Early Life.
Albert William Bolton was born on the 20th February 1883 in Paddington, Middlesex and Baptised on the 10th April.
His father, who was also named Albert Bolton, married his mother Emma Went at St James Church, Bermondsey on 7th August 1879. They had 5 children, Ethel Emily born 1881, Albert William, Alice Emma born 1889, John Alfred born 1892 and Mary Louise who was born in 1896 and died in 1897.
In the census of 1891, the family were living at 37, Lansdowne Road, Romford and Albert’s father is employed as a Police Officer.
During the 1901 and 1911 census returns the family are shown as living at 149, Kensington Avenue, East Ham. Albert’s father has left the Police and in 1901 he was employed by H.M. Customs as a Watcher and in 1911 as a Wharf Gatekeeper.
Albert had left home though and in the 1901 census he is shown as living at Wellington Barracks, Bird Cage Walk, Westminster as a soldier.
Early Army Service.
Albert’s Army Service Record has not survived, and we know very little about this period of his life. We do know he enlisted in the 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards as Private 8956, probably on 18th June 1900 for short service of 3 years in the Colours and 9 in the Reserves and that on the 31st March 1901, the date of the census, he was serving in London. There are no Boltons listed in the Boer War Medal Rolls who served in the Grenadier Guards with the Service Number 8956, so it would appear that all of his service was at “Home”. He transferred to the Army Reserve on the 18th June 1903 and returned to live at the family home.
Applying To Join The Police Service.
Unlike his Army Service Record his Police Service Record has survived and out of all of the records held in the archive of the Hertfordshire Police Historical Society it is perhaps the most comprehensive.
It begins with a letter dated the 6th July 1903 from Albert W. Bolton of 149, Kensington Avenue, East Ham to the Chief Constable of the Hertford County Constabulary:
“Sir, being desirous of joining the Police Force would you kindly oblige me by letting me know if I would be any good as a candidate. I am a reserve man having just completed three years in the Grenadier Guards and have discharge papers marked conduct very good. Thanking you in anticipation. I am Sir your obedient servant”.
The Chief Constable obviously liked the sound of this as a Candidate’s Form was sent to Albert which he completed on the 11th July 1903. The form stipulated the Qualifications required in Constables and their Conditions of Service etc. It also included a “Declaration of Candidate in his own Handwriting”.
Albert recorded his: Age: 21 5/12 years. Height: 5 feet 9 ¼ inches. Weight: 11 stone 7 lbs. Chest: 38 ½ inches. Eyes: Blue. Hair: Brown. Complexion: Fresh. Born: Paddington. In Military: Yes. In Reserve: Yes, first class. Married or single; Single. Benefit society: None. With whom last employed: 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards. Duration: 3 years. Discharged: 18th June 1903. Address of employer: Blenheim Barracks, North Camp, Aldershot.
Albert also had to provide references:
Testimonials of Character
1. P.H.G. Day 147, Kensington Avenue, East Ham known from 1899 to 1903.
2. Frederick H. Heald 167, Browning Road, East Ham known from 1899 to 1903.
I certify that the signatures of the above named persons are known to me and that their recommendations are deserving of confidence.
(signed) Sidney Pittman, Vicar of St Barnabas, Little Ilford, East Ham.
The following extract from his parchment Army Record of Private 8956 Albert William Bolton was probably included with his form.
“1st Bn. Grenadier Guards. Conduct: Very good. A very good honest, steady, hardworking man.
(Signed) Francis Clowes Colonel Commanding 1st Bn. Gren. Guards Aldershot 18 June 1903.
Marks and scars: Heart right forearm, cross X etc. left forearm mole collar bone”.
The Candidate Form was received at Police Headquarters on the 13th July 1903.
A clearly worried Albert then wrote again on the 28th March 1904.
From Albert W. Bolton of 149, Kensington Avenue, East Ham to the Chief Constable of the Hertford County Constabulary:
“Sir, I applied for a vacancy in the Herts County Constabulary last July and I was told that my name had been entered on the list of applicants and told I should wait my turn for a vacancy. Would you be so kind as to let me know how much longer I may have to wait as I am beginning to think I may have been overlooked. Thanking you in anticipation”.
This request was to bear fruit as he then received a home visit by the Metropolitan Police at Ilford who wrote to the Hertfordshire Chief Constable on the 6th May 1904: “I beg to report that I have seen the candidate Albert W. Bolton he has resided at No. 149, Kensington Avenue, East Ham since leaving the Army in June 1903 with his father ex-PS 1KR pensioned from Forest Gate, he was out of employment until November since which time he states he has been employed as a permanent postman at St. Martins Le Grand Office. I have also seen Mr Day (1901 census – a Solicitors Clerk Ed.) 147, Kensington Avenue, Frederick H. Heald (1901 census – a South American Merchant Ed.) and the Reverend Sidney Pittman, Vicar of St Barnabas Church, Little Ilford, their signatures on application form are authentic and each consider the candidate in every way likely to make an efficient Police Officer. Nothing to his prejudice known to Police of this district.”
This satisfactory visit and check of his references then prompted an invitation to Albert to attend Police Headquarters for a medical. He responded on 30th May 1904: “Sir, I will attend at 10 a.m. on Wednesday next 1st June”.
His Candidate Form was endorsed on the 1st June 1904 “I hereby certify that I have examined Albert W. Bolton as to his health and physical strength and that I consider him fit for the duties of the Constabulary. (Signed) Alex Sidding M.D. for L. Drage Surgeon at Hatfield. The Candidate Form was also endorsed “Approved 1st June 1904”.
Following his successful medical Albert was again invited to attend Police Headquarters possibly for a final interview. He responded on the 21st August 1904: “Sir, I will attend as requested on Thursday next the 23rd Inst”.
Police Service.
He was obviously successful as on the 1st September 1904 Albert started his training at Watford Police Station. At this time all training was carried out on Divisions and not at Headquarters. He would probably have been installed either in the single men’s accommodation at King Street Police Station or in lodgings in the town. He was Attested on the 18th October 1904 at Watford, but not finally appointed until the 27th October 1904 as Police Constable 84.
His details were recorded on a Hertford County Constabulary Form 3, Record of Service. Included was his description: Height: 5 feet 9 ½ inches. Chest: 38 ½ inches. Complexion: Fresh. Eyes: Blue. Hair: Brown. Marks: Faith, Hope, Charity tattoo right forearm.
Additionally, the following details were noted: That his previous occupation was a Postman, the fact that he could ride a bicycle and that he could swim.
On the 11th October 1904 he sat an exam paper to test his standard in writing, spelling and arithmetic, which he managed without difficulty. Superintendent W. Woods certified that he did it without assistance.
General Order 31 of the 15th November 1904 confirmed that on 27th October 1904 Albert was Attested as Police Constable 84 and posted to D Division at Hemel Hempstead on 23/11 per week.
General Order 20 of the 6th June 1905 stated that on the 11th May 1905 his pay would be increased to 25/8 per week.
Commended For His Dealings With A Murder.
General Order 17 of 5th August 1905 announced in a very understated fashion that Albert had been commended.
“PC Bolton 84 D. By Chief Constable re Hemel Hempstead murder”.
The full details are too lengthy to repeat here but the full account can be read in “Whybourn, Esther Emma” by visiting Crime and Incidents – Murder and Manslaughter on this site.
Police Assaulted.
Published on the 4th November 1905 in the Herts Advertiser:
“Assaults on the Police.
Cases at Hemel Hempstead.
No fewer than three charges of assaulting Police Officers while in their execution of their duty were heard at the Hemel Hempstead Sessions on Wednesday. Charles Smith, of Hemel Hempstead, was charged with assaulting PC Lake on October 26th, and further assaulting PC Bolton on the same date, and Herbert Keen, of Tring, was charged with an assault on PC Gregory, on October 28th. Smith had a further charge of doing damage to trousers to the amount of 11s 6d, and Keen had to answer a second charge of assaulting Edward Allison, of Tring. The charges against Smith were first heard. He pleaded guilty to the charges of assault but said he did not remember tearing the trousers. He was drunk at the time.
PC Lake said on October 26th about 6.30 p.m. his attention was called to the prisoner by the landlord of The Swan, who said he wanted the man ejected. Witness asked him to leave the house, and he went with a good deal of persuasion. He was drunk and stood arguing outside the house using obscene language. Witness watched the prisoner and saw him go into The Brewer’s Arms. Following him witness saw the landlord refuse to serve the prisoner in his presence. Later he saw the prisoner in the shop of Mr Godwin draper. Witness followed him and preceded to take him into custody. The prisoner tripped witness up and they rolled together into the road. PC Bolton came up, but the prisoner kicked him in the back and afterwards kicked witness on the back of the head when on the ground. He was very violent and continued to struggle on the ground and to kick witness Prisoner tore witness’ trousers in the struggle and they were now absolutely useless. Witness was injured on the left knee and hand and had been medically attended and placed on the sick list. Horace Godwin, draper, said on October 26th the prisoner came into his shop. He was drunk. Witness asked him several times to leave the shop, but he would not go, and continued brawling. Witness attempted to put him out and PC Lake came to his assistance. The prisoner had previously entered the shop during the absence of male assistants. PC Bolton said about 7 p.m. on the day in question he saw PC Lake eject prisoner from Mr Godwin’s shop. Witness went to assist PC Lake, but the prisoner kicked him in the stomach knocking him into the road. Prisoner lay on his back in the road and continued to kick and struggle. Several people came to their assistance and the prisoner was so violent that he had to be held forcibly in a wheelbarrow in which he was conveyed to the Police Station. Prisoner was sentenced to one month’s imprisonment for the assault on PC Lake, fourteen days for the assault on PC Bolton and a fine of £1 inclusive or fourteen days’ imprisonment was imposed for the charge of damage”.
By 1906 Albert has become a Mounted Police Constable when required. It is not known when or where he developed his riding skills, but he was obviously more than competent.
In General Order 1 of 1st January 1906 instructions are given to dozens of Police officers in connection with the General Election of January 1906. Voting was carried out over several days and schedules were drawn up detailing where and when officers would perform duty. The following excerpts refer to Albert.
Schedule A
Return of Officers and Men detailed for duty in the Mid or St Albans Division on Wednesday 17th January 1906.
Div. Rank No. Name Station Place for Duty
E PC 84 Bolton A W J Hitchin Kinsbourne Green
For the remaining days Albert was rostered to be on horseback:
Schedule E Mounted Police
St Albans 18th January same as 17th and
PC Hunt on Ware hired horse
Sgt Page on Watford hired horse
PC Hair on Watford hired horse
PC Huggins on Watford hired horse
PC Bolton on Watford hired horse
Superintendents will arrange for each man to take his saddlery by first train to the place where he will find his horse when necessary.
Hertford Friday 19th January
Same detachment as 17th. All men except from St Albans to come into Hatfield night of 18th.
PC Hunt A Division will return to Ware
Sgt Page will return to Watford night of 18th
PC Hair will return to Watford night of 18th
PC Huggins will return to Watford night of 18th
PC Bolton will return to Watford night of 18th
Watford Tuesday 23rd January
On Monday the 22nd the whole mounted Police Force in Hertford under Inspector Reed will march from Hertford to Watford or Hemel Hempstead as below ordered.
They will be on duty on Tuesday as well as
Sgt Page on hired horse
PC Hair on hired horse
PC Huggins on hired horse
PC Bolton on hired horse
Sergeant Page and PC’s Hunt, Hair, Chisman, Briden and Stevens will march to Hemel Hempstead for duty there and at Great Berkhampstead. Sergeant Page’s detachment, or some of the, will come into Watford on the 24th, if they can be spared by Supt Frogley. On the morning of the 25th, the whole of the Mounted Police, excepting Sergeant Page, PC’s Hair, Huggins and Bolton, will proceed from Watford to Hitchin by rail. Supt Wood will at once arrange for horse boxes, and Inspector Reed will be responsible for the horses being boxed in good time.
Hitchin 26th January
All mounted men to be on duty in Hitchin or elsewhere in the Division as detailed by the Deputy Chief Constable.
When relieved from duty, Inspector Reed will see to the men marching, each to the place where his horse has to be left on Saturday 27th.
Errata re General Order 1/1906 Parliamentary Elections – 15/01/1906
Page 27 Schedule E
PC Hunt 134 on hired horse
Sgt Page 76 on hired horse
PC Hair 167 on hired horse
PC Huggins 148 on hired horse
PC Bolton 84 on hired horse
Will not be required mounted until Tuesday 23rd. Sgt Page PC’s Hair, Huggins and Bolton will proceed to St Albans in Mounted Uniform without saddlery by rail on the 17th inst. PC Hunt will march on Monday 22nd to Hertford and proceed to Watford with the Mounted Detachment under Insp Reed. Sgt Page 76, PC Hair 167, PC Huggins 148, PC Bolton 84 will march on the morning of Tuesday 23rd to Hemel Hempstead. All Mounted men to wear their ordinary Plain leather belts during elections instead of sword belts.
These Orders were published in the anticipation that Albert was going to be posted to E Division at Hitchin and on the 10th January 1906, he took up his post there.
In April 1906 he passed his Ambulance certificate, an important qualification which entitled him to wear a badge on his lower left tunic sleeve to show he was trained in basic First Aid.
He didn’t stay long at Hitchin, as by August 1906 he had been transferred again to F Division at Welwyn.
Theft Of A Bicycle.
Published on the 29th September 1906 in the Hertfordshire Mercury:
“On Sunday night at about nine a man named Alfred Hales, of no fixed abode, was arrested at Mr Herbert Camfield’s cycle shop in High Street on suspicion of stealing a bicycle valued at £3. It appears that the man Hales went to Mr Camfield’s shop about half-past eight that evening and offered the bicycle for sale. The cycle dealer, thinking the machine might be stolen, at once gave information to the police. PS Francis thereupon went to the shop, and found the man there and he, and Camfield and PC Bolton conversing together. The man was asked if the bicycle was his and he replied that it was his. Other conversation ensued, and the Sergeant, being of the opinion that everything was not satisfactory, took Hales to the police station. After being there a time, the man admitted stealing the bicycle from Cambridge Park that day (Saturday) during a cricket match. He was detained and on Monday morning DS L. Marsh, of the Cambridge Borough Police, arrived and conveyed the man to Cambridge”.
On The Move Again And Again!
Albert remained at Welwyn for about 4 months before being moved to Tewin in December 1906. His stay at Tewin was even shorter as on the 7th February 1907 he was posted to A Division at Ware.
On the 14th February 1907 Albert received an increase in his pay to 26/10 per week.
A Minor Blemish.
We know from a number of reports in his Service Record that on Monday 4th March 1907 PC 84 Bolton and PC 206 George Bennett were reported by PS 96 Josiah C. Bell for missing conference points between 6.00 a.m. and 8.00 a.m. whilst patrolling in Ware and apparently patrolling together when they should have been on independent patrols. This particularly upset Superintendent Henry Weeks as he had just drawn up new lists of Conference Points designed so that two officers should never patrol together. From Albert’s Service Record we can see that it was recorded as a disciplinary offence, but the exact details of the offence and the punishment were not recorded.
Permission To Marry, Sir?
On the 15th November 1907 there is a report from PC 84 Albert W. Bolton requesting: “Sir, I have the honour to apply for the Chief Constable’s permission to marry a Miss Jane Murray residing at 35, Clements Road, East Ham, Essex on the 15th December 1907 and to report that I am able to comply with Standing Order No. 59. I also respectfully request to be granted 3 days leave viz: 14th 15th 16th December 07 upon the above occasion. I have the honour to be Sir your obedient servant. (Signed) Albert W. Bolton PC84.”
The report was simply endorsed: “Verified as to Standing Order No, 59” and “No objections leave sanctioned”.
On the 15th December 1907 at the Parish Church of East Ham Albert William Bolton, a Police Constable of 45, Bowling Road, Ware married Jane King Murray of 35, Clements Road, East Ham. They were to have five children: 1. Eva Jean born 14th November 1908 at Little Hadham. 2. Christina Alice born 9th November 1910 at Barley. 3. Joan Ethel born 25th October 1912 at Whitwell. 4. Kathleen Emma born 10th October 1914 at Whitwell. 5. Muriel Nellie born 13th February 1918 at Whitwell.
On The Move Again!
General Order 16 of 27th May 1908 announced that Albert would be posted from Ware to Thorley however, his Service Record shows that on the 2nd June 1908 he was actually moved to B Division at Little Hadham.
Eighteen months later General Order 41 of 29th December 1909 stated that on 2nd January 1910 Albert would move from B to G Division and be stationed at Bernards Heath, the arrangements to be made by the Superintendents concerned.
There was obviously no rush to implement this move as General Order 2 of 13th January 1910 gave instructions to dozens of Police officers in connection with the General Election of January 1910. Voting was carried out over several days and schedules were drawn up detailing where and when officers would perform duty. The following excerpt refers to Albert.
Schedule A
Return of Officers and Men detailed for duty in the Eastern or Hertford Division on Wednesday 19th January 1910.
Div. Rank No. Name Station Place for Duty
B PC 84 Bolton A W Little Hadham Little Hadham
Schedule B
Return of Officers and Men detailed for duty in the Northern or Hitchin Division on Friday 21st January 1910.
Div. Rank No. Name Station Place for Duty
B PC 84 Bolton A W Little Hadham Furneaux Pelham
Then General Order 6 of 2nd March 1910 declared that Order No. 41/1909 was cancelled and instead Albert would move from Little Hadham to E Division at Barley, again with the dates and arrangements to be made by the Superintendents concerned. The exact date he did move is not known but it was in March 1910.
General Order 8 of 9th March 1910 announced that Albert would receive an increased rate of pay with effect from 10th February 1910 from 26/10 to 28/- per week.
During the 1911 census Albert and his family are recorded as living at High Street Barley.
Another Small Blemish.
Improper behaviour at Barley on 30th March 1912.
This fully documented incident contained in his Service Record involved Albert in a dispute that resulted in a fight with his neighbour George Walter Casbon in which both were injured. Casbon, a Wheelwright, who lived 2 doors away, allegedly swore at Mrs Bolton and pushed her. Casbon made counter allegations of her. PC Bolton, who was off duty, went to remonstrate with Casbon and an argument ensued with counter claims of swearing, threats and assault. Casbon made a complaint at Royston Police Station and Inspector Handley investigated and took statements from several witnesses.
Acting Superintendent Frank S. Peck reported to the Chief Constable:
“Sir, I beg herewith to enclose a report from Inspector Handley re an alleged assault by PC 84 Bolton stationed at Barley, on George Casbon, a Wheelwright of High Street Barley. I also enclose explanation from PC Bolton. This appears to be a neighbours quarrel, and as the bad feeling is sure to continue, I beg to suggest that to prevent any further breach of the peace, it would be advisable to remove the Constable, and recommend that he change stations with PC 213 Gray of Therfield. I have nothing against PC Gray but think the change would be beneficial in both cases”.
The result of this was that General Order 27 of 14th April 1912 reported that Albert had been admonished for improper behaviour at Barley on 30th March, and then General Order 32 of 1st May 1912 announced he was to be transferred from Barley to Whitwell.
On 11th October 1912 Albert received a pay increase to 30/4 per week and then on the 16th February 1913 Superintendent Reed recommended to the Chief Constable that he should receive a further pay rise and it was increased from 30/4 to 30/11 per week.
Commendation – Albert Ebenezer Fox.
General Order 21 of 25th November 1913 announced three Commendations:
Police Constable 84 Albert William Bolton, E Division, is commended by the Chief Constable for his action in tracing stolen turkeys in the case of Police v. Albert E. Fox, on Tuesday 28th October 1913.
Police Constable 266 Frederick Potter, E Division, is commended by the Chief Constable for his observation and action in the case of Police v. Albert E. Fox (Larceny Turkeys).
Police Constable 285 George H. Sirett, A Division, is commended by the Chief Constable for his observation and self-reliance in the case of Police v. William Read alias Mason. (Larceny Fowls).
On the 16th May 1914 Albert passed the promotion exam and qualified him for Sergeant.
General Order 118 of the 21st July 1915 is a list of 96 officers which included the Chief Constable, 43 Constables who were Army reservists who were recalled and 50 Constables and 2 Sergeants who volunteered for military service. Albert is shown as PC 84 Bolton A.W. E Division recalled to 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards on 4th August 1914.
Army Service During The War.
With his Army Service Record no longer existing there are only his Medal Roll Index Card and Medal Roll to show what he did. Although the General Order says that he re-joined the Grenadier Guards he did not remain with them. He transferred to the 7th and later the 10th Battalion of the Duke of Cornwall’s Light Infantry with Service Number 22525. He must have served abroad in a theatre of war as he was awarded the British War and Victory medals and when he qualified for them his rank was Sergeant.
The following letters from his Police Service Record help to add more information. The first letter is clearly a response to an enquiry as to whether he was going to leave the Army and re-join the Police, presumably as he had served his time.
Dated 19th April 1916 from Colour Sergeant A.W. Bolton 9th Battalion, Duke of Cornwall’s Light Infantry Dorset to Deputy Chief Constable Hertford County Constabulary:
“Sir, I am receipt of your letter dated 5th inst. the contents of which I fully appreciate. I myself have no desire to leave the Army as long as the Army is in any need of my services. I am Sir your obedient servant”.
Three things to note from this reply are that Albert is now a Colour Sergeant and a member of the 9th Battalion and also, if he has served his time, he has volunteered to remain in the Army for the period of the war.
Dated 1st February 1919 this next letter is from George Knight Superintendent & Chief Clerk, Hertford County Constabulary to OIC Records Duke of Cornwall Light Infantry. A similar letter would have been sent to every Army Regiment for every returning Police Officer seeking to be re-appointed:
“No. 22525 A/C.S.M. Bolton A.W. D.C.L.I.
Sir, I am directed by the Chief Constable of Herts to inform you that prior to his enlistment in H.M. Army for the purpose of the present War, the above named soldier was a member of this Force. Since his demobilisation he has been re-appointed to the Force provisionally. In order that his re-appointment may be confirmed, the Chief Constable will be much obliged if you will kindly forward to him at your earliest convenience a copy of the soldier’s record of Army Character”.
Albert has now been promoted to Acting Colour Sergeant Major.
The last letter dated the 6th February 1919 is from Major Duke of Cornwall’s Light Infantry replying to the letter above:
“Sir, reference Service No. 22525 A/C.S.M. A.W. Bolton has served in the D.C.L.I. for a period of 18 years 235 days (including 11 years 48 days reserve service) and bears exemplary character”.
His Police Service Record, and this is probably from Albert himself, shows that he served 4 ½ years with the Duke of Cornwall Light Infantry and was discharged as acting Colour Sergeant Major on 22nd January 1919.
Re-joining The Police.
On the 21st January 1919 Albert was medically re-examined and found fit to serve in the Constabulary by Lovell Drage surgeon.
General Order 23 of 25th January 1919 listed 25 Police Officers who having been released from H.M. Army had been re-appointed to the Force. Albert was shown as:
PC 303 Bolton A.W. E Division at Whitwell from 23rd January 1919 on £2/11/0 per week.
Each officer had to be formerly re-attested. The Superintendents concerned had to report to Headquarters the date and place of Attestation and before whom taken.
There is one thing of note in this Order which is the change in his Warrant or Collar Number. Prior to the outbreak of war, it was fairly common to issue the same Warrant Number to more than one individual providing they were posted to different Divisions so that the Divisional letter would differentiate between them. No record of an Order instructing that this should end and that Warrant Numbers should become unique has been found, but it was obviously issued simply by the fact of the number of returning Constables who were not given their old number, as someone else was already using it, and were issued with a new one.
Promotion To Sergeant.
General Order 76 of 2nd March 1919 announced some promotions. It showed Albert to be an Acting Sergeant from the 27th March 1919. Of course, coming with promotion is another move and General Order 77 of 24th March 1919 shows that Albert was transferred from Whitwell to C Division at Watford from the 23rd April 1919.
The Electoral Rolls of 1919 and 1920 record that Albert William and Jane Bolton are living at 28, St. Marys Road, Watford.
Albert applied for an increase of pay in a report dated the 24th March 1920 and the Deputy Chief Constable W. Woods supported this request and also recommended his promotion to the substantive rank of Sergeant, to which the Chief Constable also agreed. Consequently General Order 58 of 3rd April 1920 records that Sergeant 305 Bolton A.W. C Division was to receive an increase in pay from £5/0/0 to £5/2/6 per week from 27th March 1920 and General Order 60 of 8th April 1920 confirmed four Acting Sergeants were to be promoted to the substantive rank of Sergeant including PS 305 Bolton A.W. C Division from 27th March 1920.
General Order 53 of 7th April 1921 announced that Albert was to receive another increase of pay from £5/2/6 to £5/5/0 per week from 27th March 1921.
Albert attended a week long course of instruction for Police Sergeants at Headquarters at Hatfield starting on 6th June 1921.
On The Move Once More.
General Order 77 of 16th May 1921 notified that Albert was on the move again from C Division stationed at Watford to F Division stationed at Hertford, to occupy the house vacated by A/Insp Lawrence. He moved into his latest home on the 20th May 1921. The 1921 census shows Sergeant Albert William Bolton, his wife and five daughters all living at 41, West Street, Hertford. Additionally the Electoral Rolls of 1921 to 1923 show them at the same address.
General Order 47 of 8th April 1922 showed that Albert was to receive another increase of pay from £5/5/0 to £5/7/6 per week from 27th March 1922 and then a year later his request for his next rise was approved by the Chief Constable from £5/7/6 to £5/10/- per week from 27th March 1923.
Promotion To Inspector.
General Order 61 of 30th March 1923 announced that Albert would be promoted that day to be Acting Inspector.
General Order 63 of 3rd April 1923 notified, not unexpectedly, that Albert was moving house again as he was being transferred from B Division, stationed at Hertford, to E Division to be stationed at Hitchin, to occupy the house being vacated by PC 240 Bolden. The move was to happen on the 12th April 1923 and the Electoral Rolls from 1923 to 1924 were to later show this would be to 96, Ickleford Road, Hitchin.
A year later General Order 56 of 5th April 1924 provided confirmation of Albert’s promotion to the substantive rank of Inspector effective from the 30th March 1924.
General Order 208 of 31st December 1924 announced the the details of Albert’s last transfer, effective from the 9th January 1925, he remained in E Division simply moving from Hitchin to Stevenage. The Electoral Rolls from 1925 to 1929 show the family were living at the Police Station, Stanmore Road, Stevenage.
For the next three years on the 1st April, Albert applied for and was awarded his incremental pay rises from £320 to £330 per annum for 1925, £330 to £340 per annum for 1926 and £340 to £350 per annum for 1927.
Retirement.
On the 26th September 1929 Albert notified the Chief Constable that he intended to retire on the 31st October 1929. He retired on a pension of £217 per annum .
Published in the Hertfordshire Express on Saturday 2nd November 1929 under the headline: Stevenage Police Officer Retires. At midnight on Thursday, Police Inspector Albert William Bolton, of Stevenage, retired on pension after 25 years’ service in the Force. Inspector Bolton joined the Police Force in October, 1904, and was posted to Hemel Hempstead. In 1906 he came to Hitchin, and was later stationed at Welwyn, Tewin, Ware, Little Hadham, Barley and Whitwell. He was at Whitwell for three vears, and it was from there that he re-joined his regiment to serve in the War. He returned to Whitwell in 1919 and was promoted Sergeant and went to Watford. He was at Hertford in 1921 and came to Hitchin in 1923, leaving for his final post at Stevenage in 1925. During his time at Hitchin and Stevenage Inspector Bolton has been a keen enthusiast on the sports side of Police activities and was responsible for the training of the police tug-of-war team which has had numerous successes. He has been a very popular officer, and has been engaged in several important cases, receiving more than one commendation. He will carry with him in his retirement the best wishes of the people of Stevenage and Hitchin.
He obviously decided on a quiet life as the 1939 Register shows him living with wife Jane and daughter Kathleen at 55, Kingswood Chase, Southend-on-Sea with his occupation given simply as a retired Police Inspector.
Albert died on the 1st September 1954 at Brighton General Hospital. His address at that time was 70, Vale Avenue, Brighton.
Add your comment about this page