Worksheet: A Volunteer

Imagine that you are a journalist writing for the South London Press in 1944. Write an obituary for PC Emsley using information from the following documents:

An Act of Parliament allowed Police Officers to join the Fighting Services without having to resign from the Police Service. However the Commissioner is not prepared to give his consent, as yet.

Police Orders 13th September 1939

 Metropolitan Police Orders: Police and National Service.  

At the 31st Conference of Chief Constables, 19th January 1940, the liability of regular officers for service with the armed forces was discussed (left).

The liability of policemen being called up for military service was discussed at the Conference of Chief Constable on 4th December 1941 (right).

 Liability of regular police officers for service with the armed forces

Ref: ACPO(ESX)/3/2/2/7

Discussion on the possibility of policemen being called up for military service.

Ref: ACPO(ESX)/3/2/2/76
Photographs of Ernie Emsley with Metropolitan Police officers c.1941 (left) and with his bomber crew (right). A group of Metropolitan Police officers. A bomber crew: Ernie Emsley with other crew members.
Certificate of Service from the Metropolitan Police noting that Ernie Emsley was killed on active service. Letter from Sir Philip Game, Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police, to Mrs Emsley concerning the death of her husband. Letter of sympathy from King George to Mrs Emsley.

Click on any image for a larger view.

Contents

Preface

Introduction

Police & WWII

The Blitz

County Chief Constable

A Volunteer

Modern Echoes

Work Sheets

Resources

Acknowledgements