New police memorial to be unveiled tomorrow

27 July 2021

Suffolk Police Federation chair Darren Harris will accompany the family of a fallen officer at the unveiling of a special memorial at the National Memorial Arboretum tomorrow.

DC Clive Barratt died at the age of 35 when he was involved in a motorcycle accident while on surveillance duty on 28 July 1999.

The 22nd anniversary of his death falls on the same day the UK Police Memorial is unveiled at the arboretum in Alrewas, Staffordshire.

His widow, Rachel, and family members will attend the poignant ceremony of dedication alongside Darren and a student officer, who will be the standard bearer for the Force, as well as senior politicians, civic dignitaries, representatives from all forces across the country, policing charities and the families and friends of other fallen officers.

In a moving tribute to Clive and other fallen officers, Rachel said: “My husband, Clive Barratt DC 937, made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty, as have the countless others whose loss is acknowledged by this and the other monuments and ceremonies that ensure the memory of them lives on.

“It is no more evident than during these strange times we find ourselves in that those who perform in public office do so in often difficult and challenging circumstances without giving a thought to themselves. 

“They have undertaken to protect life and property and without such people the country would not be the place we all too often take for granted.

“It is with great honour and thanks that our family will attend the ceremony.”

Darren said: “Clive Barratt lost his life in tragic circumstances while out on duty 22 years ago.

“His death was a huge loss to all who knew him and he remains sorely missed to this day.”

Speaking ahead of the ceremony, UK Police Memorial chair of trustees Sir Hugh Orde said: “This will be a historic day for our police service. 

“After seven years of fund-raising and 12 months of construction, we can finally dedicate this beautiful and iconic memorial that pays tribute to the courage and sacrifice of all those police officers and staff who have paid the ultimate price.

“The 12-metre-tall brass memorial,  with its leaf shaped apertures representing courage, sacrifice and lives lost, is set within a beautifully landscaped area, and has been designed for ceremony, tribute and personal acts of reflection.

“As a nation, we owe all those who have laid down their lives to keep us safe and protect us from harm a huge debt of gratitude. This memorial will ensure that the memory of those officers and staff who have died lives on in perpetuity.”

He added: “This is a place that will not only honour the courage and sacrifice of the men and women from our police service, but it will become a fitting tribute to honour all those who continue to serve.”

Members of the public can watch the dedication ceremony and participate remotely by logging on to the memorial website from midday on Wednesday (28 July).

Visit the memorial website.