Recognition of Service: Sergeant Edward Williams Thomson

Sergeant Edward Thomson

Sergeant Edward Williams Thomson was tragically killed on the 13^th of January 1982 while he was responding to an emergency call in Cumbernauld. During the incident, the marked police vehicle he was travelling in skidded on ice and overturned. Sergeant Thomson succumbed to his injuries while receiving treatment at Monklands District General Hospital in Airdrie.

Police Career and Service Record

Sergeant Thomson began his policing career with Buckinghamshire Constabulary on 11 January 1960. He later transferred to Dunbartonshire Constabulary on 1 October 1965, which subsequently became part of the newly created Strathclyde Police on 16 May 1975. At the time of his passing, Sergeant Thomson had completed 22 years and two days of police service.

Eligibility for the Police Long Service & Good Conduct Medal

Initially, Sergeant Thomson’s family were informed that he did not meet the criteria for the Police Long Service & Good Conduct medal. However, he had, in fact, become eligible for this honour just two days before the tragic accident, as the original requirement was 22 years’ service as a full-time regular police officer, later amended to 20 years’ service.

Discovery Regarding the Medal

Subsequent research led to the discovery of a handwritten memo from the Strathclyde Police Personnel Department addressed to then ACC William Robertson (Personnel), written nearly a month after Sergeant Thomson’s death. The memo confirmed that Sergeant Thomson did indeed qualify for the medal and that the Personnel Department possessed the award. The memo further stated that arrangements were to be made to present the medal to Mrs Thomson.

Unreceived Award and Rectification

Despite these intentions, Sergeant Thomson’s family confirmed that they were never contacted, nor did they receive the medal. The whereabouts of the medal remain unknown, and it was clear that Sergeant Thomson’s family were entitled to receive this recognition.

Upon being made aware of this oversight, Divisional Commander Chief Superintendent Vicky Watson took immediate action to resolve the situation.

Presentation of the Medal

The presentation of the Police Long Service & Good Conduct medal for Sergeant Thomson took place on the 17^th of December 2025 at Lanarkshire Divisional Headquarters in Motherwell. The medal was presented to Eddie’s daughter, Susan, by Chief Superintendent Watson, finally honouring Sergeant Thomson’s dedicated service.