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 re-joined their Regiments on October 17, 1899. They were followed by seven other officers later 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 – 1/6, Superintendent – 2d, Inspector – 1 1/2d, Sergeants and Constables – 1d.
Chief Constable Henry Daniell issued General Order 30 on the 16th December 1899 it gave the following instructions: Constables Belonging to the Army Reserve. From the date a Reservist ceasing to draw his pay as a Constable, on being recalled to the Colours, the undermentioned Allowance will be made from the Police Fund, to his wife and to the maintenance of his children, or, in the case of an unmarried Reservist, towards the maintenance of any near relative, wholly or in part maintained by him or whom he is legally bound to support.
Wife will reside rent free in a cottage rented by the County.
Wife will receive 7/- a week.
Each child under 15 years of age will receive 1/6 a week.
Relatives supported in whole or in part by an unmarried Reservist Constable will receive in the aggregate – each case to be dealt with on its merits by the Police Authority, on report to the Chief Constable – an Allowance not exceeding 7/- per week.
Wives receiving this Allowance, are debarred from receiving, for themselves or for the support of their children, any benefits from any charitable fund administered on account of the War in South Africa.
General Order 25 of the 15th November 1901 issued by Chief Constable Henry Daniell announced the following: Reservists Police Officers Wives and their Families. No further subscriptions need be made by members of the Force, until the present cash balance in hand, amounting to £15 is expended.
General Order 16 of the 28th July 1902 instructed the following: Reservists Families. In consequence of the return to duty of the Reservists belonging to this Force, no further subscriptions are required from members of the Force.
All of the Hertford County Constabulary Police Officer’s, and one St. Albans City Police Officer, who were recalled to the Colours, have been identified. Of the twelve County men one, Joseph Goodson was killed in action, one was returned to the Force as unfit for Military Service and the remaining ten later re-joined the Force and were allowed to count their Military Service towards their Police Pensionable Service.
