Mervyn Mitton

The Rorke's Drift Memorial to those killed in the fighting. I must just tell you that the Rorke this was named after was a general trader. There were five other white families in the immediate area and he sold mainly dry goods to Zulus. The Memorial stands in the gardens http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_09_2013/post-6209-0-11501900-1379419887.jpgclick

The original building at Rorke's Drift was destroyed in the fighting. Later re-built it was made alittle larger and with a bigger verandah - otherwise it stands in the same place. http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_09_2013/post-6209-0-98929200-1379417589.jpgclick

The various Companies were nearly as far forward as the black bush in the middle distance. Our Artillery were to their right. You can clearly see how the mountain dominates the landscape. http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_09_2013/post-6209-0-52381000-1379417316.jpgclick

A similar view - but without the people. It allows some of the monuments to different Units and Regiments to be seen. They are scattered over a wide area. http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_09_2013/post-6209-0-52739300-1379417136.jpgclick

A few months since we've posted on this thread. During the shop closing many old photos came to light - when I was President of our local Militaria Society - The Society of the Preservation of Miltaria - we used to have organised tours 3 or 4 times a year. We had a large m/ship of some 500 and up to 60 would book places on a hired bus and we would have a long weekend visiting sites of interest. Natal has one of the highest number of Battle sites for just one Province - if it wasn't the British fighting the Zulus or, the Boers - it was the Zulus having internal battles over inheritence. Sometimes up to 20/30,000 could be killed. The trip that these photos show was to Rorke's Drift and to the Mountain and battle site at Isandlawana. Such a wonderful, quiet place to visit, the members asked to go again many times. I think that it is probably one of the most original - and although squatters are getting closer - you can still the ground as it was in 1879 , the positions where our troops defended themselves - and even across the Plains (some 20km) to where Lord Chelmsford had encamped the night previously at the Mangeni Falls. The film 'ZULU' while not filmed at the original site gave good impression of how they could see the attack on the main camp - but, didn't know what was happening. I will start with the visit to the Mountain at Isandlawana - originally a lava plug - it sits on it's own, with a most striking resemblance to a lion or, Sphinx. Dating back to the Napoleonic conquests in Egypt - and our subsequent Battles to dislodge them - many British Regiments adopted the Sphinx for Badges and as Battle Honours. Therefore, to find this Spinx in the middle of Africa caused some superstitious feelings amongst the troops. This shows the group with the mountain in the background - I think that's me in the middle. We are standing in the area known as the Saddle. This is where - towards the end of the Battle Col. Pullein drew his remainging men together to fight a rearguard action. He had approx. 70 men. They were quickly scattered and retreated up to the rocky outcrop on the right. The sheer numbers they were facing saw most of them killed - the story goes - related by Zulu Warriors, that the last defender fought up to a cave on the face above and was killed there.

Chris - with 200 years of history (in 2029) the Museum has the most incredible collection of artefacts, medals, uniforms - and just, history. I was never very interested in the 'Black' Museum - although it gets the most attention, it is really just a collection of weaponry. The main Museum has far greater importance and it is nothing less then tragic , that a series of incompetent decisions and a pretended lack of money has kept it buried in warehouses. At one time it was in such a place in Brixton - where I visited it. Had the locals found out about-it, there would have been a fire. The Met. are very secretive and have a lot of Civilians behind the scenes - and like many civil servants have an undue influence. In 1973 I staged the First exhibion ever put on by the Met.. I had a wonderful Georgian Library - with display galleries - on my Home Beat and requested permission to have the exhibition. The Commissioner gave the OK and with enormous TV and press coverage we were 'under siege' with members of the public giving us antique items to display. The exhibition ran for 5 weeks and we had over 30,000 visitors. The Met.'Black Museum' refused to support us and myself and a small team battled to set it all up - only towards the end did the Div. Commander realise how we were being neglectd and then maintenance Branch stepped in and helped build display areas. Compare the Met's attitude with that of the City of London Police. Their Commissioner gave permission for anything from their museum to be loaned - we even had the wonderful wooden Court model buildings used in the inquest for the Sydney Street Siege in 1910. Personally, I think former high ranking officers should form an action Committee and put pressure on the Govt.. Nearly every County Force has it's own Musum and proudly displays it's history - why should the Metropolitan Police - who started modern Policing in 1829 , see it's treasures being left in boxes to deteriorate. Mervyn

I think it will be for an equerry of the King - perhaps for a special occasion. He would wear aigulettes as his badge of office - on the right shoulder - however, perhaps at a military ceremony or, dinner, he may need for others to recognise him. He may also have been on Duty for the Coronation in 1911 as an Usher. In 1935 he held his silver jubilee They were all officers and assisted the Duke of Norfolk who is the Hereditary Grand Marshall of England - and runs all of the Ceremonies Mervyn.

http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_09_2013/post-6209-0-47521900-1379331127.jpgclick I recently found pictures of this rare engraved bayonet which came into the shop some 18 years ago. Not terribly clear with the description and I don't recall the exact wording. Basically, Wilkinson were commemorating the making of the 2,000,000 bayonet during the 1st. World War. I believe that they made a number for presentation to senior generals - has anyone ever come across one ? Mervyn

After so many years being stored in odd places - and split up to different unit museums - it would be great for the Met. to have a proper Museum. When I was at Hendon the classes were taken to Bow Street where the Museum was on the top floor. Unfortunately - as the current curators have pointed out, where will the money come from ? Thankyou for posting this info.. Mervyn

Robin - good collecting techniques - which add to the value, but also give added colour and interest. I have found that many medal collectors are now trying to add the correct badges and cloth insignia to each medal.

Mark - thankyou for giving Strapper those details. Welcome to GMIC and if you would like to tell us a little more on your webstie and your reasearch we will be pleased to hear from you. Mervyn

Chris - the Foreign Legion are noted for their brutality - very unlike a disciplined Force such as the Metropolitan Police....................... Thank you for your comments, Dave. Policing is a job full of surprises - and often can be dangerous. I don't think this has altered in any way over the years. What does seem to have changed is that the Police Officers have more paperwork and regulations. During my time we were expected to make decisions for ourselves and were given discretion to act alone - after all, you had to be able to justify your actions to a magistrate or,judge. The only reason I have continued with the Blog , is that someone pointed out that it is a Social History from nearly 50 years ago. I don't want it to become boring, so will probably let it finish in a few more episodes. Mervyn

Really Chris ! We are talking about the Met. Police - not the South African Police. They had it pointed out that their actions could easily have had them arrested. They were in fact only given a Caution.

INTRODUCTION When you live , or, work in an old town or city, it is easy to overlook historical buildings and landmarks. This happened when I was first posted to Bethnal Green Police Station. The area was a mixture - tall, ugly concrete blocks of flats - typical for the the late 1960's. Rows of old terraced houses and and tenement blocks - built-in the 1880's to try and improve the area and cover the shame and bad publicity that Jack the Ripper's murders had caused. There were also many small and medium sized factories and workshops. Walking - or, driving in a car on duty, it was easy to see just the people and the streets - however, once I was on night duty I had the opportunities to really see what made-up this 2000 year old area of continuous occupation. There will be other occasions when I will be able to go into detail - however, as an example, there was a short cross street between Brick Lane and Commercial Street named Fournier Street. Basically, it was a row of joined houses dating back to the 18th Century and in the style of the 17th Century. Most of them were derelict. During the time of King Charles 2nd - who was restored to the British Throne in 1660 - his French counterpart was the 'Sun King' - Louis X1V (14th). Following the urging of Cardinal Richelieu, he barred the Hugeonots - or, Protestants - from practising their Religion and they were forced to flee overseas. Many to Britain. My Mother's family name was Bozier - a Hugeonot descendent. The French silk weaving industry really depended on their skill, and when they left it fell into decline. Their loss was England's gain - the area the silk weavers chose to live was the same Fournier Street in London's East End. Many of the old houses have now been renovated and are shown as they used to be - workrooms on the ground floor - living accomodation above. There are several museums and it is an area worth a visit. General View of Fournier Street http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_09_2013/blogentry-6209-0-88277600-1378482882.gifclick Inside of one of the houses - the marks on the beams were for silk weaving machines Map of the area - Sever's House is now restored for the public. THE MECHANICS OF A 1960'S POLICE STATION I can only talk about the running of a Police Station in the 1960's/70's. I would think little had changed over the previous 100 years - and, quite frankly, if a system works why keep making changes. This seem to be the prevailing attitude today - change for the sake of change - or, is it just me getting old ? 'HB' or Bethnal Green Police Station, was not the Divisional Station - however, because of the large population in the district it had a complement of some 200 Police and civilian staff. The commander of the Station was a Chief Superintendent (equiv. to a Lt.Col. in the Army). He was assisted by a Superintendent. The CID (Criminal Investigation Department) numbered about 25/30 - under a Det. Inspector. There was a Process Dept., under an Inspector for dealing with Summonses. When you reported someone for an offence, the paperwork was reviewed in this Dept. to ensure there was enough evidence to go to Court. When you made a direct Arrest the Sergeant dealing with the Charge also, had the responsibility of ensuring that it was a legitimate arrest - with the evidence to prove the Act the arrest was made under. The Station also had a detachment of Special Constabulary - who at that time were only allowed 2 hours duty a week. I remember one old Special who was an Estate Agent. When on duty he parked his Rolls Royce in a side street. We had a fully staffed canteen and after 8p.m. we had facilities in the sitting area to make tea and light meals. The uniformed Branch numbered some 120 men - split into 3 Divisions or, Reliefs. These were identified as 'A' "B' and 'C' Reliefs - each under an Inspector and two sergts.. The system was changed some time ago, however, the above had existed for very many years. A 9 week cycle was followed. Early Turn was 6 a.m. to 2 p.m.. Late Turn was 2p.m. to 10 p.m. and Night Duty - 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.. You did 6 weeks of alternate Early and Late Turn and then 3 weeks continuous Night Duty. You paraded 15 minutes early to be told what was happening, receive special duties and who was wanted. You also Paraded Appointments . This was to show you had your whistle, truncheon and report books. You have to remember that Police are a disciplined Force and subject to the Rules laid down by Parliament and your Commissioner or, Chief Constable. For example - you don't decide which variation of uniform you will wear - Dress of the Day is shown in Force Orders. With holidays, sickness, time off and Court appearances the Relief rarely paraded more than twenty men - and sometimes much lower. Just meant we worked harder. Hopefully, this brief outline will give you an idea of the set-up. With so many people with-in the Station you really worked with your own Relief - and the men on the other shifts. I was on 'B' Relief. Being so dependent on your colleagues for help in an emergency, you tended to become close friends - on and off duty. Although, as often happens you tended to have your own group. When I finished learning Beats with Jock, my Relief was about to start on 3 weeks of Nights. This meant I would be Patrolling my assigned area - or, Beat - on my own. Being the East End, away from main roads the back streets were poorly lit. Let me say right now - you don't know the meaning of ' Being on your Own ' until you have patrolled for the first time at night - and on a freezing February night.... Radios had only recently been introduced - and we did not have enough to go around. I'm fairly sure that friends I had made, had ensured I had one that first night. They were Swedish Stornos and quite powerful. The unit went in your back left pocket and the microphone was fed up to your tunic or, greatcoat lapel. You could hear all station calls and if you wanted to speak you pressed a button on the top. Messages went to our Reserve Room or, Communications Room. This was manned by two PC's and an elderley , retired PC, manned the switchboard. We were supposed to return by midnight for refreshments - but, in the dark back streets I got hopelessly lost. It got to about 12.30a.m. and I knew I was a long way from the Station and knew that people would be wondering where I was. I didn't want to use the radio - I knew I would never hear the last of getting lost.......... The decision was made for me - I was looking in my A-Z wondering where the 'hell' I was, when 4 drunk yobos found me ! They were very cautious at first - then got 'cheeky'. I wasn't nervous of them - perhaps a little intimidated. There were 4 of them and I only stood 5' 8". I decided that I'd better call in for directions - doing so, it slipped out that I was having a little trouble. Before I could turn round 5 Police cars and the van - plus some 20 police had arrived to see "what I was 'up to' " The whole canteen had turned out. Very embarrasing - but I knew then that I had friends. The yobs got a quick lesson in having respect for their local Police - and I got lots of different lectures in letting people give assistance when it is needed. I learned a lot from that incident - and of course - with time and experience you become a more confident person. However, like all of the Services - Military and Civilian - you have to learn that you are part of a team. Next time - a few more incidents. Some years ago I was asked to write for a local Radio Station, some humerous memories. Having recently found them in the move from the shop, I will add one to each future post. HUMOUR IN UNIFORM One of the duties of a London Policeman is Reserve Duty. This is where , once in a while, you man the communications room and make sure that there are always a few uniformed men around the Station. One quiet Sunday afternoon I had 'pulled' this duty and was thankful as it was a cold, wet afternoon in winter. About 3 p.m. the Duty Sgt. called me into the Front Office, where there were two men who were covered in mud. They said that in the morning they had been clearing a site (they were building workers) and had found two large iron objects. Thinking to sell them for scrap they had loaded them onto their open flatbed lorry. When they had gone for a drink someone said they looked like bombs and to bring them to the Police. Needless to say I was very grateful !! One look told me that they appeared to be large shells or, even bombs without fins. Beating a retreat wouldn't have helped - if they had gone-up so would half the East End of London - I tried Bribery ! Take them to Commercial Street police station I said - they won't take so long to deal with them !! Not likely - they wern't moving an inch and expected me to deal with them. Eventually we managed to get them into a corner of the station yard and covered them with sandbags - the London Police have always been good at immediate action to to re-assure the public ! The 'bloody' workmen left and we had to evacuate the Station and the surrounding area until the bomb squad came to take them away. YES ! They were live and very unstable - had to be detonated in a nearby park. They were 1st World War 8 inch Naval shells. Heaven alone knows what thay were doing in the East End of London ? A couple of years ago - in Durban, I was asked to value and identify a deceased estate with militaria. The friend who was with me spotted a mortar bomb and picked it up - ' look', he said 'it's a Chinese one. Oh my God, it's live with it's detonator and it's sweating '. We retreated very quickly and the SAP bomb squad had to detonate it. Please, please - no-one bring me any more shells or, bombs.

Good to see so many examples being shown. With the early ones there was quite a lot of 'snobbery'. Gold -especially if set with stones - was generally regarded as only being for officer's wives and sweethearts.

I think you should apply for a patent - the style of defence you talk about with a stick, would that be copied from one of the Japanese martial arts ? Mervyn

With only one person not wearing the medals, I would say a local Corporation award to mark the Coronation.

Robin - two very nice SB's - the one on the right looks to be 9ct. gold ? Not sure about the enamelling - this tends to be something a lot of people are doing today. Having said that - with the gold it is probably original. Good additions. Mervyn

Thankyou all on both posts, who have replied. I will continue with a few more 'episodes' - at least until the new section is in place. Mervyn

Brian - walking stick shotguns (.410) and .22 rifles used to be quite common in Victorian days. Took back the advantage of surprise. Nowdays they are banned under Firearm Acts in most Countries - although I think they can be in a collection if properly disarmed - however, I wouldn't want to be the one trying to convince a British Constable why you were carrying it in the street........... Although I am in the chair now, I still carry a sword stick - in SA it is not illegal to own it - only to use it. I think you have to make your own choices on that one. Mine was carried by a Captain in the Gordon Highlanders during the Zulu War of 1879 - couldn't find any notches ! Ed - yours is a nice example - Indian in origin. More usually called a dagger stick as it is shorter then for a sword. Mervyn

Your Scythian arrow heads at that time are very interesting in the number you have of them. They caused Phillip of Macedon a great deal of problems - being on his borders. If I remember they became reconciled and fought with Alexander at this tme period ? A lovely collection and considering that they are either dug-up or, are from old tombs remarkable in their condition. Mervyn

There has always been great interest - Worldwide - in the RCMP, and the size this post has grown to, shows this clearly. We had it 'pinned' early on and I think that this helped to attract attention - still, 52,000 is a great number of viewers. We have just pinned the Australian Collection of Rod - hopefully, he will get extra viewers. Well done everyone. Mervyn

219PG - what a wonderful link to discover. One of the iconic pictures of the suffragette movement. Mervyn

Rod - a very impressively sized badge to this cap - I wonder if they used silver ? I notice that the peak leaves are also much larger then their UK equivalent - who would also have a cross section. I notice that comment has 'tailed off' a little - this often happens when a whole collection is being shown. Please don't think we are not interested - I for one am just amazed that the size and variety of the collection in your possession is so comprehensive. I somehow doubt that any of the Museum displays could come near to yours. I think that it should be pinned for a while and am sure that Brian will agree. Mervyn

Ted - welcome to GMIC. Amazing after this long time break that you have not only found the thread - but, also your Grandfather.......... Mervyn