Operation Valour is a project commemorating the police officers from K Division (what is now Newham, Tower Hamlets, Redbridge and Barking & Dagenham boroughs) who enlisted in the armed forces during the First World War and were subsequently killed in action or died as a result of injuries received. This project is being co-ordinated by Borough Commander Tony Nash, Chief Superintendent Rob Jones, PC Ricky Coleridge and PC Stephanie Gentile. Her Majesty the Queen and the Commissioner are aware of Operation Valour and both have indicated their support and enthusiasm for the project.
Out of some 285 police officers who enlisted in the armed forces from K Division, 22 soldiers were killed between 1914 and 1918. A further police officer was killed while on duty in The Silvertown Explosion of 1917 and was posthumously awarded the King’s Policing Medal by King George V. Overall, 4,500 members and ex-members of the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) joined the armed forces during both world wars and over 500 of them lost their lives on active service or enemy action.
Commemorative events began on Monday, 28th July at Barking Abbey at 10.30am, led by the Bishop of Barking and Metropolitan Police Chaplains Jonathan Osbourne and David Foster. One hundred police officers were present to represent the 100 years since the start of the War. The event was well attended by local councillors and community leaders. Police Borough Commanders from Newham, Tower Hamlets, Redbridge and Barking & Dagenham attended, together with Police Area Commander Stephen Watson.
Older and younger generations joined together in the service. The Chelsea Pensioners added a splash of colour and were joined by a number of decorated veterans, who wore their medals with pride. Twenty-three children from Sandringham School each stood in turn and spoke thename of a fallen officer. It was a proud and dignified performance from the children, who are a credit to their teachers, their school and themselves.
Borough Commander Tony Nash said: “It was my great pleasure to have been involved in organising this remembrance service for former Police Officers who fought for their country and made the ultimate sacrifice. My heartfelt thanks go to all of those who attended or contributed to this memorable and deeply moving service.”