METROPOLITAN POLICE MEMORIAL

News - November 2001

Her Majesty The Queen Dedicates Metropolitan Police Memorial and
Book of Remembrance by the Police Roll of Honour Trust

When the Her Majesty the Queen recently dedicated the Book of Remembrance, produced by the Police Roll of Honour Trust, Lancashire Sergeant Anthony Rae and his wife Ruth were among official guests of the Metropolitan Police Commissioner, Sir John Stevens.

Anthony and Ruth, who were there to represent the Trust, were presented to Her Majesty The Queen, following the Dedication Ceremony of the Metropolitan Police Memorial and Book of Remembrance at Hendon.

The Book of Remembrance, which contains a Roll of Honour with citations for over 550 officers and civil staff killed in the line of duty, was dedicated and signed by The Queen in the presence of many relatives of the fallen officers. The Book had been written on behalf of the Trust by Sergeant Rae after 20 years research and was produced, using calligraphy and artwork, in a large format and bound in blue, embossed leather.

Research to compile the book was begun by Sgt Rae in 1981 while serving with the Metropolitan Police. Since then he has transferred to the Lancashire Constabulary and is a founder member of the Trust.  Last year, at the request of Deputy Commissioner Ian Blair, the Chief Constable of Lancashire Constabulary, Pauline Clare, seconded Anthony back to the Metropolitan Police for two months during which time he was able to work full time on the project on behalf of the Trust,

Sergeant Rae said " My wife and I were greatly honoured to represent the Trust and to meet and speak with the Queen, it has been a tremendous task to complete the work but this and the personal thanks given by many of the relatives present have made it all worthwhile."

The completion of this Book of Remembrance is part of a much larger project to compile a National Police Officers Roll of Honour for all police services of the United Kingdom, past and present. On behalf of the Trust Anthony has previously helped several forces compile a Roll of Honour but this was the first time the Trust had been asked to research, write and oversee the production of a Book of Remembrance in its entirety.

Already two other large forces have approached the Trust to assist them with new Rolls of Honour. Eventually the aim is to publish a Roll of Honour for the whole of the UK, with a Book of Remembrance sited at a National Police Memorial and additional information available via the Internet.

The Police Roll of Honour Trust, has attracted funding and support from all UK Police Forces and Staff Associations. Corporate sponsors include Roland Smith Ltd, Royal & Sun Alliance and Norwich Union insurance companies.

The Charitable Trust is now seeking sponsorship to fund the work on a national basis, and in particular is asking companies and businesses, which want to acknowledge  police officers who gave their lives for their communities, for their assistance.

Anthony said "The hundreds of letters that the Trust has received in recent years, not only from the officers' families but from the general public, illustrates that paying this tribute to our officers who have fallen in the service of the community has immense value in promoting police and community relations."

Last updated 5th February 2002
© Police Roll of Honour Trust
Registered Charity No. 1081637
enquiries@policememorial.org.uk