Oliver, Thomas, MM, 339, Constable

PC 339 Thomas Oliver

Thomas Oliver was born on the 18th October 1898 at Charlton Horethorne, Somerset and he was baptised there on the 25th December 1898. Both his birth registration and his baptismal record show that he was called Thomas, however later records show that he used the name John Thomas and preferred to be called Jack.

His father was John Thomas Oliver born in 1868 at Blanchland, Northumberland and at the time of his marriage and Thomas’ baptism he was employed as a Whipper-in, a person employed to assist the huntsman managing the hounds in a hunt. He married Thomas’ mother, Beatrice Bruce Ash born in 1876 at Etton, Yorkshire on the 22nd September 1867 at St. Mary’s Church, Etton.

The 1911 census records that they had seven children of whom two did not survive beyond that census. Only six have been identified they were:

1.    Thomas.

2.    George Frederick who appears by the census returns to have been known as Frederick. His birth was recorded in the last quarter of 1900 at Malton, Yorkshire but his baptismal record states he was baptised at the nearby village of Birdsall on the 28th September 1902 and born on the 6th October 1901, which is an obvious error.

3.    Dorothy was born on the 9th April 1902 at Birdsall and baptised on the same time as her brother George.

4.    William was born and died in the last quarter of 1903 at Chipping Sodbury, Gloucestershire.

5.    Brenda was born in 1906 at Warminster, Wiltshire and baptised at the nearby village of Sutton Veny on the 30th September 1906.

6.    Mary Angela who appears by the census returns to have been known as Angela was born in 1907 and baptised at Sutton Veny on the 10th November 1907.

In the 1901 census the family were living at Birdsall Kennels where Thomas’ father was employed as a Groom and the First Whip to fox hounds. In the 1911 census they were recorded as living at the Kennels, Kinsbourne Green, Harpenden where Thomas’ father was employed as a Huntsman.

The next known event in Thomas’ life was the outbreak of war and his enlistment in the Military.

Military Service In the First World War.

Thomas’ Army Service Records have not survived. However, from a few details shown on his Hertfordshire Police Personal Record and some other Military sources the following is known.

The information contained in his Police Record is contained in two documents. His original Hertford County Police Personal Record or Form 3, which is a foolscap size 4-sided document. This has been replaced by the Personal Record, an A4 sized 2-sided document. The Form 3 has been partially destroyed in that the 3rd and 4th sides have been torn off and thrown away. This is unfortunate as the 3rd side would have contained a more detailed explanation of his Military Service, which was not transferred to the new document.

However, contained on the 1st side of the Form 3 is the following information: Particulars of Public Service: Australian Imperial Forces and Lancashire Fusiliers. Length of Service: 4 years 2 months, Date of Discharge: 1st February 1921.

On the front side of the replacement Personal Record is the following: Medals or Decorations: Military Medal, General Service Medal, Victory Medal, Police Long Service and Good Conduct Medal. Previous Service in Navy, Army, Airforce or Police: Unit or Force: Australian Imperial Forces and British Army. From: 11th November 1914, To: 1st February 1919. Rank on Discharge: Lance Corporal. Date of Discharge: 1st January 1919.

Immediately it is obvious that there is a difference of two years in the date of discharge which could possibly be an error in transferring the information. Additionally, if he enlisted in November 1914, he would have been only 16 years old. It is possible by the fact he was not awarded the 1914 or 1914-15 Star that this was discovered and he was prevented from serving abroad.

There is no reason to believe that Thomas did not serve in the Australian Imperial Force but searches of the National Archives of Australia and the Australian Imperial Force Nominal Roll revealed no record for him. It is not even obvious whether he served with them before or after the Lancashire Fusiliers, or for how long. Additionally in a newspaper article published on his retirement from the Police it stated he had served in the Cavalry. The Australian Imperial Force did not have a Cavalry unit, instead they had the Australian Light Horse, a unit that travelled by horse but fought as infantry, and it is unlikely that he served with them. So again, it is unclear when and which Cavalry Regiment he served in. The fact that he did serve in the Cavalry is supported by the evidence that he later joined the Mounted Police, who were all almost exclusively drawn from ex-Cavalry men, or, at the very least, ex-Artillery men.

Searches have revealed though his Medal Roll Index Card and Medal Roll which show that he had served as Private 47425 Thomas Oliver in both the 2/8 Battalion and the 1/8 Battalion of the Lancashire Fusiliers and had been awarded both the British War Medal and the Victory Medal.

Awarded The Military Medal.

Searches also found a Military Medal Index Card which showed that Private (Lance Corporal) John – which had been crossed through and replaced with Thomas – Oliver of the 1/8 Battalion of the Lancashire Fusiliers had been awarded the Military Medal.

Page 11220 of The London Gazette published on the 21st January 1919 showed that Lance Corporal 47425 Thomas Oliver of the 8th Battalion Lancashire Fusiliers had been awarded the Military Medal.

The citations for the award of all the Military Medals were destroyed as a result of enemy action during WW2 however, a search of the Imperial War Museum, Lives Of The First World War 1914-1918, shows that the museum has a small typed card and medal referring to an act of bravery for Thomas Oliver, or Jack as he preferred to be known.

47425 Lance Corporal J. Oliver 1/8 Lancashire Fusiliers was Awarded the Military Medal during an attack on Beauregard Dovecote on the night 22nd/23rd August 1918 this Non-Commissioned Officer (N.C.O.) showed great initiative and bravery. Owing to casualties he had to assume command of his Platoon, which he led with skill and gallantry. On reaching his final objective he with great difficulty established communication with the Division on his flank. This N.C.O. has proved himself a gallant leader and has done good work on former occasions. Signed A Solly-Flood, Major General Commanding 42nd Division.

The War Diary of 1/8 Battalion of the Lancashire Fusiliers records that 50 prisoners and 8 machine guns were captured on the attack at Beauregard Dovecot on the 23rd August 1918.

Wounded.

The War Office Daily List No.5709 reported that Lance Corporal 47425 Thomas Oliver of the Lancashire Fusiliers was wounded on the 30th October 1918. His next of kin were recorded as living in Harpenden.

Being named on this list entitled Thomas to wear a Wound Stripe on the lower left sleeve of his uniform, as authorised under Army Order 204 of the 6th July 1916.

No detail of where or how severely he was wounded has come to light.

Life After The War.

By the 19th June 1921, the date of the census, Thomas was recorded as living with his parents and three sisters at The Chequers Public House, How End near Houghton Conquest, Bedfordshire. His father was the Publican and Thomas was employed as a Farm worker. However, within a short period he applied to join the Hertford County Constabulary.

Police Service.

PC 339 Thomas Oliver 1922

As previously stated, Thomas’ Police Service Record has survived. The remaining half of his Form 3 and his replacement Personal Record contain the following details:

Police Constable 339 Thomas Oliver was Appointed on the 2nd August 1921 on a wage of £3/10/0 per week. He was initially Posted to R Division Police Headquarters at Hatfield whilst he underwent his Probationary Training.

Previously on the 4th July 1921 Thomas had been examined at Police Headquarters by the Police Surgeon who signed the following certificate: I hereby Certify that I have examined the above Candidate as to his health and bodily strength and consider him fit for the Constabulary of this County. Signature illegible.

In all probability he would also have been interviewed by the Chief Constable on the same day.

Thomas gave his age as 22 years 9 months, his place and date of birth as Charlton Hawthorn, Somerset on 18th October 1898.

He was described as follows: Height: 5 feet 9 inches, Chest: 36 inches, Complexion: Fresh, Eyes: grey, hair: dark brown (dark turning grey on the Personal Record), Marks: tattoo Indian left forearm, leaf right forearm.

He gave his Religion as Church of England and his next of kin as his mother Beatrice Oliver, The Chequers, Houghton Conquest, Beds. This was amended later to be his wife.

He stated his previous occupation had been as a Farmer employed by a Captain W.F. Jeffcock of Ledbury, Herefordshire although it does not say where he was working.

He stated that he could both ride a pedal cycle and swim.

He passed his St. John Ambulance Certificate on the 26th April 1922. This was a First Aid qualification which allowed him to wear a badge on his lower left sleeve of his tunic, and was essential, not least because it was an important step in achieving his first pay increment.

Under the heading of Education is recorded Dunstable Grammar School and Training Class: 23rd Class of Recruits, Instructor: PS 280 Sharp.

This photograph, which must have been taken after the 26th April 1922, as Thomas has his St. John Ambulance badge on his left sleeve, shows the 23rd Class of Recruits at Police Headquarters at Hatfield, who had as their Instructors Sergeant 280 George Thomas Sharp DCM, MM and Constable PC 268 Arthur James Saunders. Curiously a second photograph of the same group, posing in the same positions, but with a different background was also taken and a copy has been posted on this site by a relative of PC Stilton.

Between General Order 191 of the 25th November 1921, 195 of the 6th December 1922 (PC’s Martin and Thompson) and 11 of the 17th January 1922 (PC Miles) they announced that ten Recruit Constables having been brought on to the Roster, would be transferred from Headquarters to Divisions for duty. Those pictured are:

Back Row left to right:

1.    PC 110 George Brain.                                                                                                                                                                2.    PC 348 Henry James Thompson.                                                                                                                                           3.    PC 349 George Southwell Wyman.                                                                                                                                             4.    PC 141 William Charles Butcher.                                                                                                                                           5.    PC 341 Charlie Reed.                                                                                                                                                                   6.    PC 346 William Richard Stilton.                                                                                                                                               7.    PC 245 George Walter Martin.

Front Row left to right:

1.    PC 339 Thomas Oliver.                                                                                                                                                            2.    Instructor Constable 268 Arthur James Saunders.                                                                                                              3.    Instructor Sergeant 280 George Thomas Sharp DCM, MM.                                                                                                  4.    PC 322 Ernest Miles.                                                                                                                                                                    5.    PC 164 Stanley Hayward.

First Posting.

General Order 191 of the 25th November 1921 announced that seven Recruit Constables having been brought onto the Roster for duty would be transferred from Headquarters to a Division. PC 339 T. Oliver is shown as being posted to C Division at Watford from 28th November 1921.

The Order further stated that each Constable must be Attested. Record Sheet [Form 3 Ed.] in duplicate is forwarded herewith. One copy duly completed to be returned after the Attestation. Divisional Superintendents will satisfy themselves that the uniform clothing in possession of each recruit Constable posted to their respective Divisions has been fitted properly.

Attestation.

On the 5th December 1921 Thomas was Approved of and Sworn in before two Justices of the Peace at Hatfield.

Pay Increase.

General Order 113 of the 24th August 1922 informed nine Officers that they were going to receive an increase of pay. They included PC 339 T. Oliver C Division whose increase was from £3/10/0 to £3/12/0 per week from the 2nd August 1922.

Pay Increase.

General Order 154 of the 31st August 1923 informed four Officers that they were going to receive an increase of pay. They included PC 339 T. Oliver C Division who increase was from £3/12/0 to £3/14/0 per week from the 2nd August 1923.

Temporary Transfer.

General Order 120 of the 2nd August 1924 informed Thomas that temporarily he was being transferred to the General Office in R Division at Police Headquarters at Hatfield.

Transfer.

General Order 137 of the 16th August 1924 informed Thomas that he was returning from R Division Headquarters to C Division at Watford.

Pay Increase.

General Order 149 of the 1st September 1924 informed 21 Officers that they were going to receive an increase of pay. They included PC 339 T. Oliver C Division whose increase was from £3/14/0 to £3/16/0 per week from the 2nd August 1924.

Transfer.

General Order 83 of the 19th May 1925 informed Thomas that he was being transferred from C Division Watford to B Division Hoddesdon and was also being transferred to the Mounted Establishment.

Herts Agricultural Show.

General Order 87 of the 1st June 1925 gave instructions to numerous Officers who were to perform duty at The Herts Agricultural Show on Thursday 4th June 1925 at Hatfield. This detachment was under the command of Superintendent W.R. West B Division.

Constables 339 Oliver and 233 Howe were instructed to ride horses, “Banny Ally” and “Marvel” respectively and to arrive at the show ground at 12 noon.

Assizes.

General Order 88 of 8th June 1925 gave instructions to numerous Officers to perform duties at the Assizes being held at the Shire Hall Hertford at 11 a.m. on Wednesday 17th June 1925. The Judge was The Hon. Sir George John Talbot, Knight, Justice of the High Court of Justice and one of the Justices of our Lord the King. The High Sheriff was Sir Charles Alexander Nall-Cain, Bart. The Police Detachment were under the command of the B Division Superintendent.

The following Mounted Officers took part: PS 36 Reid, PC 316 Thurley, PC 339 Oliver all using hired horses; PC 212 Lambert riding “Marvel” and PC 233 Howe riding “Greig”. The hired horses will be supplied by Mr. Wells of Stanstead Abbotts. Superintendent A Division will arrange for two complete sets of saddlery to be delivered at the premises of Mr. Wells on the morning of 16th June 1925.

Royal Visit.

General Order 93 of 21st June 1925, with many other Officers, Thomas was ordered to perform Mounted duties at the opening of Watford Peace Memorial Hospital by H.R.H Princess Mary Viscountess Lascelles.

This ceremony will take place at 3 p.m. on Wednesday 24th June 1926 and will be preceded by the Presentation of an Address of Welcome by the Mayor and Corporation of the Borough of Watford at the Market Place at 2.45 p.m.

Command: The detachment of the Hertford County Constabulary on duty will be under the command of: Superintendent E. Maskell.

Movements Mounted: Constables 212 Lambert and 339 Oliver will ride Headquarters Horses and will report at King Street Police Station at 12 noon. Police Sergeant 35 Reid and Constables 93 Potton and 315 Thurley will ride horses to be hired by Superintendent A Division. The hired horses will be taken over by the Police Sergeant and Constables at Stanstead Abbotts at 2 p.m. on Tuesday 23rd instant and will be stabled at Watford on that night. The horses will be returned to Stanstead Abbotts immediately after the Ceremony on the 24th instant.

Escort: The Mounted Detachment under the command of Police Sergeant 35 Reid will meet the motor car conveying Her Royal Highness at Bushey Arches and escort the car during the period it is in Watford until it passes Bushey Arches on the return journey.

Pay Increase.

General Order 120 of the 20th August 1925 informed 32 Officers that they were going to receive an increase of pay. They included PC 339 T. Oliver B Division whose increase was from £3/16/0 to £3/18/0 per week from the 2nd August 1925.

Assizes.

General Order 148 of 28th October 1925 (amended by G.O. 158 of 19th November 125) gave instructions to numerous Officers to perform duties at the Assizes being held at the Shire Hall Hertford at 11 a.m. on Monday 23rd November 1925. The Judge was Mr. Justice Avery. The High Sheriff was Sir Charles Alexander Nall-Cain, Bart. The Police Detachment were under the command of the B Division Superintendent.

The following Mounted Officers took part: PS 35 Reid, PC 316 Thurley, PC 339 Oliver all using hired horse; PC 212 Lambert riding “Marvel” and PC 233 Howe riding “Greig”. The hired horses will be supplied by Mr. Wells of Stanstead Abbotts. Superintendent A Division will arrange for two complete sets of saddlery to be delivered at the premises of Mr. Wells on the morning of 21st November 1925.

Constable 339 Oliver will take saddlery from Hoddesdon Police Station.

PS 35 Reid, Constables 316 Thurley and 339 Oliver will report at Stanstead Abbotts at 2 p.m. on 21st November 1925 for riding exercise on that date and will report at Hertford Police Station at 10.15 a.m. on Sunday 22nd November 1925, for duty.

PS Reid and PC Thurley will remain at Stansted Abbotts on the night of 21st November 1925 and following nights until the Assizes are over. PC 339 Oliver will return to his Station each night.

Constables 212 Lambert and 233 Howe will march direct from Headquarters to Hertford Police Station arriving at 10.15 a.m. on Sunday 22nd November, returning home each night.

Escort: The Judge and High Sheriff will use horse drawn carriages. PS 35 Reid will arrange for the Mounted Police to act as escort to the carriages on all occasions they may be used during the Assizes.

Assizes.

General Order 27 of 5th February 1926 gave instructions to numerous Officers to perform duties at the Assizes being held at the Shire Hall Hertford at 11 a.m. on Monday 15th February 1926. The Judge was The Honourable Sir Thomas Gardner Horridge, Kt. Justice of the High Court of Justice and one of the Justices of our Lord the King. The High Sheriff was Sir Charles Alexander Nall-Cain, Bart. The Police Detachment were under the command of the B Division Superintendent.

The following Mounted Officers took part: PS 36 Reid, PC 316 Thurley, PC 339 Oliver all using hired horse; PC 212 Lambert riding “Marvel” and PC 233 Howe riding “Greig”. The hired horses will be supplied by Mr. Wells of Stanstead Abbotts. Superintendent A Division will arrange for two complete sets of saddlery to be delivered at the premises of Mr. Wells on the morning of 13th February 1926.

Constable 339 Oliver will take saddlery from Hoddesdon Police Station.

PS 35 Reid, Constables 316 Thurley and 339 Oliver will report at Stanstead Abbotts at 2 p.m. on 14th February 1926 for riding exercise on that date and will report at Fanhams Hall, Ware at 9.30 a.m. on 15th February 1926, in order to accompany the Judge to Church. Subsequent days they will report at Hertford Police Station at 9.30 a.m. for duty.

PS Reid and PC Thurley will remain at Stansted Abbotts on the night of 14th February 1926 and following nights until the Assizes are over. PC 339 Oliver will return to his Station each night.

Constables 212 Lambert and 233 Howe will march direct from Headquarters to Fanhams Hall, Ware on Monday 15h February, arriving at 9.30 a.m. Subsequent days Constables Lambert and Howe will march direct to Hertford Police Station arriving at 9.30 a.m. They will return home each night.

Puckeridge Hunt Races.

General Order 46 of the 29th March 1926 detailed Thomas to be one of four Mounted Officers to Police the Puckeridge Hunt Races which were being held near Cole Green Farm, Brent Pelham on Wednesday 7th April 1926. Their horses were provided by the Puckeridge Hunt. The detachment will take over their horses at Brent Pelham Hall at 10.30 a.m. and report on the Racecourse at 11 a.m.

The Superintendent A Division will arrange for 4 sets of saddlery to be taken to Brent Pelham Hall on Tuesday 6th April 1926.

Hertfordshire Hunt Steeplechases.

General Order 51 of the 7th April 1926 detailed several Officers to Police the Hertfordshire Hunt Point to Point Steeplechases which were being held at Annables Farm near Redbourn on Saturday 10th April 1926. There were four Mounted Officers, PS 35 Reid, PC’s 339 Oliver, 315 Thurley and 93 Potton, their horses being provided by Hertfordshire Hunt.

The Superintendent D Division will arrange for saddlery to be taken to Mr. Fenn’s Stables, St. Albans, on 9th April. The Sergeant and Constables detailed for mounted duty will report at St. Albans County Police Station at 8.30 a.m., take over the horses as directed on arrival and then march direct to Annables Farm via Redbourn and will report on course at 11.30 a.m.

Assizes.

General Order 81 of 13th June 1926 gave instructions to numerous Officers to perform duties at the Assizes being held at the Shire Hall Hertford at 11 a.m. on Monday 21st June 1926. The Judge was The Lord Chief Justice of England. The High Sheriff was Sir Frederick Lewis, Bart. The Police Detachment were under the command of the B Division Superintendent.

The following Mounted Officers took part: PS 36 Reid, PC 316 Thurley, PC 339 Oliver all using hired horse; PC 212 Lambert riding “Marvel”. The hired horses will be supplied by Mr. Wells of Stanstead Abbotts. Superintendent A Division will arrange for two complete sets of saddlery to be delivered at the premises of Mr. Wells on the morning of 19th June 1926.

Constable 339 Oliver will take saddlery from Hoddesdon Police Station.

PS 35 Reid, Constables 316 Thurley and 339 Oliver will report at Stanstead Abbotts at 2 p.m. on 20th June 1926 for riding exercise on that date and will report at Hertford Police Station at 9.30 a.m. on Monday 21st June for duty.

PS Reid and PC Thurley will remain at Stansted Abbotts on the night of 20th June 1926 and following nights until the Assizes are over. PC 339 Oliver will return to his Station each night.

The Judge and High Sheriff will use motor cars in Hertford, PS 35 Reid will arrange for the Mounted Police to act as escort to the motor cars, under instructions from Superintendent B Division.

Another Royal Visit.

General Order 99 of 18th July 1926 ordered numerous officers to perform duties in relation to the visit of His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales.

“His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales will visit Hemel Hempstead and Watford on Tuesday July 20th, 1926 commencing at Hemel Hempstead at 2.30 p.m. and Watford at 4.10 p.m. and will leave the County Police District about 5.10 p.m.

Movements Mounted: Constables 212 Lambert and 339 Oliver will ride Headquarters horses. Police Sergeant 35 Reid and Constable 82 Saunders will ride horses to be hired by Superintendent A Division. The hired horses will be taken over by Constable 339 Oliver at Stanstead Abbotts at 3 p.m. on Monday 19th instant and will be stabled at Headquarters on that night. The whole of the mounted detachment will march to Hemel Hempstead Police Station on the morning of 20th July and report at 12 noon. The horses will be returned to Stanstead Abbotts immediately after the ceremony”.

Pay Increase.

General Order 123 of the 7th September 1926 informed 2 Officers that they were going to receive an increase of pay. Included was PC 339 T. Oliver B Division whose increase was from £3/18/0 to £4/0/0 per week from the 2nd August 1926.

Transfer.

Thomas’ Police Service Record records that on the 11th April 1927 he was transferred from B Division at Hoddesdon to E Division at Hitchin.

Commendation.

On the 14th June 1927 Thomas was Commended by the Chief Constable for stopping a runaway horse in Hitchin.

Pay Increase.

On the 2nd August 1927 Thomas received a rise in his pay from £4/0/0 to £4/2/0 per week.

Transfer.

On the 9th November 1927 Thomas was transferred back to Hoddesdon.

Pay Increase.

On the 2nd August 1928 Thomas received a rise in his pay from £4/2/0 to £4/4/0 per week.

Transfer.

On the 5th February 1929 Thomas was transferred from B Division at Hoddesdon to C Division at Watford. The Mounted Section had been disbanded in 1928 allegedly due to costs although it is more likely due to the advent of the motor car.

The last Police Horse in Hertfordshire. Constable Thomas Oliver on Benny Ally at Hoddesdon in 1928.

Pay Increases.

On 2nd August 1929, 2nd August 1930 and the 2nd August 1931 Thomas received pay increases to £4/6/0, £4/8/0 and £4/10/0 per week respectively.

Commendation.

The following is taken from the book “150 Years Policing in Watford District and Hertfordshire County”.

At the Hertfordshire Assizes on Thursday 23rd June 1932, 4 men were convicted with being concerned with stealing and conspiring to receive jewels to the value of £9338, the property of the Dowager Viscountess Portman, at Kings Langley, on the 29th April 1932. At the conclusion of the case, the Judge, The Honourable Sir Raynor Goddard commended Constables 297 Kempthorne and 339 Oliver, “C” Division, for their vigilance, and Inspector Camp “R” Division, and Constable 326 Bishop, “D” Division, for their skill in investigating the case. The detection of the offenders in this case, was primarily due to the acumen and observation of Constables 297 Kempthorne and 339 Oliver, who noted the number and description of a motor car used by the prisoners before any report was made to the Police.

The Chief Constable is very pleased with the action of the two Constables, and with the work of all the other Officers concerned in the case and has much pleasure in endorsing the commendation of H.M. Judge. He directs that an appropriate entry shall be made on the records of Service of each officer concerned.

Inspector Arthur Bishop – The Portman Jewell Case. [Inspector Bishop recalls Ed.]

A big case in which I played a part whilst at Hemel Hempstead, became known as “The Portman Jewel Case”. One Friday afternoon Lady Portman was being driven by her chauffeur from London to Oxfordshire, via Kings Langley. She had with her, her jewellery, valued at over £10,000, in a jewel case at her feet on the floor. She was of course sitting in the back seat. After passing through Kings Langley, her car was overtaken by an open Sports Car containing four men. This car pulled across her car, forcing her driver to stop. One of the men then opened the rear door of Lady Portman’s car and snatched the jewel case, meanwhile the bandit’s car had turned round and they made off towards London as fast as they could. Lady Portman reported the matter at Watford Police Station.

It so happened that that afternoon, Police Constables 297 Kempthorne and 339 Oliver who were on duty in Watford High Street, saw the four men travelling towards London and did not like the look of them, so much so, that they took the Registration Number and description of the car. This was before the Theft was actually reported. I was given the Registration number of the car and upon ringing up the Registration Authority I learned that the owner was a man named Isaac Bear of Portsdown Road, Maida Vale. I at once went there and saw the motor car which was thought to have been concerned, standing outside the house. I interviewed Bear, and he denied that the car had been anywhere near Watford or Kings Langley that afternoon. When asked to account for his movements he said he had taken his wife and child to the zoo at Regents Park, leaving his car there, and that his car was there when he came from the zoo. I searched his flat but failed to find anything. I did not believe his story and arrested him for being concerned in the robbery. He was brought before an Occasional Court on the Saturday morning and was remanded until the following Wednesday. We decided to keep him in the cells at Hemel Hempstead instead of remanding him to Prison.

On the Sunday morning, he asked whether he could see his wife, here I had a brain wave, so said “Yes”. I telephoned his wife and when she arrived I saw her first. She wanted to know what it was all about and I explained it to her. I also told her that I was certain that her husband was shielding the gang and that unless he was prepared to talk I was afraid he would have to “Carry the Can” for the others, whereupon she said “You fetch him out here, I’ll make him talk”, I brought him out and she at once said to him “Issy, you tell this Officer the whole truth”, he said “Alright, if you want me to”. I then took from him a statement (yards of it), in which he gave the fullest details of the robbery, and it made very interesting reading indeed. He said he had been approached by the gang who asked him if he would loan them his car “to do a little job”, and they told him what it was. Bear said that Lady Portman’s Chauffeur was involved in the plot, which I suspected, owing to the fact that the man who opened the door of Lady Portman’s car knew just where to look for the jewel case, at Lady Portman’s feet; moreover, although Lady Portman gave a fairly good description of the men, her Chauffeur said he could not, and that he hadn’t managed to get the index number of the bandit’s car. After Bear had made his statement I went to London and arrested Lady Portman’s Chauffeur, a man named Carter. He crumpled up immediately, and admitted supplying the information to the gang as to the fact that they were making the journey and that Lady Portman always took her jewellery with her.

We then went on to arrest four other members of the gang and all (except Bear who turned King’s Evidence), were sentenced to long terms of imprisonment. We never found any of the stolen jewellery. They just would not tell us what they did with it, presumably they had a receiver whom they wouldn’t “Shop”.

Marriage.

On the 10th September 1934 John Thomas Oliver, a bachelor Police Officer aged 36 years of Watford married Eveline Florence Busley, a spinster aged 25 years (born 9th June 1909) of Surfleet, Lincolnshire. They had one child, a son John born 24th August 1935.

Published in the Spalding Guardian on Saturday 15th September 1934 under the headline: MR. J. T. OLIVER AND MISS E. F. BUSLEY.

A large number of people assembled at the Church of St. Lawrence, Surfleet, on Monday afternoon, to witness the wedding of Mr. John Thomas Oliver and Miss Evelyn Florrie Busley.

Miss Busley’ Is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Busley, of the Council Houses, Sea’s End, Surfleet, and she is very popular in the neighbourhood. Until about three years ago Miss Busley was employed in Spalding but migrated to Watford where she was employed until her wedding. She occupied a very responsible post, being the buyer at Trewin’s, Ltd., Queen’s Road, Watford.

Miss Busley will be remembered in Surfleet as her charming disposition won for her a host of friends in the district. As a swimmer, she had few equals amongst the ladies in the district. She was also a popular figure at the various social events.

Mr. John Thomas Oliver is the son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Oliver of Watford and is a member of the Hertfordshire Constabulary and until recently was in the Mounted Police. He is very popular with his fellow officers on account of his zeal and keenness for work and his generous and good-natured disposition.

The vicar (Rev. G. H. Clark) officiated.

The bride was given away by her father. Her dress was of a navy-blue material, and she wore a very smart, almost crownless hat. She carried a spray of white heather and fern.

There were no bridesmaids.

After the ceremony, a reception was held at the home of the bride’s parents, about thirty relatives and close friends being present.

Mr. A. H. Busley, of Banbury, Oxfordshire (brother of the bride), ably carried out the duties of best man.

Mr. and Mrs. Oliver are staying with the bride’s parents for a few days before leaving for their home at King’s Avenue, Watford.

While she is here her time will be fully occupied visiting old friends in the district. Mr. and Mrs. Oliver have received a great many useful and costly presents and cheques.

A Minor Misdemeanour.

On Friday 18th October 1935 Thomas was reprimanded by the Chief Constable for failing to make a necessary entry in the Guard Room Occurrence Book at King Street Police Station, Watford, of a report of a collision at Watford.

Transfer.

On the 2nd March 1938 Thomas was transferred for the final time leaving C Division at Watford he became the village Constable in A Division at High Wych taking up residence in the Police bungalow.

Pay Increase.

On the 3rd September 1942 Thomas was granted his 1st Long Service Increment increasing his pay from £4/10/0 to £4/12/6 per week.

Pay Increase.

On the 1st April 1945 Thomas was placed on a new scale of pay increasing his pay from £4/12/6 to £6/0/0 per week. Then again on the 6th November 1946 his pay was increased to £6/16/0 per week.

First Aid Qualifications.

In April 1946, April 1947 and April 1949 Thomas achieved St. Johns Ambulance Voucher, Medallion and 1st Label First Aid qualifications respectively.

Commendation.

On the 28th June 1951 Thomas was Commended in General Order 14 of 1951 for the arrest of three armed men who were housebreakers.

Would Be Bigamist Caught before The Wedding.

Published in the Hertford Mercury and Reformer on Friday 10th July 1953 under the headline: MAN ACCUSED OF BIGAMY ATTEMPT.

“Filled in notice of banns,” says vicar.

The Vicar of Sawbridgeworth the Rev J.C. Gibson gave evidence for the prosecution at Bishop’s Stortford Magistrates’ Court on Thursday of last week when Samuel Powis aged 44, of 38 Bartholomew Road, Bishop’s Stortford was committed for trial at Hertfordshire Assizes in October.

He was charged with attempted bigamy at Sawbridgeworth between March 11 and 26, and of wilfully signing a false declaration for the purpose of procuring a marriage between himself and Roberta Jarman at Sawbridgeworth on March 11. A condition of renewed bail was that he reported to the Police at Bishop’s Stortford each week.

Miss Roberta Jarman, of 3 Parsonage Estate, Sawbridgeworth said she first met Powis in a cinema queue at Stortford on January 10. They went into the cinema together and afterwards Powis took her to her lodgings.

She saw the accused quite frequently the next week, Miss Jarman continued, and they became very friendly.

In February she told Powis she was pregnant and that he was responsible.

BEEN DIVORCED.

Miss Jarman said Powis agreed when she asked him to marry her and in reply to her question as to whether he was married or single said he had been divorced

They went together see the Vicar of Sawbridgeworth and signed a notice of banns, Powis stating on the form that he was a bachelor. The marriage was fixed for Easter Saturday, and they intended to get married if the police had not intervened.

The Rev. J.C. Gibson stated that Powis and Miss Jarman called to see him on March 11 about getting married. He assisted them to fill up the notice of banns, and in the “condition column” Powis described himself as a bachelor, writing the word himself. The banns were called on three Sundays, but the marriage ceremony did not take place.

PC T. Oliver of High Wych, said the intended marriage came to his notice on March 22, and on March 26 he and Det-Sergt. Hale interviewed Powis at Sawbridgeworth Police Station.

When witness told Powis he believed he was already married, Powis replied, “Yes, that’s right, but I have not seen my wife for years.”

STATEMENT TO POLICE.

Powis then made a statement, PC Oliver said that he married Grace Clementina Stickland, of Bordon while he was in the Army, he believed on October 30, 1945.

Soon after he was married his wife used to say she had been out with other men, and getting fed-up, he left her after about two years. Powis said he wrote to his wife in 1950 but the letters were returned.

He did not tell Miss Jarman he was married, but went with her to put up the banns. He knew it was wrong but wanted to do right by Miss Jarman.

After producing a certified copy of the certificate of the marriage between Samuel Powis and Grace Clemintina Stickland at Bordon, on October 31, 1945, PC Oliver said that when charged Powis remarked, “I hope this will be all right for July 9.” Asked what he meant, the accused replied, “Why, I’ve got to go to Liverpool Court to see about my wife’s maintenance as I am trying to get it altered.”

Powis told the magistrates he had nothing to say.

Commendation.

On the 15th July 1954 Thomas was Commended by the Chairman of Bishops Stortford Magistrates Court for the arrest of a man for larceny from cars in Herts and Essex.

Coal Theft.

Published in the Herts and Essex Observer on Friday 13th January 1956 under the headline: Constable Followed Muddy Footprints.

Evidence that he followed muddy footprints to defendant’s house was given by PC Oliver at Bishop’s Stortford Court yesterday (Thursday) when Ernest Albert Ricketts of Roseley Cottages, Eastwick, was summoned for stealing coal, valued at £1 0s 3d, the property of Messrs. Smith and Shipton Ltd, of Pygro Works, Eastwick.

Ricketts pleaded not guilty but the case was found proved and he was placed on probation for two years and ordered to make restitution of 12s 6d.

PC Oliver said he went to Pygro Works and was shown a heap of coal near a fence. He saw a number of pieces of coal in a ploughed field and he followed some footprints to defendant’s house. When he interviewed defendant he at first denied the offence, but later, when witness found some coal in a baby’s bath, he admitted taking it. He said, “I was a fool. My baby was crying with cold. That is why I took it.”

Police Sergeant Turner said defendant made a statement in which he said he had been away from work since December 30 because of ill health. He had only wood to burn on the fire and went out to get some more. He saw the coal and put some in a sack. He went back again for some more.

Herbert James Shipton, of Hunsdon, Managing Director of the firm, said he valued the missing coal at about £1 0s 3d. About 2-3 cwts. were missing.

Rickets, on oath, said he did not take “anywhere near 3 cwts.” He said his year-old baby was cold and he wanted to give her a good Christmas.

Police Sergeant Turner said Ricketts had one previous conviction. He had been placed on probation for 12 months for stealing a fountain pen.

Alderman C.W. Randall, who presided, said the Bench had taken into consideration what Ricketts had said about not stealing as much as it was alleged, and they had approximated the amount in their minds. He would be given another chance.

The 12s 6d restitution was paid by Mr. Shipton.

Commendation.

On the 14th October 1957 Thomas was Commended by the Chief Constable for his strict attention to duty and initiative displayed resulting in the arrest of two men for attempted breaking at High Wych Post Office.

Retirement.

General Order 41 of 1959 announced that on the 11th June 1959 Thomas, aged 60 years, retired after 38 years of exemplary service.

Published in the Herts and Essex Observer on Friday 29th May 1959 under the headline: Symbol of law at High Wych for twenty-one years.

For 21 years PC Jack Oliver has been a familiar sight as he cycled round the villages of High Wych, Eastwick, Gilston and Allens Green, but soon he will be missing as the symbol of the law. On Saturday, June 11, he retires from the Hertfordshire Police after 38 years’ service.

He is not leaving the district, however, as he has bought the bungalow which has been home since March 2, 1938, and he and his wife will continue to live there.

PC Oliver joined the Herts Police at Hatfield in 1921 and after a few years on the beat be joined the mounted branch. serving at Hoddesdon, Hitchin and then Hoddesdon again before the branch was disbanded.

Served in Cavalry.

He was no stranger to horses, as he had served in the Cavalry in the First World War, in which he won the Military Medal.

After the mounted branch was disbanded he went to Watford and in 1938 he came to High Wych.

The residents of High Wych said farewell to their village policeman at an informal social gathering on Friday evening In the grounds of High Wych Grange, the home of Alderman and Mrs. C.S.B. Wentworth-Stanley, at which PC Oliver was the guest of honour. His health was drunk in glasses of ale filled from barrels set up on the lawn.

Tributes were paid to PC and Mrs. Oliver by Alderman Wentworth-Stanley, the Rev. J.M. Walters, vicar, Mr. L.A.C. Helmer, chairman of the Parish Council, and Mr. A.R. Mabey, headmaster of High Wych School. All wished him and his wife a long and happy retirement.

Mrs. Oliver was presented with a bouquet on behalf of the residents by Andrew Stringer.

Replying PC Oliver said he and his wife had liked the village from the moment they had arrived. He added: “I don’t suppose there is anywhere in England a little village more compact, more sociable and whose people work together more than High Wych, both in war years and since. I hope I shall stay a good many years more among you yet.”

PC Oliver has not yet made any plans on how he will spend his retirement. He will be replaced by two constables, PC’s D. Lamb and R. Hughes, who are already living in the village.

Death.

On Monday 22nd December 1980 Thomas Oliver died in the Princess Alexander Hospital, Harlow from 1a. Uraemia b. Carcinoma of bladder. He was survived by his wife Evelyn of the Old Police Bungalow, High Wych.