 |
August 2008 Edition
Volume
25-2 EDITOR
|
||
|---|---|---|---|
Editorial By Glenn Macaskill Well folks, here’s another Outpost for you to peruse. I’ve managed to be persuaded to stay on as editor-in-chief, but I must pay tribute to Dave Sloman and Fiona London who have been great in supplying me with material and ideas. Apart from the trauma of the house robbery, we had another problem recently. My wife Joanna, in the last few days before returning from the U.K. where she had been caring, broke her left foot and this delayed her return for another week. Now I’m not the best cook in the world, and I ran out of the frozen meals she’d prepared for me. Even more trauma! But I guess in a few weeks we’ll be laughing about it. Because of the usual lack of space for humour in this issue, I decided to lighten things up by quoting a recent email. Here goes: “On the first day God created the dog. God said, "Sit all day by the door of your house and bark at anyone who comes in or walks past. I will give you a life span of twenty years." The dog said, "That's too long to be barking. Give me ten years and I'll give you back the other ten." So God agreed. On the second day God created the monkey. God said, "Entertain people, do monkey tricks, make them laugh. I'll give you a twenty-year life span." The monkey said, "How boring, monkey tricks for twenty years? I don't think so. Dog gave you back ten, so that's what I'll do too, okay?" And God agreed. On the third day God created the cow. God said, "You must go to the field with the farmer all day long and suffer under the sun, have calves and give milk to support the farmer. I will give you a life span of sixty years." The cow said, "That's kind of a tough life you want me to live for sixty years. Let me have twenty and I'll give back the other forty." And God agreed again. On the fourth day God created man. God said, "Eat, sleep, play, marry and enjoy your life. I'll give you twenty years." Man said, "What? Only twenty years! Tell you what, I'll take my twenty, and the forty the cow gave back and the ten the monkey gave back and the ten the dog gave back, that makes eighty, okay?" "Okay," said God, "You've got a deal." So that is why the first twenty years we eat, sleep, play, and enjoy ourselves; for the next forty years we slave in the sun to support our family; for the next ten years we do monkey tricks to entertain the grandchildren; and for the last ten years we sit on the front porch and bark at everyone. Life has now been explained to you.” Cheers, Glenn
Monthly Sundowner 11/04/2008 Monthly Sundowner 9/05/2008 Monthly Sundowner 13/06/2008 Curry And Rice Lunch 29/06/2008 Those who signed the register midst the great food, hubbub and companionship were: 6769 Dick Glanville, (5703) Judy Hankinson, 6345 Dave Holmes, 6610 Jock Pirrett, 5619 Barry Enslin, 6000 Peter Finch, 1960 Michelle Knight, 7038 Ashley Collings, Morag Willis, 110756 Chris Birtle, Nyasaland Police Mike Bowery, 6538 Glenn Macaskill, 6268 Leon & Merle du Toit, 6145 Alex Fraser, 8741? Dave McClellan, 900202 Malcolm Barnfield, 24154D Vic Houska, W346 Maureen Merrifield, Assoc Lorraine Rutherford, 6255 Jack London, 9528 F. Falcone, 9716 Graham Reeves, Patu/Praw Don Stotter, 110891 Garry Smit, 7179 Len Powell-Rees, Andy Louden, Liz Ballington, 5137 Don Norris, 4763 (2RR) Richard Owen, 5526 Phil & Robin Devlin, 5806 Steve Barry, 9790 Duncan & Carol Waugh, Karin Prentice, 7670 John & Verona Sutton, 5930 Roy & Pauline Gardener, (4303) Christine Brenner, 6537 Pierre & Gail Maurel, Trevor and John Harvey, WP58 Gwen Drummond, 9574 Ian Denholm, 8003 Greg Ferguson, 6714 Tiff Thomson, 6382 Terry & Denise Schwartz, (6823) Janet Thornberry, 6144 Dick Judson, 5405 Brian & Myra Thomas, Mike Mayers, 6904 Ian & Shirley Lawrence, SAS Carol Doughty, 6848 J. And Mrs Condon, 16379 Eric & Mrs Bowes, 7088 J.P. & Mrs Martin, 6059 Laurie Ibbitt, 22979 M. Miskulin & Ruth Reed, 4831 Peter & Fran Stiff, 7885 Harry Esterhuizen, 7819 Rob Stewart, 6866 Robin Clarke, 8318 Dave Cushworth (USA), 10114 Martin Squier, 0410 Army Pat Hill, 5927 Max McDonald, 8007 John Tuey, 6017 John Hill, 110758 Peter Allan, Johan & Myra van Eyssen, Army Bill & Pat Bragge, Rob Jones, Kerry Holmes, Kevin Cartwright (?), 6650 Peter Combes, 6534 Ian & Dee Cuthbertson, W375 Sharon Vos (Wylie), 5780 Mark & Lyn Doyle, 5577 Thorne, Graham Bates, M. Eorwine, 110980 N. Lloyd, 5695 Dave Sloman, Allan Poultney. Phew! Monthly Sundowner 11/07/2008
Chairman’s Corner An eventful few months with the good and the bad always intermingling, a clear fact of life as we grow older. Sadly, in company with Barry Enslin, attended the funeral of Lionel Smith, whom I remember from rugby days in the Midlands Province. A great character, he deserved a suitable send-off, which indeed he did receive. I gave a short eulogy on behalf of the association. Our former treasurer, Colin Walker, also took seriously ill but appears to be recovering well. I visited him in hospital and his wife Vanda is well aware that a phone call is all that is required for support. 011-7632196. In early April I took Alastair Black (Harare), Brian Thomas and their respective wives to lunch. The occasion was the presentation to us of the silver trophies, both the Pensioners and Ex-members trophies, rescued from the Police Golf Club. I intend to write to the various associations and organise an annual tournament when I return from overseas. No reason why we cannot create an annual event held in different parts of Southern Africa, including Zimbabwe – situation permitting. Whilst on the subject of golf, I attended the Natal Midlands Golf day at Howick on 20th April. Sadly the inclement weather put paid to a full 18 holes, much to the relief of your chairman and several others, the former having a particular battle with the little white ball. Special thanks to Alan Bemmen and his wife, plus others involved in organisation. Met up with several people, some of whom I’d not seen in years, including John Carroll, Jock Knoetze, Chris Driver, Rob Bristow, Mike Crabtree, Chris Thorne and Denis Wyatt. Most unusually, Pirrett overstayed his welcome in a very festive country club atmosphere, reminiscent of the ‘old country’ club atmosphere. They may be a small unit but they make up with big hearts. Last month, in response to an SOS from Martin Bird in Harare, in conjunction with the RLI and Selous Scouts Associations, endeavoured to assist a former RLI corporal hospitalised in Harare with limited medical treatment. Sadly, prior to repatriation, he died. Our offer of assistance with funeral expenses was not required. Members will be pleased to know that during the quarter under review your association made a substantial donation to assist Zimbabwe pensioners, the funds channelled through the Flame Lily Foundation and will assist deserving cases on both sides of the Limpopo. Recently, through the kind auspices of Tom Thomas, Chairman of the Selous Scouts Association, I was a guest at their AGM and dinner in Polokwane (Pietersburg). A very impressive, inspirational and motivational couple of days, meeting up with old faces and being part of a memorable weekend. They are a great body of men and can always be justly proud of their important place in military and world history. Again, so important, we involve ourselves as much as possible with other services. Dick Latilla is still very much involved in the Combined Services Memorial project. Great work, Dick. The association has made a final donation to this deserved project. The annual Curry and Rice event, a new venue at Dickie Fritz Shellhole and food prepared by ourselves. A great day with attendance somewhere round 130. A special thanks to our conveners Dave Holmes and Barry Enslin, plus helpers Judy Hankinson, Debbie Enslin, Maureen Merrifield, Lorraine Rutherford, Michele, Marie and Helen and Mallie. Most important, heartfelt thanks to the committee, you the members and guests, all contributing to a very successful day! A great team effort with a substantial sum raised. Apart from the raffle, Peter Stiff very kindly donated a true Rhodesian, leather-bound volume of The Rhodesian Soldier by Chas Lotter, which will be auctioned at the Annual Dinner on 12th September. Monthly get-togethers are still on at the Jocks (see below). Snacks will be served plus a lucky draw. Please attend if you can. It remains to wish you all good health and look forward to seeing you in the future. Jock Pirrett. Subject: History of BSAP As some members are aware, there is a project afoot to re-publish the History of the BSAP on similar lines to that produced in 2000. This new edition will be a 'coffee table' production with up to 1000 photographs and maps, with additional material gleaned from the Outpost, and other sources, and considerably enhanced by unpublished stories by former members. It will follow the set-up of two recent best -selling publications featuring units of the Rhodesian Army and hopes to take advantage of the current interest in Zimbabwe, emphasising the unique role we played in the development of Rhodesia. To this end addressees are kindly asked to circulate this letter to their branch members and ask that any relevant stories and particularly photographs be sent to Nick Russell (ex-DSO 9596) at nick.russell@bordermail.com.au. There is great urgency about this as the SA-based publisher is anxious to complete the book in time for this year's Christmas market. Nick and I would value and be most grateful for your help and co-operation in advancing this project. Thank you. Hugh Phillips (4770) Dear Mrs Phillips, Further to your letter in the recent Transvaal Outpost, I must apologise for having included the wrong date for the Inyantue saga. That was entirely due to my memory, and in an article headed 'Memories' it just goes to show how tempus fugit. I knew that Inyantue occurred either just before or just after my transfer to Victoria Falls and regrettably did not follow up my doubt with finding out the real date. Regards, 5695 David Sloman. 27-11-465.5152; 27-82-570.4694 From 4071 Doug Wright, Tasmania “I am writing to correct a few details in the article “BSAP Memoirs 5695”. Dave Sloman - Ed The action “Inyantue” started in 1967 in the Wankie Game Reserve. At the time I was O.C. Bulawayo. On an afternoon in mid August I happened to be the only officer in H.Q. when I received a telephone call from the O.C. Wankie reporting confirmed presence of terrorists in the game reserve. Initial report had been made by a game ranger and confirmed by a police patrol that had been fired on with automatic weapons. I dispatched police and reserve PATU sections under Supt. Dodd, and then advised Brig. Prentice, O.C. RAR, who arranged for a company under a major to leave early the next morning. Terrorists were located in the game reserve and a series of fierce fire fights took place during which the security forces received casualties. Inspector Phillips, Member I/C Wankie received a disabling head wound and he died in a nursing home 35 years later in 2002. No. 6075 S/O Barry Tiffin was seriously wounded in the leg as was the major in charge of the African troops. The action moved south of the game reserve into the Tjolotjo area. On the night of 23/8/1967 the terrorists attacked the security force’s camp and No 7009 P/O Thomas, a dog handler, was killed. The final action in this terrorist incursion took place on a vacant farm in the Figtree area a week or so later. A report was received by Bulawayo Rural Section from a farmer of a strange African on a vacant neighbouring farm. A P.O. and an A.C. were sent to investigate. They were fired upon. The P.O. returned fire and killed the assailant. To the best of my knowledge this was the final action in the terrorist incursion- code named Operation Nickel. I organised the funeral of P.O.Thomas in Bulawayo. I learned from his father that he was the direct descendant of the Rev. Morgan Thomas who established a mission station in Matabeleland in 1875. A footnote: Nelson Mandela in his book “The Long Walk to Freedom” in Section 69, records this engagement. He received the information while in Robben Island Prison. He records that a group of Luthuli Division MK soldiers (Umkonto we Sizwe, the Spear of the Nation), had trained in Tanzania and Zambia and were returning to South Africa accompanied by some members of ZAPU. They crossed the Zambesi River and were detected by the Rhodesian Army. Fierce battles took place in which there were casualties on both sides. Some of his men escaped into Bechuanaland (Botswana). This was in August 1967. Yours sincerely, Doug Wright.” Dave Sloman adds the following to his apology - Ed “As regards Doug’s footnote footnote, he may be interested to know that two "heroes" of the ANC liberation movement, namely Tokyo Sexwale (past Premier of the Gauteng Province and now a successful businessman) and Chris Hani (a senior member of the ANC who was assassinated by right-wingers in 1993 before his party came to power) were said to have been in that Luthuli Division.” Letter to the Editor “I have made an extract of an article dealing with Zimbabwe public service pensions and this is attached. To my mind this is the very first time ever that a British Minister has said anything sympathetic in this long running debacle. The late 5125 Guy Storry QC - who eventually became Attorney-General of Rhodesia - was a member of the OSPA council and did sterling work in championing "the cause". His place has now been taken by Barry Lennox former Chairman of the Rhodesian Public Services Association. Barry has become an associate member of out UK Branch. He too continuously lobbies. Up to now all entreaties to HM Government have fallen on totally deaf ears so the attached shows just a slight glimmer of hope and a possible chink in the FCO armour. I have copied John Redfern who also has tirelessly championed "the cause" locally. Dick Glanville (6769)” See below - Ed Zimbabwe Pensions “ I have learnt a lot this evening. I shall go back to officials and examine this extremely carefully, as I think he has a case.” “..there is a moral and pragmatic case here, and a responsibility to public servants who have served the Crown so honourably.” “Therefore, we need to look at the matter again.” “I arrived with a brief which required me to defend the current situation. I now need to look at it again in the light of what was said this evening.” These potentially encouraging statements were made by the FCO Minister, Lord Malloch-Brown, in his reply to the debate in the House of Lords on 22 October 2007 that was initiated by Lord Waddington, speaking as President of the OSPA. Lord Waddington had set out once again the reasons why the British Government ought to accept liability to give some assistance to Zimbabwe Public Service pensioners living outside Zimbabwe who have not received their pensions since 2003. He described the FCO as having “got itself stuck in an untenable position, defending a case that lacks moral integrity”. He also said that “if the Government are not now prepared to do their duty and make some realistic payment to my people, I will go on about this as long as I have breath in my body and as long as a single of these pensioners remain alive”. Lord Waddington was strongly supported in the Lords by Lord Luce, as an honorary Vice-President of the OSPA. He said that the Government had moral, though not legal, obligations to do something about this problem. He appealed to the Minister and the Government “to make an imaginative and humanitarian approach” and to give support “to those valiant former public servants in recognition of the fact that the 1979 agreements is now not being fulfilled”. Lord Malloch-Brown said in the debate that the Government would need to look at the whole group of pensioners, not just those now living in Britain. It is clear that before the Government can reach any decision how the pensioners might be helped, they need to know how many pensioners there are, where they now live and what would be the cost of any assistance. It is a major difficulty that the Zimbabwe Government Pensions Office is no longer able to function properly in the current conditions in Harare and cannot provide the information. OPSA itself does not have the records. So the Minister and the FCO are still trying to come up with a proper assessment of the situation as a basis for some kind of action. We are keeping in contact with the FCO, the British Embassy in Harare, and others who may be able to help in some way. For those who have internet access, the full House of Lords debate can be found at: www.parliament.uk 'The Trooper' statue, depicting a Rhodesian Light Infantry soldier and which stood at the RLI Barracks at Cranborne in Salisbury in honour of those members of that regiment who had paid the supreme sacrifice for their country, has been in the UK now for a number of years. After July 1980, when the decision to disband the RLI was made by the Mugabe government, the statue and other regimental memorabilia were removed from the new Zimbabwe and taken to South Africa to the SA National Museum of Military History in Johannesburg. Sometime after 1985, after a difference of opinion between former RLI soldiers and the Museum authorities, the statue was moved again, this time to the UK. Initially it was placed in storage at the British Empire and Commonwealth Museum in Bristol until that body could decide on a suitable display site. After virtually two years in storage, during which time it had become badly damaged (broken off at the ankles and rifle butt), the RLI Regimental Association in the UK took on the task of restoring and re-erecting the statue in an appropriate place. As a result, discussions were held with Lord Salisbury - whose family name will always be associated with Rhodesia and whose own brother was killed in action while reporting on the combat actions of the RAR during operations. Lord Salisbury offered two excellent but remote sites on his estate at Hatfield Hall with the only stipulation being that the statue be inscribed 'RHODESIA' . In this way the statue would commemorate not only the RLI but also the nation for which they fought so bravely. The statue has been repaired and is in the process of being erected at a site overlooking the river Lee at the Hatfied Estate. It has been described as a superb picnic site that will enable ex-members and their families, and all Rhodesians, to reflect and commemorate service in the Rhodesian Army or their Rhodesian heritage. The RLI Colours, also removed from Zimbabwe, are to be laid up in the family chapel at Hatfield House. To this end the UK branch of the RLI Regimental Association is currently seeking donations for this worthy project. Donations in the form of cheques, postal orders or international money orders will all be gratefully received and acknowledged. Cheques and money orders should be made out to 'Rhodesian Light Infantry Regimental Association' (the bank will accept the abbreviation 'RLIRA') and sent to: NatWest Bank plc Account number: 62234145 Sort code: 60-02-13 Address: 81 High Street, Bedford, MK40 1YN, UK. Donations may also be sent to: 'The Trooper' may well be the only existing significant monument representing Rhodesia's herculean military efforts in the Rhodesian Bush War. The dead whom the memorial commemorates represents that nation's fight for its existence and dignity against predatory and rampant communism and a megalomaniacal dictatorship. That is its real significance and importance to the diaspora of all Rhodesians and the free world in general. Please help us to ensure all remember those who served for Rhodesia - Brigadier John 'Digger' Essex-Clark, Patron RLI Regimental Association. [This appeal is made on behalf of the RLI Regimental Association. - Ed] “From Barry Enslin: As you may or may not know, I have been representing Department of Internal Affairs, and on a few occasions, the BSA Police, on a Committee established under the auspices of the Flame Lily Foundation and a group of ex-Rhodesian Forces representatives, whose mandate has been to create a Memorial to the fallen in our Rhodesian war. An integral part and the centre to the memorial are Registers wherein the names of those who lost their lives have been recorded. These are, without doubt the most comprehensive list in existence having been compiled using records from a variety of sources. These registers have now been recorded onto CD, and are available to interested parties and individuals to scan at their leisure on their computers. The objective being that individual ownership of the Registers can go into family archives. The price is R100 each. Orders are to be directed to: Ex-Intaf: To Barry Enslin Telephone 011 3157819 or Mobile 082 973 4144 barryenslin@worldonline.co.za Ex-BSAP: Dick Glanville Telephone 011 4772793 Mobile 082 7391432 dickg@telkomsa.net History & All That For those of you interested in the history of the BSAP and have not yet been introduced to the website the Editor suggests you log on to: BSAPHistory@yahoogroups.com. There is an almost daily flow of discussion around our history with such diverse subjects as personalities, badges, Station histories etc and covering all the major events (and sometimes minor events) where the BSAP featured including the BSACoP, the Mashonaland Mounted Police, the Matabeleland Mounted Police, and the Southern Rhodesia Constabulary. You will be surprised who is out there on the world-wide-web with an interest in our history; correspondents are not confined to those with the close contact we had. There are regular contributions from family members wishing to trace their deceased relatives who served at sometime in the past or who have come across old family papers mentioning the Force. This recent query comes from 5584 John Berry, resident in Eire: “Does anyone happen to have photos of Gwanda, Figtree and Nyamandhlovu BSAP stations of the 1920s period, or can direct me to where they might be. Thanks, John Berry 5584”. The latest Aussie Outpost contains an interesting article by Dick Hamley on The Battle of Massi-Kessi (Macequece) 1891. Anyone interested in receiving an online copy please contact dsloman@telkomsa.net. Altogether, our history is a fascinating subject to delve into - and the website is free. “Glenn, I read with sadness about the passing of Sister King. In the 1950's and as Police dependants during the Great Age of Inoculation our jabs included polio, smallpox, cholera, typhoid, yellow fever and many others. These were administered by Sister King at the Camp Hospital. On the appointed day a swarm of police kids lined up outside and awaited the dreaded injection with great trepidation. Sister King, who ran an immaculate facility which smelled of the regulation disinfectant and ether did the deed. She was always fastidiously turned out and wore a starched and large square nurse’s hat. She had obviously seen WW2 service and also wore the War Medal and Defence Medal. Her style was a good one. At the moment of infliction she would call the child's attention to some object and when the kid looked away administer the jab. No pain, job done. Years later and now as a Police recruit, nothing had changed except her bonnet which was now the more contemporary type. The list of jabs had grown and included TAB and a dual bilharzia job. Her style was the same for the 'big' kids! I think that every recruit from our era had met her and she will remain fondly remembered as a very humane and lovely person. I will never forget her. Malcolm Barnfield. 900202.” “Certainly worthy of note in the Outpost is that our own 7705 The Very Rev David Hugh Bannerman, Dean of St Dunstans Cathedral Benoni, has recently been created a Knight of Grace of the Order of St John of Jerusalem. This is a British Royal Order of Chivalry taking its roots from the 11th century Knights Hospitaler; Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth is the Sovereign Head of the Order. This appointment is the equivalent of a Knighthood and, as far as I know, is the same Knighthood as recently bestowed upon Pres Mbeki. I have already sent a congratulatory note to "Sir" David who was Knighted by Major Ian Crowther Chancellor of the OSJ for South Africa. An acknowledgment, with thanks, has been received from "Sir" Dave Bannerman, who incidentally is a cousin of 6442 James Hugh "Takkie" Bannerman. Cheers Dick Glanville” “Dear Jock, I have recently received the latest Outpost for which I thank you all. I wish to congratulate you and your new committee on your election in February 2008. I am positive that you will all continue to uphold the traditions of the BASP Association. Once again Dick remains as the backbone of the Transvaal Branch and it makes the commitee's job all that more easier having someone with Dick's committment and experience to fall back on. I am sorry to see that Glenn is unable to continue as the Editor as he has done a great job over the past few years..... but as we all know this is an extremely difficult and time consuming postion and I salute both Dave Sloman and Fi London for being brave enough to fill Glen's boots. On a seperate issue I will be leaving Singapore soon and will be joining Brice Braes's new Perth headquartered company, Specialist Strategic Security & Intelligence Group (SSSI) and will be working from Scotland. Dick for the record and w.e.f 23rd August 2008 my address will be 6 Foxknowe Place, Eliburn, Livingston, EH54 6TX, West Lothian, Scotland so anyone passing through that part of the world is most welcome to put his feet up and join me in a wee dram. Best of luck to you all. Steve Acornley Thanks for the compliment Steve. I’m staying on as editor in chief, assisted by Dave and Fiona – Ed. “Hi Outpost Editors - Here may be something for an Outpost. Julie Andrews' brother was in the Force. He may possibly have been 6843 Donald Edward Andrews served 10/01/1963 leaving as a PO on 09/01/1966 at own request. I'm open to correction on this identity though. Cheers Dick Glanville” Subject: Fw: Julie turns 69 A Skit From Julie Andrews. Very Good: To commemorate her birthday, actress/vocalist Julie Andrews made a special appearance at Manhattan's Radio City Music Hall for the benefit of the AARP. One of the musical numbers she performed was "My Favorite Things" from the legendary movie "Sound Of Music". Here are the lyrics she used: (Sing It!) - If you sing it, it’s especially hysterical!! “Maalox and nose drops and needles for knitting, Walkers and handrails and new dental fittings, Bundles of magazines tied up in string, These are a few of my favorite things. Cadillacs and cataracts and hearing aids and glasses, Polident and Fixodent and false teeth in glasses, Pacemakers, golf carts and porches with swings, These are a few of my favorite things. When the pipes leak, When the bones creak, When the knees go bad, I simply remember my favorite things, And then I don't feel so bad. Hot tea and crumpets and corn pads for bunions, No spicy hot food or food cooked with onions, Bathrobes and heating pads and hot meals they bring, These are a few of my favorite things. Back pain, confused brains and no need for sinnin', Thin bones and fractures and hair that is thinnin', And we won't mention our short shrunken frames, When we remember our favorite things. When the joints ache, When the hips break, When the eyes grow dim, Then I remember the great life I've had, And then I don't feel so bad. (Ms Andrews received a standing ovation from the crowd that lasted over four minutes and repeated encores. Please share Ms. Andrews' clever wit and humor with others who would appreciate it. “Hi Glenn I was so very sad to read of your recent bad experience – and that of Sakie (Magicman!) I am sorry that I have not been much in evidence in recent years but in addition to trying to make an honest penny or two I am very involved with Rotary’s campaign against HIV/AIDS (RFFA Rotarians for Fighting AIDS) and travel out of the country nearly every month mostly in Africa but last month to Australia and tonight I leave for the USA to which country I will be returning in June. During the Australian trip I had the pleasure of staying with and spending some quality time with my squad mate Alun Vaughan 5781. Alun attested as Alun Williams. Alun arranged for us to meet up with Dave Bruce at Nelson Bay North of Sydney where Dave now lives (I think that as I write this he is in the UK .) The following day Alun and I flew to Brisbane for lunch with John Gold, Mike Edden and Willie Keyes. John and I were rugby players together and he gave me a photo of the 1965/66 Salisbury Police First team. So many memories! I will try to scan it in and attach it. Mike and I served together in the ID where he was considerably senior to me and went on to great heights. Willie I had not met before but he was the Member 1/c Centenary I believe and is now a lawyer in Brisbane . What a pleasure it was to meet with these friends and I will make it a point to attend all possible functions in all possible centres. Whilst in Sydney I scoured second hand book shops and found – at a good price which is important in the light of the ferocious exchange rate of the Australia dollar to the Rand ! – a book called ‘The Originals – the secret history of the birth of the SAS” which dealt with the birth of the Special Air Service in North Africa during the War (I guess I should specify World War II). Our own Reg Seekings (of PATU Hard Square ) was a very prominent player and it was fascinating to learn more about someone whom I enjoyed and respected during my PATU Days. What great training – and testing – we got from Reg. The book is well worth the read. The author is Gordon Stevens. ISBN 0091900177-4 Mark Doyle 5780 Interesting letter Mark. Hope you enjoyed the Curry and Rice . Photo on last page – Ed Sub Aqua Reunion at The Kenya Coast Steve Curtis ex- Inspector (9112) who was a member of the BSAP Sub Aqua section and now has his own diving centre in Kenya is keen to get as many members as possible from the section together for a reunion. This will take place the last week of October and first week of November 2008 in Watamu Kenya. There will be scuba diving and deep sea fishing available, and Steve and his instructors will be on hand to shake out those cob webs for those of you wishing to dive. For those of you who may be able to make it, and need to know more, please contact Steve. stevecurtis006@hotmail.com; Mobile 254733897661; www.diveinkenya.com Sounds great for those ex divers - Ed We extend our condolences to the families and friends of the deceased. 3844 Sydney Frederick Samuel Bristow: It is with the deepest regret that Peter Bellingham reports the death of the ex Commissioner of Police, Syd Bristow. He died peacefully at his Borrowdale home on the 18th July 2008,surrounded by his family. He had been frail and weak for a long time, so much so that he was unable to attend any Regimental Association functions. He was a real gentleman, and was greatly respected. He will be sadly missed. 5233 William Hamilton (Squad3/54) passed away in his sleep on 9 June 2008 at his home in Harare. He is survived by his wife of almost fifty years, Margaret, his son Keith resident in Cape Town and daughter Julie now resident in the USA., two grand-daughters and a grandson. He retired in the rank of Assistant Commissioner, Vic Prov. to his home in Harare in 1980. A very fine Police Officer and a dour Scottish gentleman. Each one that passes brings home to us our own mortality. 5479 Michael Leonard Leach It is with deep regret that we advise the death of Mike. He died at Basildon following a stroke on 15/5/08. He served from 26/5/56 to 27/11/80, retiring with the rank of Chief Superintendant. Mike served as Honorary Secretary of the UK Branch of the Association for over twenty years and was a mainstay and fountain of knowledge, not just of the UK Branch, but of the Association worldwide. Our thoughts and prayers go to Jan and the family. 4393 Allen William 'Tubby' Lucas He died on 7/7/08 at Moreton in the Marsh, after a long battle with cancer and a recent stroke.Tubby served between 15/2/49 - 14/2/69 retiring with the rank of S/Insp.He was a Trustee for many years and served as the Branch Almoner. Tubby was an Honorary Life Member of the UK Branch. 3754 Professor Desmond Hayward Hill Served 2/6/38-19/1/47 - discharged as Sergeant. Mounted policeman who turned to veterinary medicine. Hel served in the war with the British South Africa Police. Professor Hill, who has died aged 90, worked as a vet in the tropics for more than three decades; for most of that period he was in Nigeria, Africa's most populous nation, where he was known as the father of veterinary education and development. He was born on August 7 1917 at Hornsea, Yorkshire, but spent most of his childhood in Spain, where his father was a consulting engineer. Desmond returned to Britain with his mother in the late 1920s to continue his education in London. In 1936 his father returned to England, having lost everything during the Spanish civil war – he arrived home with only 500 pesetas in his pocket after all his assets had been seized. The following year Desmond joined the British South Africa Police (BSAP), with which he remained throughout the duration of the Second World War. In his youth he had been a keen boxer, and he was Southern Rhodesia's welterweight boxing champion during the period when he served in the BSAP. In his later years he turned to refereeing in the ring. It was Hill's experience as a mounted policeman in Rhodesia that motivated him to become a vet, and at the end of the war he worked his passage by sea to Canada, where he studied at Ontario Veterinary College at the University of Guelph, near Toronto. On graduating with first class honours and receiving a national award for outstanding achievement sponsored by the Journal of Veterinary Medicine, Hill was recruited by the British to work at the University College of Nigeria, Ibadan where he remained until he retired in 1978. Thereafter he took employment as director of animal husbandry at the International Livestock Centre for Africa (now the International Livestock Research Institute) at its Nigeria office. In 1979 he moved to its headquarters in Addis Ababa. He retired from ILCA in 1981 and moved to Yorkshire. He was appointed OBE in 1972 and CBE in 1978. He died on April 21. He married, in 1956, Heather Harley, who survives him with their two sons and a daughter. 3749 Stanley Edwards He passed away at home at Moulton near Newmarket on 22.6.08, aged 94. Stan served 2/6/1938 - 10/12/1966, retiring with the rank of SAC. He was a member of the UK Branch. 4712 Brian Francis Darling He died on 8 April 2008 at Shropshire UK, of cancer. Brian served 7/5/51 - 6/7/72, retiring with the rank of Detective Chief Inspector. He was a member of the UK Branch. 5164 Robert Malcolm 'Bob' Savage He died at Cheltenham UK on 5 April 2008 after battling cancer. Bob served from 01/11/53 to 17/01/74. He will be remembered for his gentle manner and considerate approach to all. A very popular member of the CID. He retired to pension in the rank of Det.Chief Inspector. On retirement he moved initially to Durban but later moved back to the UK. 4796 Christopher Balck-Foote. He died on 28/07/08 at Stockcross Berks after a long battle with cancer. Christopher served 22/10/51 - 18/12/62 retiring with the rank of Sergeant. 4446 Michael Richard Goring Brough He died on the 30th May 2008 at St Anne's Hospital, Harare. He served from the 27th June 1949 to the 20th August 1970. He retired as an Inspector from the post of Q Rep Depot. 6036 Donald (Don) Kenneth Cruickshanks Sad to report his death on 30th June 2008, of multiple organ failure in Johannesburg. He was a member of the Regimental Association. Don attested on 6th June 1959 taking his discharge as a Constable on 22nd October 1963. Prior to his death, Don had been running a small second-hand car dealership in Johannesburg. 3799 Anthony Lawry Andrew. He died on 2/7/08 Tony served 23/4/39 - 23/11/63, retiring with the rank of Ch. Supt. He was a member of the UK Branch. 6349/7848 Joseph Michael Eglington He died on 27/7/08 at Stafford, from heart complications following an apparently successful bowel cancer operation. 'Eggles' had two stretches in the BSAP: 20/3/61 - 31/5/66 and 20/11/67- 28/2/73, leaving with the rank of Patrol Officer on each occasion. He was a member of the UK Branch. 5923 Anthony Conrad Seward He died of cancer on 14/05/08 at Chichester UK.. Tony served 1/12/58 - 17/11/83 retiring with the rank of Inspector. He was a member of the UK Branch of the Association. 7176/9170 Philip Clarke Fraser He died on 6/7/08 died of complications following a chest infection. Place of death in the UK has not been supplied. Philip served 16/10/64 - 26/3/72 leaving with the rank of S/O and 25/3/74 - 31/5/84 leaving with the rank of C/Insp. 4269/9319 Frederick Charles (Steve) Moore-Stevens He died on 19/6/08 at Broseley, Shropshire. Steve served initially from 1/5/48 to 30/4/51, leaving with the rank of Sergeant. He rejoined and served 1/10/74 - 31/10/81, leaving with the rank of Insp (T). Steve was a member of the UK Branch. 5360 John Jeremy Hicks He died on 5/6/08 , having been ill for a long period. Johnnie Hicks served from 12 June 1955 until 10 November 1976 retiring as a superintendent. Johnnie was one of the small band of Manicaland District Members-in-Charge during the 60's. He lived for many years in the Seychelles returning to Johannesburg in 2007 owing to deteriorating health. He returned to his beloved island home prior to his death. He was a member of the Regimental Association. 5554 Charles Walter Mitchley. He died in Bulawayo on the 24/5/08 after a heart attack. He served from the 23/9/1956 to 20/9/76, retiring as an S/O. Sadly his wife Pam (Nee Woodiwiss) was one of the victims in a triple murder that took place in Hillside, Bulawayo in 1995. 7366 Jack Walsh. He died between 17/4/08 and 19/4/08 in Ayr, Scotland. Cause of death believed to be a heart attack. Jack served from 15/6/65 to 22/2/82 leaving with the rank of C/Supt. 4643 Supt. George Ellwyn Leppan PMM. He passed away on the 28 July 2008 at Ballito, Kwa Zulu-Natal. George had suffered with a heart complaint for some time. He served from 3 July 1950 and retired on Pension as a Supt. on 15 May 1983. WFR2427 Elizabeth (Betty) Lotter She died in Pretoria on 11 July 2008 after a long fight with cancer. She was a staunch supporter of the Transvaal Branch of the Regt. Association. 7115 Michael George Little He passed away suddenly at his home in Taunton, Somerset on the 20 June 2008. George served as a Patrol Officer between the 9 June 1964 and 9 December 1970. New Book From Wanderlust! The Flight of the
Falcons – Greece at War wanderlust@iafrica.com or tel 021 4624252, internet fax 086 684 2848, cell 083 7578170.
|
