Thomas Henry Farndale
12 September 1899 to 10 May 1964
FAR00699
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London
1899
Thomas Henry
Farndale, son of Samuel (accountant clerk of Glenelf
Road, West Brixton, London) and Pollie (nee Chesters) Farndale, (FAR00475) was born at Glenelf Road, Brixton, on 12 September 1899 (Birth Certificate) and
baptised at Brixton on 23 May 1900. Thomas Henry Farndale’s birth was
registered in Lambeth District in the fourth quarter of 1899 (GRO Vol 1d page 468).
1901
Census
1901 – 118 Amesbury Avenue, Streatham, Wandsworth, London
Samuel
Farndale, 34, clerk admiralty
Pollie
Farndale, 29, born 1872
Ethel
Chesters Farndale, 4, born 1897, Portsmouth
Thomas
Henry Farndale, born Brixton 1900
Croydon, Surrey
1911
Census
1911 – Kentwyns, Warwick Road, Thornton Heath, Croydon, Surrey
Samuel
Farndale, 44, admiralty accountant clerk
Pollie
Farndale, 39
Ethel
Chesters Farndale, 14, at home school evenings
Thomas
Henry Farndale, 11
Frank
Farndale, 9
Walter
Reginald Farndale, 5
Hilda
Margaret Farndale, 2
Lucy
Chesters, sister in law, 30
1913
Thomas
did well at school: Croydon
Times, 9 July 1913: SMART CROYDON SCHOLARS. PRESENTATION OF PRIUZES.
WINTERBOURNE ROAD SCHOOLS. The annual prize distribution at the Winterbourne
Road Schools took place on Monday afternoon, Mrs Reid presenting the prizes to
the boys, and Mr E Fletcher to the girls.... In reviewing his report, Mr. J
Potter, the headmaster, reviewed the work of the scholars, which he said, was
very satisfactory … Attendance prizes:... Thomas Farndale...
1914
Thomas
Harry Farndale born 12 September 1899, service No Z/6840 served in the Royal Navy
Reserve in London in the first World War. He was a telegraphist.
He
served in the 1914 to 1918 war with the RNVR, as a wireless telegraphist
(Surrey Mirror, 4 November 1955).
Guildford, Surrey
1920
He
joined the Police Force in May 1920. For the first ten years he was
successively at Woking, Camberley, Sunningdale, Windlesham, and Cranleigh (Surrey Mirror, 4 November 1955)
1921
Census
1921 – Ingll Men’s Quarters, Police Station,
Woking, Surrey
Thomas
H Farndale, 21 years and 9 months, was a police constable
1928
Surrey
Advertiser, 23 March 1928: A FATAL CRASH NEAR GUILDFORD. INQUEST ON
MOTOR-CYCLIST. COLLISION WITH LORRY IN DARKNESS. The Guildford Borough Coroner,
Mr FW Smallpiece, conducted an inquest at the Royal
Surrey County Hospital, Guildford, on Monday into the death of Alex Herbert
Harding, aged 23, of Springhead Farm, Lynchmere, near
Haslemere, which occurred on Friday last week as the
result of a collision with a motor lorry at new road, Chilworth,
on the previous day.... PC Farndale of Shalford said the front wheel of
the motorcycle was badly damaged. It was very dark night, with fine rain. The
road at that point was straight for 300 yards. The cycle was taken from the
road into a yard by a crowd which assembled, and anyone might have turned off
the water of the lamp. The lorry had an oil lamp which was not very bright, but
the motorcyclist could have seen it 100 yards away....
Surrey
Advertiser, 16 June 1928: POLICE CRICKETERS. DORKING BEAT HERSHAM. Hersham Division
Police played the Dorking Division in the Chief Constable’s Cup competition at
Leatherhead on Tuesday, Dorking winning by 22 runs.... Hersham Division:... PC
Farndale LBW, bowled Batterham …
1929
Surrey
Advertiser, 8 June 1929: HURRYING TO WORK. MOTOR-CYCLIST’S DANGEROUS DRIVING AT
WALTON. At Kingston on Thursday *, of Oyster Lane, Byfleet, was fined £2 for
driving a motorcycle in a manner dangerous to the public at Dt Georges Avenue,
Walton, on May 3rd. Evidence given by Inspector Dibley and PC Farndale
was that on the morning of May 3rd defendant drove at speed of about 36 miles
an hour on the wrong side of the white line while rounding a bend in the road.
Defendant pleaded that, being late, he was hurrying to work at a speed of about
20 miles an hour, and that he drove on the wrong side of the line to avoid a
man at work on the road.
Mid
Sussex Times, 25 June 1929: WEDDING AT HAYWARDS HEATH. MR L N HEAD AND MISS G BOX. A very
pretty wedding with solemnised at St Wilfrid’s church, Haywards Heath, on
Wednesday afternoon, the contracting parties being Mr Lionel Norman Head... and
Miss Gwendoline Box... Mr Thomas H Farndale, a colleague of the bridegroom
in the Surrey Constabulary, carried out the duties of the best man....
1930
He then transferred to clerical duties, first at Hersham
and then at Woking (Surrey Mirror, 4 November 1955).
Surrey
Advertiser, 30 July 1930: HERSHAM POLICE V WALTON FIRE BRIGADE. Hesham Police on
Saturday defeated Walton Fire Brigade by 55 runs... Hersham Police... PC
Farndale, bowled Wright, 1 …
1932
Surrey
Advertiser, 7 May 1932: POLICE BOWLS MATCH. The Hersham division of the Surrey
Constabulary entertained the Guildford division to a bowls match at Hersham on
Wednesday and won by 55 points. Schools... Farndale, 35...
1934
Surrey
Advertiser, 21 April 1934: HORSHELL. FALSE PRETENCES AND THEFT. LOAN ON STRENGTH OF NON
EXISTANT JOB. Appearing on remand at Woking Petty Sessions on Saturday, *, of
no fixed abode, was charged with obtaining £10 by false pretences from *, of Horsell, and with stealing, while bailee, a raincoat and a
pair of gloves. He pleaded guilty to both offences, and asked the magistrates
to take account of a charge, due to be heard at Wolverhampton Buckinghamshire,
of obtaining £2 by false pretences. PC Farndale said that when
interviewed at Working Police Station on April 7th, prisoner admitted selling
the clothes in London for 1s 6d, and said he wished to help to recover them.
The coat could not be traced, but the gloves had been recovered...
Surrey
Advertiser, 2 June 1934: HARD LABOUR FOR WAITER. HOUSE OF LORDS THEFT CHARGE HEARD AT
WOKING. The hearing of a charge of stealing a number of articles from * Walton
Rd, was resumed at Working Police Court on Saturday, the accused being *, 37, a
waiter, of... London. The articles, which were valued at £37, were the property
of * and included a gold filled cigarette case, a gold watch, a platinum and
gold chain, a diamond ring, a silver tie pin, and a jewel case. At the previous
hearing when * was remanded in custody, PC Farndale stated that defendant
admitted that he took the stuff, saying he was hard up, and did not know
what made him do it. On Saturday PC Farndale gave evidence of the recovery
of the articles....
Surrey
Advertiser, 14 July 1934: SERVANTS CHARGED WITH THEFT. WOKING AND WORPLESDON CASES
ADJOURNED. Two cases of alleged thefts by servants came before Mr H
Quartermaine at Woking Police Court on Wednesday. In the first case, *, 36, a
cook, no fixed abode, was charged with the larceny, as a servant, of £2 3s 10d,
belonging to * between May 26 and June 8th. PC Farndale said he saw * at Bow
Street police station on Tuesday, when the man said “Yes I took the money.
I had a bit of trouble with * and, after dinner I went out, got drinking, and
spent the money.”
TRADERS WIN AT
BOWLS. In the evening 6 rinks were played at bulls, that Raiders winning by 14
shots... PC Farndale...
Surrey
Advertiser, 8 August 1934: HOLIDAY SPORTS. A crowd of about 8000 people watched a
programme of sports at Kingfield on Monday, when among many attractive events
were two Surrey cycling championships. The crowd was entertained by a trick
motorcycling display... Selections of music were given by the 5th Battalion the
Queens Royal Regiment... The duties of referee were carried out by... the
following also officiated... T Farndale, programmes...
Surrey
Advertiser, 15 December 1934: THE SAFE FROM HORSELL. On the charge of stealing the safe
from the wholesale shop, *, the manager, of 7 Holyoake Avenue, Horsell, and *, milk roundsman, of 25 Holyoake Avenue, gave
formal evidence of locking the shop and of finding it broken open. *, van
driver, of 1 Arthur’s cottages, Arthur’s bridge, corroborated these statements
as to his part made by *. PC Farndale said the safe was recovered from the
stream near Kemishford bridge on November 28. A
piece of rope similar to others found at *’s garage were hanging from the
skylight at the shop....
Surrey
Advertiser, 22 December 1934: THE HORSELL CASE. Mr EC Dutton, president of the Woking
Chamber of Commerce, said he left his home at 6:00 PM on November 15th with his
wife, and on his return just after 11 pm he found the kitchen floor and table
covered with broken glass. A window pane was broken, his dog had been shut in
the scullery, and a deed box was missing from the wardrobe.... PC Farndale,
who was called to Mr Dutton's house after the robbery, and Detective
Sergeant Turner said * replied “definitely not” when charged....
HORSELL.
ELECTRICIAN CHARGED. On a charge relating to a girl between February 1st and
April 30th, 1934, *, 20, electrician, of *, High Street, Horsell,
appeared at Woking Police Court on Saturday. The magistrates adjourned the case
for seven days, bail being allowed. PC Farndale said that, when arrested
that morning, * admitted that he was the father of the girl's child, but said
he was mislaid as to her age.
Thomas H Farndale, aged 35, married Hilda Marion
Judith Edwards in 1934 and their marriage was registered in the
second quarter of 1934 at Surrey NW District (GRO
Vol 2a page 728).
1935
Surrey
Advertiser, 2 February 1935: HORSELL. ELECTRICIAN CHARGED.
Thomas Charles (or Chesters?) Samuel Farndale (FAR00937)
was born in Surrey on 22 February 1935.
Surrey
Advertiser, 5 June 1935: BOWLS. TODAY’S FIXTURES. … WESTFIELD BEAT POLICE. At Woking
on Thursday mast week Woking Police were beaten by Westfield by eight shots … PC
Farndale …
Surrey
Advertiser, 16 November 1935: ELECTION ITEMS. A
voter from York Road, Woking, *, went to the polling station at 7.20 am, and
waited until it opened at 8 o’clock. The polling station at the Boy’s County
School, Woking, is 3 minutes walk from the railway
station. At 8 am a number of businessmen, bent on catching the 8:05 train to
London, started to record that vote. They all managed to catch their train. The
first person to record his vote at Horsell was PC
Farndale....
1936
Gerald Clifford Farndale (FAR00941)
was born in Surrey on 20 February 1936.
1937
Thomas was a police sergeant by
1937.
Surrey
Advertiser, 17 July 1937: 6,000 SEE POLICE WPORTS. WOKING DIVISION WIN CHALLENGE CUP. A
VARIED PROGRAMME. Since its inception five years ago the annual sports meeting
arranged by the Surrey Constabulary Sports Club at Woking sports ground has
proved one of the most popular attractions of the season, and on Saturday there
was a crowd of about 6000 of the ground to watch a varied programme. … PS
Farndale (competitors numbers) …
Surrey
Advertiser, 9 October 1937: SOLDIER IN COURT. MONEY STOLEN FROM BUS PASSENGER. A young
soldier, *, of the Queens Royal Regiment, Stoughton Barracks, Guildford,
appeared at Camberley Police Court on Thursday charged with stealing £5, the
money of *, on October 1st, at Bagshot.... PS Farndale said that on October
4th he visited Stoughton Barracks, Guildford, where he interviewed the
defendant, who admitted stealing the money and handed back the notes.
1938
By 1938, Thomas was a
detective sergeant.
A
spell of CID experience was followed by promotion to Sergeant at Bagshot, where
he came in close contact with the late Duke of Connaught, the security of whose
residence, Bagshot Park, came within his jurisdiction
(Surrey Mirror, 4 November 1955)
Surrey
Advertiser, 5 November 1938: £120 FRENSHAM ROBBERY. *, labourer, committed from Camberley,
was sentenced to 12 months hard labour after pleading guilty to breaking and
entering the House of *, at Frensham, between September 7th and 9th, and
stealing 2 overcoats and other articles, valued at £120.... Detective
Sergeant Farndale stated that * had two previous convictions...
In
1938, Mr Farndale returned to CID duties and was stationed at Farnham.
1939
Surrey
Advertiser, 5 July 1939: SURREY POLICE SPORTS. ATTENDANCE OF 8,000. THREE DIVISIONS
TOE FOR CHAMPIONSHIP. THE OFFICIALS. The officials were as follows … PS
Farndale (competitors numbers) …
Sheffield
Evening Telegraph, 6 July 1939: DEAD MAID: 3 SOLDIERS IN COURT. Three soldiers appeared
before the Farnham, Surrey, magistrates today charged with the murder of Mabel
*, 43, maid, employed at Moorlands Hotel, Hindhead. The accused were Stanley *,
27, Arthur *, 25, and Joseph *, 29, and they were remanded for a week. The
charge was “that on July 4th, at Hindhead, they did, with malice aforethought,
feloniously, kill and slay Mabel *. Two of the men wore the brown dungarees of
the Army's new battle dress, the third wore the uniform of a private. The
woman's body was found under a pine tree in the grounds of the hotel, where she
had been employed for the past year. The men made the their appearance at the
conclusion of the ordinary petty sessional court. The names were not divulged
until they were read out... Detective Sergeant Farndale said that at 7:45 AM
yesterday he saw the body of * lying in a pathway at Moorlands Hotel. “Later
the same day,” he continued, “while making inquiries at Thursley
Camp, I interviewed the three accused. Later I conveyed them to Farnham police
station and at 12:45 this morning they were cautioned and charged by the
Superintendent, with the wilful murder of Mabel *”. In reply to the charge
each man answered, “I have nothing to say.” The Clerk asked Superintendent S D
Cox whether he would be in a position to proceed with the prosecution next
Thursday. Superintendent Cox said he would apply for a further remand, but would
probably be able to fix a day on which the charges could be heard.
Leicester
Daily Mercury, 6 July 1939: 3 SOLDIERS ACCUSED OF MURDER. Three soldiers appeared in
court before the Farnham, Surrey, magistrates, today charged with the murder of
Miss Mabel *, 43, a maid employed at Moorlands Hotel, Hindhead. The accused
were Stanley *, 27, Arthur *, 26, and Joseph *, 29, and they were remanded for
a week. Two of the accused men are reservists. The third is a regular. They are
all attached to the Second Battalion the North Staffordshire Regiment. Miss *’s
battered body was found under a pine tree in the grounds of the hotel where she
had been employed for the past year. Detective Sergeant Farndale said that
at 7:45 AM yesterday he saw the body of * lying in a pathway at the
Moorlands Hotel, Hindhead. “Later the same day...
Portsmouth
Evening News, 6 July 1939: SOLDIERS CHARGED WITH MURDER. WOMAN’S BODY UNDER A TREE.
HINDHEAD TRAGEDY. HOTEL MAID WHO LIVED AT PORTSMOUTH. Stanley *, 27, Arthur *,
26, and Joseph *, 29, privates of the Second Battalion, North Staffordshire
Regiment, were at Farnham today charged with “On July 4, at Hindhead, with
malice aforethought they did kill and slay Mabel *.” Sergeant Thomas
Farndale stated in his evidence that at 7:45 yesterday morning he saw the
body of a woman lying in a pathway at the Moorlands Hotel, Hindhead. Later the
same day, while making inquiries at Thursley camp, he
interviewed the three accused soldiers and took them to Farnham police station.
At 12:45 this morning they were charged by Superintendent Cox. In reply to the
charge each of them said, “i have nothing to say.”...
Birmingham
Daily Post, 7 July 1939: MAID’S BODY IN GROUNDS OF HOTEL.THREE SOLDIERS ACCUSED OF
MURDER. ... Detective Sergeant Thomas Farndale said that at 7:45 on
Wednesday morning he saw the body of a woman lying in the entrance to the
Moorlands Hotel. Later the same day, while making enquiries at Thursley Camp, he interviewed the three men and later
conveyed them to Farnham Police Station....
Yorkshire
Post and Leeds Intelligencer, 7 July 1939: SOLDIERS CHARGED. DEATH OF AN HOTEL MAID
SERVANT IN SURREY. … Detective Sergeant Farndale said that when the
prisoners were charged with the wilful murder of Mabel *, each man answered “I
have nothing to say”.
Western
Daily Press 14 July 1939: THREE SOLDIERS ON MURDER CHARGE. ... After formal evidence
by Detective Sergeant Farndale, Superintendent Cox said he had received instructions
that the Director of Public Prosecutions would be prepared to go on with the
case on Friday next, July 21st. The accused were again remanded in custody and
were granted certificates for legal aid.
Leicester
Daily Mercury, 21 July 1939: BLOW WITH FIST WOULD HAVE CAUSED INJURIES. Three soldiers
appeared at Farnham, Surrey, today, charged with the murder of Mabel *, a 43
year old servant at a Hindhead hotel, Mr CR Paling, prosecuting, said that her
head injuries were consistent with blows from a fist, given by a strong man.
Minor injuries indicated that there had been a struggle and that the woman had
received a rough beating. There had been interference.... Answering *, who
objected to a statement alleged to have been made by * being put him as
evidence, Detective Sergeant Farndale said that he told * that he regarded
him as a possible witness and that he had nothing to worry about....
Staffordshire
Sentinel, 21 July 1939: DRAMATIC EVIDENCE FOR PROSECUTION. “INDICATIONS OF A
STRUGGLE”. IDENTIFICATION PARADE. Evidence for the prosecution was given at
Farnham, Surrey, today, when three privates in the Second North Staffordshire
Regiment, all natives of Stoke-on-Trent, were charged with the murder of Mabel
*, a 43 year old servant at a Hindhead hotel. The accused men were... Witnesses
stated that on the night of July 4th, the woman was seen in a hotel bar talking
to *, with whom she left at closing time. Two other soldiers followed them. The
woman's body was found next morning in the grounds of the hotel where she was
employed. Later, 152 soldiers were paraded, and * of Hindhead said she
identified * is one of the three soldiers.... Detective Sergeant Farndale
said at a previous hearing that he saw the body of the woman lying on the
pathway at the Moorland Hotel...
Hampshire
Telegraph 28 July 1939: PATHOLOGIST’S EVIDENCE … ALLEGED STATEMENTS. Detective
Sergeant TH Farndale stated that * had said: “We stayed at the Royal Huts
Hotel until turning out time, and the three of us came back to camp.” * said:
“I will tell you the truth.” He then said that when they left the hotel, “*
went down to the road with a woman and * followed. I remained outside the hotel
until they returned.”
Surrey
Advertiser, 23 September 1939: MURDER VERDICTS. TWO SOLDIERS SENTENCED. THIRD ONE ACQUITTED AND
DISCHARGED. TRIAL AT OLD BAILEY. At a four days trial at the Old Bailey this
week, two privates in the North Staffordshire Regiment, Stanley *, 27 and
Arthur *, 28, on Thursday were found guilty of the murder at Hindhead on July
4th of Miss Mabel *, aged 42, a staff maid at the Moorlands Hotel, Hindwell. A third man, also a private in the same Regiment,
Joseph *, 29, was found not guilty. * was sentence to death by Justice
Oliver.... the trial opened on Monday... The case for the prosecution related
how at 6:20 AM... the body of Miss * was found at the footpath near the
Moorlands hotel... Detective Sergeant Farndale had given evidence of taking
statements...
Privates
Stanley Ernest Boon and Arthur John Smith. These two soldiers were serving in
the North Staffordshire Regiment in the summer of 1939 and were based at Thursley in Surrey, together with Pte.
Joseph William Goodwin.On the evening of Thursday the
4th of July, 1939 the three men decided to go drinking together. They caught
the bus into Hindhead and went to The Royal Huts hotel. This was demolished
some 20 to 30 years ago and is now a housing estate. Here they met 42 year old
Mabel Maud Bundy who was a maid at the Moorlands Hotel at Hindhead and who had
come in for a drink with a female friend. By closing time the friend had
already left and the three soldiers offered to walk Mabel back to the
Moorlands, where she lived in. The Moorland Hotel building is still there and
is now a nursing home. Mabel left with them and appeared to be quite happy. As
the group neared the Moorlands things turned nasty. The soldiers decided to
rape Mabel and then kill her. Her body was found the next morning in the hotel
grounds by Thomas Mitchell the kitchen porter. An examination showed that she
had been sexually assaulted. The autopsy carried out by Professor Keith
Simpson, found that her nose had been broken and that she had died from a heavy
blow(s) to the side of the head, thought to be from violent punches, inflicted
by a strong man. Witnesses came forward to say that they had seen Mabel leaving
the Royal Huts with three soldiers and they were invited to an identity parade
of the 152 soldiers at the camp in Thursley. Agnes
and William Dopson were able to identify Boon. Forensic tests showed blood on
the clothes of 27 year old Boon and 26 year old Smith and semen on Boon and 29
year old Goodwin. All were arrested and taken to Farnham police station. Boon
and Smith admitted having sex with Mabel but claimed it was consensual and
denied intending to murder her, claiming that they only intended to “knock her
out” after she changed her mind having first had intercourse with Smith. All
three were tried at the Old Bailey before Mr. Justice Oliver on the 12th to the
21st of September, 1939. Boon and Smith were convicted and Goodwin acquitted of
murder as there was no real evidence that he was an accomplice to rape - he
himself hadn't used violence, so he could only be guilty of murder, if he were
guilty of the rape, which the jury decided he wasn't. Boon placed the blame on
Smith, saying “I am innocent of any violence that night, it was just a matter
of being present with Goodwin who got acquitted.” However he chose not to
appeal. Smith did appeal but this was dismissed, with Lord Hewart describing
the crime “as one of ferocious and repulsive brutality”. In view of the obvious
animosity between Boon and Smith and to avoid a scene on the gallows it was
decided to execute them on consecutive days. On Wednesday the 25th of October,
1939 Boon was hanged at Wandsworth by Thomas Pierrepoint, assisted by Stanley
Cross. He was given a drop of 8 ft 9 in. (3 inches more than the maximum value
in the drop table) on account of his slight build and weight of just 125 lbs.,
the prison doctor concurring. The following morning, assisted by Thomas
Phillips, Thomas Pierrepoint executed Smith. Smith weighed 154 lbs. and was
given a drop of 7’ 3” causing fracture/dislocation of the 4th and 5th cervical
vertebrae and “tearing of the junction of the medulla and pons.”
(and multiple other media)
In the Second World War,
Thomas Farndale continued to work as a detective sergeant and later inspector in a real life ‘Foyle’s War’
story.
1939
register – 1
Bracknell Villa, Weydon Hill Road, Farnham
Thomas H
Farndale, born 2 September 1899, Police Criminal Investigation Department (CID)
Hilda M Farndale,
born 12 August 1913, unpaid domestic duties
Aldershot News,
15 December 1939: COMMITTED FOR TRIAL. SOLDIER
AND ASH GIRL’S AGE. At Farnham Police Court on Thursday, Frederick *, a
soldier, stationed at Aldershot, was charged with an offence against a 14 year
old girl, at Ashvale, on May 25th. The girl, an expectant mother, said that *
had promised to marry her, and there was no reason why he should have known
that she was not 16. Her mother stated that the girl was 14 on December 22nd
last, and agreed in cross examination that she had been taken for at least
17.... Detective Sergeant Farndale said he saw accused in barracks at
Aldershot on November 2nd and told him the nature of the charge. * then
made a statement in which he said he did not remember the girl telling him her
age, but he had a rough idea she was something like 14. Accused, who is
committed for trial at Central Criminal Court, on January 9th, was admitted to
bail on his own recognisance of £10 and was granted a certificate of legal aid.
West Sussex Gazette, 28 December 1939:
“DECIDED TO TURN TO CRIME”. Robert *, stated to have been living in rooms at
97 East street, Farnham, was committed for trial at the Central Criminal Court
by Farnham magistrates on Thursday, on three charges of shop breaking. It was
alleged that he had broken into the premises of Achille Serre Limited, South
Street, on December 5, and stolen £5 6s; into the premises of Hickley and Co
Limited, South Street, on December 5, and stolen a rifle and air pistol, 200
rounds of rifle ammunition and 12s; and into the premises of William Kingham
and Sons Limited on November 19 and stolen £22 2s 6d, postage stamps and
cigarettes. PC Dobinson gave evidence that on the floor of Achille Serre
Limited he found a car park ticket issued by the borough of Brighton and Detective
Sergeant Farndale said accused admitted that the ticket had been issued
to him. A statement signed by accused was produced by Detective Sergeant
Farndale. In this accused stated that he came to Farnham in 1933 and was
employed as a motor driver mechanic. In recent months he had found difficulty
in finding work, and he decided to turn to crime. He admitted breaking into
three premises. He also confessed to having broken into others, and desired
that all these cases be taken into consideration. The bench refused an
application for bail pending trial.
1940
At
the outbreak of the last war he was promoted to Inspector and transferred to
the War Emergency Branch, remaining in charge of this department until 1945
(Surrey Mirror, 4 November 1955).
Surrey Advertiser, 17 February 1940:
SURREY POLICE PROMOTIONS. Acting Inspector Thomas Henry Farndale, of
Farnham, has been promoted Inspector in the Surrey Constabulary, in
place of the late Inspector R A Lucas. Inspector Farndale will remain at
Farnham.
1943
Surrey Advertiser 23 October 1943:
DEATH OF MR A G GILBERT. RECORD OF USEFUL PUBLIC SERVICE. Mr Arthur George
Gilbert, of High Street, Bagshot, sub postmaster at Bagshot for nearly 15
years, died on Friday last week after a few weeks illness, aged 62.... Among
numerous members of the local police force were … Detective Inspector
Farndale, Farnham...
1944
Surrey Advertiser, 10 June 1944: WEST SURREY
RANGERS. HOME EMERGENCY TEST. West Surrey Rangers and Sea Rangers’ second home
emergency test was held at Woodlocks, the Farnham campsite, and Highlands,
Farnham, recently. The test was arranged in two sections and on the first day
the subjects were: inspection, … drill ... The following day was the main test.
It was based on the theory that roads to Farnham had been bombed. Candidates,
ready for any emergency, were exercised in four groups. Before starting each candidate’s
emergency kit was inspected... The judging in other sections was done by the
following... Inspector Farndale, Farnham and Captain Frith, Farnham, traffic
control and road rules...
1945
Surrey Advertiser, 6 January 1945:
FUNERAL OF INSPECTOR A STILL. SERVICE AT RIPLEY. The funeral of Police
Inspector Arthur Still, of Woking, took place at Ripley, on Thursday last
week... the bearers were... and others present included... Farndale, Farnham...
1946
Mr
Farndale then served a time with the traffic and communications division, and
in 1946 went to Caterham as sub divisional inspector, and remained in charge
there until November, 1948 (Surrey Mirror, 4
November 1955).
Mr
Farndale has had what is probably a unique experience for a country officer
of having been concerned in four cases of murder, the most notorious of
which was the Chalkpit Murder which was the front page news in 1946. Then at
Caterham, Mr Farndale was called on November 30th, 1946, to the chalkpit at
Slines Oak Road, Woldingham, where he found the body of John Mcbain Mudie, and,
with other officers, he took charge of the local inquiries which subsequently
led to the appearance in the dock at the old bailey of Thomas John Lee, an ex
minister of justice for New South Wales, and his accomplice, Lawrence John
Smith. For his part in clearing up the case Chief Inspector Farndale received a
first class commendation (Surrey Mirror, 4
November 1955).
Thomas John Ley (28 October 1880 – 24 July 1947) was an
Australian politician who was convicted of murder in England. He is widely
suspected to have been involved in the deaths of a number of people in
Australia, including political rivals. In 1946, Maggie Evelyn Brook, a
magistrate's wife, was living in Wimbledon, and Ley had his house at 5 Beaufort
Gardens, London, converted into flats. Ley falsely believed that Brook and a
barman called John McMain Mudie were having an affair. Ley persuaded two of his
labourers that Mudie was a blackmailer, and together they tortured and killed
him. The case became known as the "Chalk-pit Murder" because Mudie's
body was dumped in a chalk pit on Woldingham Common in Surrey, thirty miles
away from Ley's home. With Lawrence John Smith, Ley was tried at the Old
Bailey; both were sentenced to death in March 1947. However, both Smith and Ley
escaped the noose: Smith's sentence was commuted to life imprisonment, while
Ley was declared insane and sent to Broadmoor Asylum for the Criminally Insane.
He died there soon after of a cerebral haemorrhage. He is said to have been the
wealthiest person ever to be imprisoned at Broadmoor. He left an estate in New
South Wales valued for probate at £744. Ley's wife had followed him to England
in 1942. From Broadmoor, Ley wrote letters and poems, and protested his
innocence to his wife and children. After his death, his widow returned to
Australia. She died at Bowral, New South Wales in 1956.
1948
Derby Daily Telegraph, 10 May 1948:
WIFE CHARGED. HUSBAND’S DEATH. Mrs Doris *, who appeared on remand at
Godstone Petty Sessions, Oxted, Surrey, today, accused of murdering her
husband, Frederick *, at Harrow Road, Wallingham, on Saturday, was further
remanded into custody until May 19. Inspector T H Farndale said that on
Saturday he saw the body of a man in an upstairs bedroom. Mrs * was downstairs
and later made a statement. When charged, she replied: “It just went off,” the
inspector alleged.
Leicester Evening Mail 10 May 1948:
WIFE ON MURDER CHARGE CARRIED FROM COURT. Mrs Doris *, who appeared on
remand at Oxted, Surrey, today, charged with murdering her husband, Frederick
*, 28, Harrow Rd, Wallingham, Surrey on Saturday, was further remanded in
custody until May 19. Inspector T H Farndale said that on Saturday, in an
upstairs bedroom, he saw the body of a man,. Mrs *, who was downstairs, later
made a statement. When charged, she replied, “It just went off.” When Mrs *
heard she was to be remanded she collapsed and had to be carried from court.
Gloucester Citizen 10 May 1948: WIFE ACCUSED OF
MURDER. Mrs Doris *, who appeared on remand before the Godstone Petty Sessions
at Oxted, Surrey, today, charged with murdering her husband, Frederick *, 28,
at Harrow Road, Wallingham, Surrey, on Saturday, was further remanded in
custody until May 19. Inspector T H Farndale said that on Saturday in an
upstairs bedroom he saw the body of a man. Mrs * was downstairs. She later made
a statement. When charged, she replied “It just went off.” Mrs * was allowed to
sit at the solicitors table in court. When she heard she was to be remanded she
collapsed and had to be carried out. Legal aid was granted.
Somerset Guardian and Radstock Observer, 4 June 1948:
HUSBAND’S “OTHER WOMEN”. Mrs Doris *, 27, mother of four children, of Harrow
Road, Wallingham, Surrey, was charged on remand at Oxted on Tuesday with the
murder of her husband, Frederick *. At a previous hearing Inspector T H
Farndale said he found the dead man in her bedroom at the house and Mrs *
was downstairs. Mr Richard Thompson, prosecuting, said that Mrs * believed that
her husband was going about with the other women. On May 8 the neighbours, and
PC Myers, a lodger, heard a loud bang. Mrs *, who was standing in her back
garden, said to her mother, “I have shot him. I could no longer stand this life
any longer.” Mrs * was committed for trial at the next Surrey assizes and
reserved defence.
Surrey Mirror, 12 November 1948: POLICE CHANGES
IN BOROUGH. Detective Inspector S Tappenden, at present at Weybridge, is coming
to Reigate on November 22nd as Chief Inspector,... On the same day that Chief
Inspector Tappenden comes to Reigate, Inspector J Bowles is leaving the borough
to be Inspector in charge of the Caterham subdivision of the Oxted division
of the Surrey constabulary, in succession to inspector T H Farndale, who moves
to Oxted to fill a vacancy caused by the retirement of Inspector Butler...
Surrey Mirror, 26 November 1948: POLICEMEN AS MARKSMEN.
SURREY CONSTABULARY SPORTS ASSOCIATION DINNER. The rifle shooting section of
the Surrey Constabulary Sports Association held their annual dinner and
presentation on Thursday last week, at the Barley Mow, Brockham. The chief
constable of Surrey, Mr. J Simpson, who is the president of the Sports
Association was in the chair. He was accompanied by Mrs Simpson and was
supported by the Assistant Chief Constable, Mr H N Back, and Brigadier G
Roupell VC, whose father-in-law, Captain Sant, with the former chief constable.
Also present were... Inspector T H Farndale, Caterham ...
1949
Bowls:
Surrey Mirror, 5 August 1949: OXTED 53, EDENBRIDGE 57. … At Edenbridge on Saturday, Oxted rinks... TH
Farndale...
Bowls:
Sevenoaks Chronicle and Kentish Advertiser, 19
August 1949 (and several other similar
entries that year): WESTERHAM V OXTED. Westerham were beaten by Oxted
by 75 shots to 51. Details: … Rink 3... T Farndale...
1950
He
came to Oxted as divisional inspector and deputy to the Superintendent for the
division and was promoted Chief Inspector in January, 1950
(Surrey Mirror, 4 November 1955).
Surrey Mirror, 6 January 1950: TANDRIDGE MAN
FINED FOR NUTFIELD THEFT. Lawrence *, 39, 4 Gays cottages, Tandridge lane,
Tandridge, admitted at Oxted on Monday that he stole 2 lbs of sugar, ½ pound of
cheese and half a pound of butter, the property of the Fullers’ Earth Union,
and valued at 3s 2 ½ d, at Nutfield, on November 13th... Giving the facts of
the case, Inspector Farndale said defendant was employed as a process worker at
one of the works of the Fullers’ Earth Union. On November 13th, he was in
charge of the canteen for the 2.10 pm shift, for which sufficient rations were
left. There was some cheese in a refrigerator, which could have been used in an
emergency. Later the same evening a van was stopped by a police officer, and in
the back was a tin containing a quantity of food scraps, among which were the
butter, sugar and cheese, which was later identified by the canteen manager as
similar to that used in the canteen. Interviewed next day, * at once admitted
taking the food from the canteen at the works, and made a statement in which he
expressed regret...
The Surrey Mirror & County Post, 11 August 1950:
OXTED JUVENILE COURT. PSYCHIATRIC TREATMENT When a 12 year old Lingdale boy
at Oxted juvenile court last week said, “I'm very sorry, and it won't happen
again,” admitting he had stolen 5s 11d, the chairman observed, “You sound as if
you've said that before.” Chief Inspector Farndale said the boy had called
at a house in Saxby’s Lane, Lingfield, on July 10th, saying he was collecting
the empty milk bottles, and then asked the lady who answered the door if
she “had the money.” He took 5s 11d, and
said he would return later with the milk. Later in the day, when the usual milk
boy called, the police were informed. The boy admitted to PC Smith that he took
the money, and had spent it on “cakes and the pictures.” The child had been
before the court once before for larceny, when he had gone to a home for
maladjusted children. He had suffered from TB glands, which had affected his
schooling. The justices ordered the boy to be remanded for six weeks, during
which time a psychiatric report would be made. … ASSAULTED GIRL. Chief
Inspector Farndale said in evidence against a 16 years old oxted boy accused of
assaulting a girl aged seven, that the girl was walking along the road near
Limpsfield Chart when accused asked her the way to Pollards Oak. When she told
him there were two ways, he asked her to show him, and decoyed the child into a
wood where he assaulted her. Accused's father said his son was involved in an
accident when he was younger, and was in hospital for six weeks. Since then,
his headache, he got dizzy turns, and afterwards he didn't remember what he had
been doing. The boy was sent to an improved school for three years.
The Surrey Mirror & County Post, 25 August 1950:
OXTED 103, NORTHWOOD (DULWICH) 102. At Oxted on Sunday. Oxted Rinks... TH
Farndale...
1951
Surrey Mirror, 26 January 1951: “”OKANAGAN
HOLIDAY”. Mr H Farrell, who is the 1st Godstone scout group personified, wrote
and produced their “28th and greatest” musical show, “Okanagan Holiday,” which
was presented at the White Hart barn, Godstone, last week... The scenery was
carried out by parts of the troupe who called themselves “The Arts”. In
“Treasures” where nearly everyone was knocked out, T Farndale, police...
the gentleman of the chorus were... No member of the company played only one
part and all must be congratulated on yet another fine effort...
Surrey Mirror, 9 February 1951: CARELESS DRIVING
AT HORNE. Bernard *, of Upper Wimpole Street, W, was fined £5 and licence endorsed,
and orderred to pay £4 7s 7d, witnesses expenses by the Oxted justices, on
Monday, when he pleaded guilty to careless driving at Effingham crossroads,
Horne, on December 26. A summons alleging dangerous driving was withdrawn.
Defendant was fined a further £1 for failing to conform to a halt sign on the
same occasion. Chief Inspector Farndale said a motorist slowed down to take
the junction, and when in the centre of the crossroads, defendants car came
from the direction of Lingfield at right angles and collided with him, knocking
his car across the road and into the ditch. Defendant declined to make a
statement, but said he had not seen the halt sign, and that he was on the main
road...
Surrey Mirror, 18 May 1951: CROYDON WEDNESDAY
LEAGUE. At the annual presentation dance of the Croydon and district Wednesday
Football League on Wednesday last week, Surrey police (Eastern) FC, were
presented with the league sportsmanship cup, by the president, Dr F G
Pailthorpe. The cup is presented to the club considered to have the best
sportsmanship record, both on and off the field of play, and was received
by PC Brush, the police captain. The team is made-up of members of the Oxted
and Reigate police divisions, the secretary being PC Bellchambers, and the
chairman, Chief Inspector TH Farndale, both stationed at Oxted. This was
their second season in the league.
Crawley and District Observer, 6 July 1951:
SOLDIER STOLE GOLD SNUFF BOX. At Oxted Magistrates Court on Monday, David *,
of no fixed abode, was sent to prison for six months having pleaded guilty to
the theft of a gold stuff box, value £47, the property of Lord Annaly, at
Baldwins, Baldwins Hill. He was charged with being an absentee from the King's
Royal Rifle Regiment, and pleaded guilty. The case was adjourned sine die. Chief
Inspector Farndale stated that on June 20 Lord Annaly left his residence
leaving a manservant in charge. This manservant later went to the Fitzroy
Tavern where he met *, who he said was “broke” and had nowhere to go. * was
then invited to stay at Lord Annaly’s address for two days, which he did, but
when he left the man servant saw that the snuff box was missing. He immediately
informed his employer and the police. Interviewed later, * said: “I had the
snuffbox alright. I sold it for £30. I was given it by *.” Chief Inspector
Farndale said * had been absent from the King's Royal Rifles at Winchester
since June 13. He asked for leniency, and said: “I’ve been out of trouble
since I came out of Borstal two years ago. I only did it because I was in a
tight spot.”
1952
Horley & Gatwick Mirror, 4 January 1952:
POLICE BALL. A company of some 300 spent an enjoyable evening at the New
Year's Eve Police ball organised by the Oxted division of the Surrey
Constabulary at the Hoskins Hotel. Those presents included … Chief Inspector
and Mrs Farndale, Oxted...
Surrey Mirror, 21 March 1952: BOYS IN TROUBLE.
Three boys from a probation home, two aged 16 and the third 15, admitted at
Oxted juvenile court, on Thursday last week, that they broke into a railway
platelayers’ hut at Nutfield between January 26th and 28th with intent to
steal. The two older boys also admitted entering another hut and stealing two
iron bars, value 2s, and asked for another offence to be taken into
consideration. Chief Inspector Farndale said the boys readily admitted their
several parts in the offences and they told the justices they realised it
was a silly thing to do....
Surrey Mirror, 2 May 1952: REMAND. A 17 years old
youth from a probation home, Ronald *, was charged before Mr H Farrell that
Oxted, on Saturday, with breaking and entering an office at the probation home,
on or about April 25th, and stealing £15 in cash. PC Robinson said earlier that
morning he saw the youth detained at a London police station and told him he
had reason to believe he had broken into the office with others. He replied,
“Yes, that's right.” On this evidence, * was remanded in custody to Monday, Chief
Inspector Farndale explaining there were other boys involved, two of whom had
returned to the home; another was still missing.
Sevenoaks Chronicle and Kentish Advertiser, 20 June 1952:
“THE FEW” WHO CARE ABOUT OXTED SOCCER. Presiding at their annual meeting of
the Oxted and District Football Club on Friday, Mr T H Farndale, vice
chairman, observed that it was very disappointing to see so few present at
the annual meeting, though he was told it was always the same. He said there
should be more interest shown by local people who had played football in the
past and by those interested in the game.... Appointments... Vice chairman,
Mr Farndale...
Surrey Mirror, 26 September 1952:
“CALCULATED FRAUD”. SIX MONTHS IMPRISONMENT FOR SOUTH NUFFIELD MILK
ROUNDSMAN. A former milk roundsman, Lewis *, 53, of 11 Trindles Road, South
Nutfield, pleaded guilty at Oxted court, on Monday, to embezzling £4 16s 5d
received by him for his master, at Blechingley, on July 26 and to three charges
of falsifying round books. He was sent to prison for six months on each of the
four charges, the sentence is to run concurrently. Chief Inspector Farndale
said that in July, 1951, Taylor obtained work as a milk roundsman at White
Post Dairy, Blechingley, and was given two round books, containing customers
names, the amount of milk supplied daily and the cash collected. Pages at the
back of one book was set aside for Taylor to enter the cash paid into his
employer on a particular day and the amount spent on petrol etc. Early this
year, in view of the information given to the police, accounts were examined.
At first it was not clear what had been happening, and Taylor was seen by a detective.
When told it was believed the accounts were not correct, he said, “They are all
right; there's nothing wrong with them.” The books were then checked thoroughly
by his employer, and it was discovered that, generally, the total of cash
handed in, added to the money spent on expenses, was lower than the money shown
as having been paid customers by customers on respective days. It was clear
that Taylor had been receiving money and keeping it and making back entries in
the books....
Horley & Gatwick Mirror, 10 October 1952:
COUNTY POLICE GALA. REIGATE AND OXTED SECOND AND THIRD. At the annual
swimming gala of the Surrey Constabulary Sports Association at Redhill Baths on
Wednesday last week, Reigate and Oxted divisions took second and third places
respectively... The officials were... Diving judges, … Chief Inspector T
Farndale...
Surrey Mirror, 31 October 1952. PICK OF THE
FESTIVAL. The best eight plays selected from total of eighty may be expected to
present a superlative programme. And so it proved at the Dorking Halls on
Thursday last week when the Surrey Federation of the Women's Institute
presented the plays which were outstanding at the mammoth festival in May, when
80 Women's Institutes competed.... The afternoon programme was opened by
Chipstead with a mine, “the circus”... “Willow pattern”, a Chinese legend by
Eric Williams, was the choice of Hurst Green, who seized with great effect
upon the possibilities of the Chinese set offered for artistry and atmosphere.
They built up the play with a brittle delicacy which added savour to the
popular conception of the Orient and the audience were brought inevitably to a
tense climax. An excellent performance was given by... Other parts were
taken by... Hilda Farndale...
Surrey Mirror, 19 December 1952: OXTED JUVENILE
COURT. … SHOPLIFTING. Ordering two Oxted boys of 13 and 14, respectively, to
undergo periods of probation and a third, 13 years old, to be remanded for
three weeks for a medical and psychological report, after they had admitted
being concerned together in stealing articles from the stationer's shop in
Oxted during September, the chairman said, “We are determined to stop this
stealing from shops.” The boys admitted stealing a model car, model tractor,
and trailer, and two diaries, the property of Sidney Brockers, and asked for
similar a similar offence, at another shop in Oxted, to be taken into
consideration. Chief Inspector Farndale said PC Simmons heard rumours
that the boys had been stealing while investigating another offence, and when
they were interviewed in the presence of their parents, all admitted it...
GODSTONE THEFTS Yet another series of cases of stealing from shops, involving
five Godstone boys and two from Caterham, all between 10 and 12 years old, drew
from the chairman the remark, “These are very serious cases and the magistrates
have decided that this stealing from shops must cease.” … Chief Inspector
Farndale said that all had made statements admitting the offences.
One boy was said by several of his companions to have ordered them to commit
various offences or be “bashed up”, and two of the Godstone boys told of
stealing money from one of their parents houses to go to the pictures... “MOST
SERIOUS CASE”. Described by Chief Inspector Farndale as “one of the most
shocking cases in my experience”, and as “something that has been going on for
months,” eight Oxted boys between 10 and 15 years were placed on probation
after they had severally admitted indecent insults during September upon two
young Oxted girls of 10 and 11 years. One girl was the sister of an accused boy....
Huddersfield Daily Examiner, 30 December 1952:
ACCUSED OF MURDERING WIFE. Peter *, forty year old salesman, of Gable Court,
Cold Harbour, Lingfield, Surrey, was charged at Oxted, Surrey, today, with the
murder of his wife, Heiga *, 36, at Lingfield. He was remanded in custody until
January 5. Chief Inspector Farndale said that at 2.30 am today he told *
that at 12.30 am he had seen the body of Heiga * at Gable Court, and that he
had good reason to believe that * was responsible for her death. Macrae replied,
“What can I say? This has been coming for a long time. I was desperate.” *
handed him a sealed envelope which it was proposed to put in at a later stage.
* was granted legal aid. The bodies of a woman and child were found earlier
today after a small fire at the front room of a cottage at Gable court.
1953
Staffordshire Sentinel, 5 January 1953:
SECOND MURDER CHARGE. Appearing on remand at Oxted, Surrey, today, accused
of murdering his wife, Peter *, 40 year old salesman, of Gable Court... was further
charged with murdering his four years old son Stuart. Chief Inspector T
Farndale said that when charged on December 30th with his wife's murder and
when on January 1st with the murder of his son, * replied that he had nothing
to say. At the inquest on Mrs *, on Friday it was stated that she and the
child were found dead with head injuries in different bedrooms of their house
after there had been a fire there. It was stated that an axe and a knife had
been found.
Torbay Express and South Devon Echo, 5 January 1953:
FACES A SECOND MURDER CHARGE. Peter *, 40 years old salesman... Chief
Inspector Farndale said that when charged on December 30 with his wife's
murder and when on January 1 with the murder of his son, * replied that he had
nothing to say...
Sevenoaks Chronicle, Westerham Courier & Kentish
Advertiser, 9 January 1953: * CHARGED WITH MURDER OF CHILD. POLICE FOUND
AXE AND KNIFE. Peter *, 40 year old salesman... on Friday last week inquests on
the mother and child were opened and adjourned at Sutton.... Chief Inspector
T H Farndale, of Oxted, said he was at Oxford Magistrates Court on December 30
when * was charged with the murder of his wife and remanded until January 5. A
charge of murdering his son was made against * at Brixton Prison the following
day (Thursday), the inspector added.
Surrey Mirror, 16 January 1953: DOUBLE MURDER
CHARGE.... The inquest was formally resumed at Sutton, on Thursday last week,
on 4 year old Stuart *, who it was stated the previous week, was found dead
with head wounds and stabs in the chest in his in bed at his home... The only
witness called at the resumed inquest on the child on Thursday was Chief
Inspector Thomas Henry Farndale who told the coroner, Dr CFJ Baron, “In
connection with the death of Stuart *, I was present at the Magistrates Court
at Oxted on Monday when Peter * was charged with the murder of his son Stuart.
He had been remanded in custody until next week.” The coroner: “Assuming he
is committed for trial, he will be committed to the Assizes?” Chief Inspector
Farndale: “Yes, at Kingston.” The coroner adjourned the inquest until the
conclusion of the criminal proceedings.
Manchester Evening News, 28 January 1953:
“I PUT MY BELOVED WIFE TO SLEEP”. When Peter * was charged at Oxted, Surrey
today with the murder of his wife and son, the prosecution said * made a
statement to the police which said: “At 6 am I put to sleep my own beloved
wife, Heiga *, and my dear son Stuart. Heiga always wanted to be cremated, so I
am setting fire to Gable Court tonight and I am taking sufficient tablets to
put away myself.”... Chief Inspector Farndale said that at the police
station * handed in a sealed envelope containing a letter which said: “They
were sleeping when I did it. I know their souls have gone to heaven, they were
the dearest wife and son anyone could wish for.”
The Yorkshire Evening Post, 2 March 1953:
Inspector Farndale said that * was convicted at Central
Criminal Court in 1948 for forgery and was sentenced to seven years penal
servitude.
Surrey Mirror, 27 February 1953: REMAND. Raymond
*, 17, labourer, appeared before Mr H Farrell at Oxted on Tuesday, charged with
breaking and entering Christ Church, South Nutfield, on February 22nd, and
stealing a tin of tobacco, packet of cigarette papers, and box of matches,
together valued at 4s 5 ½ d.... Chief Inspector Farndale asked for a remand
in custody to Monday, when, he said, they hoped to be ready to proceed with
the case. The remand was granted...
Surrey Mirror, 27 March 1953: TOOK CARPETS
FROM HOUSE THEY WERE DECORATING. Two painters were given good characters,
Herbert *, 30,... and James *, 45... where fined £5 each at Oxted Court on
Monday for stealing two carpets and a quantity of oak stair rods, together
valued at £41. Chief inspector Farndale said the men were employed by local
builders on decorating work at a house in Lingfield. The owner of the house
had purchased from the previous householder a carpet, stair carpet and stair
rods, which were placed in a bedroom. He missed the property when he visited
the home on January 23rd, and accused were seen by police officer on January
25th....
Surrey Mirror, 24 April 1953: PROBATION HOME
BOYS IN TROUBLE. Two 16 year old boys who absconded from a probation home on
Wednesday last week appeared before Oxted juvenile court on Monday accused with
breaking into Lingfield Vicarage... Chief Inspector Farndale said that on
March 11th these boys were charged with sacrilege and store breaking and
were remanded on bail to appear at Court on Monday 16th and returned to their
probation home. On March 15th they absconded and were caught two days later and
then remanded in custody until March 23rd... Chief Inspector Farndale said
that when they appeared at the court of sessions this week there would be about
19 cases to be taken into consideration...
Surrey Advertiser, 1 August 1953:
THRILLING MILE. The mile walk provided a keen tussle and was won by... Among
the afternoon’s officials were … chief marksman, Chief Inspector Farndale...
Surrey Mirror, 9 October 1953: CORONATION
MEDALS FOR POLICE. Coronation medals were presented to members of the Reigate
division of Surrey Constabulary by the Lord Lieutanant, General Sir Robert
Haining on Tuesday. He was accompanied by the Chief Constable, Mr. J Simpson
and the assistant chief constable, Mr H M Back. Members of the Reigate division
paraded at Reigate Police Station under Superintendent SH Tappenden and those
of the division who received medals were... The Lord Lieutenant also
presented Coronation medals to the members of the Oxted division on Tuesday.
All available members of the division were on parade at the Oxted cricket
pavilion at noon, and as the Lord Lieutenant approached, his standard was
broken at the masthead. Those who received medals were:... Chief Inspector T
H Farndale...
Surrey
Mirror, 23 October 1953: “LION AND UNICORN”. WOMEN’S INSTITUTE CORONATION SHOW AT
OXTED. … “Georgian England” was devised by Nora Sowerby … and the cast was …
Hilda Farndale …
Surrey Mirror, 9 October 1953: DID NOT HALT. George
*, of 24 Park Lane East, Reigate, pleaded not guilty at Oxted Court on Monday
to failing to conform with a halt sign at Church Lane, Oxted on September
9th.... He agreed with Chief Inspector Farndale he did not actually stop....
1954
An
honour which he greatly prized was his selection as officer in charge of the
Surrey Constabulary Contingent at the Royal Review of police by Queen Elizabeth
II at Hyde Park in July, 1954 (Surrey
Mirror, 4 November 1955)
Surrey Mirror, 9 April 1954: BACK TO THE
CIRCUS. When a tall, sensitive looking youth of 16 who had absconded from a
probation home and joined the circus, appeared before Oxted juvenile court on
Thursday, the justices decided to send him back to the circus. He was put on
probation at Littlehampton in November, 1953, for trying to commit suicide by
throwing himself under a car, and a condition of his probation was that he
resided at the home for a year but he became very unhappy there. “There was a
lot of stealing and things, and I left because I didn't want to be dragged into
it”, he said.... Chief Inspector Farndale said the circus was willing to re
employ the boy and gave him gave very good reports of him. His father told
the court he thought it would do him good to start out on his own at the
circus... Inspector Farndale said the police would arrange to take to the
boy back to the winter quarters of the circus...
Surrey Mirror, 26 February 1954: POLICE QUIZ. A
series of lectures to the Special Constabulary culminated in a quiz on Thursday
last week between the Caterham and Oxted subdivisions. Caterham scored 49.3
points in Oxted 49 .... with Chief Inspector T Farndale had given the
lectures...
Surrey Mirror, 7 May 1954: THEFTS FROM CHOIRMEN’S
POCKETS,. PROBATION HOME YOUTH SAYS HE WAS BULLIED INTO COMMITTING OFFENCE. An
allegation that he was bullied into committing the offence was made by 17 years
old boy from probation home, George *, when he appeared, on remand, at Oxted
Court on Monday and admitted breaking and entering Christ Church, South
Nutfield, on April 25th, and stealing money and articles to a total value of
£42 5s 4 ½ d … Chief Inspector Farndale said that on the morning of
April 25th a number of male members of Christ Church choir left their jackets
in the vestry whilst they attended matins. After the service they missed the
property and money mentioned in the charge from the pockets of their jackets.
Later the same day a police officer saw * and at first he denied having any
knowledge of the offence but later asked, “Will you let me get the stuff?”
Surrey Mirror, 23 July 1954: INDECENT
EXPOSURE.... The facts of the case were outlined by Chief Inspector T H
Farndale, who added that * served in the war with the Royal Navy and saw
service in the Atlantic, Mediterranean and Russian waters...
Surrey Mirror, 3 September 1954: ABSOLUTE
DISCHARGE. A 12 years old Godstone boy admitted at Oxted junior juvenile court on
Thursday last week that he stole a toy camera water pistol, worth 9d, from La
ingfield shop on July 10th. Chief Inspector Farndale said that on July
10th, the boy met with a friend in Lingfield and they went into a shop. While
his friend was buying some fishing tackle defendant stole a water pistol camera
from a shelf near the counter...
Surrey Mirror, 17 September 1954:
GODSTONE. DRUNK AND INCAPABLE. A man who was found lying in the forecourt of
Godstone London Transport Garage in the small hours of Monday morning was fined
£1 or one days imprisonment for being drunk and incapable... Chief Inspector
Farndale said defendant was single and a merchant seaman... ROBBERY WITH
VOILENCE CHARGE. Sidney *, 42, labourer, of St Johns Road, Castleton, appeared
on remanded at Oxted Court on Monday charged with robbing Mrs * of £2 5s 9d
with violence on July 20th, 1953 at Godstone. He was remanded for a further
week. Chief Inspector T Farndale intimated that they would then be ready to
proceed with the case.
Surrey Mirror, 24 September 1954:
STOLEN CYCLE. Mr *, of 64 Oakley Mead, Godstone, left his bicycle outside a
newsagent shop at Godstone on June 16th while he went to work at Reigate. When
he returned at 5.15 pm that day his cycle had gone. At Oxted juvenile court on
Thursday last week, a 13 years old Wadden boy admitted stealing it. Chief
Inspector T Farndale said the boy was stopped by a police constable at Nutley,
Sussex, during the day. He said he was going to Eastbourne, and when asked
whether his parents knew he said, “I don't know, I don't think so....
The
Chief Inspector has always been an enthusiastic sportsman and as he young man
played cricket and football for whatever town or village he happened to be
stationed at the time in addition, of course, to playing for his divisional
team. In later years he took took up bowls, has been a member of the Oxted and
Limpsfield club for many seasons and has represented the police in most of
their intercounty matches, skipping a rink of Oxted policeman with considerable
success. He has also devoted considerable time to the administrative side of
football, being the Inspector's representative on the Constabulary Sports
Association Committee and having served on the committee of the Oxted Football
Club for six years, filling the office of chairman for the last three seasons.
Both his sons share his love of sport and, when national service has permitted,
have given useful performances for the Oxted Cricket Club. Mrs Farndale also
took up bowls and within two years carried off the Oxted ladies’ club
championship, junior championship and handicap trophies, which achievement
earned her county honours. (Surrey Mirror, 4
November 1955).
Surrey Mirror, 4 June 1954: MR A W BRICE. OXTED
FOOTBALL’S FIRST PATRON. Members of the Oxford and District Football Club heard
with sincere regret at the annual meeting at the George Hotel on Thursday last
week that Mr * had asked to be released from the office of president … The
chairman, Mr T H Farndale, said if they had been successful in their
application for entry to the Premier Division of the intermediate league,
they might have attracted better players, but the league council decided to
admit a club that had not previously been in the league rather than promoted
club which was already a member of... Other appointments made were … chairman,
Mr Farndale...
Surrey Mirror, 2 July 1954: BOWLS. COUNTY TRIALS.
REIGATE PRIORY 82; CHURCHFIELDS 76 … OXTED 60; CAPEL 57. TH Farndale...
Surrey Mirror, 25 June 1954: REIGATE PRIORY
90; MIDDLESEX TEAM 92. At the Priory on Sunday. Priory Rinks: 1. Lee, Farndale...
Surrey Mirror, 17 September 1954:
BOWLS. OXTED 100; POLICE 54. At Oxford on Wednesday last week, Oxted
rinks... Mrs Farndale... Chief Inspector Farndale...
1955
Surrey Mirror, 28 January 1955: STOLE WRISTLET
WATCH. A 15 years old plumbers mate from Stockwell pleaded guilty at Oxted
juvenile court on Thursday last week to stealing a wristlet watch, valued at
30s, at Oxted on January 3. Chief Inspector Farndale explained that a
man working on a partly built bungalow placed his watch on the windowsill from
which it disappeared later...
Surrey Mirror, 15 July 1955: GODSTONE.
ASSAULTED SCHOOLGIRL. How a 15 years old Godstone boy watched a 12 year old
schoolgirl get off a bus and then deliberately followed her with intent to
committing an indecent assault was described by Chief Inspector Farndale
at Oxted juvenile court on Thursday last week...
Surrey Mirror, 5 August 1955: OXTED FOOTBALL.
SUCCESSFUL PLAYING SEASON REVIEWED. The annual meeting at the Oxted and
District Football Club was held at the George Hotel, on Thursday last week,
when those present included... Mr Farndale said he was dismayed at the
small number of players attending the meeting. The club had some very good players
but seemed to just miss real success. The committee worked hard and had more
support from the players, who received a lot in the way of a fine ground and
good facilities for a very small subscription... Appointments... Chairman,
Mr Farndale...
Surrey Mirror, 4 November 1955:
CHIEF INSPECTOR FARNDALE RETIRES.
A member of a family whose connection with the
police service extends over 75 years, Chief Inspector TH Farndale retires this
weekend after 35 years service with the Surrey Constabulary, the last nine
in the Oxted division. He served in the 1914 to 1918 war with the RNVR, as a
wireless telegraphist and joined the Police Force in May 1920. For the first
ten years he was successively at Woking, Camberley, Sunningdale, Windlesham,
and Cranleigh, and was then transferred to clerical duties, first at Hersham
and then at Woking. A spell of CID experience was followed by promotion to
Sergeant at Bagshot, where he came in close contact with the late Duke of
Connaught, the security of whose residence, Bagshot Park, came within his
jurisdiction.
In 1938, Mr Farndale returned to CID duties and
was stationed at Farnham. At the outbreak of the last war he was promoted to
Inspector and transferred to the War Emergency Branch, remaining in charge of
this department until 1945. Mr farndale then served a time with the traffic and
communications division, and in 1946 went to Caterham as sub divisional
inspector, and remained in charge there until November, 1948. He came to Oxted
as divisional inspector and deputy to the Superintendent for the division and was
promoted Chief Inspector in January, 1950.
Mr Farndale's family has had
a long connection with the police service, beginning in the 1870s when his great uncle, Mr
Joseph Farndale, joined the Middlesbrough force and was subsequently Chief
Constable of Leicester City and later of Birmingham. While at the latter city
he started a police band, the first of its kind in the country. Another Joseph
Farndale, and uncle of the Chief Inspector’s, joined the Wakefield police and
later served at Chesterfield as inspector before becoming Chief Constable at
Margate and, eventually, at Bradford, retiring in 1930. The elder son of Chief
Inspector Farndale joined the Surrey Constabulary last September, so that in
the normal course of events the family should eventually be able to boast 100
years of continuous police service.
Chalkpit Murder Case.
Mr Farndale has had what is probably a unique
experience for a country officer of having been concerned in four cases of
murder, the most notorious of which was the Chalkpit Murder which was the
front page news in 1946. Then at Caterham, Mr Farndale was called on November
30th, 1946, to the chalkpit at Slines Oak Road, Woldingham, where he found the
body of John Mcbain Mudie, and, with other officers, he took charge of the
local inquiries which subsequently led to the appearance in the dock at the old
bailey of Thomas John Lee, an ex minister of justice for New South Wales, and
his accomplice, Lawrence John Smith. For his part in clearing up the case Chief
Inspector Farndale received a first class commendation. An honour which he
greatly prizes was his selection as officer in charge of the Surrey
Constabulary Contingent at the Royal Review of police by Queen Elizabeth II at
Hyde Park in July, 1954.
The Chief Inspector has always been an
enthusiastic sportsman and as he young man played cricket and football for
whatever town or village he happened to be stationed at the time in addition,
of course, to playing for his divisional team. In later years he took took up
bowls, has been a member of the Oxted and Limpsfield club for many seasons and
has represented the police in most of their intercounty matches, skipping a
rink of Oxted policeman with considerable success. He has also devoted
considerable time to the administrative side of football, being the Inspector's
representative on the Constabulary Sports Association Committee and having
served on the committee of the Oxted Football Club for six years, filling the
office of chairman for the last three seasons. Both his sons share his love of
sport and, when national service has permitted, have given useful performances
for the Oxted Cricket Club. Mrs Farndale also took up bowls and within two
years carried off the Oxted ladies’ club championship, junior championship and
handicap trophies, which achievement earned her county honours.
On Monday, Mr Farndale starts a new career, in
the licencing trade, as licensee of the Plough In , Dormansland.
Surrey Mirror, 18 November 1955: DORMANSLAND.
TRIBUTE. At the conclusion of the of Oxted juvenile court on Thursday last
week, the chairman, Mr H Farrell, referred to the retirement of Chief
Inspector TH Farndale, who has now taken over the Plough Inn, Dormansland, and
said he had held the court for so many years. They missed him very much and
hoped he would be happy in his retirement.
1956
West Sussex County Times, 5 October 1956:
CAPEL. Mrs Lumsden, President again thanked members for the tea service
presented to her at the members’ day meeting in recognition of her services as
Institute secretary for nine years and president for two years. Mrs. Taylor,
assistant secretary, read the minutes, the secretary, Mrs Farndale, having
met with an accident while on holiday.
1957
Surrey Mirror, 8 March 1957: PLEA FOR
LICENSING TRADE. “TIME IS RIPE FOR REDUCTION ON ALL THE COMMODITIES WE
DISPENSE.” If the Government could think about giving a relief in entertainment
tax for cinemas then it was time it devoted a little consideration to the
licencing trade. This was the tenor of a comment by Mr W Yate, trustee, London
central board, when responding to a toast at the annual dinner and dance at the
Caterham and Godstone District Licenced Victuallers Protection Association
at the Grasshopper Inn, Moorhouse, on Tuesday... The health of the ladies
and visitors was submitted by Mr T H Farndale, joint vice chairman, who
humorously described himself as “quite a new boy in this tax gathering
racket”....
1959
The Surrey Mirror and County Post, 6 February 1959:
LICENSEES’ ANNUAL MEETING. The annual meeting at the Caterham and
Godstone District Licenced Victuallers Protection Society at the Hoskins
Arms Hotel, Oxted, on Monday... Officers elected were... Committee... TH
Farndale, Lingfield...
West Sussex County Times, 13 March 1959:SOMETHING
FOR ALL TASTES AT THIS WIVES’ PARTY. Nearly 100 people attended this years
party for Capel Young Wives Group's members and friends in the village Memorial
Hall on Saturday evening... Numerous games were played... And the local
Women's Institute performed their short humorous play “A quiet rest.” This was
produced by Mrs Farndale and acted by...
1963
The Surrey Mirror and County Post,18 January 1963:
VICTUALLERS GET A NEW PRESIDENT. A representative of the wholesale trade,
the retiring president of Godstone and Caterham District Licenced
Victuallers Association faced his licensee colleagues at the annual
luncheon in the White Hart, Blechingley, on Tuesday last week... Mr T H
Farndale, chairman of the association, said: “The entire point of this annual
function is to show our appreciation for the efforts of the retiring president.
There have been almost 80 of them since the association was formed. Mr
Mackenzie Cherrington's name will soon be added to the illustrious list.” …
1964
Thomas H Farndale, died in Uckfield, Sussex on 10 May 1964 when leving in Lingfield,
Surrey (Probate Index, letters)
Probate:
FARNDALE Thomas Henry of Plough Inn Dormansland near Lingfield Surrey died
10 May 1964 at Queen Victoria Hospital East Grinstead Sussex Administration
London 4 August to Hilda Marion widow. £3553.
The Surrey Mirror and County Post, 15 May 1964:
MR
T FARNDALE.
Mr
TH Farndale, licensee of the Plough Inn, Dormansland since 1955 and at one time
Chief Inspector at Oxted, died at Queen Victoria Hospital, East Grinstead, on
Sunday after a long illness for. He was 64.
Mr
Farndale joined the Surrey Constabulary in May, 1920, after serving with the
RNVR in the 1914 to 1918 war. He came to Oxted as divisional inspector in 1948
and two years later was promoted to Chief Inspector. He retired in November,
1955 after a colourful and somewhat exciting police career and then took over
the Plough Inn.
During
his 35 years with the police, he was concerned with four murder cases,
including the notorious chalkpit murder at Oxted in 1946. He was always an
enthusiastic sportsman and played cricket and football in whatever town he was
stationed. He was chairman of Dormansland Football Club for two years and also
took an active interest in Dormansland brass band.
In
addition to his sporting activities he was a member of Caterham and Godstone
Licenced Victuallers Association and served as chairman. He leaves a widow and
two sons.
The
funeral service was held at Dormansland Parish Church yesterday, Thursday,
followed by cremation at the Surrey and Sussex crematorium, Worth.
1965
The Surrey Mirror and County Post,18 June 1965:
DARTS
PLAYERS HONOUR AN OLD FRIEND.
Dormansland
residents on Monday paid tribute to the most popular and hardworking
neighbour, Mr Thomas Farndale, who died in May last year.
The
occasion was adults tournament finals at the Plough Inn, where Mr Farndale was
licensee for many years after retiring as Chief Inspector at Oxted police
station.
A
year ago Oxted and District Charity Darts League decided, with the help of the
family and friends of Mr Farndale, to open a fund for a trophy to be named
after him. The fund reached £70.
The
trophy is now regarded as the top prize any darts player could win.
After an exciting final at the Plough, first winners became the team from the
General Wolfe, Westerham.
Runners
up were players from the Swan, Godstone. Both teams had nine members and the
Westerham men won six to three.
Mrs
Hilda Farndale, the plough licensee, and Mr Farndale's widow, presented the
trophy to Mr Joe Killick, the Wolfe’s captain.
“Many
men go through life leaving no mark on their existence,” said Mr J E Gilbert,
the league secretary, “but Mr Farndale made his mark in all the tasks he
undertook. He left men better for having known him.
He
rarely paid played darts, but saw the League a means of bringing together
people of all ages and backgrounds and of raising funds for charity.”
He
reminded players that Mr Farndale was a founder member of the 12 years old
league and treasurer and benefactor until his death.
Mr
Farndale was well known in other social circles, including Oxted and
Dormansland Football Clubs, Dormansland brass band, the Police Sports
Association, bowls and cricket clubs.
1970
The Surrey Mirror and County Post, 5 June 1970: OXTED DARTS LEAGUE. The climax to another successful year,
Oxted District Charity Darts League had their presentation last night and
league finals at Edenbridge Mens club on Monday.... the League’s President,
Mrs Hilda Farndale of the Plough, Dormansland, presented the prizes and
trophies and then the purely social part of the evening took over... British
Legion Farndale Memorial trophy: the George, Oxted...
2001
Hilda M Farndale, born on 14 August 1913, died on 8 January
2001 in Bristol (GRO Vol 3011G, 86).