Mervyn Mitton

Will - I had forgotten that you had shown all your 'British South African Police ' badges under the cap. Still, we need to keep-up momentum on this new sub-forum. Are you back for a while ? Mervyn

Dear Thomas - I am so pleased that you are enjoying GMIC - I have seen your posts and thought them interesting. You've got the sword to go on yet ! Yes - I think I must have given a good laugh over PaulC's post. I never gave a thought to it being a joke - I was thinking - he must be our oldest member and having just watched - The Last Voices from World War One - DSTV on Tuesday evenings - I was feeling very generous towards 'old soldiers'. Did you see I changed my intro. to Ramblings (Lounge) , to include him on my 'hate' list. Mike - I think we all missed your mention of the TV series.Sorry ! We don't see all of these programmes in S.A. - but, it sounds pretty typical for the BBC - they always 'do' period pieces very well. I would say - if the description of the people showed a certain 'snobbish' and autocratic background - then yes ! That would be a good description - in my book - for a lot of the English that worked in East Africa some years ago. They were often what we call 'remittance' men - unwanted at home and sent to the Colonies with a monthly remittance. Kenya particularly, had numbers of them - they made the film - 'White Mischief' about their bad behaviour in the 1930's. England has nothing to be proud about some of the 'layabouts' who governed our possessions - fortunately the majority were good administrators and respected their people. In all honesty, and I have lived in most parts of the World - if I was a 'local' - I wouldn't be that keen on my past masters !! - and I include Germans, Dutch, Fench, Spanish and Portuguese in that.

I take your point that it is The British South Africa Police -and it is referred to as such. I- without thinking, when I was typing - did put African , however, I am unable to change this heading now. We - who actually live-in Southern Africa - do tend to think of it as an area. Are you an ex-Rhodie - not many other people would get upset at a small typing error? Incidentally,sabrigade is a retired senior officer and doesn't deserve to be 'told off' like this. Mervyn Mitton

Two sets of British South Africa Police badges (BSAP). Shoulder title at top - followed by Slouch Hat badge and collars , and in turn followed by , Cap badge and collars. All were gilt. They ceased to be the BSAP after 1980.

These three photos show quite well the varying uniforms of the defenders.

Known as 'Long Cecil' this gun was made during the Siege in the Kimberley mine works machine shop. The shell is contrasted withe the Boer 100lb. shell ( 47 kgs.) in the previous photo

Darrell recently posted - under GB Medals - a fine example of the Boer War QSA to the Kimberley Town Guard. I have a rare copy of the comm. volume published by the Town Council, immediately following the Siege - there are good photos, which may be of interest in this section. Most of them have the titles and this first one is the famous Mayor, who inspired the defenders and also had made the Kimberley Star.

There were some good pictures of the Siege - incl. uniforms - I won't spoil your post, but will put them on in the Africa sub-forum

Dear Darrell - this is his Company - hope you can read it. I will also post the full page - but that maybe too small. The book was published immediately after the Siege, by the Town Council and lists everone involved, from all units.

I think Australia was the same qualification as Sth. Africa - 10 years, with war service counting double. He may well have qualified before the Boer War - or, as you rightly say - was probably commissioned towards the end . Would be worth drawing papers - if they are available. Brett Hendy may be able to help - he is very good on his research. (I'm an ex-Aussie - was brought up in Melb. and Sydney.)

**MISTAKE - Sorry ! **

Thomas - as you say - how did it get to Somerset West. Great item - Smith's were one of the major clock makers of that period. I wonder if Coldstream can tell us any more details of the ship - she looks like 1st. WW ? Would this be a County class cruiser - as with HMS Belfast in the Thames? Kev - wasn't Kilburn also a big area for Irish ? I seem to remember escorting a serious march, which ended with the attack on Downing Street. This was after the 13 were killed on 'Bloody Friday' -, or, was it Sunday ?

Darrell - were you lucky enough to get his Kimberley Star. They always seem to get separated, which is a pity. I have the original volume put out by the Town of Kimberley immediately following the Boer War. It gives every unit and where they served - will check your man for you. With such a big collection , it would be good if you had the time to print a list of the Units you have represented ? Mervyn

I will post a few pictures of the plume holder and hackle - not often that you see them away from the headgear. Probably worth as much as the Busby. Has 7 flames - so must be RA - what do you think Leigh ?

I've been enjoying these old photos - but, someone please tell me, how did they get 'lumbered' with those awful caps ?? They look as if a committee designed them....

Sam - I'm surprised that members seem to have missed your post - I was thrilled to see these two awards ! Both officers' and with such limited numbers in the issue, makes them rare and valuable. The South Australian contingent was - if I remember correctly - quite a small one. Having landed in Capetown they would have moved , by railway, through the OFS and then Belfast and the other Transvaal battles. There must be local books that cover their exploits - and your research will probably be more effective in Aust. archives. Hopefully, though, one of the members will have access to record books - they never fail to amaze me with the info. they come-up with. Best wishes Mervyn

Leigh - I thought this was the right sub-forum ? Do we have another one ?