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Disgrifiad

This is a presentation truncheon recently acquired for my collection. It is one of only three that are known to exist. A small number of them were specially commissioned by the Glamorgan Constabulary Chief Constable Lionel Lindsey (L.L.) to present to officers and colliery officials who were present during the violent attack and the defense of Glamorgan Colliery, Lllwynypia, Rhondda Valley.

This one was made for presentation to' R.E'. (as yet I have not not researched who R.E. is). On Monday 7 November, strikers (numbering approximately 4,000 ) surrounded and picketed the Glamorgan Colliery. This resulted in sharp skirmishes with police officers posted inside the site. Although miner leaders called for calm, a small group of strikers began stoning the pump-house.

A portion of the wooden fence surrounding the site was torn down. Hand-to-hand fighting ensued between miners and police. After repeated baton charges, the police drove strikers back towards Tonypandy Square, just after midnight. Between 1am and 2am of 8th November, a demonstration at Tonypandy Square was dispersed by Cardiff police using truncheons, resulting in casualties on both sides.

This led Glamorgan's Chief Constable, Lionel Lindsay, supported by the general manager of the Cambrian Combine, to request military support from the War Office.

On the base of the truncheon handle is the makers stamp.....HIATT'S, BIRMINGHAM.

Only three are known to exist. Each was presented to a different person. This one is owned by myself.

The other two are located at Big Pit Museum, Blaenavon and South Wales Police Museum in Bridgend..