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Beginners => Family History Beginners Board => Topic started by: Super_sweetpea on Thursday 11 April 24 18:50 BST (UK)

Title: Wigan Special Constabulary
Post by: Super_sweetpea on Thursday 11 April 24 18:50 BST (UK)
Hi, Seeking any information about James Thomas Houghton's time in Wigan Special Constabulary and a member of the water polo team. He was born in 1891 and died 1958. I don't know when he was in the Specials. He lived in Pemberton, Wigan.
Title: Re: Wigan Special Constabulary
Post by: Milliepede on Thursday 11 April 24 21:35 BST (UK)
I don’t know where you could find out but you could check to see if he is mentioned in any local newspaper reports in case it helps.
Title: Re: Wigan Special Constabulary
Post by: CaroleW on Thursday 11 April 24 22:15 BST (UK)
Where did you get the info from about the constabulary & water polo?

Title: Re: Wigan Special Constabulary
Post by: Super_sweetpea on Friday 12 April 24 08:25 BST (UK)
He was my Grandad.
Title: Re: Wigan Special Constabulary
Post by: phil57 on Friday 12 April 24 09:58 BST (UK)
It would be worth contacting the Greater Manchester Police Museum and Archives. No certainty that they will be able to help, but if they can't it's very doubtful that anyone else would have any records, other than anything that may already be in the family.

https://gmpmuseum.co.uk/
Title: Re: Wigan Special Constabulary
Post by: CaroleW on Friday 12 April 24 11:26 BST (UK)
As he wasn't a full time policeman there may not be any records.   
Title: Re: Wigan Special Constabulary
Post by: phil57 on Friday 12 April 24 12:36 BST (UK)
As he wasn't a full time policeman there may not be any records.   

There may not be even if he was full time. But you won't know unless you ask. Some of these force museums and historical societies can be very helpful, with retired officers who are keen to assist and go the extra mile to try and help. Others less so, and I'm not familiar with GMP, but it has to be worth an enquiry. Where else would you suggest looking?
Title: Re: Wigan Special Constabulary
Post by: Super_sweetpea on Friday 12 April 24 13:27 BST (UK)
Thank you. I intend to contact Manchester Police Museum and Archives. Apparently a friend remembers a photo of her grandad in the Wigan Specials Water Polo Team but which is now lost. Her Grandad was born 1894. Whether my Grandad is on that photo I don't know.
Title: Re: Wigan Special Constabulary
Post by: phil57 on Friday 12 April 24 13:33 BST (UK)
Worth searching local newspapers for his name as well, just in case there is a mention of the water polo team match results anywhere, or possibly a court report where he gave evidence.