Mervyn Mitton

Timothy - had I seen the photos on their own, then I would probably have agreed with you about West Africa. I lived for two years in Sierra Leone and the style has WA influences. However, most of East Africa dressed similarly at that time - really the Moorish influence from the Gulf. The other thing that would have made me wonder is that they all look so miserable - and people from Botswans are not generally like that. Perhaps thay wern't too keen on the British ? The envelope had Bechuanaland written on the front - but no other identification. There was also an early photo of an officer in bush kit - we have his name so I will post it on historical photos and see if anyone can trace who he was.

'Eagle Eye' Darrell strikes again ! I hadn't noticed the claw had lifted. Probably can be pushed back down. The older ones used to have one pin in the middle and a blob of silver solder to hold the claws. Paul - I agree with you about a good research book - although a number were written about the campaign and the atrocities. They were the forerunner of what was to happen in the Congo in the late 50's. Most of what I know about Kenya is from older people who moved to Sth. Africa. I have been several times to Kenya and Tanzania - but, you do have to be very careful. The only time I have ever been robbed was in Nairobi on a Sunday afternoon. I was walking back to the hotel and this chap came-up and started talking - you get used to this as they like to practise their English. He suddenly produced a knife and demanded my watch. I was so surprised I nearly gave it to him - finally I said if he wanted it he would have to fight me ! He settled for 2x two pound traveller's cheques (that tells you how long ago it was). I reported the incident and a year later the Kenyan Police wrote to say they had arrested a man with the cheques. I offered to return and give evidence if they paid my airfare - they declined....

swl - I make a point of not mentioning the shop on the forum - however, we have two oil bottles for a .303. One has the spoon - the other may have had it removed to store other items. I have them at Rands 225 each (22 pounds or, US$34) Sorry to put this on the forum but can't send pictures by IM. No charge for air/reg. IM if any interest.

This shows the reverse side. Brittania with the wreath of forgiveness and accompanied by the British Lion - the Sun in Splendour in background. Sorry, I must have pressed twice - can anyone remove - please ?

from Left : N54202 Pte Ibrahim Ido K.A.R. Centre: M350 C.I. ® C.J. Tritchard (He was a Police Reservist - Ch.Insp.) Right : EA 1811 2608 PTE. Abdi Bule K.A.R. I'm not sure why Bule has a different style for his unit number ? Any comments will be apreciated.

For many years there has been a separate Africa General Service medal, to cover all of the wars that occured so regularly in this part of the World. One of the bars is KENYA and this covers the Mau Mau uprisings of the 1950/60's. Whilst the number of Europeans killed was fairly low - I think in the low thousands - I don't think exact numbers are known for African dead. Basically it was an attempt at a secessionist movement to obtain Independence from Britain. Almost certainly Jomo Kenyatta of the largest tribe - the Kikuyo - was behind things and when Independence was given, he became the first President. The men who formed the Mau Mau were mostly unemployed and were directed by 'faceless' local committees. They were armed mainly with machetes and other local weapons and relied on numbers in overwhelming the white farmers' and their families. They used great brutality and literally hacked their victims to death. They terrorised the local African villages and household staff and killed great numbers - which is why I said we are not sure of numbers killed within the African communities. They would watch the estates and attack when they thought people had relaxed their guard. I understand it was common to take a revolver with you when you had a bath ! Britain sent large numbers of troops to man road blocks and to act as guards in the bigger villages and towns. However, East Africa was fortunate to have a splendid - and loyal , apart from a few incidents, of local Police and Army. The Kings African Rifles were founded in 1902 and consisted of 104 white officers and 4863 men in all units. Additionally, the East African Protectorate included the Somaliland Camel Corps. In 1920 the Protectorate was annexed and became the Crown Colony of Kenya. There were a total of 6 Regiments in the Kings African Rifles and these were split amongst four territories. 1st and 2nd Battalions were based in Nyasaland (now Malawi) 3rd and 5th Battalions were in Kenya 4th Battalion was in Uganda 6th Battalion was in Tanganyika (now Tanzania) In the British Army, Rifle Regiments do not carry Regimental or, King's Colours. However, the Colonel petitioned the Crown in 1924 and all 6 Regiments were granted the Honour of both Colours. The Mau Mau insurrection eventually died away through lack of support from the local populations. However, the infrastructure of Kenya had been damaged - many farm owners leaving for Rhodesia and Sth. Africa. When elections were held, the largest tribe in numbers 'swept in' - as always happens and it has been 'down hill' ever since. The great failure of the Western Governments was in just holding a farewell party and then walking away. So many exColonies would today be in stronger positions if they had been helped through a transitional 10 year period. These three Kenya Bar AGS medals are two for the KAR - 3rd or, 5th. Bns.in Kenya. And the other one is a Chief Inspector in the Police Reserve.

Darrell - this has been a most impressive set of research to two important medals. I am always amazed at just how meticulous they were in those days for keeping full records. I expect today a clerk makes a recommendation from the records - but, as can be clearly seen here, there was a board of enquiry under a Field Officer. Dependent on his character reference, was any hopes he had for a job outside of the Service. The British Army must still have a grading system ? I know the police do - in five categories - but I can't remember what they are. Will try a post on our Police section. Thankyou Darrell for all of this time consuming background - I'm sure our medal collectors all appreciate the work. Mervyn

Lovely old tunic Will. The buttons look to be a very early type with the spear in this position. The Rhodesia Regt. was disbanded at one point and then re-formed. Still, with the info. from 1314 at least you have something to start from.

Photo above - the Askari in foreground is carrying a .303 Lee Enfield and is wearing the 1906 long bayonet. This photo - The Governor is greeting important local tribesmen.

Presentation of awards - note the Colours on the Drumhead Alter. Officer on right is reading the citation.

Drumhead for Colours to be presented.

The above picture shows the Governor in front of an early handcranked camera - they were filming the ceremony. This makes me think it may have been in honour of the 1910 Coronation of George 5th. This photo shows the troops marching past in Review Order. The Governor is in the ceremonial blue uniform with bi-corne hat and feathers. His military aide - or, is it the Parade Commander, stands behind in army uniform .

Someone asked me a few weeks ago why we go to the trouble of posting photos of old Colonies and Regiments ? The answer is very simple - yes, there are many individual books on the subjects - however, as collectors we often have access to unknown sources. These details may well throw new light on uniforms and ceremonial issues - and therefore, our small efforts may well be of importance in the future ? Using South Africa and Rhodesia as examples - already their old customs, uniforms and equipment have been discontinued and in a few years will be forgotten. These photos came in years ago - and to be honest - had been forgotten. I think there must be a link between the Gold Coast Regt. and this ceremony in Bechuanland. The Gold Coast photos are from 1920 - these are about 1910 (or, a little earlier) - perhaps it is the same person - or, a Father or Brother ? The Bechuanaland Protectorate was established in 1884 as part of our Colonial expansionist period - our thinking being that we didn't want Germany or, France being near South Africa. Basically, Cecil Rhodes had the tacit backing of the British Govt. when he established Rhodesia - and for the same purpose. Now known as Botswana - since independence in 1966 - the location is at the top of South Africa - running West from the Rhodesian Border . The area used to include part of the Orange Free State and it's administrative HQ was at Mafeking. After the Boer Boer it shrunk in size to it's present Borders. Some of the best Game Parks left in Africa are within it's Territory and I always regret not visiting when I was able. Many British people will remember the 'scandal' in the 1940's/50's when it's African tribal leader - Sir Seretse Khama married his young English bride - Ruth. They had a very happy marriage and his son is now the President - although he is rather contraversial and causing some trouble with his people. The photos are self explanatory - the Governor of the Northern Protectorate - based in Francistown (now Gaberone), appears to be having a reception for local dignitaries and then goes on to present medals and awards to Police and Military. They are wearing a dress similar to the King's African Rifles - however, they were only in East Africa, so this would be a local Force. The Governor was known as the Assistant Commissioner and he was also the Resident Magustrate. From 1907 to 1923 he was a Mr. Daniel.

Interesting information Dan. Although I must be honest and say I never liked him much as an actor - he always seemed to play David Niven.... The HLI shako could be part of the current question on the Lounge quiz.

Hi - Douglas. Hope all is well ? This particular weapon is of the type designated as a short sidearm. It is almost identical to the British Constabulary sword of the early 1800's and which originated in the middle 18th Century to give horseman a shorter sword to guard against highwaymen. I would think similar usage for the French and also as a military weapon where space is limited. Waggon driver's, bandsmen etc.. I am not an expert on French weapons and it may well have also been issued to some Infantry units - although sword bayonets would be the expected edged weapon. The larger numbers are Armoury numbers for unit identification. With two different numbers on the hilt it would appear to have been re-issued on occasion. Also, it has been separated from the original scabbard - this happened frequently in the armouries when they were cleaning the weapons. The other marks are proof marks from the original arsenals or, factories. You should be able to look these up on Google. Hope this helps a little - please bear in mind that in French usage there may be differences.

Les - I hadn't realised they were covered on the section you mention. I take your point on keeping this for Police items - after all - it has become a special section. I have no particular powers on the Forum - only a fancy title (!) - how would you suggest we separate them ? Keep going as we are, but new Military on the other Forum - or, ask Nick to move the affected postes from here ? We will then need a list of the posts we are asking to have moved. What do other members think ?

Close-up of the head.

I posted this last week under 'Members Identification Forum' and was surprised to find it is probably Masonic. Dan (Hauptman) has done some research and there seems to be a US connection - at present. I am reposting the badge here in the hopes that you can tell us a little more about it's history. Look at the other link - Dan posted the link he found. The Crown moves independently and is not broken. There is a pin to fix it to clothing.

I can't think of another sub-Forum that would specifically cover all UN Badges and insignia. They are a very interesting subject and are attracting a lot of interest - both Police and Army. Why not keep posting here and if Nick prefers them on another site, he will surely tell-us.

Chris - you are an inspiration to us - everyone with a woodpile will now want his own machinegun ! Beautifully maintained and restored weapons - and they must be valuable ? Are you able to insure weapons such as these ? What is the leather case for in #8 - is it for the sights?