Mervyn Mitton

These were in an old bunch of photographs we found in a box. The Society for the Preservation of Militaria - for whom I was President for 14 years, used to have a formal annual dinner at the main military base. I thought these varied uniforms might prove useful for reference since they cover a variety of ranks. This first uniform shows an officer of a Volunteer Regiment - Natal Mounted Rifles - together with a full time South African Defence Force General. He seems to be a Brigadier here - but became a Major General. From left is Captain Peter Maunder NMR - facing him is Major General LeRoux. He was the Officer in Charge of Natal Province. His first major appointment was as head of 1st Para Bn. After 1994 the Army became the SANDF and uniforms underwent some changes. CLICK ON IMAGES TO ENLARGE

What is the ribbon on his chest ? Unfortunately, even the Police can be infiltrated. When I was at Bethnal Green a young constable on another Relief had a lot of problems with his wife - she couldn't cope with the odd hours. He finally decided she had to 'go'. He had a m/cycle he used to come to the Station on and this was parked in front of the Victorian house where they had a small flat. His original plan had been to throw a plastic bag over her head and suffocate her. Didn't work as she struggled - he then stood back and tried to brain her with his truncheon. This didn't work either - so he finally hung her over the hall bannisters. He then dug a hole in the middle of the back lawn - watched curiously by the neighbours at 4 a.m. on a dark morning. He then moved his m/cycle over the grave and covered it with a tarpaulin - goodness knows where his mind was. When the police arrived at dawn the grave was a neat pile of earth. I have his Cape brooch in the collection.

What is the wording around the shield ? Give Jersey Museum a quick email - they look interesting. Mervyn

Odulf - I agree that this would be good info. to have pinned. However, the copyright will be owned by OMRS and I am doubtful that they would give permission for it to be reprinted outside of their forum.

Unless they had rolled down the hill and ended up in the ditch, it seems strange to me that they are not spread more evenly. The other thing I think is strange is that there is no sign of impact - either on the road or from those in the ditch. Perhaps they emptied a few loads of balls into the ditch to allow them to be picked-up and placed for the picture ?

This shows them with a 400 magnification. I don't think it helps much. I thought the right hand one looks a little like the Artillery shape ? Brian - welcome to GMIC

Made by Gaunt of London - this is the reverse.

This is a rare badge these days. Northern Rhodesia had only some 200 European Officers and , I believe, about 8oo Black Constables. I am open to correction on this last total. The Territory became Zambia and was lightly populated - although of great size. They wore a similar uniform to the BSAP - cap with band - for which this is the badge , shorts and shirts and long socks. Plus of course a ceremonial uniform. Should any member have photos to enlarge this post they will be appreciated. CLICK PHOTO TO ENLARGE

Most are dated 1964 - the year before UDI

This set of coinage is the pattern brought-in just before when UDI was declared in 1965. Previously their links to the UK had been very clear - although they retained the Queen's head to show their loyalty to Her.

Seeing your picture of the pin JT - it probably was the subject of the patent. Still leaves us the mystery of who was the user ? Mervyn

I don't like to see three posts without answers - however, I think you may be unlucky this time. I hope not - can any members assist. Mervyn

As far as I can see the 1867 Reform Act gave the vote to male householders. I suspect that army soldiers would not have been eligible - however, officers' would by landholdings ? Mervyn

I hope members will rally to help Sandum with RFC exhibits ? Sandum - would you consider the Forum being allowed to have a small table to recruit new members ? If that is not possible, perhaps we could have a few posters ? Best wishes Mervyn

JT - that is a puzzle - why would anyone want to patent a basic star with the wording this one has ? I'm sure that all of the papers could be looked up - would probably need expert help. Perhaps the patent is for the metal ? Can't - surely - be for the pin ?

Hi Alan - haven't seen you post for a while. I wish I could assist on this badge - but, I've always found that so many Fire Brigade look the same. Didn't Ian have an Idea ? Anyway, let's hope one of the members will recognise it ? Mervyn

JT - I agree with Adrob - it does look a bit 'tinny' and not quite right. However, having said that it bears a number and is probably more then a toy. I seem to remember, some time ago - that US Forces in Europe had a type of badge for Police Duties. Also, this is stamped in English. Do you think it could have had anything to do with WW2 ? Mervyn

Yes - I agree - an interesting subject. I've never seen one of these bottles. Mervyn

Good questions and interesting background. Steve - why does your Avatar remind me of the photo badges ? Pleased to learn a little of your background - let me know when you're ready for a small comp.? Mervyn

I think a similar one was shown on the site some time ago - please post a few extra pictures, particularly of the inside. Mervyn

This type of reference material is too important to disappear out of sight. Hendrik and members - I have 'pinned' and will endeavour to add some French silver marks. Mervyn

Pete - did this Unit's beret bafge have any similarity with these ? Do you have a picture - makes a better warning. Mervyn

Thanks for the new info. Odin. A superb group.

Brian asked me to say that we have both been impressed with the joint efforts of Members in helping to research this important Group. Good that you have the information Colin and we hope you will continue to join-in on the Forum. Mervyn

Then it has to be 1911 - George 5th. Coronation. But, I can't see the reason for a procession under a railway bridge ? Let's hope some one else can work it out. When you are ready to go ahead with a Comp. let me know - we can always ask Nick to relax the amount of picture space for you. However, I hope you realise that when you click on the small picture - it will enlarge to the size you have trimmed it for ? Tell us a little about yourself - we're a nosy bunch. Do you have Police connections - or, is it a hobby ? Mervyn