Early Life.
William Robert Stevens was born in 1869 at Great Berkhamstead. His father was Luke Stevens born in 1842 at Stewkley, Buckinghamshire. His mother was Elizabeth Haynes born in 1842 at Banbury, Oxfordshire. They married on the 30th May 1868 at Berkhamstead. They had seven children:
1. William Robert Stevens. 2. Emma Jane Stevens born in 1870 at Berkhamstead. 3. Jane Stevens born in 1872 at Berkhamstead. 4. John Belgrove Stevens born in 1873 at Berkhamstead. 5. James Stevens born in 1874 at Berkhamstead. 6. Luke Sidney Stevens born in 1876 at Berkhamstead. 7. Frank Stevens born in 1878 at Berkhamstead.
William’s mother Elizabeth died in the third quarter of 1881 at Berkhamstead. William’s father Luke, a widower, married Ann Bates, a spinster born in 1843 at Stewkley, on the 24th December 1882 at Berkhamstead. They had two children:
1. Rose Hannah Stevens born in 1883 at Berkhamstead. 2. Edwin Charles Stevens born in 1886 at Berkhamstead.
In the 1871 census the family were living at Park Street, Berkhamstead. During the census of 1881 the family were recorded as living at Charles Street, Berkhamstead, William is shown as being a scholar and his father Luke a Coach Wheeler or Wheelwright.
Early Army Service.
William decided to join the Army and from his Army Form B265 Service Record the following is known. He was Attested on the 10th May 1887 at Hertford signing up for short service and became Private 2985 in the 19th (Alexandra, Princess of Wales’s Own) Hussars.
Giving his full name he said he was born in Great Berkhamstead that he was a British subject aged 18 years 1 month and he was a Labourer. He stated that he had not lived away from home, was not an Apprentice, was not married and had never been in prison. He said he was currently serving in the 4th Battalion Bedfordshire Regiment which was a Territorial Regiment (his service record has not survived). He said he had never been discharged from the Military, had answered the questions truthfully and had never been turned down for the Military due to being unfit.
His description on enlistment was as follows. Age physically equivalent to: 18 years 1 month, height: 5 feet 7 ¼ inches, weight: 134 lbs, chest: 34 inches, complexion: fresh, eyes: gey, hair: light brown, religion: Church of England, distinctive marks: two scars left hand. Next of kin: Father Luke, brothers John and James, sisters Jane and Emma all of Kitsbury, Berkhamstead. He was medically examined on the 10th May 1887 and found to be fit for the Army.
From his Statement of Service the following is known.
12th May 1887 joined 19th Hussars at Norwich. 10th May 1889 granted 1st Good Conduct Pay.
During the census of 1891 Private William Robert Stevens age 22 and single was recorded as being with the 19th Hussars at the Cavalry Barracks at Aldershot.
1st September 1891 commenced service in the East Indies. 10th May 1893 granted 2nd Good Conduct Pay. 25th January 1895 Returned to service at Home. 29th January 1895 transferred to the Army Reserve. Re-engaged for Section D Army Reserve on 2nd May 1899 for four years from 10th May 1899.
Police Service.
On leaving the Army William decided to join the Hertford County Constabulary. His decision to join the Police must have been made and the application process started before he left the East Indies, this was not uncommon as can be seen in the life story of PC 312 Daniel Cattermole who was, according to his Army Service Record, medically examined on behalf of Hertfordshire Constabulary whilst he was still serving in India.
William’s Police Service Record has not survived but from other sources we know the following. It is believed he was Appointed on the 28th February 1895 as Constable 60 in D or Hemel Hempstead Division and may immediately have been posted, due to his Army Service, as a Mounted Police Officer. The Electoral Rolls of 1897 and 1899 list a William Robert Stevens as living at 12 Alma Road, Hemel Hempstead and his first two children were born in Hemel Hempstead.
Marriage.
William Robert Stevens a bachelor Police Officer married on the 22nd August 1895 at Helston, Cornwall Alice Goodwin a spinster born in 1866 at Pembridge, Herefordshire. They had four children:
1. Robert Stevens born in 1897 at Hemel Hempstead. 2. John Stevens born in 1898 at Hemel Hempstead. 3. Sidney William born in 1901 at Pembridge, Herefordshire. 4. Ida Stevens born in 1903 at Hoddesdon.
Transfer.
The record has not survived but at some point prior to the 16th May 1900, the date of the following General Order, William was transferred from D Division to B or the Bishops Stortford Division. The 1901 Electoral Roll records him as living at the Police Station in Church Street, Bishops Stortford.
Harpenden Races.
General Order 12 of the 16th May 1900 instructed that the Harpenden Race Meeting was fixed for Saturday 26th May 1900. The Deputy Chief Constable Superintendent Reynolds would Superintend the arrangements and would be in charge of the Police on duty at the races. These included 43 Metropolitan Police Officers and 20 Bedfordshire Officers as well as the following Hertfordshire contingent: Superintendent Frogley, four Inspectors, ten Sergeants, eighty Constables and three plain clothes Officers. It also included the following Mounted Police:
Sergeant Reed 61E on Royston horse. Acting Sergeant Chisman 37A on Hoddesdon horse. PC Stevens 60B on Bishops Stortford horse. PC Allen 62C on Watford horse. PC Hair 167D on Hemel Hempstead horse. PC Briden 199D on Berkhamstead horse. PC Kirby 207F on Hertford horse. PC Hughes 116R on St. Albans horse. PC Swain 148.
There were then specific instructions for each Mounted Officer on how and when they should travel to Harpenden. Acting Sergeant Chisman, PC Stevens and PC Kirby were told to proceed to Headquarters on Friday 25th May and the next day arrive at the stables of the Cock Inn Harpenden by 11 a.m.
Transfer.
Again, the official record has not survived but at some time at the beginning of 1901 William was transferred from B Division to A or Ware Division and was stationed, as will be seen later, at Hoddesdon. As seen below William was in South Africa at the time of the 1901 census but his wife Alice and their two sons were recorded as living at 53 Westmill Road, Ware which would have been a Police cottage for which she was allowed to live in rent free until William returned. However, Alice clearly went home to her parents at Pembridge when her third son was born.
Recalled To The Army – Boer War.
William’s Army Service Record shows that he was recalled to the Army on the 24th February 1901. He commenced service in South Africa on the 5th March 1901 and served for 1 year and 159 days before returning home on the 11th August 1902. He officially remained in the Army until the 22nd January 1903 and then transferred back to the Section D Army Reserve until the 9th May 1903 when he was discharged at the termination of his engagement having completed 16 years’ service.
For his service in South Africa with the 19th (Alexandra, Princess of Wales’s Own) Hussars he was awarded the Queen’s South Africa medal with clasps for 1901 and 1902 and Transvaal.
Re-joining The Police.
The precise date that William re-joined the Police is not known. However, it is possible to make a calculated estimate using information from his Army Service Record and the below General Order.
General Order 22 of the 9th October 1902 announced that under the provisions of the Police Reservists Act 1902, the Police Authority for the County has decided that the Army Service of those Police who were called upon to re-join the Colours as Reservists during the late war shall count as approved service for Pension or Gratuity under the provisions of the Police Act 1890. This order affects the undermentioned Sergeant and Constables.
PC Hyiatt 91 D Division Service with Regiment 2 Yrs 294 days. PC Wood 172 B Division Service with Regiment 1 Yr 24 days. PC Warren 55 E Division Service with Regiment 1 Yr 350 days. PC Hunt 134 D Division Service with Regiment 351 days. PC Pusey 183 F Division Service with Regiment 2 Yrs 183 days. PC Hammond 89 B Division Service with Regiment 2 Yrs 218 days. PC Burgess 107 D Division Service with Regiment 236 days. PC Field 234 A Division Service with Regiment 31 days. PS Wilcox 138 B Division Service with Regiment 340 days. PC Stevens 60 A Division Service with Regiment 1 Yr 185 days.
His Army Service Record states that he was recalled on the 24th February 1901 and 9 days later on the 5th March commenced Military Service in South Africa. He served 1 year and 159 days in South Africa before returning and commencing duties at Home on the 11th August 1902 which totals 1 year and 168 days. From the above General Order, he was allowed to count 1 year and 185 days Army Service meaning that after returning home he remained in the Army for a further 17 days bringing him to the 28th August 1902. So, if as it is believed that his Police Service was continuous with his Army Service, he would have re-joined the Constabulary on the 29th August 1902.
Mounted Police.
Prior to William’s return General Order 9 of the 1st April 1901 announced the following. The undermentioned Officers and men will in future act as required as Mounted Police. The mounted uniforms and accoutrements of any other Sergeant or Constables are to be sent into Headquarters at once.
Superintendent Duke A Division. Sergeant Reed 61 E Division. Sergeant Chisman 37 A Division. PC Stevens 60 A Division (now serving with the Army). PC Allen 62 C Division. PC Briden 199 D Division. PC Moles 137 E Division. PC Bethell 233 F Division. PC Hughes 116 R Division. PC Hair 167 R Division.
There are permanent vacancies for two Constables and a temporary vacancy for one Constable. Superintendents for Divisions are directed to submit the names of suitable men to fill these vacancies. Cavalry Soldiers preferred but not weighing over 12 stone.
Change of Warrant Number.
General Order 17 of the 29th July 1902 announced that Sergeant Reed 61E was to be promoted to Inspector from the 16th August 1902 on £100 per annum and to be posted to A Division. The significance of this is that on promotion to Inspector, as was the practice at that time, he would no longer have a Warrant Number. No record of the change has survived and consequently the reason for it is unknown but, from this point on, PC Stevens ceased to have the Warrant Number of 60 and instead used 61.
Further Reorganisation Of The Mounted Police.
General Order 20 of the 8th October 1902 was an Order by the Chief Constable, Lieutenant Colonel Henry Smith Daniell, which reorganised the Mounted Police in Hertfordshire and stated that the following list would comprise the ordinary Mounted Police Force of the County:
Superintendent Henry Duke. Inspector George Reed. PC 61 William Stevens. PC 179 Alfred Field. PC 148 Joseph Huggins. PC 212 Chisman. PC 199 Joseph Briden. PC 233 William Bethell. PC 167 Percival Hair. PC 116 Arthur Hughes. PC 55 Frederick Warren. PC 137 John Moles.
PC Moles was told to wear Acting Sergeant stripes on his mounted tunic and cloak and to act as Sergeant when mounted. Two Sergeants and ten Constables were selected to form a Mounted Police Reserve. They would be utilised as Mounted Police on horses which would be provided for them when necessary. They would be provided with a complete mounted kit which they had to keep by them, and they had to parade in mounted order once in every month before the Superintendent who had to report their kit as complete and in good repair. Their saddlery would be kept at their Divisional Superintendents Station and the Superintendent’s Groom would be responsible for it being kept clean and in good order when not in use. It would be cleaned and stowed away by the Mounted Reserve man after use.
Superintendents were told to submit the names of Sergeants and Constables fit for this duty giving preference to Cavalry, Horse Artillery and Mounted Infantry men.
Harpenden Races.
General Order 13 of the 11th May 1903 was entitled Harpenden Races and issued instructions for the Policing of the event as follows: The Harpenden Race Meeting is fixed for Saturday 23 May 1903. The Deputy Chief Constable Superintendent J. Reynolds will superintend the arrangements and is in charge of the Police on duty at the Races.
The undermentioned Force of Constabulary is detailed for duty at the Meeting in Uniform viz: Superintendent Frogley to assist Superintendent Reynolds. Inspectors Hyatt and Martin and 13 Sergeants and 104 Constables. Additionally, there were a detachment of 41 Metropolitan Police Officers and one plain clothes officer from the Luton Borough Police (for duty in connection with the detection of pickpockets).
Furthermore, there was a detachment of Mounted Police: Inspector Reed on A Division Horse. PC Stevens 61 on A Division Horse. PC Childs 243 on B Division Horse. PC Huggins 148 on C Division Horse. PC Chisman 212 on D Division Horse. PC Pearman 11 on Headquarters Horse. Acting Sergeant Moles 137 on Headquarters Horse. PC Bethell 233 on F Division Horse. PC Hughes 116 on G Division Horse.
PC Bolden will ride the Ware horse into Headquarters on Friday afternoon and will be detailed for duty in plain clothes at the stables of the Cock Inn to look after the Constabulary horses and stables generally during the day of the Races. Inspector Reed and Acting Sergeant Moles will proceed to Headquarters on the 1st train on the morning of the 23rd inst. PC Pearman will proceed t Headquarters on Friday afternoon in mounted uniform. PC’s Childs, Stevens and Bethell will march into Headquarters on Friday 22nd inst. PC’s Huggins, Chisman and Hughes will proceed direct to Harpenden. Inspector Reed will detail one of the party off for duty on the road between St Albans and Harpenden. Dress: As per General Order 14 of 1886.
Transfer – No Longer A Dedicated Mounted Officer.
General Order 28 of the 22nd June 1903 announced that six Constables were to be transferred as soon as the Superintendents of A and E Divisions could arrange them. They included PC Stevens 61A from Patrol Hoddesdon to E Division for ordinary duty Hitchin. To be Mounted Reserve.
The Electoral Roll for 1904 still shows William Robert Stevens living at North Road, Hoddesdon but between 1905 and 1909 he is recorded as living at Barley which is within E or Hitchin Division.
Drinking On Licensed Premises Outside Of Permitted Hours.
Published in the Herts & Cambs Reporter & Royston Crow on Friday the 2nd September 1904 under the headline: Up In The Morning Early. Henry Parker, a labourer, of Barley, was summonsed by PC Stevens for being on licensed premises al Barley during prohibited boors on 20th Aug.
Defendant pleaded guilty to being there, but not for the purpose of purchasing drink.
PC Stevens stated that on Saturday, 20th Aug., about 4.10 a m., he was on duty in plain clothes in company with PC Wassell near the Woolpack at Barley when he saw Henry Parker come up the road from the direction of Barley Cross. He went straight to the front door of the Woolpack. He knocked at the door, whistled and shouted, “Hullos.” A voice from inside said, “All right.” About a minute after Wm. King came from the direction of Smith End. Parker said, “Hullos King, Where are you living now ?” King replied, “Oh, up the Hoops.” During the conversation the door of the public house opened, and Parker said to King, “Come on.” They both went into the house. Witness then crossed the road and stood for a minute outside and then went in. In the passage were Parker and King, each with a glass of liquor in their hands. The landlord William West was there also. Witness said to Parker, “What have you got there?” Witness took the glass and smelt it and said, “Oh it’s gin.” Parker replied, “Yes.” Witness turned to the other man and found he had gin In his glass also. Witness said to the landlord “What do you mean by this governor?” He replied, “That man is bad I gave him that.” He referred to Parker. Witness took the names and addresses of the two men and told them he should report them for being on licensed premises drinking during prohibited hours. They drank their liquor and went away. Parker said, “You don’t begrudge us that do you?” Parker lives at Pudding Lane, Barley, about 300 yards off. The other man was living at Smith End, but he has since gone away and the summons has not been served upon him.
PC Wassell stated that he did not go in until about half a minute after the first witness went in. He heard the conversation between the previous witness and Parker.
Wm. West, landlord of the Woolpack, at Barley, said on the morning of the 20th, between 4.40 and 4.45 Parker called him to tell him his horse was in the highway. He thanked him for it and asked him to have a drink. Witness went out of the house and the Constable Stevens was in the house with the two men and he told him he had given the men the drink for informing him his horse was out on the highway. Stevens replied, “It is not your horse. Your horse is in your orchard eating apples.” Witness asked the Constable to allow the men to come out and help him get the horse in, but he refused. Witness went out and was absent about a quarter of an hour. He caught the horse and put it in the meadow and when he returned the Constable said, “That’s got you old chap” and jeered at him. He would not think of opening his house at 4.30 in the morning. He might look out of the window and starve for all the people that would come by at that time in the morning.
By PC Stevens: I did not say “That man is bad I gave him that.” Parker did tell me the horse was out on the highway.
The Bench retired, and upon their return the Chairman said you were clearly upon licensed premise during prohibited hours and were drinking. You will have to pay 10s. including costs. Defendant: 10s., sir! All right come up old girl. Defendant’s wife: That’s all right gentleman, I carry the purse.
On Trial Accused Of Assault.
Published in the Herts & Cambs Reporter & Royston Crow on Friday the 30th September 1904 under the headline: Charge Of Assault Against A Police Constable Is Dismissed. William R. Stevens a PC stationed at Barley, was summoned by Harry Slater and Geo. Slater for assault at Barley, on 11th September.
Mr. George Passingham, solicitor, Hitchin, appeared for the defendant and pleaded not guilty.
George Slater, a labourer of Barley, said, on Sunday, 11th September, he was on the Cross Hill at Barley, he was talking to Harry Slater. It was about 10.15 in the evening. PC Stevens came across the road and said “Shift off you chaps.” They had been standing talking about five minutes before the Constable came across the road. Witness started to shift off, but before he could get far Stevens came up by the side of him and hit him with his fist on the right side of the jaw. He could not say if it was his closed fist, it came very hard. He could not say anything, the blood was coming out of his mouth. Witness said to Harry Slater, “Strike a light and see what he has done to my jaw.” Before he could do so the Constable hit Harry and knocked him away from him. The Constable shoved Slater down the road and sent him off. He saw nothing more of Slater. The Constable came back and started kicking witness behind the heels down the road. He was only away two or three minutes. Witness was then coming down the road with his head hanging down and blood coming from his mouth. He got as far as his father’s house, where he lived. He opened the door and called for his brother, but he was not there. Witness came and sat on the doorstep to allow the blood to run down the road. The Constable then came up and hit him in the mouth, knocking him into the house. Witness recovered himself and sat up and said to the Constable, “What do you want to hit me for like this, what have I done?” He said, “Get in.” After a few seconds the Constable walked away, and witness went indoors. Mr. Gould, a keeper for Mr. Woodhouse, was with the Constable all the time. Mr. Savell jun., passed whilst witness was sitting on the doorstep. The following day witness saw the Constable near the Horse Shoe farm and again asked him why he knocked him about the night before. He replied, “You will get some more of it yet.” Thomas Pickett was with witness at that time. The Constable also said, “You shouldn’t ask for it.” Witness told him he did not ask for it, neither did he ask him to kick him.
Harry Slatter said he was a labourer, and a cousin of the last witness. He was with the last witness on the Cross, at Barley. He was talking to his cousin. They had seen the Constable standing there for about five minutes. The Constable came up and said, “Now then you chaps you had better be a shifting.” They started to go but before they moved far he hit his cousin. Before he could strike a light to see what he had done to his cousin he received a blow in the mouth. The Constable then pushed witness down the road a little way and then hit him again in the mouth. He was about five or six yards away from his cousin. One of his teeth were knocked out and his pipe was broken. He was smoking at the time.
Thomas Pickett, of Royston, said he was at Barley on Monday, 12th September, at the bottom of Smith End Lane. He saw the Police Constable talking to George Slater on the opposite aide of the road. He had not seen Slater before on that day. As PC Stevens was walking away witness heard him say “You will get some more of ii yet.” He knew nothing at that time what these words meant.
Thomas Savell, jun., said he was walking up the village at half past ten on Sunday, 11th September. He passed Slater’s house. He recognised Geo. Slater sitting on the doorstep with his back to the open door. PC Stevens was standing in front of him. Witness heard Slater say to Stevens, “What have I done? “ He heard no reply. Witness noticed nothing particular about Slater’s condition.
Frank Drayton who came forward very unwillingly, said on a certain Monday morning he saw Slater. He was holding his jaw. Witness asked what was the matter. He noticed his face was swollen. Slater called his attention to some blood against the doorstep. The blood was on the path.
PC William Robert Stevens then went into box and stated that he had been in the force for nine years and eight months. He had been at Barley six months. On Sunday, 11th September, about 10.15 p.m. he was on duty at Barley Cross, when three men came down the road. They were Hays, George and Harry Slater. At the same time a man named Gould came up the street and spoke to the witness. Hays went straight home. George Slater said, “Oh I see he has got a mate. I wonder if he could do a pint before time in the morning. But there I suppose we shall get out of it, we can work that all right.” They continued to talk aloud for some time. Witness said, “Now George it is time you were getting off home, people do not want to be disturbed by your noise at this time of night.” He said, “I shall ***** well go when I am ready, I am not going to be drove home by any ***** Policeman.” Witness said, “Now come along get off home.” He said, “No, I am ***** if I am going until I am ready.” Witness then walked towards him. He walked down the road in front of witness making use of bad language all the way. Harry Slater went off home and he saw no more of him. He went off when witness went first towards them. When near George Slater’s house George caught his foot against the kerbing and fell. Witness opened the door and put him inside. His face would be on the top step. Witness told him to stay there and came away. He appeared to have had a lot of drink. Witness thought be had hurt himself and picked him up. Harry Slater’s statement was absolutely false. Witness did not touch him at all and the only time he touched George was when he picked him up. He did see Harry Slater the next morning, he simply said, “Good morning.” Witness replied in the same words and passed on. Witness saw George Slater about one o’clock the same day, and he said to him, “What did you want to hit me for last night?” Witness replied, “I did not hit you, I picked you up and put you indoors.” Slater replied, “Oh, you be very careful.”
John Gould, a gamekeeper, residing at Newsells, corroborated the evidence of PC Stevens. There was not a word of truth in the statement that the Constable struck either Harry or George Slater. After George Slater fell, the Constable picked him up and sat him on the inside of the doorstep and told him to go to bed or something to that effect. Witness then came away with the Constable.
By the Bench, “If there had been any quantity of blood I should have seen it.” The Bench retired, and upon their return the Chairman said, “The evidence in this case has been so utterly contradictory that we feel we should not be justified in convicting. The case will be dismissed.” The Chairman said all costs in the case would be remitted.
There was a charge of using obscene language against George Slater at the same time and place. The Chairman asked if the Police wished to press this case. Supt. Reynolds said he did not under the circumstances. The case was therefore withdrawn. At this point the Court adjourned for lunch. At the resumed sitting at 2.45 the Rev. J. G. Hale and F. W. Woodhouse, Esq., were the only magistrates on the Bench.
Theft Of A Nose Bag.
Published in the Royston Weekly News on Friday the 27th September 1907 under the headline: A Tale Of A Nose Bag. Harry Knight of Stevenage Lane, Walkern was charged with stealing a horse nose bag the property of Mr. James Clear Wilkerson.
David Miles farm labourer Newsells stated that on Saturday 14th September he was horse dragging in a field in occupation of Mr J.C. Wilkerson. About one o’clock in the afternoon he sat down to dinner and laid the nose bag down three yards from the bank on the side of the road leading to Barkway. About 3.30 he saw a cart stop opposite the nose bag, a man got out and picking up the nose bag threw it into the cart drove away towards Barkway. Witness said he was about 300 yards away and he shouted out to the man who took no notice. He could not recognise defendant, but he knew the nose bag produced and valued it at about 2s.
Defendant you said you shouted out to me, but I never heard you shouting.
PC Wm. R. Stevens Barley said that he went to Walkern where he saw the defendant and told him that he had come about a nose bag which had been taken from a field at Newsells on Saturday the 14th. Defendant told him that he did take an old nose bag and had left it at Mrs. Totts’s Post Office Reed telling her it would do for her pony. Witness then went to Mrs. Totts at the Post Office and received the bag.
Defendant did I not tell you that I told Mrs. Totts to give the nose bag to anyone that came for it and could describe it? No.
Agnes Totts Reed Post Office said that the defendant left the bag with her on the Saturday between 4 and 5 in the afternoon, he said he had just picked it up along the road and he did not want to take it any further. She took it out of the man’s hand and dropped it in the yard.
PC Did you give him anything? I gave him four eggs that day, but he had brought me several things that I wanted and I used to give something to the previous man when he did me a kindness.
Defendant Did I say to you if anyone called for the nose bag, they were to have it? Yes, you did say that.
PC Albert Wassell stationed at Barkway stated that about 2.15 on Saturday 14th he saw the bag in question in Mr Wilkerson’s field between Barkway and Royston. It was three yards from the bank which ran alongside the road.
Defendant pleaded guilty to picking up the bag but said he had no felonious intent. He said “I saw the nose bag and thought someone had thrown it away. I picked it up but with no wilful intent and I gave every information to the Policeman when he came, and I also told Mr Wilkerson about it. I am an Army Reservist late of Royal Artillery, and I have been to South Africa twice. Defendant handed his characters to the Bench.
Mr J.C. Wilkerson owner of nose bag said it just possible the defendant thought that it had been thrown on one side, and had he known the circumstances he would not have proceeded with the case. The Chairman of the Bench said there was a doubt and the defendant would be given the benefit of it. He was discharged. Mr J.C. Wilkerson testified to the promptitude of PC Stevens in dealing with the complaint.
Transfer.
General Order 6 of the 2nd March 1910 instructed 12 Constables to be transferred with dates and arrangements to be arranged by the Superintendents concerned. They included PC Stevens 61 E from Barley to Great Berkhamstead to reside in the Police Station.
The census of 1911 records that Police Constable William Robert Stevens, his wife Alice and their four children were living at the Police Station at Great Berkhamstead. Berkhamstead is within D or Hemel Hempstead Division.
The Coronation of George V And Mary Of Teck.
General Order 19 of the 14th June 1911 ordered that one Sergeant, and 19 Mounted Officers would be available on the 22nd June 1911 to help Police the county on Coronation Day. PC Stevens 61D was detailed to use a hired horse and work within his own Division.
The General Order went on to instruct: 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.
Good Conduct Badge.
General Order 46 of the 26th March 1915 announced that two Constables had been awarded there second Good Conduct Badges. This included PC 61 W.R. Stevens who was awarded his badge on the 28th February 1915. The award of the badge carried with it 1d per day Good Conduct Pay.
Transfer.
The record has not survived but the following Orders make it clear that William had been transferred again from D Division to C or Watford Division stationed at Bedmond. The 1915 Electoral Roll lists William Robert Stevens as living at Notley Croft, Bedmond. He and his wife and the eldest sons are still shown there in the 1920 Spring edition of the Electoral Roll.
Bicycle Allowances.
General Order 83 of the 12th July 1916 announced that the List of Officers who were in receipt of the Bicycle Allowance given in General Order 31 of 1914 and subsequent Orders made thereunder were cancelled and were replaced with a new list of 40 Officers. Appearing at No. 13 on the list was PC 61 W.R. Stevens of C Division Bedmond from the 16th March 1916.
General Order 21 of the 21st January 1919 announced an increase in the rate of the Bicycle Allowance. Cycle Patrols were paid for Inspectors and Sergeants @ 1/6 per week each and Constables @ 1/- per week each. Other cyclists were paid ½ d per mile (not exceeding 2/- per day) subject to the conditions laid down in Part 2 of Order 8 of 1914. Order 83 of 1916 and subsequent Orders made thereunder were cancelled and were replaced with a new list of 36 Officers (later amended by additional names totalling 115). Appearing at No. 17 on the list was PC 61 W.R. Stevens of C Division Bedmond from the 16th March 1916.
Retirement On Pension.
General Order 1 of the 3rd January 1920 announced that Police Constable William Robert Stevens 61 C Division Bedmond, having submitted on 27th December 1919, an application to resign, the Chief Constable has in accordance with the provisions of the Police (Emergency Provisions) Act 1915, given the necessary consent for the retirement on pension without medical certificate. The resignation will take effect on the 27th February 1920 and PC Stevens will be paid up to that date, inclusive, his name being struck off the strength of the establishment of the Force on the same day.
Award Of Pension.
General Order 56 of the 1st April 1920 announced that nine Officers had been awarded pensions including PC 61 W.R. Stevens C Division for having completed 25 years’ service he was to receive £153/11/3 per annum from the 27th February 1920.
The census of 1921 records that William a Police pensioner and his family are living at Tower Hill, Chipperfield. The Electoral Rolls of 1927 to 1930 show them as living at Arcadia, Scatterdells Lane, Chipperfield.
On the 21st April 1936 William Robert Stevens of Arcadia, Scatterdells Lane, Chipperfield died followed by his widow Alice, of the same address, on the 5th October 1936.
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