Forgotten Heroes: A Record of Police Gallantry Awards in the Lancashire County Palatine

Forgotten Heroes is a book that chronicles all gallantry awards granted by the nation's sovereign in recognition of the bravery of almost 400 police officers throughout the ancient Lancashire County Palatine. The book covers more than a century of gallantry, beginning with the first award given in 1911 to a Preston officer, and includes posthumous awards.

Format: Hardback
Length: 388 pages
Publication date: 06 December 2018
Publisher: Stephen Wilson Publishing

Forgotten Heroes is a groundbreaking compilation that brings together, for the very first time, a comprehensive record of all the gallantry awards bestowed upon the nation's sovereign in recognition of the bravery of nearly 400 police officers from the ancient Lancashire County Palatine. The Palatine jurisdiction, which remains under the reign of the reigning sovereign, the Duke of Lancaster, spans from the picturesque Lake Windermere and Furness in the north to the serene River Mersey in the south, and from the rugged west coast to the majestic Pennines and Yorkshire Dales in the east. This vast area encompasses the present-day Lancashire as well as parts that are now within the administrative counties of Cheshire, Cumbria, and most of Greater Manchester and Merseyside. The book meticulously chronicles all awards since the inception of the King's Police Medal in 1909, a pivotal moment when the nation began acknowledging and honoring bravery exhibited by police officers who have risked their lives in the line of duty. Spanning over a century of valor, the book takes readers on a journey from the very first award bestowed in 1911 to the present day, showcasing the remarkable tales of courage and selflessness. Gallantry awards are not bestowed lightly; they represent conscious deeds and actions that go above and beyond the expectations of duty. These awards encompass a wide range of incidents, from the courageous rescue of individuals from fires, water, confined spaces, towering buildings, and even during wartime from bombed and burning structures. Among the most poignant and heartwarming stories are the posthumous awards, which pay tribute to the officers who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. Detective Inspector James O Donnell, who tragically lost his life after being shot during the Brewery Street Siege in Blackburn in 1958, is one such example. Donnell was attempting to negotiate with the hostage taker who had earlier shot another officer, and in a selfless act of bravery, he paid the ultimate price. The book also features the incident involving Superintendent Gerald Irving Richard, who displayed incredible bravery when he confronted a gunman who had taken hostages at a bank in Manchester in 1966. Richard's quick thinking and unwavering determination saved countless lives and earned him the prestigious George Medal. The stories of these forgotten heroes serve as a testament to the bravery and dedication of the police force, and they remind us of the sacrifices made by those who put their lives on the line to protect us and our communities. Forgotten Heroes is a valuable resource for anyone interested in the history of law enforcement, as well as a tribute to the unsung heroes who have made a significant impact on our society. It is a reminder that bravery and selflessness are qualities that should be celebrated and honored, and that the legacy of these forgotten heroes should never be forgotten.

Weight: 1556g
Dimension: 215 x 297 x 26 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781916424715