X Kenneth MolyneuxDear Mike,As I explained on the telephone Cheshire PoliceOfficer records commence in 1857 these are verydetailed up until 1912, post this whilst we dohave records the files only contain the briefestof information, in the main this would be just beenough to cover the administration of the officerspension. Sadly your Grandfathers file is nodifferent and we only hold the following PC885Kenneth Molyneux, joined 25th September 1951, andretired to pension on the 31st December 1977,which is approximately 25 years, which was thenorm for officers to serve in the 1970's. Heappears to have served most of his service withinNorthwich Division at Barnton. He like every otherofficer would have attended many courses at theTraining Centre at Crewe but again nothing isrecorded. I have a set of Weekly Orders datingbetween 1951 and 1965 and the following isrecorded. Kenneth attending at the Number 1District Police Training Centre, Bruche,Warrington at 11a.m. Monday 15th October 1951. Hegained his First Aid Examination on the 3rdJanuary 1952.His first Commendation was awarded at Northwich onthe 31st March 1953 which states "For keenobservation and intelligence resulting in thearrest of a man for Larceny of a pedal cycle onthe 14th February 1953".He was confirmed in his appointment as a Constableon the 25th September 1953. On the 15th June 1956he passed with a Grade 1 mark his Police GeneralDriving Course.In 1963 Kenneth was part of a collectiveCommendation which states "At 1.15 a.m. on Friday29th October 1965, Constable Dorricott was on dutyin Bridge Street, Runcorn checking lock upproperty when he heard the sound of breaking glasscoming from the direction of the Town Centre. Theofficer made his way toward the Town Centre andinformed the Duty Sergeant, Sergeant Parkin. They,together with Constable Molyneux commenced asystematic search of the property in the shoppingarea of the Town. Sergeant Parkin and ConstableDorricott went to the rear of the property andConstable Molyneux kept watch in the High Street.Two men were seen on the roof of one of the shops,and when they became aware of the presence of thepolice the one man, Frank Lighfoot jumped from theroof and endeavoured to make good his escape. Hewas pursued by Constable Dorricott and a scufflebetween them took place. The scuffle was heard byConstable Molyneux and he blew his whistle (nopersonal radios in those days). The sound of thewhistle was heard by Constable Ryan, ConstableHowarth and Constable Gale, who at this time werehaving refreshments at Runcorn Police Office. Thethree officers turned out immediately andConstable Ryan went and assisted ConstableDorricott in arresting Lightfoot. The others wentand assisted Constable Molyneux in forming acordon around the back of the shops. A ladder wasobtained from nearby works and Sergeant Parkinclimbed on the roof and made a search. The secondman Roy Johnson was found concealed on the roofand was arrested. At Runcorn Magistrates Court onthe 5th of November 1965, both men were chargedwith attempted shop breaking and wilful damage tothe window of unoccupied property". They were eachfined £10 and £5 and ordered to pay £5 restitutionand 10/4d witness expenses. The Chief Constablecommenting "This was a very good arrest and showsgood co-ordination by members of one Sub-Division.I am truly sorry Mike I wish I had more to giveyou. If you care to read the History of theCheshire Constabulary within the drop down menumarked History, you will get a good picture oflife in the Constabulary at the time. My ownopinion was that discipline was draconian, pay wasextremely poor, but one thing that does shinethrough as I go through the records iscomradeship.If you think I can answer any questions you mayhave please don't hesitate to contact me. Sincerebest wishes Jim Talbot. Volunteer Trustee andResearcher Museum of Policing in Cheshire.