L/Sgt Clifford Searle, DCM, QPM.

Clifford Frederick Searle, DCM QPM joined Somerset Constabulary in 1939. In 1942, following the lifting of restrictions* of police officers joining HM Armed Forces, 400 young police officers, including Clifford, began training in Scotland. On completion of training, they earned and were awarded the coveted Green Beret. Clifford Searle was one of eleven ex-police officers who joined No.9 Commando and he was assigned to 5 troop. After further training in Dorchester, No.9 Cdo left Scapa Flow in HMS Heron heading for Gibraltar and then North Africa before arriving in Italy and the area of Monte Casino - the plan was to de-stabilise the enemy strongholds. Clifford was involved in the terrible battles of Monte Casino, Angio and Mount Ornito. Clifford recovered dead and wounded, led night attacks, overran enemy positions and, for his bravery and courage under attack, was Mentioned in Dispatches and promoted from Private to Lance Sergeant in the field. After Italy and the successful attack on Monte Casino and the liberation of Rome, Clifford and 5 Troop moved to islands off the Yugoslavian Coast and then to Greece in September 1944. Finally the Commandos were ordered back to Italy and the Battle of Lake Comacchio. Here, though seriously wounded, Clifford's behaviour was deemed outstanding with complete disregard for his own safety - the citation for his Distinguished Conduct Medal records Clifford's actions which resulted in him receiving his medal from the King in London after the war.

Clifford returned to the Somersetshire Constabulary after the War and rose to become Chief Superintendent of the Bridgwater Division for many years before his retirement in 1979.
Clifford Searle, DCM, QPM, passed away on 11th July 2015, aged 95 years.

*[With regard to the changes in recruitment of police officers to the military, I have been informed that this was more than a simply a lifting of the restrictions but that it incorporated a ‘call-up’ conscription. Apparently, each Divisional Commander was asked to nominate two, otherwise conscription eligible, Constables who should remain with the Police Force to secure some retention of experienced men among the new influx of War Reserve Constables and Specials] David Leach, NARPO