Mexborough & Swinton Times – Saturday 04 January 1941

Police Chief Honoured

King’s Medal for Supt. H. P. Varley

The Mexborough district will share in congratulations extended to Supt. Harry Peat Varley, head of the Staincross Division of the West Riding Constabulary, on his receipt of the King’s Police and Fire Medal.

The award was mentioned with suitable tributes at the West Riding Court, Barnsley, on Wednesday. Supt. Varley has had 37 years’ service in the West Riding Force and for two years was at Mexborough.

He Joined the Force in 1904, was made Sergeant in 1918, Inspector in 1924, and Superintendent in 1928, the date of his transfer to Mexborough. He has been Superintendent at Barnsley for ten years. He has also had service at Wakefield, Huddersfield, Doncaster, Leeds, Harrogate and Settle, serving altogether in eight divisions.

At Barnsley his efficiency in court and in all matters appertaining to police administration has been greatly appreciated. At the opening of Wednesday’s court at Barnsley the Chairman (Mr. G. H. Norton) offered congratulations on behalf of the magistrates. He said the Bench were very gratified indeed to know that Mr. Varley’s fine service had been recognised, and all were agreed that he fully deserved the honour bestowed upon him.

The Clerk (Mr. P St. J. Carrington) offered his personal congratulations, adding, “There is no one who deserves it more than you ” Mr. L. Wagstaffe associated himself with the remarks on behalf of the legal profession, and tributes were also offered privately by pressmen attending the court.