History of Kilburn and West Hampstead

This is a story of a clever con man who committed crimes around the world and his link to West Hampstead. On 21 May 1924 the Oxo export manager Cyril Aldersley was at his desk in Thames House, Queen Street Place in the City of London, when to his surprise he was told Chief Inspector Wallace wanted to see him. Wallace confronted Aldersley, accusing him of being involved with cheque frauds in Portsmouth amounting to £700.  Wallace produced photographs and a newspaper article about a civil case that he said involved Aldersley. Cyril said he had never been to Portsmouth and knew nothing about it. The Chief Inspector ignored Aldersley’s protests and said he must consider himself under open arrest. After Cyril handed over his passbook and some cheques, Wallace left saying he would return at 5pm with his Superintendent.     Thames House  Aldersley was concerned that something was not right. His fears were confirmed when he telephoned Scotland Yard and wa...