Talk:Derrick Capper

Erroneous death date

Although 20 March 1975 is given as his death date on the West Midlands Police 'Now we are 40' website, this is erroneous. He died on 21 March l977 when aged 65. This is given not only in his sketch in the Who Was Who volume for 1971-80, but it is also borne out by the first local newspaper report of his death in an edition of the Shropshire Star for that date when it was stated he had died earlier the same day. I actually recall reading this news at the time, as he was living locally to me at Shrewsbury, and have rechecked it today. I will correct this detail as well as add further information from the newspaper report and Who Was Who as well as the 1977 Kelly's Handbook.Cloptonson (talk) 13:28, 6 August 2016 (UTC)

Carried out.Cloptonson (talk) 14:20, 6 August 2016 (UTC)

Philip Knights

I have taken the 'Lord' off Philip Knights' mention because he was not a life peer (Baron) at the time and did not become one until 2 years after his retirement from office as Chief Constable. He was then addressed as Lord Knights, not as Lord Philip Knights (a usage only officially applicable to younger sons of Dukes and Marquesses).Cloptonson (talk) 21:01, 15 May 2017 (UTC)

Birmingham Pub Bombings

Capper was in charge of the West Midlands Police in whose area the pub bombings happened in late 1974. It would be an enhancement if someone could provide a sourced mention that details any role he had. It must have been of comparable significance, as the worst (for casualties) IRA attack on mainland Britain, to the mentioned 1972 strike surely, and must have been a major challenge to him in command?Cloptonson (talk) 08:55, 28 August 2025 (UTC)