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Archiver > POLICE-UK > 2000-11 > 0975183135


From: "Paul Rason" <>
Subject: Re: [Police-UK] Joseph S CRACKNELL
Date: Sat, 25 Nov 2000 20:12:15 -0000


Hello Howard,

A later message on the list suggests visits to the PRO and Website
searches, which I also endorse.

However I would also suggest you write to the Records Branch as per
the prepared message below. They can, if they can find your man, give
you the reference volumes etc. you may need at the PRO, which can save
time. They cannot unfortunately do any searching at the PRO.

- --------------------------------------------------------------------
- -----------------------------------------------
I am sorry but this will need to be a snail mail job to: -

Record Management Branch
Metropolitan Police
Wellington House
67/73 Buckingham Gate
LONDON SW1E 6BE

Giving as much details as possible, particularly the census area and
/or address and death details. Using the wording on the forms as then
used. These are clues which assist the two staff dealing with these
enquires in their spare time. Only a small % of their time is
officially allocated to these non-core function requests. Horrible all
these management speak, but that's the way it is in the work place,
glad I have retired. They will get back to you but make take sometime.

It is helpful if you set out the details (facts) in block form e.g.

Name. William John Masters
Born. 3rd May 1855 (believed/confirmed) Staines, Middlesex
Address 3 the High Street, Wandsworth.
Police details. Census 1881 shown at High Street, Wandsworth
Occupation: Policeman/Constable

Marriage Certificate (or Birth or ….)

4th June 1891 Southwark Registration District. St Luke’s marriage
between Henry Reeve and Mary Williams. Father William Reeve Retired
Policeman.

Etc., etc., easier to read and check/tick off possible avenues of
research, rather then in long letters with the information all over
the place. Always bare in mind you know what you know, they don’t.

If not sure they will say ‘no trace’ rather than send duff info. They
are part of the police service after all and can do without
complaints, and there are always the moaners.

You can mention being in contact with me, may help. I might even get a
cuppa when next in their office.

- --------------------------------------------------------------------
- ----------------------------------------------

Hope this helps.

Paul Rason, Chairman, of the Friends of the Met Police Museum


----- Original Message -----
From: Howard Davies <>
To: <>
Sent: Friday, November 24, 2000 10:05 PM
Subject: [Police-UK] Joseph S CRACKNELL


> Joseph S CRACKNELL was married to my great aunt Mary Ann
> DAVIES. In the 1881 Census he was shown as Police
> Constable aged 26 living at 39 Benhill Road, Camberwell,
> together with his wife and two children - Ernest J aged 2
> years, and William S aged 15 months.
>
> His birthplace was shown as Liddington, Norfolk.
>
> Any information about his, presumably, Metropolitan Police
> service would be appreciated.
>
> Howard Davies
> Weymout

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