This index is taken from the Bamford Motor Patrol log book kept by Constable 94 Neil Mclean who served as a Motor Patrol Observer in the Derbyshire Constabulary from April 1935 to April 1939 and again from July 1939 to October 1943, when he resigned due to ill health. The patrol covered most of northern Derbyshire, as well as the Bamford area, with Buxton, Bradwell, Grindleford, Matlock, Chapel en le Frith and Peak Forest featuring almost daily – what a wonderful job in the summer months!! But not so hot in the winter as the photo below of Neil and PC Slater taken at the top of Winnats Pass, near Castleton, Derbyshire shows.
The book starts in April 1937 and finishes in November 1939. At the start of the log book Neil was observer to PC 214 Parker until Parker was transferred to Ambergate on the 1 st March 1938. PC 237 Slater took over on the 4 th March 1938 and remained the driver through to the end of the book. Entries in the book were made at home on the day of the duty.
The index lists name, age and address of the motorists involved and also type of vehicle (includes buses and a hearse!), registration number of the vehicle and in a few cases the make. There are even instances of pedal cyclist being caught! The log itself contains more information such as place of offence, occupation, date of court hearing and the outcome. As there is an extremely remote chance of someone listed being still alive (the youngest could be aged 91) only proven relatives will be allowed copies of the actual entry in the log. All the pages have been photographed. The motorist’s addresses are mostly from Derbyshire, Lancashire and Yorkshire areas but if your relative travelled the country or owned a vehicle or a fleet of vehicles please have a look because you never know!! Occupations cover all manor of jobs including RAF servicemen, Doctors, Professional Footballers, Vets, Butchers and even an ex Police Sergeant! Please note that another log book has been deposited in Derbyshire Archives at Matlock which was completed by PC Slater but at the time of writing it is not known what period this covers.
All postal enquiries to, Motor Log, 15 Ralston Croft, Halfway, Sheffield, S20 4TU and include SAE or via e-mail to ipmclean@hotmail.com