Lewis James Cann

Excerpt from an email from Captain John Cann, son of Lewis and Catherine Cann, dated May 17th, 2008:

"LEWIS JAMES CANN 21/2/1903 to 29/11/1972- (Number 8)

In his early days he probably helped his father in the market garden, as all the boys appeared to have done. Dad started off learning his trade as an Apprentice Shipwright in a local Bideford shipyard, however, in 1925 at age 22, he took and passed the Police entry exam and was appointed a Police Constable in the Devon Constabulary He married IDA CATHERINE COX, of Appledore and in January 1926 their first son, LAWRENCE WILLIAM REGINALD (died 28/10/73 aged 49) arrived, followed by ROY WILLIS (27/3/27 died 12/10/06). There was then a five year wait for a momentous event when "Captain John" arrived on 10/5/1932. Finally a longed for daughter MARION RUTH was born 8/7/1939. So there you have my family background but-if you can withstand it-will write more about LWR/RW ad MR at a later date.

LEWIS JAMES was the typical "country bobby" of the day, whereby he was responsible for his own little village domain and justice was dispensed on the spot! For ten years 1938-1948 we lived at Shillingford , Devon, a farming community, away from the revages of war. Annually, we would make the 45 mile trip down tho Northam, where Dad would assist in shearing Granfer Cann's sheep. Here we would meet up with Aunt Flora, her husband, Bill Dymond and Aunt Nell (Walters wife). I recall Bill Dymond did a milk round with a pony and trap and I loved it when he would invite me to accompany him!.

Lewis James retired from the Police 31/ 10/1952 when he and Mum bought a house in Appledore.Here they resided until September 1972, when, sadly, Mum passed away. Dad followed her two months later He was cremated and his ashes interred in the family grave at Northam."

From Northam Cemetery:

Zza 3: (Upright - Polished Granite + Kerb)

(Gap Of 2 Then This Stone)

In

Loving Memory Of

Emma

Beloved Wife Of

John Cann

Who Entered Into Rest Aug. 31st. 1944,

Aged 78 Years.

_______ _______ ________

She Hath Done What She Could.

And Of The Above Named

John Cann

Who Passed Peacefully Away

January 6th 1952,

Aged 90 Years.

_______ _______ _______

"Until The Day Breaks."

Also Their Son

Lewis James Cann,

Who Died November 29th. 1972,

Aged 69 Years.

______ _____ _____

At Rest

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Info from Devon & Cornwall Constabulary:

Constable 45 Lewis James CANN, born 21 February 1903, appointed 1 March 1925, height 5'91/2", retired on pension 31 October 1952.

Annual pay on leaving: pounds sterling 455-12s-d

Annual pension: pounds sterling 265-15s-4d