Whistles

[Monty]

I found this in the Bishopsgate Police Order Books dated 21st May 1889, indicating the City of London Force were only considering using whistles many months after Eddowes was murdered.

Monty

[Howard Brown]

Neil:

Thanks a lot for providing that attachment.
It brings to mind the situation of who blew what to alert constables in the vicinity of Mitre Square.
PC Watkins testified that George Morris, the night man at Kearley & Tonge, ran up the street blowing his whistle while Watkins stayed put.
In light of what you've uncovered, the whistle Morris blew may have been the one he used back when he was a Met policeman....or would he have had to return that item upon his departure from the force ?

[Monty]

They were supposed to hand all kit back How, with the Stores clerk issuing a docket. However some bits of kit did slip through, whistles were 10 a penny.

Morris retired in 1882, 2 years before the Met introduced whistles. Therefore it was highly unlikely he used a Met issued whistle. I suspect he used his own or one issued to him by Kearley & Tonge.

Monty

[Howard Brown]

Thanks Neil....its a little unusual that a warehouse would issue a whistle ( if Morris did in fact use a company issued whistle ) when the City Police wouldn't.
Much appreciated again,Neil.

[SPE]

Police whistles didn't really change much over the years - here's mine that I was issued with in 1969.

[Monty]

Certain Custom Officers are still issued the 'Metropolitan' whistle Stewart.

Many thanks for sharing yours.

I also found instructions on how to wear the whistle, hooked around the button, in through the second button hole etc. I'll see if I can find the photo.

Monty

[Rob Clack]

Here you go.

[Monty]

You go and search for your photo of the memo which decrees how the City boys should wear their whistles and whilst you do so, Rob Clack posts his copy of the same bloody doc. So I wont duplicate.

Many thanks Rob.

Monty