Mervyn Mitton

Craig - when you say ' we don't look as smart now ' - is that because you have to wear those awful yellow jackets ? Surely they would get in the way if you were chasing someone - or, do you leave that to the dog these days ?

A raw and inhospitable place - as the photos clearly show. Our pilots were brave - if they came down it was probably death. We have fought a number of campaigns there - and as with Afghanistan - all were a waste of time. I believe the big thing at present, is for them to get residency in the UK. Interesting ref. Harry - thankyou.

An important set of signatures. I particularly liked the early Union Castle ship - very impressive. Did you get this on your recent visit ?

Before they get forgotten I want to add this officer's rank badges to the thread. They include his original Sgt's rank and also, Sen.. Sgt. Followed by senior patrol officer. Then on the left his Ch. Inspector rank , the UDI period Supt.'s badge and then the Ch. Supt.. Beneath these are cap and collars and then the Supt' rank and collars for mess dress. These last ones are quite rare.

With ownership of just one sporran - for the band of the Witwatersand Rifles in Johannesburg - I thought this could be a good subject for people to add to ? I bet Leigh will have some good photographic refs. ? If members take the trouble to post, this could make an interesting thread. Over to you................ p.s. there are only five entries on sporrans on our index.)

Very interesting, Arthur. I wasn't aware that the British Govt. had tried to send convicts to Sth. Africa. Might have been an improvement on some who came under their 'own steam' ? Australia never had too much trouble from them and in Sydney people are very proud if they can find a link to an early convict. Always remember - you could get 7 years transportation for taking a loaf of bread - so many sentences were excessively severe.

No, Tony - you don't get one - at least not for that. However, I'm proud to be a fellow member with someone who so immediately gave aid and help. I cannot recall so many terrible disasters in such a short time - and now I read that Victoria and Perth are also being affected. We also have floods in Brasil , also in South Africa and Sri Lanka + the many volcanos in Indonesia. My Grandmother always blamed the 'atom bombs' - she was born in 1873 - but, I am now wondering what is causing all of these ?

The first punt across the Tugela River was in 1879 to carry troops from Fort Pearson to the holding fort on the other side - Fort Tenedos. This was the forward area for the attack on Zululand from the Southern end. I expect this is a later model ? People in foreground are clearly seen with their clothes and costume.

I thought this was a very attractive picture - all set with a formal cloth. Perhaps to commemmorate Edward's 7th. Coronation in 1902 ? Note the importance that beadwork has for the Zulus - only one baby without any - I wonder why ?

This is an exceptionally large female Hyena. They are dominant and much larger then the males. I don't know wht they shot it - the flesh is uneatable. Probably raiding the local cattle.

These are trackers working for the Natal troops - this is in 1906 - The Natal Native Rebellion

This is Zulu. The women are probably the wives of the Chief - and these will be his children..... Note - the long pie she is smoking.

I had to laugh at this one - no clothes - but nice hats.......

Sangomas still 'throw the bones' to divine the future. Most of them are very wealthy !

We are not sure where this Prison was. Could be Natal - in which case the warders were part of the Natal Police ?

These would be British Army barracks built after the capture of Pretoria from the Boers.

I have just bought this most interesting group of old postcards - many are dated to around the 1900's and show how things were in different parts of South Africa in those early days. For the researcher they will be of great help with dress etc.. The one showing a Prison escort, I have also posted under Police. People forget that in 1900 the Colonies did not have the infrastructure that exists today. Durban now has a population of some 1.000.000 - incl. outlaying areas - however, in 1900 only 15,000 white settlers lived in the area. In 1879 - only 5,000 ! This first card has a title - what is clearly shown are the front and rear covers. The Nene was at the front and the rear - usually a goatskin, was called a Beshu. These items are still worn at ceremonial gathering. Please note - any colour on the cards was added individually by hand by the photographer.

I have recently purchased a group of old postcards - most dating from around 1900. Many are of Zulus and I will post all of them under our Africa sub-forum in the near future. However, this one stands out as it shows prisoners being marched out to work. The warders are all in uniform and are wearing a cap badge - however, I can't quite make-it out. One looks as if he carrying a long stave and the one on the right has a shouldered rifle. This is the first picture I have seen of an early prison set-up in Sth. Africa.

Chris - I would say a bargain. Personally, I would feel it would be genuine - would cost more to make a replica. Well done - we'll all want to buy it from you ....

Three good neck or, arm bands

This is one ceremonial necklace.

An impressive neck band - for man or, woman