William Forth
- Died:
- 21 March 1993
- Age:
- 34
- Rank:
- Sergeant
- Force:
- Northumbria Police
- Cause:
- Homicide - Stabbed
- Duty Status:
- On Duty
- Plaque Location:
- Unveiled 1995 at Sun Hill, Sunniside, Whickham
- Gallantry award:
- William Forth received State recognition by way of a Gallantry Award in relation to the incident where he lost his life.
Roll of Honour Citation
Died soon after being stabbed while investigating a report of domestic violence in Gateshead. Posthumously awarded the Queen’s Commendation for Bravery.
Police Memorial Tribute
Alongside a colleague, Sergeant Forth responded to a late-night call reporting a case of domestic violence and a broken window on a housing estate in Sunniside, Gateshead.
Having arrived on scene, William encountered a twenty-six-year-old man who, while under the influence of alcohol and tranquillisers, then attacked the officer, beating him with palings from a fence before stabbing him in the heart, lung and kidney.
For his actions Sergeant Forth was posthumously awarded the Queen’s Commendation for Bravery.
William joined Northumbria Police in 1979 and served in Sunderland. He was promoted to sergeant in 1989 and later seconded to the district training centre at Aykley Heads in Durham. On his return to Northumbria he served in areas including Felling and Whickham, in Gateshead.
Prior to his death, William was working towards becoming an Inspector and had been commended by a judge for his bravery while tackling two armed men.
