Page 48 - Life in Langham 1914-1919

Special Constables

The Rutland Special Constables, some 800 to 900 in number, were originally brought

into being in connection with the scheme, prepared by the Central Emergency

Committee (under the presidency of the Lord Lieutenant of the County) for dealing

with refugees, cattle and vehicles, which it was expected would pass through the

County from the East Coast in the event of a hostile invasion that, at the time, was

considered very probable…

Working with the Police their duties would be:

• Guiding traffic and ensuring that roads reserved for military purposes

were kept clear of other vehicles.
• Arranging the feeding of any refugees passing through the county.

• Collecting suitable implements for entrenching purposes, including

felling trees to impede the enemy.
• Preventing the destruction of bridges and railways and keeping the

telegraph system working.

• Acting as dispatch riders and stretcher bearers should the need arise.

These men were constantly patrolling the several towns and villages, under the

direction of their section leaders, to see that the provisions of the various

Lighting Orders were carried out.

On receipt of prearranged warnings they were called out on sixteen occasions when it

was notified that Zeppelin or other hostile air-craft were approaching the County…
Lord Lonsdale

On May 13th, 1917, some 550 to 600 Special Constables from all parts of the County

assembled in the School Cricket Field at Oakham, and were inspected by

Field Marshal Lord French, who complimented them on their fine turnout…

Rutland and the Great War - George Phillips

Langham’s Special Constables

Aldridge, George Edgson, William Mandell, Rev. Alfred

Arnold, George Faulkes, Robert Harry Mc.Clelland, Joseph

Austin, John Harris, George Rudkin, John

Berrie, Robert Harris, Philip Bullimore Segrott, Herbert

Conder, Herbert Hubbard, Herbert Ed. Smith, William

Crane, Wm. Edward Humphrey, Alfred Wm. Steel, Reuben

Edgson, Joseph Lever, Stephen Tidd, David