Swinford Joseph Cross, known as Sid, was a Metropolitan Police War Reserve Constable from 1 September 1939 until 22 July 1942. He volunteered for the Commandos joining  the 2nd Police Intake to the Commando Depot (Commando Basic Training Centre), Achnacarry, on 23 July 1942. He served in No.2 Commando with active service in Italy, Yugoslavia and Albania. After the war, he joined the Metropolitan Police on 8 August 1948 (warrant number: 133603) and served in M, X and Q Districts, retiring as a PC on 25 February 1968.
Sid and his wife Dora moved to Broadstone, Dorset, and he took up work as a Security Officer at Plessys. His wife Dora died in 1998. Sid and Dora did much to raise money for several charities including Guide Dogs for the Blind. Dora died in 1998 and Sid continued charity fund raising for Age Concern and the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal. In recognition of his work in the community he received the Millennium Medal from the Mayor, as well as a special certificate.

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