Douglas Webb

Who was Douglas Webb?

Douglas Edward Webb CVO OBE was a British police officer in the London Metropolitan Police, who served as Deputy Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis from 1961 to 1966.

Webb was the son of a Metropolitan Police Superintendent. He was educated at Bordon Grammar School and Devonport High School for Boys and followed his father into the Metropolitan Police in 1929. In 1935 he was selected for Hendon Police College, passing out with the Baton of Honour the following year.

During the Second World War, he served as aircrew in the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. He was commissioned as a Pilot Officer in December 1944. He was promoted Flying Officer in June 1945. From 1945 to 1947 he served on the Allied Commission in Italy and Austria. In 1947 he was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire.

In 1952, Webb was promoted Chief Superintendent commanding Bow Street division. In 1953 he transferred to West End Central and in 1954 he was promoted Deputy Commander at Scotland Yard.

He was promoted to Commander and took over No.3 District on 1 December 1955. He was promoted to Assistant Commissioner "B" on 20 January 1957, and Assistant Commissioner "A" in December 1958. While holding this post he established the Special Patrol Group. In 1961 he was appointed Commander of the Royal Victorian Order and Officier of the Légion d'honneur. He retired on 8 April 1966.