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Officers who died on duty recognised in national honour

Josh CannIsle of Man, Isle of Man
News imageIOM Constabulary black and white photos of two police officers, one on police bike and one a standard headshot. IOM Constabulary
Gordon Black (left) and Jack Cretney died in separate incidents while serving with Isle of Man Constabulary

The families of two police officers who died while serving with Isle of Man Constabulary are to receive the Elizabeth Emblem, a national honour conferred by the King.

Sgt Jack Cretney and PC Gordon Black will be formally recognised when the UK government announces this year's recipients for the accolade on Thursday.

Cretney died in separate incidents in 1958 and 1966 respectively.

The emblem is awarded to next of kin and bears the words For A Life Given In Service.

Who were Jack Cretney and Gordon Black?

Jack Cretney, 41, died in the Winter Hill air disaster on 27 February 1958, one of 35 people killed when a charter flight crashed into the hillside near Bolton in heavy snow.

He had been travelling from Ronaldsway to Manchester on police business, representing his force at a trade show before a planned visit to a battery factory as a guest of Manx motor traders.

Gordon Black, born in 1927, was killed on 5 January 1966 while on a motorcycle patrol in Laxey in poor weather. He left behind a wife and four young children.

News imageA black and white image of a plane propellor buried in the ground.
Only seven people survived the Winter Hill air crash

Lieutenant Governor Sir John Lorimer said the emblem was "a fitting and lasting recognition" of the two men.

"Jack Cretney and Gordon Black served the island and its community at different times and in very different circumstances, but both shared an outstanding commitment to public service that is at the heart of policing," he said.

Chief Constable Russell Foster said it was "a great honour" for the force and the men's service was "part of the history and heritage of policing on the Isle of Man."

What is the Elizabeth Emblem?

Introduced in 2024, the Elizabeth Emblem is the non-military equivalent of the Elizabeth Cross, which recognises members of the Armed Forces killed in action or in terrorist attacks.

It bears the words For A Life Given In Service, with the recipient's name inscribed on the reverse.

Nominations are considered by the George Cross Committee before recommendations go to the King.

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