Mervyn Mitton

1314 - thank you for that information. I am most grateful. The medal was accompanied by the WW2 ones you name - but we didn't think they were associated - S.Rhodesia - being British - did not name the war awards. The Colonial Police Medal was not with them - unfortunately, and I don't expect they can be re-united. Once again my sincere thankyou for this - I wasn't getting anywhere and was going to follow-up on your suggestion of the BSAP Assoc. Mervyn

Some very nice additions Stuart. Very attractive badge on the forage cap.

Paul - Wow ! The Commissioner's outfit is in wonderful condition - and has to be a rare set. Interesting that the gold braid on the peak of the cap is so different to the usual styles. I think these must represent Maple leaves - however, perhaps you could confirm this ? From the suspension straps on the belt, this rank obviously wears a sword - were you lucky enough to have this included. Probably a Mameluke pattern - the type worn by generals. His rank structuring is very interesting - it is identical to the Metropolitan Police Commissioner in London - who is Britain's senior police officer. However, in the UK the baton and sword are two crossed tipstaffs within the wreath. Your Commissioner is wearing the insignia for a full (4 star) General - thus showing the para-military origins of the RCMP. Going back to an earlier suggestion I made about the material the Supt's badge was made from - these badges are metal. I would suggest , therefore, that you try to see the reverse on them in case of markings. For this rank I would be surprised if they aren't silver gilt. The same will apply to the belt fittings. One word of warning - don't be tempted to rub or, buff them. Gilt rubs off easily. And you say there is more to come..........

Thanks, Tony. That helps with the award of this medal - however, I'm hoping that perhaps a member has access to original records of the BSAP - I can't find any ref. to him.

' One Happy Camper' Darrell. Great that you were able to help - seems to make it all worth-while.

I have posted this separately to Brian's post on LS&GC as I am hoping some of our members will be able to help with some info. on this quite rare medal. Being King George 6th. it has to date between 1936 and 1952 - however, that is of this award - not of his service. I have been able to find very little about him , and yet, as an Inspector, he was quite senior - the Force being small in numbers of European members. He is shown as Peter M. McDonald - no. 3048. I could only find one KIA under Peter McDonald, but that was under the Emergency in 1977 - perhaps a relative ? This medal , is of course, The Colonial Police Forces LS&GC. Very nicely, he earn't two bars for extra service. Was he perhaps in the Military during WW 2 - or, if he was left in Rhodesia, was he eligible for the Home Services medal ? Any help will be appreciated.

Brian - I like LS & GC medals and they are a very collectible field in their own right. I'm always amazed at how much some of the rarer ones fetch. Obviously more interesting if they are named - but,that's how the early ones were issued. I liked the point about which way they should face - Leigh's clearly shows personal preferance - and since the public don't always recognise a ribbon, it's a way of showing what you've been awarded. I recently bought a very good LS&GC to the British South Africa Police. Will post it separately as it may encourage a thread - however, your post should attract a lot more interest.

Brian - no question, they are lance heads and would have tipped the 9 feet lances. These were usually of Ash wood - with the 17th Lancers using a large male bamboo shaft. The opposite end had a metal shoe running up the shaft and I have often found this part has the identification marks - they are also often repeated on the wood. Who was based in Ontario that might have carried lances ? Many of the British Light Cavalry Regt's. were made into Lancer Regiments after 1815. During the Battle of Waterloo our heavy cavalry charged the French guns - they were fairly succesful, but during the retreat to our lines, the French (actually Polish lancers taken into French service) Lancers charged. The Royal Scots Greys took the brunt of the attack and with the length of the lances - many were killed with lances in their backs - incl. the commanding Colonel. This is why our Lancer Regt's have short histories compared with other units. Probably the most famous charge - with Lances - after the Charge at Balaclava , has to be the 21 st. Lancers at the battle of Omdurman in the Sudan - the one Churchill took part-in.

I think you're right,Brian. I'll put them on the For Sale section next week.

Kevin - this is interesting archive material - does it list anywhere the number of Specials appointed for this District ?

For your interest, I bought them this morning - but only for the scrap value of the silver. What a pity they are not collectible - a lot of work in them.

Dave and Nick - something for you to think about - and yes, I am being a little contentious..... Are we sure this helmet is for a senior officer ? Yes, the 'furniture' looks of the quality - but, not the helmet. Without the fittings I would have said P.C.'s pattern - senior officers - at that time - usually had silver trim to the rim and some mark of rank on the peak. Would it be possible to see a photo of the inside ? Sorry about the question - but, it keeps you off the streets !!

Paul - it certainly lives up to your descriptions. I think we should see all of the pieces before putting approx. insurance valuations. The Commissioner's will be a valuable item - does it come with cap etc.? When I first looked at the uniforms I kept thinking what is this set of initials - GRC - suddenly remembered French is an equal language. Duh !! You describe the officer's uniform as being for a Superintendent - is there another grade above this in Canada ? I ask, because in the UK this would be for a Chief Superintendent - a Supt. is only the Crown. The cap crown looked very interesting - are they real diamonds at the top ? If the answer is yes, then the bullion badge will be in gold thread - and valuable. Could we see a front and back close-up. Congratulations on acquiring such an extensive collection - hope you have the room ? Mervyn

Just a note to let you know this new book by GMIC members has been reviewed on The Library ( beneath The Lounge)

The reason the metal chin chains are nearly always missing is that the wives and girlfriends took them for bracelets. Similarly, you rarely get a silver or, gold pocket watch with it's chain - they get used for necklaces. Should I come across one I will let you know. By the way - which Force is this helmet for ?

Nice example, Darrell. Strangely enough I was offered one yesterday - but wasn't tempted at the price he wanted.... I have never felt that there is great interest in this medal - however, in this condition and with a name to research it is a good addition to your collection. How about the Abysinia Medal - do have any of that one ?

Thankyou Gordon - one of those Forces that you never think about - or, at least I hadn't...... Once you start to read about them, you quickly realise how well trained and professional they are. Would be good if others could add to your info..

Well done Neville - even better then I was expecting from your comments on the Police section.

Mathew - welcome to GMIC. I had never expected to see this post resurrected from the past - but glad that you took the trouble as I thought the picture of the young King interesting. Your research is great and adds a lot to our knowledge of the area and period. Similarly, Michael's explanation of the requirements for the medals makes things clear. I will try to find the paperwork that came with the medals - must check first that we haven't sold them. Would you be interested in the group ? Once again thankyou both - things seem to disappear down the pages very quickly these days with so many new members - and it is nice to re-visit occasionally. Mervyn

Thankyou Darrell. That was a very interesting and moving piece of film - good to see all the attention he received. I thought the film of the artillery moving forward was very clear and not at all 'jerky'. The man turning the crank must have had good co-ordination. I noticed that he had a 5 bar QSA - didn't hear any mention of which ones - do you know ? Mervyn

Very smart Leigh - you are obviously the class leader. When I was at Hendon they followed the same system - ex Forces always i/c class - they had the discipline. How many years did you do with Cambridgeshire ?

Hi - Dave and welcome to GMIC. The spikes are not easy to find because they are slightly different to the Army versions. Have you tried ebay in UK ? Also, see if some of the police dealers can help - they often advertise in the Armourer, which is sold in most main newsagents.