Mervyn Mitton

The South African Police were first established in 1913 - mainly to provide one major Force for the whole Country, and also to do away with a multitude of small independent units. They were a para-military Force and based on the British system with British ranks. They were usually ranked third in efficiency following Hong Kong and Rhodesia. They were - unfortunately, always known for their ruthless approach to the public and although I had many as friends, you had to remember that they had fewer then 120,000 men to Police an area the size of Europe. The distance from Durban to Capetown is 1100 miles (1800kms.) Following the change of Government and politics in 1994, their name became the South African Police Service. I have lived and worked in many Countries - many with good Police as in Australia - some with poor service as in Thailand and West Africa. However, I have to say that I have never seen a disciplined and well organised National Police disintegrate as quickly as the SAPS did. I have just seen a report on my server giving statistics for police crime in this Country. I think anyone who is used to getting help from their local Station - or courtesy - will be sadly shocked . Parliament has just been given a figure of 1,448 serving Police who have criminal records. These are for Murder, rape, robbery, theft and corruption. 306 were already convicted criminals at the time they joined. Police officers with criminal records include - a top ranking major-general ; 10 Brigadiers ; 21 Colonels ; 43 Lieut. Colonels ; 10 Majors ; 163 Captains and 84 Lieutenants. With a list of ranking officers such as this, why should the men be any different ?

Mike - what an incredible collection. How do you just forget 500 old cars - and, let them deteriorate to this extent ? Mervyn

Thanks Mike - City Coins in Capetown are taking a lot of items from the shop and the owner just mentioned Wolseley. I wonder what they will have ? Mervyn

Thanks Greg. Some very dedicated collectors like to have these details. I hope you are getting ready for the Photo Comp. - should be starting in Oct. ? Mervyn

Wolseley's medals are due to come-up for sale in the next City Coins auction in Capetown.

Brian - hi. I would agree with moving this to the Indian section. Mervyn

The World's a stage - and everyone wants to be an actor........... I'm afraid 'dignity' is no longer a common word. Mervyn

Ireland achieved it's separation from Britain in 1922 - this is 1928 and I suspect for the Irish Garda - or, Police. Probably he was the highest marks in the new Police College. 9ct. gold must be quite rare for such an award, and it sounds as if the Ch. Insp. paid for the award. He must have been in charge of the college ? Mervyn

Greg - always nice to see pieces from personal collections. For those members not into Commando daggers please flesh out the post with details of the different patterns. Mervyn

Bill - good post - brings back memories. Mervyn

Could be the initials for so many units. FDR - usually is for Frontier Defense Force. West Africa tended to use this - however, I am not sure that West Riding would be correct ? Mind you most of my Yorkshire friends are pretty defensive of their County ? What do other members suggest ? Mervyn

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Many families retain military and naval commissions granted to their ancestors - however, it is not that common to find a Georgian one to a good Regiment. This one was granted on 10th April 1823 - and so is 190 years old. George the 4th came to the throne in 1820 and died in 1830. The signature of George 4th is at the top of the page - hand written it is a little difficult to read, so I will give his name here. Ralph Walsh MANSERGH Gent. This was always included to show that he was a Gentleman, and therefore , suitable to have a commission. He was appointed an ENSIGN in the 25th. Regiment of Foot - the King's Own Borderers Regiment of Foot. I will show pictures of different sections of the Vellum document. http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_08_2013/post-6209-0-73316000-1375885926.jpgclick

Hi - Dan. I hope this can be identified for you - however British Medals is probably not the right place to get a lot of attention. Just above the Lounge you will find a Forum for specific enquiries. Let's hope someone recognises the motif. Mervyn

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One of the functions for a top forum as GMIC is to provide ref. material for future members. This is such an item - he was a Major in the Indian Army during WW2 - full details are on the label. I have no idea where , or when I bought-it - the Sam Browne doesn't seem to have been worn. Mervyn http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_08_2013/post-6209-0-11295000-1375711608.jpgclick

This was only for ref..

Realitycheck - I welcomed you to GMIC on your other post. Yes, we are talking of the same person. He was in command during the 2nd Afghan War - 1879-1881 and Kandahar was a distant outpost from the main army. The Royal Fusiliers were part of the garrison. In order to relieve them, Roberts formed a special fast moving force and they marched to just ouutside of Kandahar. The Afghans attacked his Force and the Garrison came-out and caught them in between. The garrison received the Kandahar Bar and the men who forced-march received in addition the Kabul to Kandahar Star. Roberts was created an Earl and became the Commander in Chief during the Boer War. People were genuinly fond of him and he was known as "Our Bobs" by nearly everyone. Lt. General Chelmsford was a different case altogether. He came from a very prominent family - and eventually was made the Viceroy of India. He did not take part in the Boer War - however, he was the commanding General during the Anglo-Zulu War of 1879. The British had been fighting the 9th Kaffrarian War in the Eastern Cape in 1877/8 and he had both Battalions of the 24th Regiment of Foot. Additionally, he was supported by Artillery and his personal bodyguard was a Squadron of the 1st. King's Dragoon Guards. Natal was under permanent threat from the large forces of the Zulu King and it was thought with Chelmsford's troops + local forces and native infantry, that it was the ideal time to bring King Cetywayo under control. We used an old and well tried method - we demanded that a British Resident be appointed - he would be responsible for all matters involving Zulus - apart from local issues. We were so determined to force this, that the ultimatum sent to the King did not allow time for a reply - and we declared war in January 1879. I will not go into the short period of the War - it is well covered in our posts - however, we won and the King was sent into exile. From the point of view of Chelmsford , he knew that London was not happy with him for losing at Isandlawana - it was the largest casualty level for any war fought during this colonial period. He was therefore, expecting to be recalled and pushed his men hard to have everthing settled before General Sir Garnet Wolseley was sent to replace him. They were far from friends and Wolseley was a 'pushy' man. The general in the famous Gilbert and Sullivan comic opera - "The Pirates of Penzance" - "I am the very model of a modern major-general" was a skit on him. Chelmsford returned to the UK and with his connections was made the Viceroy of India - the highest colonial position. I hope this helps you a little. Mervyn