South West African Police Cap Badge Pre-1939

[sabrigade]

This rare badge is a recent acquisition and is clearly based on the South African Police badge that was worn at the time.

Does any member have more details regarding the force and its history?

Regards,

Will

[Chris Boonzaier]

Interesting, have seen many of the SAP ones, but never a SWAP.

[sabrigade]

Some background to the South West African Police and their history:

"GALLANTRY AWARDS OF THE SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE 1913 TO 1994

INCLUDING A COMPLETE ROLL OF HONOUR"

BY TERENCE KING,

assisted by Audrey Portman

“In South West Africa in the meantime, the influence of national socialism had been evident as far back as 1932. By 1939, Germans living in the territory, who had begun to adopt Hitler’s philosophies in their lives, had aggravated the situation.

Information gathered by the South African Police in 1939 led to the uncovering of plans for an insurrection in Windhoek and Swakopmund, which was to take place on Hitler's birthday, 20 April 1939. The objective of the uprising was to overthrow the local government by force, and present South West Africa to Hitler as a birthday gift. The total strength of the South West Africa Police was only 423 men, and they were spread out across the entire country. This made it impossible for them to be able to take effective action against the thousands of determined Germans who were well organised and capable of launching a concentrated attack.

A South African Police division of 11 officers and 315 NCOs and men, was hastily mobilized, and set out for South West Africa on 17 April 1939, arriving in Windhoek in the early hours of 20 April. In a show of force, the regiment marched through the main street of Windhoek to the showground, from where they were sent back into town, and by midday, order had been restored. All swastikas, flags and banners bearing Nazi slogans had been taken down and destroyed, and over the next few days, the Nazi ring leaders were arrested and interned at the concentration camp set up on the outskirts of Windhoek.

The Union government decreed that the policing of the South West Africa should be entrusted to the South African Police, and in terms of an act hastily passed in parliament, the SAP took over the policing of South West Africa on 1 June 1939. All 423 members of the South West African Police (243 Whites and 180 non‑Whites) were absorbed into the SAP.”

Edited August 14, 2011 by sabrigade

[Mervyn Mitton]

Will - an almost unique badge - I'm with Chris in never having seen one before. The SAP used helmets pre-war and up to the early 50's. This looks like the smaller pattern from post - war.

Here are a couple of SWA Police badges just prior to it becoming Namibia.

This is the SAP helmet that I think it must have been worn-on.

[Mervyn Mitton]

SW Police baseball type cap.

[Mervyn Mitton]

Chief Superintendent's cap - with the distinctive silver braid for a diamond and palm tree.

[sabrigade]

Thanks Mervyn,

The SAP of the period wore caps during the same period, that is pre WW2.

I have one in my collection and will post it.

Regards,

Will

Edited August 14, 2011 by sabrigade

[sabrigade]

SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE CAP

[sabrigade]

http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_08_2011/post-3034-0-61803200-1313355513.jpghttp://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_08_2011/post-3034-0-21542300-1313355515.jpg

SOME POLICE HELMETS IN MY COLLECTION SHOWING THE VARIATION OF BADGES