Colonial Police Kenya Police Uniform

[ocpd71]

Hi all-

I came across a short sleeve khaki "bush-jacket" uniform with Kenya Police buttons. There is no insignia, however there are holes punched in the epaulettes where at some point insignia was worn.

If anyone has any information on what insignia would be worn on a Kenya Police bush jacket, it would be greatly appreciated.

-Jeff

[Dave Wilkinson]

Jeff,

Chrome plated shoulder titles "Kenya Police" would be on the bottom of the epaulette and above would be Bath stars/Crown depending on the rank of the wearer. However, this could differ depending upon whether the jacket was pre. or post the Colonial period.

Dave.

Edited June 10, 2013 by Dave Wilkinson

[ocpd71]

Hi Dave,

Thanks for replying to my post. The buttons on the jacket appear to indicate it is from the British colonial period.

-Jeff

[Dave Wilkinson]

Jeff,

Then the insignia above the shoulder title would consist of Bath stars, and or Crown and in the case of the Commissioner, his Deputy and Assistants, crossed tipstaves within a wreath. In addition the last three mentioned ranks would wear appropriate gorget patches on each lapel. Below those ranks the Crowned Kenya Police lapel badges would be worn with the lions facing inwards towards the throat of the wearer. Many (but not all) British Colonial police forces adopted the same rank insignia as worn in the UK. The fact that it is a bush jacket suggests use by a Gazetted senior officer as opposed to a lower rank.

Dave.

Edited June 13, 2013 by Dave Wilkinson

[Hamish Green]

Jeff, this picture of my late father who was an inspector in the Kenya Police might be of interest to you.

Regards,

Hamish

[1314]

Northern Rhodesia Police - Khaki shirt and shorts for working dress,bush jacket for parade wear,long sleeved tunic in full dress.

[Hamish Green]

This image was taken of my late father, Inspector Norman Green (Right Hand Side back row) of the Kenya Police and four of his classmates at the Kenya Police College at Kiganjo in 1958. Note the uniform is as decribed in the last post.

[ocpd71]

Thanks for the information! -And special thanks for posting the excellent pictures of your late father in the Kenya Police.

I was able to buy a pair of Kenya Police shoulder titles on Ebay. However, when they arrived, they were gold in color, while the buttons on my Kenya Police bush jacket are silver in color. Any explanations for the two different colors of metal? Thanks again, -Jeff

[bsap10535]

POSSIBLY a distinction between "Regular" members and "Reservists"....... Jeff, but it's only a theory!