Lest we forget – remembering officers killed during WW1

7 November 2018

Leicestershire Police Federation secretary will be among those honouring the memory of serving Leicestershire officers who gave their lives during the First World War at a remembrance service at Force Headquarters on Friday.

The service, which will be held in the memorial garden, is one of many special events being held across the country to mark the centenary of the end of the 191 – 1918 conflict.

“It is important for us to come together to remember those brave officers who paid the ultimate price when serving their country,” says Matt, “Their sacrifice should never be forgotten.”

Twenty serving Leicestershire officers were killed in the First World War and a number will have family members at Friday’s service.

Dominique Allen, administrator of the Force’s Benevolent Fund, made great efforts to trace the officers’ families.

She explained: “We have successfully traced family members of officers killed on duty for other events and memorials which lead to us wanting to do it again for the centenary - it was felt that if it was possible to trace the descendants it would be a wonderful thing to invite them to our event.

“I began the process by getting the names of those who died and contacted as many associated people as I could, starting with Regimental Associations and then the Federation of Family History Societies which produced an article in their newsletter.

“I got in touch with the local family history society which published an article in its magazine too. A colleague who subscribes to an ancestry genealogical website also assisted using this extra resource.

“It’s pleasantly surprising how many families we have been able to contact, despite the amount of time that’s passed. Although those in Canada related to PC Arthur Prew and in Australia related to PC Percy Smith can’t make it due to their age and sheer distance, their enthusiasm and gratitude for the event has been truly heart-warming.

“It’s right that we remember those of our colleagues who made the ultimate sacrifice. Lest we forget.”

Chief Constable Simon Cole also made pleas to the families to get in touch.

Friday’s service starts at 10.50am and will be followed by a two-minute silence from 11am which will be observed across the Force as a mark of respect.