Didsbury, Manchester: The Volunteer Police Force

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When war broke out in August 1914, the Manchester City Police force was immediately affected by the demands of the conflict. It had more than 1,350 officers on its roll but 73 were immediately called up. The chief constable was then given permission to advertise for special constables to keep up the strength of the force and was hoping for more than 5,000 men to volunteer to give up two hours a week to keep the streets safe. Ultimately, 6000 men came forward. They were issued with a trilby hat, a badge and a truncheon to show they held authority. By the end of the war more than 15,000 men had helped patrol the streets of Manchester. Location: Newton Street, Didsbury, Manchester M1 1ET Image: Special constables, courtesy of Greater Manchester Police Museum and Archives