Tea & Truncheons: Tales of a British Bobby on the Beat

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  • Опубліковано 4 січ 2024
  • "Tea & Truncheons" Tales of a British Bobby | Take a journey with Kevin Hicks as he recalls his personal experiences as British Bobby patrolling the streets of England in the late 80s, early 90s. With his usual vivid storytelling and raw anecdotes, these engaging tales not only shed light on the dynamic nature of police work but also celebrates the camaraderie and resilience of those who proudly serve their communities.
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КОМЕНТАРІ • 1,1 тис.

  • @davidwood351
    @davidwood351 4 місяці тому +119

    “Your standing on my foot” sounds like a Monty Python gag.

  • @Sgtklark
    @Sgtklark 4 місяці тому +178

    I was a cop in southern California for 25 years. I had the chance to go on a ride-along with a Thames Valley police sergeant some years ago. I was amazed at how different police work in the UK was from the US. All he carried was a short club. He was amazed that I was armed all the time, even off duty.

    • @MbisonBalrog
      @MbisonBalrog 4 місяці тому +12

      Most Euro 👮 do carry firearms though. Only English beat cops don’t. They have SWAT at least

    • @Sgtklark
      @Sgtklark 4 місяці тому +24

      @@xxxxxxxx3476 The 2nd Amendment was based on an earlier British law that allowed the public to possess guns to fight tyranny. It's not about protecting one's home and certainly not about hunting. It's about the very reason we used guns in the Revolution.

    • @grahamhill676
      @grahamhill676 4 місяці тому +2

      ​@Sgtklark Yeah but like what's your small arms collection going to do to an a10 bearing down on you?

    • @Sgtklark
      @Sgtklark 4 місяці тому +12

      @@grahamhill676 You assume the military will fire on civilians when ordered to do so. I don't think they will.

    • @grahamhill676
      @grahamhill676 4 місяці тому

      @Sgtklark If civillians are armed, then they will. A 'civillian' with a weapon and intent to resist government (domestic terrorists anyone) is no longer a harmless civillian to the military.
      If police do shoot people they percieve as threats, military definitely will.

  • @samhouston1979
    @samhouston1979 4 місяці тому +36

    my Dad retired after 30 some odd years as a Texas State Trooper…only later on did i realize how fortunate i was that he came home each night. Thanks for your service

  • @vickywitton1008
    @vickywitton1008 4 місяці тому +135

    I love the stories of your life Kevin! If you ever wrote your life story I would 100% buy it!

    • @stevemull2002
      @stevemull2002 4 місяці тому +4

      me too !

    • @Campfire_Bandit
      @Campfire_Bandit 4 місяці тому +1

      +

    • @scrappydoo7887
      @scrappydoo7887 4 місяці тому +5

      He has a very rare spectrum of stories from war to peace, from military police to civvy police, from law enforcement to entertainment and I'm sure much more besides

  • @J.n.A.1993
    @J.n.A.1993 4 місяці тому +107

    Goodness, Kevin, being your grandchild must be a treasure! Your storytelling is top notch. Thank you for the video!

  • @ellstark372
    @ellstark372 4 місяці тому +5

    Brilliant Kevin as always. My father was a police officer for many years (36 I think) he has many stories from his time with Lothian & Borders. One of my favourites though was one very quiet night when nothing seemed to be happening at all, some police on duty started messing about on the radios. One started off with the shout "I'm a happy bear! Are you a happy bear?" The reply came back "Yes, I'm a happy bear! Are you a happy bear" This went on and on until the duty sergeant came on the radio and read the absolute riot act stating how disciplinary action would be taken if this utterly disgraceful behaviour continued. There was a stunned silence for a few minutes before the radio crackled back into life with "Well! He's NOT a happy bear, but I'm a happy bear! Are you a happy bear?"

  • @buzsalmon
    @buzsalmon 4 місяці тому +183

    I enjoyed your memories very much as an old retired police officer myself they brought to mind a few memories of my own. All the best Kev. You really have a great channel!

    • @thehistorysquad
      @thehistorysquad  4 місяці тому +16

      Cheers buddy 👍🏻

    • @patrickwaldron4091
      @patrickwaldron4091 4 місяці тому +7

      @thehistorysquad I've been watching all your videos since discovering you on Christmas day reading A Christmas Carol .But I couldn't get out of my head where I recognised your voice/face from,till I saw your video about Warwick Castle .I have spent many times watching and chatting to you, so glad I have rediscovered your infectious passion for history.

    • @thehistorysquad
      @thehistorysquad  4 місяці тому +5

      How lovely Patrick, thank you & welcome to the channel 👍🏻@@patrickwaldron4091

  • @ethan.dalton6404
    @ethan.dalton6404 4 місяці тому +98

    These stories are just like how my grandad tells me about his time in the police. The old days for the police were crazy and always interesting. My grandad did royal protection at sandringham during his time and some of his stories are so funny from that time and all his story's of being a Bobby on the beat are just something else. I love this video so much.

  • @no-oneinparticular7264
    @no-oneinparticular7264 4 місяці тому +115

    I was offered a position as a female London Met. police constable in 1970, I was 17. In the end, I decided to stay in my local area, thank goodness. A very interesting video, thanks Kevin.

    • @Dr-Pip
      @Dr-Pip 4 місяці тому +7

      In 1970 a 17 y/o being offered the job as a constable as a female is pretty decent. I imagine you'd of been payed a quarter of what the men made in that age but still decent to be offered that in those days, you must of shown a lot of potential.

    • @no-oneinparticular7264
      @no-oneinparticular7264 4 місяці тому +2

      ​​@@Dr-Pip Thankyou, it was a massive internal and external recruitment drive at the time . Yes, very good money but like you say, slightly less than males.

    • @joelhall5124
      @joelhall5124 4 місяці тому +3

      ​@@Dr-Pipyeah, the separate female police weren't amalgamated with the male police until 1973 and equal pay wasn't until 1974.

    • @joelhall5124
      @joelhall5124 4 місяці тому +1

      ​@@no-oneinparticular7264 interesting, what was the age for joining in 1970?

    • @GypsyHunter232UK
      @GypsyHunter232UK 4 місяці тому +1

      ​@@Dr-PipYUUUP!..A shilling a day and a horseshit sandwich

  • @Aramis419
    @Aramis419 4 місяці тому +6

    My dad used to be a police officer, back in the 70s, and one night, we was in his cruiser on patrol and was parked near an overhead highway sign. He kept hearing the "SQUEAK SQUEAK SQUEAK" of tortured metal, but had no idea where it was coming from. He soon got his answer - the sign came crashing down on the road and there was a guy on the scaffolding. Of course my dad got out of the car, and by that point, the guy was already down.
    "WHAT IN THE HELL ARE YOU DOING, JOHN?!"
    "Roof's leaking! Just patching up 'til tomorrow!"
    Like you said - you never know what's gonna happen!

  • @9999bigb
    @9999bigb 4 місяці тому +4

    Sir, you remind me of my grandfather, who was a policeman in Canada from 1954 to 1984. He retired an Inspector. I would sit for hours and hours and listen to his stories. Thank you for sharing your stories. Its so important that history like this is shared. I know you were doing your job, but I humbly say, thank you.

  • @ShinigamisBlade
    @ShinigamisBlade 4 місяці тому +66

    These were wonderful stories! The days when police were able to connect with their community and actually help because they were invested seem to be a nostalgic fairy tale now. May all of our law enforcement people have a bit more of you in them! Thanks for sharing and I'm sure wed all love more of these stories!

    • @als3022
      @als3022 4 місяці тому +5

      Near the city it is, but when you get into the more rural or small-town areas it is still very much like that. At least in the Southern US, and I gather even in the Northern rural areas. I know the west Pennsylvania and upstate New York areas are still kinda like that too.

    • @robertsaget6918
      @robertsaget6918 4 місяці тому

      ∆ nah they'll still shoot you if you look wrong or are poor

    • @Andy1989
      @Andy1989 2 місяці тому

      In rural areas of the uk police barley exist outside of their cars or specific calls. Community policing is dead here.@@als3022

  • @brianmeek5236
    @brianmeek5236 4 місяці тому +7

    Every law enforcement officer should keep a record of their stories. Most of the time I was just glad to get home to a normal life. Most of the time you’re meeting people on one of the worst days of their life.

  • @crystalclear6864
    @crystalclear6864 4 місяці тому +13

    My late dad , older than you:) was anRAF MP around Basra and later a ‘bobby’ in the met around thames valley:) its like hearing his stories again when you tell your stories. Thanks❤️i do miss his voice.

  • @colmanpm
    @colmanpm 4 місяці тому +62

    I love these videos so damn much. It feels like catching up with Kevin, an old friend. 😊

    • @thehistorysquad
      @thehistorysquad  4 місяці тому +9

      Aw, thanks 👍🏻

    • @user-ug2hk3go6i
      @user-ug2hk3go6i 4 місяці тому +6

      I bet Kevin makes a very engaging dinner guest.

    • @80sbabejones54
      @80sbabejones54 4 місяці тому +2

      I'd love to meet Kevin and share a drink (tea of course😂) and have a real good chat ❤❤❤

    • @NoewerrATall
      @NoewerrATall 4 місяці тому

      @@user-ug2hk3go6i I can attest: He is every bit as charming and awesome over dinner as he is on UA-cam.

    • @user-ug2hk3go6i
      @user-ug2hk3go6i 4 місяці тому +1

      @@80sbabejones54 What type of tea would you have? And is it true the English have the phrase, a spot of tea? This is a prevalent idea in America, as is pinky up.

  • @danlw212
    @danlw212 4 місяці тому +4

    “I don’t know if you’ve noticed this, in all of your experiences, but dead people don’t help you!”
    I would be rolling on the floor if it was a different story!

  • @KD2HJP
    @KD2HJP 4 місяці тому +5

    In 1989 I was an American high school senior from Long Island., NY US who was fortunate enough to have spent some time in England in Rugley.
    The family I was living with took me to a "Party" near their family dairy farm.
    This party was thousands of people. I'm in absolute glory, and garnering a fair bit of attention. The lads around me began fighting, and from absolutely nowhere appears two Bobbies and they were just cracking people with a club.
    Scared this New Yorker really good, I remember trying to explain that I American, that was hard for about 30 seconds, but felt like life..

  • @SF-qu3fw
    @SF-qu3fw 4 місяці тому +5

    As a retired office here in the States, I smiled as you orated your tales. Just awesome!

  • @elizabethmcglothlin5406
    @elizabethmcglothlin5406 4 місяці тому +6

    My husband was a Peace officer, my father was a detective sheriff, my popop (grandfather) was a constable! I love the slightly silly stories that didn't go the way they were expected to. There were so many of those and my husband told wonderful stories about a certain young cop who was often an idiot! He died 11 years ago and miss him terribly.

  • @Syndr1
    @Syndr1 4 місяці тому +42

    Hi Kevin, Policing 🚓 🚨 without Guns 🔫,Vest 🦺,proper Radio 📻🔘. Truly a heroic time of law enforcement.

    • @ddoherty5956
      @ddoherty5956 4 місяці тому +8

      We used to have a better class of criminal.

    • @crystalclear6864
      @crystalclear6864 4 місяці тому

      @@ddoherty5956 who also had guns. Generally drugs were not a thing then like now,

    • @ddoherty5956
      @ddoherty5956 4 місяці тому +6

      @@crystalclear6864 Most of them also had fathers and morals. Having said that most coppers were servicemen built like grenadier's and deserved respect.

    • @dreamcrusher112
      @dreamcrusher112 4 місяці тому +9

      @@ddoherty5956 Murder rate was 40 higher per 100K comparing 90s average to 2014. All nostalgia. The height restriction was removed the same year murder rates hit the all time low...

    • @Ukraineaissance2014
      @Ukraineaissance2014 4 місяці тому

      Drug use and general crime was far, far higher in the 80s and early 90s than now​ @@crystalclear6864

  • @jamesrizza2640
    @jamesrizza2640 4 місяці тому +3

    Absolutely loved hearing your tales. As a American Citizen, I have always admired the Bobbies in England [Great Britain]. Dealing with all manner of crimes and terrorism, [The 70's and 80's], I always wondered how you could do it. Our police are armed to the teeth. I remembered when we respected the police and all the other first responders. I tip my hat to you sir.

  • @chrisciccolini216
    @chrisciccolini216 4 місяці тому +35

    You are the best Kevin, thank you so much! When things get too stressful you are always able to give some perspective. Lots of love and appreciation from New York

  • @eveoakley6270
    @eveoakley6270 4 місяці тому +2

    My beloved Great Uncle Harry was Chief Superintendant of our town police in the 60s. When he visited us at my nana’s I would climb onto his lap and tell him ‘uncle Harry, you remind me of Dixon of Dock Green’. He was a huge man and we have such lovely memories of him.

  • @ScoopDogg
    @ScoopDogg Місяць тому

    I grew up in the 80s and we had the same policeman who visited our school and grew up in our area, we used to see him daily on his beat in our village in Yorkshire he handed out our cycle proficiency badges and taught us how to pass our test on cycles. Happy days and RIP PC Mckensie and thankyou for your service

  • @chriscookesuffolk
    @chriscookesuffolk 4 місяці тому +3

    Your first story Kev, the old lady and the ashes, reminds me of the days when you and others like you in authority wouldn't go by the book but instead take a human approach, whether that be a compassionate chat, a telephone call or digging a hole, of which you did all three. And sometimes a stern word may be required to keep miscreant youngsters from terrorising the community.
    Of course nowadays we don't know our local policeman, we only see the patrol cars, I haven't seen a policeman walking in our village this decade. I understand economics determine what is possible and what is not, but whilst we make amazing leaps forward in technology I feel sometimes we also take a step back when these and other valuable things that form the fabric of our community are lost forever.

  • @aaronmcconnell7358
    @aaronmcconnell7358 4 місяці тому +3

    I've never been across the pond, my grandpa was during ww2 while In the us army .one of the many things he taught me was respect and I must give you that for your service to your country, both in your miltary and police service . they were lucky to have you Mr Hicks.

  • @cirenotloh5662
    @cirenotloh5662 Місяць тому +1

    I could listen to these all day long.

  • @mrs.g.9816
    @mrs.g.9816 4 місяці тому +15

    Great stories and storytelling! It seems as a bobby, you had courage, empathy, a great sense of humor, and a strong stomach! All police officers should have these qualities.

  • @BMO_Creative
    @BMO_Creative 4 місяці тому +6

    DUDE! These are the best stories! These could tatally be made a sitcom!

  • @mrlume9475
    @mrlume9475 4 місяці тому +6

    Loved this video. I retired as a police officer in March 2023. I was a traffic officer in Glasgow. I miss the job every day and miss the colleagues I worked with. Although it was a serious job, we used to play a lot of pranks on each other to relieve the tension. I had many good times.

    • @villyvassell8572
      @villyvassell8572 3 місяці тому

      Did you know Julie Jeffries husband he was knocked down on duty ,he was in a coma for many ago before he died , do you know Peter Macrae l think he was a chief superintendent

    • @villyvassell8572
      @villyvassell8572 3 місяці тому

      Year's l mean

  • @LeonM4c
    @LeonM4c Місяць тому +1

    You are a treasure, sir.

  • @patriciadavison1486
    @patriciadavison1486 4 місяці тому +11

    Loved this video - as always. Just great. My husband was Police officer for 37 years began his career in the late 60s 70s as a Beat Policeman. He’d have loved this video…some of the stories you told were exactly as he’d have remembered his time too. I had to cajole his memories from him and I was always amazed at some of the tales and the bravery of our Police (back then) and also the respect they were rightly given. 👏 Thanks Kevin. xx

  • @lucdrouin4653
    @lucdrouin4653 4 місяці тому +10

    Kudos to police officer Kevin and all those police officers of all countries, who allow the rest of us to live in beautiful and free societies.

  • @HanoiHustler
    @HanoiHustler 4 місяці тому +3

    I'm not a Brit but I appreciate your service.🙏🍷🥇You seem like you were a good Bobby.
    My grandfather called me Bobby it always bothered me, now I'll think of the name differently.🎉😂❤

  • @oliverjenks
    @oliverjenks 4 місяці тому +2

    The team of 12 police officers in carmarthen used to be known as the Carmerthen shilling. As there was 12 pennies (or coppers) in a shilling. Great book called "A Shilling for Carmarthen" about early days of policing in a West Wales town.

  • @philiphughes2780
    @philiphughes2780 Місяць тому

    My father had similar tales from the 70s and early 80s being a police office in N.Ireland. The stories you talk about are fantastic. You tell them so well. The history tales are great.

  • @randyivie359
    @randyivie359 4 місяці тому +8

    Officer Hicks , love love love the stories. You made me smile today . I needed that !

  • @neiloflongbeck5705
    @neiloflongbeck5705 4 місяці тому +3

    All members of the service (military and emergency) will have, by the time they leave, a lot of interesting stories. My dad has several including the time a man came to his fire station (Grangetown near Middlesbrough) asking my dad to arrest him.

  • @alandure
    @alandure 4 місяці тому +4

    @ 1:37 Lol, he subtly touched on the truth about modern-day policing. It requires knowledge, skill, and the right attitude to excel as a police officer. Unfortunately, it’s often the latter that is conspicuously missing in many of today’s officers. Love your videos! This one was hilarious. You’re an exceptional storyteller. Thank you sir, for your service and for sharing these amusing and challenging experiences. By the way, please consider writing a memoir; your stories are too good not to be shared!

  • @kevincorby435
    @kevincorby435 4 місяці тому +1

    As a PC from 76-07 these stories are so familiar to many during that time. Tea and bickies with little old ladies or in the back of small businesses. The best times to be a copper. Feel sorry for the guys and girls doing the job today.

  • @kikikaakau-delizo8152
    @kikikaakau-delizo8152 4 місяці тому +4

    I loved this stroll down memory lane. When I was on the force, Honolulu Police Department, we had only so much time for each call. It wasn't uncommon to do 9 fully investigated cases per 8-9 hr shift, depending on which district I was in. I often didn't have time to eat so I'm envious of your tea and biscuits! Thanks for sharing❤

    • @thehistorysquad
      @thehistorysquad  4 місяці тому +4

      It’s also how I gathered information and kept my finger on the pulse 👍

    • @kikikaakau-delizo8152
      @kikikaakau-delizo8152 4 місяці тому +2

      @@thehistorysquad Building trusting relationships with community members is how misconceptions about the police get corrected. In America, there's a complete lack of respect towards police and punishment is a joke. It explains why there are so many repeat offenders and the upsurge in on-duty deaths of officers. Very sad. I lost two fellow officers to a sniper.

  • @Mayo66699
    @Mayo66699 4 місяці тому +3

    As an ex A div copper based just down the road at AE/AF you made me laugh good times. The traveller site I think I can guess at ….Have similar stories with swans, sheep and the numerous 10/10 (deceased for everyone else) . Keep up the good work 👍

    • @georgeroberts-morehen9147
      @georgeroberts-morehen9147 4 місяці тому

      SWANS!
      BIG scary birds who take no nonsense!

    • @thehistorysquad
      @thehistorysquad  4 місяці тому +2

      Cheers mate, I wouldn't give you tuppence for the job these days.

    • @Mayo66699
      @Mayo66699 4 місяці тому +2

      Yep I’m glad I’ve retired feel sorry for the current crop

  • @CPDheadstomp
    @CPDheadstomp 4 місяці тому +1

    I was a Chicago Police Officer. It’s nice hearing a story from a fellow Officer and from another country. Thank you.

  • @_stoatchaser
    @_stoatchaser 4 місяці тому +3

    Great tales from another time of service. One thing hasn't changed since your time and that's numbers on duty. I started my career in a city and moved to a rural force and don't have long to go now before retirement and have reached the heady heights of patrol Sgt. I cover a half a county with 4 staff if I'm lucky!!!

  • @maryc8316
    @maryc8316 4 місяці тому +14

    Thank you so much for sharing your stories as a bobby! You're a great storyteller, Kevin! Thank you for your service ❤

  • @toothpaste1958
    @toothpaste1958 Місяць тому +1

    Bravo Kevin!

  • @paul.wilkinson
    @paul.wilkinson 4 місяці тому +1

    Hi Kevin. My Dad was in the Thames Valley police probably at the same time as you. You probably crossed paths at some point.
    He was at High Wycombe and Marlow and Oxfordshire police. I was born in Amersham but I've lived in Cornwall most of my life.
    My Dad was in the drugs squad as a Detective constable in the 1960s. He was also at the Notting hill riots I think.
    My Dad, like you, was also a "Red Cap" Military Policeman as a "bullet catcher" close protection. He guarded VIPs, Harold Wilson, the PM at the time, Royalty etc. Also he was personal bodyguard to General Montgomery of El Alamein fame.
    Listening to you, brings back so many memories of listening to my dad tell his funny stories of when he was in the police and the military. He wrote some of the funny ones down for us kids.
    So, thank you. You made me laugh and cry at the same time, thinking of him and his adventures. He passed away nearly 2 years ago and I miss those stories he used to tell us.
    Thank you 👍
    Paul.

    • @thehistorysquad
      @thehistorysquad  4 місяці тому

      My pleasure Paul, thanks so much for your comment 👍🏻

  • @jaydude25
    @jaydude25 4 місяці тому +16

    I could listen to you tell stories for hours I love it 😄

  • @johnnypgood100
    @johnnypgood100 4 місяці тому +6

    Glad to hear the plane was fixed! I really enjoy these stories, and thanks for explaining words like "boot" and "bobby" to those of us across the pond 😊

    • @20chocsaday
      @20chocsaday 4 місяці тому

      I have seen a trunc on a British car.
      There was a collection of really old cars which had managed to get to a big public car park.
      If you had a way to defeat the gate mechanism it would be possible to extract one. Just.
      The owners were probably meeting in a nearby restaurant.
      This trunk was over a yard wide and made of thick well polished brown leather. It was held on to the back of the car with thick leather straps. So when he called in to a hotel for the evening or weekend the staff could be instructed to carry it to his room.
      Apart from being detachable it fullfiled the same purpose as the modern boot.

  • @Katze5335
    @Katze5335 4 місяці тому +1

    Look at that dapper Bobby!

  • @allyburg7145
    @allyburg7145 4 місяці тому +1

    I wish these days would come back, my father was a policeman and I remember many stories he had. I still have his truncheon and my grandson his whistle !

  • @joshuabrigden4820
    @joshuabrigden4820 4 місяці тому +3

    6:03 What a lovely story Hicks! You were a breed all too missed by society today, the local coppers who rule by morals and humanity are so very rare in this day and age.
    25:47 Really are you serious, quite bruised!? it was way worse than you're making out and you're an absolute machine for powering through (coming from an Australian)
    This was genuinely one of your best episodes!

  • @dmcarpenter2470
    @dmcarpenter2470 4 місяці тому +5

    Brother Kevin: As always, enjoyed the stories. When you were telling the story of the gypsy camp raid, I was thinking of keeping the wind in your face, to keep your scent (before the cesspool dive) away from the dogs. You and your partner took a different path. Many of my 'fun' stories involve what I refer to as my 'Monkey brain' saying, "Damn, this is going to hurt." Monkey brain was never wrong, sadly. Have a fine weekend. Nice to be back to the regular Friday videos.

    • @thehistorysquad
      @thehistorysquad  4 місяці тому +2

      Cheers Brother and yes, we're getting back on schedule at last 👍🏻

  • @johnmarkkillough6242
    @johnmarkkillough6242 Місяць тому

    Man I swear I love this dude. My girlfriend and I listen to you all the time. I love these stories just as much as the medieval battle and history stories. Hello from Alabama/Tennessee(Her cabin is here in the woods where I recently moved so I’m still technically an Alabamian). We hope to continue listening to you for years to come man! As a fellow bowman, much love to you and yours!

    • @thehistorysquad
      @thehistorysquad  Місяць тому +1

      Thanks so much, I really appreciate you watching. I’d love to get down to Tennessee one of these days 👍

  • @nancyhammons3594
    @nancyhammons3594 4 місяці тому +10

    Thank you, Kevin for this look into the police force. I know some of it was supposed to be "serious", but I had a good laugh.

  • @stephenrickstrew7237
    @stephenrickstrew7237 4 місяці тому +7

    Tea and Truncheons.. Horses and Heart attacks .. Very good stuff indeed.. I Heimliched a chocking man once ..I quit worrying about any complications when he went back to the buffet for seconds …!

  • @mallanac
    @mallanac 4 місяці тому +2

    And he sweeps the floor. Best real storyteller.

  • @salvatorem4045
    @salvatorem4045 4 місяці тому +1

    I’m retired NYPD, I love your videos, and the fact that your a retired PO I love your videos even more!!

  • @a.jlondon9039
    @a.jlondon9039 4 місяці тому +3

    True Story. My friend and I were visiting London and I had my photo take with a London Police Officer. When I returned to Toronto I met a young Toronto Officer. I showed him my photo with the English Cop. He said to me "I know him" his name is Jeremy Quinlan. On our next date the Toronto Cop showed me a photo of him and Jeremy at their graduation. Turns out Jeremy returned to England and joined the force in London. That was 34 years ago and we have married for 32 years.

  • @davesheppard8797
    @davesheppard8797 4 місяці тому +4

    Great stories Kev!! Those were the days eh? A difficult job to be sure and the beat bobbies had to deal with all sorts of things. Your stories reminded me of "Carry-on Constable". People used to call the Police for all sorts didn't they!!
    Best wishes,
    Dave.

  • @roybiter2693
    @roybiter2693 4 місяці тому +1

    I had no idea you were a police officer. I enjoyed watching your channel before, but respect you on a deeper level now, from a fellow brother in blue from the states.

  • @desastermaster2010
    @desastermaster2010 4 місяці тому +1

    "You never know...!" That s actually my life s motto!

  • @conniehopkins6105
    @conniehopkins6105 4 місяці тому +9

    You are the best storyteller I have heard in years. What an interesting life!

  • @philipmarsden7104
    @philipmarsden7104 4 місяці тому +3

    The expression ''dead weight'' exists for a reason! Great entertainment Kevin!

  • @brightantwerp
    @brightantwerp 4 місяці тому +2

    Thanks for making me laugh out loud, while being alone in the house. Kevin is the best name in the world by the way, that's why I called my son Kevin.

  • @sampsqwantch4612
    @sampsqwantch4612 4 місяці тому +2

    the point where you both fell into the hole made me laugh so hard 😂😂😂

  • @sfcsouder
    @sfcsouder 4 місяці тому +4

    Your story's remind me of a UK television series that was on in the 90's called Heart Beat. About a rural PC and his Dr wife and all the things that happen to small town PC's I only resently discovered it on an American streaming channel. It was a great series.

    • @thehistorysquad
      @thehistorysquad  4 місяці тому +1

      Yes I loved that series too

    • @davidhamm7909
      @davidhamm7909 3 місяці тому +1

      If you are ever in Britain, you can visit the village where they filmed Heartbeat. It’s called Goathland in North Yorkshire and the whole place is done up as Aidensfield (including the garage and the Aidensfield Hotel). BTW the railway station, which is on the North York Moors Steam Railway, was also used as Hogsmeade Station in the Harry Potter films.

  • @Raycheetah
    @Raycheetah 4 місяці тому +12

    I always particularly enjoy these personal anecdotes of yours, Kevin. Thanks, also, for letting us know that that crashed bomber wasn't permanently grounded. It would've been an awful shame if it had been. Gotta love a story with a happy ending. =^[.]^=

    • @neiloflongbeck5705
      @neiloflongbeck5705 4 місяці тому +2

      What was worse was the Blenheim was newly rebuilt at the time of the crash. And yes, the old golfer was perfectly correct about the poor quality of airmanship of the pilot on that day.

  • @TankManHeavy
    @TankManHeavy 4 місяці тому

    My grandfather is also ex-military (Royal Anglians - The Poachers EOD/Anti Tank/Sniper) and served with the police (Traffic warden & PSCO), a man that has seen more violence than most after 20 years with the Anglians in places like Bosnia & Northern Ireland, during his days he'd make the rounds around our small seaside town of Felixstowe, he had made it a regular occurence to stop at various shops and small businesses for a coffee and a chat with the local people. The stories you told are reminiscent of the ones I grew up hearing. Often my grandfather would be first to respond to scenes where a body would be present as he was somewhat more accustomed to it.
    This video was very relaxing & a great insight into days of the past, i think its important that we as a people never stop sharing our stories and remember where we come from. Thanks for sharing.

    • @thehistorysquad
      @thehistorysquad  4 місяці тому

      That's a lovely comment, thank you 👍🏻

  • @cbhlde
    @cbhlde 4 місяці тому +1

    Kevin saving lives and not talking about horrible deaths for a change whilst boasting a fabulous mustache! :)

  • @Caesar2k1
    @Caesar2k1 4 місяці тому +5

    Your stories sound more wholesome then a lot of the police interactions I've heard in recent years, sort of gives me hope

    • @ManDuderGuy
      @ManDuderGuy 4 місяці тому

      Back then society was more homogenous, and local police usually had a real connection with the people.

    • @Caesar2k1
      @Caesar2k1 4 місяці тому +1

      @@ManDuderGuy not sure about the society part, but I can kind of see the police part

  • @bonnierodriguez2491
    @bonnierodriguez2491 4 місяці тому +5

    Thank you for your service! I am married to a police officer who also served in the US Marines. I appreciate what police go through. ❤

  • @HootOwl513
    @HootOwl513 4 місяці тому +1

    Great Stuff. By contrast -- I've been listening to 1949 ''Dragnet'' radio episodes -- Sgt Friday and his partner are often offered coffee by people they encounter. They always refuse.

  • @user-te7bs4gj1h
    @user-te7bs4gj1h 2 місяці тому

    Kevin Hicks is my Favorite person on UA-cam Thank you to The History Squad

  • @Callisto74
    @Callisto74 4 місяці тому +4

    Love your stories PC Hicks, very engaging. Long may they last. Just as entertaining as your stories as the Warwick Archer. I always wondered whether there was a bit of rivalry between yourself and the Red Knight on his horse. 😁

    • @thehistorysquad
      @thehistorysquad  4 місяці тому +3

      Haha, not really, John Mane he was a good guy, let me ride his horse a few times. 👍🏻

  • @Saxon709
    @Saxon709 4 місяці тому +10

    Another great vid Kev. You could easily write a book about your stories from the Army and Police.

  • @bethpemberton7980
    @bethpemberton7980 4 місяці тому +2

    You are adorable. I'd have a cup o' tea with ya but I'm in the USA. Love your stories, Kev.

    • @thehistorysquad
      @thehistorysquad  4 місяці тому

      I’m just across the border in Canada 😜 🫖

    • @bethpemberton7980
      @bethpemberton7980 4 місяці тому

      @@thehistorysquad don't tempt me. I'm a married woman!!😁

    • @thehistorysquad
      @thehistorysquad  4 місяці тому

      😂@@bethpemberton7980

  • @unclebob1478
    @unclebob1478 4 місяці тому

    I've had "Bobby on the beat" ingrained in my head for a while now.

  • @davidstrother496
    @davidstrother496 4 місяці тому +3

    Thank you for the stories, Kevin. It is nice to hear the more, for lack of a better word, the humanity side of policing. The understanding from you went a long way to comforting people. And I must say that I could visualize the comedy of errors that led to the successful operation at the gypsy yard. The story of the riot does bring out the danger that happens, but I am glad you were eventually ok, as well as the other officers involved. Cheers from Texas.

    • @thehistorysquad
      @thehistorysquad  4 місяці тому +2

      Thanks Dave, I’m glad you enjoyed them. Here’s to 2024 🍻

  • @Syndr1
    @Syndr1 4 місяці тому +3

    P.s. why cant i stop picturing you like Sean Connery in the Untouchable's. 😅

  • @user-yc6oy4hk9x
    @user-yc6oy4hk9x 4 місяці тому +1

    I enjoyed your stories Kevin it brought back some funny memories of my 20 year career working in the South Bronx working as a officer for the NYPD.

  • @ChrizRockster
    @ChrizRockster 4 місяці тому +2

    I think its one thing to be there during the incident, but its the after-care and the popping in to check on things later that made you and many others a credit to the Police. Thanks for sharing, Kevin!

  • @chriscookesuffolk
    @chriscookesuffolk 4 місяці тому +8

    I loved all your stories Kev you cant tell enough as far as I'm concerned. The court room story was the piece de resistance. I hope you and your family had a great Christmas.

  • @redfoxpaints
    @redfoxpaints 4 місяці тому +4

    I could really listen for hours to your stories Kevin, thank you ❤

  • @kennymonty8206
    @kennymonty8206 4 місяці тому +1

    This is exactly what I think of when I think of Britain. He's just exactly as anachronistic as my view. To be fair, I read lots of old books written by English writers. So, I have had a peek into their world.
    It strikes me that these are the stories that England's retired policemen should be telling still. Rather than the next batch. Their stories will be darker by far.

  • @ProbablyNotAChicken
    @ProbablyNotAChicken 3 місяці тому

    That might be the funniest story i've ever heard. "Oh my gosh! He's giving me his last words!" "You're standing on my foot sir."

  • @possumbuddy
    @possumbuddy 4 місяці тому +4

    You are an amazing storyteller. Have you ever thought of making Tales of a British Bobby on the Beat into a book? I'm sure you have a lot of other stories to tell.

  • @andrejdrago1942
    @andrejdrago1942 4 місяці тому +3

    Brilliant video as always! Thank you for your service holding the thin blue line PC Hicks.

  • @dianat119
    @dianat119 3 місяці тому

    I loved hearing your stories. My husband served in the army and 24 years in the port of Liverpool police. He came home with some funny stories and also some really sad stories. I only found your channel a couple of days ago and I'm already a big fan. Thank you.🙏🏼🙏🏼👍🏼👍🏼

  • @DimbleBimble
    @DimbleBimble 4 місяці тому +1

    Gets sternum kicked in, “I was furious” lol! Glad you lived through that chest kick, that story got me laughing!

  • @stephaniecowans3646
    @stephaniecowans3646 4 місяці тому +3

    I love hearing about your experiences, Mister Kevin! I think a couple of my favorite videos were you talking about your experiences in Cyprus and in Berlin. You are quite the raconteur and I hope you have more stories for us in the future!

  • @arthurdoucette1786
    @arthurdoucette1786 4 місяці тому +5

    Greetings once again from nova Scotia, thanks for another story of your service. I hope you had a great Christmas/New Year. You REALLY are the real deal. All the best in the year to come, Arthur

    • @thehistorysquad
      @thehistorysquad  4 місяці тому

      Ah, thanks Arthur. Happy New Year to you too and here's to lots more history & stories in 2024 👍🏻

  • @buffewo6386
    @buffewo6386 4 місяці тому +1

    Granny says "He's in the boot..."
    My local PD: "You are under arrest..."
    Mr. Hicks: "I'm sorry to hear that. We don't want anyone to find him there. Do you want me to plant him next to the lavender for you? For 'safekeeping' of course."
    😂
    You, Sir, are a treasure.

  • @Kujatalp
    @Kujatalp 4 місяці тому

    I serve now and the experiences haven't changed a whole lot! Things can change at the drop of a hat and being alive to the potential of that is important. Only difference is people record everything in the digital age and the relationship that beat officers have with the community has been irreversiblely damaged due to successive governments whittling down numbers and the constant media lambasting trying to paint every constable as a racist. This is against a backdrop of increased complexity across a number of investigative functions that are described as 'back office' (Safeguarding and complex investigations).
    Your time was a special time and thanks for sharing it and the service you gave ❤

  • @bbbcfitchburg2563
    @bbbcfitchburg2563 4 місяці тому +4

    Loved it Kevin!! Great stories! We had so many similar experiences in the military and law enforcement. God bless you sir!

  • @gsj8793
    @gsj8793 4 місяці тому +6

    Always enjoyable listening to your stories Mr. Hicks. I bet you made a great Bobby. Happy New Year and best wishes to you Sir ! 👋

  • @kevinfoley8105
    @kevinfoley8105 4 місяці тому +1

    Greetings Kevin, from a retired "bobby" across the pond also named Kevin. Meeting you for a pint and some stories is now on my bucket list!

  • @katthompson3852
    @katthompson3852 4 місяці тому

    Love these stories. End of the 80s early 90s... ouch in my head they're not that long back. Glad the bomber was restored and ... oh dear Mr barrister, what does humility taste like😂. Lovely start to my day with a cuppa listening to the coppa.... ❤ from NZ🇳🇿

  • @_Uh_Oh_
    @_Uh_Oh_ 4 місяці тому +4

    Happy New Year Kevin :D

  • @mmcleod8148
    @mmcleod8148 4 місяці тому +3

    Thank you, I needed those stories today. You are a delightful storyteller.