Inspector Raymond Codling

In 1989, Inspector Raymond Codling was shot and killed during a routine patrol at Birch Services on the M62. This episode explores his life, military and police service, the tragic events of that day, and the legacy he left behind. A powerful story of duty, sacrifice, and remembrance.

Although I don’t live all that far away, I’m a woman of a certain age with a very small bladder, so I do quite often find myself at Birch Services.

As you walk into the building, there’s a memorial stone to Inspector Raymond Codling just to your left, on the edge of the car park.

There are a fair few of these around Manchester, and they always make me feel a number of emotions. Sad that someone lost their life. Angry that they lost their life doing their job as Police Officers. Grateful for the people who serve on our behalf.

And so, last time I was at Birch Services, I resolved to look into this story some more. This is what I found out.