Thomas Dempsey

Died

8 June 1940

Age

Rank

Head Constable

Force

Royal Ulster Constabulary

Cause

Homicide - Shot

Duty Status

On Duty

Roll of Honour Citation

Shot dead by one of his own Constables who then shot himself.

Roll of Honour Citation

Shot dead by one of his own Constables who then shot himself.

Circumstances

Shot dead by one of his own constables who then shot himself.

Head Constable Dempsey was on foot patrol at Queens Quay, Londonderry inspecting Constable Edward Corr who was on duty in the area. A conversation took place between the two officers which was described as ordinary and not peculiar by witnesses.

A Harbour Constable who had also spoken to Corr observed when the Head Constable was about ten paces moving away, saw Constable Corr draw his service pistol and shoot at the officer. Thomas Dempsey was shot several times and fell to the ground. Constable Corr then turned the weapon on himself and shot himself in the head. The Harbour Constable found both officers had died.

He was married with two daughters. He had previously joined the Royal Irish Constabulary in 1913 before transferring to the Royal Ulster Constabulary.

The reason for the shooting was never established at the Inquest.