Prev
Incident
Killed while on foot patrol at Avonmouth Docks, Bristol, when the rear wall of Transit Shed No. 1 collapsed on top of him and crushed him to death. He is the only member of the force known to have lost his life on duty.
He was born in Bristol and served in the4th(City of Bristol) Battalion,Gloucestershire Regiment– the “Glosters” before joining the Port of Bristol Police where he served for six years. He left behind a wife and two daughters.
In 2021 a plaque to commemorate the death in service of PC John Hoult, a Dockyard Policeman, was unveiled by the Lord-Lieutenant of Bristol.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtqqyp3ah2gf74d7f7f2z- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew John. Claim this record.
This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.
Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Police Constable Hoult served with the Port of Bristol Police.
Thank you for your service. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Police Constable Hoult.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Accident
John is the only officer of Port of Bristol Police remembered here.
John is one of 1,335 officers lost to accidents in ENG, 47.9% of the 2,786 remembered there.
John is one of 1,673 officers lost to accidents in United Kingdom, 44.1% of the 3,791 remembered there.
John is one of 10,096 officers lost to accidents worldwide, 29.6% of the 34,103 remembered here.
34,103 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1929, 10 officers in ENG were lost to accidents, the 42nd heaviest of 193 years on record. The heaviest was 1940, with 35.
In 1929, 12 officers in United Kingdom were lost to accidents, the 41st heaviest of 194 years on record. The heaviest was 1940, with 40.
In 1929, 130 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 2nd heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
Who
John was 31. Of the 1,310 lost to accidents in ENG whose age is recorded, half were between 28 and 43; the middle age was 35.
John was 31. Of the 1,612 lost to accidents in United Kingdom whose age is recorded, half were between 27 and 43; the middle age was 35.
John was 31. Of the 9,452 lost to accidents worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 45; the middle age was 36.
When
July holds 7% of these deaths in ENG; January holds the most, 10.7%. Mondays: 13.6%.
July holds 7.2% of these deaths in United Kingdom; November holds the most, 9.9%. Mondays: 13.4%.
July holds 8.9% of these deaths worldwide; August holds the most, 9.3%. Mondays: 13.5%.
How
Accident deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Port of Bristol Police.
Accident deaths account for 47.9% of all 2,786 deaths in ENG, the most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 44.1% of all 3,791 deaths in United Kingdom, the most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 29.6% of all 34,103 deaths worldwide, the 2nd most common cause.
Where the Name Is Cut
Others Who Wore This Badge
0 officers from Port of Bristol Police are honored on badge.nw.