Today, Sunday 27th September 2020, is The National Police Memorial Day. It was founded by Joe Holness, following the brutal killing of fellow Kent Police officer Jon Odell, at Margate, in December 2000.
Since an act of parliament, in 1792, which created the first salaried Constables, almost 4,000 Police officers have been killed on duty, often in brutal circumstances.
The NPMD is supported by Royalty, Government and UK Police services. His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales become Patron in 2006.
The service, which rotates around each of the four countries, is held on the nearest Sunday to 29th September. This coincides with Saint Michael's day - The patron Saint of Police officers.
The inaugural NPMD service was held at Saint Pauls Cathedral on Sunday 3rd October 2004. Subsequent services have been held each year, in Cardiff (2005) Belfast (2006) Edinburgh (2007) and Liverpool (2008).
DC John Fordham, a Met Police Officer, was undercover and part of a surveillance operation of a suspect for laundering of the gold stolen during the Brinks Mat Robbery which had taken place on 26th November 1983. On 26th January 1985, DC Fordham and a colleague moved into the garden and disturbed his dogs, whose barking attracted the suspect who was armed with a knife. He attacked DC Fordham, stabbing him 10 times. He died two hours later. He was 45 years old.
You are standing in front of the Memorial to DC Fordham which was unveiled on 1st September 1987.
On the memorial please take down the 3rd digit, A, then go and find some yellow numbers. Firstly on the telegraph pole behind you, BCDEFG. Then cross over the road to the salt bin, HJK.
Update 5/4/21: in case the salt bin number disappears completely then count the letters in the relevant words on the white sign on it which starts "This salt..." where:
H=8th-14th, J=17th, K=11th-3rd
The 60ml pot can be found at:
N51 20. E-D G*K A*B
E0 15. C*E F-H G*J (update 8/11/25: add 18 for new final)