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Morayshire Constabulary to Wigtownshire Constabulary

Morayshire Constabulary (Elginshire Constabulary until 1890)1844 - 1949

Chief Constable John Bagrie Mair

 
Chief Constable John Bagrie Mair OBE, MVO, KPM, Morayshire Constabulary 1892 - 1927 (Picture courtesy of Grampian Police)

Peeblesshire Constabulary 1841 - 1950

Deputy Chief Constable Robert Dickson

Superintendent & DDC Peebleshire Constabulary, Robert Angus Dickson in 1921.
Visit to Scotland Medal, Deputy Chief Constable Robert Dickson

King Edward VII Police (Scotland) Medal, 1903

King George V Coronation (Scottish Police) Medal 1911 (Missing)

 

 

Peeblesshire Constabulary 

 

Deputy Chief Constable (Superintendent) Robert Angus Dickson

 

Robert Angus Dickson was born on 11 June, 1861 at the High Street in Peebles. His father was Andrew Dickson. A ‘Farmer’ and his mother, Marion (Mary) Donaldson or Dickson. They had been married on 22 February, 1850 in Edinburgh.

 

In the Census of Scotland of April 187, the following are shown living at ‘Standalane’ Farm in the Parish of Peebles in the County of Peebles.

 

Name

Age

Occupation

Estimated year of Birth

Andrew Dickson

47

“Farmer of 250 acres, all arable. Employing two Labourers.”

1824

Mary Dickson

42

“Farmer’s Wife”

1829

Jessie Dickson

18

“Farmer’s Daughter”

1853

George Dickson

17

“Farmer’s Son”

1854

Jennie Dickson

14

“Farmer’s Daughter”

1857

Andrew Dickson

12

“Scholar farmer’s Son”

1859

William Dickson

11

“Scholar farmer’s Son”

1860

Robert Dickson

9

“Scholar farmer’s Son”

1861

Violet H. Dickson

6

“Scholar Farmer’s Daughter”

1865

Joseph Dickson

4

“Scholar Farmer’s Son”

1867

Margaret Dickson

2

“Scholar Farmer’s Daughter”

1869

George Anderson

13

“Shepherd Boy”

1858

James Kerr

15

“Farm Boy”

1856

 

By the Census of 1881, George, Jennie and William Dickson along with George Anderson and James Kerr were no longer living at Standalane Farm but the family had been joined by John B. J. Dickson, (7).

 

Robert Dickson joined Mid Lothian Constabulary sometime in 1881 when he was 20 years old.

 

According to ‘The Scotsman’ newspaper of 16 December, 1935, Robert Dickson left Mid Lothian Constabulary to emigrate briefly to America but returned to re-join the police.

 

In the Census of Scotland in April, 1891, those residing at the Police Quarters in Ramsay Lane, Portobello in the Parish of Duddingston in Mid Lothian are shown below.

 

Name

Age

Occupation

Estimated year of Birth

Alexander S. Currie

31

Police Inspector

1860

Margaret Turnbull

43

General Servant, (Domestic)

1848

John Wright

32

Police Sergeant

1859

Robert A. Dickson

28

Police Constable

1861

George Hodge

23

Police Constable

1868

George Cooke

26

Police Constable

1865

Alexander Hogg

23

Police Constable

1868

James Snowie

26

Police Constable

1865

Alexander S. Richardson

22

Police Constable

1869

 

Between the Census of 1891 and early 1893, he was promoted to Sergeant at Portobello as it was in that rank that on 28 March, 1893 at the Church of Scotland in Penicuik, Mid Lothian, “After Banns according to the Forms of the Church of Scotland, Robert Angus Dickson, 31, a Police Sergeant of the Police Station, Portobello, married Janet Macnab Stewart, 26, a Dressmaker of 36 High Street, Penicuik”.

 

It was in the rank of Sergeant that Robert Dickson transferred to Peeblesshire Constabulary on 13 November, 1894.

His Peeblesshire Constabulary Personnel record describes him as being “6’ 1.5”, dark brown hair, blue eyes, ruddy complexion, a native of Peebles” and his former trade or calling, “Farm servant”. It also records that he had “12 years and 4 months previous service in Mid Lothian Constabulary” on the date of his transfer.

 

On 4 October, 1897, he was promoted to Superintendent and Deputy Chief Constable of the force.

Elsie Stewart Dickson was born on 10 November, 1898 at the Police Buildings in Peebles. Her father, Deputy Chief Constable Robert Angus Dickson, registered her birth.

 

The family were still living at the Portbrae Police Building in the Census of 1901.

By the night of the Census of 1911, the following were listed at the Portbrae Police buildings and Police Station.

 

Name

Age

Occupation

Estimated year of Birth

George Hodge

43

Police Sergeant

1868

Christina Hodge

38

 

1873

George Dempster

24

Police Constable

1887

John McDonald

22

Police Constable

1889

James Anderson

20

Police Constable

1891

George Hurley

20

Police Constable

1891

Robert Dickson

49

Deputy Chief Constable

1861

Janet Dickson

44

 

1866

Elsie Dickson

12

Scholar

1898

Agnes Stewart

41

Dressmaker – Sister-in-law

1870

Elizabeth Currie

41

Visitor

1870

Dorothy Currie

13

Visitor

1898

 

It is possible that PS George Hodge is the same man Robert Dickson served with in Mid Lothian Constabulary at Portobello?

Along with thirteen other officers (including Chief Constable Alexander Borthwick) in Peeblesshire Constabulary in 1911, Robert Dickson was awarded the King George V Coronation (Scottish Police) Medal for his ‘Long and Meritorious service’.

 

At 3 Bonnington Road, Peebles on 13 September, 1926, Janet Macnab Stewart or Dickson died aged 60. Her husband, Deputy Chief Constable Robert Angus Dickson registered her death.

 

On 23 April, 1930, at 3 Bonnington Road, Peebles “After Banns according to the forms of the Church of Scotland, Duncan Mackay Matthews, 34, a Merchant of 138 High Street, Portobello, married Elsie Stewart Dickson, 31, a School Teacher of 3 Bonnington Road, Peebles.”

 

Robert Dickson retired from Peeblesshire Constabulary on 13 February, 1930.

He died on 14 December, 1935 at 7 James Street in Portobello, the home of his daughter and son-in-law. He was 74. His son-in-law, Duncan Matthews registered his death.

 

The following is a transcription of an obituary published in ‘The Scotsman’ newspaper of Monday, 16 December, 1935:

 

 

EX-DEPUTY CHIEF CONSTABLE OF

PEEBLESSHIRE

 

 

“The death has occurred at the house of his son-in-law in Portobello of ex-Police Superintendent Robert A. Dickson who was formerly Deputy Chief Constable of Peeblesshire.

 

Born in 1861 at Peebles, where his father was tenant at Standalane Farm, Mr Dickson after spending his early years on the land, joined the Midlothian Constabulary at the age of 20.

 

He interrupted his police service with a brief stay in America but he returned and did a term of service with the Tynecastle Division.

 

Later he was promoted to Sergeant at Portobello, and 1894, with that rank. He was transferred to Peebles, where, three years later, he rose to the rank of Superintendent.

 

He retired from the police service in 1929 (1930).

 

Mr Dickson took a prominent part in the public life of Peebles. He was one of a small band of local gentlemen who resuscitated the March Riding festival in the late ‘eighties and for over thirty years, he was a member of the March Riding Committee, from the Chairmanship of which, he retired fully a year ago.

 

He acted as Standard Bearer at the March Riding celebrations in 1924.

 

In 1931, Mr Dickson completed a term of fifty years in the public service of Peebles, for after his retirement from the police he continued to fill the office of Inspector of Weights and Measures.

 

He was an active supporter of the Boy Scout movement in Peeblesshire and was an elder of Peebles Old Parish Church for over a quarter of a century.”

 

 

If you know the location of DCC Dickson’s Coronation Medal, please contact the website. Thank you.

 
The Chief Officers of the Lothians & Peebleshire Constabularies in 1921.

Peeblesshire Constabulary 1841 - 1950

 

PC Walter Mathieson

PC Walter Mathieson, Peeblesshire Constabulary

King George V Coronation (Scottish Police) Medal 1911

Peeblesshire Constabulary 

 

PC Walter Mathieson

 

Walter Mathieson was born in Wemyss in the Parish of Methill Hill in the County of Fife on 25 February 1851. His father was David Mathieson, a Grocer and his mother, Jannet.

 

In the Census later that year, David and Janet were living in Wemyss with their four daughters and five sons whose ages ranged from 16 down to 3 months. Marjory, (16) Johanna, (14), David, (12), Jannet, (10), James, (8), Thomas, (6), John, (4), Christina, (2) and Walter (3 months).

 

By the Census of 1861, David and Janet were living at Back Row in Wemyss. He was still a Grocer but the eldest three children, Marjory, Johanna and David were no longer at that address. The other children were still there and Walter was now 10 years old and he had two younger sisters, Margaret, (8) and Catherine (4).

 

On 19 November 1869, After Banns according to the Forms of the Church of Scotland, Walter Mathieson, (19), a Pointsman, married Margaret Gray, (19), a Domestic Servant of Leven at Methill in Wemyss.

In the Census of 1871, Walter and Margaret were living at Coal Wynd in St Monance and he was working as a Labourer.

 

Between 1871 and 1876, Walter and Margaret had three children, Elizabeth, Janet and David, all born in St Monance.

 

In 1877, Walter joined Haddingtonshire (East Lothian) Constabulary and it was in Haddington that their next child, Mary Anne, was born.

 

On 4 May 1880, Walter Mathieson joined Peebles-shire Constabulary and was stationed at Innerleithen. It was in Innerleithen that year that their son Walter was born.

 

The 1881 Census records the family living at The Police Station in Innerleithen.

 

On 7 June, 1881, Walter was transferred to Peebles.

 

On 24 November 1884, he was transferred to Broughton. It was there that their daughter Marjory, son James and daughter Hay Miller were born.

In the Census of 1891, the family were living at 11 Edinburgh Road West in Broughton where only the six youngest children are listed.

 

On 20 July, 1897, Walter was transferred to Eddlestone and on 18 April, 1900, from there to Blyth Bridge.

 

In the Census of 1901, the family were living at Blyth Bridge and Margaret had given birth to a daughter, Joan six years earlier.

 

In the Peebles County Constabulary Nominal Roll for 1903-1904, Walter Mathieson is the senior 1st Class Constable in the force of 17 men and his name is listed immediately after the Chief Constable, the Superintendent (DCC) and the two Sergeants.

 

In the Census of 1911, Walter was (60) and Margaret was (61). They had been married 41 years, had 12 live children born together with ten still alive at the date of the Census.

 

He was awarded the King George V Coronation (Scottish Police) Medal, 1911 for his long and Meritorious Service.

 

On 28 May, 1912, PC Walter Mathieson “Retired on a Pension of £52. 12/3d p.a. after 35 years’ service and at the age of 61.”

 

The last entry on his Personnel Record is “Died 13th October, 1919.”

 

Walter Mathieson, (68), a Caretaker of the County Buildings in Peebles died there on that date. His son, David Mathieson of 3 Comely Bank Avenue, Edinburgh, registered his death.

 

On 17 April, 1933, Margaret Mathieson, (83) of 20 Dalatho Crescent, Peebles, Widow of Walter Mathieson, Police Constable-Retired, died. Her death was registered by her son David, now living at 10 Inverleith Crescent, Edinburgh. 

Perthshire Constabulary 1840 - 1930

 

Inspector Alexander Maclean

Courtesy, Dundee Courier, 1 June, 1912
Inspector Alexander Maclean's Coronation Medal for 45 years' Long and Distinguished Service in Perthshire Constabulary
naming on Inspector Maclean's 1911 medal
Crieff Police Station, where Inspector Maclean was in charge until 1912. Closed in 2016

Renfrewshire Constabulary 1857 - 1949

 

PC Alexander Barron

Visit to Scotland Medal PC Alexander Barron

King Edward VII Police (Scotland) Medal 1903

 

Renfrewshire Constabulary

 

PC Alexander Barron 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Alexander Barron was born in Inveravon in the County of Banff on 7 March 1881.

 

Alexander Barron served in the City of Glasgow Police from 19 June 1901 to 19 November 1902 before joining Renfrewshire Constabulary.

 

He joined Renfrewshire Constabulary on 29 December 1902 and served at Barrhead, Pollockshaws and finally, Neilston Police Stations.

 

The only remarks on his record are shown below.

 

Date

Remarks

Disposal

13 October 1903

Absent from night duty from 12 midnight ‘till 5 a.m.10th inst. At Barrhead.

 

Fined three days’ pay. Charles Harding CC

23 April 1904

Absent from night duty at Pollockshaws 1.20 ‘till 3.20 on 21st inst.

Fined five days’ pay. Charles Harding CC

 

5 March 1909

Being under the influence of liquor at Neilston on Wednesday 3rd inst. at 8 p.m.

Dismissed

Charles Harding

 

 

On 5 March 1909, he was Dismissed for "Being under the influence of Liquor at Neilston on Wednesday 3rd at 8.00pm".

 

The 1903 medal is his only entitlement from his police service. 

 

 

Renfrewshire Constabulary 1857 - 1949

PC David Cameron

Visit to Scotland Medal, PC David Cameron

King Edward VII Police (Scotland) Medal 1903

 

Renfrewshire Constabulary

 

PC David Cameron 

 

 

 

David Cameron was born in Kildonan in the County of Sutherland on 20 August 1880.

 

He was a City of Glasgow Police officer from 8 November 1899 until 13 August 1901 when he joined Renfrewshire Constabulary and was posted to Kilbarchan. He also served at Port Glasgow.

 

He resigned and left on 26 April 1908.

 

The 1903 medal is his only entitlement from his police service.  

 

 

Renfrewshire Constabulary 1857 - 1949

PC John MacFarlane

 

Visit to Scotland Medal, PC John MacFarlane

King Edward VII Police (Scotland) Medal 1903

 

Renfrewshire Constabulary

 

PC John MacFarlane

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

John MacFarlane was born in Glasgow on 5 February 1870 and was a Shepherd before he joined Renfrewshire Constabulary on 6 October 1895.

 

He served at Port Glasgow Police Station.

 

He resigned from the force on 24 November 1907 "on his appointment as the Superintendent of the Slaughter House at Port Glasgow".

 

The 1903 medal came with a King George V Special Constabulary Long Service medal inscribed "John MacFarlane".

 

I have not been able to find any record but it is possible that John MacFarlane did become a Special Constable during World War I and the two medals are his total entitlement from his police service.

  

Roxburgh Constabulary 1850 - 1948

 

PS Robert Whitelaw

PS Robert Whitelaw Roxburghshire Constabulary (Hawick Burgh Police)

The British War Medal 1914-1920

The Victory Medal 1919

The King George V Jubilee Medal 1935

 

Roxburgh Constabulary

(Hawick Burgh Police)

 

 

PS Robert Whitelaw 

 

 

Robert Whitelaw was born in Ednam in the County of Roxburgh on 21 July 1885. He was a Labourer before joining Hawick Burgh Police on 14 August 1906.

 

Robert Whitelaw was a PC in Hawick Burgh Police when he joined the Army in WW1 and served in the Royal Artillery. He survived the war and was promoted to Sergeant on 13 June 1924.

 

In 1930, Hawick Burgh Police amalgamated in to Roxburghshire Constabulary. PS Whitelaw was awarded the King George V Jubilee Medal in 1935.

 

For a more detailed account of Robert Whitelaw's life, please click on Scottish City and Burgh Police Forces Medals.

 

Scottish North Eastern Counties Constabulary 1949 - 1975

 

Chief Constable Thomas Wood Chasser CVO QPM

Chief Constable Thomas Wood Chasser CVO QPM 1961 -1975 (Picture courtesy of Grampian Police)

Scottish North Eastern Counties Constabulary 1949 - 1975

 

PS James Sibbald

PS James Sibbald Scottish North Eastern Counties Constabulary

The Defence Medal

Police Long Service & Good Conduct Medal (EIIR) 

 

Scottish North Eastern Counties Constabulary (SNECC)

 

PS James Sibbald 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SNECC was formed on 16 May 1949 in an amalgamation of Aberdeenshire Constabulary, Banffshire Constabulary, Kincardineshire Constabulary and Moray and Nairn Constabulary.

Sutherland-shire Constabulary  1858 - 1963

PS Alexander Innes Will

PC Alexander Innes Will (Courtesy of his Great-grandson, Alasdair Will)

King George V Coronation (Scottish Police) Medal 1911

 

Sutherland-shire Constabulary

 

PS Alexander Innes Will

 

Alexander Innes Will joined Edinburgh City Police on 10 September, 1907 and transferred to Sutherland-shire Constabulary on 12 August, 1913. 

 

The photographs below show him years later as a Sergeant in Sutherland-shire Constabulary.

 

The first picture (above) shows him wearing his 1911 medal ribbon bar.

 

The next two pictures show him using a police motorcycle.

 

In the final photograph, he can be seen in the No. 1 Ceremonial Dress of Edinburgh City Police wearing his King George V Coronation (Scottish Police) Medal, 1911

 

Please click here to see his entry under Edinburgh City Police.

PS Alexander Innes Will (Courtesy of his Great-grandson, Alasdair Will)
PS Alexander Innes Will (Courtesy of his Great-grandson, Alasdair Will)
PS Alexander Innes Will in Edinburgh City Police (Courtesy of his Great-grandson, Alasdair Will)

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STOP PRESS See one of only two 'Visit to Scotland' 1903 medals issued to a Metropolitan Police Officer - DS David Liddle

Completely New Metropolitan Police Medals from WW2

Completely Updated

Accurate Medal Roll for all 120 Royal Parks 1911 Police Coronation Medals

News: New roll of all Scottish officers awarded KPM 1909 - 1954 (From Ian Hall) 

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