Family campaign to honour policeman 100 years after off-duty acts of heroism

THE great-grandson of a policeman killed in an off-duty incident almost 100 years ago is campaigning to have his bravery officially recognised.
PC Harold Reveley, son Harold and wife EthelPC Harold Reveley, son Harold and wife Ethel
PC Harold Reveley, son Harold and wife Ethel

Acting Sergeant Harold Reveley was on his way home after a shift when a fire broke out at a munitions factory in Low Moor, Bradford on August 21 1916.

It is understood he helped rescue two people but on going back the site erupted in a huge explosion, killing him, several firemen and workers.

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A memorial was created for the fireman but there was no official recognition for Acting Sergeant Reveley, according to his Halifax-born great-grandson, Anthony Greenwood, now of Chelmsford.

He has now written to the authorities, including West Yorkshire Police, calling for some public recognition.

“Harold left a young wife, Ethel, and son Harold Thomas Reveley, who was six years old,” he explained.

“As Harold was ‘off duty’, his young family were left struggling with no pension, nor was he given any medal or recognition of any form - unlike the firemen who have their names on a special Low Moor disaster memorial, now located in the Bradford fire station.”

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The story of Acting Sergeant’s death is all the more tragic for what happened to his two brothers.

Elder brother Frank was killed in action while serving aboard HMS India which was torpedoed in August 1915. Younger brother Gordon was killed, aged 17, in May 1916 while serving in the Army near the Somme.

Their parents, Francis and Elizabeth, “both died of broken hearts before the end of November 1917, having lost all three sons,” says Mr Greenwood.

Granting some public recognition for Acting Sergeant Reveley’s bravery would mean a lot to Mr Greenwood’s mother, Brenda Bond, who is now 78.

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“It would mean a lot to my mother, who is his grand-daughter, although she never knew her grandfather.

“We just want some recognition for Harold after all this time.

“As the various centenaries for World War One come upon us all, I am hoping to gather support to do this.”

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