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Identification of police ranks by uniform

Identification of police ranks by uniform

Posted: 26 Apr 2015 9:50PM GMT
Classification: Query
I have obtained a photo of the members of the Tonbridge police force in 1900 (attached) and I'd like to identify the Superintendent as he was my great-great-grandfather, Robert James Styles. I've tried to research the differences in uniform to help identify him, but I lack confidence in the identification because I am not sure how these traditions may have changed over the last 100 years or so.

I'm assuming that the majority of personnel in the photo wearing helmets with no stripes on their arms are constables and those with helmets and stripes are sergeants. Which leaves two members in the centre of the photograph, both with relatively simple uniforms (no buttons or belts for example). I cannot begin to work out the rank of the gentleman 2nd row from bottom, 4th from the left. And I assume the gentleman 2nd row from the bottom, 5th from the left is the Superintendent.

Can someone with more knowledge than myself please advise on the ranks of the two unidentified men?

Many thanks in advance,
Neville
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Re: Identification of police ranks by uniform

Posted: 4 May 2015 4:56PM GMT
Classification: Query
Edited: 4 May 2015 4:58PM GMT
You got that correct. The man on the right with the badge on his peaked hat is the Superintendent, the man on the left without the badge on his kepi style hat is an inspector.
The men with two stripes/chevrons on their upper arms are acting sergeants.

Re: Identification of police ranks by uniform

Posted: 4 May 2015 10:12PM GMT
Classification: Query
Thank you very much indeed for the information, I really appreciate that. Another wonderful piece of my family history jigsaw put in place.

Re: Identification of police ranks by uniform

Posted: 4 May 2015 11:37PM GMT
Classification: Query
BTW at the time of the picture he was serving in the Kent County Constabulary.

They have a museum and a museum website with a fair bit of period exhibits and information.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kent_Police_Museum

http://www.kent-police-museum.co.uk/core_pages/index.shtml

You might already be aware of that but if that isn't where you got your picture from they would probably love to have a copy of it.

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