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WAR ANIMALS Brenda started looking into the bravery and heroism of animals. She discovered that many animals were awarded the Dicken Medal; a medal initiated by Mrs. Maria Dicken, founder of the PDSA (People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals). Since its inception in 1943, this prestigious medal has recognized the courage of 32 pigeons, 18 dogs, 5 horses, and even a cat - each a testament to unwavering loyalty and sacrifice. The first three were awarded to police horses Regal, Olga, and Upstart. They received their awards on 11 April 1947 at Hyde Park in recognition of the courage they exhibited during World War II. All three are buried at the Metropolitan Police Mounted Training Establishment at Thames Ditton which also displays their medals in a museum. [ 23 and 24 ] Contact us if you are interested in taking part, can contribute in person or by donating equipment to our living history group or just want to know more about us: warandpolicereenactment@gmail.com You can find us on Facebook and Instagram.

IPA member since 1993, Dutch ‘Koninklijke Marechaussee’ (constabulary) Captain Roland joined the group after retirement. He has a 1940s Marechaussee corporal’s – and colonel’s uniform [ 13 , 14 , 15 ] as they were worn in London during the occupation of The Netherlands. Marechaussees escorted Queen Wilhelmina who arrived in England on May 13th, 1940 with members of the Dutch government up until her return in 1945. Other escaped Marechaussees prepared for D-Day or worked with MI9. Roland also has a KCC uniform. [ 16 ] Former Royal Military Policeman, Colin who has a 1950s RMP uniform and is an ex Kent PC (Police Constable). He was a neighborhood and community beat officer and is still active in Kent Police. He drives a fully equipped 1955s Austin Champ 4x4, used by the RMP. [ 17 ] Our tallest member (6’ 4”) Charles, an acting London police officer joins us once in a while. Last year, in Faversham, W&P officers in period uniform officially marshalled the free passing through of the Mayor on his way to the Remembrance Day service and parade. Local ladies queued up for a photo together with these handsome constables. [ 18 ]. In 2024 “Major Twentymen” of the Dover Castle bunker joined the W&P group. Former Police inspector and non-Home Office Police Force Inspector/ Assistant Head Constable David, who is now a familiar face and author of the Babanango historical military trilogy “A Rougher Task” and “In the Ranks of Death”. When he retired from that job he decided to join us. He is of great value with his policing knowledge. [ 19 ] VEHICLES Jamin, aka “JB” and his wife Sam own an original Kent Police Volvo (roof no 46) used by the Traffic Department (TD15). In 2003, GN03 NYP (“Vera”) was

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one of a batch of Volvo V70 T5 Estates delivered. [ 20 ] This batch of cars were the first to receive the new Kent Police logo and the soon to be standard ‘Battenburg’ livery across the UK. GN03 NYP received the operational fleet number ‘TD15’ (Traffic Division 15) and was based at Coldharbour Lane in Maidstone. Although JB still doesn’t know much about her service history with Kent Police, it did confirm that his ex-Kent Police Volvo V70 T5 was a celebrity, he met one of its former drivers at KPOD24. [ 21 ] One other police vehicle that can be seen in the group is a 1939 Morris 10/4 by the name of “Bill” and three Police push bikes. [ 22 ]

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POLICE WORLD Vol 71 No.1, 2026

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