Former sergeant and bravery medal winner dies aged 100
A former officer, who became one of the first women in the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) to be awarded the George Medal, has died aged 100.
A former officer, who became one of the first women in the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) to be awarded the George Medal, has died aged 100.
Ethel Bush joined the MPS as a constable in 1946 after serving with the Womens Auxiliary Air Force.
She was promoted to sergeant seven years later.
In 1955, after several women including her colleague PC Kathleen Parrott were attacked walking along Fairfield Path in Croydon, Sgt Bush volunteered to act as a decoy to help catch the assailant.
With six CID officers, a dog handler and PC Parrott acting as back up, Sgt Bush walked in plain clothes along the mile-and-a-half route.
Just yards from a main road, she was attacked by William George Barnett, 29, who brought a log down on her head.
However, Sgt Bush maintained consciousness and managed to grab Barnetts jacket before he hit her again and fled.
He was promptly arrested, and Sgt Bush who needed 11 stitches to repair her head wound was among nine women able to positively identify him.
Barnett was sentenced to ten years imprisonment at Londons Old Bailey.
The judge in the case commended PC Parrott and Sgt Bush for their most conspicuous gallantry, and later that year both women were awarded the George Medal.
Sgt Bush also received a Commissioners High Commendation and £15 from the Bow Street Police Fund.
The log she was hit with is on display in the Crime Museum.
After retiring in 1971, Sgt Bush moved to Crawley so she could be closer to her family.
She passed away on May 18.
Sgt Bush celebrated her 100th birthday on March 10, and to celebrate the milestone, she was visited by Assistant Commissioner Helen King and PC Katie Dennell, one of the forces youngest officers.
Ms King said: It was a privilege to meet Ethel and thank her. As a woman officer just after the war who showed such courage, she helped pave the way for women of my generation to have hugely satisfying and successful careers in policing.
PC Dennell added: Having read about Ethel in the Crime Museum, it was amazing to meet her so soon after starting my career as an officer.
I hope I can bring the same determination and bravery she did into my work in keeping the public safe.