Hi Old Boy,yes as police officers we were all trained in first aid.I think the point is getting lost that prior to 1948 we had no national health service as you are aware,so one of the two only services was the police and l would assume that these competitions came about to see who was the best.My grandfather who was an Inspector in Birmingham City Police has a Birmingham Police Ambulance medal dated 1911, probably this an early service of First Aid.........Joe90Hi All,
We seem to be getting mixed up with this Police Ambulance Division nonsense. I joined Birmingham City Police in 1952. There were no police ambulances then and I am reasonably satisfied there never were. After all what is the point in having 2 ambulance services, in fact 3 if one counts the St John Ambulance Brigade which is entirely voluntary and part time? N o. In fact if an accident occurs and there are persons injured the ambulance service is informed and they attend immediately, The Fire Brigade is called to rescue persons, if necessary, using specialist cutting equipment. Naturally They also attend if there is danger of fire e.g, leaking petrol. Fatal accidents cases requiring court action are dealt with by the police.
On joining every police officer below the rank of inspector is required to attend First Aid classes. Every year a team of about 6 offficers from each division who show the best aptitude for First Aid take part in the Rowland Mason First Aid competition . They were all normal police officers and wore the uniform of the day . Prior to 1952 they wore closed collar tunics but, thereafter, changed to collar and tie.
Old Boy
First police radio cars - and how perceptive of Inspector Brown. His belief that not only will officers speak to each other via the radio, they'll in time see each other too. Full article attached below. Viv.
View attachment 124192
Thanks I think I may be getting mixed up with Acocks Green station because I was shown round there as a kid also.If I remember correctly, there may have been a 'holding cell' at Hay Mill, as there was in the converted house at Stechford. Essentially, just a cupboard type room with a steel 'gate'.
The 'cell blocks' at the time were at Acocks Green, Bordesley Green, and Coventry Road (Small Heath).
Hope that helps?
is dave sadler the one living in cornwall?? i think he was a mate of my dads...lew wrightMy father was Sergeant Eric Hayward who must have joined up around 1952. I know he was stationed at Acocks Green, Sheldon, Bradford Street, to name a few. Officers I remember from my childhood are: David Speake, "Beefy" Eric Turner, Ken Fisher, Dicky DeBoo, Dave Sadler (dog handler) amongst others. Dad still alive and well at 86 years old having survived a heart attack at 52. Still see Dave Sadler on a regular basis. Would be great to hear from anyone who remembers my dad or anybody else I have mentioned.