New picture from WWII – Sgt Holmes with Special Constabulary
Tim Knebel, Project Coordinator for ‘Peak in the Past’ has very kindly provided this picture. He came across it amongst some largely uncatalogued Derbyshire Police Constabulary records at Derbyshire Record Office.
On the rear of the photograph it states ‘Sgt Holmes with Special Constabulary Stoney Middleton (2nd world war)’. Can you name anyone? Its not clear where the picture was taken or if these gentlemen were all from Stoney Middleton, however we know that Sgt Homes was indeed the local bobby for Stoney Middleton at this time, so its likely they were.
The Special Constabulary were as they are now a voluntary force, supporting full time officers. They came into their own during WWI and WW2 when large numbers of police were needed to enforce the new restrictions imposed on the civilian population. The service was expanded by about 50% with 130,000 men enrolled in the Special Constabulary. They helped with rationing and blackouts in addition to their ordinary duties of maintaining law and order.
Very pleased to see the photograph and read the article. The police sergeant is my maternal Grandfather…Frank Holmes( not Homes)
My paternal Grandfather was Urban Wyatt Hallam, a farmer, who lived in Stag House. His 3 sons all served in the forces.
Regards
Barbara Ford nee Hallam
Very pleased to see the photograph and read the article. The police sergeant is my maternal Grandfather…Frank Holmes( not Homes)
My paternal Grandfather was Urban Wyatt Hallam, a farmer, who lived in Stag House. His 3 sons all served in the forces.
Regards
Barbara Ford nee Hallam
Mrs Ford, just saw your comment and wanted to say hello. My maternal great-grandfather John Wm Hallam and your grandfather Urban Wyatt Hallam were 2nd cousins-their fathers, Peter John Hallam and John Hallam, were first cousins, friends, and regular correspondents back in late Victorian times after my branch of the family immigrated to New York City. I’ve been to Stag House to meet your late Uncle George Wm, and I visited your late Aunt Muriel a number of times in Grindleford and have met several of her children, your first cousins (your Aunt Muriel in particular was a great help with my genealogy research, for which I will always be thankful). I hope that all your family are well. Sincerely, your fourth cousin once removed, Dr Glenn Trezza, Boston MA, USA (whose Mum was Miss Hallam back in the day, until she became Signora Trezza!).
So pleased to hear about our connection.
I now live in the county of Cornwall but have recently been tracing my family tree.
I spent many holidays at Stag House…my father was Peter John Hallam, the eldest ofUrban’s six children. I am the second born of the twelve grandchildren.
I loved to listen to all the stories the family would discuss when my grandparents, aunts and uncles got together!
So pleased to hear about our connection.
I now live in the county of Cornwall but have recently been tracing my family tree.
I spent many holidays at Stag House…my father was Peter John Hallam, the eldest ofUrban’s six children. I am the second born of the twelve grandchildren.
I loved to listen to all the stories the family would discuss when my grandparents, aunts and uncles got together!
Hello, Ms. Ford, just saw your reply. Do let me know if you have any family tree questions. You’re a descendant of the marriage of John Hallam 1805-1885 and his first wife, nee Martha Furness, which means you’re related to just about everyone from Stoney. I actually once listened to a recording of your grandfather Urban reminiscing–I think it was owned by your cousin Aydin Onac, with whom I had dinner in London some years back–very interesting recording, especially to hear your grandfather’s accent and Derbyshire vernacular (which I had to listen to really carefully to make out). I hope all in Cornwall are safe and well in these difficult times we’re all living in. Cordially, (your cousin), Glenn Trezza in Boston.