GRAVE OF THE MONTH

Police Inspector William James Gallop (1872 – 1933)

“For 33 years in the Berkshire Constabulary”

William James Gallop achieved much in his life from modest beginnings. He was born in 1872 in Clerkenwell, the first son of William Gallop and his second wife Elizabeth Faithful Janet Harris. His father became Chief Warder at Pentonville Prison. Having passed Standard VI, he left school at the age of 12, to work.  The 1891 census records that he was a patient at the Royal Mineral Water Hospital, Bath, his occupation a baker at a biscuit factory.

In 1893 he joined the Police Force, trained in Reading and was soon stationed at Newbury. On 5 May 1894 he married Susan Maria Griffiths, third daughter of Caleb Griffiths, at the Primitive Methodist Church, Bartholomew Street.  In 1895 he was transferred to Virginia Water and then served for many years in the district at Wallingford,  East Hendred, Tilehurst, Bucklebury and Stockcross. During this period his 2 daughters and son were born.

In 1913 he was promoted to Sergeant, and he spent 9 ½ years at the Police Station, Chapel Street, Thatcham.  He attained the rank of Inspector and from 1922 he served at the Police Quarters, RAF Stores at Milton.  After leaving the Force, he was the Supervising Constable for the War Department Constabulary at the Royal Army Ordnance Corps,  Didcot Depot.  On retirement he settled with his wife Susan Maria at 2 High View, Shaw. 

In October 1933 whilst staying with his brother Edward Frederick, who was Chief Warder at Walton Prison, Liverpool, he was taken ill.  He rallied after a  successful operation, but unexpectedly died aged 61 years in Walton Hospital. The funeral service took place at the Methodist Chapel, Bartholomew Street before interment.

He was a member of the Jack of Newbury Lodge of Oddfellows for over 40 years, a member of the Retired Police Officers’ Association, and served on the committee of the Berks. Constabulary Athletic Sports.

He was much respected by his colleagues. He was “well-liked by everyone, he was popular with the men in his charge”.  He was the “dear Dad” of Bessie Janet, Agnes Mary and William Alfred.  Susan Maria was reunited with her “much loved husband” on 4 October 1950.

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