William Merrilees OBE KPM (1898–21 August 1984) was Chief Constable of the Lothians and Peebles Constabulary from 1950 to 1968.
Willie Merrilees was Scotland’s best known policeman in his lifetime thanks to a flamboyant career involving disguise, celebrated court cases and tireless charity and welfare work. Known as the pocket-sized Detective with a Battleship reputation; he was featured in the Valiant comic, and painted twice by Henry Raeburn Dobson.
Born abt. 1898 in Cochrane’s Pend in the Kirkgate of Leith in a top flat; he was born in poverty, but with a strict upbringing.
He started work at a Ropeworks when 12 years old and soon mangled left hand in a rope winding machine. To help in recovering from his injuries the young man learnt typing and shorthand before joining a shipyard.
He married Agnes Buchan in 1919.
The young Willie had made a name for himself by rescuing 21 people from drowning in separate incidents,[1] and when receiving yet another award he came to the attention of Sir Thomas Hutchison, Bt. the Lord Provost of Edinburgh who asked him what he wanted to do with his life, the reply being that he wanted to join the police. Hutchison recommended him to the Chief Constable of Edinburgh Roderick Ross.[2]
Despite Merrilees only being 5 ft 6 inches tall (four inches under the minimum regulation height) and missing the left fingers of his hand; Ross saw his potential and promised to recruit him. He was appointed a Constable on 9 September 1924.
He soon made an impression and by 1926 he was appointed confidential enquiry officer to the Chief Constable. After waiting the statutory minimum serving time of 5 years he was promoted on 1 January 1930 to the rank of Sergeant and placed in charge of Recruiting and Licensing Department.
In 1933 The Kosmo Club brothels are brought to court.
Promoted to the rank of Inspector on 17 January 1934.
Made Detective Inspector 1938.
1938 Special Branch formed in Edinburgh.
From 19 March 1940 he was second in command of Edinburgh CID with the rank of Detective Lieutenant.
Merrilees was promoted to rank of Detective Superintendent on 6 August 1940 and put in charge of the Criminal Investigation Department, Licensing Department, Aliens, Dangerous Drugs and Firearms Department.
Dressed as a Porter on 30 September 1940 he arrested Werner Walti in Waverley railway station in Edinburgh. Walti having landed the same day by submarine with Karl Drucke at Buckie.[3]
Awarded the King’s Police Medal for distinguished service in June 1944.
Promoted to Detective Chief Inspector 15 January 1947.
On 16 May 1947 he was appointed Chief Constable of the Lothians and Peebles Constabulary.
Awarded the O.B.E. on 1 January 1959.[4]
In November 1959 he appeared on This is your Life hosted by Eamonn Andrews.
In September 1963 on reaching his 65th birthday he was asked by the County Convenor James G. Methven to continue in office for another 5 years.
Given the freedom of Burgh of Bonnyrigg and Lasswade 18June 1965.
1966 his memoirs “The short Arm of the Law" was published by John Long of London.
He lived in Juniper Green.[5]