Arthur Wright

Police Constable

Derbyshire Constabulary

Died 27 March 1911, aged 35

 While with another officer escorting a teenage girl who had been arrested for theft at Matlock, the girl suddenly leapt into the swollen River Derwent; despite being non-swimmers both officers jumped in after her, Constable Wright reached the drowning girl and attempted to rescue her but both were drowned; his body was recovered still clutching part of the girl's blouse.

            Arthur had 10 years service and was stationed at Matlock, he had been previously seriously assaulted while on duty and on sick leave for 3 years.

He was engaged to be married and was survived by his widowed mother. 

His name was inscribed on the Carnegie Hero Roll.

A memorial plaque and lifebelt bearing his name was erected on a post at the river bank, the plaque later being transferred to a stone memorial at the scene.