Charles W. Pantry 

In late 2020, retired Superintendent George Rose was immersed in a project to write an article about the tremendous contribution Ted Burton had made to conducting research and writing about the history of the Bermuda Police while serving here between 1951 and 1967.  Within 4 years of his arrival Ted had written the first ever comprehensive history of the Police Force, “The Policing of Bermuda from the earliest times” published in the Bermuda Historical Quarterly magazine in 1955.  

Edward "Ted" Burton

Ted went on to write at least two more excellent history-related articles, the first of which was about the inauguration of the Fingerprint Department in 1924, and the second was this “personality article” about the life and times of Chief Superintendent Pantry who was one of twenty young recruits who were the first overseas contingent to be hired from the U.K.  1920. 

Ted interviewed Mr. Pantry for this article some 13 years after his retirement, and Ted made a wise choice because his subject had a terrific story to tell, from his early childhood in South Africa, to his service in the Royal Marines during the First World War,  and his arrival in Bermuda as a young untrained police officer who, literally within hours of landing here, was kitted out in thick blue serge uniform and dropped off in Victoria Park to walk the beat.  There were no motor cars in the 1920’s but young officer Pantry certainly had his share of excitement as  recorded in this interview.

Our Police Service is greatly indebted to Ted Burton for his tremendous enthusiasm in capturing the fascinating history of the Bermuda Police, and none more so than the story of the Late Chief Superintendent Charles W. Pantry.

Interviewed by E. A. Burton

On August 9^th 1920, the Bermuda Police Force underwent a great change in establishment when 20 officers, the first, ever to be recruited from the United Kingdom, arrived in Bermuda. 

The Force had for many years been suffering from a shortage of men of the right calibre, due mainly to the fact that they were grossly underpaid. (A newspaper report at the time alleged that a sergeant received £10 per month pay but it cost him £18 per month to live). The arrival of the 20 men increased the number actually serving from 26 to 48. One of the officers arriving on that date was Charles Pantry who ultimately served the Force for over 30 years.

Mr Pantry was born in November, 1894, at Beaufort West in the then Cape Colony

South Africa. His father, an Englishman had emigrated to South Africa in the 1880s and subsequently married an Afrikaans lady named Nazette whose parents had emigrated from France shortly after the French Revolution.

They ran one of the few hotels in the area which was called “The Beaufort Hotel.”

Right up until the age of ten the principal language spoken in the family was Dutch.

Charles, however, was sent to the Rondebosch Boys High School where he learned to speak English, an achievement of which all the boys at the school were proud.

In 1904, a young and somewhat apprehensive boy left South Africa to further his education in England. He attended a grammar school at Solihull, Birmingham and there realised that his English was not all that it should be. His accent quickly led him to be called a ‘Pro-Boer’, among other less complimentary remarks, which resulted in a series of fights behind the gym. From Solihull his education was continued at King Edward Grammar School, Aston, Birmingham.

Now at an age where he considered that he had had sufficient schooling, an impressionable young man was captivated one day when his eyes caught the adventurous looking posters outside the Royal Marine Recruiting Office at Broadstreet, Birmingham. Just a step on the other side of the threshold and on the 6^th day of February, 1911 he enlisted. 

After two years training at Eastney Barracks, Charles was drafted to his first ship, a battle cruiser named HMS New Zealand, which was built on the Clyde with funds supplied by the people of New Zealand. She immediately sailed around the world to New Zealand and stayed nearly four months. Before leaving Eastney the young rugged recruit had played rugby for the Marine Artillery and possibly it was because of his prowess that he was chosen for the trip to New Zealand. 

HMS NEW ZEALAND ARRIVING IN AUCKLAND IN 1913

The trip to New Zealand terminated with Mr Pantry being awarded what is now a rare silver medallion by the Prime Minister of New Zealand. This medal was struck to commemorate the ship's visit and was awarded to Officers and men who participated in international activities - in Mr. Pantry’s case it was for Rugby. Fifty years later Mr. Pantry presented this medallion to the Royal Marine Museum at Eastney where it is believed to be the only one of its kind.

       

Like all ambitious young men, Mr. Pantry was promotion conscious and early in 1914 he was recalled to barracks in order to take his Corporal’s course, but due to the war clouds, instead found himself drafted on board H.M.S. Hibernia of the Third Battle Squadron with the rank of Acting Bombardier. For the next couple of years he was continuously occupied in various acts of war operating from the Firth of Forth. The battle of Heligoland was dominant during this period and the memories of many Northern Patrols stand out vividly.

Shore leave was greatly restricted in those tense days and for exercise roller skating on the deck was a popular pastime. During one of these exercises Mr. Pantry fell and broke his leg. This resulted in his being taken ashore to the Base Hospital at Queensferry where, by some mismanagement, he was mixed up with a number of patients wounded in action and transported to a hospital on the Isle of Bute, where he had considerable embarrassment telling all and sundry that his injuries were received roller-skating. On recuperating he was sent back to Eastney and was then drafted overseas. His destination in the first instance was Salonica, but for reasons unknown he found himself landed at Alexandria; thereafter he moved up and down the North African coast-line organising the coastal defences.

Towards the end of 1917 he and his friends were sent across the Mediterranean to Marseilles, presumably to take part in warfare there, but just when they were ready to go into action they were returned to Eastney. 

After a short spell of leave, Mr. Pantry was drafted on board H.M.S. Moldavia, an armed Merchant Cruiser, and went back on the Northern Patrol, where sometimes the guns were so frozen it was impossible to man them. Service on this ship saw the capture of a German Prize Crew from a U boat which, a few days previously, had taken possession of an Italian ship. Among many other duties the Moldavia ran bullion from West Africa to Avonmouth on a number of occasions. Finally she was sent to New York in order to escort a convoy of troops back to the war in Europe.

The Moldavia, as well as being convoy leader also carried about 300 troops. On 28^th May 1918 H.M.S. Moldavia entered the waters of the English Channel, only to be sighted by a German U boat and was subsequently torpedoed on the port side just below where Mr Pantry was on duty in charge of his gun crew. Suddenly the whole world seemed to blow up in front of his eyes and in short time the ship was sinking bow first. Fortunately, a destroyer was near at hand and all but 66 men were rescued. Those lost were all troops quartered around where the torpedo hit. All the rescued were landed at Dover. Mr Pantry and his colleagues on being taken back to barracks were assigned a ‘square number’ consequently sitting out the rest of the war in comparative peace.

Early in 1920, a Command General Order was issued stating that young N.C.O.s aged about 25 would be given an Admiralty Discharge if they applied for and were accepted by the Bermuda Police Force which was being reorganised. Mr Pantry’s Adjutant at the time was Captain H.C. Harrison who captained England at rugger in 1918. He tried to dissuade Mr Pantry from applying, but the challenge Bermuda offered was too appealing.

He and four other Marine N.C.O.s were selected after being personally interviewed by Mr. Sempill the then Chief of Police in Bermuda.

Chief of Police Sempill 

After being issued with a bundle of clothing obtained with cooperation of the Metropolitan Police Force, the five Marines together with thirteen ex-Metropolitan policemen and Mr Sempill set sail for Bermuda towards the end of July. They sailed to Montreal, thence by rail to Halifax, thence by sea to Bermuda, arriving on August 9th, 1920.

On arrival they were paraded on the dock and were marched in strict military order to the Allenhurst Building on Parliament Street. This building a short time before had been the Allenhurst Hotel on Parliament Street was adapted for use as a police barracks.

Editors note -  The above photo shows the Allenhurst Building just a few years after it started to be used as accommodation for police officers.  Although it was taken 5 years after the arrival of the 20 recruits, including young Constable Charles Pantry, there is every likelihood that several of those young men are in attendance at this unveiling ceremony. 

The time was about 5 p.m. and the men hadn’t been at the barracks for more than a few minutes when a Sergeant Churm came along and detailed several of them for duty on the next watch which was 8 p.m. to 4 a.m. They were obliged to undo their bundles of uniform and straighten them out as best they could ready for wear. On that hot August night, dressed in heavy choke-neck uniform, complete strangers and without having seen the Police Station, Constable Pantry and several others were marched from the Allenhurst Building and dropped off on various beats. Constable Pantry was dropped off at Victoria Park and told to patrol No. 5 beat. When it came to 4 a.m. and time to return to the police station to book off, he found that he was lost and had to ask an old man who was clearing away horse manure (a common sight in those days) how to get back to the Police Station.

Early photo of Victoria Park

The uniform supplied was made of thick blue serge and was found to be absolutely unbearable in the hot August sun. This uniform contrasted with that already being worn by the existing police which was of a light grey material. Arrangements were soon made with the Marines at the Dockyard for the men to be fitted out with white tunics which were altered slightly for police use. These were worn with the blue trousers and a white pith helmet. Not really a great improvement!

There was no vehicular traffic on the Islands then and the only transport owned by the Police consisted of a few push bikes used by the Parish Officers. Police Headquarters consisted of two or three rooms above the Hamilton Police Station (a situation which with only slight variation, existed until 1957) where the Chief of Police carried out the duties of Provost Marshal General, Warden of Prisons, Registrar of Cycles, Registrar of Carriages, Registrar of Dogs and Official Inspector of Horses This work of course was delegated to others who, with an establishment of only 46 at the time, found themselves plenty to do.

All training was of the ‘self-taught’ variety, but by perseverance aided by a love of police work Mr. Pantry gradually rose through the ranks until he was appointed Chief Superintendent. He was promoted to Sergeant in February, 1923; Sub-Inspector in July, 1933, (this rank was changed to Assistant Superintendent in January, 1938) Superintendent in July 1941 and Chief Superintendent in July, 1950.

Fourteen years of Mr. Pantry’s service were spent in charge of the C.I.D. which had started from literally nothing at all. One of the greatest advancements in the Force during his career was the establishment of the Fingerprint Bureau in 1924 when officers were sent to New York for training. Their training and enthusiasm was ultimately passed on down the line to others. Besides many cases being solved by the identification of fingerprints, perhaps the greatest achievement was the identification of all the dead passengers recovered from the wreckage of the Cubana airliner when it crashed off St. David's in 1952.

The most outstanding criminal case during Mr. Pantry’s career, as will be agreed by everyone, was the Stapleton Murder in 1943, the details of which would satisfy any criminologist or amateur detective. The most significant change as far as police duties were concerned was the introduction of motor vehicles which changed the calm serenity of the Islands. Of course this had its blessings, for in time it was possible to dispense with the registration of cycles and carriages and the inspection of such horses as were left was given to the Government Veterinarian. The days of the ‘horse manure man’ were over !

Pedal cycles were the major form of transport prior to 1946

In a police career covering over 30 years Mr. Pantry finds it difficult to single out all the newsworthy and interesting things that have happened to him. Arrests which made the headlines years are remembered by only a few. However names plucked out of the past like Fitzgerald Smith and Enos might bring back memories for some. One need only look through Mr Pantry’s list of commendations to realise that he was a pretty active policeman. He was commended by the Governor twice and he received several police commendations. He was also commended by the Corporation of Hamilton for his services in connection with fires and was the recipient of the Hamilton Fire Brigade Meritorious Service Medal as well as the Colonial Police Meritorious Service Medal.

Mr Pantry remained active in the rugby world throughout his career and in 1926 he captained the first Bermuda Rugby team to tour abroad. This team toured Canada and won five of the eight games played. Even whilst on duty Mr Pantry has reason to bless his ability to bring an opponent down with a flying tackle for he made several arrests in this way. 

On one occasion, however, he came unstuck. This was during the bootlegging days when the police had the unenviable duty of enforcing the Liquor Control Act. Liquor was not allowed to be taken on board visiting American ships and all sorts of ruses and devices were used to circumvent the law. One day Mr Pantry intercepted the bandleader from a cruise ship who was attempting to board carrying a Gladstone bag containing ten bottles of gin. In a flash the bag was thrown overboard and a chase ensued which terminated when Mr Pantry made one of his flying tackles and found himself flying through the air – overboard. Even so, the arrest was made and the bandleader was suitably punished. When one considers that even firearms were known to have been used on occasions, the bootlegging days stir the imagination; further revelations, however, must be left for another day.

Mr Pantry was, and still is, a member of the International Police Association for Identification. In his capacity as State Vice-President for Bermuda in 1954 he was responsible for bringing to Bermuda nearly two hundred members and their wives to hold their Annual Conference. This was a tremendous piece of organisation on Mr. Pantry’s part and quite a shot in the arm, at the time, to Bermuda’s tourist business.

Mr. Pantry retired from the Force in 1952, the last of the 1920 vintage to do so. During those years, in addition to his police career, he found time to marry a local girl, Violet Vallis, in 1921, and raise a family of three sons and one daughter. One of his sons, Louis, also chose to be a policeman, and is now an Inspector in the Royal Canadian Mounted Police at Whitehorse in the Yukon.

Retirement has not dampened Mr. Pantry’s interest in police work. He was for two years Executive Officer in the Reserve Constabulary and has indulged considerably in Private Investigation work. Ah! The tales he has left untold.

On being specifically asked his views, Mr. Pantry said that the Police Force has progressed immeasurably since his time and has become a real professional Force. Well - we on the Force must agree with him, but we must also allow that the foundation stone was laid by keen, able and adventurous officers such as he.

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EDITORS NOTE -   We have published this article, written by  then Sergeant Edward "Ted" Burton as it appeared in the Police Magazine in 1965.  We are aware that Mr. Pantry still has direct descendants living here in Bermuda, and possibly elsewhere.  We are presently making enquiries to see if they might be able to provide any further information and possibly photographs of Mr. Pantry.  Anyone who can provide more information about the Late Chief Superintendent Charles W. Pantry is asked to contact us at info@expobermuda.com 

The Life of Edward Angus “Ted” Burton

Edward Angus “Ted” Burton

Unfortunately, Ted never wrote about his own life and George Rose has undertaken the daunting task of researching and collecting as much information as possible about the man to whom we owe a great debt of gratitude.  I think it is also fair to say that Ted was an intriguing character who led a quiet life about which much remains hidden to this day.

We are grateful to George for taking on the task of writing this article about a man who could so easily have been forgotten.

Ted was educated at Durham City Senior Secondary School, and later served as a Petty Officer in the Royal Navy (Fleet Air Arm) from 1941 until 1948. During three of these years he served in Egypt, and in the Far East in 1947. The Fleet Air Arm is the air force of the Royal Navy – it was formed on 1 April 1924 from the Royal Air Force squadrons operating at sea.

During his military service Ted received three campaign medals which were issued for service between 1939-45; Africa Star – Defence Medal – War Medal (often incorrectly referred to as the "Victory Medal".) Images of these medals and the criteria behind their award are referenced below in ADDENDUM #1.

He joined the Bermuda Police On 23 April 1951, and was initially appointed for 6 months as a Probationary Constable which was confirmed in October of that year.    Ted served initially in Hamilton but was quickly transferred to Operations (Traffic) in September 1951 whilst still a probationary constable. 

The above photo, together with the names in the caption, was supplied to us by former Inspector Arthur Rose who said this was “our very first Police Rugby Team taken at BAA Field. We only played rugby once in a while, and it would usually be against visiting Royal Navy Ships.”   Arthur remembered Ted as being “very fast on his feet.”  CLICK HERE to read our “Then and Now” article by Arthur Rose which provides more details about the rugby team.

Following Ted’s arrival in Bermuda, the Royal Gazette often carried sports reports of both rugby and football matches in which Ted participated. 

The first mention in the Royal Gazette of Ted playing rugby was in October 1951, when he played for BAA Rugby Team in a friendly match against a visiting Royal Navy ship, H.M.S. Superb which was won  8-0 by the B.A.A. team of  J. Vallis, P. Paley, C. Anderson, K. Bower and E. Burton; C. Giltrap and R. Marshall; G. Powell, W. Hill, T. Lewis, P. Bunn, R. Barritt, D. J. Williams, T. Evans and G. Rosser (captain).   Ted also played in the annual Onions v Limeys rugby matches, and 7-a-Side rugby tournaments, with some matches being played at the Prospect Garrison Field and occasionally refereed by Supt Charles Pantry.

"The list of police football players at that time included  Arthur Rose, Alan Harker and Jack Ham, all form­erly of B.A.A, and Jim McMasters, who played with St. George's.  All four have played for the Limeys.  New names include K. B. Jones, E. J. Jones, Ian Morrison, D. McDon­ald, C. Renaud, J. Sneddon, A. Redford, Jock Sutherland, S. Madden, R. Collins, M. Brennan, R. Barnewall, P. Cafferky, J. Walsh, F. Walsh, J. Sheehy, C. Giltrap, G. Denham, E. Frederiksen and E. Burton. Their Home ground was B.A.A. Field, and they were then starting to play in blue shirts with white sleeves, white shorts, blue and white stockings."

Of note is a report in the Sports Scene column of the Royal Gazette, on December 15, 1953  with the following observations:-

“A local writer stated, a year or two ago, that soccer was the simplest of all games to watch, as it simply involved two teams trying to bang the ball into opposite goals. Basically, that is correct; in actual fact, it is a ridiculous statement. 

“Take, as an instance, the Police – St. George's Cup semi-final on Sunday. Here were two teams trying, from the simple angle, to score against each other, but the fact that only one true goal was scored does not indicate that both teams were playing the game from a simple angle. 

“On the contrary. Both teams are the most improved sides in local soccer; both played a tough 90 minutes in cut and thrust style, both tried to play constructive football, but both fell down on tactics. 

“This was the most interesting game seen on the local scene this year. As a student of soccer – never an expert – it was absorbing because never before have so many tried to play soccer in its true sense. If this match is an indication of what can be expected in the season's second half, then please eliminate representative games. But lack of tactics beat them. If St. George's had switched their loose, swinging approach, in the second half, to short passes into open spaces, it is possible Police would have buckled. If Police, with a spotty forward line, had used more individual approach, more than one goal might have resulted. This is hyper criticism, if you wish, but the possibilities were there………………….

“Curtis and Ham are like two Horatios at the bridge; Rose is unbeatable in the air, Jones is developing into one of the classiest half backs in the league. Just let them get two more forwards of Burton and McMaster's class, and trouble looms for the Combination. These are just names noted in passing and from earlier games. Both sets of players in this match were trying to play constructive football.”

This photo of one of our early Police football teams includes Ted Burton front row left.   Mike Cherry knew Ted who he described as a quiet and reserved man who played a good game of both football and rugby. Mike confirms that Ted was known to be a fast runner and a useful player in both teams. 

A headline in the Royal Gazette on 22^nd November 1951 read “First Conviction Since Police Acquired Their Own graph."  This Royal Gazette article reported that the first five convictions  resulting from the use of a speed-meter in Bermuda were obtained by the use of device which had been on loan to the local police by the State Connecticut police in April 1951.

A Bermuda-owned speed-meter was subsequently purchased through a House of Assembly grant. This device arrived from the United States in October, according to Sergeant John Marshall.   

The first conviction resulting from the use of the Bermuda police department's own "little black box," officially known as an electro-matic speed-meter, which is radar-operated, was recorded in Hamilton Magistrates’ court on 21st November 1951. 

Appearing before the Magistrates Court was Mr. Alfred E. Leon Furbert, of Warwick East, who passed through a radar speed zone on the South Shore Road; Paget, on November 10. He was recorded by the electro-matic speed-meter as travelling at 29 miles an hour, P.c. E. M. Smith who received special training in the United States in the operation of the checking apparatus, testified that Furbert was checked through the radar controlled speed zone at 11.20 p.m. when he was going in an easterly direction and was without a tail light. 

Furbert pleaded not guilty. He was, however, convicted and fined £5 and his licence endorsed. The speed-meter graph, which was recorded as Furbert passed the machine, was placed in evidence against him. 

Police-sergeant John Marshall, who was conducting the radar check, corroborated P.C. Smith's testimony, and P. C. Edward Angus Burton was in the police patrol car which checked the number of the speeding auto-cycle and testified to that effect. 

The magistrate said he was satisfied that the speed offender was the one who had been without a rear red light and convicted Furbert. For being without a rear light, Furbert was fined £1. He pleaded guilty to that offence.  

P.C. Burton appeared in court to give evidence in other speeding cases involving the new “little black boxes” as they were commonly referred to, and also for other traffic offences such as careless driving. 

The above headline appeared in the Royal Gazette on 25^th July 1952 after the start of a Supreme Court trial.  "An unloaded .22 revolver, a round of .22 ammunition, a .32 bullet and a plastic cigarette case were among the exhibits produced in the Supreme Court yesterday when the trial of William De Silva commenced before the Chief Justice, the Hon. J. T. Gilbert. 

"William DeSilva, of Paget also known as "Shoebox," and George Henry Thomas DeSilva DeCosta of Warwick, "Shoebox," the accused had pleaded not guilty to being in possession of a firearm when he broke into the Spanish Point Boat Club on Monday, June 9. A plea of not guilty has also been entered against the charge that De Silva possessed a firearm at the time of his arrest. 

"The accused at the opening of the assizes pleaded guilty to breaking into the club house and stealing. 

"When the Jury was being empaneled for his trial yesterday De Silva objected to Mr. Sidney Albert Frederick Oatway as a juryman. His objection was sustained. 

"The case for the Crown is being conducted by the Solicitor General, Mr. Peter Smith. De Silva is being defended by Mr. E. T. Richards, M.C.P. This morning at 10.15 Mr. Richards will open the case for the defence. 

The first prosecution witness was John Peter Chiappa, commodore of the Spanish Point Boat Club. He said that at 6.20 a.m. on Monday, June 9, he went to the clubhouse and found approximately 20 cartons of cigarettes, peanuts, chewing gum, a bottle of vermouth and some keys were missing.

Robert Belvin Tatem, steward at the club at the time of the burglary, identified the plastic cigarette case as belonging to his assistant Clifford Simmons.

The deposition of Simmons, who was too ill to attend the trial, was read in court. In it he stated that he had left his case, containing a packet of cigarettes and some matches, on top of the icebox in the clubhouse. He next saw it when a detective showed it to him some days later. 

He stopped the two men near to the entrance of "Clovelly." He got out of the truck and asked De Silva for his driving and vehicle licences. He put the pillion passenger, George Henry Thomas DeCosta Silva, in the police truck. The accused asked if he could relieve himself, and was allowed to do so. He went to through the gate of "Clovelly," where he remained for about two minutes. 

When he came back Constable Burton ordered him to ride his auto-bicycle in front of the police truck to Police headquarters. At the junction of Church and Parliament Streets the accused gave the police truck the slip, and although Constable Burton searched for him he was unable to find him. 

Domingoes Paiva Soares told the Court he was employed as a gardener at "Clovelly." As he was raking up leaves there he found a gun and a cigarette case. Holding the gun in his hand, Soares said: "It had seven things in it. I do not know what you call them." 

Asked by Mr. Richards if he had taken the gun home after showing it to the Police, Soares answered excitedly: "No, no, I left it there." 

There were one or two leaves on the gun when he raked it up. The leaves lying on the ground could not have been there more than a week, the witness added. 

Police Constable Charles Edward Thompson said he was on duty in the Police Station when Soares came in with the gun and cigarette case. The gun was fully loaded with .22 ammunition. The barrel seemed fairly clean, although he did not examine it carefully. 

The finding of a .32 bullet behind a partition in the premises occupied by De Silva until a fortnight before the burglary was recounted by Detective Sergeant John Wallace Starbuck. The detective said he examined the weapon, which in his opinion was a revolver with a .22 cylinder and a .32 barrel. The .32 bullet he found would fit the barrel of the revolver but not the chamber or cylinder. From its condition the gun had not been exposed to the elements for any considerable time. 

Cross-examined by Mr. Richards, the witness said the partition was fixed about 18 inches away from the main wall of the house, which abutted the street. A hole in the partition enabled a person to get through to between it and the outside wall.  

"That gun could not fire the bullet you found in the house?" Mr. Richards asked. 

"That is correct," the detective said.

Detective Starbuck said he had not examined the gun for fingerprints, and admitted that it "would have been useful if finger-prints had been obtained. He thought the gun had not been exposed more than 48 hours because there was no rust or matter clinging to it. 

"Would it surprise you to know that Soares said the gun was covered by some leaves when it was found," Mr. Richards asked. 

"I have not heard his evidence," answered the detective. 

John Matthias told the Court he had let his house to the accused in April. He had given the accused notice to quit two weeks before the Police arrived to search the premises. No one had used the house with his consent during that time. 

Matthias, said he did not know of any plaster partition in the house, but qualified his statement by adding that a few boards had been placed across the hall dividing the room.

The Supreme Court trial continued the following day when: 

DeSilva was charged with possessing a gun while breaking into the Spanish Point Boat Club and with possessing it at the time of his arrest. To a charge of clubhouse breaking and stealing he had pleaded guilty. De Silva was convicted on all counts. 

Evidence was given on Thursday that the accused, in company with George Henry Thomas DeCosta Silva, was stopped by Constable Edward Burton who was patrolling in a police truck along Victoria Street. Two men were on an auto-bicycle and carrying a large cardboard container. 

Following a telephone message from a nearby resident at 9.30 p.m. on Sunday, Sergeant J. Blackwell and Police Constable E. A. (Ted) Burton jumped into the police truck and hurried to the scene. Constable M. M. Marsh, on patrol, saw the police truck and followed it. He arrested a man leaving the store. The man had about £40 worth of goods from the store with him, police said. 

Another man was arrested yesterday morning in connection with the crime by Inspector Swainson of the Criminal Investigation Department. 

Two police constables testified. One, P.C. E. A. Burton, stated he took Mouchette's number as he passed the latter to stop Paul, who was in the lead. The constable identified Mouchette as Paul's companion during the speed check. 

The Wor. H. Martin Godet convicted both accused, fined each £5 and suspended their licences for two months each.

In the photo below at top row centre are L.M. “Nobby” Clark and Ted Burton both wearing identical ties over a white shirt.  They were attending a training course at Prospect given by Supt. E Barker who was a Training Officer with the Lancashire County Constabulary and came out to Bermuda several times to run training courses for everyone in the Police Force up to the rank of Chief Inspector, the last one being in 1955.

Passenger Manifest

Also on board was another police officer by the name of Ralph Brown who was travelling with his wife and their two young children. It is clear that he and his family were returning residents to Kenya, and it is most likely that Ted and Ralph Brown would have enjoyed each other’s company during the voyage to Mombasa where they may have been engaged in similar job-related duties upon arrival.

Expo research member John Skinner advises that “all whites on appointment to the Kenya Police were appointed as Inspectors.” This was also the case for some of the other British colonial police forces throughout the world including Hong Kong.

Ted’s two years deployment in Kenya from June 1956 until August 1958 was undoubtedly related to the ‘Mau Mau’ uprisings involving revolts against British colonial rule in the country. Although much of the violence had been taking place between rebel and loyalist Africans since 1952, the Mau Mau was operatively crushed by the end of 1956. But the uprisings effectively helped to hasten native Kenyan majority rule heralding a period of colonial transition to independence in 1963.

From June 1962 Ted served for 12 months in Central CID after which he was transferred to HQ (Prosecutions).  He certainly moved around on a regular basis, and in 1964 he attended a 6 month course at the Scottish Police College before being posted to Training School for 3 months as an instructor for Basic Training Course #5 at a time when training courses were being held in the old Clock Building at Prospect which had been occupied by the British Army until withdrawal of the Army in 1959.

 

Former constable Edward “Ray” Banks (1964 – 1967) recalls that along with nine other young recruits, he arrived in May of 1964 at the Bermuda Police Training School. “The group of twelve was completed with the addition of locals Wayne Perinchief and Del Trott. Chief Inspector Roy Chandler was in charge with Andy Heggie (self-defense instructor), John Rawson (life-saving), and Sergeant Ted Burton.”

Following this Basic Training Course, Ted moved to “A” (Administration) Department at Police Headquarters for almost two years before taking the position of Deputy Provost Marshall in 1966  - a position that was regular held by police officers -   and his final posting was to Central CID in February 1967. However, some three months later, on 23 May, 1967 Ted abruptly resigned the Force after 16 years and 30 days of service. 

At the time of his resignation from the Bermuda Police, Ted and his wife were still living at Zuill’s Park in Smiths Parish.  They remained in Bermuda for a short while and are believed to have then emigrated to Canada where they settled. 

Although there is very limited information about Ted’s actual service in the Bermuda Police other than his postings, it is clear that very early in his career he developed a passion for studying the history of the Bermuda Police.  It is noteworthy that also included in the Police magazine article published just prior to his “transfer” to Kenya was a comment that Ted would best be remembered for the time he was in charge of the Hamilton Police Barracks which were then located on Victoria Street immediately behind the Hamilton Hotel. 

It is believed a section of the hotel was being used at that time to store both Government and Police records so Ted would have been in close proximity to both the Hamilton Library and the depository for police records.  If he accessed any records stored in the Hamilton Hotel it was just in the nick of time because they may well have been destroyed when the hotel was razed to the ground in the fire of December 1955.

As a young single man Ted would have resided in the Police Barracks from his first arrival in 1951 until his departure to Kenya in late 1955.  In any event, it was during these 4 years that he undertook the formidable task of writing the first comprehensive history of the Bermuda Police which he titled, “The Policing of Bermuda – From the Earliest of Times”.  

The only indication we have of how Ted came to take on this onerous project are his own self-deprecating words as published in The Bermuda Historical Quarterly in 1955, in which he writes, “As far as is known this is the first attempt anyone has made to write a History of the Bermuda Police. As I do not have any literary ambitions or qualifications, one may think it presumptuous of me to undertake the task.

“The fact is – I thought I was on easy street. After spending two or three days in the Bermuda Library and coming away with only a couple of useful paragraphs I knew my hands were full.  

“I have spent many hours lost to this world delving through historical records and enjoyed every minute of it. Unfortunately, time has not been one of my attributes and I feel that there is much left unwritten. On the whole, however, this History will probably serve as a useful guide”.

Fortunately for posterity, the editors of The Bermuda Historical Quarterly realized the historical value of Ted’s writings when they made the decision to publish his treatise, “The Policing of Bermuda from the earliest of times” in its entirety in the Autumn 1955 edition of their magazine which begins is follows”-

INTRODUCTION

“The main body of this particular issue of the Bermuda Historical Quarterly is occupied by a history of the police in Bermuda written by Mr. Edward A. Burton who came to the Colony in April, 1951, to join the Bermuda Police Force. His interest in its past was aroused when one day he came upon the old photograph which we are using as the frontispiece to this number. (obtain photo is possible)  Immediately he began the research which developed into this article, and later leading him to further writing – previously all his hobbies were connected with athletics and out-door sports. 

“Mr. Burton was born in Morpeth, Northumberland, educated at Durham City Senior Secondary School, and served as Petty Officer in the Fleet Air Arm from 1941 – 1948;

during three of these years in Egypt and in the Far East in 1947. We are glad to have an aspect of Bermuda history hitherto untouched upon in our pages and to have the interest of the Commissioner of Police, who has contributed a Forward.”

“This edition of The Bermuda Historical Quarterly also includes a Foreward by then  Commissioner of Police R.G. Henderson, together the Author’s Note shown below:-

FOREWARD

Commissioner R.G. Henderson

“I have read Mr. Burton’s History of the Bermuda Police with great interest. He has dealt with the subject in a most excellent manner, and a necessary job has been done – and done well.

“This Force, young though it may be, is already proud of its tradition, and Mr. Burton has done much to strengthen this essential quality and foster esprit de corps. I recommend this issue of the Bermuda Historical Quarterly to every member of the Force.”

AUTHOR’S NOTE

“As far is known this is the first attempt anyone has made to write a History of the Bermuda Police. As I do not have any literary ambitions or qualifications, one may think it presumptuous of me to undertake the task.

“The fact is – I thought I was on easy street. After spending two or three days in the Bermuda Library and coming away with only a couple of useful paragraphs I knew my hands were full.

“I have spent many hours lost to this world delving through historical records and enjoyed every minute of it. Unfortunately, time has not been one of my attributes and I feel that there is much left unwritten. On the whole, however, this History will probably serve as a useful guide.

“The source of my information in most cases will be obvious by the text, but in those where it is obscure I have given the source in the Appendix.”

E. A. BURTON

EDITORS NOTE -  We have published Ted’s “Policing of Bermuda from the earliest of times” in its entirety here on our website in our “Interesting Articles” column. CLICK HERE to view it.  To the best of our knowledge there are very few copies of this article available anywhere other than in the Bermuda Library and the Government Archives.

Bermuda’s Governor in 1924 was General Sir Joseph John Asser, K.C.B., K.C.M.G., K.C.V.O., and he was instrumental in suggesting to the Chief of Police, John H. Sempill that the new fingerprinting system coming into use around the world would be beneficial to the Police as a deterrent to crime.  Mr. Sempill had taken fingerprinting instruction prior to coming to Bermuda, and with the support of the Governor he obtained permission to visit New York where he met with Captain Golden, considered to be the leading expert on fingerprints at that time  in the United States.  Mr. Sempill then arranged for two of our Police Officers, Inspector W.N.T. Williams and Detective Officer, Charles Edward “D.O” Simons to attend a fingerprint course in New York after which they returned to the Island and set up our fingerprinting department.  

In his article, Ted concluded, “Anyone who has knowledge of the Fingerprint Department today will realize that great strides have been taken since the system was inaugurated and that we are continually keeping abreast of modern methods where their introduction is beneficial to the Force. The officers are highly trained in accordance with the standards set at Scotland Yard.”

Ted’s article provides fascinating insights into the inauguration of the Fingerprint Department. CLICK HERE to view it in our “Interesting Articles” column.

EDITORS NOTE  -  Charles Edward Simons had been appointed as Bermuda’s first ever detective in 1919 and “D.O.” Simons went on to gain a reputation as a legendary detective becoming head of C.I.D. for many years until his retirement in 1935.  CLICK HERE  to read  his lifestory in our “Hall of Fame”  column.

Fortunately, because of his keen interest in police history Ted realized what a disaster that would be and he tried to put aside a few records of particular significance, which was said to include the Harry Sousa murder file and a small piece of the rope used to hang Edward Skeeter in 1878. But he couldn’t save them all and it seems that most of the files were in such poor condition they had to be disposed of.

Mr. Pantry was one of a contingent of 20 officers - the first group ever to be recruited from the U.K. -  who were interviewed and hired by Chief of Police Sempill in London. They set sail from England to Montreal, then travelled by rail to Halifax, Nova Scotia, before finishing their journey by sea to Bermuda  in August 1920. Within a couple of hours of their arrival Constable Pantry was one of several young men who had to report for duty at Hamilton Police Station and he was dropped off in Victoria Park to start his patrol despite being a complete stranger in a strange land!  

Some of the young men only lasted for a short while but P.C. Pantry made his career in the Police Force, serving for over 30 years before retiring as a Chief Superintendent in 1952. 

Ted’s interview with Mr. Pantry provides a vivid description of life in the Police Force and will be of interest not only to police officers but to anyone interested in life as it was in Bermuda from the 1920’s through the 1950’s.  CLICK HERE to view the article in our Hall of Fame.  

These enquiries revealed that Ted’s wife, Minnie (Mary) Burton died on November 19, 1984 at the age of 64. She rests at the Elmdale Memorial Park Cemetery (Section H), St. Thomas, Elgin County, Ontario, Canada. Her cemetery stone is shown below.

George had been unable to confirm whether or not Ted was still alive at the time of writing this article, but within days of its publication he was finally able to ascertain that  Ted had applied for and obtained  a U.S. Social Security number on 8th February 1990, in the Virgin Islands/Puerto Rico.  In his application Ted listed his parents as Frank Burton and his mother as Ethel Smithson.  Sadly,  the record also showed that Ted died on 15th February 1999 in the U.S.A..

If anyone can shed any further light on Ted and Minnie's travels after they left Bermuda, and whether they have any living relatives it would be much appreciated if you would contact George through the address of our ExPo website at info@expobermuda.com 

POSTSCRIPT 

In October 1972 the Bermuda Recorder published an Editorial as the first of a précised series of the contents of Ted Burtons article on the Police of Bermuda from the earliest days” published in the 1955 Autumn edition of the Bermuda Historical Quarterly. 

It should be noted that four weeks prior to the commencement of these publications, Police Commissioner George Duckett was shot to death at his home in Devonshire on the evening of 9^th September 1972. 

CLICK HERE to read about investigations into the Commissioner’s murder which was followed 6 months later by the assassination of His Excellency the Governor and the murder of his Aide-de-Camp. 

The Bermuda Recorder article read as follows:-  

Further, if we support this principle, then we obviously agree that no one has the right to deny man of his liberty. He should be free to make his own choices.

The civilized world has embraced the idea that every man has the right to the pursuit of happiness – each choosing his own path in search of that formula which would give him enjoyment, success and allow him to make his contribution to his community.

Assuming that our thinking does coincide with this precept, we must undoubtedly accept the fact that there are customs which have the force of law. These customs prescribe the methods we employ in achieving out right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. 

We believe that the majority of Bermudians are law-abiding and are anxious to do their part in ensuring that peace and harmony prevail. On the other hand, there a few who thrive on discord and war – even though it be with words. Be that as it may, we repeat that for a country such as ours, law and order must prevail if we are to continue the prosperity that Bermuda is having at this moment.

An integral part of this scheme of maintaining law and order and preserving our rights as citizens is the Bermuda Police Department. 

Some of us agree that laws must be made to protect us, and in the same breathe we utter words to the effect that these same laws when enforced by the authorities take away our liberty. We must be fully cognizant of the fact that the laws that protect us from abuse are the same for those who commit the abuse, and we do have redress.

Few Bermudians have sought the Police Department in their pursuit of happiness; but this should in no way be justification for treating with contempt those who have accepted the challenge. Remember, policemen have the same basic rights as we in the community – life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.”

“Much of the bad publicity surrounding the Police Force is due to the fact that not many Bermudians are on the Force; but is this the fault of the Force itself, or of Bermudians?

“In an effort to create more understanding between Bermudians and the men on our Police Force, the Bermuda Recorder is presenting a series of articles on our Police Force entitled: "KNOW YOUR POLICE DEPARTMENT". In this series, we will explore the beginnings of the Police Force, its history, its recruitment and training programs, and its various departments and their functions.

Publication of the above précised articles by E. A. Burton seemingly ended on the 4 November, 1972; but they immediately resumed on the 10 November, 1972 with a continuation of the history of the Force authored by then Chief Inspector Maurice ‘Sykes’ Smith who brought the History up to date from 1954 to 1972.

__________________________________ 

ADDENDUM # 1 – MEDALS 

THE AFRICA STAR MEDAL

The Africa Star medal is a military campaign medal awarded to British and Commonwealth forces who served for one or more days of service in the North Africa theatre of operations between 10th June, 1940 and 12th May, 1943 during the Second World War.

The Star was awarded for the following qualifications and operations:

Navy – at sea in the Mediterranean between 10th June, 1940 and 12th May, 1943, and or service in support of the campaigns in Abyssinia, Somaliland and Eritrea.  Naval service ashore in the same areas as the army would also qualify.  

The ribbon of the medal is symbolic. The pale buff colour represents the desert. The dark blue stripe represents the Royal Navy and Merchant Navy, the central vertical red stripe the Army and light blue the Royal Air Force. This ribbon is worn with the dark blue stripe furthest from the left shoulder.  

THE DEFENCE MEDAL

The Defence Medal was awarded for service in the forces in non-operational areas subjected to air attack or closely threatened for at least three years’ service in Great Britain until 8th May 1945 or one year in territories overseas until 2 September 1945.

The Defence Medal is awarded for non-operational service such as those service personnel working in headquarters, on training bases and airfields and members of the Home Guard. The medal is also awarded for non-operational service overseas for example in India or South Africa.

The colours of the ribbon symbolize enemy attacks on Britain’s ‘green and pleasant land’ and the black out.

To apply for the Defence Medal, you must have either:

1080 days (3 years) service in the UK between 3 September, 1939 and 8 May 1945.

1080 days (3 years) service in the Home Guard between 14 May, 1940 and 31 December, 1944.

360 days (1 year) non-operational service overseas between 3 September, 1939 and 2 September, 1945

180 days non-operational service in an overseas area deemed to be closely threatened or subject to air attack between 3 September, 1939 and 8 May, 1945. 

The War Medal 1939 – 1945 was a British decoration which was instituted by the United Kingdom on 16 August 1945, for award to subjects of the British Commonwealth who had served full-time in the Armed Forces or the Merchant Navy for at least 28 days between 3 September 1939 and 2 September 1945.