Sgt Stanley 'Sonnie' Bissell

Physical training and close combat.

Born 26 October 1906, Bissell joined the Metropolitan Police on 1 March 1926
He was an accomplished middleweight freestyle wrestler, winning silver medals at the 1930 and 1934 British Empire Games (later known as the Commonwealth Games), held in Canada and London respectively
Served as a self-defence instructor at the Metropolitan Police Training Centre (Peel House), and trained at the Army School of Physical Training to qualify for this role.

Volunteered for the Commandos in 1942 as part of a Police intake, and was posted to the Commando Basic Training Centre (CBTC) at Achnacarry .
After completing Commando training, Lt‑Col Vaughan recognized his potential and immediately commissioned him onto the instructor staff, working alongside CSMI Alex Frickleton and Roy Bellringer as part of the elite PT team
His responsibilities included physical endurance, close-quarter combat, unarmed fighting techniques, and integrating rigorous fitness regimes throughout the training course

Played a pivotal role in shaping commandos into top-tier fighting forces: “making the Commandos fit to fight” and instilling the high standards still honored by special forces today
Known as “Sonnie” to friends and “Stan” professionally. Trainees recalls of boxing, wrestling, and hand-to-hand combat drills emphasize his influence on their battlefield readiness
Notably made a strong impression at Achnacarry; one RM Commando trainee described seeing Bissell in suit and bowler hat on his first day, and then training him in intense physical regimes soon after

Returned to the Metropolitan Police after WWII, rising to Inspector in charge of Physical Training at the Recruit Training Centre
Awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) in the 1953 Coronation Honours for his services surrey-
Retired in 1955, later returned in 1960 as Director of Physical Training at the Metropolitan Police Cadet Corps. Also a youth club leader and member of athletic organizations like Orion Gymnastic Club and Herne Hill Harriers