History of the BSAP Regimental Association
The Origins of the Association
The Old Comrades Association was conceived by Commissioner Col. Edwards, later Major‑General Sir AHM Edwards, who convened its inaugural meeting on Empire Day, 24 May 1913, at the Civil Courthouse in Bulawayo. Rules were framed, membership terms defined, and officers elected, with Edwards as President and Maj. Nesbitt VC as Vice President. Membership was open to all who had served in the Old Corps from which the modern BSA Police had sprung. Fees were set at half a guinea, and Empire Day became the focal point for gatherings, always followed by a dinner to reinforce camaraderie.
Transition in Leadership Titles
On 13 July 1962, a sombre Annual General Meeting was held at Rhodesia House following the deaths of Sir Percy Sillitoe KBE, the President, and “Pronto” Barrett, the Honorary Secretary. At this meeting, it was decided to replace the title of Branch President with Branch Chairman, a practice that continues today. This change reflected both respect for tradition and the need for continuity in leadership. The decision ensured that the branch could adapt to circumstances while maintaining its core mission of benevolence and comradeship, reinforcing the Association’s ability to evolve without losing its essential character.
Early Development and Pause
The Association’s early years were marked by enthusiasm, but the outbreak of the First World War interrupted its activities. In November 1926, the framework for the current Association was established. Commissioner Lt. Col. G. Stops proposed the name “BSAP Regimental Association,” which was accepted along with two guiding objects: benevolence and social connection. Communication was to be maintained through the Regimental magazine, headquarters located in Salisbury, and governance entrusted to a committee of seven, including honorary officers. This structure provided stability and ensured the Association’s mission could endure beyond the uncertainties of war and colonial administration.
Expansion and Historical Projects
By 2022, the UK Branch had grown to over 670 members, maintaining a regular schedule of events. Since about 2005, teams within the branch have undertaken projects to gather, record, and preserve the history of the BSA Police. Motivated by Dave Blacker’s poem The Regiment, the branch amended its bye‑laws in 2008 to add a third object: the collection and preservation of Force memorabilia. This initiative reflected a growing awareness of the importance of safeguarding institutional memory, ensuring that the legacy of the BSAP would be perpetuated for future generations through tangible records and cultural artifacts.
The 1926 Inaugural Dinner
On 15 December 1926, over 130 officers and dignitaries attended the Association’s inaugural dinner at the Grand Hotel in Salisbury. The event was filled with pride and a sense of belonging, affirming the Association’s role as a helping hand for members worldwide. The gathering underscored the importance of collective identity and mutual support among former members of the BSAP. Attendees recognized that the Association’s strength lay in its ability to foster solidarity, preserve traditions, and provide assistance to comrades wherever they might be. This inaugural dinner set the tone for the Association’s enduring spirit of fellowship.
Constitutional Revision and Global Alliance
The Association also maintains contact with organizations representing former Rhodesian Forces and Colonial Police. Its work is sustained by the voluntary efforts of committees and members, alongside financial donations. Many former BSAP members have yet to join, and the Association encourages recruitment to ensure its survival. Though numbers inevitably dwindle, the spirit of comradeship endures. The Association’s mission—benevolence, fellowship, and historical preservation—remains vital. By fostering connection and safeguarding memory, the BSAP Regimental Association continues to honor its heritage while adapting to the needs of its members in a changing world.
Establishment of the UK Branch
On 17 March 1934, the United Kingdom Branch of the BSAP Regimental Association—known as the British Wing—was inaugurated at the First Avenue Hotel, High Holborn, London. About 149 members attended, with General Sir AHM Edwards again serving as the driving force. Having retired from the BSAP in 1923 and returned to the UK, Edwards was appointed the first President. Lt. Col. AR Bare DSO MC served as Honorary Secretary. The establishment of the UK Branch extended the Association’s reach, ensuring that former members abroad could maintain ties of comradeship and continue the traditions of the Force
Continuing Mission
The Association also maintains contact with organizations representing former Rhodesian Forces and Colonial Police. Its work is sustained by the voluntary efforts of committees and members, alongside financial donations. Many former BSAP members have yet to join, and the Association encourages recruitment to ensure its survival. Though numbers inevitably dwindle, the spirit of comradeship endures. The Association’s mission—benevolence, fellowship, and historical preservation—remains vital. By fostering connection and safeguarding memory, the BSAP Regimental Association continues to honor its heritage while adapting to the needs of its members in a changing world.
Post‑War Revival
The UK Branch became inactive during the Second World War. In June 1948, a meeting at Rhodesia House in London, presided over by Lt. Col. AS Hickman, sought to revive the branch. Thirty members attended, and although previous records could not be traced, a circular had elicited 80 replies expressing enthusiasm for resuscitation. This revival demonstrated the resilience of the Association and the enduring bonds among its members. Despite wartime disruption, the commitment to comradeship and benevolence remained strong, ensuring that the branch could once again serve as a focal point for former BSAP officers in Britain..
Source Note:
Extracts adapted from The Last Parade and BSAP Book 14: Personalities and Institutions of the BSA Police, compiled and edited by 5584 John Berry.