Mervyn Mitton

MALAYSIAN POLICE RIOT SQUAD AND BUSSES

In the early 1970's - at the height of the Vietnam War - left wing groups in the UK organised a number of demonstrations in front of the US Embassy in Grosvenor Square, London. The numbers were enormous and the Met. Police fought pitched battles for many hours to get the situation under control. There were two main demos. - both with serious Police casualties. This picture shows just one section - and it was fairly calm at this point. I think nearly every Police officer suffered injuries - we had no special equipment to help. I am somewhere in this crowd........... When you see the vulnerability of the Police , you can understand why most cities have these special riot squads.

ONE OF LONDON'S SPECIAL RESPONSE UNITS

MEXICAN RIOT POLICE

Los Angeles RIOT SQUAD. ARMED WITH THE HEAVY DUTY REPEATING SHOTGUN (S.A. INVENTION)

SERBIAN RIOT POLICE - WITH ROTTWEILER

Thankyou for these two pictures Douglas. They weren't with the originals. I hope other members will be able to add. Mervyn

POLICE AND NATIONAL GUARD MEMBERS AT FERGUSON IN THE USA

For quite some years now the riots and disturbances in Countries around the World have been increasing. Partly this is due to the internet and the so-called 'Social Media' - people become involved in matters that are nothing to do with them - but boredom, and a sense of mischief lead to volumes of posts that end-up as street demonstrations. The UK experienced severe rioting a year ago - now the US has similar fighting and looting. South Africa is in it's 3rd week of Xenophobic attacks (means a hatred and fear of foreigners) against African refugees from other African countries. There have been many deaths - much looting of their property, and many fleeing back over the borders. The Govt. talks - but, this is a big country and the authorities have had to call on the Army to assist. When you start to analyse the reports you quickly realise that few countries have been spared this looting and rioting - Africa, the Far East and South America have always had problems - but, it is now common in the Middle East and Europe. Very few Countries can allow the luxury of having their Beat Officers deal with serious numbers of agitators and as a result most major cities have Response - or, Riot Squads. Some of these are very sophisticated - others, just groups trained to work together. For some time I have been wondering on how to get some statistics and pictures of these special squads - but, short of writing to every World Force it seemed an impossible task. Then - out of the Blue ! - I was looking for something related to Police and found a news type server called "Buzz Feed". Among it's thousands of refs. I found an article on the rioting in Ferguson near St. Louis and an author - by name - Marco Djurica - had brought together pictures of riot squads from Police Forces in many different countries. I give full recognition to both the Server and to Mr. Djurica. His photos show the men and their equipment - but, he does not go into great detail about the particular equipment they use.My titles will just give the town, city or, country. There are some 30 pictures - with my MD this will take time to post - so, I will pin this intro. and then over the next few days/weeks will add the pictures. For a "World Police Forum" they are exactly the ref. we need - and I hope will encourage comment, criticism , and additional photos from countries not covered. Mervyn SOUTH AFRICAN RIOT POLICE

Not Masonic - Royal and Ancient Order of Buffaloes. They probably had a chapter on board - or, in a Dockyard town. With the Lodge no. it should be possible to find out from their HQ. Mervyn

For the fishing boat - I believe not. Mervyn

Good one Chris. I've never heard of this incident - however, it seems to be in line with the policies of the time................ Mervyn

A few years ago, the South African Navy upgraded it's Fleet. Four new Frigates and 4 submarines. All were supplied by German companies. I think only one submarine is still operational - however, the frigates have been a successful design. They are mainly used for protection of local waters and to guard against illegal fishing . The one shown here just had an unfortunate incident when it shelled one of our own fishing boats...............

Nice condition.. First issued in April 1900. Has the Broad Arrow for the Department of Ordnance - and the ' X ' - which shows it was sold out of service. The leather on the scabbard is still good - give it a polish with boot polish or leather cleaner. Similarly the brass mounts on the sheath and on the guard also look well when polished with Brasso. Mervyn

I agree with you - medals and awards should never look poorly produced - they are your Country honouring you. Well spotted J-P. Mervyn

The City of Manchester had many smaller towns and Parishes surrounding it. These tended to use a pattern of Truncheon known as a Baluster. One side usually had the King's Cypher and the other the name of the town or, the Constables initials. Ones in good condition are hard to find and very often they are from the 18th Century. This one is King George 3rd - 1760 - 1820.

Following the end of the 1st WW many midlands Forces presented their special constables with a commemorative truncheon. Usually, the coats-of-arms were silkscreened onto the wood and the date of service included. They are very collectable, although the silk screening tends to wear off. This one is for Birmingham.

This version with a plainer 'MP' appears to have followed the earlier one. Again it was worn in a cylindrical leather case and would have remained in use until the 1860's , when the Met changed it's Tunics to the 'Berlin' pattern. From that period Truncheons were carried in a long pocket inside of the right trouser leg.

When the Metropolitan Police were first formed in 1829 , this was the last year of George 4th's Reign. He was followed by his brother - William 4th and in 1837 Queen Victoria ascended to the Throne. The early constables wore a leather case on their belt and this held the truncheon. Truncheons marked for Bow Street were one pattern - however, no-one is a 100% sure of the pattern for William 4th. The one shown here is the first pattern for Victoria and was made by the Met. Police Armourers - Field and Co..

Mid - 1850's this is a Special Constables Truncheon for the City of Edinburgh. Surprisingly, it has the Naval fouled anchor.

The Swastika and associated badges are not allowed to be reproduced in modern Germany. Mervyn

The JDM Southern Africa Collection. Put together back in 2006 it remains an example of how to mount, preserve and record an important collection. Their are some rare medals and awards in the collection and it will act as valuable reference for many years to come. Tara-Lee Thompson - a major surprise for you to find reference to your Grandfather - although it is surprising how often this has happened over the years. Welcome to GMIC and I hope JDM sees your post. I am not sure if he is still a member - however, if you have any problems please get in touch with me. Mervyn

Patrick - thankyou for answering. Pleased we were able to help Rob. Mervyn

Hi - Richo. Welcome to GMIC. Your price for the Pioneer sounds quite high - however, they are becoming hard to find. Do separate posts - on this Forum for the Pioneer and the Japanese. We have a number of experts on Japanese material who will be pleased to see the sword. We have recently changed the Forum format - there are directions at the top for posting pictures - however, if you have any problems let me know and we will see what we can do to help. Mervyn

During the late Byzantine period there was a constant flow of Vikings - with their longboats - into the area around Constantinople. They hired out as personal guards to important people , and the money and goods they returned to the North were important. Mervyn