Orders, Decorations and Medals

A King’s Police Medal awarded to Superintendent A. D. Penrice, Birmingham City Police, for service in the Hockley Floods of 1923-24-25

King’s Police Medal, G.V.R., 1st issue (Supt. A. D. Penrice, Birmingham City Police) on ‘Gallantry’ ribbon, some edge bruising, very fine £350-400

Ex Glendining’s 23 September 1987, lot 23.

K.P.M. London Gazette 1 January 1926.

Arthur David Penrice served in the 4th Battalion Worcestershire Regiment, May 1895-March 1896, after which time he joined the Grenadier Guards, attaining the rank of Sergeant in July 1899 and saw active service in South Africa. He joined the Birmingham City Police on 22 April 1903, gaining rapid promotion to Sergeant in 1908; Inspector in 1911; Chief Inspector in 1916 and Superintendent in 1918.

Some highlights in a distinguished career - 21 November 1904, complimented for the arrest of a burglar, by the Chief Constable. 12 April 1905, Awarded a guinea for the arrest of Warehouse-breakers, by Watch Committee. 14 February 1906, Awarded the lst Stripe of Merit for the arrest of thieves, by Watch Committee. 28 March 1906, Awarded a guinea for stopping a runaway horse, by Watch Committee. 30 September 1908, Awarded 2nd Stripe of Merit for rendering First Aid (limb torn from body), by Watch Committee. 23 February 1910, Awarded a guinea for the arrest of a shop-breaker, by Watch Committee. 1 September 1914, Lent to the War Office as Army Drill Instructor. 16 December 1914, Awarded two guineas for assistance rendered in an attempted murder case, by Watch Committee. 27 January 1916, Complimented for prompt action at a fire in a Picture House, and efficiently dealing with a crowd which assembled at 9.51 p.m. Wednesday 15 December 1915, by the Chief Constable. 23 July 1923, Complimented for excellent work performed in connection with the overflowing of Hockley Brook, by Watch Committee. 5 December 1923, Presented with a Vellum Certificate from the Royal Humane Society for courageous conduct in rescuing persons from Hockley Brook Flood. On 3 February 1926, his career was crowned by the presentation of the K.P.M. at Buckingham Palace. An address from the Lord Mayor of Birmingham highlighted his ‘personal courage and tireless energy’ together with ‘exceptional services’ at the flooding of Hockley Brook. Superintendent Penrice retired from the force on 31 May 1928.

Sold with a quantity of copied research including: report from Supt. Penrice, to Chief Constable C. H. Rafter, dated 19 September 1925; recommendation re. the K.P.M.; newspaper extracts re floods; and booklet, The Bromsgove Rousler, wartime memories - Bombers over Bromsgrove - which gives a biography with some photographs of Superintendent Penrice.