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Waterland, Alexander

Policeman
Hartlepool
England
19/5/1930

I was born on the 19th of May, 1930, the youngest of five children, and lived at 10 Hunter Street, West Hartlepool. My parents were William Thomas and Eva Waterland – my mother’s maiden name being Duphie.

I started work with L.N.E.R. in 1944, in the carriage & wagon works, transferring to the signal cabins in 1946. Two years later, aged 18, I was called-up for National Service, completing my Basic Training at Elgin in Scotland, serving with the Royal Engineers – Army No.22069051.

I remember completing a Bomb Disposal Course at Alford, near Skegness in Lincolnshire. This was a four-week course, although being a Private meant I didn’t learn how to diffuse bombs, only how to dig them out!

I was demobbed in 1950 and returned to my job with the railways and in 1951 I transferred to the Transport Police, initially stationed with the Hartlepool Docks & Rail Unit.

I married Maureen (Shepherd), on February 7th, 1953, at Stranton Parish Church – it was a very cold day with snow on the ground.

In 1962 I was transferred across to Middlesbrough, with four short spells in London, serving at various places including Waterloo Station and Stratford Lift; I also undertook some Royal Duties. I retired in 1985.

 


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