Photograph of Brighton Borough Police constables and an inspector in Madeira Terrace c1910-1920

Photograph

Old Police Cells Museum Brighton

Photograph of Brighton Police constables and an inspector in Madeira Terrace c1910 - 1920

Name/Title

Photograph of Brighton Borough Police constables and an inspector in Madeira Terrace c1910-1920

Entry/Object ID

2320

Description

Black and white unframed original photographic print, approx. 21.5 cm x 31.5 cm, on card of six Brighton Police constables and an inspector believed to have been taken at Madeira Terrace on Brighton Seafront, possibly between 1910 and 1920. No marks to rear.

Context

This photograph shows six Brighton Police constables and an inspector and the uniforms are thought to date from the c1910 - 1920 period. The constables are wearing tunics with breast pockets and ball topped helmets with a white metal wreath style badge that was used for day use until 1935. On the left sleeves of the constables are striped duty bands. The constables are all are holding white gloves and the inspector is wearing what appears to be a straw cap. This may well indicate that the photograph was taken in the summer and indeed there are deckchairs in the background. It was only in 1933 that Brighton Police adopted white helmets for summer use, however in the early 20th century they did wear a light blue coloured straw helmet, which definitely is not worn here. The inspector is wearing a distinctive metal cap badge, which is thought to suggest that this might be an earlier rather than later image. The lack of any First World War medal ribbons suggests that the picture is pre 1920 (the two commonest medals were only instituted in 1919 and took some time to issue) and and possibly even before or possibly during the conflict. The reason for the photograph is a mystery, though it may indicate that these officers were involved in some particular incident or are united in some other way.