IHMN - Scotland Yard

Section ‘H’

Charged with investigating the activities of the "extreme" criminal element within the Greater London area and having authority to act anywhere within Her Majesty's Empire in pursuit of these nefarious ill-doers. 

Chief Inspector Charles Johnson

Chief Inspector Charles Horatio Johnson spent his formative years at a boarding school in Rugby, excelling at the self same sport whilst struggling at the more academic disciplines such as mathematics and literature. Luckily for the young master Johnson his skill with a funny shaped ball brought him to the attention of well connected military individuals and he gained a commission in the 11th King Edward's Own Lancers. This rather delighted his parents who despaired of him ever finding any useful outlet for his (limited) abilities, his two brothers overshadowing his contributions for most of his adult life (one serving as personal secretary to the Governor of the Colony of Natal, Sir Walter Hely-Hutchinson, the other achieving the rank of Lieutenant Colonel after distinguishing himself at the Battle of Tamai during the Mahdist uprising).

What followed was twenty years of average service interspersed with excellent performances in the interservice rugby competitions, both as player and coach, eventually achieving the rank of Captain. In a rather bizarre twist of fate he also managed to avoid nearly every conflict that the Empire was involved in, and yet was injured during a suspicious incident with a senior officer, a woman, a goose and wager of £4. Following a period of convalescence and the assistance of his brothers Charles Johnson was invalided out of the service and straight into the role of Chief Inspector with Section H of Scotland Yard (its not what you know but who you know!).

Special Branch Sergeant Arthur Johnson

Although he bears the same surname as his superior this is where the connection ends. Born and raised in the city’s east end and having an almost encyclopaedic knowledge of the back streets makes him the ideal subordinate for the less informed Chief Inspector. During his youth he trained as a boxer and what he lacks in academic learning is more than made up for in street smarts and an ability to extract information from recalcitrant informants.

Special Branch Constables James Smith & John Brownlow

James Smith & John Brownlow have been friends since early childhood, growing up in rural Kent and moving to the city in their late teens. Hailing from close knit farming communities they both felt the need to spread their wings and find their own path in life. Finding very little employment in London’s sprawling metropolis they both agreed to see the wider Empire and enlist in Her Majesty’s armed forces joining the King's Royal Rifle Corps. They both excelled at marksmanship and scouting however it was the close bond they shared that brought them to the attention of a certain Major Johnson who promoted them both to the rank of corporal in his command staff. Following the Battle of Tamai they both left military service to join Scotland Yard, it being rumoured that they were placed there to keep an eye on the Chief Inspector by his brothers (although they both deny this!)

Special Branch Constable William Bletchley Hughes

Currently on special assignment [Classified] - information to follow at a later date.

Uniformed Constables

Sergeant William MacTavish

Billy MacTavish is not happy about being in the big smoke. Hailing from a small village in the Highlands of Scotland he only recently joined Section H following an incident involving certain civilian consultants on his patch. On the advice of Sergeant Johnson the Chief Inspector pulled some strings to get Sergeant MacTavish assigned to Scotland Yard to ensure that he did not discuss said events. They need not have worried for Billy MacTavish is a loyal servant of Her Majesty and an excellent policeman and has already stamped his presence upon both his constables and the criminal elements he has come into contact with (sometimes literally).

Constable Stan Peabody

Stan likes a drink, sometimes too much and it is this vice that has stopped him progressing through the ranks. Having his mother die when he was a child and an alcoholic father possibly has something to do with this. He does however have reasonable deductive skills and can occasionally be found assisting the Yards chief consultant when off duty. Unfortunately he has on occasion been found intoxicated whilst on duty and as a consequence is on disciplinary supervision, with Sergeant MacTavish keeping a close eye on him.

Constable Frederick Butterfield Smythe

Being the son of the well known explorer Francis Butterfield Smythe (and I heartily recommend you read his book “Adventures in the darkest pit of hell, a guide to the Colonies of Africa”) has resulted in Frederick having the best of everything except a father (he did not accompany his father on his travels, in fact he has very rarely met him). His mother spent most of her time enjoying her many pastimes, most recently attending meetings of the Esperance Club, with Frederick being raised and supervised by his Governess Lobelia Llewellyn Johnson, cousin (by marriage) to the Chief Inspector. It is this connection that has led Frederick to the Yard in search of structure and a father figure although he may be looking in the wrong place.

Constable Nathaniel Johnson

Constable Johnson is nephew to the Chief Inspector and to all outward appearances is a model police officer. He is punctual, smart and versed in the articles of law, well educated (at Oxford no less!), from a well bred family (his father is personal secretary to the Governor of the Colony of Natal!) and should have an outstanding career with the Yard. However not all is as it seems for Nathaniel is beholden to a certain criminal genius currently at liberty in the city. Constable Johnson is able to hide this connection from most of his colleagues however the Yards chief civilian advisor is aware of this and has kept it secret, for his own purposes.