North Yorkshire Police officers who made the ultimate sacrifice were honoured at a special commemorative service held at Eden Camp Modern History Museum today (October 26).
The ceremony, which took place in the museum's chapel, recognised police officers of North Yorkshire Police’s historical constabularies, including the North Riding Constabulary and City of York Police, who gave their lives during the two world wars.
Eden Camp’s chapel contains memorial plaques honouring war dead from local institutions and organisations.
Fallen North Yorkshire Police Officers honoured with Dedicated Memorial Plaque at Eden Camp (Image: NORTH YORKSHIRE POLICE)
But there was no dedicated memorial to North Yorkshire police officers who served and died overseas.
Sergeant Lee Holmes, a North Yorkshire Police officer serving on the Yorkshire Coast, spotted the omission.
After Sergeant Holmes raised the issue, Eden Camp commissioned and installed a plaque to honour the officers for generations to come.
Fallen North Yorkshire Police Officers honoured with Dedicated Memorial Plaque at Eden Camp (Image: NORTH YORKSHIRE POLICE)
Coast Chaplain Brian Ward led the commemorative service, which included the plaque unveiling.
Sergeant Holmes read the fallen officers’ names before a North Yorkshire Police wreath was laid at the memorial stone.
Sergeant Holmes said: "When I visited the chapel at Eden Camp and saw the many memorials dedicated to those who had made the ultimate sacrifice, it struck me that there was nothing specifically recognising the police officers of North Yorkshire who also signed up to fight abroad, of which there were dozens, including a Chief Constable.
Fallen North Yorkshire Police Officers honoured with Dedicated Memorial Plaque at Eden Camp (Image: NORTH YORKSHIRE POLICE)
"Historically, these officers served in constabularies that pre-dated the formation of North Yorkshire Police, but form part of our direct history and the officers must still be remembered for their sacrifice.
“These officers served their communities at home and their country abroad, with courage, dedication and selflessness, and I felt it was important that they had a permanent place where their sacrifice could be remembered and honoured.
"I am incredibly grateful to Eden Camp for embracing the idea and helping make it a reality.
“This plaque ensures that future generations will remember those officers, and it is fitting that they will now be commemorated alongside so many others who served their country.”
Fallen North Yorkshire Police Officers honoured with Dedicated Memorial Plaque at Eden Camp (Image: NORTH YORKSHIRE POLICE)
The event came ahead of Remembrance and followed North Yorkshire Police receiving the Armed Forces Covenant Silver Award for supporting serving personnel, veterans and military families.
North Yorkshire Chief Constable Tim Forber attended with Eden Camp representatives and the force’s Armed Forces Covenant team.
Chief Constable Tim Forber said: "Policing has always been a profession built on public service, courage and commitment, and throughout history officers have put themselves in harm's way to protect others.
Fallen North Yorkshire Police Officers honoured with Dedicated Memorial Plaque at Eden Camp (Image: NORTH YORKSHIRE POLICE)
“It is right that those from North Yorkshire who made the ultimate sacrifice are remembered and honoured in this local museum. This memorial plaque provides a lasting tribute to their service and ensures their legacy will continue to be recognised for many years to come.
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“I would like to thank Sergeant Lee Holmes for his determination in bringing this project forward and Eden Camp for supporting the creation of this fitting memorial.”
Summer O’Brien, Eden Camp’s collections and engagement manager, added: “It has been a privilege to help create this memorial plaque and preserve the memory of those who served and gave their lives for the freedoms we have today.
I am incredibly proud to have been part of this important project, and we will continue to share their stories here at Eden Camp.”
"I am incredibly proud to have been part of this important project, and we will continue to share their stories here at Eden Camp.”