Lest We Forget
During my research I had been given support from a number of colleagues, none more than Sgt Dave Clark who had acted on my behalf and go between with my superiors. We were both very active in the Royalty Protection Social and Athletic Club, he being the treasurer and I the Social Secretary and we gained the backing of the committee to get support for a memorial plaque for Steve Robertson.
Finally, in 1998, my wish was granted and a plaque was arranged, paid for by Social Club. Her Majesty the Queen granted permission for the plaque to be sited at the scene of the bombing and Her Majesty, The Queen Mother accepted the invitation to unveil it. Invitations were sent out to all of Steve's ex colleagues, sadly by then Phil 'Ginger' Eagles had passed away. By chance Irene Hunt in Canada was visiting her old friend Molly in the UK so both were able to attend as well. Attempts had been made to find surviving family but without success.
The date was set for June 10th 1998. A story that had set a seed 12 years previously, when I joined Royalty Protection, was to flourish on my last day in Police uniform. After 21 years as a police officer I was being retired due to a number of back injuries sustained on duty. This, I felt, was a fitting finale to my career.
Finally, in 1998, my wish was granted and a plaque was arranged, paid for by Social Club. Her Majesty the Queen granted permission for the plaque to be sited at the scene of the bombing and Her Majesty, The Queen Mother accepted the invitation to unveil it. Invitations were sent out to all of Steve's ex colleagues, sadly by then Phil 'Ginger' Eagles had passed away. By chance Irene Hunt in Canada was visiting her old friend Molly in the UK so both were able to attend as well. Attempts had been made to find surviving family but without success.
The date was set for June 10th 1998. A story that had set a seed 12 years previously, when I joined Royalty Protection, was to flourish on my last day in Police uniform. After 21 years as a police officer I was being retired due to a number of back injuries sustained on duty. This, I felt, was a fitting finale to my career.
© David Clark
HMQM unveiling the plaque in the presence of the Commissioner, Sir Paul Condon and Rev. Willie Booth, the Queen's Chaplain
© David Clark
The plaque
© David Clark
Jimmy Whyte, Doug Lightwood and Ron Pope
Sir Paul, HMQM, myself and my eldest daughter Nicola who presented the flowers to Her Majesty
© David Clark
Molly McCulloch and Irene Hunt at New Scotland Yard where all the guests had lunch
with Sir Paul after the unvailing
with Sir Paul after the unvailing
The event was covered by the Evening Standard in London and by a number of police publications. Irene Hunt's local paper also covered the story in Canada but to my surprise my brother in Malaysia told me it was reported there also. Since the unveiling Steve's name has been added to most record books and even the Royal Households Official website. I'm proud to know that his name will live on, not only because of the plaque but through the great efforts made by those who knew him.
Steve was only one of many police officers who gave their life during the war. His story was becoming a myth; it could have easily stayed that way.
Steve was only one of many police officers who gave their life during the war. His story was becoming a myth; it could have easily stayed that way.
In Memory of
PC Stephen Robertson
Lest We Forget
© Alan Graham 2021