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Two women police officers, Bow Street, London
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Two women police officers, Bow Street, London
Two women police officers outside Bow Street Police Station, London. They are WPC Ivy Ellis (left) and Inspector Alice Bertha Clayden (right). In 1922, during the period of the so-called Geddes Axe when the government of the day reduced the number of policewomen from 112 to 20, Clayden was put in charge of the 20 who remained, and was the first woman officer to hold the rank of Inspector. Date: 1924
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Media ID 14306832
© Metropolitan Police Authority/Mary Evans
Alice Armband Badge Belt Bertha Boots Buttons Clayden Duty Ellis Equality Geddes Inspector Metropolitan Policewoman Policewomen Skirts Smart Stanley Walk 1924 Officers
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This evocative photograph captures the determination and resilience of two pioneering women police officers, WPC Ivy Ellis and Inspector Alice Bertha Clayden, outside the historic Bow Street Police Station in London during the 1920s. The year was 1924, a time when the British government, under the austerity measures of the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Winston S. Churchill, implemented the so-called Geddes Axe, reducing the number of policewomen from 112 to a mere 20. Despite these challenging circumstances, Clayden was appointed to lead the remaining policewomen, becoming the first woman officer to hold the rank of Inspector. The image showcases the smart uniforms of the two officers, their meticulously pressed skirts and blouses, shiny boots, and the distinctive helmets adorned with glistening buttons and badges. Ellis, on the left, wears a dark, tailored jacket with epaulets, while Clayden, on the right, dons a lighter jacket with her Inspector's armband. Both women carry their equipment belts, ready for duty. Their focused expressions and confident posture convey a sense of duty, professionalism, and equality in the face of adversity. This photograph is an essential piece of history, offering a glimpse into the lives of these trailblazing women who defied societal norms and paved the way for future generations of policewomen. The image, taken in the heart of London, serves as a reminder of the importance of perseverance, courage, and the unwavering commitment to serve and protect, regardless of gender.
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