Jump to content
News Ticker
  • I am now accepting the following payment methods: Card Payments, Apple Pay, Google Pay and PayPal
  • Latest News

    The Zuid Afrikaansche Republike Politie - ZARPS


    Recommended Posts

    MEMBERS OF THE ZAR VRYWILLIGERKORPS: JOHANNESBURG 1898

    FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: (SEATED) KORPORAL DANIE WAHL; (STANDING) SERSANT DANIE BRINK AND KAPTEIN J.P.JOOSTE- WEARING HIS SWORD THAT IS ON DISPLAY; (SEATED) KORPORAAL MANIE BREYTENBACH

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    • Replies 70
    • Created
    • Last Reply

    Top Posters In This Topic

    STAATS ARTILLERIE VAN DE ZAR 1874 TO 1901

    The Transvaal Artillery initially consisted of the Battery Dingaan and was armed with four Krupp mountain guns and two mitrailleuses. The battery had been founded in 1874 by Captain Otto H. Riedel. In 1881, it was restarted under a captain and had 30 artillerymen and 30 police. It served in five minor wars from 1882 to 1894 when the strength was 124 other ranks commanded by Commandant J. Wolmarans and five other officers. A band had been in existence since 1888. In 1896 during the Jameson Raid, Commandant Trichardt only had 70 men and the same aging ordnance at his disposal. Immediately after the raid, the establishment was increased to 23 officers and 295 other ranks with a Field Telegraph and Medical sections. The armament in 1900 was four 6-inch Creusot oxen drawn, four 4.7 inch Krupp howitzers, eight 2.95 inch Krupp Quick Firing howitzers, two Maxim Nordenfeldt and 22 one pounder Maxims (Pom-Pom) horsed. In 1901, the corps, now without guns, was reorganised as a mounted corps. The strength at the start of the Anglo-Boer was 400 with a further 400 reserves. There were three field batteries and their reputation was very good. Their handling of the heavy Creusot guns in open warfare was especially noteworthy.

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    STAATS ARTILLERIE VAN DE O.V.S. 1857 TO 1900

    During the period 1857 to 1864, 12 field pieces were imported by the O.F.S. government. Two of these field guns saw service in the 1858 Basotho War. The force was commanded in 1864 by Captain Goodman, a former member of the Royal Artillery. He had been made Commandant and had a staff of seven members. During the Basotho Wars from 1865 to 1869, the strength of the force was increased and five guns were in the field. In 1880, Major Albrecht of the German Army took over with one officer, 55 other ranks and 300 reservists. Albrecht had 12 modern Armstrong guns; four horsed and was responsible for policing the borders of the state with 20 men. In 1896 the Artillery was relieved of this duty and reorganised. The new equipment included 14 7.5-cm Krupp guns. With these guns and five officers and 159 other ranks the force entered the Anglo-Boer war. At the outbreak of the war, the other ranks were increased to 400 men. The Staats Artillerie of the O.V.S. did good service until the beginning of the guerrilla war phase of the Anglo-Boer War. Major Albrecht fought in the Anglo-Boer War and was captured at Paardeberg.

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    ZUID AFRIKAANSCHE REPUBLIEK POLITIE (ZARPS)

    This force was the mounted and foot police of the Transvaal. From 1881 to 1896 the ZARPS were part of the Artillery and then began a separate existence as an independent entity. In 1899, the force consisted of 10 officers, 100 NCO’s and 1400 men. The majority of the force was foot police but they all took to the field and entered the Anglo-Boer War as mounted forces. The ZARPS fought well and earned a reputation for their tenacity, skill and courage. In peacetime they carried swords, carbines and revolvers. During the Anglo-Boer war the ZARPS carried the Mauser rifle. Mr L.S. Amery stated that “the police were first-class fighters, combining the skill of the Boer with the courage and self-sacrifice of the disciplined soldier”. The “fighting” ZARPS accompanied the Boer forces from the Transvaal that invaded Natal. They participated in many major and minor engagements but gained enduring fame at the Battle of Dalmanutha or Diamond Hill where they were destroyed as a unit. Individual members as well as the last contingent of the ZARPs continued to fight in the Eastern Transvaal during the guerrilla and final stage of the Anglo-Boer War.

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    I hope this is of assistance.

    I am by no means an expert or specialist in this field and any comments would be appreciated.

    Regards,

    Will

    Thanks for posting, the pictures are very helpful. Would it be possible to post a picture of the hook and eyelets of the jacket, I'd like to see how many I'll need. I would also appreciate a picture of the inside of the ZARPS jacket...is it lined? Also, close ups of the edging would be nice. ;)

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    Most helpful indeed as was the "Forces" description of Artillery units and their ordinance. Particularly liked the Martingale badge with leather backing as it puts item into scale perspective. Seeing the hat badge and martingale badge side by side I was at quandary as one was either very large or other was relatively small. American Cavalry martingale 'hearts' are almost 3" wide. Canadian 'NWMP' martingale badge,(Striking with Buffalo[bison] head in relief) is much smaller, closer to this ZARP martingale badge. Thanks again for all these related posts. As doing this impression is in its 'Early Beginings' stage here in USA we sincerely appreciate this accurate assistance.

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    ZUID AFRIKAANSCHE REPUBLIEK POLITIE (ZARPS)

    This force was the mounted and foot police of the Transvaal. From 1881 to 1896 the ZARPS were part of the Artillery and then began a separate existence as an independent entity. In 1899, the force consisted of 10 officers, 100 NCO’s and 1400 men. The majority of the force was foot police but they all took to the field and entered the Anglo-Boer War as mounted forces. The ZARPS fought well and earned a reputation for their tenacity, skill and courage. In peacetime they carried swords, carbines and revolvers. During the Anglo-Boer war the ZARPS carried the Mauser rifle. Mr L.S. Amery stated that “the police were first-class fighters, combining the skill of the Boer with the courage and self-sacrifice of the disciplined soldier”. The “fighting” ZARPS accompanied the Boer forces from the Transvaal that invaded Natal. They participated in many major and minor engagements but gained enduring fame at the Battle of Dalmanutha or Diamond Hill where they were destroyed as a unit. Individual members as well as the last contingent of the ZARPs continued to fight in the Eastern Transvaal during the guerrilla and final stage of the Anglo-Boer War.

    I find this particularly intriguing as I recently read a title describing Canada's NorthWest Mounted Police's early beginnings. The Great Adventure: How the Mounties Conquered the West, by David Cruise and Alison Griffiths re: Cmdt. French's expedition. Although armed with only carbine (Snider) and pistol both forces were similar in mission and character. NWMP distinguished themselfs in military action during 'Real's Meti Rebellion'. Thank you sincerely for this description of the ZARP and their service.
    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    I am happy to be of assistance.

    Slightly off topic, this is the Martingale badge that was used by the South African Mounted Rifles.

    not off topic at all. Note similarity of elements. belt chape at bottom, round with monagram. only parting is Republic's Eagle and SAMR's Crown signifing allegience.
    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_10_2012/post-3034-0-64769800-1351322295.jpghttp://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_10_2012/post-3034-0-31925000-1351322313.jpghttp://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_10_2012/post-3034-0-43272900-1351322333.jpg

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    Create an account or sign in to comment

    You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

    Create an account

    Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

    Register a new account

    Sign in

    Already have an account? Sign in here.

    Sign In Now



    ×
    ×
    • Create New...

    Important Information

    We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue.