Introduction

Among the economic downturn present in Victoria in 1913 which effectively prohibited the supplementation of the police force by adding additional officers, the Police Force suffered an immeasurable loss of one of their finest and most respected members, Sergeant W.H. Clayards.  Several months after his death, his widow would join the Victoria Police department and would continue serving Victoria, and earning the distinction of becoming one of Victoria’s first female officers.

Personal Life

Sergeant Clayards was born in England, and served as a member of the Royal Marine Light Infantry on board of H.M.S. Satellite. Whilst the ship was docked in Victoria, he obtained his discharge and joined the Victoria Police Department as a patrolman in March 1895.[1] He continued to work for the VicPD for 14 years before he was promoted to the Detective staff where he was quickly made the patrol sergeant.

Sergeant Clayards was a fine officer, in the opinion of the public and his co-workers on the police force.[2] He figured prominently in many cases of public interest during which he would always conduct his business professionally and efficiently. Clayards, being very enthusiastic with the work of the St. John’s Ambulance Corps first aid work, brought his interest and the first aid work to the Police Department, ensuring the training and effectively making the police force an extension of the St. John’s Ambulance Corps.

In his personal life, Sergeant Clayards had four kids, a wife and was an active member of local organizations. For several years, he served as the president of the Sons of England Benevolent Society, which had the mandate of protecting the interest of those born in England. Mr. Clayards was also an impressive athlete and during the visit by the Duke of Connaught to Victoria, Sergeant Clayards won the all-round open championship from all comers at the meet held then; he had many medals and badges for his prowess on the athletic field.[3]

Passing

In March 1913, at the age of 46 Sergeant Clayards fell ill for three days before succumbing to an operation to remove a blood clot in his brain at the Royal Jubilee Hospital. His sudden death, shook the members of the Victoria Police Department who lost not only a great officer, but a great friend, father, and husband. His Funeral took place several days later, and was witnessed by many among the ranks of the VicPD and the general public; six of his fellow officers acted as pall bearers, carrying his casket, which was draped in the Union Jack to his final resting place, in the Bay Ross Cemetery.[4] The Fifth Regiment Band played at his funeral, while the Sons of England, preformed their rituals for their most esteemed peer. The local fire department, and the Mayor were in attendance.

A high tribute was paid to him by Chief Langley:

“I cannot speak too highly of Sergeant Clayards … he was a thoroughly efficient officer, very neat in his habits and most particular in keeping the station as clean and smart as a man of war. His enthusiasm in the Ambulance Corps work has been a valuable asset to the force.”[5]

His death was deeply felt throughout the entire force. His wife, Mrs. Clayards would not be forgotten by the members of the police force, who held a concert benefit in her name, raising a substantial $763.50 for her wellbeing.[6] Eight months after the passing of her beloved husband, Mrs. Clayards would be sworn into the Victoria Police Department as one of the first police women in the departmental history.

Written by Clayton King

References:

[1] Departed Comrade Followed to grave, The Daily Colonist, Thursday March 27, 1913 pg. 10 (Accessible http://archive.org/stream/dailycolonist55y89uvic#page/n9/mode/1up/search/clayards+clayard)

[2] Ibid.

[3] Ibid.

[4] Ibid.

[5] Funeral of Sergeant Clayards Arranged, The Daily Colonist, March 24 1913.

[6] Benefit Concert Success, The Daily Colonist, July 3, 1913 pg. 7. (Accessible http://archive.org/stream/dailycolonist55y173uvic#page/n6/mode/1up)