Fallen North Yorkshire Police officers honoured with dedicated memorial plaque at Eden Camp

The ceremony, which took place in the museum's chapel, recognised police officers of North Yorkshire Police’s historical constabularies, including the North Riding Constabulary and City of York Police, who gave their lives during the two world wars.

Eden Camp's chapel is home to numerous memorial plaques commemorating the war dead of various local institutions and organisations who made the ultimate sacrifice during wartime. However, it was recently identified that there was no dedicated memorial recognising North Yorkshire’s police officers who served and died while serving abroad.

The omission was highlighted by Sergeant Lee Holmes, who works for North Yorkshire Police and serves on the Yorkshire Coast. After bringing the matter to the attention of Eden Camp, the museum agreed to commission and install a dedicated plaque to ensure those officers are remembered and honoured for generations to come.

The unveiling formed part of a commemorative service led by Coast Chaplain Brian Ward. During the service, Sergeant Holmes read the names of the fallen officers before a North Yorkshire Police wreath was laid at the memorial stone.

The event took place ahead of the annual Remembrance period and followed North Yorkshire Police's recent achievement of the Armed Forces Covenant Silver Award, recognising the organisation's commitment to supporting serving personnel, veterans and military families.

The Chief Constable of North Yorkshire Police, Tim Forber, attended alongside representatives from Eden Camp and the force's Armed Forces Covenant team.

Sergeant Lee Holmes from North Yorkshire Police said:

"When I visited the chapel at Eden Camp and saw the many memorials dedicated to those who had made the ultimate sacrifice, it struck me that there was nothing specifically recognising the police officers of North Yorkshire who also signed up to fight abroad, of which there were dozens, including a Chief Constable. Historically, these officers served in constabularies that pre-dated the formation of North Yorkshire Police, but nonetheless, form part of our direct history and it is important that the officers are still remembered for their sacrifice.

“These officers served their communities at home and their country abroad, with courage, dedication and selflessness, and I felt it was important that they had a permanent place where their sacrifice could be remembered and honoured. I am incredibly grateful to Eden Camp for embracing the idea and helping make it a reality.

“This plaque ensures that future generations will remember those officers and it is fitting that they will now be commemorated alongside so many others who served their country.”

Chief Constable Tim Forber said: "Policing has always been a profession built on public service, courage and commitment, and throughout history officers have put themselves in harm's way to protect others.

“It is right that those from North Yorkshire who made the ultimate sacrifice are remembered and honoured in this local museum. This memorial plaque provides a lasting tribute to their service and ensures their legacy will continue to be recognised for many years to come.

“I would like to thank Sergeant Lee Holmes for his determination in bringing this project forward and Eden Camp for supporting the creation of this fitting memorial.”

Summer O’Brien, Collections & Engagement Manager at Eden Camp added: “It has been a privilege to help create this memorial plaque and preserve the memory of those who served and gave their lives for the freedoms we have today. I am incredibly proud to have been part of this important project, and we will continue to share their stories here at Eden Camp.”