OXFORD P.C’s DISGUISE

Waikato Times, Volume 119, Issue 19893, 23 May 1936, Page 18 (Supplement)

OXFORD P.C’s DISGUISE

P.C. Mil—late of Magdalen College. Oxfiord—to-day gave me “ just a spot of information" about himself. says the Brighton correspondent of a. London paper. He was christened John Wuldren— Underwood, but when he joined the Brighton Police Force 1!: months ago ‘he became plain “ Underwood " to his fellow constables and “No. 142" to 'his omcere. The secret of 1115 Oxford days was ‘revealed when he admitted in the local police court that he ‘had acted as “ a lpolice spy." to obtain evidence for a club raid and referred to a “ push lhaitlpenny board." The way ‘he said “push haltpenny board" made the defending {barrtster remark: “I presume you are an Ox—ford man?" RC. 142 said quietly: “I was at Magdalen College." > Most Talked-of Pollooman. In the accent that 'has made him ‘the most talked—of “ copper" in England to—day, young Waldren-Undor-wood told me his story. lie came down from Oxford in 1927—8. Then, to win a £lO wager with an elder brother, ‘he enlisted as‘ a private in the Gordon Highlanders. 1 “The wager was that I could not. enlist as it private and win a. com»

Former Magdalen Man on “Why I Dyed My Hair.”

lmission from the ranks.“ he told me. “ \Vell, I enlisted, stuck it out, took my examination for commission and passed. But the regiment was going abroad, and us I :m lite baby of the lamin may parents wanted me to slay at home, so I bought my discharge." Then he became Pac. I’l2 at a wage of £3 115 6d a week—which, after dcductions, leaves him about £3 (is. when he joined the police here he was a straight—haired blonde. Now his hair is dark and wavy. Waves Put In Hls Hair. “I had a few waves put in the old hair and a. dash of dye, just to darken things up a little," he expiained. _ 'He did it because, after obtaining evidence for a number of club raids. he thought he might be recognised on the same type of work, and so changed his appearance as far as possible. The change has certainly been effective. A member of one raided elub told him: “ Do you know. some peop'l: think you are the police spy fellow.” “Really," remarked Underwood. “Yes," replied the ciu'l) member. ” you must. come along to the court one day and l‘ii point the feiow out to you, and you can see the resem—blance you-rseit'.“ This invitation has been accepted.