Police Long Service and Good Conduct Medal. GVI issue (Sergt. Reginald W. Harris)

Devon Constabulary: Sergeant Bernard A. Graham, is confirmed as having been a long serving member of the Devon Constabulary (latterly stationed at Torrington)

Devon Constabulary: Formed in 1856, this was the Home Office police force for the county of Devon, England, between 1856-1966. The force absorbed Tavistock Borough Police in 1856, Wolborough Borough Police in 1859, Okehampton Borough Police in 1860, Bradninch Borough Police in 1865, Torquay Borough Police in 1870, South Molton Borough Police in 1877, Torrington Borough Police in 1886 (it had already been absorbed in 1870, but was reformed in 1878), Totnes Borough Police in 1884, Bideford Borough Police in 1889, Barnstaple Borough Police in 1921, and Tiverton Borough Police in 1942. By 1965, it had an establishment of 1,017 officers and mustered an actual strength of 866

In 1966, the Devon Constabulary amalgamated with Exeter City Police to form Devon and Exeter Police. On 1 April 1967 that force amalgamated with Cornwall County Constabulary and Plymouth City Police to form Devon and Cornwall Constabulary

Note: The recipient would also have qualified for a Defence Medal (un-named) for 3 years uniformed police service between 1939-1942

Reginald William Harris, son of Reginald John Harris () & Laura Ethel Harris (nee Prout), was a native of, Totnes, Devon, England, where he was born on, 27 December 1912. He was baptized at Dartmouth, Devon, England, on, 5 February 1913. Reginald chose a career as a Policeman, and joined the Devon Constabulary, circa 1932. In September 1938, he is recorded getting married to, Kathleen Mary Daw, the wedding being reported in the North Devon Journal issue of 22 September, 1938, below:

Quote,

TORRINGTON POLICEMAN MARRIED

HARRIS-DAW

The wedding took place at St. Michael's, Kingsteignton, on Thursday of Miss Kathleen M. Daw, only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. T. Daw, of Milldean, Kingsteignton, to Mr. Reginald W. Harris, elder son of Mr. and Mrs. R. J. Harris, of Dartmouth. The bridegroom is a member of Devon Constabulary, stationed at Torrington.

Given away by her father, the bride wore embroidered net over blue satin, and carried pink carnations. Miss. D. Daw (her cousin) was bridesmaid, and wore pink and blue floral crepe de chine.

The Vicar (Rev. R. H. Cooke) performed the ceremony, and Mr. A.G.B. Mitchelmore was best man.

The honeymoon is being spent in Scotland, the bride travelling in a tailor-made blue check costume and silver fox fur.

Unquote.

The 1939 National Register for England & Wales records Reginald as a 'Police Constable', residing with his wife at the, 'Police House', Great Torrington (quarters attached to the Great Torrington Police Station), Devonshire, England

Condition: About EF

Code: 22598