Ploughing policemen: the forgotten heroes of WW1

History offers valuable lessons on the role of our emergency services, and one such surprising example is the British police’s pivotal involvement in the First World War on home soil.

For the first time, historian Dr Mary Fraser from the University of Glasgow tells the remarkable story of how over 400 British policemen threw down their truncheons and picked up a spade to prevent national starvation during the First World War.

The police weekly journal showed 21 locations in England and Scotland where these releases occurred and that the police were ideal to help farmers In 1917, Britain faced the realistic threat of food shortages that could have sparked riots and helped to undermine the war effort. To help fight this threat, policemen with agricultural experience were temporarily released from policing duties to aid farmers with vital tasks like ploughing and harvesting.

Their efforts were essential in ensuring that the country avoided the food riots experienced by other nations such as Germany, Austria-Hungary, and France. Thanks to this quick action, the country was able to strengthen its war effort, ultimately contributing to victory.

Dr Fraser’s new book, The British Police and Home Food Production in the Great War, offers insights into how the police’s role has changed over the years, and shines a light upon an often-overlooked chapter of modern history.

At a time where trust in the police is at an all-time low, Dr Fraser’s work offers a reminder of the vital contributions and sacrifices made by the service in the past.

Policemen were given tasks such as ploughing or helping with the harvest of crops to prevent food shortages

A vital role in times of crisis

The book highlights many important points. The successful increase in homegrown food helped prevent food riots that were so prevalent across the continent during the war, bolstering the nation’s resolve and its continued ability to fight.

At the time, around a third of the police force had an agricultural background, making them ideal candidates to step in to help. Their work helped provide the nation with a steady food supply and quash any risks of civil unrest that may have undermined the war effort.

The role of the police to step in to help in emergency situations is not exclusive to the past. In modern times, they have been called upon to step in to other sectors during crises – such as during the Covid-19 pandemic, where officers were reassigned to drive ambulances and provide training to alleviate some of the pressure on health services. This type of flexible, responsive action mirrored the essential role they played during the First World War, illustrating how they can adapt in times of need.

In her new book, Dr Fraser states that reflecting on the past is crucial to understanding the changing role of the police today.

She emphasises that the police have always been more than just law enforcers, praising their efforts during the Great War and quoting Prime Minister David Lloyd George who said ‘the food question ultimately decided the issue of the war’.

Author, Dr Mary Fraser, hopes her latest work can help shed a light on the vital role of the police in food production during WW1 “This would not have happened without the help given by policemen to the agricultural effort,” she says.

“There is little doubt that the country would have suffered from riots and starvation otherwise. Severe food shortages are known to lead to rioting.

“If we are to understand the changes in the social and cultural context of policing, then it’s imperative that we consider police involvement in disaster management through the ages. By foregrounding the present in the context of the past we can remind ourselves that the vast majority are there to serve and protect.”

This perspective can help reshape the way we view and interact with the police today.

Dr Rick Muir, director of The Police Foundation, supports this view, stressing the importance of recognising the wider role of police forces within society.

“Policing has tended to pay insufficient attention to its past,” he said, “but Dr Fraser’s book reminds us how important it is for the police and society to understand the role they’ve played over time. "Understanding this helps shape their role and identity today.”

As the future continues to look uncertain, the lessons from history are more important than ever. The police, as one of the core emergency services, are not just there to uphold the law – they are trained to help in times of crisis. By reflecting on their role during the First World War, we can better understand and appreciate their current and future endeavours in safeguarding our communities.

Dr Fraser’s work illustrates how the police can play a pivotal role as a part of a resilient, adaptable society. It serves as a reminder that, while modern policing faces regular scrutiny, the spirit of serving community and protection lingers at its heart.