March 2010 News

Andrew Field's Web News
The web site administrator's news pages are kept up to date by courtesy of all those members who report recent news events concerning former members of the Force. Your contributions are welcome.

Telephone: +263 912 129215.
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Death: Ian Andrew Edward Dixon 4250
Des Howse, Hon. Secretary Natal Branch, reports with regret the sudden death of Ian Dixon in Durban on 28 March 2010. Ian served in the BSA Police from May 1948 to January 1954, leaving at his own request with the rank of Detective Sergeant. Ian went on to serve as an Information Officer with the Southern Rhodesian Information Service after time with the Federal Broadcasting Corporation and Rhodesian Television. He was later in the Publications Department of the Ministry of Information. Ian was also associated with the 106 (VR) Squadron - Air Movements - of the Rhodesian Air Force since 1965 and was commissioned as a Flight Lieutenant. Our thoughts and condolences go out to Ian's, family and friends, to whom we extend our deepest sympathy.
30 March 2010

As we come to the close of March, the website is beginning to take the form originally intended. There is still a lot of research and work to do, particularly in the History section, which is intended more for those who were not in the force, to provide them with a more realistic image of the BSA Police. Innovations this month have been the linking of the members listings to a couple of the more prominent social networking sites.

Branch Secretaries are responding to the introduction of individual pages for each Branch. The Matabeleland Branch, Natal Branch, Queensland Branch, Transvaal Branch and United Kingdom Branch pages are now active. A couple are awaiting committee elections, but regrettably a few haven't responded. Perhaps they are just too busy with other things. This website is all about networking former members of the BSA Police, a function the Branches play a very important role in. We urge the branches to use the web site to achieve these objectives.
28 March 2010

The Transvaal Outpost - March 2010 - Issue 27
We are pleased to advise that Glenn Macaskill's March newsletter, The Transvaal Outpost is now available on this site. Another news packed edition for your reading pleasure. Did you know that the image to the right, of the various newsletters are actually links to the pdf version of the newsletter. Try clicking on the image.
28 March 2010

Link from this Site to your Social Networks
Over the next few weeks, I would like to create a linkage between the former members listed on the web site and their Facebook and LinkedIn profiles. The idea is that people visiting the BSA Police Web Site listing of former members will be able to link directly to anyone in Facebook or Linked In, and join their social networks. It is all quite simple if those of you on Facebook or Linked In are listed on the BSA Police Website. If you belong to other social networks and want to have a link to your profiles there, please complete the listing forms and remember to include your profile link.
28 March 2010

Death: Andrew Kenneth Patrick ‘Andy’ Armstrong 4683
Alan Bennett (Natal Midlands Branch) reports, with regret, the death of Andrew Kenneth Patrick ‘Andy’ Armstrong in Howick, South Africa on Sunday 21 March 2010. Andy joined the Force in June 1950 and served three years. During his service he was a member of the Display Squad in 1951 and had been a 'remount' rider. He settled in Johannesburg after his contract and ended up in Howick, Natal. He was a member of the Natal Midlands Branch of the Association. As per Andy's wishes there will be no funeral. Our thoughts and condolences go out to Andy's wife, Sandra, family and friends, to whom we extend our deepest sympathy.
24 March 2010

Central Newsletter No 96: March 2010
Peter Bellingham's latest edition of the News from Central has just been received and may be read on this website. Another newspacked edition from Central, worth a read.
20 March 2010

The Support Unit arrives in Cyberspace
Shaun Hodgson (110720) writes in to advise that the Support Unit now have their own group within Facebook. It is gathering new members at the moment, so if you are an ex member of the Support Unit, have a look at the Support Unit on Facebook link. While you are jumping around these links, please could you also visit the Support Unit Branch on this website and review the content.
17 March 2010

The Cape Outpost
We are pleased to advise that Lawrie Mabin's latest edition of The Cape Outpost is now available for your reading pleasure on this website.
9 March 2010

Queensland Newsletter [March 2010]
We have just received the March 2010 editions of the 'Queensland Newsletter' from Mike Edden, which has been added to the site.
6 March 2010

Squads 2, 3 and 4 of 1962
(6609) and (6632) are thinking about a get-together in 2012 of squad members of from intakes 2, 3 and 4 of 1962, which will be the 50th anniversary of their attestation. Squads 2 and 3 were a split and each became very friendly with Squad 4 of that year. No date or venue has yet been set, but if you are interested in getting together with old squad mates, please contact either Gerry or Parry, and indicate:

• where you would like the re-union to be;
• when you would like it to be;
• would you attend (all being well);
• if the reunion was held a country other than that in which you live, would you travel to attend; and
• your Regimental number, name and full address, including telephone and e-mail

Seeking Squad 3 of 1960
Bob Smith (6160) is seeking members of his squad, listed below, and asks if anyone is in contact with those on the list. He would really like to have a get-together during the 'Last Parade' Function on the weekend of 24-25th July 2010. If you are in contact with anyone listed below please get in touch with

Andrew Field (8646)
Web Master

The BSA Police District Trooper circa 1938.