In February 2024 I was engaged in a project when I saw mention of Sgt Edward Belmore of the B.V.R.C. I knew Edward Belmore had been an Inspector of Police for the Bermuda Police Force so my interest was piqued. I started researching Mr Belmore and was surprised to find that he had been involved in several wars and this article is the result.
INSPECTOR OF POLICE EDWARD BELMORE
Edward Belmore was born in Raynham (sic), Essex about July 1855. His father was William Edward Belmore, a clerk.
On 29 August 1878 Edward Belmore, aged 23 years enlisted as Private 3439 in the Kings Royal Rifles Corps at Winchester, Hampshire, where in 1858, the Rifle Depot at Winchester had been made the headquarters of Kings Royal Rifles Corps. The K.R.R.C. was originally the 60th Regiment of Foot and was sometime referred to as ‘the 60th’.
Edward Belmore was posted to 3 Bn and he served in South Africa during the Anglo-Zulu War and was awarded the Zulu War 1879 Medal.
The King's Royal Rifle Corps Association website describes the battles involving 3 Bn:
The Zulu War 1879
Eighteen months after the Zulu War the Transvaal Boers, long discontented, decided to rid themselves of British control and, in January 1881, invaded Natal under General Joubert. The 3rd Battalion, now under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel Cromer Ashburnham, was then at Pietermaritzburg, in Natal.
Laing's Nek, 28th January 1881
Major-General Sir George Coney, the High Commissioner and Commander-in-Chief, having assembled at Newcastle a small force, which included the 3rd Battalion, advanced and attacked the Boers on the 28th in position at Laing's Nek. The Battalion in part covered the left flank, and in part formed a reserve to the assaulting column. The attack was repulsed with heavy loss, and the Battalion covered the retreat.
On 25th January the 2nd Battalion arrived from India, landing at Durban, and marched to join headquarters at Newcastle, where it remained until the armistice in March.
Ingogo, 8th February 1881
A few days after their success at Laing's Nek the Boers made an attempt to cut Colley's communication with his base at Newcastle. Colley took a small force of two 9-pounder guns, thirty-eight men of the Mounted Infantry and five companies of the 3rd Battalion, under Ashburnham, and crossing the Ingogo River occupied a small plateau on the height beyond. Here the force was attacked and surrounded, the Boers having the advantage of good cover. After seven hours of fighting the night came on and the enemy withdrew. The Battalion lost five out of thirteen officers and 119 out of 295 other ranks. The survivors brought away the guns and marched back to camp. The Adjutant, Lieutenant E. O. H. Wilkinson, and six Riflemen who returned to bring in wounded were drowned recrossing the river. Colley's despatch contained a highly complementary reference to the 3rd Battalion.
Majuba, 27th February 1881
On the night of 26th February Sir George Colley decided to seize Majuba Hill by a night march-a hazardous undertaking which was ably executed. The following day the Boers in three assaulting columns, covered by rifle fire, carried the mountain with great gallantry, and completely defeated the small British force of 414 soldiers and sailors which held it.
Two companies of the 3rd Battalion were posted upon the lower spurs of the mountain, and with a third company, sent out later with ammunition, they covered the retreat.
Colley died a soldier's death upon the summit of the mountain. The peace which immediately followed gave the Transvaal Republic its independence but laid the seeds for future conflict.
The 3 Bn served in Egypt 1883-4[1] and took part in the Anglo-Egyptian War, as described by The King's Royal Rifle Corps Association website:
Egypt 1882 and 1884
The 3rd Battalion, under Colonel Ashburnham, had been moved from South Africa to Malta, when the outbreak of hostilities in Egypt caused it to be dispatched to Cyprus and Alexandria.
The ownership of predominant shares in the Suez Canal Company gave us a close interest in Egyptian affairs. The finances of the Khedive had gone from bad to worse; and Captain Baring (later Lord Cromer) was sent out to organize his affairs. In 1881 an insurrection under Arabi Bey broke out, causing widespread disorder and the murder of European residents, and the British Government decided to take military action.
Bombardment of Alexandria, 17th July 1882
Alexandria was bombarded by the Fleet and on 18th July the 3rd Battalion landed while the city was in flames, forming part of the advance force under Major-General Sir Archibald Allison. A portion of the Battalion took part with the Mounted Infantry on 22nd July, in the engagement at Mallana Junction, eight miles from Alexandria, and again in the reconnaissance in force on 5th August near Ramleh.
Rifleman F. Corbett gained the Victoria Cross during the latter operation.
Kassassin, 9th September 1882
On 18th August, upon the arrival of the Commander-in-Chief, Sir Garnet Wolseley, the 3rd Battalion embarked for Ismailia, and took part in the actions of Tel-el-Mahuta on the 25th and Kassassin on 9th September, when the enemy, about 13,000 strong, was completely defeated.
Tel-El-Kebir, 13th September 1882
The Battalion, temporarily commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel W. L. K. Ogilvy, formed part of the 4th Brigade under Colonel Ashburnham in the night march of 12th/13th September and the assault on the lines of Tel-el-Kebir at daybreak. The Brigade closed up on the left of the Highland Brigade as day began to dawn. The Battalion in two lines pressed eagerly forward with its accustomed dash and entered the Egyptian works at about the centre of the position. Major Cramer, Second-in-Command, was wounded, and had his horse shot under him. The enemy gave way on all sides and were broken and dispersed in headlong flight. Two days later Cairo was captured, and the war ended, upon which the Battalion formed part of the army of occupation.
Tamai, February 1884
In February, 1884, the Battalion was ordered to Suakin, where it served in a brigade under Brigadier General Redvers Buller, of the 60th. On 29th February it took part in the defeat of the Dervishes at El Teb. On 13th March it was present at the critical Battle of Tamai. The troops were in two squares, one under Sir Gerald Graham, V.C., commanding the force, the other under Buller. Graham's square was broken, and in the confusion some of its men poured a volley into Buller's, causing one face to run in. Buller at once rode outside the square, and with great coolness rallied his men. Had this square been broken the whole force would have faced disaster. The enemy left 1,000 dead in this part of the field. This action ended the campaign.
Lieutenant P. S Marling, 3rd Battalion, gained the Victoria Cross at Tamai.
Mounted Infantry
The history of the 3rd Battalion at this period would not be complete without reference to the introduction of Mounted Infantry into the British Army. It may fairly be said that the creation of Mounted Infantry, its training and tactics were largely the work of officers and riflemen of the 60th, and in a very special degree of the 3rd Battalion. The value of this arm was established by the success of the relatively small force of Mounted Infantry in Egypt in 1882. This detachment, raised and organized by Captain Edward Hutton, 60th, who had raised and commanded Mounted Infantry in South Africa during the previous year, included many officers and men of the 3rd Battalion who had served in the Boer War. The Mounted Infantry took part in every engagement in the war, from the landing at Alexandria in July until the capture, by a coup de main, of the citadel of Cairo at midnight of the 14th/15th September.
Edward Belmore was awarded the Egypt Campaign Medal and three clasps. The clasps were for Suakin, El Teb, and Tamai. Edward Belmore was also awarded the ‘Egyptian Bronze Star’.[2] This medal is more properly known known as The Khedive’s Star.
The Khedive's Star was a campaign medal established by Khedive Tewfik Pasha to reward those who had participated in the military campaigns in Egypt and the Sudan between 1882 and 1891. This included British forces who served during the 1882 Anglo-Egyptian War and the subsequent Mahdist War, who received both the British Egypt Medal and the Khedive's Star. Cast in bronze and lacquered, it is also known as the Khedive's Bronze Star.
In 1886 3 Bn K.R.R.C. became part of the garrison force of Gibraltar. On 3 December 1886, 32-year-old Sergeant Edward Belmore of the King's Royal Rifle Corps was initiated into Freemasonry in Gibraltar by The Inhabitants Lodge No 153 under United Grand Lodge of England. This was the first of at least three ‘Blue’ Lodges, (Wikipedia tells us that this phrase refers to a Lodge performing the first three degrees of Masonry, regardless of the Rite being practiced), Belmore was to join.
In 1892 3 Bn K.R.R.C. moved to England. On three consecutive Sundays starting on 6 March 1892 the banns for the marriage of Edward Belmore of Parkhurst, Isle of Wight and Harriet Woodford, a spinster of Bishop Waltham Parish were read in St Peters Church, Bishop Waltham. The wedding took place on 23 March 1892 in St Peters Church, Southampton between the 37 year old soldier and the 25 year old spinster.
In 1896 Staff Sergeant Edward Belmore, aged 38 years, was in Bermuda when he joined Atlantic Phoenix Lodge No. 224 under the United Grand Lodge of England. He joined from Lodge #153 - The Inhabitants Lodge in Gibraltar.
The fact that Staff Sergeant Edward Belmore was in Bermuda from January 1895 is a bit of a conundrum as the 3 Bn K.R.R.C. did not Garrison Bermuda until 1904. However his discharge papers state that he was attached the Bermuda Volunteer Rifle Corps as ‘Acting Sergeant Major of Volunteers’.
The first public record of Sgt Belmore being in Bermuda occurred when the Royal Gazette of 28 May 1895 published an extensive article of which the following is extracted:
NAVAL AND MILITARY MEETING
The eighth meeting was held at Warwick Camp on the 17th, 18th and 20th May under the most favourable circumstances, the weather being all that could be desired for the making of good scores and the attendance good considering that few ships of war now at Bermuda. On the last day the light was puzzling, perhaps, and light breeze shifty but good scores were made.
To Q.M.S. Bullock of the Royal Engineers belongs the distinction of winning the championship cup restricted to the regular forces and the very beautiful cup was presented by His Excellency General Lyons C.B., Commanding the Troops, to the best shot among the army (including Volunteers) competitors. In the latter competition Sergt Major Belmore of the Bermuda Volunteers secured a second prize, the very handsome clock also presented by the General Commanding.
This was the first of many shooting competitions in Bermuda where Edward Belmore would be highly placed.
The Royal Gazette of 3 December 1895 reports for the first time that Edward Belmore is also a member of Civil and Military Lodge
Masonic Installation
The installation of the Right Worshipful Master and office bearers of Civil and Military Lodge No. 726 of the Grand Registry of Scotland took place on Friday last 29th ult, St Andrew’s eve, at the Lily Hall, Hamilton. There was a large gathering of the brethren from all parts of this colony including many of the most prominent freemasons in Bermuda to assist at the ceremony. After the installation a supper was served, and the usual loyal and masonic toasts were interspersed with singing recitation.
It was also reported that E. Belmore was invested as Lodge Secretary for the year 1895-6
On 28 July 1896 the Royal Gazette reported a sad occurrence:
Died – At ‘The Glen’, Devonshire, on Sunday evening last, Muriel Hildegarde, only child of Harriet and Edward Belmore, aged 13 months.
Muriel Belmore’s grave
She was buried at Plot 811 at Saint John the Evangelist Churchyard, Pembroke Parish, Bermuda.
A military exercise was fully reported in the Royal Gazette of 3 November 1896:
On the afternoon of Friday the 30th ult the Bermuda Rifles were ordered out to practice the attack. The plan of action was in the main as follows: - an enemy's force represented by No 3 Section B Coy under command of Sergt - Major Belmore was supposed to have landed somewhere in the neighbourhood of Gibbs Hill and was at the time information was received at Headquarters, advancing in an easterly direction along the south coast of the island seeking a suitable place for and covering the landing of a larger force .
As soon as this information was received, a cycle section consisting of 4 men under command of 2nd Lieut. Appleby was despatched to reconnoitre and report on the enemy's position. Messages had already been sent to B & C Coys to concentrate at the rendezvous at McCallan’s store near Paget Parish church as soon as possible. B Coy then fell in at the Town Hall, were ferried across to Paget and marched to the rendezvous. Here they were halted awaiting the approach of the other companies during which time a cyclist orderly arrived and brought in a despatch from the reconnoitring party to the effect that the enemy's outposts had been discovered.
Shortly afterwards another despatch from the cyclist section reached the main body to the effect that the enemy's sentries were plainly observable, and that the enemy were apparently strongly entrenched behind a ridge of hills due south of Middleton’s. B Coy then advanced in the direction of the enemy's position and on arriving at the sand banks No 4 Section was ordered to extend and advance quietly.
They extended and advanced but not quietly for from the very first there was a marked disposition shown to "rush" the attack through, and the manoeuvre was marred by a want of cohesion consequent on the quick advances. At about 300 yds from the enemy's position the firing line was reinforced by No 2 Section and soon afterwards by No 1 Section and the firing on both sides waxed fast and furious, but the advances were still too quick and the volleys somewhat unsteady.
The attack was now vigorously pushed forward, and the enemy retired a short distance to a stronger position. The attacking party then suffered a temporary repulse but reinforcements in the shape of two fresh companies soon arrive of which (C Coy) prolonged the firing line whilst the other (A Coy) made a flank attack. As soon as A Coy was engaged, a hot fire was opened in front by B & C Coys which lasted some four minutes after which the whistle sounded to cease fire. The line advanced at the double and at the sound of the charge carried the enemies (sic) position at the point of the bayonet or rather perhaps at the muzzle of the rifle as bayonets were not fixed.
A sharp attack was then begun both by vanquished and victors on the Commissariat wagon after which a short address was made by the adjutant to the assembled companies in which he pointed out that the chief defect of the manoeuvres was too much "rush" and excitement and too little cohesion but that such things were unavoidable in a first attempt. The adjutant also stated that great credit was due to Lieut. Appleby and the Cycle Section for the manner in which they had performed their duties of reconnoitring although Lieut. Appleby's bicycle was captured by the enemy. Capts Watlington, Misick and Smith then formed their men and proceeded to the rendezvous whence they marched to Paget Ferry and crossed over to Hamilton where they dismissed.
At the meeting of Civil and Military Lodge No 726 of the Grand Lodge of Scotland, meeting on 3 May 1897 at Lily Hall, Hamilton, Bermuda, Bro. Edward Belmore presented to the Right Worshipful Master a Maul to be used in raising candidates to the sublime degree of a Master Mason. The Maul was presented to express his gratitude for the ‘uniform courtesy and kindness’ he had received since joined the Lodge.
At the meeting of Civil and Military Lodge No 726 of the Grand Lodge of Scotland, meeting on 1 July 1897 at Lily Hall, Hamilton, Bermuda, arrangements were completed to form St Andrews Chapter under the Grand Chapter of Scotland. Bro. Edward Belmore was elected as the first 3rd Principal.
In 1898 Edward Belmore became Right Worshipful Master of Lodge Civil and Military No. 726 under the Grand Lodge of Scotland. In 1900 he was installed as First Principal in St. Andrews Chapter under the Grand Chapter of Scotland.
The Royal Gazette of 6 January 1900 reported on three school functions, one of which featured some girls who had been under Sergeant Belmore's instruction and gave an exhibition of drill.
Subsequently Sgt Belmore was favourably mentioned in a number of articles for preparing drill displays by children.
On 24 March 1900 the Royal Gazette published a long article on a meeting of the local St Johns Ambulance Brigade where a number of awards were presented. The article concluded:
At the close of the meeting a short demonstration of the practical uses of the Ambulance Litter was made by Sergeant Belmore of the Bermuda Rifle Volunteers and Mr. Tear, Chief of the Police, under the guidance and assistance of Dr. Eldon Harvey.
In concluding this notice it may be well to state that arrangements are likely to be made that the 'Ashford’ Ambulance Litter may be kept at the Police Station Hamilton, that the Venerable the Archdeacon has kindly consented that the Furley Stretcher for the Flatts' district shall be kept at his residence, Palmetto Grove, that there is a similar Stretcher already stationed at the Police Station in St. George’s, and that a fourth stretcher will shortly be presented to the people of the Somerset district, it is hoped, by His Excellency the Governor, who has kindly consented to visit Somerset on an early day, accompanied Mrs. Barker, to attend a presentation of certificates to the successful candidates of recent ambulance classes in that neighbourhood.
The Royal Gazette of 25 August 1900 published an article on an unusual entertainment. Part of the article follows:
The Living Chess at Rosebank.
On Thursday afternoon and evening the pupils of the Whitney Institute, assisted by a few friends, repeated at Rosebank, their Living Chess Drill which they gave recently at Mt. Hope with such satisfactory results. In the afternoon, unluckily, the weather looked anything but propitious; but, in spite of the threatening clouds and an occasional rumble of distant thunder, they adhered with commendable determination to their purpose, and were rewarded with the success they had driven so hard to attain.
The afternoon exhibition was not, of course, so largely attended as that in the evening. The Chess Board, with squares of 2ft 6in., was placed at the western end of Mr. Bluck’s beautiful tennis-lawn; at a table hard by sat the Venble (sic) Archdeacon Tucker and Dr. T. H. Outerbridge who played the games; and the Band of the Bermuda Militia Artillery was arranged at the northeastern end of the grounds.
As the music struck up Sergt. Major Belmore in the costume of a Knight Templar appeared, by the southern approach, at the head of all the pieces except the royalties. After a few evolutions, beautiful in themselves and faultlessly executed, the opposing pieces dissolved into two lines facing one another north and south; arms were grounded, and a few moments' silence was broken by the fanfare of the trumpets announcing the approach of the royal personages, who presently appeared attended each by two pages.
As they stepped upon the court, the other pieces bent the knee. Their majesties advanced to the centre and halted; four pretty little pages on bended knee presented the sceptres; the trumpets sounded; the kings and queens took their places in the middle of their respective lines, and the pages retired in pairs to the standards at the four coners (sic) of the court.
Presently, at a given signal the black queen's knight knelt before his sovereign and received the gauntlet with which he advanced towards the white queen's knight who stepped out of the line to meet him. After a courteous salute the gage of battle was flung upon the ground by the black knight, boldly taken up by his adversary, and presented upon bended knee to the white king who was graciously pleased to accept the challenge. The band struck up a lively march, to the time of which the whole thirty-two pieces moved round their respective sides of the court, up the centre in pairs, turned to right and left afterwards forming in fours, then in eights and each piece was in position.
On the conclusion of the first game, the pieces again formed; marched at first as previously; but upon attaining to the formation in eights the figure of a star shortly appeared, and these beautiful movements were executed in such fashion as to evoke loud and continued applause.
At the evening drill some of the preliminary movements were more complicated and three games were played.
The article concluded:
Sergt.-Major Belmore’s share in the success of the drill is, of course, by many degrees the largest. His unwearyingly patience, unfailing courtesy and consummate skill have overcome every obstacle, inspired the children with the determination to succeed, if work would do it, and earned the gratitude of every one, old or young, interested in the enterprise.
On 10 May 1902 the Royal Gazette advertised a B.V.R.C. Concert:
Complimentary Concert. It is the intention of the Bermuda Volunteer Rifle Corps to hold an open-air Smoking Concert at Fort Hamilton on the 22nd instant as a farewell compliment to Sergeant-Major Belmore who is about to sever his connection with the corps.
On 3 June 1902 the Royal Gazette published an article about the ‘new’ Bermuda Police Force:
The New Police Force.
The Police Establishment Act, 1901, came into force on 1st inst. Under this Act the Police Force of these Islands is ordinarily to consist of an Inspector of Police, three Chief Police Constables, fifteen Police Constables and twenty-one Rural Police Constables all of whom are to be appointed by the Governor. In addition to these the Governor may in any temporary emergency or for any special occasion or purpose authorize the employment of such number of Extra Police Constables, not exceeding twenty, as may be required for any general, or special, or local duty. Under certain conditions and for certain purposes also the Governor may authorize the employment of Special Constables. The members of the Police Force will be ordinarily stationed as follows:
(1) The Inspector, a Chief Police Constable and eight Police Constables in the Police District of Hamilton.
(2) A Chief Police Constable and four Police Constables in the Police district of St. Georges.
(3) A Chief Police Constable and three Police Constables in the Police District of Sandys, and
(4) Three Rural Police Constables in each of the Parishes of Pembroke, St. Georges and Sandys, and two in each of the other six parishes. All the members of the Force, however, are liable to serve in any part of the Islands when ordered.
The Royal Gazette recorded the names of all the members of the Police Force who were sworn in at their respective districts including the new Police Inspector Edward Belmore.
On 31 May 1902 the Boer War was concluded when ‘the Peace of Vereeniging was signed, ending the Boer War.’ Over 4000 Boers were prisoner of war on several islands in the Great Sound, Bermuda. The Royal Gazette of 30 June 1902 carried the following story:
Irreconcilables at large.
On Friday afternoon last a boat from Hawkins Island put ashore a party of ten Boer irreconcilables on the margin of the wharf by the Club Steps. Their light luggage was landed along with them, and they were told that they were free to do as they pleased provided they avoided offending against the law. The police patrol on Saturday morning found the men and their luggage near the spot where they had been put on shore, and promptly reported the matter to Mr. Inspector Belmore. We understand that three of the men took passage by the s.s. Trinidad for New York on Saturday morning. The others moved under the east end of the shed opposite the premises of Messrs. W. T. James & Co. There they still hold their headquarters.
Yesterday afternoon we were informed that they were engaged upon the composition of an epistle to John S. Darrell, Consul for the Netherlands. The presence in this city of these men, without settled abide, fixed occupation or visible means of support is a something which certainly calls for explanation.
On 7 September 1903 the Belmore’s were blessed with the birth of another daughter, Gladys Hermione Belmore who was known as Hermoine.
On 24 October 1903 an official notice in the Royal Gazette signed by E. Belmore, Inspector of Police reminded the public that under the Public Roads Protection Act that fireworks and similar article were forbidden to be ignited within eighty feet of the centre of any public road on penalty of a fine of up to forty shillings or three months in gaol. Similar notices during Mr Belmore’s service were to be an annual feature in the days before Guy Fawkes Day (5 November).
The Royal Gazette of 7 July 1906 recorded the temporary departure of Inspector Belmore:
Colonial Secretary's Office, Hamilton, Bermuda,
4th July, 1906.
HIS EXCELLENCY THE GOVERNOR having granted leave of absence to E. Belmore, Inspector of Police, from the 7th instant to the 24th September next, has been pleased to appoint Chief Constable J.W. Robinson to act as Inspector of Police during the above period.
By Command, EYRE HUTSON,
Colonial Secretary.
Colonial Secretary's Office
The Royal Gazette of 18 September 1906 reported the return of Mr. E Belmore, wife and child on the SS Ocamo from Halifax.
An article in the Royal Gazette of 4 April 1907 reported that Edward Belmore had added to his civic duties by becoming secretary of the Choral Society. This was a position he was to hold for many years.
The following year the Royal Gazette published a letter on 22 September where the author took Inspector Belmore to task for revoking the offer of employment to a prospective Constable because of his diminutive stature.
On 25 May 1909 the Royal Gazette reported that Inspector Belmore brought a Marine offence to the attention of the courts:
PILOTING WITHOUT A LICENSE.
William Whitecross, a deck hand on board the Island Steam Service steamer Intrepid was charged with having acted as pilot of that steamer on the 6th inst. without being in possession of a pilot's license. The charge was laid by Inspector Belmore of the Bermuda Police. Mr. H. Villiers Smith appeared for the defendant.
Inspector Belmore said: On the 6th May, 1909 I was a passenger on the Island Steam Service steamer Intrepid which left Hamilton at 3.30 p.m. As the boat approached Two Rocks Passage, the pilot came out of the wheelhouse and went round collecting the fares. This man (defendant) took charge of the wheel in the wheelhouse in forward part of the steamer and passengers were round the boat. I sat aft on the left side. The pilot come all round. I asked if he was pilot. He said he was. Defendant in this case, so far as I could see, remained in the wheelhouse until the pilot's return. I asked pilot not at the time of collecting the fares but later.
Counsel—Do you know of anything in the Pilots Regulations to prevent a pilot from collecting fares or doing anything else about a ship? I do not.
Do you know if it is the duty of the pilot always to steer the boat on its trip? No.
Can you say the pilot was not in control of the boat? I should think it could not be under his control.
Then your reason for laying this complaint is that the pilot was not in charge? The defendant on steering that boat was pilot? I should say acting such.
Would you say a quartermaster or an A.B. steering the Bermudian or other steamer in is acting as pilot? I should say that the pilot was there to instruct. The Court should decide that.
Counsel—It follows he would not have laid the complaint unless that was so.
Do you know from your own knowledge that it is necessary for a pilot to go aft far away from the wheel and there direct a course through tortuour (sic) and narrow passages? No.
The Court.- Do you admit the defendant was at the time at the wheel and pilot collecting fares as stated.
Counsel—Yes, I admit that.
Counsel—I shall ask Your Worship to dismiss the case on the ground that the pilot was still in charge as being aboard. I respectfully submit it is no part of the pilot's duty to be continuously at the wheel.
The Court—I should hold that the evidence as it stands supports a charge of a breach of the Pilot Regulations. My opinion would, of course, be subject to what I might hear as to what instructions were given. I am not prepared to hold that everyone who takes a wheel is in charge of the ship.
Counsel—Defendant will give evidence on oath, and I shall then call the pilot
Counsel —Were you on the Intrepid on the 6th inst? Yes.
Were you steering on that day? Yes. How long? About 4 minutes. Was any course given? Yes, Darrell told me to steer between the buoys and gave me my landmarks, which are the regular ones on the course. On your leaving the wheel did he take it himself? Yes.
William Henry Darrell was the next called to give evidence.
The Magistrate—Are you in the employ of the Island Steam Service? Yes. How long? About 18 months. Have you always acted as pilot during that time? Yes. Were you pilot on the Intrepid on the 6th inst? Yes. Was Mr Belmore on board? Yes. Afterwards Mr Belmore told me he would lay a charge against me for leaving the wheel as it was not allowed. Did you leave the wheel? Yes. About how long? 5 minutes. Did you put anyone in charge? Yes; Whitecross.
When you leave the wheel do you give instructions? Yes. Did you do so on that day Yes; I gave him the customary course. I should have noticed any deviation. I was never at any time on board so that I could not direct the steering.
How did you first learn? I learnt under the instructions of other pilots. I was about twelve months as deck hand in Pearman, Watlington & Co's boats and with L.A. Johnson and Mr Darrel. I steered the boats frequently and it was in consequence of that privilege I became a pilot
In reply to a question by the Magistrate—I left the wheelhouse to collect fares. If anything happened in the after part, I could see anything likely to happen and could reach the wheelhouse in time to prevent accidents. I always keep a look-out.
Wouldn't you be performing the duties of purser? Yes.
Since you’ve been on the boat has anyone been employed to collect fares? I'm not certain.
I suppose the time of your absence from the wheelhouse depends on the number of fares you have to collect? Yes.
Counsel—What is the distance from the after part of the Intrepid to the wheelhouse? About 45 feet. And from engine-room door? About 18 feet.
If you had an order to give to the engineer, should you have to go to the wheelhouse? Yes. If you wished to go astern or stop, you would have to go about 18 feet? Yes, 18 feet about.
Defendant was convicted; but as the case is a test case the Court did not propose to inflict any considerable penalty. A nominal fine of 2/- and costs 18/- was imposed.
The 14 September 1911 of the Royal Gazette carried an unusual story:
HAMILTON POLICEMEN IN THE DOCK
PERMITTING PRISONER TO ESCAPE
The unusual spectacle of two uniformed constables of the Bermuda Police force occupying seats in the dock at the Hamilton Police Court was witnessed yesterday morning when P.C. Frank Robinson Tucker and P.C. Albert Ash (constable on probation) were charged with having negligently permitted James Thomas Cox, a prisoner in their lawful custody to escape.
Previous to the case being heard the man Cox was charged with escaping from lawful custody. P.C. Davis stated that about 11.30 on Saturday night he saw the prisoner in an inebriated condition and acting disorderly in the vicinity of the Post Office. As he did not go away when requested, witness locked him up.
The next witness was P.C. Tucker, who was warned by the magistrate that he was not bound to answer any question which might lead to incriminate himself. Tucker stated that acting on the orders of the Chief Constable, about seven o'clock in Sunday morning Cox was directed to clean out his cell. Prisoner expressed a desire to go into the yard and witness went as far as the door with him. At that time another prisoner, named Smith, who was in charge of P.C. Ash, was lying on the floor of the cell room "beating himself and in great agony." Witness went to the assistance of Ash. A warder notified them to bring the two men— Cox and Smith—inside the prison. Ash went for Cox who was nowhere to be found.
ln reply to the magistrate witness stated that the door leading from the cells to the police station was closed and Cox could not have made his escape in the direction without being seen. It was quite an easy matter for a prisoner to scale a gate in the yard and thus get to the street.
The Magistrate—Were you aware of that before this affair happened? Witness: No sir. I should consider it a difficult matter for the prisoner to escape that way owing to his lameness.
Were you aware of the possibility of…………
Prisoner: I passed through the ceil room out of the door and through the police station. That the way I went. I did not get over no wall. Tucker was not there when I went through.
Tucker said that he saw the marks of a boot on a window ledge adjoining the gate.
P.C. Ash said it would have been impossible for the prisoner to have made his escape by way of the cell room or through the police station without being seen. A period of about five minutes elapsed from the time Cox went into the yard and witnesses search for him.
Prisoner who had nothing to say was committed for trial at the Supreme Court.
The case against P.C.s Tucker and Ash was then proceeded with.
The magistrate explained that the offence with which they were charged was an indictable one, and if the evidence was sufficient to raise a strong presumption of their guilt they would be committed for trial at the Supreme Court.
Inspector Belmore stated that "from information received" he laid the charge against the two prisoners.
Chief Constable Robinson and P.C. Davis having given evidence, prisoners were remanded on their own recognizance until tomorrow morning.
The prisoner Cox later pleaded guilty to unlawfully escaping custody and was sentenced in Supreme Court to three months hard labour.[3]
I have been unable to find any reference to the two Constables appearing in the Supreme Court on this matter. The Official Gazette reported the dismissal of P.C. A.A. Ash with effect from 30 January 1912 and The Bermuda Blue Books record that P.C. Tucker retired in 1933.
On 15 July 1913 the Royal Gazette reported that Inspector Belmore was on sick leave. His ailment was not specified:
POLICE DEPARTMENT.
Leave of Absence.
Mr. E. Belmore, Inspector of Police, is granted leave of absence on account of ill-health, with effect from the 12th of July until further notice.
ACTING APPOINTMENTS.
Acting Chief Constable J. Eales to act as Inspector of Police, vice Mr. E. Belmore, with effect from the 12th of July until further notice. Police Constable Seymour to act as Chief Constable at Hamilton, with effect front the 12th July until further notice.
On 26 July the Royal Gazette reported that Inspector Belmore had returned to duty the day before.
The following year the Royal Gazette of 9 June reported that Inspector Belmore was about to leave the Bermuda Police Force.:
Mr. E. Belmore, Inspector of Police vacates his appointment with effect from the 14th of June 1914.
ACTING APPOINTMENTS.
Chief Constable C. C. Barnard, St. George's, to act as Inspector of Police, vice Mr. Belmore, with effect from the 14th of June 1914, until further notice.
The Royal Gazette of 16 June 1914 carried more information in Edward Belmore’s retirement:
RETIREMENT OF MR. E. BELMORE.
Presentations at Cathedral and Police Court.
On Sunday in the Cathedral vestry, after evensong, a very interesting presentation was made in connection with Inspector Belmore’s service to the Cathedral Choir, of which he has for some years been a faithful member.
The Rev. Canon Marriott made the presentation and referred to the personal esteem in which Inspector Belmore was held.
Mr. Arthur M. Purcell, the Cathedral organist, said that he could offer Inspector Belmore as a model worthy of imitation in his punctual attendance, undeviating loyalty and enthusiastic devotion to the choir work.
The gift, which was subscribed for by the whole choir, consisted of some articles in silver for personal use. Mr. Belmore made a brief reply thanking them very heartly.
An equally pleasing function took place at the Hamilton Police Court, yesterday when the Police Magistrates and the constabulary of the Islands presented Mr. Belmore with a handsome silver tea service on a silver salver which bore the inscription.
‘Presented to Edward Belmore Inspector of Police by Magistrates of Hamilton, St. Georges Somerset, and the Bermuda Constabulary. On his retirement, June 14th, 1914.‘
The gift was accompanied by a list of contributors. The Wor. R. W. Appleby, J.P., P.M. in making the presentation said that whilst he regretted that the time had arrived for Mr. Belmore to retire it gave him much pleasure to convey this token of appreciation from those with whom he had been associated in the discharge of his duty. It was a mark of that good relationship which had always subsisted between them. He could say that Mr. Belmore had always done his duty in the most satisfactory manner.
He could assure him that he would carry away the good wishes of all, and he hoped that if he ever thought of resuming active work in any capacity, he might see his way to come to Bermuda. He hoped Mr, Belmore would live many years to enjoy his afternoon tea.
Mr. Belmore in reply thanked the generous donours (sic) for their handsome gift which had taken him completely by surprise. He would always value it as a token of the kindly spirit which prompted it, He had tried to do his duty to the best of his ability and this gift was a proof that he was leaving behind him no enemies.
Nothing would give him more pleasure than to come back to Bermuda.
After the presentation, a table was set out in the street opposite the Police Station and the tea service placed upon it. Then Mr. Belmore took his place at the head and supported by Chief Constables Downs, Barnard and Eales and attended by a number of Constables the party was photographed.
Mr. Belmore intends to return to England and make his home there. He has served as Inspector of Police for 12 years in Hamilton. Mr. Belmore with Mrs. Belmore and their daughter leave on the S.S. Bermudian this morning.
On his return to England Edward Belmore and family lived in Croydon, Surrey. His wife, Harriet, died on 28 December 1917.
On 25 April 1921 Edward Belmore, aged 66 and 9 months a widowed Insurance Agent was living at 52, Southbridge Road, Croydon with his daughter Gladys Hermione Belmore aged 17 and 9 months, a Bermuda born Apprentice Mechanical Dentistry. At the time Edward Belmore was receiving a pension of £200 per annum from the Bermuda Government.
On 26 July 1922 the Royal Gazette carried the sad news of the passing of former Inspector Belmore:
THE LATE MR. E. BELMORE.
We regret to hear that the death of Mr. E. Belmore took place recently at Croydon, in England, where he had resided since leaving Bermuda.
Mr. Belmore was Sergeant-Major in the B.V.R.C. from Jan. 1895 to May 31st, 1902. He became Inspector of Police in June 1902 which office he held until when he retired.
On retiring he and his family left for England. Mrs. Belmore. who was much respected and liked among her friends here, died in 1917, and Mr. Belmore with his only child, Hermione (who was born during her parents' residence in Bermuda) were left alone and lived in Croydon until his death in May of this year. During the war Mr. Belmore did much valuable work in regard to local charities.
Miss Belmore, who was educated at the Old Palace School at Croydon, is now living with friends and studying dental surgery and will have every good wish for her future success from Bermudians.
The late Mr. E. Belmore was in every way respected and esteemed by all who were brought in contact with him during his twenty years' residence here. He was a most painstaking and enthusiastic worker in any enterprise with which he was connected. Besides his official duties he was for some time—and during its most successful period—the Hon. Secretary of the Bermuda Choral Society, which was formed by Mr. A. M. Purcell in 1903 and had a very successful existence, to which the active Secretary's untiring work greatly contributed.
In relation to his duties as Inspector of Police, Mr. Belmore was most conscientious and at the same time kindly and sympathetic in many cases where advice and help were needed. We are indebted to the Rev. Canon Marriott for the particulars relating to Mr. Belmore's residence in England after leaving Bermuda.
I am indebted to former Detective Superintendent George Rose who found a reference to a grave marker for Harriet and Edward Belmore which recorded their dates of passing. Edward died on 10 May 1922 and both of them were buried in the Mitcham Road Cemetery, Croydon, Great London, England.
