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  1. #1
    NatashaBatsford
    Guest

    Default London Policeman

    Hi

    I'm looking for an ancestor, George Richard BATSFORD who is listed as a Policeman on his marriage certificate of 1846 but who was later discharged after being assaulted by a prisoner.

    Seeing as he was born in Marylebone and then to Southwark for the 1851 census (no occupation listed) I think the chances are he was in the Met

    I have already written off to the various contacts for information on his service record but I also did a search on Old Bailey Online to see if he testified in court against anyone.

    There seems to be a George Batsford during the right time frame who testifies several times: Each time he is listed as police-constable M 70.

    Any ideas what the M 70 might mean?

    Thanks
    Tash

  2. #2
    v.wells
    Guest

    Default

    I would think M70 is his badge # and M meaning Metro (London Metropolitan Police). The London Metropolitan Police archives and or museum will have his information I would think unless it is one you have already tried. TNA may have something for about that date.

  3. #3
    Colin Moretti
    Guest

    Default

    Read the TNA Guidance on Metropolitan Police records

    M Division was Southwark which ties in with the 1851 census

    Colin

  4. #4
    v.wells
    Guest

    Default

    You are right Colin - I forgot I have a list of all the Division numbers.

  5. #5
    NatashaBatsford
    Guest

    Default

    Thank you so much guys, I did wonder if this might be the case, but I don't like making assumptions about these things.

    One other (probably daft) question - is it usual for a constable to change badge numbers? In some of the "example records" I've seen online, it does seem to happen, but I was wondering why that might happen if the policeman in question stays in the same division.

  6. #6
    NatashaBatsford
    Guest

    Default

    By the way Colin, thank you SO MUCH for the link - it appears George was given a discretionary pension in 1856/7 and I've just ordered a copy.

    Excited? Moi?

  7. #7
    Starting to feel at home
    Join Date
    Jun 2005
    Location
    Harwich Essex
    Posts
    80

    Default

    Met Police officers have a warrant number which is unique to the individual officer. They also have a divisional collar number which is the number worn on the tunic collar ( now its on the epaulettes or tunic shoulders but its still called the collar number). That number would change if the officer is posted to a different division.

    Vossy

  8. #8
    NatashaBatsford
    Guest

    Default

    Thank you Vossy, I now have a copy of his pension records which are wonderfully detailed and confirm that he in in fact the same gentleman as appears as a witness on the Old Bailey Online

    One very happy camper here!!

    Tash

  9. #9

    Default George Batsford

    A friend of my Dad's Paul Batsford has asked me to find some information on George Batsford who was a policeman and his 3 x great grandfather. I see that you have obtained George's pension record. Would it be possible for you to let me see a copy so I can pass it on to Paul please?
    Regards.
    Debs

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