Mervyn Mitton

A close-up to show the 'quality'. Mostly coated plastic.

These badges were made by the Rhodesian firm of Reutelers. They produced for the Government - so, these are genuine badges.

I recently bought one of the splendid sets of Badges from the U.D.I. period of Rhodesia - this ended in 1980 when the old Government gave-up and it became Zimbabwe. I will post these as an 'anchor' to allow us to discuss the ninety year history of the Country - I intend only to give a very brief history to get things started. We have many members of GMIC who lived through the turbelent years - and indeed, whose families were early settlers - if they have the interest, let them enlarge on the history for the benefit of future members. I caution the rules of the Forum - do not become political, or, not more then necessary - and then only in a non-confrontational way. I will state my position now - the shameful betrayal by the British Government of their own Colony, has to be one of the great disgraces of British politics. Having said that, I will not make any further references. Please 'flesh' out the history, the military campaigns, and any personal experiences - with enough interest this could become a long running and very informative post. Brief History : Cecil John Rhodes set-up in 1890 the British South Africa Company and established his own Police Force for the Company - this was later to become the famous British South Africa Police. The first expedition - in 1890 - was the Pioneer Column to establish possible places to settle. The BSA Company Police with regular troops made-up this column. There are two main tribes in the area settled - the Matabele - who are 1st. cousins of the Zulus - and the Shonas who lived in the area known as Mashonaland. Mugabe is a Shona and they have dominated the Matabele since the great massacre carried out by his North Korean troops in the 1980's - they estimate well over 25000 people. The original area of Rhodesia included - what is today - Zambia and Malawi. Originally Northern Rhodesia and Nyasaland. The population of white immigrants never exceeded 250,000 at a maximum - despite this they supported Britain in the Boer War ; with several Regiments in the 1st. World War, and in WW2 sent troops and squadrons to support our Airforce. That has to be the briefest of histories - so, now over to you. Make as many threads as you wish - on any subject within our overall category. This can happen over time - but, make them interesting and historically correct. The following badges are a selection from the last period in Rhodesian history - known as U.D.I. ( Unilateral Declaration of Independence)

Nick - they always say time goes quickly as you get older - I must tell you that this is true ! I would never have thought it was that long ago that we left Hampshire. The reason Bournemouth went into Dorset, was that they had no town of any size , apart from Dorchester and their rates base was very low. Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch gave them the extra money the County needed. Interesting that you mention the experimental chest brooches. The Metropolitan Police pioneered them and they had the Met. Coat-of-arms at the top. I have severasl of them - also, for Bournemouth. The Met. ones are very hard to find and quite valuable. I will try to get a few photos taken. We don't seem to have an answer to Leigh's badge ? Perhaps it would be worth a call to Dorset HQ - they probably have a small Force museum. I'm afraid I don't know any one in Dorset now - all retired...

This would mean that the French had the 'cottage industry' going very much earlier then we thought. Perhaps there are homes all over Germany with these little souvenirs. Please post if you come across it ? Mervyn

Lorenzo - Royal Worcester is one of the very top British porcelain companies. Since the Iraq arms are also on the base, the dinner service must have been ordered directly from Royal Worcester by the Iraq Government. This would have been a set for State dining and was probably a very large set. Might be worth contacting the factory to see if they can help you ?

Following onto Will's excellent thread on the Cape Police - I am showing one of the Victorian Crown pattern cap badges. I don't think it is the same as the one in the photo - they had in fact, several different styles over the years. This thread has a great deal of useful info. and should be marked for the future.

Hi - Leigh. Living in Dorset, I feel I should know this - but, to be honest, I don't recall it in this colour. Dorset amalgamated Bournemouth Police some 25 years ago and probably this pre-dates the take over. Perhaps one of our members who belongs to PICA will be able to look it up ?

With the little front flap lifted to show the message. This is the only one to have this feature.

The great loss of life during the first World War and the suffering it evoked , created a great 'need' amongst the civilian population to visit the sites and battle areas where their loved ones had been. The result was that in 1919 - as travel restrictions were relaxed - there were large numbers of 'tourists' visiting France and Belgium. The local people were also hard-pressed for money and so a cottage industry sprung-up to supply souvenirs. These took many forms, but, the ones I am showing here were typical. Beautifully made, they were originally in the shape of an envelope and inside was a lace handkerchief - also embroidered with a date or, message. These have been mounted in cardboard frames with the backs of the envelopes removed. I am presuming that they were handstitched by the French women - however, I would like opinions as to the possibility that they were turned-out in a small factory on machines. Also, does any member have similar examples they could show ?

Rich - thankyou for the kind offer. However, Tony and 1314 have given such detail that I don't think I need to add any further. The whereabouts of his CPM would be the bonus - unfortunately, I expect it is in the hands of a distant relative ! Why families split groups up to different members has always been a mystery. Best wishes

Paul, I promised to show a couple of 1888 pattern frogs - herewith. You will see differences in the styles of rivets and in the stitching. The whiteish one was for a guard in Capetown in the Boer War - the other one is the standard suede finish. There was also a polished leather one for the 1903.

Good helmets - but, what caught my attention was Brian mentioning that Canadian war issue had the broad Arrow inside a 'C'. For South Africa it was the broad Arrow inside a 'U'. The 'U' standing for UNION. What about other Commonwealth Countries ? This could make a very good post ..........

You've done it again ! Where do you find these incredible ref. booklets Leigh?

Thankyou for that info. Thomas. I thought some must have been issued but wasn't sure. SANLC - stood for South Afrian Native Labour Corps..

Hi - Justn. I love that you live in Alaska - won't you come onto our World police Forum (here on GMIC) and show us some pictures of the Alaskan State Police and perhaps, tell us a little about them - for example, how do they operate in artic conditions ? Also, are there special home service military units ?

If you look on his right hip there appears to be a leather despatch case ?

Dear Timo - a very interesting group and with the substantiating paperwork quite valuable. I am a little concerned that the list of medals issued does not have the usual 'x's' - however, it clearly states 'enclosed'. I would also say that the Italy Star should be to the left of the Burma Star - but, the ship may have been sent back ? Do you have the list of ships he served on ? Also, the late issue Russian medal should be kept with the group. Value wise - I should say book value of the individual medals + the clasps, will be about £140-150 ($220-230) - however, with the clasps and the history and authentication could reach £200 - however, do bear in mind that a lot of people don't like the un-named British issue. Check with Christies or Sotheby's if in doubt. I have only given a price since you asked, and please remember that values can vary between Countries. Best wishes Mervyn