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Thomas Henry Farndale
FAR00699
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Geographical context is in green.
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 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 – Guildford Surrey
Now available but not yet checked
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 married Hilda Marion Judith Edwards in the second quarter of 1934 (aged 35)
at Surrey NW District (MR).
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 in
the second quarter of 1964. (DR)(also confirmed by 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...