Wright, Harry, 20, Police Constable, Sergeant, Inspector, Superintendent.

Paul Watts with thanks to Susan Hall

Harry Wright

Early Life.

Harry Wright was born on the 21st February 1882 at Inworth near Tiptree, Essex. According to his obituary he was familiarly known as Dick although the reason for that is not known.

His father, Walter Wright married his mother, Emily Rogers, and according to the 1911 census they had nine children four of whom died before the census. However, only seven birth records have been identified:

1.    Harry.                                                                                                                                                                                            2.    Albert born in 1884 at Messing.                                                                                                                                                  3.    Emily born in 1894 at Witham.                                                                                                                                                    4.    Lily born in 1897 at Witham.                                                                                                                                                    5.    Percy born in 1900 at Witham.                                                                                                                                                6.    Un-named boy born in 1902 at Braintree.                                                                                                                            7.    Edith May born in 1903 at Witham.

During the 1891 census the family were living at Tiptree Heath, Essex and Walter was employed as an agricultural labourer.

By the time of the 1901 census the family had moved and were now living at Victoria Cottage, Witham, Braintree and Walter is now working as a horseman on a farm. Harry had left home and had joined the Army and was in South Africa. In the 1911 census the family were still living at the same address and Walter was still working as a horseman.

Early Army Service.

His early Army Service Record has survived and shows the following: Private 26893 Harry Wright signed up for short service of 7 years in the Colours and 5 years in the Reserve with the Royal Artillery. He was Attested at Maldon on 14th March 1898.

He said he was born at Tiptree, Kelvedon, Essex, his age was 18 years 2 months [in fact he was only 16 years old Ed.], his occupation was a baker, he was not an apprentice, was not married and had never been sentenced to imprisonment. He said he was a member of the 2nd Volunteer Battalion, Essex Regiment.

On the 15th March 1898 he was medically examined at Warley and passed as fit. The following was recorded: Apparent age: 18 years 2 months. Height 5 feet 6 ½ inches. Weight: 130 lbs. Chest: 32 ½ inches minimum 35 inches maximum. Complexion: Fresh. Eyes: Blue. Hair: Brown. Distinctive marks: Old injury to first joint of second finger right hand. A later entry recorded his height on 1st October 1898 as 5 feet 8 ½ inches. He said his religion was Church of England and his next of kin were his father, Walter, and mother, Emily Wright, of Great Totham.

On the 16th March 1898 Harry was posted as a Driver to P Battery, Royal Horse Artillery and then on the 14th September 1898 he mustered as a Gunner.

Boer War.

On the 28th October 1899 he arrived in South Africa as part of the campaign against the Boers. On the 14th March 1900 he was granted Good Conduct Pay at 1d per day and on the 12th November 1900, he was posted as Gunner in the 39th Battery, Royal Field Artillery.

On the 13th March 1901 he was posted as Gunner in P Battery, Royal Horse Artillery

Then on the 21st May 1901 he was appointed as Acting Bombardier. On the 15th August 1901 he reverted to Gunner. On the 6th November 1902 his time in South Africa came to an end. He was awarded the following medals for his service there: King’s South Africa Medal with Clasps 1901 and 1902 and the South Africa Medal with Clasps for Paardeberg, Driefontain, Johannesburg, Diamond Hill, Wittebergen and the Relief of Kimberley.

India.

On the 7th November 1902 he arrived in India. On the 31st August 1903 he received a 3rd Class Certificate of Education. On the 6th January 1904 he was appointed Acting Bombardier and then on the 2nd March 1904 he received a 2nd Class Certificate of Education.

On the 14th March 1904 he was granted Good Conduct Pay at 2d per day. On the 31st March 1904 he extended his service to complete 8 years with the Colours.

Then on the 4th May 1904 he passed classes of Instruction in Swimming at Mhow.

His time abroad ended when he  returned home on the 20th February 1906. On the 14th September 1906 he was transferred to the Army Reserve as an Acting Bombardier and then finally on the 13th March 1910 he was Discharged from the Army at the end of his 1st Period of Service. Long before that though he applied to join the Police.

Police Service.

Harry’s Form 3 Police Service Record has survived and shows the following: He stated he was born in Tiptree, Essex on the 21st February 1882. His height was 6 feet ½ inch, his chest 38 inches, his complexion fresh, his eyes blue, his hair dark brown and he had a tattoo on his left forearm of a figure of a soldier. He said that he could ride a bicycle and that he could swim. Prior to joining the Army, he had been employed as a Baker for the Ship Hotel, Tilbury.

Harry had a medical with the Force Surgeon on the 25th June 1906 to determine whether he was fit enough for Police duties. He clearly was as he was posted to C Division at Watford and started his Probationary Training the same day. At this time all training was carried out on Divisions rather than at Headquarters.

He was Attested on the 31st July 1906 before J.F. Watkins J.P. and A.H. Holland Hibbert J.P. at Watford and Appointed as PC 20 on the 2nd August 1906, remaining at Watford. This was reiterated in General Order 22 of 25th August 1906 which announced that PC Wright 20 had been placed on 23/11 per week from 2nd August 1906.

General Order 4 of 9th February 1907 and General Order 26 of 19th August 1908 informed Harry that he would receive an increased rate of pay from 23/11 to 25/8 per week from 17th January 1907 and from 25/8 to 26/10 per week from 30th July 1908 respectively.

Marriage.

Harry married Emily Elizabeth Slough on the 24th October 1908 at Watford. She was born in 1887 and baptised on the 7th August 1877 at Sandridge. They had four children:

1.    Harry Eugene born in 1910 at Watford.                                                                                                                                2.    Stanley George born in 1912 at Hoddesdon was Corporal 512625, Royal Air Force Motor Transport who died during an enemy attack at North Weald Airfield on 3rd September 1940 and is buried at Bishop’s Stortford Old Cemetery.                                                                                                                                                                                            3.    Margery Edith born in 1913 at Hoddesdon.                                                                                                                            4.    Kathleen La Bassee born in 1915 at Hatfield [There is a Private 5005 Percy Wright of the Norfolk Regiment Killed in Action on 25 October 1914 at La Bassee, France who may have been a relative of Harry’s hence the name Ed.].

Annual Inspection.

General Order 5 of 7th February 1910 announced that the General Annual Inspection for 1910 would be undertaken by His Majesty’s Inspector of Constabulary, Captain H.T. Terry. The itinerary was:

Thursday 17th February 1910 St Albans City Police at 3 p.m.                                                                                                      Friday 18th February 1910 A or Ware Division at Ware Police Station at 11 a.m. F or Hertford Division at Hertford Police Station at 12 noon.                                                                                                                                                                Saturday 19th February 1910 R or Headquarters Division at Headquarters at 11 a.m.

All men enrolled since last Inspection will parade at Headquarters at 10.30 a.m. except those serving in the A & F Divisions and will produce their journals.

Superintendents will arrange for Police to remain at outstations where necessary for duty and inform this office of the manner of the officers so detailed. Dress: 1909 Tartan jackets and helmets, fine trousers, white gloves and usual appointments. Memo: As to carriages if required will be sent in due course.

Every officer in the Force is to be asked if he has any complaint or representation to make to his Majesty’s Inspector, in which case he or they with the Superintendent of Division and Sergeant of Section will parade as above at Headquarters.

The undermentioned officers will parade mounted:                                                                                                                    At Ware 11 a.m. 17th February 1910                                                                                                                                              Sergeant Moles   A                                                                                                                                                                              PC Pusey               A                                                                                                                                                                              PC Briden              B

At Headquarters at 11 a.m. 19th February 1910                                                                                                                          Supt Reed                          Headquarters                                                                                                                                            PC Lambert            R         Headquarters                                                                                                                                        PC Seward              R         Headquarters                                                                                                                                        PC Inwood              G         Headquarters                                                                                                                                        PC Hodgskin           F          Headquarters                                                                                                                                        PC Huggins             C          Headquarters                                                                                                                                          PC Wright                C          W and M horse                                                                                                                                    PC Adams                D

Dress – Full”

[The W and M horse was the Weights and Measures horse. At this time the Police had the responsibility for checking the weights and measures of local traders and there were two horses dedicated for the use of the responsible officers. Ed.]

On the 13th March 1910 Harry 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.

Olympia International Horse Show 1910.

General Order 14 of the 11th April 1910 announced details of the duties for two mounted officers at the International Horse Show on June 6th to 16th 1910.

PC Pusey 183 A Division and PC Wright 20 C Division are selected as the two Constables to represent the Mounted Branch of this Force at the International Horse Show.

PC Pusey 183 A will ride Brownie the brown mare now at Bishops Stortford.                                                                          PC Wright 20 C will ride Polly the brown mare now in the C Division.

Brownie is ordered into Headquarters Polly will remain at Watford until a few days before the show when she will be brought into Headquarters.

Two saddles and bridles will be selected. Superintendents will kindly inspect their saddles and bridles and send in the best for selection. As new long Mounted Police Staves and Buckets are about to be issued all wallets containing a long pipe for the ordinary truncheon are to be sent into Headquarters at once to be altered.

Superintendents will please report how many shoe cases they have with their saddlery.

Superintendents concerned to inspect the Mounted Uniform of PC Pusey and PC Wright unless their tunics, breeches and boots are in first rate order, a new kit must be supplied, this is urgent. Helmets also to be reported on. All white sword belts to be sent into Headquarters for inspection at once, two new belts to be ordered if necessary.

Transfer.

General Order 22 of the 14th June 1910 instructed Harry that he was to be transferred from C Division at Watford to A Division at Hoddesdon as Mounted Patrol. The transfer was carried out on the 20th June.

The Assizes.

General Order 38 of 27th October 1910 were Orders for the Policing of the Quarter Sessions at the Autumn Assizes at Hertford. The orders were virtually identical every time except for whom Harry and five colleagues had to escort. On this occasion it was the Right Honourable Sir William Grantham Knight Justice of the High Court who was sitting from the 7th November 1910.

General Order 3 of 7th January 1911 were further Orders for the Policing of the Assizes at Hertford. The orders this time were for Harry and five colleagues to escort the Right Honourable Sir Thomas Townsend Buckmill, Knight, Justice of the High Court of Justice and one of the Justices of our Lord the King who was sitting from the 10th February 1911.

General Order 11 of 10th March 1911 were orders regarding the Policing of the Puckeridge Hunt Races on the 31st March 1911 at Cole Green Farm between Brent Pelham and Meesden. With three other officers Harry was on Mounted duty riding the Hoddesdon horse.

During the 1911 census Harry, his wife Emily and son Harry, were recorded as living at 10, Duke Street, Hoddesdon.

General Order 11 of 13th April 1911 were orders for the Harpenden Race Meeting fixed for Thursday 4th May 1911. Harry was one of seven mounted officers on duty that day.

The Coronation.

General Order 19 of 14th June 1911 instructed: The undermentioned Officers will be mounted on 22nd June 1911 [The coronation of George V and Mary of Teck as King and Queen of the United Kingdom and the British Empire took place at Westminster Abbey, London, on 22 June 1911. Ed.]

Name                              Horse                                    Place of Duty                                                                                                  Sergt Moles 137 A        Ware Horse                          Within Division                                                                                            PC Wright 20 A              Hired Horse                          Hitchin                                                                                                            PC Bethell 233 A           Hired Horse                           Hertford                                                                                                        PC Briden 199 B            Bishops Stortford Horse     Within Division                                                                                            PC Pusey 183 C             W & M Horse                         Within Division                                                                                          PC Hair 167 C                Hired Horse                            Within Division                                                                                          PC Huggins 148 C          C Division Horse (if                                                                                                                                                                                available if not hired)           Within Division                                                                                        PC Grainge 151 C           Hired Horse                            Within Division                                                                                        PC Sweetland 111 C       Hired Horse                            Within Division                                                                                        PC Stroud 255 C              Hired Horse                            Within Division                                                                                      PC Carpenter 27 G          St Albans Horse                     St Albans City 6 p.m.                                                                              PC Stevens 61 D              Hired Horse                            Within Division                                                                                        PC Adams 37 D                 D or Hired                              Within Division                                                                                      PC Maxsom 1 E                 Hired Horse                           Within Division                                                                                        PC Winterbourne 50 E      Hired Horse                          Within Division                                                                                      PC Inwood 234 G               Hired Horse                          Hitchin                                                                                                    PC Allen 62 F                       Hired Horse                          Hitchin                                                                                                      PC Hodgskins 139 D          Hired Horse                          Within Division                                                                                      PC Lambert 212 R              Hired Horse                          St Albans City 6 p.m.                                                                              PC Burns 249 G                   Hired Horse                          Within Division

Superintendents are at liberty to detail the Mounted men ordered within their own Divisions to do ordinary other than Mounted Duty if they think fit. The Chief Constable is however, of opinion that on a day like Coronation Day, and with the crowd, one Mounted Constable is worth three on foot, and the Mounted Constable moreover will be in a position to go speedily to any part of the Division or County where any sort of disturbance may occur. As far as possible Territorial or Yeomanry Horses will be hired.

General Order 28 of the 17th August 1911 informed Harry that he would receive an increased rate of pay from 26/10 to 28/- per week from 27th July 1911.

Assizes.

General Order 40 of the 11th November 1911 were Orders for the Policing of the Assizes at Hertford. The orders on this occasion instructed Harry and five colleagues to escort the Honourable Sir John Compton Lawrence, Knight, Justice of the High Court of Justice and one of the Justices of our Lord the King who was sitting from 20th November 1911.

General Order 7 of the 2nd February 1912 were Orders for the Policing of the Assizes at Hertford. The orders on this occasion instructed Harry and five colleagues to escort the Honourable Sir Alfred Tristram Lawrence, Knight, Justice of the High Court of Justice and one of the Justices of our Lord the King, who was sitting from 12th February 1912.

General Order 17 of the 7th March 1912 were orders regarding the Policing of the Puckeridge Hunt Races on the 27th March 1912 at Cole Green Farm between Brent Pelham and Meesden. With three other officers Harry was on Mounted duty riding the Hoddesdon horse.

Herts Hunt Steeplechases.

General Order 26 of the 7th April 1912 were orders regarding the Policing of the Herts Hunt Steeplechases on the 11th April 1912 at Great Wymondley. With six other officers Harry was on Mounted duty riding the Hoddesdon horse.

Harpenden Race Meeting.

General Order 7 of  the 4th May 1912 were orders regarding the Policing of the Harpenden Race Meeting on Thursday 9th May 1912. With six other officers Harry was on Mounted duty riding the Hoddesdon horse.

Assizes.

General Order 38 of the 12th June 1912 were Orders for the Policing of the Assizes at Hertford. The orders on this occasion instructed Harry and five colleagues to escort the Right Honourable Lord Alverstone, Lord Chief Justice of England, Justice of the High Court of Justice and one of the Justices of our Lord the King, who was sitting from 19th June 1912.

Promotion Exam.

General Order 98 of 1914 announced that Harry had been successful in passing the exam for promotion from Constable to Sergeant on the 16th May 1914.

Tragedy.

On the 28th May 1913 Harry’s son, Harry Eugene Wright aged 3 years died of Pneumococcal Meningitis at the Prince of Wales General Hospital, Tottenham. At the time of his death the family were living at !0 Duke Street, Hoddesdon. His wife was caring for their second son who was aged one whilst being pregnant with their third child Margery.

Promotion To Sergeant.

On the 27th July 1914 Harry was transferred from A Division at Hoddesdon to R Division at Headquarters then on the 19th September 1914 he was promoted to the rank of Acting Sergeant on £1 12s 8d per week.

Armed Guard At Libury Hall.

General Order 9 of the 11th January 1915 ordered Harry to be temporarily transferred from R Division at Headquarters to E Division at Libury Hall on 18th January 1915 for duties in relation to the Armed Guard. He was granted subsistence allowance for this duty under the scale set forth in Order No. 8/1914 “Temporary Duty Another Station.”

[Under a Conveyance and Declaration dated 25 February 1902, Libury Hall was set up to provide under Christian influence, temporary work, shelter, board and lodging for German speaking unemployed and destitute men. During the First World War, it became a privileged internment camp, on condition that it took in and cared for some of the frail, elderly men who could not stand the conditions in the large internment camp of the Isle of Man. The spacious building, which had been used for basket making, was converted into a hospital and the Three ‘Home’ cottages were fitted up for the Police Guard, consisting of twelve Police Constables and a Sergeant. Ed.]

General Order 15 of the 21st January 1915  ordered Harry to be transferred from E Division at Libury Hall back to R Division at Headquarters on 4th February 1915.

Enlistment.

General Order 96 of the 5th June 1915 announced: Police Constable (Naval and Military service) Act, 1914. Police (Emergency Provisions) Act 1915.

The undermentioned Police Sergeant and Constables being desirous of enlisting in H.M. Army for the period of the war, the Deputy Chief Constable hereby gives the necessary consent for enlistment, as required by the above Acts:

1.    PS 20 Wright H. B Division                                                                                                                                                      2.    PC 316 Brown A.S. D Division                                                                                                                                                  3.    PC 19 Carder H.W. D Division                                                                                                                                                      4.    PC 314 Corne A.W. D Division                                                                                                                                                    5.    PC 142 Hawthorne E.F. G Division

The Sergeant and Constables will be permitted to join the Army at once and will be paid up to and including the date prior to that on which they commence to draw Army Pay. The Superintendents concerned will report to Headquarters the date on which the Sergeant and Constables are enlisted in the Army, and the Sergeant and Constables will be struck off the strength of the establishment of the Force, as from that date.

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. Harry is shown as PS 20 Wright H. R Division who enlisted in the Hertfordshire Yeomanry on 10th June 1915.

Army Service During The War.

His Army Service Record from WW1 has not survived but from the photograph (see below) and his Medal Roll Index Card and Medal Roll we know the following:

Having enlisted in the Hertfordshire Yeomanry the photograph shows he was promoted to Sergeant due in all probability to his previous Military Service.

Harry 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.

He transferred and was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Royal Garrison Artillery landing with them in France on 18th November 1917. His Police Service Record shows that he served on the Western Front between the 16th November 1917 and the 11th January 1919. He was discharged from the Army on the  4th February 1919. For further details about his Military  Service see the biography written when he retired from the Police at the end of this story.

He was later awarded the British War and Victory medals. A note on his Medal Roll Index Card says: Officer in Charge Cavalry Regiment forwards application for medals 3rd October 1921. It also gave his address as King Street Police Station, Watford.

A note on his Police Service Record states: Period of Army Service from 10th June 1915 to 4th February 1919 to count as Police Service for pension purposes Vide Standing Joint Committee Resolution 35, Dated 9th October 1919.

Divorce.

From the High Court of Justice Court Minutes of the 29th July 1918 it is recorded that Harry Wright filed a Petition for Divorce from his wife Emily Elizabeth Wright with a named co-respondent of Harold Stephens Cawley [There is no trace of anyone with this exact name in the UK or Ireland but there is an exact match with an Australian soldier who, from his Army Service Record, suffered a gunshot wound in France for which he received treatment at the County of Middlesex War Hospital Napsbury in June 1917, but quite how he would have met Ellen Wright is not known. Ed.]. The cause was set down on the 14th September 1918, a Decree Nisi was granted on the 16th December 1918 and a Final Decree on the 23rd June 1919.

Re-joining The Police.

Like every other soldier Harry was given 28 days leave when he was demobilised, and he used this time to arrange his re-joining of the Police. This would have involved a Medical Examination to ensure he was still fit enough for the duties of a Constable. He was re-examined on the 13th January 1919 and found to be fit and subsequently General Order 15 of 14th January 1919 announced that nine Police Soldiers, having been released from H.M. Army, would be re-appointed to the Force. Harry was shown as substantive Sergeant 20 Wright H. posted to R Division at Headquarters on £3/0/0 per week from the 12th January 1919.

For an unknown reason there was a delay in Harry being re-appointed and a change to where he was posted, as can be seen in General Order 34 of 11th February 1919: The undermentioned having been released from H.M. Army is re-appointed to the Force, with effect from the date shown:

PS 20 Wright H. E Division Hitchin 5th February 1919 at £3/0/0.

The officer must be formally re-attested. Superintendent concerned will report to this office when this has been done, showing viz: Date and place of attestation and before whom taken.

He was re-attested on the 6th February 1919.

Promotion To Inspector And Another Move.

Harry was promoted to the rank of Acting Inspector on the 1st April 1919 and General Order 77 of the 24th March 1919 announced that he was being transferred again from E Division at Hitchin to C Division at Watford also on the 1st April 1919. The Electoral Rolls of 1920 and 1921 list Harry and Florence Wright as living at the Police Station Kings Street, Watford.

Hertfordshire Detachment To Luton Re Riots.

Harry lead a detachment sent to Luton to help quell rioting between the 20th July and the 5th August 1919.

General Order 177 of the 9th August 1919 announced that the following extract from a letter received from the Head Constable of the Luton Borough Police under date 4th August 1919 was published for information.

“I desire to express to you my high appreciation of the members of your Force on detached duty here for the riot. They proved to be excellent fellows in every way, gave a splendid account of themselves when need arose and conducted themselves in a manner which was credit to any Police Force.”

The Chief Constable is very gratified to have such a good account of the services of the detachment and congratulates Inspector Wright and the Sergeants and Constables. An entry of service on Riot Duty will be made in each man’s record sheet.

Harry Wight 1919 Luton Riot Duty

To see the whole photograph go to the Mutual Aid category and the article Hertford County Constabulary Assist With Quelling Rioters.

Marriage.

On the 29th November 1919 Police Sergeant Harry Wright, a bachelor aged 37 years living at Watford Police Station, married Florence Mary Wright, a spinster aged 31 years of 16 Heath Road, Oxhey at the Parish Church, Oxhey. His father was recorded as Walter Wright a Farmer, her father as Harry Hawkins a deceased worker. No record has been found of them having any children of their own, but Harry’s three surviving children were living with them.

Florence was born on the 29th September 1888 and baptised on the 26th October 1888 at Oxhey.

Promotion Exam.

General Order 32 of the 19th February 1920 announced a list of eleven successful candidates in the examination, held on the 24th January 1920, for Promotion from Police Sergeant to Inspector. Harry was included on the list.

General Order 68 of the 22nd April 1920 announced that, Acting Inspector Harry Wright C Division, would be confirmed in the substantive rank of Inspector. He was granted an increase of pay from £310 to £320 per annum, with effect from 1st April 1920.

General Order 52 of the 7th April 1921 informed Harry that he would receive an increased rate of pay from £320/0/0 to £330/0/0 per annum from the 1st April 1921.

The 1921 census shows Police Inspector Harry Wright, his wife Florence and his three surviving children living at the Police Station at Kings Street, Watford. His sister Edith was visiting them.

General Order 139 of the 17th August 1921 announced that Harry would be temporarily posted:

During the absence on leave of Superintendent J.W. Moles C Division from 19th August to 8th September 1921 inclusive Inspector H. Wright C Division will take charge of and act as Superintendent of the C or Watford Division. Inspector Wright will personally go through Books, Documents, etc. with Superintendent Moles on 18th August 1921.

General Order 46 of the 8th April 1922 informed Harry that he would receive an increased rate of pay from £330/0/0 to £340/0/0 per annum from the 1st April 1922.

Transferred To St. Albans.

General Order 51 of the 16th April 1922 instructed Harry that he would be transferred from C Division at Watford to D Division at St. Albans from the 27th April 1922.

General Order 99 of the 6th August 1922 announced that Harry would be temporarily posted during the absence on leave of Superintendent W.F. Hagger D Division, from 11th August to 4th September 1922 and take charge and act as Superintendent of the D or Hemel Hempstead Division.

Promoted To Superintendent And Another Move.

General Order 127 of the 28th September 1922 announced that Harry would be temporarily posted, consequent upon the retirement of Superintendent W.F. Hagger D Division and take charge as Acting Superintendent of the D or Hemel Hempstead Division as from 1st October 1922.

General Order 57 of the 30th March 1923 announced that the Hertfordshire Hunt Point-to-Point Steeplechases would be held at Highfield Hall near St. Albans on Thursday 5th April 1923. The detachment of the Hertford County Constabulary would be under the command of Superintendent H. Wright.

On the 1st November 1923 Harry was promoted to be a Substantive Superintendent. The Electoral Rolls of 1923 and 1924 list Harry and Florence Wright as living at the Police Station, Bury Road, Hemel Hempstead.

General Order 67 of  the 9th March 1923 announced that during the absence through sickness of Superintendent Harry Wright, Inspector E.R. Rolph will take charge of D Division Hemel Hempstead.

General Order 83 of the 26th April 1923 and General Order 163 of the 13th September 1923 announced that during the absence on leave of Superintendent H. Wright from 1st to 14th May 1923 and from 16th to 29th September 1923 Inspector E.G. Rolph will take charge of D or Hemel Hempstead Division.

General Order 184 of the 7th November 1923 informed Harry that he would receive an increased rate of pay from £400 to £415 per annum from the 1st November 1923

The Last Move.

General Order 32 of the 19th February 1924 instructed Harry that he would be transferred from D Division at Hemel Hempstead to A Division at Bishops Stortford from the 3rd March 1924. The Electoral Rolls of 1924 to 1930 record Harry and Florence Wright as living at the Police Station, Church Street, Bishops Stortford.

General Order 58 of the 5th April 1924 announced that the Puckeridge Hunt Races would be held near Cole Green Farm, Brent Pelham on Wednesday 9th April 1924. The detachment of the Hertford County Constabulary would be under the command of Superintendent H. Wright A Division.

General Order 78 of the 29th April 1924 announced that during the absence on leave of Superintendent H. Wright from the 1st to 14th May 1924, Inspector C.H. Farrow would take charge and act as Superintendent of the A or Bishops Stortford Division.

General Order 109 of the 13th July 1924 announced that the Buntingford Agricultural Show would be held at Corney Bury Park, Buntingford on Thursday 17th July 1924. The detachment of the Hertford County Constabulary will be under the command of Superintendent H. Wright A Division.

General Order 128 of the 13th August 1924 announced that during the absence on leave of Superintendent H. Wright from 14th to 27th August 1924, Inspector C.H. Farrow would take charge and act as Superintendent of the A or Bishops Stortford Division.

General Order 185 of the 7th November 1924 informed Harry that he would receive an increased rate of pay from £415 to £430 per annum from the 1st November 1924.

A Compliment.

General Order 26 of the 23rd February 1925 reported that at Ware Petty Sessions on Tuesday 10th February 1925 the Chairman, Mr A.H. Rogers, complimented Superintendent H. Wright and the other officers in the case on the promptitude and co-operation shown by the Police in the arrest of John Henry Gill CRO 3511/19 and William Robert Morris CRO 13911/17 for stealing a motor car and petrol. The reports in the case show the Police to have acted promptly and intelligently and the Chief Constable has pleasure in endorsing the compliment.

General Order 46 of the 23rd March 1925 announced that the Puckeridge Hunt Races will be held near Cole Green Farm, Brent Pelham on Wednesday 1st April 1925. The detachment of the Hertford County Constabulary will be under the command of Superintendent H. Wright A Division.

General Order 70 of the 30th April 1925 announced that during the absence on leave of Superintendent H. Wright from 4th to 17th May 1925, Inspector H.T. Herbert will take charge of the A or Bishops Stortford Division.

General Order 103 of the 17th July 1925 announced that the Buntingford Agricultural Show will be held at Corney Bury Park, Buntingford on Thursday 23rd July 1924. The detachment of the Hertford County Constabulary will be under the command of Superintendent H. Wright A Division.

General Order 134 of the 18th September 1925 announced that during the absence on leave of Superintendent H. Wright from 21st September to 4th October 1925, Inspector H.T. Herbert will take charge of the A or Bishops Stortford Division.

General Order 156 of the 7th November 1925 informed Harry that he would receive an increased rate of pay from £430 to £445 per annum from the 1st November 1925.

Death In Service.

General Order 19 of the 28th January 1926 stated that the Chief Constable regretted to announce the death of Police Constable 174 Lewis Saunders A Division which took place at the Hertford County hospital on Sunday 24th January 1926.

Arrangements were detailed as follows: The funeral of the deceased Constable will take place at the Parish Church, Little Hadham on Saturday 30th January 1926 at 2.30 p.m.

In Command Superintendent H. Wright with an Inspector, a Sergeant and 12 Constables.

Bearer Party: Six Constables will be detailed to act as a Bearer Party and will march on each side of the hearse to the Church.

Order of Funeral Procession: The order of the Funeral Procession will be:

1.    Hearse and Bearer Party   2.    Mourners   3.    Funeral Party of Police

Funeral Party: Commanded by a Police Sergeant will march two deep with two paces between each man. Dress: Great coats, helmets and black woollen gloves.

Selection of men:  Preference will be given to volunteers and to men who have actually served with the late Constable Saunders.

Rendezvous: Little Hadham Police Cottage 1.45 p.m.

Facilities for attendance of any member of the Force who wishes to attend voluntarily are to be afforded as far as possible.

General Order 46 of the 29th March 1926 announced that the Puckeridge Hunt Races will be held near Cole Green Farm, Brent Pelham on Wednesday 7th April 1926. The detachment of the Hertford County Constabulary will be under the command of Superintendent H. Wright A Division.

General Order 58 of the 29th April 1926 and General Order 107 of the 12th August 1926 announced that during the absence on leave of Superintendent H. Wright A Division from 1st to 14th May 1926 and from the 15th to 31st August 1926 Inspector H.T. Herbert will take charge of the A or Bishops Stortford Division.

General Order 154 of the 7th November 1926 informed Harry that he would receive an increase of pay from £445 to £460 per annum from the 1st November 1926.

General Order 21 of the 1st February 1927 announced that during the absence of Superintendent H. Wright through sickness, Inspector Herbert will take charge and act as Superintendent of the A or Bishops Stortford Division.

Retirement And Life After The Police.

Harry Wright retired on a pension of £333/6/8 per annum on completion of his service on the 31st March 1933.

Published in the Herts and Essex Observer on Saturday 1st April 1933 under the headline: RETIREMENT OF SUPERINTENDENT H. WRIGHT. Superintendent Harry Wright, who retires to-day (Friday), after over 26 years’ service in the Hertfordshire Police, has had an interesting career, and possesses a record of which any man may well be proud. He was born in Tiptree, Essex, in 1882, his father being the late Mr. Walter Wright, of that village. He attended the little village school until he reached the age of nine years and six months, when he started out into life as “a farmer’s boy,” being employed on the farm of the Hon. C. H. Strutt, of Wickham Hall. At the age of 14 he left the farm and became a baker’s roundsman.

In March, 1898, then being just over 16, he enlisted in the Army, passing for 18, and was posted to “F” Battery, R.H.A. [Royal Horse Artillery, Ed.], then commanded by the late Sir Godfrey Thomas. His first station was at Ipswich, and in 1899 he was sent to Aldershot. At the outbreak of the Boer War in that year his unit was amongst the first troops which went to South Africa, and he landed there in November, 1899.

Mr. Wright remained in South Africa for the whole period of the War, serving most of the time with the Cavalry Brigade. He was with the late Lord French when the dash was made from the Modder River to the relief of Kimberley and was in most of the fighting throughout the campaign. He is the proud possessor of the Queen’s Medal, with no less than six fighting bars – The Relief of Kimberley, Paardeberg, Driefontein, Johannesburg, Diamond Hill and Wittebergen.

At the end of 1902 Mr. Wright was sent with his unit straight from South Africa to India, arriving at Mhow, Central India, just in time for Christmas. He remained at Mhow till January, 1906, holding the rank of bombardier and acting as Battery Signalling Instructor.

In January, 1906, after well over six years’ continuous foreign service, he came home, arriving at his parents’ house on his 24th birthday, finishing his Army career after eight years’ service.

While in India he made good use of his time by striving to repair the defects in his early education, and so well did he succeed in doing so that he was able to pass the entrance examination for the Hertfordshire Police, which he joined in June, 1906, and was stationed at Watford as a Constable, remaining there four years. He then became a member of the mounted branch of the Force and had the honour of being selected to represent Hertfordshire at Olympia in an event in which all the mounted police forces of England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales took part. He was then transferred to the Ware Division and sent to Hoddesdon, the only place at which a mounted man was stationed. He remained at Hoddesdon until July, 1914, when he was transferred to the headquarters at Hatfield and appointed assistant instructor to the Police recruits and Constables.

In 1915 P.C. Wright was promoted to Sergeant and in May of that year, when they ceased to take on recruits for the Police, was transferred to Bishop’s Stortford as an extra Sergeant under Supt. Foster, and was made drill instructor to the Division, drills being carried out on the Convent grounds.

Receiving permission to “join up,” Sergeant Wright joined the Hertfordshire Yeomanry as a Trooper in June, 1915, and within twelve days had attained the rank of Squadron Sergt-Major, having passed through the several intervening ranks during that short period, and went to Colchester as Sergt-Major of a squadron to be attached to the 13th Reserve Cavalry Regiment, which took over several Yeomanry units. Later, in 1916, after training at Tidmouth, and on Salisbury Plain, this regiment was absorbed in the 6th Reserve Cavalry Regiment.

Sergt-Major Wright was then recommended by his commanding officer for a commission, which he took in the Royal Garrison Artillery, and went to France as a Lieutenant, being posted to the 71st Heavy Battery. Lieut. Wright took part in the fighting in the Somme district. On November 13th, 1917, when the Germans made a heavy attack during fog, the unfortunate battery to which he belonged was captured, together with all the officers excepting himself. When the great push was launched by the Germans on March 21st, 1918, against the 5th Army, with which he was then serving, the Allies were forced back almost into Amiens, where they remained until the last great advance was made right up into Germany.

He was demobilised in January, 1919, and re-joined the Herts Police with his old rank of Sergeant and was posted to Hitchin. Six weeks later he was promoted to Inspector and sent to Watford, where he remained until May, 1922 when he was transferred to St. Albans and the Hemel Hempstead Division.

During the time he was an Inspector the Luton riots broke out, and the rioters burnt down the Town Hall. He was sent to Luton in charge of 50 Hertfordshire Police and took part in quelling the rioting. He recalls that on the night the rioters began an assault on the Police Station they got the surprise of their lives, as about 200 Police reinforcements were ready to receive them. Inspector Wright and his men remained at Luton a fortnight, by which time all the trouble was over.

In 1921, during the big coal strike, he was sent with a detachment of 25 men to the colliery district in the West Riding of Yorkshire, where he spent nearly three months.

In 1922 Inspector Wright was promoted to Superintendent and placed in charge of the Hemel Hempstead Division, and on March 3rd, 1921, he was transferred to Bishop’s Stortford, in charge of the “A” Division, being made 1st class Superintendent some four years later.

Always keenly interested in sport, as well as in the Police Charities, he has for seven years been Hon. Secretary of the Herts Police Sports, and their success has been largely due to his organising ability and initiative.

He was invited to become a member of the Executive Committee of the Police Athletic Association and was present at the Home at the inception of that body. Up to the time of his retirement, Supt. Wright has represented a very large district, including Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Berkshire, Essex, Norfolk, Suffolk And Huntingdon and the City and Borough Forces within those counties.

At the Police Championship contest at Luton in 1930, which was attended by the Prince of Wales, Supt. Wright, as a member of the Executive, had the honour of being presented to his Highness.

While he has been in charge et the ” A” (Bishop’s Stortford) Division, Supt. Wright has by his tact and unfailing courtesy made very many friends. He has enjoyed the confidence of the several Benches of Magistrates in the Division and the esteem and respect of the officers and men serving under him. His efficiency as a Police Officer has on more than one occasion won him public tribute from the Bench.

Supt. Wright, while never neglecting his official duties, has made a reputation for himself as an entertainer. He founded the Police Minstrel Troupe which ran for several years at Watford. On local concert platforms, and at social gatherings, he has delighted audiences with his humorous recitations, and the popularity of his “Little Pigs” and tongue twisting “I want to go tomorrow” never fails to “get over.”

Very general regret is felt at his retirement owing to ill-health, the wish that his health will improve that he will live long to enjoy his well-earned leisure is echoed by hosts of friends in all parts of Hertfordshire, as well as over a still wider field. Superintendent Wright intends to reside at Bishop’s Stortford and has built a house in Grange Road.

In the 1939 Register recorded as living at 45, Grange Road, Bishops Stortford are Harry, a Police Superintendent retired, and Florence Wright.

Death.

Harry Wright of 45, Grange Road, Bishops Stortford died on the 2nd January 1947 at the Bishops Stortford Hospital.

Obituary.

Published in the Herts and Essex Observer on Saturday 4th January 1947 under the headline: Death of Ex-Supt. Wright of Bishop’s Stortford. Another active worker was lost to the town by the death at Bishop’s Stortford Hospital on Thursday of Mr. Harry Wright of Oxhey, Grange Road.

Mr. Wright, who was 64 years of age had many friends, his genial disposition and willingness to help in many causes ensuring for him popularity in a wide circle.

Since his retirement from the Herts Police Force 14 years ago “Dick” Wright, as he was familiarly known, was indefatigable in work for charitable and other organisations, and for the past few years had perhaps taxed his strength too greatly. One of his chief interests was the British Legion, in the local branch of which he was Vice-Chairman and Chairman of the Entertainments Committee. He organised the Poppy Day collection in 1945 when a record sum was raised. Another interest was the British Red Cross. Mr. Wright also gave valuable help in the sporting events in the town, and during the war was actively connected, with the several charitable activities run during that period. His hobby was his garden, to which he was greatly attached, and which always did him credit.

For over 26 years he served in the Hertfordshire Police, joining at Watford In 1906. For a time, he was in the mounted branch of the Force and promoted Sergeant in 1915, when transferred to Bishop’s Stortford for a few weeks. He enlisted in the Hertfordshire Yeomanry in June, 1915, and within twelve days had attained the rank of Squadron Sergeant Major. Later he took a commission in the Royal Carrison Artillery and on being demobilised in January, 1919 he re-joined the Herts Police. Six weeks later he was promoted Inspector and in 1922 was appointed Superintendent, being transferred to Bishop’s Stortford in 1924, where he remained until his retirement in March, 1933, owing to ill health.

Always keenly interested in sport as well as Police charities, he was joint Hon. Secretary of the Herts Police Sports for seven years and Secretary of the Herts Police Old Comrades’ Association at the time of his death. He founded the Police Minstrel Troupe, which ran for several years at Watford, and has amused many an audience with his humorous recitations and songs.

An Essex man – he was born at Tiptree – he first joined the Army in 1898 when just over 16 serving in the R.H.A. His unit was among the first sent to South Africa in the Boer War and he was the proud possessor of the Queen’s medal with no less than six fighting bars. After that he was stationed in India and on leaving the Army joined the Herts Police.

Mr. Wright leaves a widow (his second wife) and two married daughters. His son was killed in an air attack at North Weald Aerodrome in the recent war.

His funeral takes place with service at St. Michaels Church, Bishop’s Stortford on Monday at 3 p.m.

This page was added on 28/02/2020.

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