edition no. 80 december 2016 - bsap...from the coast it was transported via zanzibar to a 21-gun...
TRANSCRIPT
Edition No. 80 December 2016
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The opinions expressed in the Outpost of the Western Cape
are not necessarily those of the Members of the Association.
Cover picture – THE MAZ0E PATROL, one of 42 panels illustrated in “RHODESIAN TAPESTRY—A HISTORY IN NEEDLEWORK” , embroidered by the Jambu Women’s Institute, Rhodesia. The upper border depicts a rocky kopjie
where the party laagered. The lower part is the attack on Blakiston and Routledge, in which they were killed. Motif: Salvation Army Badge.
See page 4.
CONTENTS EDITION 80
December 2016
Page
Editorial 4
Notices / Postbox 6, 7
Annual Dinner 8
History—NRP / Zambia Police 10
“All Alone” poem by Tony Rozemeyer 13
RASA & Flame Lily: Fern Funerals Offer & Zim Govt. .Pensions
14 15
Dogs’ World of Smell 18
“On Parade!” by Rob McLean 22
“Divine’s Providence” story by Mike Job 24
“Rhodesian Currency, article by Don Peters 29
Christmas Braai photos 30
Roll of Honour 34
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NEWSLETTER OF
THE BRITISH SOUTH AFRICA POLICE REGIMENTAL ASSOCIATION
WESTERN CAPE BRANCH 8 Glass Furnace Way, Glencairn, Simon’s Town, 7975
Phone 021 782 0339 [email protected]
STANDARD BANK CLAREMONT (025109) A/C 072613580
COMMITTEE
Chairman Jim BLAIN [email protected] 082 394 9908
Secretary Neville SPURR [email protected] 021 782 0339 Res 082 456 1240
Treasurer Ed IONS [email protected] 082 850 6070
Editor
Co-Editor
Tony ROZEMEYER
Angela WALKER
[email protected] 021 788 7274 Res 084 674 0700 [email protected] 021 781 0999
Almoner Bob BEDINGHAM [email protected] 021 788 1478 Res 083 252 1106
Member Lockie HOWIE [email protected] 021 510 1065 Bus 021 557 5830 Res 082 564 5197
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Readers may find our magazine cover a wee bit strange, cer-tainly a new innovation insofar as a policeman's preferences are concerned, but, then again, we are all aware of the "Mazoe Patrol" and more so, of the awarding of the Victoria Cross to Major R.C. Nesbitt for his gallant action in this res-cue of a Mr. Salthouse and his party from Alice Mine near Salisbury on June 19, 1896, under very trying and dangerous circumstances.
What, as members of the B.S.A. Police, may have escaped your attention is the fact that the first BSAP recipient of this medal passed away in nearby Muizenberg after retiring to the Cape at the turn of the nineteenth century. What you see on our cover is in fact one of 42 photos of the Rhodesian Tapestry, which were em-broidered by Women's Institutes in virtually every city and town of Rhodesia be-tween 1946 and 1963, when the completed work was presented to the Rhodesian Parliament. It depicts the history of Rhodesia, and is illustrated in a rare book highlighting each and every masterpiece. My thanks go to Tony Gray who en-trusted this publication in my care, not only a learning curve, but also for photog-raphy reasons.
Many of us realize the huge sacrifices made to open the African continent, but few are fully conversant with the massive hardships heaped on the shoulders of the early adventurers.
David Livingstone's shoes were made for walking. His footsteps across the Afri-can continent—South to North, West to East, in effect telling us he slogged a sim-ilar distance as from Cape Town to central Africa a couple of times, finally kicking the proverbial death-drum in a frantic failure to discover the source of the Nile; puke-drunk with malaria and dementia; dying in a reed hut at at Chitambo's Vil-lage, Zambia, 1873. Near his grave-site a condescending sign simply reads "Off the bicycle, Take off your hat"!
Mary Moffat, his discarded, fragile wife, aged 41 when called away, rests under a baobab tree in the same country, ravished by multiple childbirths, desolation, loneliness and tropical illnesses still devouring today's Africa.
Two people worthy of mention are Livingstone's faithful bearers, CHUMAH and SUSI. They buried his entrails, dried out his body, wrapped it in cloth, tar and bark, then carried it 3000 kilometres before laying it within the confines of the Holy Ghost Fathers Church.
From the coast it was transported via Zanzibar to a 21-gun salute at Southamp-ton, and finally burial at Westminster Abbey. His heart, however, remains buried close to Chitambo's Village.
EDITORIAL
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And what of Chumah and Susi?
Men of the soil; a three thousand mile walk bearing a dried-out corpse, Reverently placing David on sacred ground; a brief minute to pause. Did the parish Priest bless these bearers before their long route home? Or did an English gentleman inscribe their names on Victoria's throne? They turned, walked slowly away, unsung heroes to this very day.
Next, very simply, big words of thanks for those who have supported and contribut-ed to the Western Cape Outpost during 2016.
We, as in the case of previous Editors, have struggled to net sufficient fish to bring to the magazine table, although, in fairness to our members, a new, refreshing body of anglers has recently surfaced with an interesting catch to wet the appetites of our faithful. Thanks to those who contributed to this issue.
In retrospect it has been a successful year, despite the cancellation of our Ladies Lunch due to poor support, with particular emphasis on the Regimental Dinner and December spit braai. The annual Rhodesian Remembrance Service, organised by the Flame Lily Foundation, held in Fish Hoek, was despite depletion in numbers, well supported by the BSAP and a host of members representing the combined services and private individuals.
This has been a very confusing political year with Jacob having dodged a number of opposition snipers who have missed the mark but continue to bite his bum in scuf-fles televised in the once-hallowed chambers of government; this would certainly have raised “a question in the house” … It’s common sense, is it not?
Displaced students have certainly burnt their names into the corridors of education, destroying all in their misplaced path, leaving hamstrung police and campus security with egg on their tin drums and fly-swatters. Regrettably these morons will be back with a vengeance come 2017.
* * * * *
Christmas 2016 is another cause for celebration for many, but regrettably not for all. The days of lavish spending are something of the past in the case of most Rhode-sian/Zimbabwean families. For locals, with due respect, this is the time to empty the shallow pockets to spend generously on everything from "state of the art" cell-phones linked to Mars I, or for the les-privileged to finally claim their long-awaited Christmas lay-byes gathering dust in a Pep storeroom
Bu then again, a gift of flowers, a home-baked treat, a card of appreciation, or a pair of veldskoens will be appreciated by all Rhodesians.
But the best gift of all is firmly based on a wonderful memory, and that, very simply is our CHRISTMASES in RHODESIA.
Have a blessed Christmas and a truly rewarding and happy 2017 New Year.
Warm Wishes to all, 6494 Tony
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Our Regular Gatherings
The BSAP Regimental Association
of the Western Cape gathers on the
First Monday of every month from
17:00 at Timour Hall
Villa, Plumstead.
FORTHCOMING EVENT: KEEP THIS DATE FREE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 6th MARCH 2017
PLEASE REMEMBER - SUBSCRIPTIONS ARE DUE
AT THE BEGINNING OF THE YEAR:
Internet payment R120; Cash R130; Cheque R150
THE CHAIRMAN AND COMMITTEE OF THE BSAP WESTERN CAPE ASSOCIATION WISH ALL OUR READERS
A MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR.
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FROM MIKE MAYS FROM MIKE MAYS
Hello there you wonderful people, thought this would go down well in your fantastic magazine for fantastic ex Policemen.
How do you tell the difference between an Australian Police Officer, an English Police Officer, an American Police Officer and a Scottish police officer? The answer is found below.
QUESTION: You’re a policeman, on duty by yourself. You are walking on a deserted street late at night. … Suddenly, an armed man with a huge knife comes around the corner, locks eyes with you and screaming something that sounds like obscenities, raises the knife and lunges at you. You are carrying your truncheon and are an expert in using it. However, you have only a split second to react before he reaches you. What do you do?
ANSWERS: English Police Officer: Firstly, the Officer must consider the man's human rights. 1) Does the man look poor and/or oppressed? 2) Is he newly arrived in this country and does not yet understand the law? 3) Is this really a knife or a ceremonial dagger? 4) Have I ever done anything to him that would inspire him to attack? 5) Am I dressed provocatively? 6) Could I run away? 7) Could I possibly swing my truncheon and knock the knife out of his hand? 8) Should I try and negotiate with him to discuss his wrong-doings? 9) Why am I carrying a truncheon anyway and what kind of message does this send to society? 10) Does he definitely want to kill me or would he be content just to wound me? 11) If I were to grab his knees and hold on, would he still want to stab and kill me? 12) If I raise my truncheon and he turns and runs away, do I get blamed if he falls over, knocks his head and kills himself? 13) If I hurt him and lose the subsequent court case, does he have the opportunity to sue me, cost me my job, my credibility and the loss of my family home?
Australian Police Officer: BANG !
American Police Officer: BANG ! BANG ! BANG ! BANG ! BANG ! BANG ! BANG ! BANG ! BANG ! BANG ! BANG ! BANG ! 'Click'...Reload... BANG ! BANG ! BANG ! BANG ! BANG ! BANG ! BANG ! BANG ! BANG ! BANG ! BANG ! BANG ! Glasgow Police Officer: "Haw, Jimmie....! Drop the wee knifie son; rite noo, ....unless ye want it stuck up yer arse!"
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ANNUAL DINNER 2016 Westlake Golf Club once again provided the perfect venue for this years Annual Dinner. A superb three course meal, excellent surroundings and friendly staff made for a most en-joyable evening.
Dylan Meyer, our honorary Regimental Piper, playing our Regimental March Kum A Kye opened the proceedings while members filed into the dining room.
Everyone remained standing while Bob Bedingham said grace.
After reciting Dave Blacker’s well known poem “Out numbers dwindle now and fade ...” Jim Blain asked those present to be upstanding and raise their glasses to “Absent Friends”
Dave Blacker was called upon to give a toast to the Regiment which he did after reciting his poem “The Regiment”.
Bob Bedingham introduced our guest speaker Chris Taylor. Chris gave an informative talk about the early days of the British South Africa Police and the part played by Cecil Rhodes in its formation.
Following the excellent meal our Raffle Master, Lockie Howie, conducted the draw. By all accounts a very pleasant evening was had by everyone.
GOOD IN U
Graeme Smith, Dave Blacker, Alastair Sempil, Chris Taylor (Guest Speaker),
Lawrie Mabin, Lockie Howie, Kai Howie
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Gilly Potter, Derek Becker (Guest), Geoff Holloway, Jim Blain, Andy Bullmore, Bob Bedingham
Piper Dylan Meyer
Below: Dylan Meyer (Piper), Ed Ions, Joe Surkont, Mike Job (missing Wendy Meyer – taking the phots)
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SNAPSHOT IN HISTORY — Northern Rhodesia Police,
incorporating origins of the Zambia Police
In April 1898 Sub-Inspector Cazalet of the British South Africa Police (BSAP) led a patrol along the north bank as well as south of the Zambezi to put a stop to re-ported dealing in firearms, cattle stealing and other lawbreaking by Europeans. In September 1898 Captain Drury came up from Bulawayo with 13 troopers and built a fort at Monze some miles from the present township. The purpose was to protect Eu-ropean traders and prospectors coming up from the South and prevent inter-tribal fighting. Offenders were fined in cattle without recourse to a court.
Major Colin Harding CMG formerly commander of the Mashonaland Native Police relieved Coryndon as Resident Commissioner in late 1899 at about the time the Barotseland/North-Western Rhodesia Order in Council was issued. On Coryndon's return from leave, now as Administrator of the new territory, Harding was appointed commandant of the Barotse Native Police, recruiting and training which he had already put in hand in between extensive patrols up the Zambezi and into Angola to ascertain the true limits of Lewanika's sphere of influence.
Harding oversaw the departure of the remnants of the BSAP from Monze and pa-trolled along the Zambezi and Kafue until he was familiar with the whole territory. In 1901 a fort was built at Kasempa from which patrols went out after slavers. By 1902 the Barotse Native Police comprised nine European officers and NCOs, and 240 native police.
The collection of hut tax commenced in 1904. The Ba-rotse Native Police were called upon to support civil officials in its collection. Harding fell out with the Ad-ministration by raising with the High Commissioner in South Africa the question of hut burning to encourage payment. Harding resigned in 1906 and his Second-in-command, Major Carden became Commandant.
By an Order in Council of 4 May 1911 Barotseland, North-Western Rhodesia and North-Eastern Rhodesia were amalgamated as one territory, Northern Rhode-sia, and still administered by the British South Africa Company. Consequently the North-Eastern Rhodesia Constabulary and the Barotse Native Police were amalgamated as the 'Northern Rhodesia Police. Major F. A. Hodson, the original Adjutant of the Barotse Na-
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tive Police, soon succeeded Lieutenant Colonel Carden as Commandant of the new force.
In 1913 Colonel Edwards, a regular cavalry officer who had served with Baden Powell's South African Constabulary and for the past six years as a Chief Consta-ble in the London Metropolitan Police was appointed Chief Commandant of Police and Volunteers for both Rhodesias. He reorganised the Northern Rhodesia Police so that in 1914 it consisted of:
• The Military Branch with a hundred men at Livingstone and four other companies of roughly 80 men at Mongu, Kasempa, Kasama and Fort Jameson. • The District Police, parties of about 10 African police under the native Commis-sioner at each government station or Boma. • The Town Police, 10 or 12 British sergeants and constables and 328 African po-lice stationed at the townships on the line of the railway and at Kansanshi, and the Criminal Investigation Department and Fingerprint Bureau under Regimental Ser-geant Major Ferguson who attended a six week fingerprint course at Scotland Yard while on leave. In July 1914 he was joined by Detective Sergeant Kirk from South-ern Rhodesia and they were assisted by five African detectives and a clerk.
By 1914 there were Town Police detachments at Livingstone, Ndola, Solwezi, Fort Jameson, Mumbwa, and Broken Hill. Lieutenant Percy Sillitoe in charge at Lusaka was the only commissioned officer employed on civil police duty.
On 1 April 1924 the Administration of Northern Rhodesia became the direct re-sponsibility of the Colonial Office. The NRP then consisted of: • Headquarters - five officers and four British Other Ranks. • Military Branch - ten Officers, five British NCOs and 459 Africans. • Town & District Police - two Officers, 19 British NCOs and constables, and 133 African other ranks. • CID - One officer, three British NCOs and 21 African detectives.
In 1951 Colonel J. P. I. Fforde took over as Commissioner of Police. Fforde had risen from constable to Assistant Inspector-General CID in the Palestine Police before becoming Commissioner in Sierra Leone. He found a force of 47 gazetted officers, 200 inspectors and 1,720 African police in four divisions, manning 32 sta-tions and posts. Fforde was to oversee further expansion. A mounted branch was instituted at Lusaka and the Northern Rhodesia Police Reserve formed from Euro-pean and African civilians to work part time in support of the regular force.
Lt.-Col. E. G. Dickinson MC, who had commanded the Service Battalion in 1918, was the last Commandant before the Military and Civil Police were divided into separate forces on 1 April 1932. The Military became the Northern Rhodesia Regi-ment. The establishment of the new Northern Rhodesia Police was for seven offic-ers, 35 members of the inspectorate, 40 British constables, 494 uniformed African police and 42 African detectives, all under Captain P. R. Wardroper MBE as Com-missioner of Police.
In 1935 Captain Wardroper moved his office to Lusaka, the new capital. In 1936 he retired as Commissioner after 21 years in the Force and was succeeded by his deputy, Harry Hart, who had joined the NRP as a constable in 1919 after war ser-
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vice in the Royal Artillery.
In 1951 Colonel J. P. I. Fforde took over as Commissioner of Police. Fforde had risen from constable to Assistant Inspector-General CID in the Palestine Police before be-coming Commissioner in Sierra Leone. He found a force of 47 gazetted officers, 200 inspectors and 1,720 African police in four divisions, manning 32 stations and posts. Fforde was to oversee further expansion. A mounted branch was instituted at Lusaka and the Northern Rhodesia Police Reserve formed from European and African civil-ians to work part time in support of the regular force.
On 24 October 1953 Northern Rhodesia became part of the ill-fated Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland, but the police and courts remained under the Northern Rhodesia Government.
On 24 October 1964 Northern Rhodesia became the Republic of Zambia and the Northern Rhodesia Police became the Zambia Police. Lawson Hicks, the last Com-missioner of the NRP became the first Commissioner of the Zambia Police until suc-ceeded by Michael Mataka who had joined the NRP as a constable in 1941.
Editors Note : We would very much appreciate it if ex-NRP members who joined
the BSAP, or vice-versa, would forward to us, if possible, their names and BSAP
regimental number, and let us know of your present whereabouts, for inclusion
in our next issue. Photos would also be much appreciated!.
Memorial to Northern Rhodesia
Police Force at the National
Memorial Arboretum, Alrewas, U.K.
Dedicated 2 July 2010
Acknowledgment to Jose De Sacadura’s
posting on the ‘Portuguese Speaking
Soldiers in Rhodesia’ Face Book Page
It was lovely to meet and chat to Cari (nee) Bestik, chiropodist at the Lighthouse
Foundation, whose grandfather and other members of the family served in the
Northern Rhodesia Police, in years long past.
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A black trunk. A jumble of white-washed letters,
Slammed on a stoep. Cracked, ancient leathers.
Corrugated iron, wooden struts, dried to ancient bone,
A lonely posting, far from loved ones, and now all alone.
A paling moon, night, darkness. Light the lamp bright,
Lions prowl, hyenas laugh, small creatures take flight.
Sleep denied, dreams webbing across church domes.
Morning, burning off the small hours, yet I'm still alone.
Letters, borne by runners and horses, shipped on to Wales,
Mom, Dad, Sister - this heat, pray, send me thy gales.
A lonely life it is, no woman’s touch at home.
Time and the river stand still, and I remain alone.
Fort Tuli, so many years on, I languish at paradise lost,
But, Dear Parents, this is my final letter I tearfully emboss.
Troopers gallop to my rescue, but alas, my life has flown,
Malaria triumphed, but, God willing, I’ll no longer be alone.
6494 Tony, 2 August, 2016.
ALL ALONE
Dedicated to the Troopers of the
British South Africa Police : circa 1907
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FERN FUNERALS SPECIAL OFFER
TO MEMBERS OF
THE FLAME LILY FOUNDATION CAPE PENINSULA BRANCH
and BSAP WESTERN CAPE REGIMENTAL ASSOCIATION
The Flame Lily Foundation has entered into an agreement with Fern Funerals for a
fixed amount of R4 500 for funeral costs (for both burials and cremations) in the
greater Western Cape areas. This offer is also extended to members of the BSAP
Regimental Association, Western Cape Branch.
A Flame Lily delegation visited the Fern Funerals Head Office & Funeral Parlour in
Steenberg, and their Tokai Office, and were extremely impressed with the state of
the premises and administrative structures, including the calibre of staff and man-
agement. They also have facilities in in Somerset West, Stellenbosch, Robertson,
Montague, Bonnievale, Riviersonderend, Sir Lowry’s Pass, Mitchell’s Plain, with
limited West Coast access.
Included in this cost is a white coffin, transportation of the deceased from the place
of death to either the State Mortuary or Fern Funerals; and then to the church/
appointed place and on to either the cemetery or crematorium. All other expenses
are for the account of the applicant(s) who are fully responsible for the basic funeral
cost of R4 500.
All funeral arrangements will be handled by the Tokai office. Should family/friends
wish to view the body it will be necessary to visit the Head Office and funeral parlour
in Steenberg..
The company operate on a 24/7 basis throughout the areas covered, and will make
home/retirement home calls at any given time. More detail and full information can
be found on their website: http://www.fernfunerals.co.za/contact-us/
Members and families wishing to take advantage of this offer can contact Tony Ro-
zemeyer (021 7887274) or Angela Walker (021 781 0999) to receive a letter of intro-
NEWS FROM THE FLAME LILY FOUNDATION
FLAME LILY FOUNDATION OBJECTIVES
To promote, further and secure the interests of former residents of Rhodesia/
Zimbabwe and their descendants.
To preserve the history and heritage of Rhodesia.
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duction to give to Fern Funerals. They will take it, with the ID and Death Certificate,
to the relevant office, where Fern Funerals administrators will take over all the nec-
essary arrangements and administration (including Home Affairs notification), leav-
ing the applicant(s) free of further responsibility.
All members of the Cape Peninsula branch of the Flame Lily Foundation, including
their families, can apply for this service. The offer has been extended to members
of the BSAP Regimental Association of the Western Cape, who are requested to
apply through the Flame Lily Foundation if they wish to take advantage of this offer.
Please Note: (a) Fern Funerals only operate in the Western Cape, and are in no
position to accommodate any requests outside of the areas given above.
(b) the Flame Lily Foundation cannot in any way be held liable for any expenses.
————————————————————————————————————---
FROM RASA (Rhodesian Association of South Africa)
latest on Zimbabwe Government Pensions The Pension Master in Harare has issued an edict requiring all eligible Zimbabwe
Government Pensioners based in South Africa to report in person to a Zimbabwe
Consulate in Cape Town or Johannesburg, or to the Embassy in Pretroria in order
to complete a Certificates of Life.
Alternative options presented to the Pension Master were summarily dismissed,
although we are persevering with this. Otherwise many will lose their pension if
they are unable to get to a Zimbabwe diplomatic office.
In an attempt to ensure that all Zimbabwe
Government pensioners living in South Africa continue to receive their pension, it is
recommended that those who are able to do so visit the Zimbabwe Consulate in
Cape Town or Johannesburg, or the Embassy in Pretoria to complete a new Certifi-
cate of Life. The Zimbabwe Embassy is open weekdays between 08:30 and 16:00,
except for the lunch hour (13:00-14:00). Check opening times before proceeding to
either of the Consulates.
Telephone numbers are as follows: Zimbabwe Embassy - 012 3424973
Cape Town Consulate - 021 461 1995/4; Johannesburg Consulate - 011 6155879
Go prepared, as follows:
1. Take two passport-size photographs of yourself. PLUS Proof of Residence
(Rates or Telephone Account.)
2. Take your ID and a copy thereof, and preferably your old Zim ID but not serious
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if you no longer have it. Your current passport will suffice.
3. Take a copy of your Standard Bank account statement (STAMPED ON THE
BACK by the Bank).
4. Have details of your Pension Number. If you receive both a State Employment Pension and a War Victims Pension (old Disability Pension) record both these Pen-sion Numbers on your Certificate of Life application.
5. Take R150 to pay for ‘’operating costs’’, which includes forwarding your docu-ments to the Pension Master in Harare.
The same procedure is required for first time applications, for resumption of pen-sions.
N.B. YOU MUST APPLY IN PERSON TO THE CONSULATE.
Hours 9.30 a.m. to 1 p.m. No appointment necessary.
ALL APPLICATIONS MUST BE IN BY 31 DECEMBER
Payments The FLF’s office in Pretoria has been largely involved in helping Zimba-bwe Government Pensioners to have their payments to South Africa reinstated. To date, between 500 and 600 pensions have come back on stream, paid half-yearly into Standard Bank accounts.
Finally, we thank those pensioners who have received their arrears payment for kindly donating a portion of their pension to the Foundation as a token of their appre-ciation. Some pensioners have been extremely generous in this regard.
Mary Redfern, RASA Pretoria
012 460 2066 (office hours) N.B. closed 2 December - 2 January
Depot Equitation. Fitting bridles.
Photo courtesy of Dave Blacker
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The book “Being a Dog: Following the Dog into a World of Smell,” by
the prominent canine cognition researcher Alexandra Horowitz is a thorough examina-tion of dogs’ incredible sense of smell, as well Horowitz’s efforts to boost her own olfactory aptitude. In it, she outlines the geography and biology of a dog’s snout and explores the world of detection dogs trained to sniff out explosives, human scent on detonated bombs, missing people and disease. Horowitz also explains why people cannot smell nearly as well as their pooches (though she did get good enough to catch a whiff of porcupine pee in a snowy forest).
Dogs, she said in an interview, have both anatomical and behavioural advantages over us when it comes to scent. They possess hundreds of millions more olfactory receptor cells of more varied sizes, which means they can sniff out minute quantities and “even the dimensions of smell” might be different to them, Horowitz said. Their oblong snouts warm, humidify, filter and speed air to the olfactory epithelium, a tissue in the nasal cavity where those receptor cells lie, and they have a relatively larger olfactory lobe in their brains.
Dogs also have a “beautiful way of exhaling,” Horowitz said, that pushes air out the side slits of their nostrils without shoving out odours. And then there is what Horowitz calls “the sniff.”
“Our way is not the best way. We sniff maybe once every one-and-a-half seconds, which is not much at all,” she said. “Dogs sniff about five to 10 times every second. So that allows them to get many more odour pictures of the world every second.”
Other animals, such as elephants, have strong senses of smell. What dogs have over them is being highly trainable. For thousands of years, humans have selectively bred dogs to work for us — and to like it. But although all dogs can smell well, Horowitz said, the best detection dogs are “high-drive dogs,” the kind that get so obsessed with a task — in this case, locating their assigned scent — that they cannot be satisfied until they succeed.
“I think of detection dogs really as the anti-pet,” she said. “The dog just will not stop until they find something. If they can’t find it, you have to plant something . . . They’re all the things you try to groom out of pets.”
That is the case with Tucker and his dog colleagues at Conservation Canines in Washington state, whose founder, Sam Wasser, told Horowitz that he selected young mixed-breeds from shelters that may seem uncontrollable but “never run away — because you’ve got their ball.” And it was also true for the “smelling experts” Horowitz visited at the University of Pennsylvania’s Working Dog Centre, where litters of roly-poly puppies (often Labs and German or Dutch shepherds) evolve into elite detection dogs that can sniff out missing or dead people, drugs — even a diabetic’s dropping
Washington Post Article : Dogs’ World of Smell
… and Comments by Mike Job
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blood sugar — while ignoring other people, pooches or other scents in their path.
“They’re not training the dogs to smell. They can already smell it,” Horowitz said. “They’re training the dogs to tell you when they found it.”
They do this in steps, by learning a scent and being rewarded for alerting to it in in-creasingly difficult spots. Exactly what these dogs are smelling is in many ways still a mystery, she writes, particularly when it comes to detecting things like cancer — are they smelling diseased tissue, the body’s inflammatory or immunological response to the illness, or ailments that can accompany cancer, such as anxiety?
From Mike Job:
In the early days of BSAP dog section, many of us trained our dogs to perform ID parades – identifying, which of a dozen ‘bandits’ sitting in a line had handled/worn an article – they were very seldom wrong. Hopefully it impressed the bandits so that they revised their M.O. on their next crime spree, but the courts wouldn’t ac-cept it.
I offered to train the first Metro dogs and handlers, but as our revered John Fletcher often said “An expert is someone who doesn’t come from here.” So the City paid R35,000 per dog to a commercial company. I would have done it for free and for a diversion from daily administration boredom – which in itself would have sounded suspect to my masters
The working dog, whatever his task is, is a scientifically viable source of evidence according to what we determine his purpose in life to be. His olfactory equipment has something like 200 times the receptive area of the comparable area in a human. Visualise a postage stamp in the corner of an A4 sheet. It is said that a shark can detect blood at 1 part in 1million parts of water and their ampullae of Lorenzini are electro-receptors that identify and pinpoint the weaker movements of injured fish or animals. But , in our vanity (and in the courts’ view) we might well dismiss the phenome-nal ability of dogs as ‘unreliable evidence’. Potential (intelligent) human reliance on this capacity includes body fluid crime sce-ne indication, tracking, ID parades, explosives and drug detection, detection of can-cer and in the less sophisticated and informed environments is written off to party tricks and crowd-pleasing performances. Records exist of a dog tracking a 7 day old scent through an urban environment (whether or not it resulted in an arrest or identification of a suspect is immateri-al) and are there to demonstrate this mystic ability and my own BSAP and post-BSAP experiences confirm its existence. While Metropolitan Police copper detection dogs were enthralling the uninitiated by locating heavy duty copper cable (the length and diameter of a man’s arm) in an area of sand and weeds the size of a suburban garden, my ageing Border Collie would find, and retrieve, in rapid succession, four 1cent pieces in an area of long
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grass the size of a tennis court. Anyone seeing a dog hanging out of a speeding car window, cannot begin to imagine what a joy it must be – like speed-reading the daily newspapers, perhaps even Encylopaedia Britannica. It brings the dog up to date on his surroundings, satisfies his curiosity and makes him whole.
Because we don’t understand it, we are sceptical.
Mike
Section Officer Mike Job 6588 with PD Ricky, receives the trophy shield for Best
Trained Police Dg 1966 (score 97.5%) from Janet Smith, wife of Ian Smith, Prime
Minister, at the Annual Police Display.
FOOTNOTE FROM MIKE : Later, during the dog demonstration, we entered the
arena with 4 dogs and 4 handlers on one BSA Gold Flash 650 c. Me driving, with
Ricky lying on the tank, a handler standing on either footrest and one back-to-
front on the pillion, each with a sort of “vendor’s tray” on his chest supported by a
neck strap and his dog lying on the tray. It wasn't easy to balance, although we
completed a circuit of the field.
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The Patel family in Gujarat was puzzled when the coffin of their dead mother arrived from the USA. It was sent by one of the daughters. The dead body was very tightly squeezed inside the coffin, with no space left in it at all. When they opened the lid , they found a letter on the top addressed to the entire fam-ily.
Dear Chandrakantbhai, Arvindbhai, Mohan and Varsha,
I am sending Ma's body to you, since it was her wish that she be cremated in the compound of our ancestral home in GUJARAT.
Sorry, I could not come along as all of my paid leave is consumed. You will find inside the coffin, under Ma's body, 12 cans of cheese, 10 packets of Toblerone chocolates and 8 packets of Badam. Please divide these among all of you.
On Ma's feet you will find a new pair of Reebok shoes (size 10) for Mohan. There are also 2 pairs of shoes for Radha's and Lakshmi's sons. Hope the sizes are correct.
Ma is wearing 6 American T-Shirts. The large size is for Mohan. Just distribute the rest among yourselves. The 2 new Jeans that Ma is wearing are for the boys.
The Swiss watch that Reema wanted is on Ma's left wrist. Shanta Masi, Ma is wearing the necklace, earrings and ring that you asked for. Please take them off her. The 6 white cotton socks that Ma is wearing must be divided among my nephews. Please distribute all these fairly. Love from,
Smita Patel. PS : And if anything more is required let me know soon, as Father is also not feeling too well.
How are YOU feeling today?
22
As I was paging through the excellent book ‘Blue and Old Gold’ yesterday evening, a photo of S/A/C 'Shiner' Wright and DCI Ron Trangmar on page 453 reminded me of a hilarious incident that happened whilst you and I were recruits in 4 Squad of 1969.
You might recall that the DCI ran the Wednesday afternoon parade? It was, he told us in that deep, gravelly, growling voice of his …”My parade!"
You'll also remember John Berry 8227 – one of the 2 coppers from Manchester who joined the Force and were with us in 4/69. The other was Chris Jones 8228, and both featured prominently in that photo you used of 4 Squad, sitting outside our bar-racks in one of your earlier examples of how the “Kum-a-Kye” cover might look. John Berry, in particular, had one hell of a sense of humour and often had us all in stitch-es. Sometimes, however, his sense of humour got the better of him, hence the inci-dent I am about to recall, when the DCI ‘got his own back’, so to speak!
Anyway, there we all were, lined up in our various uniforms of the day on that Wednesday afternoon after lunch, when out onto the parade square marched DCI Trangmar. Tackie McKintosh was a couple of steps behind him with his pace stick jammed under his left arm. The parade consisted of Squads 2, 3 and 4 of 1969, all with our squad S/O’s – we had Hugh Ross-Kent, Mike Lambourne was there, Jannie Steenkamp and Mel ???? – can’t remember his name now.
The DCI slowly marched to the front of the waiting squads, halted, did an immaculate About Turn, his huge, booted, right foot crashing down onto the tarmac. (Remember, he had been an British Empire Games medallist in his younger days in events such as hammer throw and shot putt – a mighty man indeed). Tackie called us all to Atten-tion which we obviously did, slamming heels down onto tarmac and then waiting, ramrod stiff, for what had become a weekly lecture by the DCI.
This Wednesday was to be no different. The outcome though, has been forever burned into my memory. Gentlemen…", growled the DCI, ”...it has come to my notice that some of you have been masturbating in bed. Now, you can abuse yourselves as much as you like, BUT IT'S GOVERNMENT SHEETS THAT YOU ARE RUINING!” The last part came out at us in a load roar, one that someone only as huge as the DCI could have made.
The ranks swayed, recruits in them trying their hardest not to laugh out loud, but we were all floored by what followed next. The DCI concluded his rant by boldly stating, ”I’LL GET TO THE BOTTOM OF THIS, BELIEVE ME, BECAUSE I’M NOT AS STU-PID AS I LOOK.”
Well, that was too much for John Berry who just couldn’t help himself by saying - ostensibly to those around him in a stage whisper, but which carried clearly across the parade ground - ”You couldn’t be!”.
Well, all hell broke loose as recruits and S/O’s howled with laughter. I even remem-ber Tackie trying valiantly not to let go, his lips struggling to at least not show a grin.
After what seemed a long time, but obviously wasn’t, order was restored (I’m sure
On Parade!!\
By ROB McLEAN
23
that Hugh Ross-Kent had tears of mirth running down his cheeks and I well remem-ber Mike Lambourne’s and Jannie Steenkapm’s huge frames shuddering with sup-pressed mirth). The DCI, unmoved, just glared at us all and then growled…”I CAN TAKE A JOKE. STEP FORWARD THAT MAN. 3 WEEKS BEHIND THE GUARD!”
My job was to bone John’s right boot for those 3 weeks – I wonder which part of his uniform you ended up with as we all piled in to assist our squad mate in getting his uniform 100% for the inspections he had to undergo at the Depot office?
ADVERTISING IN THE OUTPOST Advertising in the Western Cape Outpost is invited from
Interested members at the following costs :- Full page R200.00; Half Page R150.00; Quarterr Page R100.00
We endeavour to put out three editions per year. Any persons interested in advertising in this Magazine are kindly requested to
contact the editor. Advertisement payments are to be paid via EFT into the Association account and notification sent to the Hon. Treasurer by the 31st January each year.
Editor's Note:
I am left wondering whether John Berry’s first posting, at the DCI’s insist-
ence, was to WANKIE!
24
DIVINE’S PROVIDENCE
By MIKE JOB
The truck outside was huge and clumsy and it looked defeated. Its driver was not. He was small, neat and township sharp. From his two-tone shoes to the jaunty little feather in the hatband of his Fedora, he exuded confidence. It showed in the white-toothed greetings he scattered like Papal benedictions around the gloomy interior of the ice-plant.
Overalled workers trudged by, towing great opaque, frozen blocks behind them, their gumboots clumping and splashing in the shallow water. Mostly, they avoided his eye, withdrawn and stolid in the humbleness of their task. Cat-like and fastidious, Divine Ngwenya picked his way across the irregular islands of bricks that led one, more or less dry-footed, to the office.
Odendaal glowered up through a cloud of smoke from one of his foul che-roots. Pillay’s on Main Street stocked them for him – only him - an acrid blend of obscure Central Asian tobacco and heaven knew what else.
Divine breathed as little as possible, his cheery greeting squeaky as a re-sult. “Hullo, boss ! I’m here! It’s Wednesday - collection for Vlakvarklaagte!”
“I know what fucking day it is", growled Odendaal. “Sign here….” thrusting forward a clipboard from which a cheap ball-point dangled on a length of greasy string. “And get a move on this time - none of your stopping along the way. They bitched about the wastage last week – the bloody stuff melts, you know!”
“Puncture, boss. Couldn’t help it. Bye-Bye ! “ and Divine made his escape, eyes watering and resisting the impulse to wipe his signing hand on his trousers. That string was really something.
Back in the sunlit street, Divine lit a Lucky Strike and watched the workers sliding the last of the huge blocks into the rear compartment of his truck. Marginally insulated with old packing case planks, it served to preserve the ice as well as to reduce rusting – although it had clearly not succeeded for some time.
Vlakvarklaagte boasted very little, including electricity, so Divine’s weekly ice and grocery run was all that stood between the inhabitants and spoiled meat and warm drinks. It was not somewhere to be found in tourism brochures.
A few hardy travelling salesmen ventured out there from time to time, only to scuttle back quickly, their empty order books and unopened sample cases evidence of the self sufficiency of the place. What they needed, they fetched for themselves from ‘town’ as they referred to Slangfontein.
25
Slangfontein, with its three dusty streets, police station, general store, filling station and a few other run-down businesses, rows of corrugated roofs and forlorn, petrified gardens. The deserted premises that had housed an under-taker for an unprofitable and ghoulish year, as he prowled the town assessing prospects, were boarded up, the refrigeration long ago de-commissioned and sold for scrap.
It was one salesmen too many that did for Slettie van Hoorenstein. That is to say, one dazed, thirsty, disappointed salesman too many that accepted her invitation to come in out of the sun on some pretext to discover that she was predatory in the extreme. He had long since fled to whence he came, when time, and perhaps the climate, wrought certain physical changes in Slettie van Hooren-stein.
When there could be no further doubt, she tearfully donned her moth-er’s yellowing wedding dress, stretched out on her bed in the relative coolness of the bedroom and swallowed a box of Rattex, spoonful by spoonful from a cut-glass pudding bowl. Possibly the bottle of gin with which she washed it down stupefied her enough to prevent any possible suffering.
The maid who came in next morning for her perfunctory weekly clean-up suffered a lot more and for a lot longer. She had emptied the bin before tackling the house, so the tell-tale Rattex box was nowhere to be seen.
Certainly the young Slangfontein constable who emerged ashen-faced from the house could not remember seeing a more peaceful corpse. In fact, he could not remember having seen any corpse before this. His shaky notes on the official Sudden Death Report sheet recorded her clothing as ‘white dress’ and nothing more. “Circumstances of death” he had endorsed “unknown”, and his sergeant’s yelled instructions on the crackling telephone line, above the whirring of the hand-crank, were to bring the corpse back to Vlakvarklaagte. So that a post mortem could be held. When a G.M.O. could be found.
The constable surveyed his dusty 500cc motorcycle and pondered his options. They were all bizarre.
Divine’s truck had just breasted the escarpment, and was poised for the descent, hydraulics and radiator hissing and trembling with age and exertion alike. A moment of recovery and then it tilted and started trundling down to-wards the little outpost. Around him, those who had arrived here with all their possessions to discover the shortcomings of life in this wilderness were opening ice-boxes and unconnected freezers. Anything that would maintain temperature and delay the inevitable.
Gratefully, the truck wheezed to a stop in what passed for a main street,
26
ice-melt trickling incontinently through the cancerous lattice-work of its rusted body to darken the sand. Divine leaped down, for all the world the sole donor of life-saving supplies to a benighted tribe - but with his order-file under one arm and a stainless steel Parker clicking busily in and out.
The constable waited for the scramble for provisions and ice to slow, be-fore stepping forward, a nervous palm upheld. Clearing his throat, he made an un-popular announcement. Enough ice was to be left in the truck to ensure the preser-vation of Miss van Hoorenstein on her last journey. Back to Slangfontein where she would await the arrival of a qualified person to establish the cause of her de-mise – her corpse hopefully accommodated in the deserted undertakers’ with more ice grudgingly supplied by Odendaal.
Divine clapped his hands at the brilliance of the plan, although he was less enthusiastic when he was press-ganged to help carry the mortal remains on a kitchen door taken off for the purpose. Slettie was not overly buxom, but the four bearers were sweating by the time they had stowed her, securely, shrouded in one of her own lounge curtains.
The motorcycle was more cumbersome, and heavier, but one did not mind taking hold of its hard, inanimate frame and protuberances to wrestle it into the now empty grocery compartment. In the process, Divine’s eyes fell on the con-stable’s clipboard, laid aside for the moment. He was the second person to bright-en that day.
Ephemiah Magadla was a determined young woman. She knew what she wanted. She wanted Divine, with all his swagger and self-assurance, but there were conditions. Divine would have to provide. For all her mission-school background and the poorness of her surroundings, Ephemiah had acquainted herself with the workings of the modern world. Even in Slangfontein, the glossy periodicals and big-city newspapers made their appearance, even if it was as packing material or draught excluders in the sprawling shanty-town on the outskirts.
Ephemiah had enjoyed her dalliances with Divine, although this had re-duced her bride-price somewhat, and she had badgered her aged father into ac-cepting it instead of pricing her out of the available market. Most eligible husbands had left for the cities and Ephemiah was not enthusiastic about being left on the shelf. Despite the conditions she had set for the wedding, Ephemiah had covered all her options. She had invoked the miracle of mail order and ticked the appropri-ate block beside a product listed as “Wanton Hussy – hooyaaaah!” and confirmed her choice, in white, with a postal order.
The long return trip to Slangfontein was uneventful, Divine whistling along with the quaitto music from a tape-player tied to the grabhandle above his head and the constable watching the scenery and declining offers of Lucky Strikes.
27
.
For both, it was something of a relief to find themselves at the undertaker’s now darkened building, the Slangfontein sergeant standing boozily by to assist with the final process of manhandling a curtain-swaddled mass onto audibly sweating ice-blocks commandeered from Odendaal.
There had been other phases in Divine’s life, at a time before he fell to driving a bushveld delivery truck. Unexciting though this latest vocation was, it offered him steady employment and freedom from looking over his shoulder or averting his face whenever a police van passed and remembering his latest alias when they stopped.
By and large these days, with the prospect of Ephemiah’s hand and other body parts permanently on the horizon - or closer - he was well content.
Still, when he detached himself from the surrounding darkness and ghost-ed across the shrivelled lawn to the back of the undertaker’s premises, he experi-enced that old rush of excitement when his crowbar prised the first nails with just a breath of protest from a dessicated windowframe. Twenty minutes later, he emerged, the bundle under his arm replaced by another, and then was gone into the night.
On her wedding day, Ephemiah was radiant, beaming and proud. Her snowy tulle wedding dress exceeded her expectations and the claims of the manu-facturers of Omo. The coy but passionate glances she directed at Divine, surround-ed at the meat fires by his guffawing male supporters, boded well for the night ahead.
Her nuptial conditions had been met, and she spared little thought for the ‘hows’ and the ‘wherefores’ of how Divine had transformed a ‘Wanton Hussy’ into this thing of beauty.
Two days later, when a travel-weary medical practitioner from further up the line addressed his task for the first time, he considered the SAPS Sudden Death proforma.
At “Clothing of Deceased” he scored a first tick beside “white dress”, alt-hough he wondered at the skimpiness of the garment and that with the price tag still on it, it should be at least two or three sizes too big for deceased S van Hooren-stein, late of Vlakvarklaagte.
28
29
There is something about Rhodesian history that is everlasting – it’s never going to
die. Perhaps as members of the BSAP a really wonderful memory would be that
first pay-cheque that we cashed into notes and coins. For many of us that cheque
would today buy a small round of drinks or a few cigarettes.
Our story i about notes issued and then about coinage. Until 1940 the paper curren-
cy which circulated in the two Rhodesias and Nyasaland consisted of notes issued
by the two banks which were operating in these territories, i.e. Barclays DCO and
the Standard Bank of South Africa Limited.. When the Southern Rhodesian ( herein-
after referred to as SR) Currency Board was established in terms of the Coinage
and Currency Act of 1938, and up to 1940, when the SR Currency Board were in a
position to accept responsibility for the issue of currency in the three territories the
Banks issued paper notes. So in 1940 the Currency Board first issued its own notes
and the commercial banks notes were gradually withdrawn from circulation.
By agreement between NR, SR and Nyasaland the notes issued by the SR Curren-
cy Board were declared the only form of legal tender paper currency for the three
territories. With the creation of the Federation the only major change was that the
SR Currency Board changed to the Central Africa Currency Board. In 1956 the Bank
of Rhodesia and Nyasaland acquired the sole rights to issue notes for use in the
Federation. Bank notes were issued in (modern key boards have no place for the
abbreviated sign for a ‘pound’ so we will use # ) #10, #5 #1 and 10/- and a limited
number 5/- notes issued by the SR Currency Board remained in circulation and
were legal tender.
The coinage story is of similar interest and many will remember the coin with a hole
in the middle affectionately used in many ways not connected to the there use as
legal tender. Until 1932 British and South African coins circulated in the three terri-
tories when in that year the SR Government passed the Coinage and Currency Act
which made provision for the issue of domestic coins. In 1933 in SR South African
coins became unacceptable as legal tender and in 1939 a similar situation for the
British coins. However British coins remained acceptable tender in NR and Nyasa-
land until 1954.
Until 1946 higher denomination coins were minted in silver alloy but from 1947 coins
in denominations of 2/6, 2/0, 1/-, 6d and 3d ( that famous tickey/ticky that became
more important as decoration for ladies as bracelets and necklaces than it did for
appearing in Christmas puddings or legal currency.) were struck in cupro-nickel and
1d and 1/2d were struck in bronze.
Acknowledgement to W.V.Brelsford, Director of Information for the Federal Gov-
ernment and his book ‘Handbook to the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland
published in 1960.
RHODESIAN CURRENCY – FROM 6158 DON PETERS
30
Photos taken at the Christmas Braai on
10 December, courtesy of Nigel Curling.
A lovely sunny day in a beautiful setting,
on the terraces of Timour Hall. Well
done to Bob Bedingham and the Com-
mittee members.
31
THE BSAP CAKE
WAS MADE BY
MAURA ETERMAN
AND MUCH
ADMIRED BY ALL.
More photos next page ...
32
A cut above the rest, When it comes to meat
33
D.A. SECURITY SERVICES
PERSONALLY MANAGED
SECURITY GUARDING
Contact LOCKIE HOWE (8173)
Cell: 082 564 5197
Tel: (021) 510 1065
E-Mail:
Rob McLean with Hannes Botha, taken at Timour Hall Villa when he came to talk to
us about his recently-published book, A Handful of Hard Men.
____________________________________________________________________
34
Roll of Honour Russell, Derek Douglas, aged 77 (5814 - Constable; served Febru-ary 1958 - December 1961 - member Western Cape Association), passed away on 23 November 2016 - Cape Town, South Africa
Crabtree, William 'Bill', aged 99 (3708 - Deputy Commissioner; served April 1938 - May 1970 - member Natal and Natal Midlands Associations - and Commit-tee Member of the Natal Midlands Association), passed away on 6 November 2016 - Howick, South Africa Marriott, John Bryan, aged 77 (5959 - Chief Superintendent; served January 1959 - August 1980 - member Western Cape and United kingdom Associations), passed away on 5 November 2016 - East London, South Africa De Wit, Graham Norman Alexander, aged 76 (6170/7756 - Superintendent; served two tours commencing June 1960 - July 1981 - member Natal Association - and past Chairman of the Branch), passed away on 3 November 2016 - Pieter-maritzburg, South Africa Hendry, Roy william (5876 - Constable; served September 1958 - February 1962 - member Natal Association), passed away on 2 November 2016 - Pieter-maritzburg, South Africa Stewart, Robert Andrew 'Rob' (C457/7819 - Patrol Officer; served September 1967 - September 1970 - member Transvaal Association), passed away on 2 November 2016 - Johannesburg, South Africa Moisey, Victor George 'Vic', aged 92 (3975 - Chief Inspector; served April 1946 - December 1966 - member of Western Cape Branch), passed away on 27 Octo-ber 2016 - Fish Hoek, South Africa Dolby, John Charles (5251 - Inspector; served May 1954 - June 1974 - member of both Natal and Transvaal Branches), passed away on 25 October 2016 - Port Shepstone, South Africa
Edwards, Brian Victor (6804 - Inspector; served December 1962 - May 1981), passed away on 21 October 2016 - Southampton, United Kingdom Bennett, Flik (PR - member and Hon. Treasurer of the Natal Midlands Branch), passed away on 19 October 2016 - Pietermaritzburg, South Africa Wheeler, Henry Raymond 'Ray' (4673 - Chief Superintendent; served between November 1950 - January 1983), passed away on 20 October 2016 - Eshowe, South Africa
35
Yoko, Michael Anthony, aged 62 (8816 - Section Officer; served May 1972 - June 1980), passed away on 6 October 2016 - Dubai, United Arab Emirates Branfield, Lawrence Oliver (4091 - Chief Inspector; served June 1946 - March 1969 - member of Border Branch), passed away on 24 September 2016 - East London, South Africa Beach, Peter, aged 85 (4411 - Sergeant; served March 1949 - March 1962 - member of Australian Branch), passed away on 13 September 2016 - Norfolk, United Kingdom Woodward, John Malcolm, aged 69 (7437 - Superintendent; served September 1965 - September 1981), passed away on 16 September 2016 - Harare, Zimba-bwe Smithyman, John Ernest (4467 - Constable; served August 1949 - August 1952), passed away on 4 September 2016 - Eastbourne, United Kingdom Jose, Jack Stanley Charles, aged 85 (4619 - Sergeant; served May 1950 - Feb-ruary 1956), passed away on 24 August 2016 - Brackley, United Kingdom Turk, John, aged 86 (4809 - Staff Sergeant; served November 1951 - November 1954 - member United Kingdom Branch), passed away on 18 August 2016 - Rake, Hampshire, United Kingdom Scales, Peter Frank (5736 - S/Sergeant; served July 1957 - March 1959), passed away on 24 July 2016 - Gaberone, Botswana Thorpe, Charle Terrence 'Terry', aged 90 (4028 - Senior Assistant Commission-er; served April 1946 - May 1976 - member Transvaal Branch), passed away on 23 July 2016 - Johannesburg, South Africa Gibson, Gerald Walter 'Gerry', aged 82 (4960 - Detective Chief Inspector; served August 1952 - November 1975 - member United Kingdom Branch), passed away on 15 July 2016 - United Kingdom Nicholson, John David Isaac (4852 - Constable; served February 1952 - July 1952), passed away on 6 July 2016 - Tolwe, South Africa
I think of you often and make no outward show, But what it means to lose you, no one will ever know You wished no one farewell, not even said good-bye,
You were gone before I knew it,
and only God knows why.
You are not forgotten
nor will you ever be,
As long as life and memories last,
I will remember thee. …. (ANON)
36
The Natal Midlands and KZN BSAP Associations very sadly report the death of our Senior Member 3708 Deputy Commissioner William (Bill) Crabtree OLM CPM PCD. Bill passed away at 10.30pm on Sunday 6th November, 2016 at the Care Centre at Amber Glen, Howick, KZN. Bill served in the Force from 14.04.38 to 31.05.70 leaving with the rank of Depu-ty Commissioner. After service in the District Branch, on leaving Depot Bill served at Beatrice, Bindura and Shamva and in 1940 was accepted into the CID . In 1943 Bill was seconded as a Lieutenant into the British Army Military Administration Unit, with members of the Force. Bill served in Egypt, Palestine and then the Greek Islands. In 1946 Bill returned to Rhodesia to resume his service where
he lost his military rank, but was promoted to Detective Sergeant . In 1947 Bill married his Wife Kay (Miss Kathleen ‘Kay’ Greebe) and they had two children, (8507) Michael who also served in the Force, and a daughter Beverley. In 1954 he was promoted to Detective Inspector and was Commissioned in 1957, rapidly rising through the ranks to Dep Commissioner (Crime and Security ) in 1968. Bill retired from the Force on the 31st May 1970 having completed 32 years service.
He then joined the South African Diplomatic Service as an “Administration Secre-tary” at the South African Embassy in Athens, Greece and was Rhodesia’s “Man in Greece” where he served for 12 years. In 1982 Bill and his Wife Fay moved to Durban in KZN, South Africa and joined the local Natal Branch of the Association. Subsequently he moved to Howick and joined the Midlands Branch, remaining a member of both until he died. Kay passed away in 2009 and Bill continued to live in his lovely cottage at Amber Glen until earlier this year when he suffered a stroke and moved to the Care Centre.
Bill was a gregarious, popular and highly efficient Police Officer, highly respected by all and was the epitome of a true Officer and Gentleman and always dapper, an example to all. Bill would have been 100 in February 2017.
Both Associations and Members send their deepest and sincere condolences to Son Mike and Cheryl, grandchildren Amanda, Michelle and Brent, to daughter Beverley and Dennis and grandchildren Andrea and David and the family.
3708 Deputy Commissioner William (Bill) Crabtree, OLM, CPM, PCD.
37
The Memorial service for 3975 Vic Moisey was held at the Methodist Church Fish Hoek on Thursday 3rd November 2016 and the eulogy was read by two of his granddaughters, Joélle Beavis and Melanie Oden-daal.
Vic joined the BSAP from the Royal Navy, attesting with 3972 Harry Mason, former member of the Cape Branch. In 1966 having taken his discharge, he came to Cape Town and joined the SA Navy were he worked until his retirement in 1989 in the armaments division. He was a long-standing member of the Asso-ciation.
Members ‘on parade’ were 7310 Ed Ions, 6639 Bob Bedingham, 6226 Andrew & Ursula Stevens.
3975 Victor George (“Vic”) Moisey
1/11/1924 - 27/10/2016
In 1960 I joined the BSAP. I was an experienced rider and had owned my own horse which was one of the reasons for selecting the BSAP which was a mounted regiment.
During recruit training it was customary for each recruit to perform the duty of orderly which entailed a trip to the city collecting mail etc. and also that of i/c picket which included the supervision of night feeding of horses etc.
When one night, on i/c picket duty, I visited the new stables, I was horrified to find a dead horse. I decided to call one of the farriers, Keith Maine, who lived nearby. Unfortunately there was nothing he could do for the poor horse. It had fallen vic-tim to a poorly designed feature.
In order to ease food distribution for the horses, a high-walled central passage with a cut-out section for the horse to put its head through to a trough was built.
The dead horse I had come across must have pushed its head through the open-ing, probably turned a little, slipped and broken its neck as its head was caught between the walls of the cut-out.
Tribute to Vic Moisey— by Andrew Stevens
38
The next morning, somewhat tired from my night’s duty, I fell in for a parade, I was surprised to hear equitation instructor, Smudge Smith shouting out that one of his horses had been murdered. In no short time, I had to present myself first to Mr. Smith followed by the Depot Chief Inspector, Ron Trangmar.
When I approached the DCI’s office, I was a troubled man. “Well what do we have here?” I explained my predicament as concisely and in as few words as I could. I was surprised that I was not blasted, yet again. “Report in triplicate, get assistance from the Law & Police Instructor.” “Yes Sir!” and I moved as quicky as my shaking legs could carry me towards the Police & Law lecture rooms.
This is how I really came to know Inspector Victor Moisey, law and police instructor. A caring man, showing little of the bullying tactics of the usual Instructors, and after explaining my problem we set about preparing the report. This was duly completed in triplicate which was promptly delivered to the DCI and I am pleased to say I heard no more of it.
In November 1966 I left Immigration and the 6th Royal Rhodesia Regiment to which I was attached, and with, Muscha (Ursula), my wife, headed for Cape Town. A few years later, I heard something about an attempt to start a BSAP association and in 1973 made my way to the Vineyard Hotel in Claremont where a get-together was to be held. To my surprise, the first ex-member I met as I entered the room was Vic Moisey who had seen me and immediately came to meet me grasping my hand. I felt immediately ‘at home’ and have been a member ever since. Vic was a regular member in those days and we often chatted about the force. I reminded him of how he had saved my bacon and we laughed a little about those days.
Suffice to say, we shall miss him. 6226 AA Stevens 2016 11 05.
My first post-depot encounter with Vic was at Timour Hall at our 2011 AGM.
After an exchange of second-round introductions, Vic’s reaction was “I know you
from your stories in the Rhodesian and Cape Outposts, which I enjoyed reading
over many years ... Mostly ghost-stories, were they not?”
Always a gentleman and a scholar, and a superb lecturer whose vivid interpreta-
tions of the law put Perry Mason to shame.
R.I.P., Vic
6494 Tony Rozemeyer
39
\
THE BSA POLICE REGIMENTAL ASSOCIATION The Association web page http://www.bsap.org is well worth a visit
Contact details of Association Branches worldwide appear hereunder:
AUSTRALIA
Perth Howard Martin [email protected]
Queensland Mike Edden [email protected]
NEW ZEALAND Michael G. Harvey [email protected]
SOUTH AFRICA
Border Bruce Beukman [email protected]
Eastern Cape Nobby Clarke [email protected]
Natal Des Howse [email protected]
Natal Midlands Alan Bennett [email protected]
Transvaal Gavin Soal [email protected]
UK Barry Henson [email protected]
USA Will Cornell [email protected]
ZIMBABWE
Central Peter Bellingham [email protected]
Webmaster Andrew Field [email protected]
Mashonaland Red O’Connell [email protected]
Matabeleland Denise Hurry [email protected]
Manicaland Station Closed.
Printed by Fish Hoek