GEORGE SHARP

Welcome to the George Sharp Page. Alpha Delta Plus is most fortunate indeed to have 'found' George on the other side of the world in New Zealand via the modern day technologies of the internet.
As you will see George is from a slightly earlier era and will be 97 years of age on the 16th December 2007. He handles this new technology with ease. (Unlike most of us!)


ENJOY HIS PERSONAL MEMORIES OF CANNON ROW ALL THOSE YEARS AGO. George has also submitted an excellent item on Wellington Arch recalling his duties there in the 1930's.

Click on ANY helmet image on this page for 'SIGNPOST' (Express Navigation) and select 'Wellington Arch' to view his contribution).


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Update: Sadly, George passed away peacefully on the 28th August 2007 in New Zealand aged 96....Thanks George for your contributions to Alpha Delta Plus

DRAYMEN AND THE CALL OF NATURE ETC.
I must apologise for the condition of this attachment photo
which was taken in the Autumn of 1932 (Note No1 Ceremonial Dress) by a
member of the public, while working the Victoria Embankment / Bridge Street
Westminster Point (Note 'Clock Tower' in the background).
The fellow who asked permission to take this photo was very nervous
of the approaching traffic behind him hence the shakiness.
This No1 Dress was only worn in Spring and Autumn, (Night Duty in
Summer Time dress No2) or for special Ceremonial Duties at other times.

This photo came to mind when recently reading a very nice article
in 'Verse' in the LPP Millennium Issue (page 80) 'Down Memory Lane'
issued by Pc Geoffrey Taylor, which related the problems we faced in those
days. Reference was made among others to the lovely 'shire horses' that
used to pull the 'brewers dray' loaded with beer.
On this particular 'traffic point', we had our full share of the
'brewers dray'
Pulled by 2 of these those magnificent 'Shires',(Strong Animals)
full of spirit, lively, but very docile in their beautifully maintained
harness with its gleaming 'brasses' they were a sight to behold. In regular
use in those days I believe they are only in use today for ceremonial
occasion or 'shows'

The 'dray' behind them was also immaculate, with the 'beer'
stacked in barrels behind the driver (drayman), and we facilitated their
progress as much as possible.

The Victoria Embankment was of course the direct route from the
'City' and 'BlackFriars' to Millbank Vauxhall and Western Suburbs and
the Embankment traffic was very heavy, at times difficult for one PC to
handle. Traffic lights had not appeared on 'A' Div. in those times,
although in use elsewhere in the 'Met' as I have mentioned before. In fact
I believe 'A' was the last division to have 'ATS'

Often when working this 'point' with your back turned towards the
'Embankment' traffic, it was common to suddenly hear among the noise of the
trams and traffic a loud piercing whistle from behind. Turning your head
you could then perceive from behind the traffic queue about a hundred yards
away the 'brewers dray'' approaching, making the slight 'up gradient' with
the 'drayman' perched high above, twirling his 'whip' above his head to
draw your attention and requesting priority. This we did as soon as
possible to prevent the horses being brought to a standstill, champing at
the 'bit', and very anxious to get moving, with their large 12 inch hooves
clawing at the 'tarmac'.

An interesting point concerning the 'drayman'.

Under the 'Metropolitan Police Act 1839' in use in those days it
was an offence to 'Urinate in a Public Place' with Power of Arrest, as I no
doubt presume it is under der the present law, but the difference was that
the 'drayman was
exempt from committing that offence, provided he used discretion and
'Urinated' between the wheels of the 'dray' and kept himself with his back
turned to the public view as much as possible.
This was to excuse him from leaving his animals unattended when
required to answer the 'call of nature'
in an emergency, for although placid by nature, there was always the risk
of some 'wag' of a motorist creating a 'backfire' for fun, and in the
event of those animals 'bolting' there would have been no stopping them.
Although the 'drayman' was usually accompanied by a second person, it would
require at least 2 men with a strong hand to calm those animals.

The traffic point was a noisy one, although the 'trams' were away
from the 'point' and not controlled, they were very noisy with their
screeching of wheels as they negotiated the turn to and from the Bridge and
Embankment. Yes it was Sixpence all day on those trams and for that
priceless sum of a 'tanner' you could travel all over London hopping from
tram to tram, providing you travelled between 9am and 6pm, and those tram
routes reached to the far distant suburbs at all points of the compass.

The yellow and white 'Accident' book mentioned did not eventuate as
far s I can remember until late 1932 The 'White Book' was for 'Damage Only'
the 'Yellow Book' was for 'Personal Injury' accident, and they were a
blessing, you just had to enter up in the margins provided.

Prior to this everything had to be reported in 'long hand' in the
small white pocket book in pencil, and as correctly stated 'no eraser'. You
had to cross mistakes out and initial same, the reason being that in the
event of being asked to produce your pocket book in court, any obvious
erasing would be a target for the defence. You would not get very far when
reporting off duty one presented the pocket book to the Station Officer
with a badly written report indicating erasers had bee used, It was not
uncommon for the Station Inspector especially if he was having a 'bad day'
to 'throw' the pocket book onto the charge room floor with the expression
'Re Write it'. (and this you did in your own time).

I well remember an incident during my first week. We were 'Learning
Beats' but for the first 4 days had to attend 'Bow Street Court' for
experience.

Returning from Court back to 'AD' at the close of Session about
4pm, there were 4 of us as mentioned before 'Bert' Treeby'555'A'. 'Alfie
Howes' 121'A'/ 'Hugh' Brewer 172'A'
and myself.
Our passage lay via The Strand, Villiers Street and Victoria
Embankment, and as we prepared to cross the intersection of Horse Guards
Avenue, there was an almighty crash and 2 cars collided at the
intersection. There was nothing else for it but to get on with it.
A toss of the coin it was decided for Bert Treeby 555'A' to take one
vehicle whilst I took the other, and I would be the reporting Officer.,
meaning that after copying the full pars of Vehicle No2 from 'Bert' an entry
had to be also added into my book that 'Pars of Vehicle No2 were taken by
Pc Treeby 555'A' and copied from his pocket Book. This entry then had to be
initialled by Pc 555'A' (What a lot of Madame)
All of that 12 weeks training at Peel House then swung into play.
Yep you guessed it . I forgot to take the drivers licence pars of vehicle
No1.??

Kindly Inspector Mr Burket, the Station Officer Late Turn at AD was
most sympathetic at this recruit getting it wrong but. I would have to
learn and obtain those pars somehow before he would accept the report, and
this in my own time.

Now the driver concerned resided at 'Barnes' SW13. and only about
100 yds from 'VB' Barnes Police Station. Had I been a experienced PC it would have
been simple to ring up 'VB' Barnes station and requested a PC to just take
a short walk and obtain those pars, but 'Oh No', no one suggested that, I
was informed that I had to travel to Barnes and obtain those pars for
myself.

So it was that dressed in my best 'bib and tucker' after a short
tea break I walked up to Trafalgar Square , boarded a No.9 bus to 'Barnes'
(price sixpence) and more by luck than judgement found the 'driver' at home
who after supplying me with those missing particulars offered me a nice
beer.

My report now complete this was handed to the 'Night Duty Station
Officer who, after scrutinising very carefully accepted same. I never
forgot this incident and never forgot the drivers pars in the very many
accident reports that followed in my 'tag car' years that followed.

We always commenced our reports with the words , 'I beg to
report' written in long hand. We always 'begged to report' everything, and
I often wondered why.

Yes we also carried 3 small books in the wallet for easy reference
(not 2) The blue one was 'Summons Heading' giving a quick reference to the
Section and Act for any Process report. The yellow book was entitled
'Duty Hints'
giving short access to the various Acts we may require, and the 'Grey Book'
was a quick reference to any 'Fire Alarm' 'Water and Gas Mains etc and
positions of interest on the ground, positions we may require in an
emergency Price Threepence each they were useful.

Before I close this article an item of interest comes to mind.
Thinking of those Cold Winters and my days working Nos 5 and 6
Special Posts which terminated at the corner of the garden wall at the
rear of No10 on the Horse Guards Parade . At this juncture there was a
'Shelter' with a Cupboard 'For the use Of' fitted onto the garden wall into
which we placed our 'capes' when not in use etc.

On those cold winter mornings it was not unusual for a nice
steaming hot jug of cocoa to emerge from the rear garden door of No 10 to
be placed into that cupboard. If I remember correctly the Prime Minister of
the day was Mr Ramsay McDonald followed by Mr. Stanley Baldwin. Can any one
tell me. Does this practice still exist??.

Bye for now. George Sharp Ex Pc. 149A
Wt No. 121517
27 Taipari Road,
Te Atatu Peninsula
Auckland 1008
NEW ZEALAND
EMail


'THE PRAM'(See picture BELOW RIGHT)

The 'pram' was a nickname for the 'Hand Ambulance' (see photo below right) and in those days, as far as I can recall, one of these appliances was kept at each divisional station. The one at 'AD' was kept behind the large green yard door.


The purpose of this appliance was for the conveyance of those persons who were unable to transport themselves physically to the 'Nick'
under Police escort, were violent and needing restraint, or were not a suitable case for the public ambulance to convey them.


This apparatus consisated of a 'Stretcher' complete with straps, blankets, and a rubber sheet, also a 'perambulater' type folding hood at its head, for protection from curious persons.
This stretcher was then placed upon a mainframe, supported by two large wheels and a bogey wheel for steerage.


It was late September, 1931 my second week in the 'Job' and learning beats, posted 'Late Turn' 2-10pm on 'One Beat' and under the careful guiidance of PC 133A Green who was about 15 years my senior.'


About 9pm it was decided to have a last look round the beat, we were walking along the Victoria Embankment on the wide pavement nearest to the river, at a steady 2 1/2 mph. towards Hungerford Bridge.


Being late September, the autumn wind was being felt blowing up river, it was dark, with street lighting on.The 'Down and Outs' were beginning to appear on the park bench seats complete with their newspapers for warmth, taking care to remain in an upright position uintil we had passed by, before stretching out to full length on the seat, hoping that the Night Duty PC, would pass them by on the other side of the road.


So it was, that as we approched 'Cleopatra's Needle' we came upon a bench seat that appeared positively full of newspapers that demanded
ivestigation.


Slowly removing the newspapers we came upon the figure of a woman of about 60yrs lying full length, in her arm she clutched an almost empty
flagon of Cheap Red Australian Wine, known as 'Red Biddy', and was out to the world, obviously hoping to dream her dreams away until dawn.


'Well if it isnt Dear Old Annie' said PC Green who recognised her. A gentle shake at first yelded no response from the hapless victim.More shaking becoming more progressivly violent, began to obtain a response until 'Annie' suddenly became aware of the situation and began to let rip.


'Annie', resenting disturbance, then began swearing, and proved that she could easily swear every swear word in the English language over a good 3 minutes without repeating herself , she quickly informed us in swear words that we both were of doubtful parentage and born outside the blanket.


It was clearly a case of 'Drunk and Incapable' also 'Drunk and Disorderly' and 'Annie' would have to be taken in to the 'Nick'. It was obvious that 'Annie' could not walk of her own volition.

Pc.Green looked at me and asked me to go back to 'AD' and collect the 'Pram'. Returning to AD, I notified the Stn. Inspector of the need in order that an entry be made in the "OB". I collected the 'Pram' from behind the doors in the yard and commenced the trudge back to 'Cleopatra's Needle'.

On arrival it was obvious that the 'Wags' were in attendance by their various remarks. Laying the stretcher on the pavement we then lifted 'Annie' from the seat onto the stretcher strapping her in for safe keeping, also taking extra care not to break the 'Red Biddy' flagon in the process. We then commenced the steady upward trudge along the enbankment towards 'AD'

On turning into New Scotland Yard from the Embankment, there is a slight 'Down' gradient, 'AD' rests in a slight hollow, which made the going easier, the 'Pram' gaining slight momentum, but still under control(so we thought).

'Annie' was still blowing her top with every swear word in the book as we approached the entrance of AD. PC Green said 'This will wake her up' and swung the 'Pram' sharply left and at right angles to the pavement.
All well and good, except that the momentum of the pram was fast enough for the wheels to hit the kerb rather violently.
Now I don't know whether we had failed to replace the stretcher back into the 'Sockets' of the pram correctly or that the impact with the 'kerb' was the cause, but results were electrifying.

The 'Stretcher' left the mainframe with a speed that would have given the inventor of the modern fighter plane ejector seat some food for thought! The head of the stretcher coming to rest against the bottom of the 'AD' steps, whilst the feet were still up on the 'Pram' the whole stretcher including 'Annie' being at an angle of 45 deg. across the pavement, whilst a startled PC on the door looked on in amazement.
It was then that PC.Green went into 'reverse' with the result that the stretcher left the mainframe and crashed down on to the pavement.

By now 'Annie's' screams had alerted both the Stn. Inspector and the 'Reserve' man to appear at the station steps and between all 5 of us we carried 'Annie' complete with stretcher in to the Charge Room, sitting her up on to the bench seat against the wall where she did not stay for long without collapsing into a horizontal position.

'Annie' was then charged and placed into a warm cell for the night.
I replaced the 'Pram' into its stable then booked off duty. I certainly enlarged my vocabulary with some new words from the English language that night.

George.T.Sharp. 149A /Wt.No.121517
EMail: geosharp@xtra.co.nz



'CODS EYES'
**************

A few months ago, an article appeared in the LPP Magazine requesting the origin of the expression 'Look Out! Cods Eyes is about'.

The request was suitably answered,in that it related to the Superintendent of the day in the 1950 era whenever that gentleman,(the Superintendent) who had prominent protruding Eyes and known by the nickname 'Cods Eyes' (who shall be nameless for this article) decided on his own bat,to go' Walkabouts'and patrol the Sub Division.

As older members of that era will know, in the event of any superior officer above the rank of Inspector deciding to patrol, around the Division, the telephone became very busy and all Sub div. station such as AW.AR,POW. BP.AH. would receive a telephone call from AD, and upon lifting the receiver would receive a blunt message saying 'Look Out! ??? is about'.
My first experience with 'Cods Eyes' goes back about 70 years to the winter of 1932/3 when 'Cods Eyes' was a Sergeant at 'GY' (Gt. Scotland Yard'), and had already acquired that nickname.

It was approaching Xmas Time , I was posted to No.1 Beat which in those days covered that piece of 'Prime Real Estate' stretching North to South from Northumberland Avenue to Bridge Street also East to West from Whitehall to Victoria Embankment.

England had decided to give a very fine display of its best winter weather in the form of a very thick 'Smog' or a 'Pea Souper' fog.

I do not think England suffers from 'Smog' these days but in those days a 'Smog' meant a 'Fog' so thick that the Bus Conductor was compelled to walk in front of the Bus following the 'white line' with a torch to assist the driver. Pedestrians could easily collide with one
another suddenly looming out of the 'Fog' , usually holding a handkerchief or other material over their mouth, persons walking would feel a
stinging sensation around the eyelashes that would be covered in the wet black stinging moisture, and clothing would be covered with a wet dirty moisture that resembled fine sooty rain.

And so it was that I found myself entering Gt Scotland Yard from Whitehall around 9.15 am on this foggy morning looking forward to the scheduled refreshment break that would be around 10.15 am. when I realised that a call into 'GY' might yield a 'Cuppa' from the 9.am to 5 pm staff .

The building known as 'GY' situated on the North side of Gt.Scotland Yard was in fact the Mounted Section of the 'Met' stabling around 12 or more horses on 2 levels. These stables were originally owned by Lord Lonsdale. Entrance was via an impressive archway leading to the small arena where the horses were exercised and the 'Strappers' carried out their chores.

At the end of the archway on the left, was the 'Mounted' Office and on the right was the Office of the 'DTTO No1' (District Traffic and Transport Officer No.1.District) commonly known as the 'Ditto's Office', wherein reposed the 'Ditto, Ch.Insp. (Chesty) Hill a very tall and large built man, hence his nickname of 'Chesty' and his staff, comprising as far as I can remember Stn Sgt Walker (Later Supt. at Hendon Driving School, around the 1950s) , Stn.Sgt. Amie. (Communications Officer) and 'Sgt. 'Cods Eyes', the latter was a real down to earth London 'Cockney' and did not suffer fools gladly, but was kindness in itself. Born in London a Cockney from the South Bank myself, we seemed to hit it off.

Tapping on the door, sticking my head in, at the same time giving the customary greeting, 'Allo Allo Allo, Morning All' I must have appeared a sorry sight with my red rimmed eyes looking towards the desk whereupon reposed the steaming jug and the cups, causing some humour.

After the usual banter and drinking my warm 'Cuppa' I suddenly heard 'Cods Eyes' address me with the remark 'One Forty Nine!! that 'armlet' you are wearing is filthy, isn't it about time you gave it a wash?? and Sgt. 'Cods Eyes' was referring to the Blue and White striped Duty Armlet that we wore on the left sleeve of the uniform to denote to all and sundry that the wearer was on duty. In this case I must confess, my armlet was most certainly in need of a little maintenance, and the dirty black moisture of the 'Fog' did not help matters.

When joining the 'Force we were issued with 2 armlets. It was a case of 'One Off, One in the Wash' but unfortunately I had either mislaid or lost Armlet No2, the result being that on completion of duty the'Armlet returned to the pocket for further use therefore not being replaced by a clean one.

Ruefully surveying the dirty armlet and apologising I explained the position to 'Cods Eyes' who then replied 'Well get it washed and we will attend to it'.

No more was thought about this matter other than to promptly wash the offending article, until about 3 days later, when parading at 5.45am
for 'early turn' , the Section Sergeant on appointing me to No.1 beat which for me was on a monthly posting, informed me that a note in the 'Scrap Book' requested me to call into 'GY' sometime during the morning to report to Sgt ??? ('Cods Eyes').

Accordingly timing my visit to coincide with 'Cuppa' time I duly attended 'GY', when 'Cods Eyes ' after surveying my clean armlet, then
opened a drawer and drew out a package which he presented, at the same time saying 'There will be no more excuses will there'??. The package contained 6 bright clean blue and white striped armlets each complete with buckles.

I did not meet up with him again for years until 1953 when I was an original member of the 'Special Escort Motorcycle Squad', formed in the first instance in March 1953 especially for the protection of Yugoslavia President 'Marshall Tito' on his visit to the U.K.

Having escorted 'Marshal Tito' to Buckingham Palace we were parked at Spur Road Gardens opposite the 'Palace' when the Supt 'Cods Eyes', who was 'mounted', also complete with helmet and sword, rode over to us and had a few pleasantries, as was his custom. I told him that I was sorry, but I did not have a dirty armlet to wear on this occasion, and to my surprise he remembered. As he rode away I felt sure that I could ride my motorcycle better than he could ride his horse!!

Cheers for now.

George Sharp Ex 149A.
Wt. No. 121517
EMail: geosharp@xtra.co.nz

DISCIPLINE

It is well known that you cannot have efficiency without discipline
but at times it can be petty, as was the case I think on one
Sunday afternoon in late November 1932.

Finding myself at the intersection of Whitehall with Gt.
Scotland Yard ( Late Turn No.1 Beat) I had decided to seek shelter
from the rain which had been almost continuous throughout the day.

The only thing in favour of the rain was the fact that it was
keeping the 'fog' at bay, and the hour being 4pm, darkness was not
far away.

Wearing my great coat, also my 'oilskin cape' which was of
the new issue, its predecessor being of a rubberised fabric which
leaked at the shoulders, I was managing to keep myself dry, but
decided to seek further shelter from the neighbouring row of nearby
shop doorways.

There was a row of about 6 shops in Whitehall extending from
the 'Pub' on this corner towards Trafalgar Square, and one of the
shopkeepers had kindly allowed his shop blind to remain extended over
the footway for the weekend, and I decided that this would at
least keep the rain off, so, underneath this I took shelter with my
back to the shop window, and then surveyed the scene.