A Salford family were given the opportunity to visit a memorial for one of their ancestors thanks to a chance encounter.
Superintendent Mark Kenny recently gave a presentation to the Swinton branch of the Women’s Institute.
After the talk, one of the attending W.I. members that day, Jayne Allen, mentioned in passing that her husband, Gordon, was the great-grandson of former Salford borough police officer, Thomas Isaac Sant.
PC Sant joined the Force in 1901, and served with distinction. He received citations for saving the life of a woman and boy from drowning and for stopping a runaway horse on Eccles New Road. In 1915 he joined the 1st Battalion Border Regiment, where he was later promoted to sergeant. Sadly, Thomas was killed just two years later during combat in France aged only 34. He left his wife, Mary and four children.
Superintendent Kenny mentioned that a memorial to former Salford officers who died during the two world wars was erected just over a year ago at Swinton police station. The memorial is located within the station.
On hearing Jayne’s story, the Superintendent invited Jayne along with her husband Gordon and his mother the granddaughter of Thomas, Eileen Allen with her husband Brian, along to the Swinton station to view the memorial.
Superintendent Mark Kenny said: “The recent centenary commemoration of the Battle of Somme reminds us of the great sacrifices made by an entire generation.
“This is especially poignant for us at the Swinton station as we remember the 21 Salford officers who died serving their country during the First World War.
“After speaking with Jayne it seemed only right to invite the family to see the memorial honouring Thomas Sant, who served both his city and country, and to pay their respects.”
Jayne shared her thoughts on the Allen family’s visit to the station: “It was a fantastic experience to visit the police station and find out a lot more about Thomas, as we did not know much ourselves.”
Jayne continued: “After nearly one hundred years those brave police officers who gave their all have a fitting memorial. This is thanks to their present day successors, who cared enough to do something about it.”
