Edinburgh City Police and War Service Chevrons

[Chiad Fhear]

Now here's a puzzle that I hope someone can solve for me!

One of my maternal second cousins (1897-1963) joined the Edinburgh City Police in December 1919 and served in and around Edinburgh until his retirement in April 1954 having attained the rank of Inspector.

An entry in his record of service from January 1944 that shows he was “Awarded 4 War Service Chevrons” then, in a second entry in September the same year, was “Awarded 1 additional War Service Chevron”.

Responses to requests down other 'avenues' are confirming a ‘military’ perspective for the awards although it was suggested in one instance that they may have constituted part of a ‘local’ awards system for his ‘force’.

It's just curiosity getting the better of me but who knows the answer?
Please let me know ...

Regards

Chiad Fhear

 

[DaveHall]

Hi Chiad,

snippet
who performed duties under a local authority in any areas where the establishment of a police organisation was compulsory or was approved by the Regional Commissioner. the Ministry responsible being service which was qualifying service for the award of Chevrons for war services

It appears that local services that operated during a theater of war were eligible to receive Chevrons in place of the Defense Medal.

There is an article here which you may find interesting.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Defence_Medal

Cheers

 

[Chiad Fhear]

Dave

Thanks for that.

I've actually managed to get a great deal of info on this question and it appears that the chevrons were ONLY awarded for service OVERSEAS in The Great War.

I'd overlooked the fact that cousin James was born in 1896 and would have been eligible for service in 1914. BLINKERS!redf)

I'm now searching for his military record ... without having to cough up for it through official channels. Must be the Scotsman in me!

Cheers

Chiad Fhear