Officer who died on duty honoured by the King

A Hampshire officer who died on duty doing the job that he loved has been honoured by the King.

The family of Detective Constable Malcolm Wiltshire proudly attended Windsor Castle to see him become one of the very first recipients of the Elizabeth Emblem.

This new national honour is awarded to those who have died in public service in recognition of the sacrifice they made while dedicating their lives to helping others.

Named after the late Queen, the silver emblem offers a lasting legacy for the recipients, which has provided great comfort to their loved ones.

DC Wiltshire joined Hampshire Constabulary in 1962 and was given the collar number 99, being deployed to Newport, on the Isle of Wight.

His final posting was OS Photographic in Lyndhurst, taking photographs at scenes, an integral part of the investigation team back then.

It was one of his photos that was key to a public appeal featured on Crimewatch, leading to it becoming the first of their televised appeals to be solved as a direct result of call from viewers.

This proud moment came just a year before he died in 1985, when the aircraft he was on crashed in Ringwood.

He was on-board taking aerial photographs of the traffic congestion in the town, on market day. Both he and the pilot were tragically killed on impact.

Attending Windsor Castle on behalf of DC Wiltshire was his son Martin, who was just 15-year-old at the time.

Martin and his family are an important part of our policing family here in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, taking part in three of the UK Police Unity Tours, raising thousands of pounds for police charities.

This year he completed 300 miles of the cycling challenge with his eldest daughter Amy, raising awareness for Care of Police Survivors (COPS).

Martin joined the loved ones of 37 other recipients at the historic event, including Lissie Harper, the widow of PC Andrew Harper, our colleague from Thames Valley Police, who was tragically killed on duty in 2019.

Martin, who was accompanied by his wife Denise, said: “When I applied for my dad to be given this honour, we never expected to be receiving it at Windsor Castle by The King.

“That’s when it really dawned on us how significant this was, especially with the 40^th anniversary of his death coming up next year.

“We were blown away and it means so much that the King himself has put such importance on awarding this honour to those who died while helping people.

“He spent a couple of minutes talking to us about my dad, which was really special and it is fantastic to get this national recognition for my dad.

“He would be so proud and I know that he would be smiling like he always was. He took such pride in his work, knowing that what he did helped to get justice for people.

“It is important that people do not forget what these people have done and it has been a huge comfort to be part of the wider policing family.

He added: “The constabulary and the federation have both been so welcoming to us as part of that family, which has been very comforting.

“That I can talk about my dad to those who still do the job is really special because there’s an understanding there, they know what it means to do the job and how that impacts their families. It takes such bravery to do what they do.”

Chief Constable Scott Chilton added:  “The Elizabeth Emblem, stands as a testament to the courage and dedication of our fallen heroes. I was delighted to see that one of the first emblems was given to Martin Wiltshire, whose dad, Detective Constable Malcolm Wiltshire, sadly died while on duty here in Hampshire.

“Malcolm embodied the true spirit of heroism, facing danger with unwavering courage to protect our community. His loss is still deeply felt, but the legacy of selflessness and valor will forever inspire us.

“I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to DC Wiltshire’s family, who have endured unimaginable loss. Malcolm has never been forgotten by us as a force and I hope this national recognition shows just how grateful the country is of his contribution.  

“Your Dad’s courage and dedication will forever be remembered, and his sacrifice will always be honoured.”

The Elizabeth Emblem is the civilian equivalent of the Elizabeth Cross.

The design incorporates a rosemary wreath, a traditional symbol of remembrance, which surrounds the Tudor Crown, the chosen crown of His Majesty the King.

It bears the poignant inscription ‘For A Life Given in Service’ and will have the name of the person for whom it is in memoriam inscribed on the reverse of the Emblem.

It includes a pin to allow the award to be worn by the next of kin of the person t commemorates. A miniature of the emblem accompanies it, which can also be worn, and recipients also receive s memorial scroll.

Hampshire Police Federation Chair, Spencer Wragg, added: “As a police family we remember officers who have lost their lives whilst in service.

"It is as important today as it was at the time to remember Malcolm. I am pleased to see his family being one of the first recipients of the Elizabeth Emblem as a sign of recognition for his service.”

Families and next of kin of those who have died in public service are invited to apply for the honour.