Commemorative student and community documentary honours railway police officer killed in wartime air raids in York
PC Robert Smith – The Final Beat brings together students, historians, museums, businesses and creatives from across York and North Yorkshire
York St John University is to host the premiere of a new historical documentary, PC Robert Smith – The Final Beat. The film tells the tale of Robert Smith, a railway police officer who was on duty the night York was targeted in the so-called Baedeker Raids in WWII.
Independent Film Director, Mick Child Photograph by; Daniela Cotognini
The film is produced and directed by Mick Child as his MA Media Production Independent Project at York St John University. As a former railway worker himself, the the project represents a deeply personal creative endeavour for filmmaker Mick.
More than ten MA and undergraduate students from York St John University have been involved in both the film’s production and the organisation of the premiere evening.
The film will premiere on Monday 27 April 2026 in the Creative Centre at the University. The date is especially significant, taking place two days before the 84th anniversary of the devastating 1942 bombing in York that claimed numerous lives, including that of PC Robert Smith.
Eden Camp Modern History Museum Filming a reenactment scene. Photograph; Daniela Cotognini.
The evening is planned as an act of remembrance to honour PC Robert Smith and all those who lost their lives on that terrible night in York’s history.
Following the screening, a live Q&A panel will feature:
- Producer & Director Mick Child
- Historian John Shaw
- Presenter Nick Beilby
- Fellow MA filmmakers and cohort collaborators Jay Brown and Daniela Cotognini
The evening will be hosted by Dr Alex Crowton, MA Media Production Course Lead, York St John University.
Demand for the event has exceeded all expectations, selling out in days. Any ticket returns will be made available here PC Robert Smith; The Final Beat Tickets, Monday, Apr 27 from 7:30 pm to 9 pm | Eventbrite
The Final Beat is student-led and a collaboration between friends, local organisations, museums and creative professionals. It’s produced in close partnership with local historian John Shaw, whose research and expertise have shaped the historical accuracy and narrative depth of the project.
Reenactment sequences were filmed with support from Derwent Valley Light Railway, Eden Camp Modern History Museum, Church of St Lawrence, Bedern Hall and York Cemetery, whose cooperation enabled historically appropriate settings to feature in the production. George Child from Forge Photography leads the cinematography, making the most of the incredible locations. York Theatre Royal and Everwitch Theatre supported the production’s staging and costuming.
Historian John Shaw Photograph: Daniela Cotognini
Mick Child, Filmmaker and full time MA Media Production student at York St John University said:
“I spent 33 years on the railway, so I’ve always felt part of that wider railway family. That sense of connection is something that never really leaves you. It is one of the reasons this story mattered so much to me.
“I have close connections with the York Normandy Veterans and Flowers for the Fallen, and I have always been interested in the history of York. Stories of remembrance and those who have been overlooked have always stayed with me.
“I was struck by the fact that this was someone who had been almost completely forgotten for nearly 80 years. I felt strongley that his story deserved to be told and his profile raised.”
Despite the discoveries, some questions remain unanswered.
“One of the ongoing challenges has been tracing his family. We know about his brothers and sisters, but because Smith is such a common name, we have not yet been able to identify any living relatives. That is something I would still very much like to resolve.”
Ken Cooke, York Normandy Veteran talks about his recollections of the Baedeker Raid on York, standing by PC Robert William Smith’s grave in York Cemetery. Photograph; Daniela Cotognini.
Centenarian Ken Cooke, Normandy Veteran from York said:
“It is important to remember someone like Robert who gave his life and otherwise would have been forgotten.”
Nick Beilby, film presenter and Advocate and Honorary Member of York Normandy Veterans said:
“The importance of Remembrance and gratitude for those who made the ultimate sacrifice cannot be underestimated and PC Robert Smith, The Final Beat does this with respect and in abundance.”
Following the premiere, the filmmakers hope that PC Robert Smith – The Final Beat will continue its journey beyond York to enable wider audiences to engage with this important chapter of wartime history.
The project is also committed to giving back to the community. Any funds raised through screenings or future partnerships are being directed equally towards three causes:
- A York Normandy Veterans bench for the Soldiers Lawn at York Cemetery
- York Cemetery Trust to support ongoing improvements and maintenance of this historic green space
- Specialist technical equipment to benefit future cohorts of Film and Television students at York St John University