Born in 1905 Philip Finney joined the Bengal Police in 1924 and, apart from a spell in Military Intelligence during the Second World War, was there until 1947, when he returned to the UK. He had a distinguished career, being awarded the OBE (Order of the British Empire) in 1934 and being the leader of the Indian Police contingent to the Coronation of King George VI in London in 1937. After leaving India, he then spent six years in Central Africa, as head of the Special Branch of the Nyasaland Police. Married to Noel Montgomery, he had two daughters and a son. He died in 1980.