Francis Leo Gallagher was born on the 4th September 1909 at 22 Hornby Road, Liverpool 9. He was one of seven children. To his family he was known as Leo.

He joined Liverpool City Police in 1939. During his service he was awarded by The Liverpool Shipwreck and Humane Society for Bravery, which included rescuing persons from the River Mersey. He was also awarded two Commendations for his outstanding zeal and devotion to duty.

In the latter part of his service he was based in the Traffic Division as Constable 178T. Tragically, Leo was killed instantly in a road traffic accident on his way to work on Sunday the l2th of November 1961. He was 52 years old.
 
He was travelling on his Lambretta Scooter to his early shift and he should not have been on the route where the accident happened i.e. near the present St.Anne Street Police Station as he was based in Seel Street. He had picked up a younger Police Officer who was late for duty. His pillion passenger survived the accident with injuries. The other vehicle involved was a Reeces Milk Lorry. I attended the subsquent Inquest with my mother when a verdict of Misadventure was recorded.
 
Dad’s funeral was very well attended. The Church was packed and Police Officers lined the route to the grave from the cemetary gates. He is buried in Kirkdale Cemetary in Fazakerley. Dad appeared to be very highly thought of by his work colleagues.
 
Dad died just two months before my wedding. I was the first of his three daughters to marry.

Maureen Parkin nee Gallagher
23/09/2011