Dave Wilkinson

As requested please find below a photo of the insignia worn previously and currently by the Sovereign Base Areas Police.

The force is administered by the Ministry of Defence. That said it is a stand alone organisation and is not affiliated in any way to the Ministry of Defence Police. It was formed on the 16th August 1960 with an initial strength of 40.

They are responsible for policing the British Sovereign Bases at Akrotiri and Dhekelia in Cyprus. The force is commanded by a British Chief Constable who is assisted by three other British Police Officers. The remainder of the force are locally appointed Greek Cypriots'. The total strength is 241 attested staff plus 12 civilians. The Chief Constable is also responsible for the management and supervision of the Sovereign Base Prison, HMP Dhekelia.

Prior to 1992, the uniform worn followed the pattern worn by the RAF. A diced band was worn on the cap and the badge consisted of a large metal Queen's Crown. This was replaced in 1991 with the cap badge shown on the left hand side of the photo. Post 1992 a new British Police pattern uniform was adopted, again with caps. On 1st April 1998, the slightly changed design cap badge on the right hand side of the photo was taken into wear. 

The small metal "SBA" monogrammed badges were formerly worn on the epaulettes above the force number. These are now embroidered. The small star badges are worn on the lapel of the tunic jacket.

Dave. 

On 07/06/2023 at 13:52, I_♥_Police said:

Sorry Dave, very late to this, but they look absolutely great and thanks for taking the time and effort to post. I have a keen interest in the overseas territories Police.  The way this is all presented is great on the boards. I would dearly love to visit alot of these places and hopefully will one day. They may even offer a ridealong type thing through the IPA! Who knows!

Do you have any other collections from SBAP, Jersey etc?

 

Historically, the SBA Police do not have very many badges, but those I have I'll post in the next day or so, together with a collection from the States of Jersey Police.

Dave.  

The Royal Antigua Police Force was formed in 1960, following the disbandment of the Leeward Islands Police. For the first five years of their existence they continued to wear Leeward Islands badges and insignia. It was not until 1965, did they adopt their own named badges etc. This coincided with the force being granted the "Royal" title by HM The Queen in that year.

They have had two versions of their badge. The first followed the basic design of the old Leeward Islands badge (left hand side of the photo) with just a name change. The current helmet and cap badge is shown on the right hand side. The helmet worn is the usual white "Wolseley" pattern commonly used by police forces in the West Indies.

Antigua became independent on the 1st November 1981, however King Charles III remains head of state.

Dave.        

Not wishing to undermine the honour bestowed upon these individuals, but I wonder whether the obviously very large stock held, of these EIIR headed medals, had any bearing upon the decision to make these awards.

A good opportunity to get rid of the stock, which presumably would otherwise be "binned".

Keep an eye on the auction sites!

Dave.

14 minutes ago, I_♥_Police said:

The warrant card holder in one of your posts Dave, is that the early version issued to senior ACPO ranks?

I think there is only one Metpol. warrant card holder shown and that is one which is or was issued to ranks of Commander up to Commissioner.

Dave.

12 hours ago, bigjarofwasps said:

Thanks Dave, I had my doubts about it being the Met as well. Never seen one wearing a badge like that. Now you’ve pointed out the other bits, that I completely overlooked it’s obvious. Watched the film again and managed to get a slightly better shot of the helmet plate.

Thanks for identifying the badge as well 👍

Gordon,

Your second screen shot made me immediately think of Accrington Borough Police. This is their white metal Victorian helmet plate, which they ironically continued to wear (with a chrome finish) well into the 1930's before changing to a KC star pattern. The bobby is wearing a two digit number on his collar and to the immediate right of that is a small version of the Borough arms.

I find old film footage fascinating but equally infuriating. It often has me stretched out on the carpet in front of the telly trying to see the detail on bobbies badges etc. Clearly the sign of a misspent youth!

Dave.

1 hour ago, bigjarofwasps said:

Anyone able to identify what this badge is? 

The photo appears to be taken in, at a guess, Lancashire. Its certainly not taken in London. The bobby in the foreground is wearing a white metal helmet plate which is not star shaped. The Met. did not wear white metal helmet badges. The badge he is wearing on his arm is a first aid qualification badge, which the Met. Police did not wear. The other obvious clue is that there is no duty armlet on either sleeve. A Met. man of that period would not be seen on duty without his armlet.

Dave.  

The Leeward Islands Police were a British colonial police force which existed between 1886 and 1960. The force was responsible for policing the islands of Antigua (HQ of the force was there), British Virgin Islands, Montserrat, St. Kitts & Nevis and Anguilla. In 1960, each island in the group became a separate entity and formed their own police force. The Leeward Islands Police were at that time disbanded.

Below is a group of insignia worn by the force between 1886 and 1960.

Dave. 

22 minutes ago, I_♥_Police said:

 

Really great collection of Gibraltar Police items. Do you have any idea if the chief officers wear the yellow metal type OCB or is it a bullion type badge? Its interesting isnt it, have you ever noticed that RGP wear Met Pol style epaulettes with a metal button for show on them? Do you have any other island collections?

The yellow/gold coloured badge is from their warrant card holder. They all wear the same standard cap badge which is the one on the far right of the line of "star" badges. Looking at their force history, the Commissioners' going right back have always worn the same cap badge as the lower ranks.

Yes, I've noticed that they wear Met. style epaulettes and shirts.

I do have quite a few sets of badges from the islands in the West Indies. I'll post some photos in the next few days. Thanks for your continued interest.

Dave. 

Arguably the most "British" of the UK's remaining Overseas Territories, Gibraltar's first British Governor was appointed in December 1707, and at the peace of Utrecht the territory was ceded to the British Crown in  1713.

The Gibraltar "Civil Police" became operational on 25th June 1830, only nine months after the establishment of the London Metropolitan Police. The force was granted its "Royal" prefix by HM The Queen in June 1992.

Below are shown a collection of insignia worn over the years and a helmet worn by Sergeants' and Constables' dating from the1960's, although the same pattern with an updated helmet plate is still worn to-day. 

Dave.

Northern Rhodesia achieved independence from the UK in 1964 and became Zambia. Shown here is a pith helmet which was worn by Inspectorate ranks in the Northern Rhodesia Police Force and a selection of insignia used between the formation of the force through to its demise in 1964.

Dave.  

20 minutes ago, Boudica said:

I've had a reply from the London Metropolitan Archives. (Very fast to reply, and thorough, for a free enquiry 👍). My Mr. Duff was not found in the surviving records they hold. They checked the personnel files box and warrant book. They did suggest that he might have been a Special Constable, which weren't entered into the main police warrant book. 

On the one hand I don't know much more about my chap(yet), but it raises an interesting question over the amount of 1887 Jubilee Medals awarded. Simon Eyre's book shows it was a bit more than the 900 as listed in the Medal Yearbook, so it would be interesting how many Specials were awarded medals that are not officially listed, or are on a long gone file. 

So, I will go back to plan A, and look a bit more in depth at my 1881 & 1891 targets and at the very least may have it narrowed down from that.  

In some ways I almost like the slight mystery and anomaly here.  

 

That was a good, albeit negative response to your enquiry. Presumably had they found some sort of a record, then they would have expected you to pay a fee before they released the information. Its indicative of a considerate and ethical organisation that they are not just raking in cash for the sake of it and doing nothing to assist in dealing with initial tentative enquiries. Well done to them!

Dave.

No, the badge is from Canada, the maple leaf says it all. There is an Essex County in Ontario, as I'm sure Gordon knows and it is from there. The basic rank in Canadian police forces is "Constable". The fittings suggest that its a cap badge. It has a 1930's look to it, the finish being in white metal (German silver). Chrome plating began to be used in the mid. 1930's.

Dave.

If you go on to the City of London Police website and click on "About Us" you will see information about the museum. There is a direct telephone number and an email address. I apologise if this is an avenue that you've already explored.

Dave.  

8 hours ago, dpk said:

Sadly, the 'relaxation' of uniform, discipline and behaviour standards within Police forces is just the tip of the new, woke, trendy iceberg. Anyone who has what many of us consider to be traditional values of self-respect, discipline and adherence to traditions is now classed as out of date, old and mired in the past.

The problem is that the younger members of many police forces were never taught any or many 'values' in their homes- they were brought up thinking that the world revolved around them. They were taught all about their rights and entitlements, and nothing about their obligations and responsibilities.

In my later years in the job I looked at young coppers who were mightily disillusioned that after doing 6 months or a year in a position, they hadn't been promoted to the next level. My response to them (if asked for it!) was 'Suck it up, Princess' which of course was not politically correct at all.

As a wise man once said, 'Tradition does not mean raking through ashes, it means passing on a flame...'.

Thats it- my rant for the day!!  

Sentiment's that I agree with in their entirety!

Dave.

3 hours ago, I_♥_Police said:

Really great pictures and collection. Amazing historical pieces that we would never have otherwise seen. Back in the day, pre-PACE, did the Parks mob lock many people up each year? If there was call for it, did they take on all jobs within the parks or was it all handed over to the Liverpool force?

Glad you like the photos.

They did deal with most offences themselves including indecency. But if female witnesses were involved, a City Policewoman would assist That said, there was no Parks CID, so if the offence was one to which a detective was required to be allocated then this would be someone from the City Police. That allocation would take place at a City Police Station to which the prisoner had been taken. That said, the arresting Park Constable would be responsible for preparing his own prosecution file for court. They did not deal with complicated crime investigations/offences as they did not have the capacity or training for for such things.

Most arrest prosecutions were undertaken by a City Police Inspector at the Magistrates Court although in some cases the Town Clerk's Department would undertake the prosecution. This was usually when process was undertaken by summons. In the event of a "not guilty" plea the matter would go to trial with a prosecutor being appointed by the Town Clerk's Department.

I'm attaching a summery of their work for the year 1969.

Dave. 

Danny,

Thanks for your very detailed response, I appreciate it.

Much of what you have said confirms my own thoughts which I outlined in a previous post. On the subject of medals, I too regard Coronation and jubilee medals as being relatively meaningless. On the other hand I do value my Police LS & GC medal. I can understand your shock at finding a retired bobby selling his medals on line, but many retired police and MoD employees do so and will no doubt continue. Just wait and see what happens when the Coronation medals start to be rolled out. Within days they will be on eBay. The prime sellers will be serving bobbies out to make a fast buck.

Please explain why so many Met. men wear helmets that are far too large for them. I saw several at the Coronation (Met. men) who looked stupid and yet no one presumably bothered to say anything yo them. Why are men and some women wearing trousers that do not fit and that have two or three inches of trouser leg draped over boots and shoes and as a result look like a version of "Nora Batty". Why are some men not bothering to shave before they parade for duty. Why are they not being taken to task by Sergeants' and Inspectors' ?  Look at pass out videos and you will see plenty of ill fitting kit being worn. This is inexcusable. If a recruit is given the impression that this is acceptable at an initial training level, what hope is there that he/she will improve when they receive their postings? These issues are not confined to the Met., but are endemic in all forces.

I've put these failings to several recently retired Sgts and Inspectors (both Met. and provincial). Without exception they say that its not worth bothering to take individuals to task. If they tell someone once and they don't comply, to do so again is inviting of complaint of bullying. There is no support from above. So, no one bothers. 

Yesterday, I went to a Police Insignia Collectors meeting. Yes, I'm one of those "sad" individuals that collects badges. There was a good representation from seven or eight forces. Without exception all said that there are no plans to change to a CIIIR/KC helmet plate or cap badge in their respective forces although some indicated that vehicle marking may be updated as and when. 

Thanks again for your input. It is appreciated.

Dave.

On 22/08/2011 at 13:38, NickLangley said:

There is one force in the UK where Inspectors' caps have silver rather than black cap braid for historic reasons.

 

As a mark of gratitude to those Liverpool City Police officers who did not strike in August 1919 the city's Watch Committee gave Constables commemorative truncheons; Sergeants received larger chevrons in silver wire, and Inspectors' caps were upgraded with silver braid. Merseyside Police continues this tradition to this day.

Whilst this posting is several years old I've only just come upon it. The information with regard to presentation truncheons is indeed correct. However, that which relates to silver braided cap peaks for Inspectors and "wide" chevrons for Sergeants is not. Photographic evidence indicates clearly that these Liverpool City Police adornments' were being worn long before the 1919 police strike. Another common misnomer is that Sergeants were issued with signalling sticks post the 1919 strike as a form of commemoration. Again, photos indicate that these were in use long before the police strike. 

The website "Liverpool City Police" is an excellent source of information in respect of policing on Merseyside. However, please bear in mind that some of the information submitted by contributors may not be entirely accurate.

Dave.

22 minutes ago, Cerrig-Man said:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Where are colonial police medals minted? If  not by the Royal Mint, could we potentially see colonial medals bearing the King, before we see them issued in the UK? 

As far as I'm aware they are produced in the UK. Unless the procedure has changed, the award is approved by the Governor of the Overseas Territory who then, via the Crown Agents, places an order for the medal with whoever holds the current contract. All the costs involved are met by the Government of the relevant Overseas Territory.

Dave. 

The simple answer is yes. The "bars" have only recently been approved so those entitled will have no alternative but to fit them to the already awarded QC EIIR medals. It will be a good few years before the recipient of a KC CIIIR long service medal can be awarded the ten year bar. 

Dave.    

Liverpool Parks Police were a non-Home Office force which existed between 1865 and 1972. It was one of a small number of parks police forces that had full unrestricted constabulary powers. The legislation used was the Liverpool Corporation Act 1921. Section 221.   

They were commanded by a Superintendent. He was the only Senior Officer. Ranks below him were Sergeant and Constable.

Shown below are the final issue helmet, cap and Superintendent's cap. This cap belonged to the final holder of that position, John J. Buchanan LL.B.(Hons).

The two final photos of two Constables and a Sergeant were taken in the 1960's. (Photo credits. Liverpool Corporation).

Dave.  

Quite a rare helmet plate. The crown (Queen Victoria's) dates it to pre. 1902. Helmets began to be worn by County Police forces in England and Wales around about 1865. So, the dates of this badge's use would be between those dates. Gloucestershire Constabulary used two versions of this badge. Your example is the earlier of the two. The second pattern can be seen on the below badge grouping. (Bottom row, second from the left). I hope this is helpful.

Dave.  

2 hours ago, bigjarofwasps said:

Interesting 👍.

 

This chap needs to remember that he’s in a  disciplined organisation, and he’ll do as he’s bl**dy well told!! 30 years wearing a Queen’s crown badge or not, when the time comes he WILL start wearing the new badge. Don’t know where he thinks he is.
 

Will await physically evidence with regards to soldered cap badges as well…

 

However I did groan, when I saw this photograph. Why she was allowed to be in the King’s presence, improperly dressed is beyond me. 

Regrettably, I fear that when the time comes no Sergeant or senior officer will enforce the wearing of CIIIR insignia in the Met. Looking at the TV its the norm for some of them to wear helmets which are three sizes too big for one thing. The majority do not know how to wear a cap properly. Many have removed the wire from the crown and as a result look like bus conductors. In addition it appears to be quite acceptable to have two or three inches of each trouser leg draped over their shoes/boots. They either need a pair that fit properly or a pair of braces. Take a look at the on line videos of their pass outs. A disgrace. So, making them wearing CIIR badges will certainly not be high on the agenda. I don't think the poor wearing of uniform is confined to the Met. It appears endemic in most forces these days. Don't forget, telling someone off for poor standards of dress is bullying! One other thing, why is it that male officers don't appear to shave before coming to work anymore? In my day you'd be sent home and told to re-parade in a clean shaven condition for the following shift. 

The female who is wearing just the LS medal is from a county force, not the Met. She probably arrived in London without her other medals, or perhaps with no medals at all? Again, preventing her from performing an outside duty in public view because she forgot her medals could be construed as bullying. No Met. boss would dare impose that restriction nor I suspect would a Sgt. or Inspector from her own force if she was accompanied by such. Interestingly, there appears to be a female Chief Constable to the defaulting Constable's right. She presumably neither said or did anything in respect of the lack of medals.

There is a video on the MoD website showing preparations for the Coronation. Part of it shows the inside of Firmin's factory and their staff fixing new crowns over the old on cap badges and examining the re-crowned finished item. 

Dave.      

I understand that the relative records for the City of London Police are indeed at the London Archives. I've never used them so I can't comment in respect of their charges. You could possibly take a chance and write to the City of London Police Museum at Wood Street. They may be able to help. But, I fear that they may just point you in the direction of the archives, but depending who gets your enquiry, they may just be able to put their hands easily on the answer to your enquiry. Best of luck.

Dave. 

On another forum of which I'm a member, a serving Met. bobby posted the following comments in respect of badge changes:-

" Yep, I just worked ceremonial duty on Saturday and there was no attempt by the MPS or any of the UK and British Overseas / Commonwealth Territories police who were in my contingent to replace cap badges or any other EIIR insignia for the Coronation, unlike the military.

And having worn EIIR for 30+ years now I won’t be changing it going forward either! "

It transpires that many of the military cap badges which have simply had a crown replacement (KC for QC) have been very poorly produced with a KC simply soldered over the QC, which remains in situ underneath. That alteration is from all accounts, very poorly done and very obvious in many cases.

Dave.