Mervyn Mitton

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http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_05_2013/post-6209-0-45098900-1369574789.jpgclick Members have commented many times that a group of medals is usually with an in-depth story. This is such a group and I found it interesting in that it touches on a part of the second World War that is often neglected - the war at sea in the Mediterranean and our efforts to control the Italian and German navies. Flight Sergeant 923094 L.A. Norton was a pilot on board Martin Baltimore Light/Med. Bombers. He was with the RAF 52 Squadron and they were based in Malta. Each plane carried a crew of 4 men. They were an American plane - designed specifically for air attacks on shipping. The RAF bought over 1500 of them through the Lease Lend system - and I understand most Allied airforces used them. The one Force that didn't have them was the US Army Air Force - perhaps they didn't have enough range, but I would have thought ideal against Subs. off the Eastern coast of the US ? F/Sgt. Norton had parents in Capetown in South Africa - but, he himself was a member of the RAF Volunteer Reserve. His plane was lost at sea whilst helping in the landings on Sicily. He was 22 years of age and he died on 9 July 1943. He is commemorated on the Malta Memorial - just outside of the capitol - Valetta.

Sounds like a great day. Always nice to be able to meet-up with old friends.

I said in Part 1 that Peel House may have been the first Metropolitan Police Training School. I was right and a little research showed that it was first opened in 1907. Strange that I was there for it's final two weeks in 1967. I think it may have been kept for Police offices and was only sold a few years ago for a large new flat development. One has to compare all of these sales of Police property as 'selling off the family silver'. Over the years I have seen so many 'bright' new officers arrive - all with one idea - get noticed. First it was armbands - then an attempt at whistles - then truncheons. These are just the noticeable ones - but, the effect is the same. When you have changed all the traditions - sold all the buildings - changed the teaching disciplines - what are you left with. 32,000 men who have lost their links with an important historical past - and the morale which uniqually made them one of the most important Forces in the World. The new Peel House is the Admin. building at the re-built Hendon Police Training College. I am showing a picture of the very impressive central tower - totally different to the Hendon of my day - then it was mainly one level buildings and in a smaller area. click Built-in the 1930's the first College was the idea of Lord Trenchard who was the Metropolitan Commissioner at that time. Like very many senior ex-service officers' of that period, it was thought that only people from 'background' should be officers. He set-up Hendon as an Officers Training School - along the lines of Sandhurst - but for training officer's of police. There were quite a number who graduated as Inspectors. However, World War 2 happened and Hendon was closed. When it re-opened after the War it was for training Constables. The Police have always promoted from with-in their own ranks - although the Commissioner and Chief Constables were often brought to the Rank from senior Army officers. When I first joined the Commissioner was the first to be promoted to that rank from starting as a Constable. His name was Simpson and he was a very good influence on the Met. and highly regarded. I think all senior positions from that time have been police promotions - although, often from other Forces. The Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police is the most senior officer in England and Wales - he is followed by H. M.'s Chief Inspector of Constabulary and third in seniority is the Deputy Commissioner. Chief Constables rank below these officers. WE ARE EVICTED............. I think my class were the very last ones at Peel House - unfortunately, Hendon was still not ready for us. We were put into temporary accomodation above a Police Station in North London - still bussing it daily like a group of uniformed vagrants. After about five weeks of this nonsense Hendon found us a billet - they had quickly taken over the Commandant of Cadets house in the officers section, and installed the twenty of us at 4 per room. One bathroom and one toilet between us - I'm still not sure why I didn't run away ! I used to get-up at 5 a.m. to have a bath. As for the Commandant of Cadets - I never did find out what happened to him - they probably had him in a tent in the park...... Life could now settle into a harried routine of classes , studying in the evening and then preparing uniforms and shoes for early morning parade. How this must 'ring a bell' for all of the servicemen in the Forum who will have gone through something similar. One of the larger items we were given with our uniforms was the ' dreaded' Instruction Book. This probably weighed well over a kilo and had ring binders. A large envelope was attached with all of the revisions - endless evenings of work. Even worse, we had to learn - word perfect - the provisons of the various Acts. When you make an arrest you do so from your knowledge of the Law. Lawyers have the luxury of being able to prepare their cases with plenty of time. A Police Officer does not have this - you may have only seconds to make a decision - get it wrong and there will be serious problems. So, it is vital that a Constable knows his law and understands what powers he has been given. I should add - that often , having made a decision, you then find yourself fighting them amongst parked cars. When I joined, the course to become a Constable was thirteen weeks in length - then two years as a probationary Constable. This was under the supervision of a designated Sergeant, who was your advisor - and, you also attended for two days a month, for instruction - this was at special buildings attached to a Divisional Station. The end of Week 13 had a passing out parade - your official class photograph - and the posting to your Division. We were allowed to ask for the Division you would like to be posted to - and we all had our own thoughts on this. This was still in the future - for now, I was just a number.

Hi - Simon. They also helped to guard the railways and bridges etc.. They are still in existance and their retiring colonel recently bought a sword from me for the Regt. Colonel to carry. A few years back they were sent to help the UN in the Congo. They were told to take their own equipment - which infuriated them as much of it had been kept in stores since WW2 . Mervyn.

Paul - sincere condolences on the loss of your Grandmother. However, to have located so many family groups at least gives you a reason to feel happy. Best wishes Mervyn

A new South African member has posted under British Medals. We have 'pinned' the post - named Sutlej medal. However, he has medals from the Duke of Wellington's Collection and I think you will find it of interest - perhaps you will be able to help ? Mervyn

Kerry - I will make mention of your post under our Napoleonic Wars Forum - perhaps one of our members there will have some info. mervyn

Kerry - some fantastic medals and obviously of great value. You are fortunate that Paul has seen your post and is able to help. We will be watching this with great interest. Meanwhile, welcome to GMIC. Mervyn

Rod - in many ways the Aussie items are more decorative then their British equivalents. The leather ones are interesting historically - but my word - they're ugly......................... Mervyn

Hamish - welcome to GMIC - we are always pleased to have new members from 'down under'. I hope someone will know of a ref. for this medal - I have never found one. The medals are not uncommon - usually for the KAR (King's African Regt.) or Police reserves. Please tell us about your medals - and also - what is the uniform ? Police - hopefully. Mervyn

Timo - a very fine medal - I think Paul will back me, 4 Bars are quite rare. Contact Paul and ask him if he can help you put it to auction - this really should be sold in London. Best wishes Mervyn

Ed -very interesting. Sorry to ask, but please confirm Medicine Hat is Canadian. The uniforms - and the helmet show close links with Britain - although the Red band would be Blue here. We are happy to leave this under this section - although to get more interest it really should be under the World Policing section. May I suggest that you post it there as well ? Mervyn

Rod - I deleted the first post that didn't show. Your others seem to have come out well - so everything must be OK ? Your latest helmets and badges are really of a very high quality - and at their age, must be rare. I am sure members will enjoy seeing them. Do you still find any of these in shops - or is it that people know you are a top collector ? Mervyn

Thankyou for that extra info. on the report. I am afraid whatever 'spin' is put on the cuts - they are still just that. The Police are becoming more distant from their communities - and that cannot be a good thing. Mervyn Robin - what has been the effect of the mergers in Scotland - or, is it too soon to be able to tell ?

http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_05_2013/post-6209-0-22146300-1368987473.jpgclick I have just read on the Internet Mail (The Daily Mail is one of the top Daily newspapers in Britain ) that arrangements are being made to sell New Scotland Yard. They mentioned a price of 150 million pounds. The plan seems to be that the new HQ will be back on the Embankment and near to the Ministry of Defence - but, in a much smaller existing building. They also are saying that dozens of existing Police Stations will be closed and the land sold. Finally, the land owned by the Metropolitan Police around the Police College at Hendon is to be sold to build 2000 houses. The College will - apparently, remain. How do you sell off the World known Scotland Yard - which was built in 1967. When it moved at that date it was from the original Scotland Yard from where the Met. was first established. Many smaller Police Stations have already been converted to daytime opening - they have a phone in a box so you can call for help................ What happened to the concept of a major Police Force being there to assist the Public - does everything have to come down to money ? Having sold these assets, the money will be swallowed-up quickly - however, the traditions and service will have gone. Our Army - Navy and Airforce have already suffered terrible cutbacks - and all of this from a Conservative Government. Perhaps it is time we stopped financial aid to places like India and Zimbabwe ? May I suggest that if you live in Britain - particularly in London - that you protest to your MP.

Hi - Bob. So, $2.25 per oz. ( 1 oz. = 5.5 gms). Scrap value of silver (it has just dropped) is approx. 4.5Rands per gram. 32 grams to 1oz = 144 rands. The $ stands at 9.3 to the Rand = 15.4 $'s This still puts silver way ahead as an investment - but, who knows what will happen in the future. I would say a good investment for about 5 lbs. What other metals do they have for this kind of collecting ? Mervyn

I wonder Brian , just how many of our Members could attempt such a repair ? Perhaps more then we would think - however, you take the trouble to explain. I think Nick should give you the additional duties of being our "Technical Officer". Mervyn

Bob - what an unusual find. Do you think these are modern copies - or, originals ? Would the coins have been able to be used for commerce ? The 1 lb. ingot - I can't think of why you would want an ingot of copper. Perhaps for carrying if you were plumber ? Perhaps it was an investment - I know copper used to be quite valuable - did you have to pay a lot for these ? Mervyn

Overdeput - thankyou for your kind comments - it is always nice to be appreciated. The amazing thing is that GMIC has attracted experts in their fields from all around the World - the Internet is truly a wonderful invention. I am afraid that India has been making these fake Bugles for a long time - you would be shocked at the number I see. India - and Italy - are also producing many fake swords. Some are well done - they particularly like the US Civil War period. Mervyn

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I am really posting for Members future reference. The South African Police became the South African Police Services in 1994 - at this point many of the European members took retirement or, left. With the large intakes required to bring the strength-up it will be quite a few years before many of them will get this medal. This is the third pattern of the Medal - 1951 to 1963. Rather then the British LS&GC - this is known as the Faithful Service Medal - being in English and Afrikaans, it is also known as the Troue Diens Medal. The Award was for 18 years of good service - with bars for extra periods. The medal with it is the Africa Service Medal. This is a WW2 award and with his naming it includes the lettering SAP. The medal is in sterling silver. He would have served with-in South Africa. A collectable pair. Mervyn http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_05_2013/post-6209-0-89528900-1368538453.jpgclick