Chairman's Chat
6905 Peter Phillips

As usual, I am writing this in the aftermath of the Annual Dinner and prior to our Christmas gathering. The dinner was, again, a very successful event despite there being only 65 in attendance – where were you all? Gp. Capt. Peter Petter-Bowyer gave a very entertaining speech and the response from Tony Granger was of his usual high standard. We were delighted to welcome guests from overseas of whom I must especially mention Col. Ron Reid-Daly who will be known to many of you.

The Trustees have undergone some changes in the last few months. As you know, Allen Lucas passed away. Parry Jones felt it appropriate to retire as a Trustee. I am delighted that Tony Granger and Alan Toms have agreed to take up the reins in company with Tim Weimer.

We now look towards our Christmas Sundowner and I look forward to seeing you there. In the meantime, may I wish you the compliments of the Season and all you would wish for yourselves for the New Year.

Note from the Hon Sec
5662 Barry Henson

The Whitwell Braai was very successful with 60 people making the most of the summer weather. It was almost like a Rhodie Braai. Make note now. We have booked the same venue for 25th July 2009. Details in the Spring Outpost.

I am now receiving Outposts by email, from several other Branches. I will in future forward these on to the Information Group members.

I have nothing new on the State Pension issue.

The year moves on and before long we will be into the Christmas Get-Together. Let’s make it a good one.

Around And About The UK and Ireland

Victory Services Club Gatherings

5th August 2008 - welcome visitors this month from warmer climes were:- 5211 Bill Birch (Namibia), 5316 Kerry Hoadley (Australia) and 5498 Raoul Gilbert (Majorca). Also attending were 4278 John Blachin, 4735 Cliff Rogers, 4853 Fred Punter, 5055 Ken Miners,

5248 Alan Lane, 5507 Brian Taylor, 5975 Mike Abbotts, 6514/7562 Chris Johnson, 6527 Mike O’Donnell, 6737 Mike Coleman, 6883 Tim Webb, 6905 Peter Phillips, 7391 Alan Toms, 8021 Mike Rowley, 8338 Mal and Roz Thurman and Hobo and Jenny Hobson.

2nd September 2008 those present were:- 4278 John Balchin, 5055 Ken Miners, 5248 Alan Lane, 5469 Dave Grimbly, 5507 Brian Taylor, 5625 Biff Way, 5662 Barry Henson, 5975 Mike Abbotts, 6308 Dan Hughes, 6348 Dennis Poole, 6527 Mike O’Donnell, 6630 Jim Hazlett, 6787 Paddy Finn, 6905 Peter Phillips, 7359 Bertie Cubitt, 7391 Alan and Lynn Toms with daughters Ashleigh-Jane and Christy and 195666 Skip Rausch

7th October 2008 the following attended, a good turnout so soon after the dinner:- 4278 John Balchin, 4857 Fred Punter, 5248 Alan Lane, 5469 Dave Grimbly, 5625 Biff Way, 6348 Dennis Poole, 6388 Will Cornell (USA), 6527 Mike O’Connell, 6905 Peter Phillips, 7233 Clive Shelley, 7359 Bertie Cubitt, 7391 Alan Toms, 7661 Rod Shelley and Dr. Sue Onslow. (Dr Onslow is involved in the project to record individual’s experiences in the Rhodesian Terrorist War, as mentioned in the last edition of the Outpost and is looking for more volunteers to interview).

The Whitwell Braai - 27 July 2008

Once again we had a great get-together at the Whitwell Hotel at Rutland, with a good attendance including visitors from Zimbabwe and SA to boot. The efforts made by Barry Henson, Bertie Cubitt, Peter Phillips, Alan Toms and Dennios Poole in setting this up are certainly deserving of credit and our thanks. Bertie Cubitt fulfilled his usual role of selling photos and other memorabilia in the show room. A list of those in attendance follows:

4005 Stan and Ginny Forrest, 4158 Tim Weimer, 4549 Ken and 204504 Dorothy Stanford-Smith, 4853 Fred and Margaret Punter, 4857 Mike and Celia Wiltshire, 4882 Peter Dancer, 5248 Alan and Pauline Lane, 5312 Mike and Sara Lindley, 5486 Mick and May Wood, 5508 Gordon and Eve Norris, 5625 Biff and Anita Way, 5662 Barry and 204715 Jean Henson, 5755 Stewart and Pam Edwards, 5917 Rod and Laura Finnigan (Zimbabwe), 5920 Mike Wills, 5975 Mike and Audrey Abbotts, 6123 Brian Pym and Jan Lemon, 6130 Randy Symmons, 6348 Dennis Poole, 6605 Cy and Ronnie Hartley, 6630 Jim Hazlett, 6632 Gerry Paxton, 6789 Matt and Glennis Harwood, 6905 Peter and Bim Phillips, 7136 Dave and Lindsay Lynas, 7211 Peter and Margaret Biddulph, 7359 Bertie Cubitt, 7391 Alan and Lynn Toms, 7440 Jeff Manning, 7603 Bleign and Sue Knox-Davies, 7892 Peter and Liz Marshall and guest Ann Derham, 9086 Tony Granger, PR 4891 Sid Cooper, WFR 204556 Caroline Witts, Associate Sandi Henson and Robert and Suzi Amphlett.

The 7th Annual Bsap Irish Gathering …

was held once again at Sandy Stoke’s excellent venue near Clonmel, County Tipperary, on Saturday 6th September. Thanks, Sandy, also for your prowess as organising Chef. The weather wasn’t the best to start with but cleared up in the afternoon. A total of 32 attended, including some new faces. Due to the unavoidable absence of Tom Meekin, most of the Northern Ireland contingent were unable to attend. A good time seemed to be had by all, with food and drinks aplenty and much discussion ensued between people who had not seen each other for many years. Welcome returnees were Roger and Renata Capper from the USA, and there was a good contingent from the UK. Special thanks to all the ladies who assisted with the important tasks of cooking, serving and cleaning up, especially Eve Norris, Marie Berry and Katherine Flynn. Attending were ; 4770 Hugh and Dawn Phillips, 4853 Fred and Margaret Punter, 5196 Graham and Kathy Mageean, 5272 Pat Deasy, 5508 Gordon and Eve Norris, 5584 John and Marie Berry, 5586 Sandy Stokes, 5635 Dave Riley, 5681 Robin and Carole Harvey, 5936 Roger and Renata Capper, 6130 Randy Symmons, 6264 Bob and Katherine Flynn, 6580 Jim O’Toole, 7348 Peter O’Hara, 7851 Bryan Walthew, 8196 Tom Devoy, 9225 John and Linda Scott, FR 23361 Chris and Wendy (WFR?) Kavanagh, Dick Condon (guest), Len and Mary Murphy (RhAF) and Willa Bryant (official photographer, thanks Willa). Apologies were received from; Tom Meekin, Eddie Matchett, Stan Mills, Julian Burkitt, Jim Hazlett, Norman McNarry and Geoff Wood. Next Gathering is on Saturday 5th September 2009, same venue. Please diarise.

UK Branch Annual Dinner 26 September 2008

Our Chairman, 6905 Peter Phillips, made mention of the annual Dinner in his “Chairman’s Chat”. It would not go amiss at this stage to give a big vote of thanks to those who made this event so enjoyable. A special word of thanks also to Dennis Poole for organising the raffle - the main raffle this year was won by Tom Meekin and the evening raffle by Stanley Mills (Tom’s guest) – who says it’s the luck of the Irish!! It was also pleasing to see some of our older members at the dinner, namely Sid Cooper (93 years), Eric Collier (85 years) and Tim Weimer (83 years). Those attending were:- General Lord Michael Walker (Patron of the BSAP Trust), Guest Speaker Group Captain Peter Petter-Bowyer, (Rhodesian Air Force Association), and Brigadier Pat Lawless (Rhodesian Army Association) together with the following members and guests:- 3948 Eric Collier, 4158 Tim Weimer, 4278 John Balchin, 4615 Gus Gale, 4735 Cliff Rogers, 4851 Murray Harrison (Spain), 4853 Fred Punter, 4857 Mike Wiltshire, 4882 Peter Dancer, 4955 Bob Morriston, 4972 Peter Langhan, 5055 Ken Miners, 5171 Peter Hillier, 5248 Alan Lane, 5272 Pat Deasy (Eire), 5349 Peter Lane, 5358 Mick York, 5408 Richard Barnes, 5507 Brian Taylor, 5559 Dick Thompson, 5615 Tom Meekin, 5662 Barry Henson, 5755 Stewart Edwards, 5783 Ed Padget, 5872 Winston Hart, 5975 Mike Abbotts, 6123 Brian Pym, 6130 Randy Symmons, 6308 Dan Hughes, 6348 Dennis Poole, 6355 Mike Moysen, 6388 Will Cornell (USA), 6509 Don Scarff, 6527 Mike O’Donnell, 6603 Kerry Croasdell, 6630 Jim Hazlett, 6632 Gerry Paxton, 6737 Mike Coleman, 6768 Geoff Groves, 6905 Peter Phillips, 7211 Peter Biddulph, 7212 Tony Brown, 7359 Bertie Cubitt, 7391 Alan Toms, 7394 Brian Croasdell, 7677 Peter Dewe, 8009 Peter Butler, 8021 Mike Rowley, 8318 Dave Cushworth (USA), 9086 Tony Granger, 9137 Doug Hubbard (USA), 9240 Dick Iddon, 9270 Gerraint Jones, 9591 Les Burrows, PR 4891 Sid Cooper, PR 19566 Skip Rausch, 201279 Heather Milner, Guests: Stanley Mills, Ron Reid-Daly, Tim Callow, Tom Thomas and Paul Paxton.

Myerscough 14 September 2009
Rod Wilson 4933

It did not start too well! At my usual time, 11am, all dressed up, shoes shined, trousers pressed, clean underwear (in case of accidents), case in hand I went downstairs, got in my car, reversed onto road and thought, “That’s funny”. Got out of car and found rear tyre on passenger side FLAT. Neighbour helped to change wheel and I arrived at The Myerscough 10 minutes late. On Monday I took flat tyre to tyre dealers who pronounced it useless, give us £46 and we will fit a new one. Declined the offer, came home and inflated offending tyre and to-day, Wednesday, it is still fully inflated. Now, other neighbour reports he has had a valve cap taken from one of his tyres overnight, Soooo some B----- d has let my tyre down. Bring back hanging I say!

18 members wives and visitors attended the September meeting (last year it was 7), it was a nice day and all were in high spirits. The meals took longer than usual and mine host said that 17 different meals had been ordered so that took a bit longer!

In our toast to absent friends we included Ron Pilborough who could not make the meet!! and especially Barry Marsden, Harry Davies and Mike Leach all of whom we lost within 14 mnths. I said that time flies, when asked how long ago Ron Pilborough paid us a visit. 2 years and 3 years were suggested, it is in fact 5 years. I said that Mike Leach moved to Basildon 3 years ago, in fact that is also nearly 5 years ago. Sid and Vera Strickland who have not been for 3 years are getting organised again. Sid has bought a new car and Vera is a little more mobile and they promised to come for Christmas if they are still OK. Larry King has also promised to make a special effort for our December gathering and also Rhona Johnston if they can get transport arranged. 3385 Lummy Lumholst, who never actually visited us but always kept in touch and gave support, has had to go into a nursing home. Now 96, he joined the BSAP two weeks before I was born via SA and Beit Bridge, where he had trouble with Immigration as he was a day early!! Then RMS to Fort Vic and then on to Salisbury. Lummy had traveled from Norway and after his Police service (1966) he represented his brothers company in Norway and travelled all over the world before finally settling in Cockermouth. I have arranged to visit him next month (if my tyres are OK!)

A new member, 4039 Ted Chapman, a squad mate of Allen Day has arrived in UK and lives in Lazonby, a little village in the bush near Penrith. Sadly he does not drive and Lazonby only has a bus service 3 days a week but never on Sunday, so the Myers is out for him as we have no one anywhere near him. Allen Day and I plan to go and have lunch with him in the near future. Roy Aston still has health problems and is unable to travel. Steve Robins was absent as he had friends arriving from Hong Kong that very day. Frank and Margaret Dearden are AWOL as was Mike Parr. Mike, I know I did not list you last meeting but you were definitely not here this time, I did look for you!!! Lance Combrinck was working but has pledged his attendance in December.

December will be our 40th meet at The Myerscough and will mark 10 years at that venue. We normally get around 24 for Christmas Lunch but this year we all need to make a special effort, lets see if we can get 40 sitting down to lunch. (UK Ass. Committee members please note). I will be very busy later on trying to persuade people to attend, we will have a special Xmas meal and all please bring a prize for the raffle (I doubt anyone will get scratched as Paula Woolley is no longer in the Rose Bush business). I mentioned at the meeting that having recently found my 1952 notes on Police Law etc I came across a sample 'Dying Declaration' and I insist that any member who falls off his perch advises me in the prescribed manner!!! Seriously though, please make a special effort for December, if there are any members near you put pressure on them to attend. Allen Whitehurst talked with me about his time at Inyati and mentioned some of the Ranchers in that area. I have also found an article circa 1934 about the Inyati area which was in those days very heavily involved in horse patrols of 3 or 4 weeks and the Sgt there at the time was very officious and demanding of the troops. Seems as though Inyati was one of those stations. Why a few members who were Sgt or above were so bloody minded I do not know. One man was sent out three times 15 miles on a bicycle to get his statement satisfactory for the Member i/c who discussed the statement each time he returned. Why could he not list all the points he wanted covered the first time?

Then there was the trooper who lost his horse whilst out on patrol when Sam Weller was Mi/c (The horse got back before the trooper) I have a wonderful picture in my mind of Inyati camp on that day! Who says I did not enjoy my 3 in the BSAP.

Those attending: 4041 Allen Day now in his 87th year, 4549 Ken and 204504 Dot Stanford Smith, 4933 Rod Wilson, 5658 Alan Whitehurst, 6514 Chris and Anne Johnson up from Kent, 6621 Stu Findlay, 7207 Arnold and 203679 Paula (look no scratches) Woolly, 8131 Brian and Anne Hodson actually made it!! 8199 Bugs and Tessa Moran (Tessa who is about to run up Ben Nevis, Snowdonia and another hill which I can’t remember all in 24 hours and received some good sponsoring), 8307 Flash and Jeanette Firth. Apologies: Ron Pilborough, Sid and Vera Strickland, Steve Robins, Lance Combrinck, Rhona Johnston and Larry King. I think there might have been two guests who did not sign in. See you all in December.

October In Chudleigh
8693 David Lemon

What is it about the Chudleigh get together that makes it so different from other Regimental Association meetings? Driving down to Devon, I discussed this with Peter Fitzgerald (5965) and his wife Ann, our conclusion being that it is the informality of the occasion that lends it its charm. There are no speeches, there is no raffle so everyone is able to relax, reminisce and enjoy each other’s company. Memories are exchanged, current lives and careers discussed and most of us marvel at how well everyone else seems to be doing.

As word spreads around the country, more and more people make their way to this picturesque Devon town for the occasion, and on 4th October, we had our largest turn out yet with 48 members, guests and spouses dropping in to enjoy the day.

Actually there was only one guest and he was Steve who spoke about his late father, of whom many of us share fond memories. Sherri Lynn (WP101) came up from Penzance while 6388 Will Cornell was over from America and busy taking photographs for the Outpost over there. “Chudleigh is making a name for itself and I’ve come to see what it is all about,” He told me.

Most of the ‘regulars’ were there. 3967 Johnny Johnston looked as young and vigorous as ever despite the advancing years. 6681 Geoff Quick spoke knowledgably about computers and web sites, while his wife, Fiona told me somewhat diffidently that she has recently completed her Master’s Degree in Science Communication and is now making a living through writing – poor girl! Mind you, her writing is more technical than my palsied scribbling so I don’t suppose she will be relying on a lawn mower for survival.

Talking about mowers, an interesting newcomer was 8515 Martin Powis who regaled us with tales of his 17 years police service in Papua New Guinea. There was much mention of panel beating and other nefarious activities for which Martin was awarded the Queen’s Police Medal and which doubtless gave him practice for his present role of general handyman in Weston Super Mare. I wonder how many citizens of Weston know that they have such an illustrious personage mending their pipes or mowing their lawns?

6479 Ted and Tina Ayers-Hunt drove down from Bristol with 4770 Hugh and Dawn Phillips, the ladies discovering that their lives had followed amazingly similar paths, including the fact that both had been heavily involved with ballet. On arrival, they repaired to a corner to discuss these similarities and remained inseparable throughout.

That is one of the joys of Chudleigh No matter what your background, there will always be someone else with similar points of reference away from mere coppering. I discovered that while I completed my education in Nairobi, Sally Powis did the same, our respective schools being separated only by a coffee field. Where else but at the Chudleigh ‘do’ would one discover such unlikely gems of information?

There were so many others there and so little space to mention them. 204497 Gill Watson was with 14777 Howard Garbett while 9337 Geoff and Ursula Hurst were also present and looking fit, despite Geoff’s claims to the contrary. 202956 Hilda Olivier seemed forever on the go, selling books, chatting to everyone and ensuring that the attendance register was completed. 8355 Chris and Shirley Butler were unusually quiet, but Shirley had been shopping beforehand and had that ‘cat and cream’ look that husbands dread.

The Old Coaching Inn is comfortable. The food is excellent and without exception, those present on 4th October were relaxed and obviously enjoying themselves. On the way out, I spotted 6580 Jim O’Toole zipping up what looked like colourful motorcycle leathers and jokingly asked if he had joined the biking fraternity. With a big grin, he wandered over to a gleaming brute of a machine and swung aboard. Some folk never grow up, but boy was I envious! Perhaps if I ask him at the next Chudleigh do, he will let me take his bike for a spin?

Also in attendance and I apologise for not mentioning them were 4484 Buchan Telfer, 4709 Ron and Margaret Peters, 4933 Rod Wilson, who runs the Myerscough gathering up north, and who had a long drive to join us. 5085 James and Molly Gilbert, 5329 Paddy Morton, 5349 Peter and Ann Lane, 5468 Dave Adshead, 5566 Dave and Joan Macdonald, 5956 Dave Kennedy, 6431 Iain and Grace Penfold, 9196 Doug and Jane Bing, 9226 David Cardy, 9281 Steve Teasdale, 9486 Dave Luscombe, 9661 Colin Anderson, 11999 George Fardell, PR 3356 Wally Pratt and 21962W David and Lesley Vickery A chance visitor was John (surname undiscovered) formerly of the Met, who was touring the area. Which amounts to 49 folk present but I see that Jim O Toole forgot to sign the register. Must be all that fresh Devon air.

Apologies were received from Anne Kennedy, Chris Jones, Lin Venter, Peter Penning, Mike Loftus and Mike Wiltshire.

The next Chudleigh get together will take place on Saturday 9th May 2009. See you there.

Dates for Your Diary 2008/2009

The LONDON Monthly Gatherings take place at the Victory Services Club (VSC), Seymour Street off Edgware Road, around the corner from Marble Arch, from 5.30pm until late.

Arising from a request made at the AGM, the committee has been investigating the merits of moving the day of the London gathering from Tuesday to Friday. Evidence in support of the request has, so far, been unconvincing, however, the committee has agreed that a trial should be undertaken so that the demand can be measured.

Commencing in January 2009 there will be the opportunity to meet at the Victory Services Club on either the 1st Tuesday of the month (as currently) and/or on the 3rd Friday of the month. The proponents of each day would obviously welcome your support.

Note the LONDON date changes as explained above.

2008

DECEMBER
Tuesday 2nd - 5.30pm Christmas gathering at the VSC.
Sunday December 14th ~ The Myerscough Christmas Lunch is on at 12 noon and we ask those who attend to donate a prize for the raffle.

2009

JANUARY
Tuesday 6th 5.30pm VSC
Friday 16th 5.30pm VSC

FEBRUARY
Tuesday 3rd 5.30pm VSC
Friday 20th 5.30pm VSC

MARCH
Tuesday 3rd 5.30pm VSC
Sunday 8th 12 noon Lunch at the Myerscough
Friday 20th 5.30pm VSC

APRIL
Tuesday 7th 5.30pm VSC
Friday 17th 5.30pm VSC

MAY
Tuesday 5th 5.30pm VSC
Friday 15th 5.30pm VSC
Saturday 9th 12.00 noon South West ‘bash’ at Chudleigh.
Saturday 16th 11.00am AGM at VSC.

JUNE
Tuesday 2nd 5.30pm VSC
Sunday 14th 12 noon North West ‘do’ at the Myerscough.
Friday 19th 5.30pm VSC
 

Visitors to the UK who would like to attend our gatherings during their stay are asked to contact the Hon Sec or Asst Sec (or even the Editor of the UK Outpost) to check if there are gatherings other than those shown above at various places and dates.
 

The UK Inpost

6090 Neville (Paddy) Gardiner sent a photo of the late Brian Darling and himself playing their favoutite musical instruments. The photo was taken a few months before Brian passed away. Neville went on to say that Brian was a great lover of music and enjoyed a good singsong, adding that the photos was taken after they had [layed a session of 'Kum-a-kaye'.

6388 Will Cornell says - Had a great visit with 3921 Bill Earle, and his wife, Helga, on October 6. Will commented that Bill is a great source of stories about the force and I would recommend that we get his audio/video history recorded.

9226 David Cardy writes that he and his wife Jean went on holiday to the French Alps and stayed at the Auberge Camellia with Roger and Sue Cook and whilst there they had a great time and met Dickie Bird and Colin Say who also stayed at the same time. David says that this was a really good gathering - Roger and Dickie had not seen each other since depot all those years ago - Colin had served in traffic. So it was like a mini reunion - a few beers and some stories from the past.

5998 Ian Dunbar sent a photo 5523 Bob Jenkins and himself at a recent monthly get together. Bob returned to his native Bristol after 'doing his three' in Victoria District and has lived there ever since.

6768 Geoff Groves writes that he would never have thought that he would thank the equitation instructors of Squad 11/62 but he has now! Since his wife, Alyson, died he was looking for a different holiday that wouldn’t bring up memories of them together and in the process he discovered a holiday specialising in horse riding in Sierra Nevada national park in Spain. The height above sea level he was advised was 3000m, the temperature high 80s lower 90s, pretty hot and dry and was the location for a week’s riding. He goes on to say that after the first day he thought he was dieng, but after that it was surprising how quickly everything fitted into place from the fitness point of view and from his memories of Morris Depots’ gentle voiced riding instructors – so considerate and sensitive weren’t they!!” This was his first horse ride since leaving Depot – and he thoroughly enjoyed it. Beautiful country, great staff and companions. He concluded by saying “I must say after experiencing this type of riding, I find myself more and more enthusiastic for this different type of holiday. Whether this formal “dressage” riding will suit me or the more rough and ready trail riding remains to be seen.

4196 Robbie Robertson passed on the following little talk delivered sixty years ago by Col. Hickman. It was sent to him by his sister. It was delivered by the then Assistant Commissioner Hickman to a group of scouts in the Scout Hut in Upper Selsdon Road in Croydon on 16 June 1948. It was recently published again as part of the 60th anniversary commemoration. “Col Hickman outlined the romantic history of Southern Rhodesia from the days of tribal warfare, the pioneering of Cecil Rhodes, the Matabele war to the modern country with its own constitution and government. He had visited Mafeking – ‘a desolate town standing in the open plain – and related that it was here that Lord Baden-Powell initiated the Boy Scout movement during the siege. Lord Baden-Powell had always shown a keen interest in Southern Rhodesia and his son had served with Col Hickman in the police.”

5391 Richard Smallshaw writes that he enjoyed Steve Barry’s ‘Horses of the Fifties’ article in the summer edition (2008) of the UK Outpost, This brought back memories of Depot. “I was in Squad 7/55. I remember one night duty having to check the stables and found Merrimack very agitated because his halter had slipped. In trying to get into his stall to put it right, he kicked violently and ended up hitting the wall of the stable. Luckily I was wearing leather gaiters! I had to wake up the instructor (Coetzer) who took Chain Shot (the largest horse I remember) out of his stall and wedged him between the wall of the stall and Merrimac while I climbed up to fix the halter. Emperor was another horse of renown. He delighted in nudging you to his rear quarters when being groomed and then having a kick at you. As for Matchless, mentioned in the article, I’m sure the instructors often detailed a “troublesome” recruit when allocating him for watering (we were never allowed to ride him) knowing how fickle he was.”

4586 Bert Selley says that he was especially interested in Steve Barry’s “Riding Horses of the Fifties” and that he rode Kingdom frequently, especially in the re-mount section, and Kitchener was the most mischievous mount around, easy to mount but didn’t like other horses. He goes on to say that in the District Police at Enkeldoorn he did several extended patrols on Invicta, a placid dapple grey. It was like sitting in a comfortable arm chair. He says that he went out to the Cape on the Durban Castle with Paddy Leen, Percy Fraser-Milner, John Jannaway and Scouse Raitt and believes that he should really have been in Squad 4/50 but the cutoff was ‘R’ and ‘S’ so he and Scouse ended up in Squad 5/50.

Bert produced his copy of the passing out photo of Squad 5/50 featuring Mike Brooks, Bruce Humpage, Gerry Powell, Brian Lovell, John Williams, Chris Raitt, Nelson Graham, Paddy Meehan, John Thompson, Roy Jennings, Ken Humphreys, Bert Selley, Gerry Morgan, Tony Ardagh, S/Insp Claude de Lorme, D/Insp J Lardant, Sgt Allan Stephens, Peter Howard, and Terry Spong.

He went on to say “As many will know, after my three I joined the Kenya Police where I served for another ten years before the Colony achieved its independence. It’s difficult after all these years to know which I liked better – Kenya probably, but only just.”

50th Anniversary Squads 3 & 4 of 1959
Mike Abbotts & Nigel Seaward UK Branch

Squads 3 & 4 of the BSAP joined in March 1959 and their 50th anniversary will be in 2009. While I have left this somewhat late I would like to know how we are all doing and invite members of our two squads to drop a line for inclusion in the next UK Outpost (Issue 71) due out in May 2009.

There are only four of us as members of the UK Branch, the cast, in order of appearance is 5975 Mike Abbotts, 5996 Nigel Seaward, 5986 Keith Clarke and 5992 Tony Smith.

Eight of our number have died over the years, some quite early – they are: 5972 John Tyrell who died in Banket in 1975; 5982 Peter Durston, who died in Salisbury, sadly I don’t have the date to hand; 5983 John McManmon who died in Bulawayo in 2004; 5984 Rusty Latham who died at Eshowe, SA in 2004; 5985 Mick Norton who died in the Free State in SA in 1998; 5989 Peter Siegers who died in Salisbury, Rhodesia in 1963 (a particularly sad death); 5994 ‘Jacko’ Wilson, a very nice guy who died in 1960, and finally (so far!) 5995 Spanner Spence, who died in East London, SA in 2003.

Those remaining, in “foreign parts”, are: 5971 Steve Heyworth, 5973 Ian McKend, 5974 Dave Hall, 5977 Roger Lebish, 5978 Brian Thom, 5979 Brian Stewart-Williams, 5980 Geoff Gwilt, 5981 Phil Halkier, 5987 Les Leonard, 5988 Pete Evans, 5990 Dirk Botha, 5991 Don Joss and 5993 Tony Andersen.

It would be great to hear how we are all doing and I ask for contact from or about those listed above. I will pursue the fistful in the UK. I’ve only got a 3 Squad pic, has anyone got a 4 Squad photo? Please contact me – my contact details are: email – michael.abbotts1@btinternet.com; telephone + 0944 1932 349 373 and postal address 8 Camphill Court, West Byfleet, England KT14 6EQ.

History Section
by 7391 Alan Toms, Deputy Chairman UK Branch

The proposals passed at the AGM to improve the preservation of BSAP history have been considered by Central Branch who have given their support to them and commended them to all Branches world wide. It is worth repeating them.

The proposals were put forward with the objective of “gathering, recording and preserving BSAP records and This Page Is Sponsored By 5615 Tom MEEKIN British South Africa Police Regimental Association UK 33 memorabilia in order to construct a full and lasting record of the BSAP to ensure that the correct version of our history is recorded and is accessible to future generations”. They are:

1) The gathering, recording and preservation of BSAP History should be included in section 2 of Branch constitutions as one of the objectives of the Regimental Association.

2) Each Branch appoints a Branch Historian who will be responsible for coordinating these activities at Branch level and for liaison with other Branches on historical matters. (The UK Branch Historian is Cliff Rogers)

3) To assist with the co-ordination of efforts between Branches, the web site www.bsap.org, which is recognised as the official web site of the Regimental Association, can be used by Branch Historians for the posting of news and announcements on historical matters.

4) Geoff Quick be acknowledged as the bibliographer of BSAP records world wide.

5) The ultimate repository for BSAP material should be acknowledged as the National Army Museum, Chelsea, UK.

Central have asked that Branches keep them informed of what measures they have taken or are intending to take to try and meet the objective above. It is hoped that these measures will provide an assurance to members that proper procedures are in place to deal with records and memorabilia rather than have them lying around in trunks in garages or attics. Anyone with BSAP material they wish to dispose of is asked to contact their Branch Historian or committee member who will arrange for it to be assessed. A new initiative recently started by Andy Field (the webmaster of bsap.org) and Jim Hazlett, is an appeal to all former members of the Force concerning photograph material. They are looking to collect and archive photographic material with a BSAP connection in a central location which, in due course, may be accessed by those seeking images. They ask that the photos either be scanned into a computer and sent to the website (full instructions are provided on the web site) or sent by post, hand or courier to Jim Hazlett (details on back cover).

To set the initiative on track they are endeavouring to compile an archive of Squad Photos which would be available to all members and ask that anyone with a squad photo send it to them by the means described. The “Outpost Memorables” series continues to expand. Troopers Tales is expected to be available for Christmas and Fred Punter’s “Commanding the Regiment” will be published later than anticipated as new material has come to light which needs inclusion. The family of 3794 Stanley Edwards QPM have lent the Association a copy of Stan’s memoirs “Stand to Your Horses” and agreed that it can be reproduced as part of the series. It is hoped to have it available next year.

The series is being revised and republished next year as “Books of the British South Africa Police”. An order for 25 sets has already been received.

Co-operation with the History Faculty of the University of the West of England continues with the Oral History Project and preparatory discussions for a project, in conjunction with our Geoff Quick, to expand and enhance the bibliography of the BSAP. The bibliography can be found on bsap.org. Geoff repeats his request for any one with the time to visit their local archives or library, search for any references to the BSAP or Rhodesian Police and advise him of the results.

Also repeated is Wayne Kennerley’s appeal for name rank and numbers of African Police to add to his slowly expanding nominal roll of African Police. One example of what happens when publicity is given to such projects is that by making Wayne’s project known a large collection of Mapolisa magazines has been discovered in the hands of a collector in South Africa.

Cliff Rogers has recently come into possession of 3 scrapbooks of newspaper cuttings; Vol. 1. Cuttings from the Bulawayo Chronicle and the Rhodesia Herald from 1913 to 1919; Vol. 2. Cuttings from the Bulawayo Chronicle from 1950 to 1959 and Vol. 3 Cuttings from the Rhodesia Herald 1951 to the 1959. The subject matter is mostly crimes investigated by CID and the occasional cutting about Police pay and conditions. They are to be copied by Jim before being placed either with Rhodes House Library or the NAM, and could be of use to someone who was going to write a history of the CID. The books were apparently rescued from being thrown into a skip, an example, if one were needed, of the necessity and relevance of having procedures in place to deal with Force memorabilia.

Remembrance Day 11th November 2008

6308 Dan Hughes writes: Even though the following poem originates in Australia, the sentiments are universal. I don't usually continue circulation of this sort of thing, but having read Rudyard Kipling's books and poems as a youngster (a long time ago you understand) it reminded me of the stuff he was writing about British troops in Afghanistan the north-west frontier a century or more ago, which is as relevant today as then.
 

It's the Soldier, not the reporter, who has
given us the Freedom of the press.
It's the Soldier, not the poet, who has given
us the Freedom of speech.
It's the Soldier, not the politicians, that
ensures our Right to Life, Freedom and
the Pursuit of Happiness.
It's the Soldier who salutes the flag, who
serves Beneath the flag, and whose coffin
is draped by the flag.

If you care to offer the smallest token of recognition and appreciation for our Armed Services Men and Women, please pass this on and pray for our men and women who have served and are currently serving our country and pray for those who have given the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. These feelings apply equally to all wars and our experiences in Rhodesia which we address in our visit to the Field of Remembrance at St Margaret’s Church next to Westminster Abbey in London and of course to similar gatherings around the country and around the world.

MAY THEY REST IN PEACE

Obituaries

It is with regret that we report the following deaths. We extend our deep sympathy to the family and friends of the deceased.

3843 James Bernard Vivian Orr CVO, died on 24th June 2008, aged 90 years. James served in the Force from 6th August 1939 until 29th August 1946. During the war he was attached to the Occupied Enemy Administration in Ethiopia and Eritrea. He returned to England in 1949 but could not settle and in 1954 joined the Kenya Police at the time of the Mau Mau uprising. By chance James met Prince Phillip, Duke of Edinburgh, who had been at Gordonstoun with James, on the quayside at Mombassa where the Prince was about to board the Royal Yacht, Britannia, taking him to Australia to open the 1956 Olympic Games. James was invited aboard and after drinks and reminiscing about their school days, they parted. Some time later James received a letter from Prince Phillip inviting him to be his private secretary. He accepted and served in this capacity from 1957 until 1970 becoming one of the Prince’s longest-serving private secretaries. After leaving Buckingham Palace he was secretary of the Medical Commission on Accident Prevention. James retired in 1982, to indulge, among other pursuits, his passion for horse racing – a hobby which during his royal service had endeared him to the Queen.

4941 Terence William (Terry) Looker died in Uxbridge, Ontario on 12th August 2008 following a two year battle with cancer. Terry served from 7th July 1952 to 31st July 1976, mainly in the District Branch attaining the rank of Superintendent. On retiring he achieved the position of Chief Security Officer for the Rhodesia and Botswana Railways before moving with his family to Canada. There he realised his life long love of animals as Chief Inspector of the SPCA Ontario. Some 100 people, including former Force colleagues 5334 John Worden, 7081 JB and WP115 Bev Jaboor and 10375 Costa Nicolaidis, attended his funeral. His wife Audrey and daughters Debbie and Janet survive him. Terrence was a member of the UK Branch.

4358 Alfred Sydney (Andy) Bryant died on 9th August 2008 at a nursing home in Ireland having been in very poor health for a number of years with heart problems. Andy was originally commissioned into the Indian Army in 1943 and later served in Palestine during the trouble there. He joined the Force on 7th December 1948 and served until 1956, leaving as a Sergeant. Andy then served 2 years with the Zanzibar Police before returning to Rhodesia in 1958. He was then involved in the Kariba Dam project, for which services he received the MBE. Following a long career with the Anglo-American Corporation and De Beers, Andy and his wife Willa made their home in County Tipperary, Eire. A Memorial Service held for Andy was well attended with the BSAP represented by Robin Harvey, Robert Flynn, Pat Deasy, Sandy Stokes, Tom Devoy, Bryan Walthew and John Berry. Andy was a member of the UK Branch.

7298 Julian Hincks died on 24th August 2008 in St Margaret’s Hospice, Yeovil from cancer. Julian served from 9th March 1965 to 8th March 1968, leaving as a Patrol Officer. Roger Capper was among many who have expressed fond memories of Julian, others being Peter Keyes, John Henderson, Bob Rankin, Peter Campbell, Colin Bewes, Les and Mandy Burrow, Geraint Jones, Jeff Manning, Cindy Watters and Dave Kennedy. Julian was a member of the UK Branch.

4302 John Hugh (Johnny) Wilson, a member of the Association, died on 25th August 2008 in Newport, Isle of Wight of Frailty of Old Age. Johnny served from 22nd June 1948 until 21st June 1968 retiring with the rank of Staff Section Officer.

4968 Philip Henry Green Bembridge who was not a member of the UK Branch of the Association, died on 2nd October 2008. He served in the Force from 7th September 1952 to 30th January 1974, retiring as a Chief Inspector. Stationed initially in Bulawayo and latterly in Salisbury, he was a staunch player/supporter of the Police Rugby team and was a very reliable place kicker, which was an unusual talent for a bulky 2nd row forward. He is survived by his wife Jean, son Gary and daughter Diane.

4171 Reginald Sidney (Reg) Vincent passed away on 10th October 2008 at Frinton on Sea, Essex from a brain tumour. Reg was a ‘46er, joining the Force on 29th December 1946 and served until 31st August 1967 retiring as a Chief Inspector. Reg was a member of the UK Branch.

6956 Geoffrey Mowbray passed away at Walton-on-the-Naze, Essex on 11th October 2008 from cancer after a lengthy illness. Geoff, who was not a member of the Association, served from 9th May 1963 to 9th August 1966, leaving as a Patrol Officer.

10192 Michael (Mike) Verwey died on 30th October 2008 in Cape Town from cancer. Mike who was not a member of the Association, served from 18th October 1977 until December 1980, leaving in the rank of Section Officer.

Jan Parry-Jones. Sadly we record that Jan, wife of 6609 Hywel Parry-Jones, died on 5th September 2008. She had been unwell for many months.

MAY THEY REST IN PEACE.

On that sad note I conclude this UK Home News item.

Mike Abbotts 5975

Editor UK Outpost