A Knight Bachelor, C.I.E., M.B.E., K.P.M. group of seven awarded to Sir Horace Williamson, Indian Police Service, United Provinces

Knight Bachelor’s Badge, 1st type breast badge, silver-gilt and enamel, hallmarks for London 1926, pin-backed; The Most Eminent Order of the Indian Empire, C.I.E., Companion’s 3rd type neck badge, gold and enamel; The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, M.B.E. (Civil) Member’s 1st type breast badge, silver, hallmarks for London 1916; King’s Police Medal, G.V.R., 2nd issue, general issue reverse (Horace Williamson, C.I.E., M.B.E., Indian Police Service); Delhi Durbar 1911, silver; Jubilee 1935; Coronation 1937, these unnamed, good very fine and better (7) £1400-1800

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, A Collection of Medals to the Indian Police.

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K.B. London Gazette 10 April 1934.

C.I.E. London Gazette 31 December 1921. ‘Horace Williamson, Esq., M.B.E., Indian Police, Superintendent of Police, United Provinces.’

M.B.E. London Gazette 8 January 1919. ‘Superintendent of Police, Allahabad, United Provinces.’

K.P.M. London Gazette 1 January 1931. ‘ Indian Police Service, United Provinces.’

Horace Williamson entered the Indian Police Service in 1900. Was appointed Superintendent in the Indian Police Services, United Provinces in 1913 and appointed an Assistant to the Inspector General in 1916. Awarded the M.B.E. in 1919 and C.I.E. in 1921. Appointed Deputy Inspector General, United Provinces in 1923 and Officiating Inspector General in 1928. Awarded the K.P.M. in 1931, his recommendation reads:

‘This officer has nearly 30 years of notable service to his credit. After being posted in various districts as an Assistant Superintendent he was appointed to Agra in 1909 and was for seven years in charge of the police in this important district, his work was distinguished and regularly acknowledged by Government. In 1916 he was appointed Assistant to the Inspector General and in 1923 he was appointed Deputy Inspector General and acted as Inspector General for six months in 1928. He is at present in charge of the Criminal Investigation Department where he has shown conspicuous ability and initiative. His administration work has throughout been of a very high order and he has done much to improve the morale of the officers and men under his control.’

The Gazette of India 11 April 1931 records that ‘Mr H. Williamson, C.I.E., M.B.E., of the Indian Police Service, Officer on Special Duty in the Intelligence Bureau, Home Department, is appointed to officiate until further orders, as Director, Intelligence Bureau, Home Department, with effect from the 1st April 1931.’ For his services as Director of the Intelligence Bureau Williamson received a Knighthood in 1934. He served as Director until 1936 when he was appointed a Member of the Council of India.

Latterly living at Beacon Lodge, Crowborough, Sussex, he died on 15 April 1965.

With copied gazette extracts and other research. His picture is featured in the book, ‘
To Guard my People, The History of the Indian Police, by Sir Percival Griffith.