Member, Volunteer Civil Force, 1913.jpg

This member wears the complete uniform of the organisation, in ‘police’ blue with lighter blue distinctions on the cap and jacket. The buttons are a dark metal, and black piping features on both the collar and shoulder straps. On the latter is also the organisation’s title in white metal.

Below is a much better description of this organisation than I could attempt. Below to the right is the organisation's badge.

WINSTON'S BOBBIES - THE VOLUNTEER CIVIL FORCE R. Lindsey, September 1977

This unique body of men was founded on Trafalgar Day, 1911 by William Mailes POWER, a public spirited gentleman of intense patriotism who was an art dealer and critic and lived in Queen Victoria Street, London SW1. He was determined to inaugurate a private Police to supplement the regular Metropolitan Police in the protection of life and property. At the instigation of the Home Secretary, Winston Churchill, he founded a Volunteer Civil Force of mature men and they later became known as "Winston's Bobbies". The Headquarters was located at Ruskin House, Rochester Row Westminster, SW. The Force was paramilitary and was armed and used young lads as messengers. It also anticipated the use of women as Police Officers to the great delight of the Suffragettes. The V.C.F. became the pattern for the organisation of the Special Constabulary on a regular basis as it is today. They also played a great part in the protection of docks and private business houses during the strike of 1912/13. The V.C.F. went to war in 1914 as a Labour Battalion and contributed to the formation of the Artists Rifles Regiment. Power was the first Territorial Army Officer. The Aims and Objects of the V.C.F. were as follows To assist as a Civil Force in the maintenance of Law and Order and the preservation of the Peace. To provide a Reserve Force available for the maintenance of internal Order during the absence of he Regular Forces. To oppose all those who advocate the use of force or violence in attacks upon the British Constitution, the destruction of national institutions, the confiscation of property, the coercion of free labour, interference with personal liberty, or revolutionary objects of any kind. To render help to, Railways, Ships, Docks, Tramways, Electric Power, Light, Sanitary, or other Public Services in time of emergency. To insure the Public against starvation, famine or deprivation of food, milk, coal or other necessities of life when a paralysis of the existing sources of supply is threatened. To recruit and supplement the various Corps available for Special Constables, Life Boat, Fire Brigade, Salvage and also to supply members willing to assist in the protection of animals from cruelty or suffering. To provide a system of physical and moral training for young men to render them proficient in some branch of public service, to educate their sense of public spirit and patriotism and equip them for the discharge of the responsibilities of Citizenship. From the 1st of November, 1914, membership of the V.C.F. was only available by means of an annual subscription of 10/- (£0.50) which entitled members to participate in all the instruction classes and also to use the rifle range. Monthly notes were issued at a cost of two pence per copy. There was no age limit for active members, but only members measuring 5 feet 7 1/2 inches and over were allowed to wear the uniform. The uniform consisted of the following:- Tunic, trousers, cap and helmet at a cost of 30/- (£1.50). Greatcoats were also available at a cost of 27/6d (£1.37) Members were also issued with instructions, a whistle on a chain and a V.C.F. badge which was always worn on the left breast pocket. An armlet with blue horizontal stripes on a white background was also worn on the lower left sleeve.

Monies were always needed to help the V.C.F. continue and the following article was one which was used to help finance the Force:- "How you can support the Force" by becoming one of:- 'Founder Members' - being donors of £200 'Special Patrons' - being donors of £100 'Honorary Members' - being donors of £5.5.0d (£5.25). 'Members (Non Active)' - being annual subscribers of one guinea (£1.10)or more to the General Fund of the Force. 'Special Service Members' - being those who are willing to serve throughout the Kingdom and hold themselves in readiness to start upon duty at short notice.

'Trade Service Members' - being those engaging to serve in any prescribed trade for the protection of their own businesses or employment or (with the consent of their employers) for the protection of other concerns of a similar kind.

'Service Members' - being those joining the Force for local duty as special constables.

Instruction in a wide range of subjects from Ju-Jitsu to First Aid was given. Badges of Rank:- Commissioned Officers: Regimental Commandant - Five rings, four plain and the upper one an Austrian Knot. Commandant - Four rings, three plain and the upper one an Austrian Knot. Sub-Commandant - Three rings, two plain and the upper one an Austrian Knot. Adjutant - Two rings, one plain and the upper one an Austrian Knot. Company Commander - Two rings, one plain and the upper one an Austrian Knot. Platoon Commander - One ring with an Austrian Knot. Quartermaster - One ring with an Austrian Knot. Non-Commissioned Officers: Sergeant-Major - Four plain rings Section Commanders - Ranking as Sergeant. Two plain rings. Section Commanders - Ranking as Corporal or Lance Corporal. One plain ring.

After Armistice the Force was never reformed.

Courtesy of Crown Imperial 1997