Plaque honours Blackburn police hero on 64th anniversary of his death

The new wall plaque on Blackburn College grounds commemorates the bravery of Detective Inspector James O’Donnell of Blackburn Police, who was shot and killed just 100 yards from the old police station in Blackburn town centre in 1958. 

In the early hours of the December 13, just two weeks before Christmas, the officer had gone to a house to negotiate with a deranged gunman who he knew had just killed a woman and shot a fellow police officer. 

The Police Memorial Trust (PMT) hosted the ceremony to unveil the memorial to remember the service and bravery of DI O’Donnell, who was also honoured with the Queen’s Police Medal (for Gallantry) and the Military Medal & BAR.

The plaque has been honed from red Balmoral granite, is inscribed in gold leaf lettering and reads ‘Here fell Detective Inspector James O’Donnell QPM MM & Bar – 13 December 1958’. 

The unveiling was attended by descendants of the officer as well as many ex and serving police officers and the Mayor of Blackburn with Darwen, Cllr Suleman Khonat.

After speeches in a lecture theatre, uniformed police officers led the guests out to the wall plaque where The Last Post and Reveille were sounded to commemorate the ultimate sacrifice of the DI O’Donnell.

A tribute from PMT chair, Geraldine Winner, who was unable to attend the unveiling due to an illness, was read out by Michael Messinger.

He said: “I am privileged to unveil this memorial to the service and bravery of Detective Inspector James O’Donnell here in Blackburn.

"By any definition of the word this man was a true hero.

“It is entirely appropriate that this memorial be placed here on Blackburn College campus as it reminds the public, especially the younger generations, of the inherently dangerous job the police do every day on our behalf.

“Today sees the first time the charity, founded by my late husband, has placed this type of memorial in Lancashire.”

Chief Constable Chris Rowley, of Lancashire Constabulary, said: “Detective Inspector James O’Donnell made the ultimate sacrifice while serving the community in which he lived.

“I would like to place on record my thanks to the Police Memorial Trust for their work in arranging this event and for funding this lasting memorial to Mr O’Donnell.

“It is important that his service and sacrifice are never forgotten. His story is one that resonates with us all as police officers which is why so many serving officers were keen to attend this memorial service.”

Detective Inspector James O’Donnell – a war hero

At the outbreak of World War Two, Mr O’Donnell left his role in the Blackburn police to rejoin the army, where he became a celebrated war hero.

He was shot and captured by the Nazis in Holland in May 1940 during Operation Harpoon - a mission which saw the Dutch Royal Family and government evacuated from the Hook of Holland and the Dutch gold and currency reserves brought to England.

After being taken a prisoner of war he made no fewer than nine escape attempts, eventually winning his freedom in April 1945 and re-joining advancing Allied troops in Bergen where he witnessed the horrific scenes in the death camps.

Detective Inspector James O’Donnell, whose medal set includes the Queen’s Police Medal for gallantry awarded posthumously and the Military Medal with a BAR awarded during the war. And the funeral passes the law courts

Mr O’Donnell, who lived in Higher Croft Road, Blackburn, later returned to his old job in Blackburn police where he was quickly selected for the CID. He rose to the rank of Detective Inspector in 1955.

During his police career, which saw him become head of the Blackburn CID, he received no fewer than six commendations, earning two in one day, before tragically being gunned down in the line of duty.

Detective Inspector James O’Donnell had joined the police in 1932 before heading off to war. He was later promoted through the ranks.