FORMER police clerk Lilian Bradder passed away last month at the age of 103 – at the time being the oldest living member of Wiltshire Police staff.

Lilian, the youngest daughter of Marion and William Bradder, was born in Devizes on February 15, 1912, and lived in the town her whole life.

In 1941, she joined Wiltshire Police as a clerk to the Women's Auxiliary Police Corps, where she remained until 1946 - the year which saw the inauguration of the 999 emergency phone system.

The Women's Auxiliary Police Corps was established by the government during the Second World War to help with clerical and administrative tasks. The corps often comprised of wives and daughters of serving officers.

From 1946, she worked as a clerk at the former Devizes Borough Police Station until she retired in 1977.

During this time, Wiltshire Police went through a period of consolidation followed by a period of unprecedented industrial and economic growth, with the replacement of the Bath Road Police Headquarters. The present HQ building opened in 1964.

Lilian continued her job as a clerk during a period of technological change at the beginning of the 70s – PNC terminals were installed in every police force which gave access to stolen or suspect vehicles and wanted or missing people.

Lilian was a part of the force during a huge amount of change, but in 2013, she was able to visit HQ to experience some of the many changes which have been implemented since she retired. At the age of 101, she was invited in for a trip down memory lane with the then Chief Constable Pat Geenty.

She was given a tour of the facilities and paid a visit to the force control centre and air support unit. She was also presented with a plaque from the force as a thank you for her service.

Chief Constable Mike Veale paid tribute, saying: “Lilian gave an impressive 36 years of loyal service to Wiltshire Police therefore it is only right that we recognise this amazing achievement.

"A force representative attended Lilian's funeral on Monday 21st September, and I made a personal phone call to Lilian's niece Maureen ahead of the service to pass on my good wishes.

"We always like to look after our police family, both past and present, and it is always a pleasure to hear how enormously proud people such as Lilian felt representing Wiltshire Police. I am only saddened that I personally never got a chance to meet such an inspirational lady."

Lilian’s niece Maureen MacDonald, 78, and her husband Neil, 79, both from Devizes, have paid tribute to her.

“Lilian was very proud of the fact she was in the police,” said Maureen.

“She would have seen many chief constables, inspectors and sergeants come and go during her time, but I know she would have been very pleased that the present Chief took the time to call me to pass on his regards.”

Neil added: “She was covered by the Official Secrets Act during the war so she couldn’t tell us very many stories from her time in the police, but I know that being in the police force during the war was the highlight of her life. It was definitely her proudest moment - alongside receiving a birthday card from the Queen on her 100th birthday.”

“She really enjoyed the tour of police headquarters, although she never actually worked in that building, I know she enjoyed the opportunity to have a look around,” added Maureen.

“Her job was very varied – she used to write out the reports for all the young constables, and she used to have to do all the movement orders for cattle during foot and mouth outbreaks.

“She was a very kind lady and we will miss her dearly.”

Lilian passed away on August 27 following a short illness and her funeral was held at West Wiltshire Crematorium, Semington, on Monday.