| Surname: | Hanna |
| Initials: | H |
| Rank: | Pte A/SQMS |
| Army Number: | P/4633 |
| Notes: | MMP. Awarded the 1915 Star, Victory and War Medals. First served abroad (3a) Egypt, 10/12/1915 to 29/2/16 and (1) France 1/3/16. Discharged class Z reserve 13/7/1919. Later served Metropolitan Police. Extract from the South London Observer 23 July 1932. PRESENTATION TO EX-P.C. The billiard room at Camberwell Police station was the scene at an interesting ceremony on the afternoon of the 13 inst. The occasion being the presentation of a testimonial to P.C. Hanna ("L" Division) on his retirement after 25 years. P.C. Hanna joined the Force on May 27, 1907, being posted to the "E" Division at Bow Street. Four years later he was appointed to the mounted branch and transferred to "F" Division at Camberwell. Called up on the army Reserve on August 5, 1914, having previously served five years in the 1st Royal Dragoons, he proceeded overseas, being attached to the Military Mounted Police. He was appointed the Sergeant in charge of the 31st Division and served in Egypt, France and Belgium and on the formation of traffic control squadrons was made squadron quartermaster sergeant of No.1 Squadron. On the Armistice being signed he was sent to Germany for Army of Occupation duties, being demobilised in July, 1919. He then rejoined the Metropolitan Police and served in the mounted branch at Camberwell for 12 1/2 years, then reverting to patrol duty which he performed down to the time of retirement. Addressing a large gathering of officers and men inspector Adams, in the unavoidable absence of Superintendent white, said they had met that afternoon to bide adieu to an old comrade in the person of P.C. Hanna. Many of them had known him longer than he had, but he could say that during the past 12 months that he (Inspector Adams) had been at the station he had always found him "one of the best" and not doubt he had the confidence of all the station officers which was a great thing in the police. Having referred to P.C. Hanna's police and army records Inspector Adams said the officers and men of the division felt that they could not allow the opportunity to pass without showing in some tangible form their appreciation of his services and they had therefore subscribed, to a handsome Westminster chiming clock, together with a silver watch, both suitably inscribed, which he had much pleasure in handing to him on their behalf, expressing the hope that he would be spared many years to enjoy his pension. Mr. Hanna acknowledged the gifts in a neat and appropriate speech and was accorded the "Camberwell Whisper" - three hearty cheers, a similar compliment being paid to Inspector Adams on the proposition of Sergt. Fernie, Sergts, Wells, Hicks and officers of the C.I.D. were amongst the large company present together with P.C. Frank Norman, who was responsible for organising the testimonial. |
Decoration Record: | |
| Decoration: | Mention in Despatches (London Gazette: 31446 Page: 8793 July 10, 1919) |
| Citation: | France & Flanders. |