Mervyn Mitton

Emmanuel - if you are going to visit Durban you must visit CATHAY - the top collectors' shop in South Africa. (031 561 5783)

I find it interesting that when the first expedition took place in 1890, Rhodesia was devoid of European buildings - this photo was taken in 1896 and Govt. House is quite palatial................... ...................................................................http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_02_2013/post-6209-0-68729100-1361368729.jpgclick....................................

I remember - in the 1960's - visiting Cecil Rhodes grave at the Matapos Hills. A very simple bronze plate set into the rock. I think this must be the hill shown - perhaps someone could confirm this - also, has the grave been desecrated ? .....................................................................http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_02_2013/post-6209-0-67960400-1361368439.jpgclick...................................

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Many of the later events in Rhodesia were a direct result of the how the early settlers behaved with the Native tribes of the time. The serious rebellion of 1896 was obviously unexpected and resulted in many deaths. Just for interest - and to show some of the events, I am adding some photographs taken at the time. (These are taken from a book published in 1975. "The '96 Rebellion - BSAC Report of the Disturbences in Rhodesia 1896/7" Authors Earl Grey and Hugh Hole) Under my post on Matabele Weapons - British Badges, I will show some other examples. This map shows Rhodesia as it was in 1896 - The Matabele were on the lower part and the Mashonas on the upper. ...............................................................http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_02_2013/post-6209-0-44068700-1361366550.jpgclick

Not only a lovely collection to a distinguished officer - but also, exceptionally well researched. I am sure our Members will enjoy reading through. Mervyn

Welcome to GMIC. I am sure one of our Police researchers will be able to assist. I htope we will see you regularly on this Forum. Mervyn

Strange Arthur - his biograpyh mentions Matebeland 1896 - but he was in Stockholm in 1900 ?

Ricardo - go back some way on this Forum and you will find some in-depth discussions on how to date these caps. A lot seems to depend on where the stops are within the lettering. Mervyn

Kvart - if the clasp says MATABELE then it is the 1896/7 Rhodesian Medal. The ribbon doesn't tie in exactly, but then, it doesn't look like the QSA ribbon. We have a couple of threads runing at present on the Rhodesian History - covering the 1896 period. The first exploratory expedition into Rhodesia was in 1890 - settlers quickly moved-in and set up towns and small villages. Naturally, the Matabele and the Mashonas took exception to this and rebelled against British rule. Salisbury wss the capitol of Mashonaland and Bulawayo for Matabeleland. The Matabele were descendents of the Zulus. Bulaways was under siege with some 4000 settlers trapped inside. They were formed into fighting units and were supported by the British South Africa Company Police. The fighting was very bloody and many were killed on both sides. South Africa sent 800 men from various Regiments to assist and eventually the situation was brough under control. A peace was made after more fighting in 1897. I will post some pictures of the situation in '96. With your medal having Matabeleland as the bar, your man must have been in that siege. The Matabele and the Mashonas are traditional enemies. Mugabe - the present leader is a Mashona and had over 30,000 Matabele slaughtered after he took power in 1980. Mervyn

Chris - some nice medals. About 4000 pounds for the Anglo Boere Oorlogs. Your set with the Troue Dienst and the ABO are in the wrong order. The DSO precedes the others and the two late award Boer Medals at the end. Only some 12000 ABO's were issued during the 1920's. People always think that it was a 'cut and dried' issue - the British on one side and the Boers on the other. In fact more Boers joined and fought on the British side then did for their own cause. There was great hostility within the ranks of the Boers - all wanted to be leaders. This dis-organisation has been the down fall of the Afrikaaners. I bought the Govt. history of the 1914 Rebellion the other day - very interesting reading. There were no Imperial Regiments left in South Africa - the last three arriving in Belgium in time to qualify for the 1914 Star. This meant that the Rebellion was put down with Afrikaans and British local units. Have you got a copy of this ? Mervyn

I take-it that the medals are not named - this will make them a British group. Those to South Africans were named. The Africa Star covered quite a wide area for qualification - but, most often it is the campaign in North Africa. Mervyn

Turtle - whoever filled in the form was not a good writer. As Ulsterman has said you can make them out - with difficulty - but, I can't think of a Trade with this name. Possibly a Telegraphist ? As you can see he never left the Uk so whatever he did, it was regarded as important enough to keep him on a Home Base. Mervyn

I have to agree with Nick - most people are just themselves. The main problem with the web is that you rarely get to know in person the ones from overseas. If you're a 'leading light' - does that mean you are allowed to carry the collection plate............

Some very good points from all of the recent posts. I agree that there is no need to feel 'guilty' - modern history has shown - often enough , that ordinary people get swept-up in events and really have little control over what is being done in their name. Like many British people of my background, I have an affinity for Africa. I have no colour prejudices at all - but, having said that I wouldn't invite my English gardener to have dinner with me (perhaps not quite true - it always depends on the person). People find their own level of friends. I have spent , over the years, nearly 30 of them in different parts of Africa. I have had few negative incidents in that time and therefore, in my mind I think a lot of the problems were caused by Europeans not being prepared to share more of their lives with the majority. C'est la vie - hopefully the World will learn from it's mistakes - but, not in my lifetime. Mervyn

Ed - we must 'do' an IM. Very pleased to hear the news on your Mother - please give her my best wishes. Mervyn

We shall look forward to seeing a picture. Do you keep many uniforms Mike ? I find a lot of people like a dummy as a display , but not too many people keep the big collections, as in the past. For a semi-tropical area like Durban they have to be sprayed on a regular basis to keep the insects at bay. Mervyn

Hi Robin - yes, you're right. But just try carrying it outside the front door........................

You are quite correct - the Aust. Service medal should be at end. If you give us his name and details one of the research members may well find more info. on him. Not sure I agree with your comments on Perth - I was brought up in Melbourne and Sydney...............