York St John University will premiere PC Robert Smith – The Final Beat on Monday, April 27, 2026, at its Creative Centre.
The film tells the story of railway police officer Robert Smith, who died during the 1942 Baedeker Raid on York, just two days before its 84th anniversary.
Ken Cooke, York Normandy Veteran talks about his recollections of the Baedeker Raid (Image: Daniela Cotognini)
Mick Child, a former railway worker and full-time MA Media Production student at York St John who directed and produced the film, 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.
“Stories of remembrance and those who have been overlooked have always stayed with me.”
Director of Photography George Child (Image: Daniela Cotognini)
More than ten MA and undergraduate students contributed to the film’s production and helped organise the premiere event.
The screening will be followed by a live Q&A panel featuring Mr Child, historian John Shaw, presenter Nick Beilby, and fellow MA filmmakers Jay Brown and Daniela Cotognini.
The event will be hosted by Dr Alex Crowton, MA Media Production course lead at York St John.
Mr Child said he felt it was important to bring PC Smith’s story back into public memory, adding: “I was struck by the fact that this was someone who had been almost completely forgotten for nearly 80 years.
“I felt strongly that his story deserved to be told and his profile raised.”
York St John University acting student, Carys Berry (Image: Daniela Cotognini)
Ken Cooke, a Normandy veteran from York, said: “It is important to remember someone like Robert who gave his life and otherwise would have been forgotten.”
The documentary is a collaboration between students, historians, creative professionals, and organisations across York and North Yorkshire.
It was developed in close partnership with historian John Shaw, whose research helped shape the film’s narrative.
Locations, including the Derwent Valley Light Railway, Eden Camp Modern History Museum, Church of St Lawrence, Bedern Hall, and York Cemetery, supported the production.
Cinematography was led by George Child of Forge Photography.
Mr Child said one of the main challenges has been tracing PC Smith’s relatives.
Historian John Shaw (Image: Daniela Cotognini)
He said: “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.”
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, and specialist technical equipment to benefit future cohorts of Film and Television students at York St John University.