Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Three: Police Constable C. Gentle, Metropolitan Police

Jubilee 1897, bronze (P.C. - C. Gentle - R. Divn.); Coronation 1902, bronze (P.C. C. Gentle. X. Div.); Coronation 1911 (P.C. C. Gentle.) light contact marks, good very fine (3) £70-£90

Charles Gentle was born in Royston, Cambridgeshire, on 6 February 1872 and joined the Metropolitan Police on 2 October 1893. He served as a Police Constable initially with ‘R’ (Greenwich) Division. On 6 October 1897 he was summoned to Thames Police Court ‘to show cause why an order should not be made on him to contribute to the support of the illegitimate child of Elizabeth Mansfield, of whom it was alleged the defendant was the father. The complainant, who was housemaid at a hospital, gave evidence, and said that after the birth of the child she wrote to the defendant, but got no answer. She had heard that he was now married. The defendant denied that he was the father of the chid, but he admitted writing certain letters produced, in one of which were the words, “The pork pie was grand; it was very nice and tasty.” An Inspector was called for the defence to prove that the defendant was out on duty when it was alleged he was out with the complainant. Mr. Mead, the Magistrate, said he found in the complainant’s favour, and ordered the defendant to pay 4s. 6d. a week until the child was 16 years of age, and allowed £1 5s. costs.’ (Police Review, 15 October 1897 refers).

As a result of his behaviour Gentle was severely reprimanded, cautioned, and transferred to another Division. He subsequently served with ‘X’ (Harrow Road) Division for the remainder of his time in the Metropolitan Police, and was pensioned on 5 October 1919, after 26 years and 4 days’ service. He died on 11 October 1951.

Sold with copied record of service and other research.