Police have received a 'monumental' response to an appeal over a late officer's Montgomery grave which was launched on MyWelshpool.
PC William Davies died as a direct result of injuries received whilst attempting to apprehend violent sheep-rustlers in Chirbury Street, Montgomery in 1903.
He died three weeks after the incident, leaving a wife and four children, one, William Henry Davies was involved in the Abermule Rail Disaster of 1921, where he worked for the Cambrian Railways Company.
This additional information and much more has come to light as a direct result of the recent appeal.
Facts have been unearthed from Yvonne Rideout, Ontario, Canada, from Dawn Gill in the Powys Archive in Llandrindod Wells, Ann and John Welton (Local Montgomery Historians), and most surprisingly from Michael Davies, the Great Grandson of PC William Davies himself, who responded to the appeal, intrigued that his late relative was the subject of an inquiry after so much time had elapsed.
Enquiries are still on-going in Powys to unearth further details of the events surrounding PC Davies’ death, and hopefully a photograph or picture. The possibility of a restoration of the gravestone is to be researched and a re-affirmation of the facts celebrated with the descendants and other interested parties are planned.
The search was part of Dyfed Powys Police Force's commitment to the officers that serve.
The brave officer was buried in St Nicholas Church in Montgomery, Powys. Recently his grave was brought to the attention of Dyfed-Powys Police Chief Constable Ian Arundale, who believed it should be maintained in a manner befitting PC Davies’ professionalism and ultimate sacrifice.
Although a suspect was taken to court for the incident there was apparently insufficient evidence and he was acquitted.
Given that this happened more than 100 years ago PC Davies’ grave is still in a surprisingly good condition. However, the Dyfed-Powys Police Museum Association would like to take responsibility to restore the headstone to its former glory – and invite the officer’s descendants to be part of this delve into history.
A Dyfed-Powys Police spokesperson said: “Police Officers who are killed in the line of duty merit a special gratitude for paying the ultimate price, thereby ensuring the safety of members of their community.
“This level of dedication from a serving officer should be continually recognised so that further generations in the community can acknowledge the courage and commitment demonstrated by Police Officers such as the late PC William Davies.”
Any person with further information, please contact Antony Topazio or Kevin Smith via the Call Centre on 101 and your message will be forwarded.
