Researching Rhodesian Swords

[Ostrosky]

I am trying to gather enough information and photographs to compile a paper or guide to Rhodesian (Southern Rhodesian) swords of all services and branches. I have good information on the Rhodesian Corps of Engineers and Rhodesian Light Infantry but require more examples of swords used by the Rhodesia Regiment, Armoured Cars, SAS, BSAP, Air Force and various service corps. Information on batches of swords provided by Wilkinson with beginning and end serial numbers will be most helpful, as will records or information on sales by WKC and Eickhorn. Swords must have some type of verifiable provenance, i.e. documentation or verification by the officer or family members. Army orders and documentation regarding wear and sword knots of various ranks will be most helpful. Unfortunately we that served in Rhodesia's forces are in the autumn of our lives and this needs to be done while first hand information and sources are still available. The photo shows a E II R Engineer's Sword by Wilkinson and a Infantry sword made by WKC.

[v.Perlet]

Hello Ostrosky,

 

well that's a tough hobby you got there - but I guess I don't need to tell you that?

Nice pair of sword!

have you contacted the following sites?

https://rhodesians-worldwide.com/online-shop/militaria/

https://empiretocommonwealth.webs.com/rhodesianarmynsm2.htm

 

Regards

v.Perlet

Edited January 28, 2022 by v.Perlet

[Ostrosky]

Hi v. Perlet.

 

I've tried quite a few sites, Rhodesian and African Military History, Rhodesian War Veterans, and pages for specific units, but not the two you mention. Still, quite a lot is coming in and I'm very glad I limited my research to Rhodesia and not Southern Africa. The BSA Police is most interesting as they started as mounted infantry with cavalry traditions and swords up to WW II.  I'm still trying to get the date and orders for the change over to infantry swords.  All Rh Army swords are 1897 pattern by Wilkinson - until UDI/Republic when blades by various German makers were imported. Thanks for the suggestions.

 

Regards Ed Ostrosky

[v.Perlet]

Hello Ostrosky,

 

with BSA I presume that you are referring to the B.S.A.P. ?  regarding initial service in Matabeland and Mashonaland in the late 19th century, which would also include some extreme difficult history to research during 1960-78 such as e.g. PACHEDU. Or is your research more confined to finding, cataloguing  and collecting swords?

I can't open the link since I am residing in China?

 

But maybe you get lucky - even though I presume that you are already familiar with their webpage.

www.bsapolice.com

www.bsapolice.org

Do you still travel there, or have relationships or contacts to the white populace in the town of Rusape?

 

Regards

v.Perlet

 

Edited February 2, 2022 by v.Perlet

[Ostrosky]

My apologies for not replying sooner.

 

Thank you for your response and suggestions.

 

I have tried the BSAP sites, photographs and members with little success. The archives in Harare might be a possibility but I would need someone to do the research on site. I haven't been back to Zimbabwe since 1982.

 

I started writing a guide to Rhodesian swords for collectors but the project has expanded. I am working on Rhodesian sword of honour recipients, both at Sandhurst pre-UDI and at the School of Infantry in Gwelo. I'm trying to finish this while some are still with us.

 

Further research and digging may have to wait until I finish editing my non-fiction account of starting the Tembe Elephant Park.

 

Regards

Ed Ostrosky