Walter William Cooper Minns

Sergeant Walter Minns was a retired Metropolitan Police detective. A firm but fair man he was well known and respected by the local force. Meetings and the academic training needed to pass tests in, for example, explosive types and amounts needed, were held in his house which would have had a good view of the OB location just across a small valley.

Sergeant Minns was a World War 1 veteran having served as a Private in the Gloucestershire Regiment, Norfolk Regiment and Army Service Corps. He was awarded the Victory and British medal.

Walter and Corporal Frank Hannaford were of a similar age and had both witnessed the horrors of the Great War. Though they made sure their men were well tested, disciplined and ready for their intended role they also kept a fatherly eye on their young charges and managed to get a few out of some sticky situations.

Born in Bungay, Suffolk to William and Edith, he married Laura Annie Brett 7 Dec 1912 in Westminster while working in Paddington Green, London.