Hertfordshire Police Officers Who Served In The Second Boer War
Neil Osborn in his book the Story of Hertfordshire Police wrote that in 1899 the first class Army Reserve was called out to go to South Africa. Five Constables joined up again on October 17, 1899. They were followed by seven other officers that year. Their colleagues clubbed together under the strong suggestions of the Chief Constable to support the wives and families of four of the men who were married. The contributions per week were as follows: Chief Constable - £0/1/6, Superintendent - £0/0/2, Inspector - 1 1/2d, Sergeants and Constables - 1d.
The wives received 5/- each and 1/- a week in addition for each child. They were allowed to live rent free in police cottages. Under the Police Reservists (Allowances) Act 1900 these allowances were augmented from the Police funds. One of the men, Joseph Goodson, was killed in action at Belmont on November 23, 1899.
Other than Joseph Goodson one other Hertford County Constabulary Officer has been identified and one St. Albans City Police Officer. If you know of any serving Hertfordshire Police Officer who fought in the Boer War please feel free to post details on this site.
