Mervyn Mitton

Far more interesting than the batons, have been these detailed posts. This is Irish and Ulster history and I would think most mainland people are ignorant of these fine details - as I have freely admitted, I have learnt a great deal. I knew that when we got around to the subject that it would be of importance - there is a lot more to be said yet and I hope you can all find the 'stamina' ? My fear is that not enough members will find it on the Police sub-forum - I have taken to highlighting some posts on that 'personal comment' section at the top - however, I don't always like to be the one doing this - could someone else draw attention to the thread. We have many members from both sides of Ireland and I am sure they might wish to add comment. Mervyn

Leigh - as a resident of Dorsetshire, I can only say how pleased I am that you have got around to us... The H.Q. of the Regt. is in Dorchester and the entrance to the barracks is built in similar shape to your illustration - for some reason I had never connected the shape with Gibralter. They are a much loved Regiment and of course, have the Freedom of Dorchester. Thankyou.

I hadn't intended this to develop into a discussion on the two Forces - only to show the two truncheons. However - as is their wont - it has developed naturally. I have new photos on the way for the truncheons and for the carbine - when I post them perhaps you will be able to enlarge the thread. Possibly because we are on a sub-forum and not the Lounge, the discussions have been informative and friendly and I , personally, would like to say thankyou . I have learnt a great deal and also, thank you Prosper for the book info. - I intend to order a copy. No matter how well we know our subject, we cannot be experts in all fields - and Ireland has always been rather a 'blank' spot for me. I ignored it in my book since I felt it was too political and and not really part of the mainland 'Policing order of things'. There is certainly room for a new book on the RIC and RUC equipment and history. I think Prosper mentioned that Lloyd George threatened to send in a million uniformed soldiers - it didn't work in Queen Elizabeth the 1 st's day and I don't think it would have worked for L G. When it is time for a Country to have Independence there are few forces on Earth to keep the status quo.

Thankyou Rob - I haven't been back since 1960 ( ! ) - and hadn't noticed the change. Would be good to see the bigger badge - our emblems look good on the badge and the embroidery is of a high standard. Hope it's not the 'copying b.....s' in Pakistan - they write to me at least 3 or 4 times a week - and I don't think that there is anything they're not making.

That would be the most incredible plane I have ever seen - but, secret or not, surely it would have had other publicity. The photos show it flying, but are they real or, made-up ? Also, as Darrell says, how could you fire guns of that size? I think it's all in the mind ....

Now I am in your 'bad books' ! Mea culpa. I don't know why I didn't think to look in your book - I have two copies , one at home and the other in the shop. Thanks for the extra info. - am I right in thinking pre-1938 ? Mervyn

Thankyou Stuart - very informative. I had never even heard of this pattern. The condition is remarkable for it's age - which from what you say, is probably pre-1938. The owner may have been returned to UK and you don't need sun hats there - rain hats, YES. Would you be interested , or do you have one in the collection ? Thankyou. Mervyn

Coldstream - Hi. Interesting post - good shots of the Cromwells. Have you been to the Museum at Bovington in Dorset - fantastic collection of armoured vehicles. I posted - under medals - a few weeks back a set on a chap from the Scinde Horse. In the background of one photo I wondered if they were Cromwells - perhaps you could have a look and see what you think ? Mervyn

This is an interesting scene - shows a group of off duty officers studying a map. Remember, this is 130 years ago and we know very little about behaviour, dress, habits etc.. Pictures such as this , are in fact, important social reference material. For example - what is the strange stocking like hat several are wearing ?

Going through some original 1879 copies of The Illustrated London News, I came across a number of engravings printed from drawings made in the field. I will add them to this thread over the next few weeks - they show some very interesting scenes. This one , for example, shows the cooks preparing food for King Cetswayo - his main sleeping rondavel is in the background - note the hides spread to keep it waterproof. However, what is more important are the two bodyguards standing outside the the entrance. They are from his personal Impi and wore very impressive regalia. The leg adornements are combed sheepskin - however, the capes and headress are ostrich feathers.

With the plastic covering, they are similar of the type used in South Africa a few years ago, Good that you have a pair for the order they would have faced for the uniform.

You have some very interesting pieces, Bob. Would this unit also have had police functions ? Probably with the previous Govt., they were inter changeable. One question - on some of the patches and on this flag, there is what looks like a 'dead chicken's head' - what bird is it meant to represent ?

We haven't had two in a month since July ! The explanation below the picture is self explanatory - however, I think it is a good illustration of the combination of sail and steam. This is an original picture from the Illustrated London News of July, 1879 - which was the height of the Anglo-Zulu War.

I would agree with Ulsterman SSB - Special Services Battalion , or, Brigade. The big question - whose ?

Will repeat the caption - it looks rather small.

Darrell - I will just post one picture - it clearly shows the violence of the conflict. The explanation is clear and this was the front page of the Illustrated London News. I wonder what bravery award the Lieut. received - would be interesting if someone could look him up .

The very good condition does raise questions as to how old it is ?

This sun hat has been described to me as an officer's private purchase sun helmet. There are signs that a badge has been present on the left side behind the strap - the top of the pugaree is turned inwards. Could be WW1 - maybe a civilian type and later - I think this is where Stuart, Peter and other experts offer their opinion ? Apart from the size, the only other interior marking is a stamping on the leather headband - 'superior quality'.

Sorry, I got mixed-up between the boy and his father. The Middle East is not the place to be if your in charge....

Darrell - you have been fortunate to find some rare and interesting medals for your collection. I have an original copy of the Illustrated London News for 1879 and will post a few contemporary pictures of this campaign. I think this current one in Afghanistan is the fourth - why we keep getting involved I just don't understand ? The 1879 one, we were fighting them and the Zulus - we certainly liked a challenge.

Lorenzo - if that is correct - how dreadful, he was only a young boy.