richard “Dick” Brown [source “List of Awards Gained By Cadets,” compiled for the Passing Out Parade on the 20th July 1974 Ed.]. He poignantly was also killed in a Road Traffic Collision on the 4th December 1974 in Coopers Green Lane, Hatfield.
1975 Cadet John Ivens.
1976 Cadet John Ivens.
1981 Cadet Jon Chapman.
Owing to a change in policy by the Constabulary 1983 saw the ending of the recruitment of Police Cadets in Hertfordshire and consequently the Trophy was no longer awarded. It is now in the possession of the Hertfordshire Police Historical Society.
Add your comment about this page