Mervyn Mitton

Hi - Maggie, welcome to GMIC. In all honesty I don't think your chest has any great rarity value. The plaque that was inside sounds like a Bed no. for use when in Camp. Some Regts. have very fancy designs. He may have been promoted or, perhaps it just changed hands several times. Why not repaint it for use - but outline the name and paint around-it ? There is help at the top of the page to explain how to post pictures. Please let me know if I can be of any assistance. Mervyn

INTRODUCTION Several people have asked me why I decided to do a Blog on this subject. There is no particular reason - I have mainly started it to support this Forum section - we haven't had any longer ones for a while. I also thought that members who have not served in the Police might find it of some interest ? Police are the most visible of our support Services - in fact we take them as part of everyday life - however, few people know the training and experience that goes into doing the job well. Whilst I write from my own experiences - every young Policeman has gone through virtually the same learning curve. Experience and knowledge come with training and with help from your colleagues. Please do remember that my training days were a long time ago - things have greatly changed since then. HENDON POLICE COLLEGE http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_05_2013/blogentry-6209-0-98530900-1368365693.jpgclick HENDON POLICE COLLEGE 1967 So, one summer's morning in July 1967 saw me at the Metropolitan Recruiting Centre in Borough High Street, on the South Bank of the Thames. They gave me enough forms to fill a small bag and I went off to fill them-in. This was quite a task - every period of my life had to be accounted for - and addresses and contact information given. I was 30 at this time and had worked and been at School, in a number of Countries so, this was no easy task. Eventually it was completed and sent off - and I stalled on the job in HongKong to see what would happen. Month followed month and I had heard nothing - I phoned to see if they wanted me - "Yes, we do - but where were you for 6 months in 1963 ?" I hadn't a clue - back to old desk diaries - and Yes, I was saved. I hadn't been in Prison for 6 months as they must have thought , but had been on 6 months paid leave from Thailand. They checked on this and I was accepted after a medical. This wasn't the usual quick one - but was very thorough. I had an op. scar behind one ear - could this cause problems if I was hit on the head - I had no plans to be hit on the head - so didn't think it would be a problem. I ended up having tests of some type and all was well. Late in September I packed a bag and reported to Peel House. This was one of the original training schools for the Met. - if not the First. It was a very dingy old building - in a street of equally unpleasant old houses behind Victoria Railway Station. I think that if I had known what was ahead with accomodation I would have run off to HK. We were welcomed and warned that we would be bussed to Hendon Police College every morning - and return to sleep at Peel House every night. The bus trip took over an hour each way. Peel House was as rough inside as it looked outside. However, my 'class' were delightful - and in the face of adversity we 'bonded' and shared our problems. Forty seven years later I am still close friends with several of them - and even a 'Godfather' to one of their children. The nicest thing about Peel House was that the walls of the Hallways were covered with old decorated truncheons and tipstaffs. I spent hours looking at them and working out which areas thay had been for. Later, after the building was demolished they were taken to Bramshill Training College (for senior police around the Country). When I visited there to research my book I was able to see them still stacked in the basement. There had been a period for the Police in England and Wales when recruitment was put on hold - rather similar to the present situation. I was in the first in-take after this ruling was relaxed - and we were a double class. exMilitary were able to join up until their 38th year - we were 20 in total and the appointed classleader was from the Welsh Guards. He was a great help to us all - I often wonder what happened to him - he would be 84 today. Came the Monday morning and we were on a bus trying to cross London in rush-hour. When we reached Hendon - way on the other side of London - we were met by our class instructor. Nice chap - he was a sergeant and if I remember had a young family, so he had volunteered to be an instructor for a few years - this way he could keep normal hours. The first job was that we were taken to stores and issued with our uniforms. The Met. take pride in having well fitted uniforms and tailors were on hand to arrange any alterations. Two helmets, one flat cap, winter uniforms, summer uniforms, winter greatcoats, summer raincoats , car coats, leather note book covers - and so the list went on. I remember that I didn't walk out - I staggered. And we still had to get it back across London on a bus. We did not have whistles, armbands or, truncheons at this time . Neither did we have a warrant card. The numerals on our shoulder straps were TS with the number underneath. This stood for Training School - we were warned not to get involved in any police actions - as we weren't one yet................. We had a week to fit our uniforms and get used to wearing them - imagine 20 of us trying to get access to the iron ! Like any body of recruited men, these times of worry were the founding of friendships for years to come. The following Monday we were checked for correct uniform and marched to a classroom. We were shown how to sit at attention - shortly after were called to stand at attention and an Assistant Commissioner was escorted into the room by the Chief Superintendent of the College. He welcomed us - wished us well and proceeded to 'Swear' us in as Constables of Her Majesty's Police. This was known as the Attestation Ceremony and from that point on we had the same powers as trained Police Officers. For better - or worse - certainly worse for any criminals I was to come across - I was now a Policeman. Good God - what had I done.......................

click The ring ceremony. She is wearing an arm band of goat's hair and carries a small shield to show submission to her new husband.

http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_05_2013/post-6209-0-68960800-1368364053.jpgclick The person on the left is the South African President Zuma. He is attending the wedding of his cousin. They are both dressed in traditional dress - which I have pointed out in the past, involves the deaths of multiple leopards. Only Chiefs are allowed to wear spotted cats. The Nene - or front loins covering - is made from wild cats' tails. The leopard headdress includes porcupine quills - another mark of a chief or, Induna. I thought the umbrella looked a little odd with the traditional clothing - but why get wet when civilisation is at hand.

From their appearance, these are most probably horse brasses for Cavalry - pre-1901. Many units had these on the harness during the Boer War. They are intended to go on the centre of the horses's chest and have the various leather straps behind them. To be absolutely certain you need to confirm that they are of thick brass and heavy ? Value wise - about 50 pounds ($80). Mervyn

Overdeput - welcome to GMIC. You have shown three interesting pieces - one of them quite rare. Firstly, the two iron spears. These are both Zulu and are Iklwas - or, short stabbing spears. Despite calling them this, many were quite long - it depended on what the man paying wanted. Both of them have binding at the head to tighten the shaft. This has been done with Ilala palm - they cut out the spine of the leaf and weave it. The alternatives are the skin sheath from a cow's tail , and a woven wire binding of copper and brass. You point out that they have been given a strong coat of varnish. This has changed their appearance - but, has probably preserved this binding. The wooden spear is quite different. No-one - including senior chiefs could enter the King's kraal with a weapon. However, even today the Zulus are given the right to bear a traditional weapon. In the mid-19th Century it would have been unthinkable for them to be unarmed. They got around this by carrying a wooden spear - ornately carved. This one is a good example - I have had several in the past, however, they were never in great numbers and are quite valuable. Should you have any other items please post - meanwhile if we can be of any further help, please ask. Mervyn

Harry - I'm sorry - I missed your post showing the flattened shield. A great piece of work , and now it looks like a shield. I'm glad you didn't listen to your daughter. The traditional way to display a shield is with a knobkerry (or, axe) and an Iklwa crossed behind it - rather like a stand of arms. Anyway , you have built-up a lovely old collection in a short space of time. Mervyn

I will just repeat previous advices - we try to avoid Politicss and Religion in our posts. This is OFFICIAL GMIC ruling - as set out by the Chairman. Use the IM sytem for personal correspondence.

Steve - are you talking of the guards who probably accompanied the early steam works engines ? Railway Police were created for the first railways - see my book for a list of the different dates. Without signals, their purpose was to monitor bends etc. and signal to the drivers - hence the red painted ends to the truncheons. Mervyn

I agree Les - one of those great little lots , that are small treasure troves. I like the Aust. Active Service - please let us know when you identify him. What value do you think the NZ machine gun badge has - I would think quite high. The 1898 Spanish American War caused great interest and many souvenirs were made , in addition to the military medals. The centre piece on my dining room table was made by an American firm to commemorate the campaign. The figure is winged victory - NIKE - holding a wreath. This was the origins of the sportswear firm Nike - and the raised arm with the wreath - created the 'tick' symbol that they use. I f you have an interest I will add a picture. One thing to consider - the US medal apart - the only name you have is on the shooting award. Perhaps these items are connected to him ? Mervyn

Good identification Paul. This will account for the Royal Cypher being more ornate in design. Also, the mark that Markgraf has shown is not British - could be a Continental mark - or, perhaps a Regt. identification ? Mervyn

Very interesting - I thought the Defence Force was soon after the War but had forgotten dates. I was never a Regular - I did my National Service in the Sydney Light Anti-aircraft regt. - 40mm Bofors. When I returned from Sth. Africa in 1960 I joined the CMF in the Queensland Regt.. I didn't do much with them as I was off to Thailand for 3 1/2 years. Strangely, I'm told that I'm probably entitled to two medals - Aust. was one of the few Countries to allow them for NS. I wouldn't have the 'cheek' to even ask about them. Mervyn

Markgraf - a very nice pouch badge - does it have silver marks. Dates between 1910 and 1935. I will check a ref. book tomorrow, however, I think it is an Hussar Regt.. Hopefully, someone will make a quick positive ID. Mervyn

JS - Thankyou. I hope that members will be able to work out the significance of the 6 pointed star. I'm not sure if we can reverse the negative - you may have to get it printed. Mervyn

Hi - Les. Not sure who C.P.R. were - usually these medallions are shooting prizes. The shield is intended to be worn on the watch chain and is called an "Albert' - after Queen Victoria's husband - Prince Albert. Althought he inscription is for 1907, the hallmarks are for 1908 - it must have been given later. Usually, they are silver and either with a gold part for the date or, given an overall gold finish. From the appearance id does look gold - however, I would expect to find a 9ct. mark. I would say that "Bandolier' was the name of that part of the competition - a special prize. I doubt that it was intended to be part of a bandolier. Did you buy this in NZ ? I hope you are succesful in tracing the Unit - this should let you find out about Cpl. Windram. Mervyn

Jspencer - welcome to GMIC. Please post the photos of your Grandfather - always of interest. Mervyn

Fortunate finds Mike. Most military snare drums have the identification for the Regt. or, unit. The stringing appears correct and if it is from the late 19th.C - then it must be fairly rare. Having a local - and historical maker adds to the interest. I agree with you that all three items were probably form the same man - too much of a co-incidence . You do find some lovely things. Mervyn

I see this as blatant discrimination - they wouldn't have dared if the parakeet had been West Indian.......................

INTRODUCTION This being a quiet Sunday afternoon - overcast and cold (19o C this morning) - it seems a good time to start this new Blog entry. My earlier ones have had good readership - the one on Wartime years is now over 8000 views. I appreciate that many of these are from Google - virtually everything we write is picked-up and published under different headings. I have had this idea for a while - and perhaps our Members will find it of some interest ? I joined the Metropolitan Police in 1967 and served for 7 years in London's East End. This makes it 46 years ago and a lot has happened in that time. The Police of today do not have a great deal in common with those earlier years. One quick word of explanation - these days Police tend to call themselves Police Officers. Technically, this is correct. Police are Officers of the Court. All Police have the same basic powers of arrest - be they very senior officers or, constables. The intermediate rank is Sergeant - followed by Inspector and up-wards. From Inspector they are Officers of Police, since they have supervisory rank. EXPLANATORY HISTORY In 1829 the Home Secretary, together with the PrimeMinister - the Duke of Wellington - and the Lord Chancellor, brought into being - through an Act of Parliament - the Metropolitan Police. The Dublin Police had been the first Force and had been succesful - there had also been a few other early small Forces. However, Policing as we know it, really does start with the Metropolitan when they first 'Marched Out' in 1829. They were the first civilian Force and grew to be very much part of the Community they lived-in. Previous overseas forces had been an arm of the Governments i.e. para-military units. When I first joined there were some 28,000 uniformed and plain clothes Police - plus - approx. another 15,000 civilian staff. I am not sure of the totals in 2013 - however, even with the cutbacks it must be higher. The rank of Constable is a very old one - and is still used in a non-police capacity. For example - the Governor of the Tower of London - always a very senior retired officer - is the Constable of the Tower. It is thought the word is of Roman origin and was possibly the Comes Stabuli or, Count of the Stables for the Emperors. I do not intend getting too technical - these are just quick explanations to give you a background. The British are a very conservative people and our earlier Policing has come down directly from the Anglo-Saxons. There are still words and traditions being used that are over 1200 years old. The US Sheriff and the Sheriff's Posse are in fact English and the Sheriff was the King's representitive in the County. Parish and Town Constables were the main form of public control and in 1829 the one million inhabitants of London were under only some 4000 Night Watch and Parish Constables. The first time the word Police was used officially was with the Dublin Police Act of the 1790's. Scotland has just become one unified Force and I expect the politicians would like to do the same for England and Wales. Hopefully, they will be stopped. Separate Forces that understand the inhabitants of their areas are - in my opinion - greatly preferable to one conglomerate. MY POLICE STORY My family had emigrated to Australia after World War 2 - as did many British people . I had cousins in Australia and through them my Father was able to get me admittance to Geelong - Australia's senior Public School. I have always been very proud to have been there and to be able to call myself an Aussie. Very unpretentious people - but so friendly. When I left School I didn't want to go to University - the pressures weren't the same in those days and I couldn't see the point of a degree when I wasn't going into a profession. Instead I was accepted by the top Advertising Company in the World - J.Walter Thompson. In my entire life I have never been asked for a ref. or to produce any previous work. A telephone call was all it took from your boss. How different the World is today - my god-daughter spent the whole of last Saturday taking 4 accountacy exams. Cutting a long story short - after all, I am leading up to why I joined the Met. Police - I worked 4 years in South Africa in the 1950's - returned to live in Brisbane and was 'headhunted' to work in Thailand for 3 1/2 years - in advtg.. I returned to the UK on 6 month's home leave and was again asked to run an advtg. agency in Sierra Leone, West Africa. I was there for two years - still a safe place in those days - but I still have recurring Malaria from those days. I returned to live in Bournemouth and was considering an offer of another overseas posting - however, I was 30 at that time and you could not join the Police in London unless you had British citizenship, had been 6 months in the Country and were not over 31. This forced me to a serious decision. I had wanted to serve in the Australian Army and had been selected for Duntroon (their off's trng. school) . My Father had refused to sign , so that went 'out the window' - however , the British Police - particularly London had always been an interest. Hesitate - and I would be over acceptance age. SEE MY DECISION IN THE NEXT PART OF THE BLOG.

POLICE DOG EATS PET HAMSTER A POLICE dog ate a hamster during a raid on the home of the pet's owner. Officers from Greater Manchester police were raiding the home of a man who has since been prosecuted by the RSPCA. The dog ate the hamster after knocking over it's cage. The home owner was prosecuted over a bald parakeet. Daily Mail. The mind 'boggles' - I'm sure there is more to this - but, how do you mount a 'raid' - with a warrant - in search of a bald parakeet. Are they prosecuting the dog for Cruelty to an animal ? Is it now an offence in the UK to own a bald parrot ? Have any of Craig's dogs ever eaten a hamster whilst on duty ? Have they ever eaten anyone whilst on duty ? This is a most 'serious' matter - I intend to mount a protest over the injustice done to this bald parrot............ Please feel free to comment - or, write to your MP. Mervyn

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http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_05_2013/post-6209-0-23869200-1367761867.jpgclick This is a rare short sword issued to Swiss units - and most probably Bands. Made by the Swiss company S.J.G. Neuhausen it bears the number 6767 and a further number 86 - which is probably the date 1886 (?). The blade - one of the longest bayonets known - is based on the Schmidt-Ruben. The hand grip and the small crossguards have turned it into a sword. The similarities with the British Pioneer can be seen clearly. I have never seen one of these before and it would be interesting to know if it was a common issue ? The Swiss are officially a neutral Country and hand weaponry issued for their volunteer army is kept at home. I wonder if they hand it in when new issue is made - could be some rare pieces hiding in old homes.