Act of Remembrance for Police Constable Peter Guthrie QPM (posthumously)
It was an honour to join family, friends and police colleagues, both past and present, today at Canley Crematorium for the memorial service for PC Peter Guthrie QPM, marking the 50th anniversary of his death.
Peter was 21-years old when he was tragically shot and killed whilst investigating a break-in at a gun shop in Coventry in the early hours of 22 July 1972.
Young in service and newly married, he left his wife of three months, Annamaria who later joined Warwickshire Police as a constable and rose through the ranks, becoming a Chief Inspector.
Senior officers from both Warwickshire and West Midlands Police, together with the honour guards joined today’s tribute.
The commemoration was introduced by Coventry NARPO Chairman and recently retired West Midlands Police Benevolent Fund Trustee and Operations Committee member, Ben Whitehouse. Followed by an address and prayers by Reverend Lesley Johnson.
The laying of wreathes was led by Coventry NARPO Branch President, Gordon Meredith, GM. Gordon was awarded the George Medal for his bravery after suffering gunshot wounds attending the same incident where PC Guthrie was fatally shot 50 years ago.
PC Guthrie was posthumously awarded the Queen’s Police Medal for Gallantry.
Today, we gathered at Peter’s graveside and took a moment to remember, reflect and pay tribute to a young officer’s incredible bravery.
A permanent memorial to Peter, sponsored by The Police Memorial Trust, was later unveiled by Mrs Winner, Chairman of the Trust and Annamaria, at a site near to where Peter was tragically killed.
