The families of two Isle of Man police officers who died while serving with the force are to receive a special honour recognising their service and sacrifice.

The next of kin of Sergeant John Albert ‘Jack’ Cretney and PC Gordon Black will receive the Elizabeth Emblem - which is awarded to the families of public servants who lost their lives in the course of eligible public service.

Conferred by the King, the emblem bears the words ‘For A Life Given In Service’.

Sergeant Cretney was among 35 people who died when an aircraft crashed on Winter Hill, near Bolton, on February 27, 1958.

The 41-year-old had been travelling from Ronaldsway to Manchester as part of his official duties with the Isle of Man Constabulary.

He was representing the force at a communications trade show before he was due to visit the Exide Battery factory as a guest of a number of Manx motor traders.

The aircraft collided with the hillside close to the summit of Winter Hill.

Eight years later, PC Black lost his life while conducting a motorcycle patrol.

He was involved in a collision with a pedal cyclist near South Cape, Laxey, in poor weather conditions on January 5, 1966.

PC Black, who was born in 1927, died as a result of the collision, leaving his wife to raise their four young children.

Lieutenant Governor Sir John Lorimer said: ‘The Elizabeth Emblem is a fitting and lasting recognition of two members of the Isle of Man Constabulary who gave their lives in the course of their public duties.

‘Jack Cretney and Gordon Black served the island and its community at different times and in very different circumstances, but both shared an outstanding commitment to public service that is at the heart of policing.

‘More than half a century after their deaths, it is particularly poignant that their service and sacrifice are being formally recognised in this way.

‘I hope that the Elizabeth Emblem will be a source of pride and comfort to their families, and a reminder that the Island very much remembers the contribution made by Jack and Gordon.’

Chief Constable Russell Foster said it was a ‘great honour’ for the force to see the two officers recognised.

He said: ‘Both men were serving members of the Constabulary who lost their lives whilst carrying out their duties.

‘Although the circumstances of their deaths were very different, both demonstrate the risks that police officers can face in the course of their work.

‘On behalf of the Constabulary, I would like to pay tribute to Jack and Gordon and to acknowledge the families who were left behind.

‘Their service forms part of the history and heritage of policing on the Isle of Man, and it is right that they should be remembered.’

The Elizabeth Emblem was introduced in 2024 and is described as the civilian equivalent of the Elizabeth Cross, which recognises members of the Armed Forces who died in action or as a result of a terrorist attack.

Nominations are considered by the George Cross Committee before recommendations are made to the King.