Participation

I believe our Chairman’s corner in this edition is very relevant as we approach 2009. Fundraising and benevolence are important naturally, but camaraderie and fellowship are equally so. I have, like many other ex-members, joined the MOTH order. Their slogans are true comradeship, sound memory and mutual help. Which is exactly what the BSAP Regimental Association sets out to achieve. And the best way to do so is to have regular contact at our sundowners, lunches, dinners and remembrance parades. Participation is the name of the game, and only in this way can the association persevere and continue to the benefit of all of us.

We have over 300 members in Gauteng, yet only at the Curry and Rice lunch and the Annual Dinner do we achieve an attendance of even a fraction of such.

I wonder what prevents the others from attending? Apathy? Poverty? Traffic? Crime? Age? Night-blindness? Physical disability? It would be interesting to know the answers – possibly one or more or a combination of all.

Now what about the committee? They have put their foot forward to take on the job, even though they may suffer from the symptoms I’ve already mentioned. Someone has to lead, yes, but there also has to be a flock, without which the association would surely die.

Here are the dates for diaries for 2009, folks. Let’s try to make an appearance; you’ll be surprised at who you meet and how much you’ll enjoy:

Tvl Scottish unless shown otherwise (Subject To Change)

• 12/12/2008 Christmas Sundowner 09/01/2009 Monthly Gathering
• 13//02/2009 Annual General Meeting
• 13/03/2009 Monthly Gathering
• 17/04/2009 Monthly Gathering
• 08/05/2009 Monthly Gathering
• 12/06/2009 Monthly Gathering
• 27/06/2009 Curry/Rice at Dickie Fritz
• 10/07/2009 Monthly Gathering
• 14/08/2009 Monthly Gathering
• 11/09/2009 Regimental Dinner JCC
• 09/10/2009 Monthly Gathering
• 08/11/2009 Remembrance Parade DF
• 13/11/2009 Monthly Gathering
• 11/12/2009 Christmas Sundowner

See you there! Glenn

Recent Events

Monthly Sundowner: 8/08/2008
Great to see 6507 Seamus Power at the function. He’s visiting from Ireland and staying with Keith Douche. Others present were: 5695 Dave Sloman, 5807 Alastair Webb, 6610 Jock Pirrett, 7038 Ashley Collings, 7651 Dick Latilla, 9790 Duncan & Carol Waugh, 6538 Glenn Macaskill, 6817 Keith Douche.

Regimental Dinner: 12/09/08
This was a great event: the premier one on our calendar. Our guest speaker was David Pirrett, a lawyer from Scotland who also happens to be your Chairman’s brother. He took us away from the norm (ex BSAP, Army etc) and it proved a great experience. David spoke with much aplomb about his life in Scotland and his brushes with the local constabulary. He read his audience well and was given a great ovation. We were again happy to have 4254 Smudge Smith from Natal, and he replied to the speaker in his inimitable way, even taking us back to 1937!

Despite the increase in ticket prices (unavoidable these days and they could go up again), we had a very good turnout and a wonderful time was had by all. The food was good.

The following attended: 6769 Dick Glanville, 5526 Phil Devlin, guest Ian Bate (RLI), 6345 Dave Holmes, 6538 Glenn Macaskill, 4254 Smudge Smith, David Pirrett, 6610 Jock Pirrett, 8359 Tom Thomas, 8452 David James, 7038 Ashley Collings, Army 0410 Pat Hill, 5619 Barry Enslin, 7651 Dick Latilla, guest Kim Latilla, 8393 Dutch van Eck, 25780W John Jones, 7847 Brian Beeden, 23730 John Cannon, 110756 Chris Birtle, 110887 John Herdman, 6382 Terry Schwartz, 6904 Ian Lawrence, 6185 Eryl Worton, Intaf Alex Bundock, 7400 Bryan Rogers, 5845 Gordon Rendall, 6817 Keith Douche, 6507 Seamus Power, 7184 Chris Russell, 5991 Don Joss, 6535 Rob Kenny, 110838 Jamie Demetriou, 9790 Duncan Waugh, guest Cameron Waugh, guest Grant Miles, 7959 Ray Hoggins, 19714C Tom Rutherford, 18813Y Hamish Roberts, 6910 John Bissett, 7290 Steve van den Heever, 5695 Dave Sloman, guest Alastair Pirrett, 5498 Raoul Gilbert from Spain, guest John Harvey, guest Trevor Harvey, 4577 John Yeoman, 5587 Howard Marshall, 7489 Ian Duncan, 8026 Jonathan Harvey, 6715 Sam McCrorie, 781418 Ian Carswell, 7581 Les Lotter, 8557 Corrie Pretorius, 6587 Ian Harries, 7102 Harry Browne, 6593 Jac van Niekerk, 71521867 Ron Zeman, 34476Y E. Robinson, 7789Q Peter Drysdale, 7319 Tony Glover, Army 728230 Ron Wheeldon, Kenya Regt 4296 H.P. de Bruin, guest Ray Branch, 5577 John Thorne, 6255 Jack London, guest Charlie Farndell, 8749/9569 Scatch Isdale, 9142 Max Barker, guest Rob Allan, 2402152 Gordon Barker, guest R. Deacon, 900335 Noel Deacon, 8057 Robin Waller, 8544 Clive Slowe, V2746 Bill Bragge, guest Vikash Maharaj, 9271 Frik Hanekom, guest Ernie Kriek, guest Ian Ross-Marsh, 49286 Chas Lotter, guest Joe Rankin, guest Peter Griffiths, 7902 Brien Bonynge, Piper Rodney Kuck.

Carriages left at 0030!!

Monthly Sundowner: 10/10/2008
Not a large turnout. 6345 Dave Holmes, 4831 Peter & Fran Stiff, 5666 Dave Wright, visiting from White River – good stuff! 5695 Dave Sloman, 7038 Ashley Collings, 7489 Ian & Rosalind Duncan, 7651 Dick Latilla, 6382 Terry Schwartz, 6610 Jock Pirrett, 7150 Jeremy Thompson, 9165 Geoff Lotter.

Remembrance Parade

Dickie Fritz Shellhole, Edenvale, Morning parade: 09/11/2008
The following members were sighted: 6769 Dick Glanville,7038 Ashley Collings, guest Morag Willis, Army 23730 John Cannon, 7670 John & Verona Sutton, RRAF Bruce Harrison, 9574 Ian Denholm, 7651 Dick Latilla, 6538 Glenn Macaskill, 5272 Pat Deasy, out from Ireland, 6610 Jock Pirrett, who laid the wreath, Army Roy Gardener, 6345 Dave Holmes, Army Pat Hill, 5619 Barry Enslin, Intaf Alex Bundock, 19708W Dave Little. In the crowd there may have been others!

Rooihuiskraal, Afternoon parade
Our members present were: 7670 John & Verona Sutton, 6255 Jack London, who laid the wreath, 5272 Pat Deasy, Army John Redfern, 8819K Dave Donkin.

Monthly Sundowner: 14/11/2008
Not too many pitched because of the clash with the annual Golf Day. Also, blame it on the weather and the ever-deteriorating traffic. Those who braved it were: 6769 Dick Glanville, 8410 Andy & Shirley Sternslow (long time no see!), 6538 Glenn Macaskill, 9790 Duncan Waugh, just turned 50!, 7489 Ian Duncan, 7038 Ashley Collings.

Chairman’s Corner
Jock Pirrett

In July visited UK and had lunch with Mike Abbots and Biff Way. Mike fully recovered from his recent op and Biff full of the joys of life. Spent a day with Gerry Paxton, as youthful and entertaining as ever, enjoying life after years of very hard work.

The annual dinner has come and gone. Of interest, in the early part of his address, the guest speaker made reference to a science teacher at his secondary school. The teacher in question was named Brown and due to his large build , heavy Harris Tweed sports jackets and ruddy complexion we nicknamed him Farmer Broon. Shortly before Bill Bremner passed on, in conversation, we established that Brown was his nephew.

Our next event is the Christmas Function at the Jocks on the 12th December. This will be a function to be remembered so please make the effort .

On a more serious, positive note, The AGM will be held on the second Friday of February 2009. Please note this appeal reinforced by your attendance if possible. Issues are:

• Changes to the constitution of the association for the better and most important, to comply with good governance and SARS requirements. Please contact myself or Dick Glanville should you require advance details.
• Are you prepared to serve on the committee? We need new and young blood to be part of the team as we move forward for the benefit of us all. It is your association.
• Dick Glanville, our Hon Secretary, has performed this onerous task for the past 20 years with aplomb. With his vast experience and knowledge he is the backbone of the association. We need an assistant/understudy to help Dick please.

Please give the above serious thought, discuss with friends and former colleagues before the AGM.

Benevolence, a very important component of our core values but can be extremely difficult. Please, if necessary in confidence, let us have details with as much information as possible. It is so sad when we hear after the event. You have the assurance that all deserving cases will be noted, investigated and assistance granted where applicable. But let us know please.

Jock Pirrett.

Transvaal Inpost

“Dear Glenn

The dinner prices this year went up between the time we confirmed the dinner, and the time we consumed it! We had been warned about it, but were powerless to do anything about it, as the price had been decided upon and distributed via the flyer. We will have to absorb the extra price charged.
As you know, we had already compromised the dinner quality by going for the roast lamb as opposed to the ‘three rib roast’ we had last year, this because of the price factor.
But we cannot keep on compromising. The dinner is a gala event, held once a year. My belief is that with sufficient knowledge, members will understand that prices will rise, and that the committee cannot manipulate things forever. There is no way that we can keep the price down next year, without really affecting the event negatively.
I believe we have struck a chord with CCJ, and in my opinion we should stay there next year.
I am writing to you because I believe the Outpost has to reflect this concern, with a view to preparing members for next year. Would you consider this for future editions?

Best wishes
Dave Holmes 6345”

What do you, the members, think? Ed

“Dear Glenn

At the recent “All Forces Bash” Pat Hill gave a talk on the mobile memorial which was presented with a dramatic curtain opening, showing the British South Africa Police in its proper place on the right of the line. In the talk, he raised a long and enthusiastic round of applause when he offered a special vote of gratitude to the British South Africa Police for their contributions to the memorial.
I think a note to this effect in the Outpost would be a nice way of recognising those who made all the effort to see this thing through.

Regards
Dave Holmes 6345”

I agree – Ed.

“Glenn,

Readers might be interested in a very interesting character about whom a book was released on the 7th November, in Norfolk, England.
My maternal Grandfather was Capt Edward Charles Kelly MC, and his brother was Lt-Col John Sherwood Kelly VC DSO CMG, the latter of whom is the subject of the book, which is titled “Undefeated”. I think that makes him my Great Uncle. He was known as Jack, and also at some times affected a hyphen between Sherwood and Kelly, which confuses historians. References to Sherwood-Kelly are incorrect.
Both EC and JS arrived at Buckingham Palace one morning, and JS said to EC, “What the hell are you doing here?” and when EC told him he was receiving the Military Cross, JS rather topped that by telling his brother he was being invested with the VC.
They were both fighters of note, and in JS’s file in the Norfolk Regiment (or it could have been the Inskillings – he served in both), it was written, “When Lt Col Kelly was not fighting with someone or something, he became argumentative and quarrelsome”.
But JS achieved more notoriety than fame, because he was placed under the orders of the First Sea Lord (WSC) in 1919, and sent with 1000 troops to Archangel, where his orders were to fight alongside the White Russians against the Reds. He was horrified upon arrival by sea, to find that the Whites were throwing their weapons away, and defecting across in droves to the other side, with the rest in full flight.  He weighed up the options, and decided not to subject his war-weary troops through what would have been a useless battle, ordering them to embark, after which he went home to face the music.
He was Court Martialled in England, the CM being held under General Ironside, with WSC baying for his blood and insisting they have him shot. This must have been a difficult thing for Ironside and the other Officers, here was a man who had single-handedly wiped out machine gun nests, and later led his troops in a really heroic assault on several gunpits in France, now facing a charge of ‘cowardice’ (according to WSC) before a Court-Martial.
He lost his commission, and was chucked out of the army, spending the rest of his life fighting the injustice of it.
He was also though, a cad and a bounder, leaving a trail of broken women in his wake, one of whom pursuing him relentlessly until his death in England.
He and his brother were however, South Africans. Both of them terrorised public places in the Transkei and the Eastern Cape, fighting with anyone or anything. Unlike JS, my Grandfather Capt EC Kelly MC, was a highly respected citizen, and in spite of his fighting nature, was greatly loved by his friends, colleagues and everyone who came into contact with him, he died in Port Elizabeth when I was 6 years old.

John Sherwood Kelly’s Victoria Cross, is in the War Museum in Johannesburg.

Please forgive my self -indulgence, but I thought you would be interested in a bit of history of what I am really quite proud of in spite of all of the circumstances.  

All the best
Dave Holmes 6345”

I’ve placed Dave’s three letters together. It is most regrettable that he says he won’t be able to serve on committee next year – Ed.

'To editors,

Arising from a recommendation given by Rev. Terry Mesley-Spong in 2006, Brig. David Heppenstall very recently brought about the establishment of a committee to investigate the desirability and interest for a medal to be known as The Rhodesian Independence Commemorative Medal (RICM).
Clearly the introduction of an RICM is very late in coming but there is a need to accept that 'late is better than never'.
The purpose of the RICM is to give to those who gave services in support of their cherished country the opportunity to declare and expose their pride in having done so. Such service came not from the military alone, but from every walk of life and from Rhodesians of all colour. Each knows where his or her heart and efforts lay through the troubled years in which Rhodesia's affairs were a focal point between antagonists either side of the Iron Curtain.
The RICM is not an official, government-approved and gazetted item. It is one being developed by a Rhodesian joint forces committee in UK with associates in Australia, New Zealand and RSA. Once available, interested individual Rhodesians will be able to order and pay for his/her own medal.
The cost of the RICM and postage is not yet established but it is hoped to keep this as low as possible, without producing a cheap and inferior quality medal.
There is no limit to who can own and wear an RICM, providing he/she expended efforts to the benefit of Rhodesia's well being. Consider the farmers and their wives facing perils whilst continuing to uphold the agricultural sector upon which we were all dependent: railway operators, firemen, Red Cross and field caterering volunteers, doctors, nurses, hospital workers, civil servants, postmen, electrical maintenance men and water engineers are just a very small cross-section of a society that provided vital inputs to keep our independent country running efficiently for 15 years during which the world at large sought to destroy it.
Whereas our servicemen gained medals in service and proudly wear them on appropriate occasions, there is nothing for other deserving Rhodesians to show on those same occasions. Consider the wife who upheld her serving husband through the troubled times. Was she awarded for her vital but silent service? No! But maybe she would like to stand next to her be-medalled man when next he wears his gongs and proudly display her own.
The Committee will keep the various Rhodesian Associations around the world up to date on progress and hope to be in a position to circulate a drawing of the proposed medal, showing both obverse and reverse in the very near future.'

Vic Walker
vw006c0697@blueyonder.co.uk
For information – Ed.

From the RLI Association:

In our last edition we carried an article on the proposed re-siting of the RLI Trooper statue. That has now taken place and here is an item received from overseas concerning the event:

“On Saturday 27 September 2008 a service for the Laying-up of the Queen’s and Regimental Colours of the Rhodesian Light Infantry, also the unveiling and re-dedication of the RLI Trooper Statue took place at Hatfield House, near Aldershot, by kind permission of the Marquess of Salisbury. 
There were over one hundred and fifty RLI members and visitors in attendance, including Col. Ron Reid-Daly. The main entrance of Hatfield House was graced by six standard bearers holding the flags of the Rhodesian Light Infantry and also eight buglers of the ‘Rifles’ who played a fanfare to invite the guests in.
The chapel is big for the household but too small to seat one hundred and fifty visitors so well over one hundred were seated in the armoury. There were four large television screens in the armoury so that the service in the chapel could be seen and heard. The two venues were next to each other and connected by a short passage. After the service guests were transported to the bank of the River Lee where the Trooper Statue was draped in the Green and White. After a short service and speeches which mentioned the Rhodesian Air Force and it’s air cover and helicopter transportation into forward areas, the Marquess of Salisbury unveiled the statue with the Last Post played by the buglers of the Rifles Band. Many wreaths of flames lilies were laid at its base. 
The Trooper Statue is sighted on a wide grass bank with it’s back to a commercial forest of tall straight pine trees, fronted by a copse of deciduous trees. The statue faces out across the River Lee to the far bank where the deciduous trees were turning into their autumn colours. The 150 guests were then transported to a local hotel for lunch where there were more speeches and a fly-past by a Dakota.” 

The pub must have been chaotic – Ed.

“26 Eden Court
Fiddler's Lane
Lazonby, Penrit,  Cumbriua
CA10 1BH
(Tel 01768-897001)

Dear Dick,

Just to let you know that I'm no longer in Botswana, moved back to the UK just over a year ago, so will not be requiring the ':Outpost' as have now paid my subs to the UK Outpost.
Would be grateful however if you could have a piece put in the next edition that I have moved and can be contacted at above address and telephone number, as would love to hear from old mates.
 Have been back for about a year, whilst staying at the British Legion in Aylesford Kent for eight months, met up with quite a few ex BSAP i e:- John Somny, Peter Biddulph, Ben Hustler, Chris Johnson, Derek Hollis, had some great gatherings together! Muriel and I were quite sorry to leave there really, but moved to be nearer our niece and nephew at our age.
Many thanks for all the newsy magazines, keep up the good work. Regards to all

Sincerely Ted Chapman (4039)”

“Hi Glen,

It seems that I have spent more time in Cape Town than I have in East London this year. However the trips have made it possible to go to Timor Hall, and also have met up with others.  In April spent a very happy afternoon at the home of 6846 JIMMY BLAIN, together with 5755 STEWART EDWARDS and 6975 RAY DeLORIE.  Plenty of 'do you remember when' took place, especially around football stories. Stewart enjoys himself between Europe, South Africa and the Carrabeann (sic). Both Jimmy and Ray are doing well.
At Timor Hall have of course seen 5483 DAVE BLACKER and 5880 STAN McMILLAN.
I bump into 5835 ROB ANDERSON quite often at our local shopping mall in East London. He sends regards to everyone.
Back to Cape Town for me again this weekend, and I hope to attend the Dinner on in September.

Regards to all,
DAVE ROGERS 7139/8938.

You missed a great dinner – Ed

“Hi Dick

I am flying in to Johannesburg tomorrow morning & staying at the Indaba Hotel in William Nicol Drive for 3 nights, i.e. Tuesday 21st until the morning of Friday 24th October when I fly on to Durban. It would be great to see any of our ex members, including yourself who might like to meet up with me, possibly one evening at the Indaba, maybe even a round of golf & would appreciate it if you could send out an email accordingly.
Unfortunately I will only get a 'local' Sim Card on arrival at the Airport tomorrow, but my UK Mobile is 0044 07515364850 through which they could text me or else leave a message at the Hotel reception & I can call back. Alternatively they could make comms through my email address - peterdewe@aol.com & I can check it out for messages whilst there. I will get in contact with you to give you my 'local' cell number once I have it.
Please could you email me Jock Pirret's phone & email details. I apologise for the short notice, but it has been unavoidable.

Best wishes
Peter Dewe

Dick only received this at 1800 on 21/10 and passed by email to members. Not known at time of writing whether anyone could contact Peter – Ed.

“Hello Glen

Thanks for sending a copy of your outpost - it is appreciated as I circulate it amongst members for general consumption. Re in the inpost by Dick Glanville regarding Julie Andrews - if my memory serves me correct her brother was 6156 John David Andrews - joined 11/4/60 and left as a DSO. John was a member of Special Branch, Mat Prov. Dave Sloman & Jock Pirrett should be able to confirm!

Regards,
Rob Clarke
Hon Sec Eastern Cape”

Reply: Negative. DSO John Andrews was a Fairbairn School 'immigrant' and after leaving the Police went to farm in Inyanga. He gave that up some years ago and is now resident in the UK.
Julie Andrews' brother was a uniformed PO stationed at Selukwe or Belingwe and, but I am open to correction, married Garfield Todd's youngest daughter. His whereabouts are not known.

Regards,
David Sloman

Death Notices

We extend our condolences to the families and friends of the deceased.

3411 Cecil Mendham Ludlow (Bunty)
He died at the age of 93 on the afternoon of the 13th of November 2008 at an old peoples home in Perth Australia . Bunty served in the Force from the 15th of August 1934 (I understand that he was one of the first cadets in the BSAP) till 31st of August 1958 attaining the rank of Chief Inspector as Member in Charge Marandellas. When he retired from the Police Bunty before emigrating to Australia was employed by the Grain Marketing Board in the then Rhodesia.

4774 John Samuel Trevor (Butch) Fletcher
He died suddenly at his home in Somerset West on the evening of Friday 3 October 2008. Shortly after he had gone to bed , his wife Joan followed and found him lying dead on the bed, apparently having suffered a heart attack. Butch served from 24 September 1951 to 31 March 1973 and retired in the rank of Assistant Commissioner.

7272/8494 Charles 'Charlie' Piscopou
He passed away from complications following heart surgery on 16th September 2008. He served initially 9th February 1965 to 15th August 1969 and again from 3rd August 1970 until 14th May 1976, leaving as a DSO.

8402 Colin Edward John Martin
He died on 16 October 2008 at Hailsham, Sussex in the United Kingdom as a result of heart failure.  He died on his 57th Birthday.  Colin served in the force between January 1970 and May 1980, his last station being Fort Victoria Rural.  He left in the rank of Section Officer.

7659Z Reservist Colin James Walker
We’re sad to announce his death on 24 October 2008 in Johannesburg. He had been restricted to a frail care centre for some while and had not been well for a considerable period. Colin was a former treasurer of the Transvaal Branch and had served the association with dedication for many years. He was a proud member of the association and our sympathies go to his widow Vanda and his family. Many who served in and around The Hard Square, where Colin was based as a reservist, or were regulars of the Copper Pot will remember Colin with affection.

6852 Eric Norman Hurd
He died suddenly (believed to be a heart attack) in Auckland, New Zealand on 27 September 2008. Condolences to his widow Jenny.

Geoff Mowbray
He passed away at Walton-on-the-Naze, Essex on 11 October 2008 from cancer after a lengthy illness. Geoff did his 3 from 1963, serving at Ft Vic and Salisbury Park.

6112 Hendrick Schalk 'Henry' Coetzee
He died on 13 August 2008 at Harare, Zimbabwe.  Henry served in the force between December 1959 and December 1971. He retired with the rank of Section Officer. He is survived by his wife Marie, who is still resident in Harare.

7298 Julian Hinks
He died at Yeovil, U.K., on 24/08/08 of Cancer. Julian served 09/03/1965 - 08/03/1968 in the rank of Patrol Officer. 

5189 John Albert ANDOW
He died after a long illness in Port Elizabeth on the 1 September 2008. John attested in the BSAP on the 3 January 1954 and left on gratuity as a Sergeant in August 1964 when stationed at Featherstone. The funeral was attended by Jim Carse and Bob Clarke.

5296 John Eric Perrett
He died in Johannesburg on 22nd September 2008 following cardiac arrest. He attested on 19th September 1954 taking his discharge with the rank of D/Sgt on 10th July 1961.

4302 John Hugh 'Johnny' Wilson
He died on 25/8/08 at Newport IOW of Frailty of Old Age.  Johnny served 22/6/48 - 21/6/68, retiring with the rank of Staff Section Officer. 

4941 Terrance William Looker
He died on 12/8/08 at Ontario, Canada, from cancer. Terry served 7/7/52 - 31/7/76, retiring with the rank of Superintendent.  He was a member of the UK branch of the Association.

5044 Tony Bradshaw
He died at Romsey Hospital on 4/11/08 of a brain tumour. Tony served 3/5/53 - 1/10/73 retiring with the rank of Superintendent.  He was a member of the UK Branch.

10192 Mike Verwey
He passed away in Cape Town, South Africa on 30 October 2008 from cancer.  Mike served in the force between October 1977 and December 1980, some of his time at Hillside in Bulawayo, and retired with the rank of Section Officer. 

4640 Peter Bell
He died in Harare on 28 August, 2008. Peter had not been well for some time. He joined the force in July 1950 and served until October 1974, retiring with the rank of Chief Superintendent. 

4019 A/Comm Philip ‘Phil’ Thomas Owen
Terry Thorpe sadly reports his death in Johannesburg on 30/10/2008. Phil had been unwell for a considerable period and was admitted to hospital. He died, probably from multiple organ failure, peacefully in his sleep. Phil and Terry went to Rhodesia by sea as part of the famous batch of 125 mainly ex-servicemen who attested on 28 April 1946. Phil retired on 03 January 1971. His wife died some 2 years ago. A former RAF pilot, Phil was a member of the Transvaal Branch.

4171 Reg Vincent
He passed away 10 October 2008 at Frinton on Sea, Essex from a brain tumour. Reg was also a '46er who retired as a C/Insp and was a member of UK Branch.

3890C Reginald (Rex) Chambers
He passed away in Cape Town on 28 September 2008 after a long illness. Born in Kimberley on 12 March 1930, Rex emigrated to Rhodesia and served with the Malayan Scouts (C Sqn, SAS) and later served in the BSAP as a Field Reservist . He was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal and the Police Reserve Long Service Medal. Rex was a long standing member of the Transvaal Branch though he 'emigrated' to the Cape some months ago. He was a proud member of PATU and used to lay a wreath in memory of his fallen comrades at the annual Transvaal remembrance service.

WPO 205 Minette Mary Arkley (Nee Wood)
She passed away on 14 August 2008 at St Augustine Hospital, Durban following a massive stroke; she was the wife of 8291 S/O John Arkley. Minette served from 5 February 1973 to 30 June 1976. Whilst not a members of the Association Minette and John were regulars at the Margate Station functions.

Mrs Margaret (Maggie) McGuiness
We’re sad to announce her death on Friday 3rd October 2008. She was the wife of 5197 Michael John Peter 'Mac' McGuiness. She was a private McGuiness - affectionately known to many as 'Mrs Mac'. Our deepest sympathies go to Mac and his family.

Jan Parry Jones
She passed away recently and was the wife of 6609 Hywell Parry Jones. Jan had been ill for some time.

6349/7848 Joseph Michael Eglington
His death was reported in the August Tvl Outpost. The following message has since been received – Ed.

“Dear all,
I am absolutely delighted to inform that I have received a mail from Pete MOLONEY who has been 'off the air'. I am now able, with the utmost pride, to say that a response has been received from 100% of the 23 'surviving' members of 5/61 Squad.  As I recall Terry SCHWARTZ saying after our reunion in 2006 in Jo'Burg (mentioned in the Transvaal Branch Newsletter), in a challenge to all other squads : 'Now beat that'.  They can't - no one can!!!

Dennis Poole 6348

Books

Delta Scout
By Tony Trethowan

UK launch of Delta Scout was held in London on the 2nd October. The guest speaker was General the Lord Michael Walker - a Trustee of the BSA Police Association - Rhodesian by birth and former head of the British Army.
Extract from People magazine in South Africa
Review of Delta Scout - By Anthony Trethowan
(30 Degrees South publishers)
Rating 4 Stars
This book should probably carry a different title, Its current one lumps it with a whole series of Rhodesian bush war books, which have recently been published and this one deserves more recognition. While most of the bush war novels are tough guy books focusing on bloody combat and random acts of violence, this book seems concerned more with the culture of the time and anecdotes surrounding the people who lived in southern Africa rural areas when the war was occurring. The bloody tales of combat are there but they generally they are brushed over quickly to get to the heart of a matter. The book has humour and honesty and works because of its diversity.

The author was a patrol officer who served for 8 years in Matabeleland and Delta Scout was the name of his G.C. stick. The book sounds a cracker – Ed.

Soldier Blue
by Paul Williams

A brilliant, captivating and deeply moving coming-of-age memoir set against the backdrop of the Rhodesian bush war of the 1970's. Paul William's writing sparkles with wit, irony and pathos as he explores the appalling truths of the battlefield, and the fragile world of romantic love. Visit the website: www.paul-a-williams.com

Contact the author: Paul Williams - paul@paul-a-williams.com
Product details Paperback: 410 pages Publisher: David Phillips Publishers (1 Jul 2008)

 This And That

By the Bard of Bembesi:

My Breeches

They were polished, at first, on a form at school;
They were next introduced to an office stool,
And now are rubbing the back of a mule – My breeches.
At school tis, alas, a deplorable fact
They daily presented their seat to be whacked;
They were not respectable; sometimes they lacked – Their stitches.
The office then knew them in elegance striped,
All splendidly creased, with the seams of them piped,
And regarded with awe by the ladies who typed – The witches.
No longer beautiful, now they bestride
The quadruped horror a trooper must ride,
And sometimes a flea slips through from its hide – And itches.
And sometimes this hooligan quadruped
Puts shame on my bags to their meanest thread
When viciously bucking, them over its head – It pitches.
They are not well cut, but, I may as well say,
They’re the best one can button on five bob a day;
If the belt is kept tight, in their place they will stay – With hitches.
I yet may be clothed in immaculate pants
If there die, before me, my two maiden aunts,
And the Lord, in His goodness, this sinner but grants – Their riches.
Just as my lyric has come to an end
I’ve met with an accident while on the bend
And so I must hurriedly leave you, to mend – My breeches.

So, who was the Bard of Bembesi? The answer is contained in the March 1961 ‘Outpost’ - kindly supplied by Alan Stock, last Editor of that magazine.

The Bard, surprisingly, was not a member of the BSAP but a miner at the Gaika Mine, Que Que. He was “discovered” by the then Editor of the Police Review, forerunner of the Outpost, Tpr, E.Moore-Ritchie and wrote some 20 or 30 poems for that magazine.

Before going on an overseas holiday in 1913 he poured his love for Rhodesia into a final poem entitled Farewell to the BSAP. Regrettably war broke out whilst he was overseas. He volunteered immediately and was shortly afterwards killed in France.

Here are a few lines from his last poem:

At nearly all your stations I have been your guest at mess
And gratefully partaken of your fare,
Discussed the current gossip of the local wilderness
And helped to mop what liquor you had there.

Your many kindly acts to me I can’t too much extol,
It’s always been a pleasure, Sirs, to meet you on patrol;
And never have I found you regimentally insisting
On knowing where I got the meat on which I was subsisting.

His last words of this Farewell were:

Go gahle with the liquor but, all the same be gay
And spend your bottom tickey of the fat five bob a day –
I leave you with a feeling of the most sincere regard
And, like the sailor, say goodbye – Curtain –

Exit the Bard.

Grandpa’s computer

The computer swallowed grandpa.
Yes, honestly it’s true!
He pressed 'control and 'enter'
And disappeared from view.
 

It devoured him completely,
The thought just makes me squirm.
He must have caught a virus
Or been eaten by a worm.

I've searched through the recycle bin 
And files of every kind;
I've even used the Internet,
But nothing did I find.

In desperation, I asked Jeeves
My searches to refine.
The reply from him was negative, 
Not a thing was found 'online.'

So, if inside your 'Inbox,'
My Grandpa you should see,
Please 'Copy, Scan' and 'Paste' him
And send him back to me.

(Author unknown.)

Moth Hall For Hire

Situated in attractive locality on the shores of Florida Lake; suitable for Wedding receptions, parties and other social events. Hall will seat 110 people and there are adequate tables and chairs. Kitchen has large stove, warmer drawers, fridge and tea urn.  Book early to avoid disappointment.  Phone Janine Roux 011 672 1320'

Thank you
Harry McKinley
PRO, MOTH Dardanelles SHELLHOLE.

Ancient Stories

Cribbed from bbcnews.com. Apparently they are about 2500 years old.

 1. Someone needled a well-known wit:  'I had your wife, without paying a penny.' He replied:  'It's my duty as a husband to couple with such a monstrosity. What made you do it?'
 2. A man sees a eunuch talking with a woman and asks him if she's his wife. The eunuch responds that a eunuch is unable to have a wife. 'Ah, so she's your daughter.'
 3. A misogynist is attending to the burial of his wife, who has just died, when someone asks:  'Who is it who rests in peace here?'  He answers:  'Me, now that I'm rid of her.'

Nothing much has changed over the past 2000 years!!!!!!!

' . . . the Treasury should be refilled, public debt should be reduced, the arrogance of officialdom should be tempered and controlled, and the assistance to foreign lands should be curtailed, lest Rome become bankrupt. People must again learn to work, instead of living on public assistance.'

Cicero, 55 B.C.

Wanted

A close friend of Judy Hankinson (widow of the late Hank Hankinson - former branch Chairman) is seeking 5575 Vernon Thornton Wright GOODALE. Attested 28/10/1956. Discharged medically unfit 31/08/1962. Apparently he was involved in a horrendous motor accident circa 1961 which brought about his eventual discharge. It is not known whether Vernon is indeed still alive. His father was 3079 Eric Peter GOODALE-WRIGHT who retired as a C/Insp on 21/10/1956. It is possible therefore that Vernon may have used the surname GOODALE-WRIGHT rather than the latter name as a Christian name.

Has anyone any knowledge please?

Cheers

Dick Glanville
Hon Secretary
BSA Police Regimental Association (Transvaal)

Did You Know?

TYPEWRITER is the longest word that can be made using the letters only on one row of the keyboard. 'Dreamt' is the only English word that ends in the letters 'mt'.  No word in the English language rhymes with month, orange, silver, or purple.

It now remains for me to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year in 2009. All you wish yourselves too! Let’s hope the ‘challenges’ facing Zim and RSA are resolved – if that’s possible in terms of current trends.

Cheers for now – Ed!