Reid, Amos William, 35, Police Constable, Sergeant.

Paul Watts

Amos William Reid
Herts Police Historical Society

Early Life.

Amos William Reid was born on 22nd October 1892 at Little Heath, Potters Bar. He was one of two brothers who joined the Hertford County Constabulary, the other being Neville John. A third brother, Joseph Charles Cullip was a Metropolitan Police Constable.

Their father, William John Reid, married their mother, Alice Esther Bowman, on the 21st May 1882 at Potters Bar. They did in fact have nine children who were: Elizabeth Mary born in 1883 at Sandgate, Kent, Eleanor Louisa born in 1885 at Chichester, Martha Sophia Catherine born in 1888 Fernoy, Cork, Ireland, Emma Gertrude born in 1889 at Potters Bar, Daniel Thomas born in 1891 at North Mimms, Amos William, Neville John born in 1895 at South Mimms, Daisy Alice Victoria born in 1897 at South Mimms and Joseph Charles Cullip born in 1898 at South Mimms.

In the census of 1881 William is a Corporal in the 7th Dragoon Guards, posted at the Cavalry Barracks, South Camp, Aldershot, Hampshire. By the time of the 1891 census he is married to Alice and they are living at Osborne Cottages, Reeves Lane, North Mimms. He is recorded as working as a labourer and being in the Army Reserve.

During the 1901 census the family are living at Church Road, South Mimms and William is working as a general labourer. By the 1911 census the family have moved to Frampton Road, Little Heath, Potters Bar. William was still a general labourer, but Amos had left home and was living at 5, Steppingley near Ampthill with the Askew family and working as a wood sawyer for the Rowland Brothers of Fenny Stratford.

Within a year though Amos had applied to join the Police.

Police Service.

Amos’ Form 3 Police Service Record has survived and can tell us the following:
He stated he was born on the 22nd October 1892 North Mymms. His height was 5 feet 9 ¼ inches, his chest 36 inches, his complexion was fresh, his eyes brown and hair dark brown. He said he could ride a bicycle but could not swim and that his next of kin was his mother Alice Reid.

He had a medical on the 9th March 1912 to determine whether he was fir enough for Police duties. They clearly decided that he was, but he had to wait some time before he was finally Appointed on the 25th November 1912 when he stated his Probationary Training at R Division Police Headquarters at Hatfield’

He was Attested on the 22nd February 1913 at Hertford and two days later he was posted to D Division at Berkhamsted. In May 1913 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.

Army Service.

General Order 95 of 4th June 1915 announced that under The Police Constable (Naval and Military Service) Act 1914 and The Police (Emergency Provisions) Act 1915 five D Division Constables being desirous in enlisting in H.M. Army for the period of the War were given the necessary consent by the Deputy Chief Constable as required by the above Acts.

PC 35 Reid A.W. of D Division was included. The Order further instructed that the Constables would be permitted to join the Army at once and would be paid up to and including the date prior to that on which they commenced to draw Army pay. The Superintendent of D Division had to report to Headquarters the date on which the Constables were enlisted in the Army, and the Constables would be struck off the strength of the establishment of the Force as from that date.

General Order 118 of 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. Amos is shown as PC 35 Reid A.W. D Division who enlisted in the Hertfordshire Yeomanry on the 7th June 1915.

Marriage.

On the 24th July Amos married Helen Rebecca Nash at Hatfield. They had a son Frederick William born in 1917 at Hatfield.

Amos was one of 23 Hertfordshire Police Officers who joined the Hertfordshire Yeomanry who posed for a photograph in 1915 believed at Colchester. The officers were:
1. PC 308 F. Clarke
2. PC 93. F. Potton
3. PC 189 J.W. Clark
4. PC 312 D.E. Cattermole
5. PC 285 G.H. Sirett
6. PC 105 H.M. Armitage
7. PC 313 H.H. Quarrie
8. PC 120 A.T. Day
9. PC 315 W.J. Thurley
10. PC 10 E.A.V. Elkins
11. PC 35 A.W. Reid
12. PS 20 H. Wright
13. PC 233 W.J. Bethell
14. PC 121 F.W.E. Perry
15. PC 274 H. Rowlingson
16. PC 19 H.W. Carder
17. PC 217 O.V. Lake
18. PC 316 A.S. Brown
19. PC 305 G. Archer
20. PC 301 G.A. Allen
21. PC 7 A.G. Capon
22. PC 321 N.J. Reid
23. PC 314 A.W. Corne
The photo included a regular Army Sergeant Jeffrey Arthur Riches who was an instructor.

His Army Service Record did not survive but the following can be seen from his Medal Roll Index Card and Medal Rolls: He enlisted as Private 2489 (later 105760 under re-organisation) in the Hertfordshire Yeomanry and landed in Egypt with them on 9th September 1915. He must have returned to the UK in late 1916 as his son was born in 1917. He was later awarded the 1914-15 Star and the British War and Victory medals.

When he was demobilised from the Army like every other soldier, he would have been given 28 days leave. It would have been during this time that he started the arrangements to re-join the Police. He was medically re-examined on 24th February 1919 in order to determine whether he was still fit enough for Police duties.

Re-joining The Police.

General Order 57 of 1st March 1919 announced the re-appointment to the Force of ten men who had been released from H.M. Army. Amos was shown as PC 35 Reid A.W. posted to D Division at Gt. Berkhamsted from the 6th March 1919. Each officer had to be formally re-attested and the Superintendents concerned had to report when this has been done providing the date and place of attestation and before whom taken.

In the Electoral Rolls of 1915 to 1922 Amos is listed as living at the Police Station, High Street, Great Berkhamsted.

General Order 235 of 4th December 1919 informed Amos that he would receive an increased rate of pay from £4/2/0 to £4/4/0 per week from 25th November 1919.

General Order 118 of 18th July 1921 announced that Amos would be promoted on the 18th July 1921 to be Acting Sergeant.

General Order 129 of 29th July 1921 informed Amos that from the 3rd August 1921he would be transferred from D Division at Great Berkhamsted to C Division at Watford to occupy the house vacated by PC 54 Webb. The Electoral Rolls of 1922 to 1925 list Amos and Helen as living at 24, Muriel Avenue, Watford.

General Order 95 of 31st July 1922 informed Amos that he would receive an increased rate of pay from £5/0/0 to £5/2/6 per week from 18th July 1922.

General Order 96 of 31st July 1922 was confirmation of Amos’ promotion to the substantive rank of Sergeant from the 18th July 1922.

The Mounted Establishment Is Formed.

General Order 17 of 31st January 1923 announced the formation of a dedicated Mounted Establishment :
“From the 1st February 1923 the Mounted Establishment of the Hertford County Constabulary will consist of the undermentioned Sergeant and Constables:
Rank & No. Name Division Station
1. PS 35 Reid A. C Watford
2. PC 199 Briden J. A Braughing
3. PC 111 Sweetland G. A Bishops Stortford
4. PC 93 Potton F. B Hertford
5. PC 315 Thurley W.J. B Hertford
6. PC 331 Kimpton G. C Watford
7. PC 282 Eames A. E Kimpton
8. PC 200 Bangs A. E Hitchin
9. PC 212 Lambert S.J. R Headquarters
10. PC 78 Phypers E.W. R Headquarters
11. PC 233 Howe A. R Headquarters
Officers who have Mounted Equipment but are not included in the Mounted Establishment shown above will hand such equipment into stores forthwith”.

General Order 72 of 19th April 1923 instructed five Mounted Constables led by Amos to undertake duty at the Essex Staghounds bona fide Race Meeting to be held at Tharbies Farm near Sawbridgeworth on Wednesday 25th April 1923. The constables detailed for mounted duty were to take over their horses provided by Race Committee at Tharbies Farm at 10.45 a.m. and report to the Race Course at 11.30 a.m. Superintendent A Division would arrange for 6 sets of saddlery viz:
A Division – 3, B Division – 2, R Division – 1 to be conveyed to Tharbies Farm on Tuesday 24th April 1923 and for the saddlery to be returned to the respective stations on Thursday 26th April 1923.

General Order 135 of 31st July 1923 informed Amos that he would receive an increased rate of pay from £5/2/6 to £5/5/0 per week from 18th July 1923.

General Order 198 of 4th December 1923 gave Orders for Mounted Officers to perform duty at various locations in relation to the Declaration of the Poll in the Parliamentary Elections of 1923. Amos was to be on duty at Watford.

General Order 50 of 24/03/1924 Hertfordshire Hunt Steeplechases.
The Hertfordshire Hunt Point to Point Steeplechases will be held at Highfield Hall near St Albans on Thursday 27th March 1924.
Mounted detachment:
C Division PS 35 Reid A. horse to be provided by the Hertfordshire Hunt.
A Division PC 199 Briden J. horse to be provided by the Hertfordshire Hunt.
C Division PC 315 Thurley W.J. horse to be provided by the Hertfordshire Hunt.
E Division PC 282 Eames A. horse to be provided by the Hertfordshire Hunt.
Movements: The Superintendent D Division will arrange for saddlery to be taken to the Stables St Albans, on 26th March 1924. The Constables detailed for mounted duty will proceed to St Albans County Police Station arriving at 9 a.m. take over the horses as directed on arrival, and then march from St Albans to Highfield Hall Stud Farm. The mounted detachment will parade at the Police tent at 12 noon.

General Order 58 0f 5th April 1924 instructed Amos to be one of four Mounted Officers to be on duty for the Puckeridge Hunt Races being held near Cole Green Farm Brent Pelham on Wednesday 9th April 1924.

General Order 68 of 14th April 1924 instructed Amos to be one of four Mounted Officers to be on duty for Colonel Part’s Harriers Private Point to Point Steeplechases to be held at Annables Farm near Redbourn on Wednesday 16th April 1924.

General Order 125 of 12th August 1924 informed Amos that he would receive an increased rate of pay from £5/5/0 to £5/7/6 per week from 18th July 1924.

General Order 169 of 26th October 1924 gave Orders for Mounted Officers to perform duty at various locations in relation to the Declaration of the Poll in the Parliamentary Elections of 1924. Amos was to be on duty at Watford.

General Order 43 of 1st March 1925 instructed Amos to be one of four Mounted Officers to be on duty for The Hertfordshire Hunt Point to Point Steeplechases to be held at Highfield Hall near St Albans on Wednesday 25th March 1925.

General Order 46 of 23rd March 1925 instructed Amos to be one of four Mounted Officers to be on duty for the Puckeridge Hunt Races being held near Cole Green Farm Brent Pelham on Wednesday 1st April 1925.

General Order 88 of 8th June 1925 gave instructions to Amos to perform Mounted duties at the Assizes being held at the Shire Hall Hertford at 11 a.m. on Wednesday 17th June 1925.

A Royal Visit.

General Order 93 of 21st June 1925 with many other Officers Amos 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”.

General Order 120 of 20th August 1925 informed Amos that he would receive an increased rate of pay from £5/7/6 to £5/10/0 per week from 18th July 1925.

General Order 137 of 8th October 1925 instructed Amos that from the 21st October 1925 he would be transferred from C Division at Watford to B Division at Welwyn to occupy quarters to be vacated by Police Sergeant 264 Emerton. The Electoral Rolls show Amos and Helen Living at the Police Station, Welwyn.

General Order 148 of 28th October 1925 instructed Amos to perform Mounted Duties at the opening of the Hertfordshire Assizes being held at the Shire Hall Hertford commencing at 11 a.m. on Monday 23rd November 1925

General Order 24 of 4th February 1926 ordered Amos to attend a week long course of Refresher Classes for Police Sergeants at Headquarters Hatfield at 9 a.m. on Monday 8th February 1926.

General Order 27 of 8th February 1926 instructed Amos to perform Mounted Duties at the opening of the Hertfordshire Assizes being held at the Shire Hall Hertford commencing at 11 a.m. on Monday 15th February 1926.

General Order 46 of 29th March 1926 instructed Amos to be one of four Mounted Officers to be on duty for the Puckeridge Hunt Races being held near Cole Green Farm Brent Pelham on Wednesday 7th April 1926.

General Order 51 of 7th April 1924 instructed Amos to be one of four Mounted Officers to be on duty for The Hertfordshire Hunt Point to Point Steeplechases to be held at Annables Farm near Redbourn on Saturday 10th April 1926.

General Order 81 of 13th June 1926 all instructed Amos to perform Mounted Duties at the opening of the Hertfordshire Assizes being held at the Shire Hall Hertford commencing at 11 a.m. on Monday 21st June 1926 respectively.

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 2oth July and report at 12 noon. The horses will be returned to Stanstead Abbotts immediately after the ceremony”.

General Order 116 of 25th August 1926 informed Amos that he would receive an increased rate of pay from £5/10/0 to £5/12/6 per week from 18th July 1926.

General Order 149 of 3rd November 1926 and General Order 20 of 1st February 1927 instructed Amos to perform Mounted duties with regard to the opening of the Hertfordshire Assizes being held at the Shire Hall Hertford commencing at 11 a.m. on Friday 19th November 1926 and at 11 a.m. on Monday 14th February 1927 respectively.

On the 7th August 1928 Amos was transferred from B Division at Welwyn to E Division at Stevenage. The 1929 Electoral Roll lists Amos and Helen as living at 14, Walkern Road, Stevenage and the 1930 Electoral Roll at 18, Walkern Road, Stevenage.

Retirement And Life After The Police.

Amos retired as a Sergeant being unfit for further duties on the 26th July 1933 on a Medical Pension of £111/9/1 per annum.

In the 1939 Register Amos and Helen are living at Batchwood Hall Golf House, St. Albans employed as Steward and Stewardess.

Published in the Herts and Essex Observer on Friday 13 April 1962

Death of former Police Sergeant.

The death occurred at Hertford County Hospital recently of Mr. Amos William Reid, of “The Adam and Eve,” Hay Street, Braughing. Mr Reid who was 69, had been ill for some time. Born at Little Heath, near Potters Bar, he joined the Herts Constabulary in 1912. In 1915 he joined the Herts Yeomanry,  serving in France and the Middle East. In 1919 he re-joined the Herts Police and was promoted Sergeant. He served at Great Berkhampstead, Watford, Welwyn and Stevenage. He retired in 1933 through ill health and went to live at St. Albans. Mr. Reid came to live at Hay Street 15 years ago when he took over the licence of The Adam and Eve public house. The funeral took place at the Parish Church of St. Mary the Virgin at Braughing last Tuesday. The immediate mourners were: Mrs. H. R. Reid (wife). Col. Neville John Reid, Mr. Joseph C. Reid (brothers); Mrs. M. E. Yardeley, Mrs. A. Bray (sisters-in-law). Mr. and Mrs. E F. Rosher (brother-in-law and sister-in-law), Mr. and Mrs. A. Paxton. Mr. Bert Smith. friends. Mr. and Mrs. W. E. Blackett-Ord representing the British Legion.

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