Mervyn Mitton

My mistake - Salford Prison - not Belle Vue. I've still got the key if we need to break out - the problem will be that it was pulled down in 1893 !!

THIS HAS NEVER BEEN SHOWN AND COPYRIGHT IS RETAINED. This is going to be one of the rarest posts you will see from me. I have owned it for over 35 years and it had hung over a fire in the lawyer's office who represented the Crown, at the trial. I will not give all the intricate details - the next post of the handwritten frame, which hung with this, will give most details. Because of coal fires the canvas was so black that we had to have it restored - square inch at a time - to remove the dirt of over 100 years. Basically, it marks the start of the Irish Republican Army - only in those days they were called the Fenians. In 1867/68 a movement was started to begin a rebellion in Ireland - which in those days was one country. They had intended to attack Chester castle - steal the arms and take them to Ireland. This was foiled and Special Police were sworn in - in thousands - all over Britain. They also , planned to mount attacks in Canada and a special medal was awarded. ** Perhaps someone could show one and also give details of the Canadian episodes ? ** Returning to this panel - it was the painted canvas door to the 'Black Maria' (paddy waggon) that Sgt. Brett was in charge of escorting. The vehicle was drawn by two horses. The principals escaped to New York - may have been involved in Canada and poor Sgt. Brett was shot. Two of his attackers were hung at Belle Vue Prison in Manchester for which I have the brass front door key !! The panel is 29" long (70cm) and 22" high (53cm). The VR represents Queen Victoria's cypher,or monogram.

Mike - when you have time, tell us a little about being a dep.sheriff. What were your duties, hours , patrols, arms etc.. To most people outside of the U.S., peacekeeping is only what we see on t.v.. I have stayed in San Diego - did a house exchange with a Dr. and his wife. Would go and live there tomorrow - one serious problem though - it will drop into the Pacific at some time. I also did an exchange with an airline pilot for Air Canada - he and his wife kept a holiday flat in Hawaii - Oahu. A fantastic place and so friendly - however, I shouldn't think it has much in common with the mainland States? One question that always worries me - why do they send Police in the States out on their own on lonely patrols - I know the answer is prob. manpower - but, surely safer to double-up and have fewer patrols? They always seem so vulnerable, with help perhaps miles away. I used to feel 'lonely' on night patrols on my own - but in London if you put up a call - 'P.C. needs assistance' - you can have 20 cars come to your aid in 5 mins. This was why they carried swords on remote beats at night. After you answer all of these 'nosy' questions , I will tell you the origin of a sheriff . Mervyn

I thought this nice model of HMS Victory might be of interest. I bought this on a trip to Mauritius (can't remember the spelling - age !) some years ago. The island is famous for making model ships for all countries and , they get the original plans to make them to scale. I don't know of any visitors who don't come back without at least one. I won't give Vicyory's details - I'm sure other members in this section will know more.

Ed - thankyou for the info. on rank. Should you ever hear of a suitable cap or, pithhelmet , this has the trousers and it would make a good display piece. The silver will all polish up well.

Glad I'm not the Chairman ! I think it is his decision, but in my mind , I will post anything in the British Isles under British police and everything else under Worldwide. I think it's great how members are responding and we certainly want more from other Countries to truly represent World policing. Ed - I hope we don't have to have 'pistols at dawn' ???

Graham - I can only say Thankyou. Your knowledge is most impressive and has pointed me in a direction for further enquiries. Mervyn

I don't have a lot of modern material - particularly overseas forces - however, we must keep the momentum of the new sub-forum going. This is an original print from an Illustrated London News from 1879. The Natal Mounted Police were a small force of some 140 men at this date, and they sent a contingent to fight in the Anglo-Zulu War of that year. They were only formed in 1873 - Brett Hendey's (Hi,Brett) Uncle was a gaoler with this Force and it would be nice if he could add some details. I hope the caption is readable - if not it is some unfortunate policemen pushing a large vehicle up a steep hill. The story of our lives !!! Note the full uniform, incl. the standard white topee of the time. (- are you watching this Stuart ??) The officer - or, senior NCO on horseback is also well defined.

The British South Africa Police were established in Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) by Cecil John Rhodes in the early days of the 1890's. They were intended as a force to take over the local people and to protect the Company's (his) interests. They were originally named The British South Africa Company Police. Their officers were mainly ex British military officers - and they were, and continued to be, a para-military force. They carried revolvers and rifles and had heavier weapons available. Their discipline was exceptional and they were always held up as being the best Colonial Force - outside of the UK. ( Meaning The Met. of course !) They lasted until 1980 and then became The Zimbabwe Police - noted now for their oppression and force against unarmed civilians. We have half of the population living in Sth. Africa . This cap - prior to 1980 was for the BSAP - and this pattern of bullion badge was reserved for officers, with a smaller version for women officers. Uniform - and in fact anything from the BSAP - is now keenly sought after.

Very much so - and I wouldn't put it past the present Burmese 'regime' to still be carrying out the occasional 'cleansing' ! I don't think this one was ever used - I keep offering money to our locals, but they won't stand still !!! The lady who brought it in , said that her mother was married to a British official who was stationed there , just after the war finished - - so, 1946. She was actually married in Burma and it is a tradition for high ranking people to be given swords on their marriage - not sure what that signifies !!! Anyway, the happy couple were given 6 Dha's in total and she offered them to me. I bought this one and two smaller ones - which have now gone.

Ed - what would an approx. value , be for the Indian Title Badge? I presume they are silver, but I've never handled one.

Mike - this is how we learn. I had no idea that the Sheriffs ran the local jails . Would this be for longer term prisoners - or, just for overnight ?

Brian - Hi ! I bet Leigh 'slaps' you for not putting this very interesting picture on the new forum !! People tend to take photos of officers and not the men - so, in my book this is rare and informative. Any more ?

Laurence - I always thought Lord Strathcona was the Governor General - according to the caption, it was Lord Minto. I know Strathcona's Horse were the first to be sent home and had the full date letters on the QSA.

I hope you are succesful jagwca I know how to do it - but, only using PhotoImpression 6 and Irfanview - if this would help at all ? Don't we have a section you can ask for help ? Rick - this is too much ! Two people in one post 'claiming' to be relatives !!! If I had any money I would be very suspicious - the main problem, will be that I don't like most of my relatives...

Stuart - we all need a copy of your book ! You should be able to keep us in exciting posts for years to come ??? Thankyou.

Fantastic - both the pictures and the knowledge that goes with them. Makes Sunday seem a lot brighter! Mervyn

ks Mike - never thought we'd find that out.

Def. not the Eff. - it has two bars. Enclosed are some close-ups - I can see now that you were right about the white being a gap. However, there is a shoulder badge

Peter - I think - on reflection that you are quite correct to say - not for sitting on. Decorative, perhaps - but probably for bracing on the shoulder. Modern swordsticks - and by that I mean would mean going back as far as the 18th. C. would have had an attachment on a hand lathe to bore the hole.