Berkshire Constabulary photo id

[okkool]

I have a picture postcard showing a group of Berkshire Constabulary officers. There is nothing written on the back. I sent it the Thames Valley Police museum and all they could say was that it was a group of B.C. officers. I have several family members who served with the B.C. George Gould served 1869-189?, Thomas Gould 187?-190? and George Penstone Gould 1911-1915.

I have no photo of my relatives so cannot place them in the photo. If anybody has an idea of where, when or even "fingers crossed" who is in photo would be useful.

I do have higher quality version and can read the collar numbers.

[IMBER]

Many of them seem to be wearing what look like Great War medals. These were issued post war so that gives you a start to dating. I'm not a medal expert so someone might come along with more detail.

Imber

[stevew101]

Just a thought.  As you have the collar numbers.  Have you contacted the Thames Valley force to see if they know who may hold the records of old Berkshire warrant numbers issued? May be more help than the Museum.

Steve

[okkool]

I had initially sent my photo to Thames Valley Police communications office, they forwarded it to their museum. The museum said that their records were quite limited on past members.

I hadn't clued in on the medals. You are right. That would date it 1918-1920's. I have vague information that a Leslie Gould may have joined the force post war.

Thank you
Brian

[newburychap]

I thought the Berks Constabulary records were in the Berkshire Record Office - though, if so, I would have expected the Museum to tell you so.  Must be worth contacting the BRO and asking.

[okkool]

I did get some hits through National Archives that referred back to Berks Record office. They turned out to be the listings of examination books which confirmed that a Leslie Philip Gould did join the Berkshire Constabulary in 1920. This may be the ancestor shown in the group photo. His war record indicates he received 2 medals and was 5' 5" tall. His age would be 20. So my initial guess is that he is in the middle row, fourth from the right.

If there was a way to match collar number with a name I could confirm this ID.

Thank you Brian

[newburychap]

Online access to the BRO holdings is a tip of the iceberg affair.  Their catalogue shows 48 volumes, 18 bundles and 8 documents under the catalogue entry Q/AP. I suspect that you need to see the contents of one of those 48 volumes - but I fear that the only way to get more detail is by contacting them or going there.

[okkool]

I fear you are correct Newburychap. I am in Canada, so in person is out of the question. I will see if I can get any hits from the name and digital records.

Brian in 36C heat Oliver, BC Canada