Roll of Honor
Incident
John Kew joined the West Riding Constabulary only a month before his 24thbirthday on the 5thFebruary, 1895. He was born in Langton, near Horncastle in Lincolnshire and had been working as a farm labourer before joining the Constabulary.
Appointed as PC 680, he was posted to the Upper Osgoldcross division. Just over a year later he was transferred again, this time to the Rotherham Division.
The Backhouse Brothers lived on Kew’s patch in Swinton, Rotherham. On the 10thJuly 1900, reports say the brothers were using a revolver to threaten people in Rotherham.
PC Kew came to the Backhouse residence at 11:30pm and stated he was entitled to search them. At this point Charles Backhouse pulled out a revolver and shot PC Kew. Reports state that, although wounded, Kew attempted to wrestle the revolver from Charles Backhouse. At this point his brother took the revolver and, apparently uttering “Here’s another one for you!”, shot PC Kew again. Sergeant Danby arrived with other officers having been summoned by onlookers and PC Kew told Sergeant Danby what had happened.
PC Kew was rushed to Rotherham Hospital by the colliery ambulance but died from his injuries the following day. His personnel notes state that he ‘Died at 2:10pm on the 11thJuly 1900, the effects of being shot by a revolver at Swinton at 11:30pm on the 10thby two men.’
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- April 8, 2026
- Last updated
- July 23, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Police Constable Kew served with the West Riding of Yorkshire Constabulary.
Thank you for your service. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Police Constable Kew.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Police Constable John William Kew is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 54.2% of all 32,508 officers honored here.
In ENG, 702 of 2,827 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 24.8% of this state's fallen. That is 29.4 percentage points below the national rate of 54.2%.
At West Riding of Yorkshire Constabulary, 7 of 32 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 21.9% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. John William Kew's cause is highlighted.
How John William Kew Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. John William Kew is highlighted in Jul.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths.
Others Who Wore This Badge
31 officers from West Riding of Yorkshire Constabulary are honored on badge.nw. Showing the 16 most recent.
