Virtual Gallery
Cutlasses
These cutlasses were issued to the Denbighshire Police here at County Buildings in April 1882. An industrial dispute in Moss had turned violent and the Royal Welch Fusiliers had already been sent in to reinforce the Police against the miners.
When the cutlasses were issued to the Police, Major Leadbetter, the Chief Constable made the following order:
"In issuing cutlasses to the Denbighshire Constabulary in consequence of the disturbed state of the district, and rumours of intended riots, the Chief Constable strictly wishes each man to understand that they are to be used only in extreme cases of self-defence when in actual danger to life or limb, or when in conjunction with the military power they are charging the mob after the Riot Act has been read. Even then, the Chief Constable hopes no man will be carried away by excitement, and will only use the weapon when necessity requires him to do so, and as far as possible to abstain from causing injury."
Major Leadbetter was worried by the situation and how he should respond. He needed a second opinion. From his office in this building he sought advice from an old colleague, Colonel Cobbe.
On 29th April 1882 Col. Cobbe replied:
"Dear Major Leadbetter,
I have seen in the papers that you have had troubles with your colliers
and knowing the great excitement that suddenly seizes that class occasionally
I have been sure that you have had difficulties… With regard to your
enquiry about the wearing and use of cutlasses, I can only point to the
regulations dating as far back as February 1857 but which I believe hold
good to the present time. These regs. say a small cutlass may be supplied
to any constable. It is for his personal protection in the pursuance of
his duty. The cutlass is to be worn at night only or at times when rioting
or serious public disturbance has actually taken place or is apprehended;
or any sudden emergency when orders have been given by the Chief Constable
that one or more of the constables should be so armed. The Chief Constable
shall on such occasions of giving any such order report the same and the
reasons for such an order to any two Justices of the Peace for the County
as soon afterwards as is practically possible.
Colonel Cobbe, Oxfordshire."
A number of these cutlasses were preserved in a fan-shaped frame over
the fireplace in one of the Police Inspector's offices. The cutlasses
have since been loaned to Wrexham County Borough Museum by the North Wales
Police.
RSS Feeds
Contact Details
Wrexham County Borough CouncilThe Guildhall
Wrexham
LL11 1AY
email:
Contact-Us@wrexham.gov.uk
Website Feedback
telephone: 01978 292000
Location
