Pc 336 Sydney Freeman Godfrey

This is Pc Sydney Freeman Godfrey of the Nottingham City Police astride his mount Melton outside Hyson Green Police Station. The photo was taken during the late 1930s, as evidenced by the flat cap.

Sydney joined the 2nd Lifeguards in 1914 and was discharged in 1918. However, unbeknown at that time to himself and the recruiting sergeant, he had actually signed on for eight years. In the meantime he had joined Nottingham City Police. He was almost immediately recalled to the Life Guards and when he was finally discharged he was too old to join the police. However, in 1922, the Vicar of Lambley ( not Dibley)  whose christian name was Alberic who was a friend of the Chief Constable, Sir Frank Brook, mentioned young Godfrey to him. He was summoned to see the Chief and welcomed back into the Nottingham City Police in 1922 where he served until 1954.

He and his wife, whom he met in Windsor, initially lived at 78 either Sycamore Road or Hungerhill Road, St. Anns until they moved to Percival Road in Sherwood. When they lived at St. Anns he had an allotment on Sycamore Road where he grew dahlias of three different kinds.  At that time there was a Nottingham City Police annual flower show held at the Guildhall and for many years PC Godfrey won all three classes for dahlias.

Melton was stabled for some time near to where Wilford Power Station used to be. He was spooked one night, bolted and got entangled in barbed wire; so badly that he had to be put down.

My thanks to Rex Freer for passing on this information to Nottscops from Pc Godfrey's son, now aged 80!!

Photo:Paul Woodward