A History of West Sussex Constabulary 1857 to 1967: Key moments of Chichester district's past explored in exhibition of police history

​​Key moments of the Chichester district's past are explored in an exhibition of police history, including a still unsolved murder.
Elaine Hammond
By Elaine Hammond
Published 20th Apr 2023, 09:17 BST
Updated 20th Apr 2023, 09:18 BST
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Former Worthing policeman Alan Moore has been collecting police memorabilia for years and the second annual exhibition, A History of West Sussex Constabulary 1857 to 1967, at The Old Court Room in The Council House, Chichester, includes fascinating information, pictures and memorabilia.

Mr Moore said there was a good turnout, including a visit from the High Sheriff of West Sussex, Andy Bliss, who was a Chief Constable, expected this afternoon. What he enjoyed most, he said, was chatting to people about their memories and collecting new information for his collection.

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Among the many memories and pictures about the Chichester district is the retirement of Chief Constable Captain George Drummond from the West Sussex Constabulary in 1912. His retirement was celebrated with a cricket match at Priory Park in Chichester.

Pictures from Alan Moore's collection on show at his 2023 exhibition, A History of West Sussex Constabulary 1857 to 1967, include this one of Metropolitan police officers assisting West Sussex Constabulary at Goodwood RacesPictures from Alan Moore's collection on show at his 2023 exhibition, A History of West Sussex Constabulary 1857 to 1967, include this one of Metropolitan police officers assisting West Sussex Constabulary at Goodwood Races
Pictures from Alan Moore's collection on show at his 2023 exhibition, A History of West Sussex Constabulary 1857 to 1967, include this one of Metropolitan police officers assisting West Sussex Constabulary at Goodwood Races

MORE PICTURES: Fascinating police history, pictures and memorabilia on display in second West Sussex Constabulary exhibition

Captain A.S. Williams was appointed the new Chief Constable and he introduced changes to the uniform, including the replacement of helmets for flat caps.

The headquarters of West Sussex Constabulary was relocated to Chichester from Horsham in 1922.

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A Chichester case that remains unsolved to this day is the murder of 11-year-old Vera Hoad, who failed to return home on February 25, 1924, after her music lesson. An extensive search was made but without success. Her body was found three days later in a field just near to North Lodge at Graylingwell. She had been assaulted and murdered.

Former Worthing policeman Alan Moore at his 2023 exhibition, A History of West Sussex Constabulary 1857 to 1967Former Worthing policeman Alan Moore at his 2023 exhibition, A History of West Sussex Constabulary 1857 to 1967
Former Worthing policeman Alan Moore at his 2023 exhibition, A History of West Sussex Constabulary 1857 to 1967

The scene was visited by the Chief Constable and Superintendent Brett from Chichester Police Station. A major investigation commenced, assisted by detectives from New Scotland Yard.

All the inmates at Graylingwell as well as soldiers from the Chichester Barracks were eliminated from the investigation. Police enquiries failed to identify who the killer was and the case remains unsolved.

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