Family of Detective Constable Malcolm Wiltshire who died in plane crash on duty receive Elizabeth Emblem from King Charles
A POLICE officer who died doing the job that he loved has been honoured by King Charles to become one of the first recipients of the Elizabeth Emblem.
Hampshire officer Detective Constable Malcolm Wiltshire died when a plane he was on taking aerial photos of a traffic jam in Ringwood crashed. Both he and the pilot were killed in the accident in 1985.
Last week, his family went to Windsor Castle to see him posthumously awarded the emblem, which is a new national honour named after the late Queen and given to those who died in public service.
DC Wiltshire joined Hampshire Constabulary in 1962. His final posting was OS Photographic in Lyndhurst, taking photographs of crime scenes and traffic incidents.
One of his photos was key to a public appeal featured on Crimewatch that was the first of their televised appeals to be solved as a direct result of call from viewers.
Attending Windsor Castle on behalf of DC Wiltshire was his son Martin, who was just 15 years old at the time of his father’s death.
Martin and his family still support Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary and have taken part in three of the UK Police Unity Tours, raising thousands of pounds for police charities.
This year Martin completed a 300-mile cycling challenge with his eldest daughter Amy, raising awareness for Care of Police Survivors (COPS).
He joined relatives of 37 other award recipients at the historic event, including Lissie Harper, the widow of PC Andrew Harper, who was tragically killed on duty in 2019.
Martin, who was accompanied by his wife Denise, said: “When I applied for my dad to be given this honour, we never expected to be receiving it at Windsor Castle by the King.
“That’s when it really dawned on us how significant this was, especially with the 40th anniversary of his death coming up next year.
“We were blown away and it means so much that the King himself has put such importance on awarding this honour to those who died while helping people.
“He spent a couple of minutes talking to us about my dad, which was really special, and it is fantastic to get this national recognition.
“He would be so proud, and I know that he would be smiling like he always was. He took such pride in his work, knowing that what he did helped to get justice for people.
“It is important that people do not forget what these people have done, and it has been a huge comfort to be part of the wider policing family.
He added: “The constabulary and the federation have both been so welcoming to us as part of that family, which has been very comforting.
“That I can talk about my dad to those who still do the job is really special because there’s an understanding there; they know what it means to do the job and how that impacts their families. It takes such bravery to do what they do.”
Chief Constable Scott Chilton added: “The Elizabeth Emblem stands as a testament to the courage and dedication of our fallen heroes. I was delighted to see that one of the first emblems was given to Martin Wiltshire, whose dad, Detective Constable Malcolm Wiltshire, sadly died while on duty here in Hampshire.
“Malcolm embodied the true spirit of heroism, facing danger with unwavering courage to protect our community. His loss is still deeply felt, but the legacy of selflessness and valour will forever inspire us.
“I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to DC Wiltshire’s family, who have endured unimaginable loss. Malcolm has never been forgotten by us as a force and I hope this national recognition shows just how grateful the country is for his contribution.
“Your Dad’s courage and dedication will forever be remembered, and his sacrifice will always be honoured.”
