The Battle Of Enfield Street 1926

In May 1926 there was a general strike lasting nine days, after which the other
workers returned to their employment leaving the miners to fight on alone. The
strike was relatively peaceful until Monday 13 October when coal was wound for the first time at Pemberton Colliery. A crowd estimated at 2,000 had gathered and Mr. Pey, expecting trouble, ordered the crowd to disperse, then led his officers in a baton charge. This was the only incident in which the police had to use force, and became known as “... the battle of Enfield Street.” Allegations were made that women standing at their doors and onlookers were struck, but nobody needed hospital treatment. Wigan’s MP, John Allen Parkinson, tried to bring up the matter in Parliament but was ruled out of order by the speaker. There is no doubt that in the opinion of one writer, the incident “...soured relations between the police and that community for a generation.” Throughout the strike, Mr. Pey never left the town and on occasions slept at the police station. In 1927 he was given the OBE for his services during the strike.

Good, informative thread. Cheers, me dear.

Most welcome.

The Mr Pey mentioned is of course Tom Pey, Chief Constable of Wigan, 1921-46.

Yes he is. He was seen walking on sticks....

Seems you're getting above them now.

Buggeration!

https://www.wigan-rejects.com/t10365-battle-of-enfield-street

Small, frail, leather coat wearing, elderly males with brown labradors need not apply.

Haha.

I've learned something new today. I always thought the police had alsatians.

Could someone point MarieM on WW to this excellent post.

Is she not a member here?

Joseph, thank you so much for this information. I have been dying to know what it was since Jarvo mentioned it. I thought he was joking.

Marie,I sent you an email at 6-10 to have a look on here, seeing that Jarvo wasn't going to reply to you.

Nice one, Maureen. Frail old men need their rest.

True Mac..true

Good thread, thanks Joseph.

Link

You're most welcome folks.

Incidentally the allegations of police brutality was unfounded as only a couple of people were knocked over in the charge, the riot act was read and most folk went home, no beatings were given out and no battle occurred. It was an excellent execution of a police action on an unruly mob, Mr Pey was commended for his action and the control of his men.

I bet they wished they had Chief Constable Tom Pey and his lads up there now.