Remembrance Day 2021

A police constable who died as a soldier on this week during the First World War was among those remembered today, with a poignant tribute from the officer who wears the same collar number more than 100 years later.

Headquarters fell silent on the stroke of 11am for North Yorkshire Police’s Remembrance Service to honour all who have served their country and died in conflict. The silence was also observed at police stations around the county.

As part of the memorial service at headquarters, PC105 Clive Penten laid a handmade wreath containing a poppy for each of the North Yorkshire police officers who lost their lives in the First or Second World War. Their names are immortalised on memorials at headquarters.

Among them was PC105 Charles Vickerman, who was born in 1890 and patrolled the streets of Whitby.

He joined the Grenadier Guards at the outbreak of war and was killed in action this week in 1914. He was 24.

PC105 Penten, who is based in Ripon and served with the Royal Fleet Auxiliary before joining North Yorkshire Police, said: “It’s an honour to help pay tribute to PC105 Charles Vickerman today, his colleagues who also gave their lives in conflict and all of our service men and women.

“Sharing a collar number is one of the links an officer has to their predecessors and their force’s heritage.

“Policing has changed a lot since PC Vickerman was wearing collar number 105. But one thing that has always remained constant is the sense of duty we feel as police officers towards serving our communities, and our commitment to keeping people safe.

“Those values are timeless and will always be important to past, present and future generations of officers along with all who serve in our armed forces.”

Today’s Remembrance Service at headquarters was attended by Deputy Chief Constable Phil Cain and Chief Fire Officer Jonathan Foster and led by North Yorkshire Police Chaplain Julia Jones.

Wreaths were laid as part of the tributes to all who have served their country and died in conflicts throughout the generations.

Representatives from North Yorkshire Police will also be taking part in Remembrance Sunday services throughout the county this weekend.