Mervyn Mitton

Side view CLICK TO ENLARGE

This was the cap for the Railway Police. http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_02_2012/post-6209-0-73032000-1329748271.jpgCLICK TO ENLARGE

A nice tunic - the shape of the Crowns will date it from William 4th - 1830 - 37 - or, Victorian. Some time ago I posted a long series of uniforms on the Forum - under British Artillery. The prints covered all of this period so, you must go back and see if you find it ? Mervyn

Side view CLICK TO ENLARGE

CLICK TO ENLARGE Material such as badges and Caps for Army Chaplains has always had a following - unfortunately, by their very nature they are 'thin' on the ground. This lovely example dates back to the early 1970's and has a very interesting story attached. I will not identify the family - however, they were Dutch and Jewish. Early in the War, the Grandfather realised the danger to Jewish people posed by Germany and arranged for his son and his wife to come over to South Africa. Unfortunately, he and his wife decided to stay in Holland and were captured and sent to Auchwitz - where they died. The son has a very poignant letter sent by his Father before he died. The son and his family settled in Sth. Africa and the Father served in the Army. In 1956 he converted to Christianity - we will never know what prompted the change - I have never heard of the conversion this way . This was enhanced by his being Ordained in 1968 as an Anglican Minister. He later re-joined the Army as a Padre. I feel that the story enhances the interest for the cap.

Brian - I'm sorry our blogs clashed. However, they are quite different in content and whilst mine is a story - yours is advice of the first quality for our members. People tend to become stuck in a 'rut' when it comes to collecting fields - and as you so clearly show, there are many new adventures to consider when looking for new subjects. Also, by looking for not so well known interests, the chances are that they could be cheaper then the more common ones. I suspect that you will keep finding new ideas for our Members and look forward to reading them . Mervyn

Hi - Claire . Gee , you believe in keeping us busy, I've deleted the other 4 posts. This is a set of First World War medals - the star has the 1914 date , which means he saw service between Aug 5 and the end of November 1914. What a pity you don't have the original full size set - they are worth a fair amount. They would have been issued after the end of the War in 1918. Do you have any idea of the name of the recipient or, his unit. One of our members may be able to help with research.

Please give her our fond regards - and tell her she's got work to do in the kitchen ! Seriously though, that is a nasty thing to happen and I hope she makes as quick a recovery as possible. Mervyn

+ CHAPTER 1 Not unusually for a British November it was quite cold and there was a definite hint of rain. Mathew Tiller was hurrying to get home before it was dark - at 4 p.m. in the afternoon it was already twilight. He was a young lad of 17 years - big for his age - standing nearly six feet tall and with a solid build. This was unusual, for in 1796 there were many young people who did not go to bed well fed. Matt, as his parents called him was lucky that his family ran the village grocery and supplies shop - had done so for over fifty years. They were well known and respected in the area and known by all of the local farmers from whom they bought their meat and other essentials. Little Wells was a village in Kent, of some 400 residents - it's nearest large neighbour was the City of Rochester. This had about 2000 people living in it - however, because it had a Cathedral it was rated as a City. The village was lucky to have it's own small Church and a resident Vicar - although he also looked after the three adjoining villages. Having a Church also brought with it the luxury of a Parish Constable - Mr. Stokes. He had held the position for over thirty years, taking it over from his Father. He was a greatly respected figure in the Community - and a terror to the youngsters if he caught them stealing fruit from the farmers. The village was mostly people who worked in agriculture - perhaps having small holdings to raise vegetables and pigs and chickens for local sale. Apart from the Tillers small grocery shop , there was a candlemaker , a seamstress and a local livery stable - and , of course, a smithy. Run by two brothers Tom and John Smith, they were always busy. Apart from all of these, there was the local pub - 'The Wells Inn '. This was a source of more trouble to Mr. Stokes then anything else in his Parish - and earn't more then a few mentions in the sermons of the Reverend Dolton. Running through the centre of the village was the main road from Dover to London. The stage coaches and their passengers would stop to water the horses at the Inn - but spent overnight when they reached Rochester. There was always at least one coach a day - and often special post chaises that carried people who need to travel quickly. There were also the carriages of the gentry passing through. Alongside the main road was the village common for Little Wells and a fairly large pond. This could be more like a small lake - particularly in Winter with the extra rain. By Right of Charter the original families in the village had the right to keep animals on the Common and to water them at the pond. Matt hurried to get himself home before the rain came - he was worried - but, mostly about could he find a job anywhere away from the Grocery. He just felt there should be more in life then humping sacks and serving people he knew. London - or, Rochester were possibilities,but he didn't know anyone in either place and was very nervous of up-setting his family. One of his other worries was his sixteen year old friend Mary - whose family lived in the village. The only job they could find for her was as a scullery maid at the Inn. She had told Matt how unhappy she was with the coarse farm labourers trying to get her to go out with them. Whilst they were not going out, they liked each other and he kept thinking how nice it would be if he had a wage and could buy her something. CHAPTER 2 - A SURPRISE TO ALL He was getting close to the village now and was passing the outer cottages. He would be passing the Inn to get home and as he came in sight of it he could see a group of men struggling. Getting closer he could see Mr. Stokes, the Constable, with three roughly dressed men - and losing the battle ! Matt started to run towards them to help Mr. Stokes when one of the men pulled the Constable's decorated truncheon from his hand and struck him on the head. When they saw Matt running towards them and heard him shouting for help - which brought people out of their cottages - they turned to run. However they hadn't allowed for a stong seventeen year old and he just ran straight into them. Two fell over and he grappled with the man that held the truncheon. He managed to hold the man's right arm to stop a blow and as he struggled at least ten men of the village joined-in and held all three. Now they had a dilemma - what to do with three prisoners - and also help the Constable who was unconcious and bleeding badly from a head wound. Matt had the right idea. He asked some of the older and more sensible women to wash Mr. Stokes wound and to bandage it to staunch the blood. He then suggested to the others that Mr. Stokes cottage had a special cell to hold prisoners overnight. Matt first checked the Constable's pockets for keys and then they marched the three men over to the cell. Fortunately the keys workedand all three were locked in the single cell. They then returned and carried Mr. Stokes to his cottage on an old door and put him to bed. Matt asked if someone could borrow a horse from the livery and ride to Rochester to obtain help from the High Constable. One man - Jim Wade - an ostler at the Inn was soon on his way. It was at this point that his Mother - Mrs . Tiller arrived - having heard the story as it spread through the village. Having looked at Mr. Stokes, she said to let him rest - he was breathing normally. She then told her Son that he would have to go to Rochester with the Constable, to give evidence. She had brought some bread and cheese and gave him five shillings to be able to get back to Little Wells. Finally, she said the Squire must be informed of this happening- something which Mr.Stokes would normally do. She said his Father would go to the Manor House , which was about two miles away and beyond the Church. Matt sat quietly keeping an eye on Mr. Stokes and also on the prisoners. After about five hours he heard horses and shouting and they came straight to the door. The High Constable of Rochester - holding his official gilt tipstaff with the Arms of Rochester - came into the small front room and asked what had happened. He was followed by two Petty Constables, who carried decorated truncheons like Mr. Stokes. Matt had the whole story sorted out in his mind and gave a clear account - the High Constable spoke to the prisoners who confessed that they were deserters from the Army Barracks at Dover. They were confined in a waggon and Matt had to accompany them. One of the village women said she would stay with Mr. Stokes as they didn't think it a good idea to put him in a waggon. The High Constable said he would send a Doctor from Rochester the next day. The waggon didn't arrive in Rochester until the early hours and after locking the prisoners up in the small gaol Matt was invited to stay with the Constable's family. He told Matt how very impressed he was with his handling of the situation and said he would contact the Squire of Little Wells - Sir Thomas Hills. The three men were brought before the local Magistrates and given seven years transportation to Australia. They also rewarded Matt with ten shillings from funds for his bravery. He made his way home two days later to find that he was the hero of the village - even the Vicar commended him from the pulpit. This would have been the natural end to the matter - however, Sir Thomas Hills - who was also the Magistrate, asked to see Matt and Mr. Stokes, who had now recovered enough to be able to walk. Mr. Stokes was used to going to the Manor on Parish business - however, this was Matt's first time and he was very impressed. He wondered why one man and his wife and two children needed such a big home. However, Sir Thomas held a title that could be passed down - and so, was an important person. After giving all the details and Mr. Stokes telling how he had attempted to arrest the three men for stealing, Sir Thomas asked the Constable if the village wasn't becoming a little too big for one person. The Constable agreed and said at 53 old he couldn't chase them like he used to, Sir Thomas said - ' I have just the solution - how would you like to have Matt as your Petty Constable ?' So, Matt gained a wonderful job that would become his future career - and brave Parish Constable Stokes gained an assistant. Matt was given the princeley sum of one pound a week ($1.6) and moved into the spare bedroom at Mr. Stokes, since his wife had died five years earlier. Watch for the exploits of these gallant two - and remember, all this took place over 216 years ago. Long gone - but, not forgotten.

INTRODUCTION : Firstly, this is a genre outside of the usual Blogs and entries to be found on Forums - it is an ongoing Novel. I have had the idea for many years to write a series of Novels on our early British Police - starting in the late 18th Century and continuing to the start of the Metropolitan Police in 1829. This is a big undertaking and one that I have put off. However, our new blog section is now doing well, Greg is writing regularly and is interesting and Brian has a brilliant little series coming out twice a month - and very thought provoking they are. My story will be fictional and will start in 1796 (216 years ago). THe young central figure - Matt Tiller, will go through many adventures over coming years and we will follow his achievements and promotions. This is a story with author's license - I have created my own characters and the villages and Manor Houses that they will be living in and around. You will quickly realise that I have used the area around Kent near the Medway and near to the Cathedral City of Rochester. By not using existing villages and areas it allows the story to move in different directions. However, the historical context is as close to reality as it can be - with this distance in time. I am allowing GMIC to have first viewership of the story - which - If I live long enough, will extend to some 15 chapters - each a self contained short story. When finished I expect it will be published. I retain ownership and copyright and any similarity to persons living or, dead is co-incidental. I am aware that to people living outside of the UK some of the story and terms may not be immediately clear - please do not hesitate to ask questions in the Comments section.

Hi - Robin. I think these are an excellent thing to collect - prices have remained steady with them - and are not excessive. Mind you - the correct place to display them is important - too many, and all over the place could make a room very sombre. I will draw the attention of the advisory panel and let's see if we can find any further info. Mervyn

Vlad - thankyou for letting us know how you got on - and I'm sure we wish you the best of luck at eBay. Hopefully you will get your price. Your dilemma with this sword is a common one - people contact us thinking that we will have prices at our fingertips - unfortunately this is not always so. Your experience with Christies is common - most of the major auction houses will only show an interest in higher priced items. Most of the London houses will not take an item unless it can fetch at least 5000 pounds ($8000). Judging from the dealer offer and the last price at eBay, you hopefully, will get something in the region of US$1000. Please let us know the final result ? Mervyn

You are born with your relatives - but, you make your own friends ! Thankyou for posting this Jean-Paul - an interesting story. Mervyn

Some rare and lovely items, Will. We appreciate you showing them on this section of the Forum. The Police Museum would be very envious of you - however, I doubt that they would recognise many of the pieces

Nice to see the medical section badge with the red cross. I bought a slouch hat one the other day - but, thay become rarer all the time. Makes a lovely display. I hope all is well with you - thought of you yesterday when I bought a nice 7 medal group which included Sudan 1898 and had the Khedives - bars were Atbara and Khartoum. Will post next week. Mervyn

Ginger - welcome to the Forum. I remember that incredible Dorset Regt. name plan - a few years ago now. Amazing that it was able to help you find your relative. We must hope that one of our members who specialises in research will see this post and be able to help you. One other thought - The Dorset Regt. HQ are in Dorchester in Dorset. Write to their Museum Curator and see if they can help you ? Mervyn

Joe - a rare subject and very well covered. This is the type of explanatory article that is so important to help future collectors and researchers. Do you have any further ones you could show - or, further research material. If we can get enough interest Brian and I will be very pleased to consider this for an award certificate. Mervyn

A lovely old photo - and some special medals being shown. I would judge the photo to be about the 1880's from the style of dress ?

I wonder how many of our Members' will be honoured ? Closer to the time I will post on the Lounge and ask them to tell us.

Mike - it's been fascinating seeing how different people had their input with this new unit. Well done for putting so much work into this post - I know Brian is impressed as well. Sometimes I think members can be a little superficial and not want to go too deeply into history - this is a mistake and it's not often that we can read such a complete archive. For future researchers and history enthusiasts this is invaluable and over the years you will see a constant flow of readers. Mervyn

Robert - welcome to GMIC. Thankyou for posting this . Mervyn

Thankyou Paul - I didn't think it could be a Police award.

This is Command Sergeant Major John Goodrich. He was the senior NCO in Natal Command and I remember him telling me that he had over 240 Sgt. Majors' in his command. He is now retired. I have no idea what he was gesturing to - perhaps we don't want to know ? He is wearing the authorised mess dress for regular army W.O's and his arm badge can be clearly seen. CLICK TO ENLARGE

A clearer view of Captain Peter Maunder of Natal Mounted Rifles. This gives a frontal of his dress uniform. Captain Maunder was originally in the Rhodesian Army as an officer - you will see this in his medals. CLICK TO ENLARGE

This shows a clear picture of a General's mess dress - with decorations. The officer is Major General LeRoux - he was our Guest of Honour for the dinner. As host , I am on the right of the picture. CLICK TO ENLARGE