P. ©, Read followed him into the oom, but when the shooting started, avoided immediate trouble, by dods-ing against the wall. As he made his way forward, he sensed the situation. With a rush he got into the open, again a target for the other. Bue as he rushed, he shot. The Chinese returned fire.
Read emptied his pistol, there be-{ing three bullet holes in the canopy. Itls believed that the desperado fired twice, as-one ballet struck the officer land one went through the mud guard.
'A few minutes later Sub-Inspr. Allen, who heard the shooting, and received no response to his' calls, smashed in the doors, while a police Party, commanded by Chief-Inspr. Aiers entered through the rear door.
The deceased officer and P. C.
Read both have excellent records, and have been gazetted for meritorious conduct. P. C. Francis, was born in Wimbledon, Surrey, in' May, 1900, During the great War, although a youth, he served with the Rifles, and was honourably discharged on March 31,1920, Shortly afterwards he joined the British South African Police, resigning on June 12, 1924. After two] years. service ' with the London Metropolitan Police—July. 21, - 1924, to August 22, 1926—deceased came to Shanghai and has been in Municipal employ since October 4, 1926.
Francis in his 14 months service Shanghai, was advanced six months seniority and was rewarded with $25 for his valorous conduct in engaging] armed robbers and recovering sever-all pistol The man who shot P. C. Francis, upon being fingerprinted, wae identified as one of a gang of seven Jarmed robbers who were arrested in 4925 in West Hongkew. Later he was handed, over to the Chinese At the conclusion of the evidence, the Judge said:
"The Court desires to express its extreme satisfaction at the manner which the police have. handled this ease. The coolness, tact, an: courage of the officers concerned is to be commended very highly."
Mr. Bos:—"This is the third time in one week that the Court.has to place on record heroic sation on the art of our efficient police force. The Chinese constable already has been commended for shooting one of the robbers, but unfortunately there has been a victim in P.-C.
Francis, who displayed high courage and lived up to the best traditions of the Shanghai Municipal Police. He died while doing his duty and looking after the peace and order' of the Settlement. Surely the for-igh and Chinese community will mourn his death. P.-C, Read, who was recently commended, again has proved his courage. I am glad to know that he is recovering and hope that his recovery will be fast and full, C. P, C, 1897 deserves the highest commendation.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.