the rhodesian armed forces plot (84) at the field of ... · the rhodesian armed forces plot (84) at...

The Rhodesian Armed Forces Plot (84) at the Field of Remembrance, Westminister Abbey on the 6th November, 2014

Massed poppies in the display at the Tower of London commemorating the 100th

Anniversary of the start of WW I

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of the BSAP Regimental Association

Chairman & Outpost Editor

Trevor Wilson 031 716 8233 (h) [email protected]

082 324 9796

Secretary Des Howse 031 762 1010 (h) PO Box 804, Linkhills 3653 [email protected]

083 440 6740

Treasurer Ethne Ayrton-White 031 762 4753 (h) [email protected]

084 506 7393

Almoner

Dave Anstey [email protected] 074 892 7498

Member Roy Gardener 031 765 4968(h) [email protected]

072 478 2311

STATION MEMBERS IN CHARGE

Durban North Iain Laing [email protected] 031 464 2842 083 778 7765

Durban West Des Howse (See above)

Durban South Ed Bird [email protected] 031 903 2967 082 482 4702

South Coast Barry Woan [email protected] 039 312 2028 083 443 0533

Widows Co-ordinator

Laurette Hardie

[email protected] 031 566 1392 083 691 2564

Cover is sponsored by 8291 John W Arkley

Banking Details

Account Name : BSAP Regimental Association

Bank : Nedbank Hillcrest Code 198765 Account No : 1338108638

Ref: Include your name, no and reason for payment eg – subs, dinner, donation, sponsorship, etc

PLEASE try to avoid making cash or cheque deposits as these attract bank charges

of the BSAP Regimental AssociationCommittee Members of the Natal Branch of the

BSAP Regimental Association : 2014 - 2015

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BARRY WOAN MEMORABILIA COLLECTOR

BSA POLICE MEMORABILIA

It’s time to clear out that old trunk/box that’s been sitting in the garage all this time, taking up space, gathering dust and never opened - turn it into Cash!!!! I am willing to pay above a fair price for BSAP memorabilia, including uniforms, badges, buttons, Outposts, books, kit and equipment. 10% and more of all monies paid, will be passed onto the Natal Branch of the BSAP Regimental Association as “commission”. Please contact: Barry Woan Cell: 083 443 0533 Email: [email protected]

Cover Photograph : “Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red” – the ceramic poppy display in the dry moat of the Tower of London to honour the Centennial of the start of World War 1. A total of 888,246 poppies represent British and Colonial Military fatalities, including members of the British South Africa Police. The final flower will be placed at 11.0am on the 11th November 2014 Remembrance Day. (Photo – Alan Lane)

Outpost Sponsorship : Sponsor your magazine to help us reduce costs, at R20,00 per page. Pages may also be sponsored in memory of a member. Your support will be much appreciated.

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CONTENTS

ITEM PAGE

Chairman’s \ Editor’s Comments

Natal Station Notes: Natal South Coast

Digger Flavell’s 90th

South Coast Fishing Trip

Durban West – Inchanga Day

Natal Branch AGM

Durban South Braai

Durban North Coffee Morning

Humour Corner

Steven Crowther’s - Early Days

Natal Branch Annual Lunch

BSAP .38 Revolver : Exploding Barrel – Mac Wiltshire

Horses in the Blood – Tony Brown

The Hustlers – Rusty Hustler

BSAP Members in North Africa and the Aegean - WWII

The Officers Mess – Morris Depot

New Natal Branch Members

Obituaries

Zimbabwe Pensioners Support Fund

Natal Social Calendar

Rear Cover - Leopard Rock Hotel 2014 and Six Male Lions

This page sponsored by 6283 Nobby Clark

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CHAIRMAN’S \ EDITOR’S COMMENTS

This Edition was proving a bit of a battle to compile for your reading pleasure. However, from not having enough copy early on, it suddenly changed to having too much and frantically having to reduce the number of pages.

It was my intention at the AGM to lighten the load a bit by “getting shot” of one of my portfolios so that I could focus attention on the magazine, but I was “out manoeuvred” by Dave Lynn, who jumped ship and lo and behold I still have both.

My impassioned plea for the younger members to volunteer to take the helm was largely ignored, but Dave Anstey bravely bucked the trend and volunteered to join the “old lags” on the Committee, so we have a modicum of new blood and youth to spur us onwards. Thank you David, not only for joining us, but also undertaking the role of Almoner, which is ever more important.

However, in all other aspects I am extremely lucky and most grateful for my good fortune. We sallied forth on a wonderful six week holiday overseas visiting some incredible places and meeting up with many dear friends and family. There were no hiccups apart from me taking an undignified “dive” with camera in one hand and raised umbrella in the other in a very wet Brussels – resulting in seriously bruised dignity but fortunately no broken bones. On return to SA and following another session of tests, I was advised by my Specialist that I am still in remission. One very happy Bunny! It doesn’t get better than that! The AGM was poorly attended, our “crystal balls” failed to predict that the Natal Sharks would be in the Super 15 rugby semi-finals on the day of the meeting, in which they performed dismally and were trounced – we missed nothing! The Branch has continued to function well on the whole, due to the dedication of the Members in Charge and their teams. Regular functions have been held and well attended, as you will read later. Barry Woan’s energy and motivation never ceases to amaze, obviously supported by the members of his station. I have to say that the South Coast members are such a cheerful and supportive bunch and it’s always a pleasure to visit that end of the “empire” or have them visit local functions. This also applies to some of the Pietermaritzburg members who can also be guaranteed to liven up proceedings on this side of the border! The number of visitors both from overseas and South African who are entertained by Barry and Marina is incredible and on top of this the “Smelly Fingers” fishing team takes to the

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seas regularly (I suspect to stock up the deep freeze). When visiting Courtney Walton, who is a keen fisherman and orchid grower/collector down at Marina Beach, I was able to enjoy a superb fish braai together with Barry and Marina Woan, Sackie MacKay and Lorraine who had driven down from Ramsgate. Sadly we have lost Peter and Bonnie Arnold, the Member in Charge, Durban South, who has moved to Dwarswegstrand near Glentana, not far from George in the Cape. You will be missed Peter and our sincere thanks for your efforts and support of the station and Branch over the years. We wish you all of the very best “further down south”. Peter has been made an Honorary Life Member of the Natal Branch for his dedication. After a gap in putting this edition together, the Annual Lunch took place and proved a popular occasion with 130 bookings and 122 finally attending. Sadly Marie and Roger Brownlow from Umtata, who always support this function and were determined to be there, had to tender last minute apologies. Marie underwent chemo a few days previously in East London and this had more severe “after effects” than was expected. Marie, we all sincerely hope that you will make good progress. Our thoughts are with you both. We missed you, as we did Fred and Lindsay Mason, who although they couldn’t attend, kindly provided beautiful orchid corsages for all of the Ladies present at the lunch. Our sincere thanks, these were very much appreciated by those who proudly wore them. It was also good to have Brian Hutchinson with his wife Jenny with us and we all hope that you will continue to do well Brian. At least you won a painting in the raffle! There were a goodly number of prizes and we must thank all of our very kind donors who assisted us to sell a large number of tickets with their donations. When I say us, I mean Dave Anstey and Marian. As always Dennis and Marian Wyatt organised the raffle and do such a good job, in addition to which Dennis undertakes the MC’s duties. The lunch was a cheerful and happy occasion, with great company, good food, an excellent speaker (Denzil Bradley) and was a most cordial and enjoyable occasion. (I know I am likely to be considered as biased, but these were the words of many of those who were present.) It was really great to have so many “old” friends and colleagues present including our Senior Member, Bill Crabtree who will turn 98 in February next year. Last year I robbed him of a couple of years when I mentioned his age as 94, for which I have apologised. Bill looked very dapper, has an incredible memory and was in good form. Mike Crabtree and his wife Cheryl kindly drove Bill through from Howick, it was good to see them also. It was as always a pleasure to have Hilary and Coralie Squires present, whose company we always

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Laurette Hardie, our Widows Co-ordinator, did an excellent job in respect of the Lunch. Thanks Laurette, your efforts are very much appreciated and we hope these very special ladies enjoyed themselves. We hope to see you all more regularly. Sadly, our Piper for many years Hugh Temple, has been seriously ill with cancer, but his son has advised recently that he is making slow but positive progress. Our thoughts are with you Hugh and we hope that you will continue to improve.

Fortunately Jim Ware kindly stepped up and piped us in to lunch, played the lament for those who are no longer with us and provided us with some sterling Scottish music during lunch which we all enjoyed, especially those with roots north of the border. Our sincere thanks Jim. Jim Ware with Des Howse, Dick Isemonger, Trevor Wilson and Denzil Bradley

As always, we are very mindful of those members or their partners who are struggling with serious injury or ill health of any kind, our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Old age can be a bugger! Smudge Smith, one of our stalwarts, recently had to undergo four operations and spent two weeks in hospital which took its toll. Unfortunately, the skin graft on his leg was not totally successful and he has to return to hospital for further checks. We are keeping an eye on him and truly hope that all will come right and we wish Shirley and Smudge all of the very best. Fortunately friends up at the Inchanga Estate, including Colin and Linda Kerr have been providing incredible support, Colin even cleared Smudges drains/sewerage!! Thanks to you both, I know that Smudge and Shirley and the committee are very grateful. The year is flashing past and as I write we are already into October, the shops already bulging with festive attractions. Where has the year gone? I must thank most sincerely those who have provided me with stories, information and photographs, what interesting articles unfold when threads are explored. I watched the Cenotaph Service on Sky News, an incredible commemoration of those who have died during the various wars, but more especially, the 100th Anniversary of the commencement of the First World War. No one ever does it quite like the Brits!

enjoy. Hilary and Coralie have been strong supporters of the Branch over many years. We must also thank them most sincerely for the most generous donation they made to Branch funds, as did Courtney Walton. We are extremely grateful. Our speaker, Denzil Bradley, originally a South African, joined the Rhodesian Native Department after leaving Cambridge. Recruited from the UK, he sailed from Southampton to Cape Town, courtesy of the Rhodesian Government so had something in common with many of us. He served in Belingwe, Tjolotjo, Gutu and Marandellas, which must have been a bit of a shock to the system, living a similar life to District Policemen, many of whom he got to know well. He then opted for a change and became Private Secretary to Lord Graham in 1962. Subsequently in 1964 he joined Foreign Affairs and was sent to London as PA to the High Commissioner, Evan Campbell. After UDI in 1965 he was expelled from the UK with Brigadier Skeen and posted as 2nd Secretary to the Rhodesian Diplomatic Mission in Lisbon. Later he was to serve four years in the Rhodesian Information Office in Sydney, Australia, successfully taking the Australian PM Gough Whitlam and Government to Court, when they tried to shut down the office. The office remained open until subsequently closed by Mugabe. On Denzils’ return to Salisbury, he served under Foreign Minister P K van der Byl, becoming an undercover agent in Gabon, the United States and South America. He spent three months at the Lancaster House Conference and left Zimbabwe after ZANU PF came to power. Now I ask you, with a speaker with this history, we were on a winning streak and he delivered a most interesting speech which was well received. John Haswell replied in his usual hilarious and side splitting manner, which is always enjoyed. Our sincere thanks to you both for your contribution, towards making the lunch such a memorable occasion. Help! What the hell are we going to do to top that next year? As always we have to thank our Hon Sec, Des Howse, who in spite of ongoing medical problems, has continued to deliver in his usual efficient manner. Des, we are indebted to you and also to our Treasurer, Ethne Ayrton White, who marshals and accounts for the shekels, makes sure that lunches are paid for and tries to gather in the subs. There were those in attendance who had travelled a considerable distance to be present, Jock Knoetze moved back from Australia because he missed Natal and his mates so much and Peter Dewe was down from West Africa. In addition Don and Erica Joss joined us again from Joburg. Others travelled from Umtata, the South Coast and Howick.

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enjoy. Hilary and Coralie have been strong supporters of the Branch over many years. We must also thank them most sincerely for the most generous donation they made to Branch funds, as did Courtney Walton. We are extremely grateful. Our speaker, Denzil Bradley, originally a South African, joined the Rhodesian Native Department after leaving Cambridge. Recruited from the UK, he sailed from Southampton to Cape Town, courtesy of the Rhodesian Government so had something in common with many of us. He served in Belingwe, Tjolotjo, Gutu and Marandellas, which must have been a bit of a shock to the system, living a similar life to District Policemen, many of whom he got to know well. He then opted for a change and became Private Secretary to Lord Graham in 1962. Subsequently in 1964 he joined Foreign Affairs and was sent to London as PA to the High Commissioner, Evan Campbell. After UDI in 1965 he was expelled from the UK with Brigadier Skeen and posted as 2nd Secretary to the Rhodesian Diplomatic Mission in Lisbon. Later he was to serve four years in the Rhodesian Information Office in Sydney, Australia, successfully taking the Australian PM Gough Whitlam and Government to Court, when they tried to shut down the office. The office remained open until subsequently closed by Mugabe. On Denzils’ return to Salisbury, he served under Foreign Minister P K van der Byl, becoming an undercover agent in Gabon, the United States and South America. He spent three months at the Lancaster House Conference and left Zimbabwe after ZANU PF came to power. Now I ask you, with a speaker with this history, we were on a winning streak and he delivered a most interesting speech which was well received. John Haswell replied in his usual hilarious and side splitting manner, which is always enjoyed. Our sincere thanks to you both for your contribution, towards making the lunch such a memorable occasion. Help! What the hell are we going to do to top that next year? As always we have to thank our Hon Sec, Des Howse, who in spite of ongoing medical problems, has continued to deliver in his usual efficient manner. Des, we are indebted to you and also to our Treasurer, Ethne Ayrton White, who marshals and accounts for the shekels, makes sure that lunches are paid for and tries to gather in the subs. There were those in attendance who had travelled a considerable distance to be present, Jock Knoetze moved back from Australia because he missed Natal and his mates so much and Peter Dewe was down from West Africa. In addition Don and Erica Joss joined us again from Joburg. Others travelled from Umtata, the South Coast and Howick.

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NATAL STATION NOTES

Natal South Coast Mid-Year Lunch : 24 May 2014

The South Coast Station played host for a mid-year Luncheon held at the Cinder City Moth Shellhole on Saturday 24th May this year.

The Moths were represented by Brian and Jaynene Coward who, as always, put on a magnificent luncheon with 74 members sitting down to a hot main course followed by an excellent pud. Their team working in the kitchen, preparing the tables and cleaning up were just marvellous. Harry and Wally who were bravely managing the “coal face” (the Bar) were well capable of handling the pressure. In fact both “had a Rhodesian connection” and much camaraderie was shared. A big ‘thank you’ to the Old Bill and the Moths at Cinder City, for their great hospitality. Although the attendance numbers were five short on the same occasion last year, many made the effort by travelling from near and far to attend. It was nice to see Jock Pirrett, Gus Albertson and Tony Merris, all from Johannesburg, a strong contingent from Durban including amongst others, Dave and Maddie Lynn, Ethne White and Dave and Marion Wright all the way from the North Coast. Peter Arnold and the Durban South “faithfuls” were also there including Jac Parker, Neville Cook, Ed and Patsy Bird and Digger Flavell. Digger who turns 90 on the 9th June will have the honour of opening our South Coast 90’s Club. We all salute you Sir. A raffle was staged with some exceptional prizes. Here we would like to thank Steve Worral-Clare for making and donating the very attractive main prize of the clock, Lt Col Pat Hill for the Bottle of Chevas Regal, Dave Owen for the Red Label whiskey and a golf shirt, Craig Fourie for the Book on the Air Force and Des Niemandt for donating a set of very attractive place mats. Thank you all. Always huge appreciation and love extended to our own Val Gibbons (who served as a Woman Field Reservist at the Mashaba Police Station) and who now is a long serving member of our 80’s Club and proud to tell all. Val organises the “notification” in the local newspapers “What’s On” column, the photographer on the day and then compiles the story for inclusion in the Thursday’s copy of the South Coast Herald. Many thanks Val. If we had not had a rush of cancellations just days before and on the day we would have easily topped the 100 mark. Maybe our Christmas Luncheon will do that. And finally a special thanks to the South Coast Branch members for all their assistance in making our get- togethers so special. Here I must make special mention of Sakkie McKay, Brian and Jenny Hutchinson, Dave Owen and Steve Worral-Clare.

Whilst a little on the early side, I will take this opportunity, in our last edition for this year, to wish all members and their loved ones, far and wide, a really happy and enjoyable Festive Season and a great 2015. May it prove to be a good, healthy and happy year for you all.

...............Trevor Wilson

UK Visit : June 2014

Kerry Croasdell, the Editor and Joe Frost, retired Deputy Chief Constable of Gwent, after a

most enjoyable lunch in Malmsbury, Wiltshire in June

Two Irish Men, a blonde and a flag pole

Two Irishmen were standing at the base of a flagpole, looking up. A blonde walks by and asked them what they were doing. Paddy replied, 'We're supposed to be finding the height of this flagpole, but we don't have a ladder’.

The blonde took out an adjustable spanner from her bag, loosened a few bolts and laid the flagpole down. She took a tape measure out of her pocket, took a few measurements and announced that it was 18 feet 6 inches. Then, she walked off.

Mick said to Paddy, 'Isn't that just like a blonde! We need the height and she gives us the bloody length”.

This page sponsored by 8291 John W Arkley

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NATAL STATION NOTES




Whilst a little on the early side, I will take this opportunity, in our last edition for this year, to wish all members and their loved ones, far and wide, a really happy and enjoyable Festive Season and a great 2015. May it prove to be a good, healthy and happy year for you all.

...............Trevor Wilson

UK Visit : June 2014

Kerry Croasdell, the Editor and Joe Frost, retired Deputy Chief Constable of Gwent, after a

most enjoyable lunch in Malmsbury, Wiltshire in June

Two Irish Men, a blonde and a flag pole

Two Irishmen were standing at the base of a flagpole, looking up. A blonde walks by and asked them what they were doing. Paddy replied, 'We're supposed to be finding the height of this flagpole, but we don't have a ladder’.

The blonde took out an adjustable spanner from her bag, loosened a few bolts and laid the flagpole down. She took a tape measure out of her pocket, took a few measurements and announced that it was 18 feet 6 inches. Then, she walked off.

Mick said to Paddy, 'Isn't that just like a blonde! We need the height and she gives us the bloody length”.

This page sponsored by 8291 John W Arkley 9

NATAL STATION NOTES




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held for him at the Scottburgh Country Club on Wednesday 11th June attended by his mates from both the Durban South and South Coast Stations. Champagne, drinks and a great meal of fish and chips was enjoyed by all and mixed with tales from our treasured past, made the day even more special. The meal was rounded off by a wonderful birthday cake. We all wore Hats with the badge “BSAP Recce“ printed thereon. Digger was the Last Commanding Officer of the Recce Unit when the Armoured Cars were de-commissioned. His unfamiliar Police Hat had the Inscription “Officer Commanding Recce Unit” inscribed on it. Barry Woan

NATAL SOUTH COAST FISHING TRIP 13 JUNE, 2014 : TEAM “SMELLY FINGERS”

7522 Steve Worrall-Clare, Deon (crewman) 6233 Courtney Walton, Craig Fourie (SADF) 6019 Sakkie McKay, 8157 Barry Woan, Anthony (skipper and standing on the boat), Tony Clark (RAR) 10098 Bryan Smith, 9574 Ian Denholme and 5774 Dave Owen

We set off from the Shelly Beach Ski Boat Club on Riptide early on Friday 13th June. The weather was perfect and it was not long before we were all hauling in some nice sized rock cod, snappers, stumpnose and others . It was the first time that we had the opportunity of wearing our 2014 Team shirts which were a change from the 2013 drab khaki ones and the change was enjoyed by all.

It was also an occasion to welcome three new members into the Team, 7522 Steve Worrall-Clare, 9574 Ian Denholme and 10098 Bryan Smith (with the two latter making their way from Johannesburg for the weekend).

This page sponsored by 5666 Dave Wright

74 Members and Guests attending were : 5774 Dave and Denise Owen, 8157 Barry and Marina Woan, Kim Packer (wife of 8214 Bob), 8436 Brian and Jenny Hutchinson, 8053 Gus Alberston, 7717 Tony Merris, 6019 Sakkie McKay, 8527 Des Niemandt, 7110 Ed and Patsy Bird, 7714 John Alston (New Member) 39411 Fred Potgieter (Army), F/R Henry and Lorraine Arlow, W/F/R Val Gibbons, Peter and Susan McClellend (Guest 4RR) 5231 John Dolby and Sharin Pretorius, 6233 Courtney Walton, Joy Davis (widow 8674 Charlie) , 6872 Dave Lynn, WPO 144 Maddie Lynn, W/F/R Noreen Goussard, P/R Bill Goussard, 0410 Pat and Nowell Hill ( Officer Commanding One RLI) WPO Jo Brophy and Guest Annalien Burger, 5087 Robin and Pat Johnson, 6030 Robin and Pauline Clark, 8332 Chris Cummings, May Messina (widow 7229 Andy), 6817 Keith Douche, 6610 Jock Pirrett, Deks and Monica Zunker (Guests), Ethne White (widow 5754 Mike) 6187 John and Yvonne Haswell, 6467 Hilary Von Horsten, 7790 Mike Lambourn, 5666 Dave and Marion Wright, 7616 Myles and Trish Cunnison, Gerry and Gill Gregory (Guest ex SAS), 5888 Neville Cook, 3335 P/R Digger Flavell (South Coast Senior Detail) 5092 Peter Arnold, 7522 Steve and Tina Worrall-Clare, 16318 P/R Gibb Hendry, WFR Nerina Hendry, 6230 Buddy and Janet Charsley, 9433 Jamie and Mo McMillan, P/R John and July Ractliffe, Ann Spanton (widow P/R Gerald) , 5794 Jac Parker, 5663 Peter and Robyn Huson and guest Pam Powell, 5708 Fred Brown with daughter Joyce. Anne Longhurst (widow of Paul ).

Regrettably the only photographs were taken by the local press and we have been unable to retrieve any of these.

Barry Woan

Digger Flavell’s 90th Birthday – Natal South Coast

Jac Parker, Ed Bird, Brian Hutchinson Dave Owen, Muriel Parker, Peter Arnold, Peter Huson, Sakkie

McKay, Barry Woan, Digger Flavell, and Neville Cook. 3335Z Digger Flavell, the oldest member on the South Coast and a long-time member of the Durban South Station, turned 90 on Monday the 9th June 2014. A birthday party was

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Barry Woan




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Barry Woan




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Yvonne Wood & Shelagh Hamilton Johnny Carroll, Des and Trish Howse at the Braai

It was really good to see Shelagh Hamilton, widow of the late Rob Hamilton at the function and she assured us that she would be at the Annual Lunch as well! Smudge Smith and his team were thanked for organising the great venue (he claimed credit for organising the weather, as well!).

Peter Harris and Phil Graham WPO’s Jill Colepepper and Maddy Lynn

Standing - Smudge and son Nigel Smith, Nigel Cuerden, Dave & Sharon Anstey, John Miller, Louise Ford and Harold Bristow, Sitting - Shirley Smith, Rosemary Jack (guest) , Eve Harris and Jessica Blaine (guest)

This page sponsored by 5842 Derek Starr

We returned to shore and whilst the 64 fish were being cleaned and filleted we took the opportunity to have a few beers with our hosts from Riptide, Stephanie (owner) Anthony (Skipper) and Deon (crewman). Fresh fillets were then fried on the hot plate by Sakkie McKay and Tony Clark (not three hours after they were pulled from the sea.....you can't get fresher than that). On returning to the Woanery together with friends and family we enjoyed another fish braai and partied well into the night. In addition to the braai's we were able to make up 21 fish parcels for our "Jolly Widows" and other Members of the Association down here. A great time was had by all." Warm regards. Barry

INCHANGA DAY 20 JULY 2014

Braai Fires are lit, drinks are ready and the assembled members are waiting to see if the Chairman will

step back during his address and fall into the freezing pool!

Wonderful weather and great camaraderie were enjoyed by fifty two members and friends (a record attendance!) at the combined Natal and Natal Midlands Branches Inchanga Day on Sunday 20 July. First-time attendees Tony & Wendy UDAL and Peter & Lesley HARRIS were welcomed into the fold and Peter waxed lyrical about how great it was to get together with old (not necessarily aged) former colleagues. Ex-chairman Graham de Wit and his wife Betty graced us with their presence as did Peter and Gill Colepeper, who flit between Howick and Montagu in the W Cape. It was also great to welcome Harold Bristow, younger brother of Sid Bristow, a previous Commissioner of the Force, who came with his Nephew Rob Bristow. A notable absence was that of Flik Bennett due to ill-health and we certainly missed her peri-peri chicken livers as well as her sadza, which have become so much part of the braai. We wish her a speedy recovery.

This page sponsored by 6393 Chris Wilkinson

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NATAL AGM ON 26 JULY 2014 HELD AT THE GERMAN CLUB, WESTVILLE

Courtney Walton, Rob Bristow, Chris Driver, Barry Woan, Stretch Hughes and xxx at the AGM Braai

As mentioned earlier, the AGM followed by a braai was not well attended, but there were a number of regular members who had travelled from Howick and even Johannesburg to be present. Generally the Branch is in good health, although getting the younger members to get involved on the commiittee is problematic. (It is vital that these members keep the Branch going into the future, particularly as the current incumbents will sooner or later pass their ‘sell by’.) Ken Wood and Dave Lynn resigned from the committee after sterling service, Dave Anstey was voted on, and volunteered to take over Dave Lynn’s portfolio as Almoner. The incumbents were re-elected in their current portfolios, there being no other members prepared to step forward!

Unfortunately our Chairman/Editor who was concentrating on other matters, forgot his camera, so if Dave Owen had not taken a “shot”, there would have been no photographic record!

Those present were : 7229 Des Howse, 5042 Peter Arnold, 5087 Robin Johnson, 5666 David Wright, 6030 Robin Clark, (5754) Ethne Ayrton White, 5842 Derek Starr, 6872 David Lynn, 5749 Paul Shewell, (4749) Laurette Hardie, 7706 Chris Driver, 5661 Trevor Wilson, 9991 Doug Brown, 8410 Andrew Sternslow, 5428 Ian Hogg, 9169 Dave Anstey, 8966 Derek Lowe, 7026 Stretch Hughes, 6283 Nobby Clark, 5934 Fred Mason, 6233 Courtney Walton, 5930 Roy and Pauline Gardener, 5888 Neville Cook, 111166 Rob Kempen, 7110 Ed Bird, 8157 Barry Woan, 5774 Dave Owen, 6233 Courtney Walton.

This page sponsored by 5268 Malcolm Wiltshire

Scotty Macauley, Rob Bristow, Peter Harris, Jock Knoetze, Allan Bennett, Anthony Wood, and Robin Johnson

Roll on next year’s get-together! Those attending were (in order of names on the Attendance Register) :

7229 Des & Trish Howse; 8242 Alan Bennett; 8303 Rob Bristow; 4254 Smudge & Shirley Smith; Nigel Smith (Smudge’s son out from the UK); 6750 John Miller; 8371 Colin & Linda Kerr; 7639 Jock Knoetze; 6519 John & Nancy Carroll; 8558 Pete & Lesley Harris; Eve Harris (guest); Jessica Blaine (guest); WP71 Louise Ford; 5826 Nigel Cuerden; 5661 Trevor & Linda Wilson; 6717 Hugh & Gill Dixon; (7402) Shelagh Hamilton; 8798 Anthony Wood; 6454 John & Chrissie Lees; 9169 Dave & Sharon Anstey; 5836 Peter & WP90 Gill Colepeper; 5480 Scotty Macauley; 6170 Graham & Betty de Wit; 6520 Barry & Sharon Lane; 5802 Ken & Yvonne Wood; 6136 Ant Crossley; 5948 Tony & Wendy Udal; 6805 Phil & Adelle Graham; 6135 Gerard Robinson & Lucy Blackman; 6872 Dave & WP144 Maddy Lynn; 7543 Pete & Elsa Gatland; 6283 Nobby & Natascha Clark, Rosemary Jack (Guest).

Des Howse

Barry Lane, Hugh & Gill Dixon, Sharon Lane, Chrissie Lees, Nancy & Johnny Carroll and John Lees

This page sponsored by 4384 Barry Thomas

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Des Howse



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Des Howse



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Peter has been an energetic and supportive member of the Natal Branch for many years, as well as competently fulfilling the role of Member in Charge of the Durban South Station which has been extremely successful under his “watch”. He will be sorely missed. Trevor Wilson the Branch Chairman who attended the function with our Hon Sec, Des Howse, presented Peter with an “Honorary Life Membership Award” and a Beer Mug in appreciation of his Long Service. We wish both Peter and Bonnie a pleasant retirement down on “the other Coast”. Ed Bird has stepped up to the plate and has volunteered to take over as “Member In Charge” Station and we welcome both Ed and Patsy in this new role. We are sure that Ed will, in his own style, and with the assistance of the hard working Neville Cook, build on the existing fantastic reputation of the Durban South Station with the support and co- operation of the station members.

Ed Bird, Trevor Wilson, Jock Knoetze, Barry Woan, Alan Hadfield, Mike Joyce & Des Howse

The new Member in Charge, Durban South Station, Ed Bird, Peter Arnold, the departing incumbent and Station “right hand man” Neville Cook

This page sponsored by 6785 Roger Brownlow

VISITORS FROM ZIMBABWE

Sakkie Mckay, Barry Woan, Brian Hutchinson, Dave Lurie and Wendy Lurie

At the beginning of August we were able to meet up with 8150 Dave Lurie and his wife Wendy (formerly

WPO 191 Wendy Duncan) who were down on holiday with their family from Harare. Dave, who is a member of the Association, Bob Packer and I were in Depot together in 1969 and we have not seen each

other in 45 years.....so much catching up over a couple of sessions were undertaken.

Brian Hutchinson, Dave Lurie. Bob Packer and Barry Woan

Beer Sales were obviously boosted during the “get together”! Ed.

DURBAN SOUTH BRAAI : SUNDAY 17 August 2014

Durban South Branch held their August function as usual at the Winkelspruit Bowling Club. Although the weather was not that great, a great time was had by the 34 members who were in attendance. It was both a happy and sad event with Peter and Bonnie Arnold bidding us farewell as they are moving soon to a new home between George and Mossel Bay.

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Photo of the “South Coasters” on arrival at Winkelspruit with Peter Arnold and Neville Cook there to meet us….

Left to right: Neville Cook, Denise Owen, Sakkie Mckay, Jo Brophy, Hilary Von Horsten, May Messina,

Barry Woan, Peter Arnold, Joy Davis, Alan Hadfield, Digger Flavell, and Jamie McMillan (Photographer – Dave Owen)

Alan Hadfields Visit to the “Woanary” aka Barry’s Pub

In the pub after the Boks “scraped” a win against Argentina. Left to right: Sakkie McKay, Alan Hadfield, Barry Woan, Myles Cunnison and

Brian Hutchinson.

Another get-together, during Alan Hadfield’s visit. Alan who served in the Support Unit, was able to sit and discuss his submission for our forthcoming Book, "The Support Unit".

The South Coast Station arrived in the usual Tour bus with the “party” only ending when the last passenger was dropped (poured ?) off later that evening in Ramsgate. With this contingent was Alan Hadfield from Sydney Australia. Alan has been over on business and “stole” a few days to visit Ramsgate to stay with his old friend Barry Woan. Alan had a great time meeting friends from years gone by and has indicated that he will return again.

Alan and Louise Branfield, Anne & Jock Knoetze and Alan Hadfield

The “Gang” at the Durban South Braai to wish Peter and Bonnie goodbye

Those in attendance were: 5042 Peter Arnold, 5888 Neville Cook, L. Bruce (SADF) 3335 Z P/R Digger Flavell, 8157 Barry Woan, 9334 Jamie McMillan, (8674) Joy Davis, 6467 Hilary Von Horsten (wife of Butch), 7983 Allan and Louise Branfield, 7639 Jock and Anne Knoetze, 7229 Des Howse, 5661 Trevor Wilson, 5749 Paul Shewell, 5794 Jac and Muriel Parker,5156 Pete Gibson with Cathy Mumford, 7110 Ed and Patsy Bird, 12686 PR Charlie and Hilda Adams, 6088 Gerry Bowker and 12686 WFR Marie Bowker, 8181 Malcolm Dale, 8755 Alan Hadfield, (7129) May Messina, WPO 221 Jo Brophy-Fiddler, 5774 Dave and Denise Owen, 6019 Sakkie McKay, 233291 Mike and Martine Joyce (SAP) 5042 Peter Arnold

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Brian Hutchinson.






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Brian Hutchinson.






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Humour Corner

I met an older woman at a bar last night. She looked pretty good for a 60-year-old. In fact, she wasn't too bad at all, and I found myself thinking she probably had a really hot daughter. We drank a couple of beers, and she asked if I'd ever had a “Sportsman's Double”? “What's that”? I asked. “It's a mother and daughter threesome” she said, really firing up my imagination. My mind really began to embrace the idea and I wondered what her daughter might look like. “No, I haven't.” I said getting rather excited. We drank a bit more, then she said with a wink, “tonight's your lucky night”. We went back to her place arm in arm and walked in. She put on the hall light and shouted upstairs: “Mom...you still awake?” I suddenly lost my ardour and did a “runner”!

A Different Perspective about a Medical Problem.

A man walked into a Chemists and asked to talk to a male pharmacist. The woman behind the counter said that she was sorry but she was the only pharmacist and as she and her sister owned the store, there were no male employees. She then asked if she could help him.

He said that the problem was something rather personal which he would be more comfortable discussing with a male pharmacist.

The lady pharmacist assured him that she was completely professional and whatever it was that he needed to discuss, he could be confident that she would treat him with a high level of professionalism and confidentiality.

He reluctantly agreed and began by saying, "This is tough for me to discuss, but I get erections every day,that can last up to four hours, sometimes longer. It causes me a lot of problems and serious embarrassment, and I was wondering what youcould prescribe to overcome it."

The pharmacist said, "Just wait a minute please, I’d like to consult with my sisterabout your unusual problem".

When she returned, she said, "We have discussed this at length and this is the absolute best we can do for you:

.....1/3 ownership in the store, .....a company car, .....a king size bed and

.....$3,000 a month in living expenses."!

DURBAN NORTH COFFEE MORNING : 10 SEPTEMER 2014

Trevor Hughes, Mac Wiltshire, John Haswell, Iain Laing, Jim Mayor, Malcolm Webb, Des Howse, Dave Anstey and Trevor Wilson

Nine of us gathered at the Europa Café at La Lucia on Wednesday 10th September. It was a good session with lots of laughs. It went on a bit longer than normal (tea/coffee only!) We get a 20% discount from Craig Davidson which definitely helps. It was good to meet up with two new members - Dave Anstey and Malcolm Webb, who I trust will come again despite raucous laughter and shady jokes. Johnny Haswell was in good form as always. We were honoured by the presence of Des and Trevor from "up the hill", who managed to behave themselves reasonably well! Those present were: 5268 Mac Wiltshire; 7229 Des Howse; 5661 Trevor Wilson; 8215 Malcolm Webb; 9169 Dave Anstey; 7106 Trevor Hughes, 6167 John Haswell; 6253 Iain Laing and PR 22968 Jim Mayor. Iain Laing.

Obituary - Group Captain “Ossie” Oswald Denis Penton : R.A.F

We were sad to learn earlier this year of the death of “Ossie” Penton in Durban who served in the Rhodesian Air Force and was a great friend of the BSA Police. An incredible Pilot, qualified on all but one of the various types of aircraft used by the Air Force, Ossie stood no nonsense and preferred flying to admin. He often enjoyed a drink in the Copper Pot in Morris Depot and was also a regular guest at the BSAP Natal Branch Dinners in the 1990’s. His son 8849 Selwyn “Solly” Penton, also based in Durban, served from 11.08.72 to 02.05.82 and left as a Detective Inspector. Ossie retired from the Air Force as a Wing Commander but then became Group Captain, O.C. Volunteer Reserve. Having served at the Joint Planning Staff I knew Ossie well. A great guy. R.I.P. Ed.

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Humour Corner
















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Humour Corner
















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The Early Days

As a recruit at Morris Depot one of the duties I “feared” was guarding Police HQ just down the road. Being forced to patrol those empty corridors at night scared me witless for some reason. Must have been the ghosts of Commissioners past! The only consolation was missing the 6.00 am parade and not being screamed at by Ginge Garland. I clearly recall being able to hear from PGHQ, almost a kilometre away, the strident baritones of SO Mike Lambourne as he brought the parade to order. (Thus it was a great surprise and pleasure to see Mike alive and well at the Margate lunch I attended at Sea Park.)

I wonder if Mike remembers our Squad 1 and 2 of 1973? Perhaps the only notable thing about our intake was our united and formidable dislike for a certain drill instructor. On our passing out night, and I did truly “pass out”, some enterprising squad members locked one of the horses in this instructor’s room. I understand that brave and worthy animal did a fine job of kicking the room and its contents to bits!

As fierce as he was, we all loved Ginge Garland to bits. For all his bark he didn’t really bite, he really cared for his recruits and was very much a father figure for many youngsters away from home. Whilst most of the recruits were “Zimbos” and not far from home, others like myself had travelled from South Africa into a somewhat different environment. Then of course, there were those who had journeyed across the world from various corners of the United Kingdom into what must have seemed to be darkest Africa.

I recall Ginge giving us the traditional stern lecture about male recruits abstaining from close fraternization with the new squad of “woppoes” which was accompanied by much blushing and sniggering. Truth was we could hardly wait!

I clearly remember one morning at an ungodly hour the sounds of Ginge screaming at a man next to me, enquiring if he was in pain? A surprising “No Sir” followed by a retort from Ginge “you bloody well should be, I’m standing on your hair!” Ginge had a sharp sense of smell and in no time he detected the odour of rum and berated the poor fellow further.

In the first week we faced roll call for the first time as the names were bellowed out.

THE GIRL ACROSS THE ROAD

She's lovely and single. She lives right across the road. I can see her place from my deck. I watched as she got home from work this evening.

I was surprised when she walked across the Street, up my driveway and knocked on my door.

I rushed to open it, all a quiver. She looked seductively at me and said, "I just got home. I have this strong urge to have a good time, get drunk, and make passionate love all night long”! “Are you busy tonight?" she asked.

I replied quickly and breathlessly, "Gosh no, I'm free, and I have no plans at all"

She said, "Great, could you baby sit my dog”? What a putdown!

ooooOOOoooo

Having encouraged younger members to become actively involved with the Association, it was pleasing to receive an article from Steven Crowther.

Ed.

Steven Crowther 8890/10125

My interest in the BSAP Regimental Association was belatedly awoken when my mate BB dragged me off to a “get together” at a Margate Station lunch in November 2012. Seeing old faces and acquaintances, the likes of Barry Woan, rekindled reminiscences of the “good old days”. Whilst great to see old buddies it was a sobering experience to be reminded how age has caught up with us all. Barry appears to have lost none of the blarney and was, as ever, the life and soul of the occasion. His account of his “transfer” to the Unit was hilarious.

A small concern/grumble that I have is that there simply are not enough younger participants out there. I am certain there are many others of my era, somewhere out in KZN and it would be so good to hear from them and for them to participate and support the Association.

I have decided to “unleash” my writing “talent” and put together a few stories of my experiences in the BSAP. I hope some may find them interesting.

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The Early Days













ooooOOOoooo


Ed.





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The Early Days













ooooOOOoooo


Ed.





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policeman at last, out there to bust crime, licensed to kill!

Now one particular recruit, had somehow sneaked through the back door of the recruiting process. That this fellow was undersized would be a euphemism! Anyway, the said recruit whilst lacking in stature was certainly not short of enthusiasm and was determined to make an arrest on his first foray into the wild streets of of Salisbury. Shortly after being let loose on the streets, he spotted a hardened criminal hawking vegetables and pounced. The criminal in question was a “little old lady of about 60” who was also blind. Upon being shouted at in a strange language and having hand cuffs suddenly clamped to her wrist, the terrified old dear took off down the road in fear of her life.

Unfortunately the overzealous little Patrol Officer had cuffed himself to this hardened felon and she ended up dragging him through the streets for some distance. Of course this young man was not alone on patrol but his comrades in arms had been reduced to helpless laughter and were unable to assist. I don’t recall much of this fellow recruit, as I never saw him again after leaving the Depot.

Perhaps there was some merit in the Regiment’s size requirements after all.

Steven Crowther ooooOOOOoooo IRISH CORNER Two Irish friends leave the pub late one night a bit worse for the demon drink, one says to the other, 'I can't be bothered to be walkin’ all the way home.' 'I know, me too, but we've no money for a cab and we've missed the last bus’. 'We could steal a bus from the depot' replies his mate. They arrive at the bus depot and one goes in to get a bus while the other keeps a look-out. After shuffling around for ages, the lookout shouts, 'What the hell are ye doin? Have ye not found one yet?' 'I can't find a No. 91' 'Oh fer heaven’s sake, ye t'ick bugger, jest pinch the No.14 and we'll walk home from the roundabout.'


Anderson! “Sir”, Brown “Sir”, Chambers “Sir”. Then we got to this this fellow named Cook.

“Cook”, screams Inspector Garland. “Yes?” says Cook.

“Yes –what?” screams an apoplectic Garland!

“Gordon Cook” comes the reply, “but you can call me Speedy”! Poor Ginge nearly had a heart attack right there on the spot!

Speedy ended up with a number of us down in Bulawayo and proceeded to try and “lay waste” to Bulawayo’s nubile maidens.

Speedy had a cool trick of flicking out the side stand on his Traffic Yamaha 350 as he coasted to a stop and then letting the bike settle onto the stand, leaping off in a smooth motion. One fine day in Bullies, Speedy spots a pair of sweet young things on the sidewalk. Resplendent in white sleeves and “wrap around” shades he cruises in to the sidewalk and does his smooth trick with the Yamaha side stand. Unfortunately the side stand on this occasion didn’t cooperate and it snapped back, with poor Speedy ending up with the bike on top of him. Fortunately he was rescued by these lovelies who pulled the bike off him. What embarrassment. Such is luck!

Another depot duty I hated, although not feared, was being the Orderly Corporal or whatever it was called. This involved the “street-cred” destroying ride into town on a bicycle to fetch the post from Causeway. I always chained up the bike well short of the Post Office and walked the rest of the way.

On the way to town one had to call in on Chief Inspector John Pierce at the stables. When asked if he needed anything in town, he invariably made the same request, “A blonde and bottle of Scotch” before calling you a “filthy maggot” and shooing you on your way.

Finally in the Early Days article I must recount the tale of our first venture on official duty into the big city. As was the custom, after a few weeks, recruits were kitted out in full uniform and sent out to various stations in Salisbury to patrol the streets and do our bit for the country. A big thrill for us all. We were real

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Our Guest Speaker, Denzil Bradley, formerly of the Rhodesian Diplomatic Corps, gave a most interesting and informative talk of his sanctions-busting efforts in a number of countries during the Independence years, although he couldn’t obviously give us all the nitty-gritty. Dennis Wyatt was at his best as MC and John Haswell replied to the Speaker’s address in his own inimitable fashion.

The South Coast Station (aka the Margate Mob), led by the indomitable Barry Woan, again made their presence felt, Barry asserting that he had to be at the Lunch “to make sure that the Committee were doing things properly and to catch up with other members!”

A feature of this year’s Lunch was that the Widows Co-ordinator, Laurette Hardie, had made a huge effort to get as many of our special ladies to the function as possible and those that did attend, enjoyed themselves immensely.

The Restaurant’s kitchen team again excelled in their service and presentation of an excellent meal and we have already booked the venue for next year.

Those that attended were:

9169 Dave ANSTEY, 8210 Geoff & Gail ASHBURNER, 8141 Trevor & Jane ASHBURNER, (5754) Ethne AYRTON-WHITE, 6422, Lionel BAKER & Rose Mee, 9109 Gavin & Brenda BENNISON, 8242 Alan & Flik BENNETT, 7110 Ed BIRD, Denzil & Pam BRADLEY, (Guest Speaker) 8308 Rob BRISTOW, (9322) Jenny BRYSON, Joyce BUNTON, 6519 John & Nancy CARROLL , 6283 Nobby & Natascha CLARK, 6030 Robin & Pauline CLARK, 5888 Neville & Elsa COOK, 3708 Bill CRABTREE, 8507 Mike & Cheryl CRABTREE, 6136 Ant CROSSLEY, 5826 Nigel CUERDEN, (8674) Joy DAVIS, 7677 Peter DEWE, 6170 Graham & Betty DE WIT, PR 12300 Laurie & Doreen DE WITT, 6817 Keith DOUCHE & Liz CURRAN, 7706 Chris DRIVER, Bill & Dot Du PLESSIS (Guests), (5293) Beryl DUTTON, WP71 Louise FORD, 5930 Roy & Pauline GARDENER, 7543 Pete & Elsabe GATLAND, 5156 Peter GIBSON & (6363 ) Cathy MUMFORD, Johnny & Noelene GREEN, (Guests), (7402) Shelagh HAMILTON, (4749) Laurette HARDIE, 8558 Pete & Lesley HARRIS, 6187 John & Yvonne HASWELL, 5874 Garth HATTON, 5428 Ian & Penny HOGG, 7229 Des & Trish HOWSE, 8436 Brian & Jenny HUTCHINSON, 5958 Dick ISEMONGER, 5087 Robin & Pat JOHNSON, 5991 Don & Erica JOSS, 9131 Ken JOUBERT, 8371 Colin & Linda KERR, 7639 Jock KNOETZE, (5520) Thelma LATHE, 6454 John LEES, 5480 Scotty & Felicity MACAULEY, 7636 Russell & Colleen McDAIRMID, 6019 Sakkie McKay, Mick & Alison McKENNA (Guests), 6759 John MILLER, 5774 David & Denise OWEN, 5794 Jac & Muriel PARKER, 8276 Brian PERKINS, P/R 23023 Peter SHATTOCK, 5749 Paul & Heather SHEWELL, 4254 Smudge & Shirley SMITH, P/R 9465 Hilary & Coralie SQUIRES, 5842 Derek & Doris STARR, 5760 Malcolm & Jean

NATAL BRANCH ANNUAL LUNCH

24 SEPTEMBER 2014 : HILLCREST, DURBAN

M.C DENNIS WYATT SENIOR MEMBER BILL CRABTREE

PART OF THE CONVIVIAL GATHERING

One hundred and twenty two members and guests gathered together on Wednesday 24 September 2014 at the Club de Vie Restaurant, Le Domaine Estate, Hillcrest, for the Natal Branch Annual Lunch, an event which was eagerly awaited by many, following the previous very successful lunches held at the Restaurant.

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NATAL BRANCH ANNUAL LUNCH

24 SEPTEMBER 2014 : HILLCREST, DURBAN

M.C DENNIS WYATT SENIOR MEMBER BILL CRABTREE

PART OF THE CONVIVIAL GATHERING

One hundred and twenty two members and guests gathered together on Wednesday 24 September 2014 at the Club de Vie Restaurant, Le Domaine Estate, Hillcrest, for the Natal Branch Annual Lunch, an event which was eagerly awaited by many, following the previous very successful lunches held at the Restaurant.

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TORRANCE, 5948 Tony & Wendy UDAL, (5850 ) June VINCENT, 6233, Courtney WALTON, Jim WARE, (Piper), 8215 Malcolm WEBB, 8194, Rick WENTZEL, 5661 Trevor & Linda WILSON, 5268 Malcolm & Daphne WILTSHIRE, 8157 Barry WOAN, 5802 Ken & Yvonne WOOD, 5666 David & Marion WRIGHT, 8068 Dennis & Marian WYATT. . Des Howse

A Cheerful Chairman A pensive Hilary Squires

Sparkling Laurette Hardie Jim Ware blowing up a storm A serious Dick Isemonger

Lofty and Marion Wright concentrating Décor Organisers, Linda and Trish. Thank you ladies

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TORRANCE, 5948 Tony & Wendy UDAL, (5850 ) June VINCENT, 6233, Courtney WALTON, Jim WARE, (Piper), 8215 Malcolm WEBB, 8194, Rick WENTZEL, 5661 Trevor & Linda WILSON, 5268 Malcolm & Daphne WILTSHIRE, 8157 Barry WOAN, 5802 Ken & Yvonne WOOD, 5666 David & Marion WRIGHT, 8068 Dennis & Marian WYATT. . Des Howse

A Cheerful Chairman A pensive Hilary Squires

Sparkling Laurette Hardie Jim Ware blowing up a storm A serious Dick Isemonger

Lofty and Marion Wright concentrating Décor Organisers, Linda and Trish. Thank you ladies

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L to R: Peter Dewe, Dave Anstey, Ethne Ayrton White, Robin Johnson, Robin Clark, Pat Johnson and Pauline Clark

Standing - Russell McDairmid, Rob Bristow, Chris Driver, Jock Knoetze, Sakkie MacKay, Seated - Colleen McDairmid, Laurette Hardie, Jenny Bryson and June Vincent

John Miller, Jock Knoetze, Malcolm Torrance and Paul Shewell

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Standing - Jenny & Brian Hutchinson, Ed Bird, Peter & Elsa Gatland, Denise & Dave Owen Seated - Sakkie MacKay, Barry Woan, Courtney Walton

Standing – Malcolm Webb, Gail and Trevor Ashburner, Seated – Rick Wentzel, Gavin and Brenda Bennison, Geoff and Jane Ashburner.

Our sincere thanks must also go to Trish Howse and Linda Wilson for volunteering to organise the floral décor again which looked most attractive. Ed

This page sponsored by 17777 Mike Fisher

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Standing - Jenny & Brian Hutchinson, Ed Bird, Peter & Elsa Gatland, Denise & Dave Owen Seated - Sakkie MacKay, Barry Woan, Courtney Walton

Standing – Malcolm Webb, Gail and Trevor Ashburner, Seated – Rick Wentzel, Gavin and Brenda Bennison, Geoff and Jane Ashburner.

Our sincere thanks must also go to Trish Howse and Linda Wilson for volunteering to organise the floral décor again which looked most attractive. Ed

This page sponsored by 17777 Mike Fisher

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Speaker Denzil and his Wife Pam Bradley

Standing - Tony and Wendy Udal, Roy Gardener, Seated - Alison and Mick McKenna, Rose Mee, Lionel Baker and Pauline Gardener.

Flik Bennett, Daphne Wiltshire, Nancy & John Carroll and Alan Bennett

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Standing - Shelagh Hamilton, Trish Howse, Pete and Lesley Harris, Seated - Derek & Doris Starr and Joyce Bunton

Thelma Lathe, Des Howse and Yvonne Haswell

Ken Wood, Graham De Wit, Colin Kerr, Laurie De Wit and Linda Kerr

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Standing - Shelagh Hamilton, Trish Howse, Pete and Lesley Harris, Seated - Derek & Doris Starr and Joyce Bunton

Thelma Lathe, Des Howse and Yvonne Haswell

Ken Wood, Graham De Wit, Colin Kerr, Laurie De Wit and Linda Kerr

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Penny & Ian Hogg Scotty Macauley, Noelene & Johnny Green

Marian Wyatt, totting up the takings. Nancy Carroll with her bottle of scotch

The inimitable John Haswell replying to the Speaker

For some reason, a few you managed to escape the attentions of our photographer Peter Shattock, who did a great job, thanks Peter. I’ve tried to include just about everyone that I

had photographs for, so if I have missed you, my apologies. Ed


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Jolly Smudge Smith, Bill Du Plessis (buying) and Johnny Green

Old Brown Jobs – Mick McKenna and Roy Gardener

(Roy does have a bit of Blue and Old Gold in his veins!)

Standing - Paul Shewell, Muriel Parker, Erica & Don Joss, Seated - Heather Shewell, Neville and

Elsa Cook, Liz Curran

This page sponsored by 6253 Iain Laing

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Jolly Smudge Smith, Bill Du Plessis (buying) and Johnny Green

Old Brown Jobs – Mick McKenna and Roy Gardener

(Roy does have a bit of Blue and Old Gold in his veins!)

Standing - Paul Shewell, Muriel Parker, Erica & Don Joss, Seated - Heather Shewell, Neville and

Elsa Cook, Liz Curran

This page sponsored by 6253 Iain Laing

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Some of the Letters received, post the lunch

Hi Trevor & your esteemed Committee May Penny & I congratulate you on a superb luncheon on the 24 September 2014 which was brilliantly organised, food great along with the company of “old friends” some of whom I have not seen for years. For example Peter Dew recently back in one piece and without “ebola” ! I appreciate we are all getting a bit long on the tooth, some longer than others, but how Bill Crabtree manages so well at 98 is quite remarkable and we all can wish him well for his 100th which will be one hell of a bash. My very good friend Hilary Squires looks a bit older these days but his mind is as sharp as ever. Looking forward to next year’s luncheon at same venue, which is quite superb. Once again congratulations to you all Kind regards, IAN & PENNY HOGG

oooOOOooo Greetings Trevor and Des, By now you must be tired of opening emails of congratulations for another excellent Annual Regimental Lunch function So here is another one from Natascha and myself. Thank you for an excellent function and saying thanks to you we extend great appreciation to Linda and Trish for their work. Likewise to all who made it such a great day. The speaker was good. The food and venue most enjoyable and all tummies departed a little more extended. It is always such a pleasure seeing good friends of those days. With much appreciation, Nobby and Natascha


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Golden Wedding Anniversary : Tony Davey The following article was included in the local “Highway Mail” newspaper dated 12.09.14 and I realised that I knew Tony Davey as a young lad from his service in Salisbury. Regrettably he is not a member of the Branch. Not sure if his number was 5932 or 6549. So far have not located any contact details. Can anyone out there assist? Ed.

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Golden Wedding Anniversary : Tony Davey The following article was included in the local “Highway Mail” newspaper dated 12.09.14 and I realised that I knew Tony Davey as a young lad from his service in Salisbury. Regrettably he is not a member of the Branch. Not sure if his number was 5932 or 6549. So far have not located any contact details. Can anyone out there assist? Ed.

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BSAP .38 WEBLEY MARK lV No 269 : EXPLODING BARREL : 5268 Mac Wiltshire

At a recent Durban North Coffee morning, Mac showed me the split barrel of a BSA Police .38 revolver, which had “exploded” on him during his annual musketry qualification in the early 1960’s. That was enough for an Editor to ask for the “story”, so here it is : Dear Trevor, Further to our brief chat on the above subject at the coffee morning I confirm that the Mk IV .38 revolver which I showed yourself & Des, jammed on me when I was doing annual musketry in the Midlands in the early 1960’s. I was required to fire the six shots in rapid fire and was somewhat peeved to see that I was not getting any shots on the target! Only when I fired the sixth shot did the barrel burst open and after a somewhat nervous examination (when I called him over) the armourer who was there S O(T) Fred (Frederick Jacobus) Van Eeden (6248) discovered that the first round had stuck in the barrel about a centimetre from the muzzle and the other five had jammed up behind it ultimately splitting a large portion of the barrel wide open. Strangely it did not actually explode as one would expect but just split open without a great deal of noise. I was obviously very fortunate not to sustain an injury. Later I was presented with the barrel as a memento. I was told that this was a completely unique event – none of armourers or apparently anyone in the musketry field had ever heard of anything like it. By the way I had been unable initially to get any info or comment on the event from the Webley people as I was given to understand that the company no longer existed. However read on, I was eventually successful. Perhaps a few notes on the weapon itself may be of passing interest as many of our members will have fired this particular weapon at some stage. (I gleaned these through Google of course – where else?)

.38 Barrel No 269 which split whilst being fired by Mac Wiltshire

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Post World War II The Webley Mk VI (.455) and Mk IV (.38/200) revolvers were still issued to British and Commonwealth Forces after World War II; there were now extensive stockpiles of the revolvers in military stores. An armourer stationed in West Germany recalled (admittedly tongue-in-cheek) that by the time they were officially retired in 1963, the ammunition allowance was "two cartridges per man, per year." This lack of ammunition was instrumental in keeping the Enfield and Webley revolvers in use so long: they were not wearing out because they were not being used. The Webley Mk IV .38 revolver was not completely replaced by the Browning Hi-Power until 1963, and saw combat in the Korean War, the Suez Crisis, Malayan Emergency, and the Rhodesian Bush War. Many Enfield No. 2 Mk I revolvers were still floating about in British Military service as late as 1970. Police use The (Royal) Hong Kong Police and Royal Singaporean Police were issued Webley Mk III & Mk IV .38/200 revolvers from the 1930s. Singaporean police Webleys were equipped with safety catches, a rather unusual feature in a revolver. These were gradually retired in the 1970s as they came in for repair, and were replaced with Smith & Wesson Model 10 .38 revolvers. The London Metropolitan Police were also known to use Webley revolvers, as were most colonial police units until just after World War II. There may still be some police units with Webley Mk IV revolvers that, whilst not issued, are still present in the armoury. The Ordnance Factory Board of India still manufactures .380 Revolver Mk IIz cartridges, as well as a .32 caliber revolver with 2-inch (51 mm) barrel that is clearly based on the Webley Mk IV .38 service pistol.[ I seem to recall that in the late 1960’s or 1970’s some of these .38’s were sold off to members as they were no longer required. Johnny Carroll has confirmed that revolvers were sold for $10.0, as were some of the .303 rifles.

Mac Wiltshire

Hello Trevor (me again), 18.09.14 I mentioned in my e mail to you about the .38 revolver jamming, that Webley were no longer operating as I found a web reference saying that they had applied for liquidation in 2011. Turns out that they survived and I managed to get a phone number of a man called Roger (in Dartmouth UK) who is with Webley and I phoned him and subsequently sent him an email requesting any information that might be of interest relating to .38’s jamming. I have now had this reply from the technical consultant to Webley and Scott which is self- explanatory and confirms the apparent uniqueness of the event to their knowledge. Best Wishes. Mac


38

Post World War II The Webley Mk VI (.455) and Mk IV (.38/200) revolvers were still issued to British and Commonwealth Forces after World War II; there were now extensive stockpiles of the revolvers in military stores. An armourer stationed in West Germany recalled (admittedly tongue-in-cheek) that by the time they were officially retired in 1963, the ammunition allowance was "two cartridges per man, per year." This lack of ammunition was instrumental in keeping the Enfield and Webley revolvers in use so long: they were not wearing out because they were not being used. The Webley Mk IV .38 revolver was not completely replaced by the Browning Hi-Power until 1963, and saw combat in the Korean War, the Suez Crisis, Malayan Emergency, and the Rhodesian Bush War. Many Enfield No. 2 Mk I revolvers were still floating about in British Military service as late as 1970. Police use The (Royal) Hong Kong Police and Royal Singaporean Police were issued Webley Mk III & Mk IV .38/200 revolvers from the 1930s. Singaporean police Webleys were equipped with safety catches, a rather unusual feature in a revolver. These were gradually retired in the 1970s as they came in for repair, and were replaced with Smith & Wesson Model 10 .38 revolvers. The London Metropolitan Police were also known to use Webley revolvers, as were most colonial police units until just after World War II. There may still be some police units with Webley Mk IV revolvers that, whilst not issued, are still present in the armoury. The Ordnance Factory Board of India still manufactures .380 Revolver Mk IIz cartridges, as well as a .32 caliber revolver with 2-inch (51 mm) barrel that is clearly based on the Webley Mk IV .38 service pistol.[ I seem to recall that in the late 1960’s or 1970’s some of these .38’s were sold off to members as they were no longer required. Johnny Carroll has confirmed that revolvers were sold for $10.0, as were some of the .303 rifles.

Mac Wiltshire

Hello Trevor (me again), 18.09.14 I mentioned in my e mail to you about the .38 revolver jamming, that Webley were no longer operating as I found a web reference saying that they had applied for liquidation in 2011. Turns out that they survived and I managed to get a phone number of a man called Roger (in Dartmouth UK) who is with Webley and I phoned him and subsequently sent him an email requesting any information that might be of interest relating to .38’s jamming. I have now had this reply from the technical consultant to Webley and Scott which is self- explanatory and confirms the apparent uniqueness of the event to their knowledge. Best Wishes. Mac


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From: Paul Garrity [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: 19 September 2014 12:44 PM To: [email protected] Subject: Webley .38 revolver. Dear Sir. I have never heard of any incident of this type ever happening. The good thing is that you or anyone else was not injured. The most probable reason for this incident would be defective ammunition. All Webley revolvers would have been through the Birmingham Gun Barrel Proof House where the revolver is fired using over standard factory loads through each cylinder. This is in addition to the Webley testing where every firearm was range tested prior to dispatch. I hope this is of interest to you. Best Regards Paul Garrity Technical Consultant to Webley & Scott

Mac Wiltshire RHINO POACHING The current price of poached Rhino horn is US 65 000 per kg as demand has spiralled in Asia, especially Vietnam. It’s now worth more than gold and platinum. As a result, 868 Rhinos have been poached this year in South Africa alone, in spite of the arrests of many poachers, masterminds and the shooting of some who resist. Thula Thula Private Game Reserve in Natal is now raising funds to rear rhino calves left orphaned which will be kept under permanent guard. Sadly this slaughter continues throughout the continent of Africa. Last year SA lost a total of 1004 Rhinos to poaching.

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7212 TONY BROWN : HORSES IN THE BLOOD Ed. On visiting Smudge and Shirley Smith up on the hill at Inchanga earlier in the year, Smudge showed me two recent photographs of Tony Brown on horseback, which intrigued me and I felt a “story” in the making. I contacted Tony, who rather reluctantly and only after my “prodding”, provided the following details and photographs, for which I am grateful. I take my hat off to you Tony, charging around on these huge beasts and leaping over walls and fences at your age! I sometimes have a problem staying on my feet these days! Tony wrote:- Unusually for a young lad I had an attraction for horses at an early age and started by helping out and riding the ponies on Bournemouth beach (a thing of the past these days, due to Health & Safety). I moved on to horses, riding out and hunting before joining the Royal Horse Guards (now Blues & Royals) which form part of the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment. I didn’t tell them that I could ride when I started training. I was advised to keep stum which turned out to be good advice. It’s like being fell in for fatigue duties and the corporal asks “can anyone here play the piano”? Unsuspecting souls would put their hand up thinking they were in for a cushy number and then get detailed off to move all the coal from the heap to the barrack rooms.

I did three years being stationed both at Windsor and Knightsbridge, employed on ceremonial duties, remount training and Officers’ hunters. I left the Army and joined the Metropolitan Police with the intention of joining the Mounted Branch. However I saw an advert in the Police Review, advertising for recruits for the BSAP. On enquiring at Rhodesia House with Col Walker, I found out that the BSAP deployed mounted patrols. The photographs made it look very exciting and the two questions that I could answer on the application form with some confidence were” Can you ride a horse?” and “Can you play tennis?” I duly ticked both those boxes. It was a case of this looks like the life for me! When I arrived in Depot in December 1964, I was to discover with considerable disappointment that all rural horse patrols had been withdrawn and the horses relocated to Depot. Literally stepping into “dead man’s shoes” an Equitation Instructor had accidentally shot himself whilst baboon shooting on his farm. As the Police Display season was about to get underway, they were a man down and I was posted to Equitation on passing out for the duration of the display and until a replacement had been found.


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7212 TONY BROWN : HORSES IN THE BLOOD Ed. On visiting Smudge and Shirley Smith up on the hill at Inchanga earlier in the year, Smudge showed me two recent photographs of Tony Brown on horseback, which intrigued me and I felt a “story” in the making. I contacted Tony, who rather reluctantly and only after my “prodding”, provided the following details and photographs, for which I am grateful. I take my hat off to you Tony, charging around on these huge beasts and leaping over walls and fences at your age! I sometimes have a problem staying on my feet these days! Tony wrote:- Unusually for a young lad I had an attraction for horses at an early age and started by helping out and riding the ponies on Bournemouth beach (a thing of the past these days, due to Health & Safety). I moved on to horses, riding out and hunting before joining the Royal Horse Guards (now Blues & Royals) which form part of the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment. I didn’t tell them that I could ride when I started training. I was advised to keep stum which turned out to be good advice. It’s like being fell in for fatigue duties and the corporal asks “can anyone here play the piano”? Unsuspecting souls would put their hand up thinking they were in for a cushy number and then get detailed off to move all the coal from the heap to the barrack rooms.

I did three years being stationed both at Windsor and Knightsbridge, employed on ceremonial duties, remount training and Officers’ hunters. I left the Army and joined the Metropolitan Police with the intention of joining the Mounted Branch. However I saw an advert in the Police Review, advertising for recruits for the BSAP. On enquiring at Rhodesia House with Col Walker, I found out that the BSAP deployed mounted patrols. The photographs made it look very exciting and the two questions that I could answer on the application form with some confidence were” Can you ride a horse?” and “Can you play tennis?” I duly ticked both those boxes. It was a case of this looks like the life for me! When I arrived in Depot in December 1964, I was to discover with considerable disappointment that all rural horse patrols had been withdrawn and the horses relocated to Depot. Literally stepping into “dead man’s shoes” an Equitation Instructor had accidentally shot himself whilst baboon shooting on his farm. As the Police Display season was about to get underway, they were a man down and I was posted to Equitation on passing out for the duration of the display and until a replacement had been found.


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I remained on the Equitation Staff with Smudge Smith and John Pearce until 1970 when I transferred to Staff Branch. Whilst on Equitation I was involved in displays, recruiting tours, Trade Fairs, and spent 6 weeks “on location” making a film called Shangani Patrol. This was great fun and one of the highlights. We spent our time there under canvas and in the same camp conditions as they would have done in the 1890s (except we did have access to cold Castle). On moving to the Staff Branch I still enjoyed the privilege of riding police horses at the Depot and represented the Force in Show Jumping, Dressage and Team Chasing. John Pearce and Tony Brown ready for Escort Duties

On leaving the BSAP, I returned to UK and joined Kent Police (they don’t have horses). However on my first posting, I was crewed up with a then WPC who did have horses and the whole thing took off again. (Talk about landing with bum in the butter – Ed.) Once you get introduced into the clique, if you’re reasonably competent, you get invited. I had a horse of my own for most of the time I was in the Kent Police and hunted, show jumped and evented (3 phases dressage, show jumping, cross-country). On retirement from the police I worked for a lady who competed with dressage horses. In 2001 I was fortunate enough to be left an inheritance which has given me the opportunity to do my own thing “horse wise”. Trained a few, bought and sold a few. Until about 5yrs ago I competed at One Day Events, now I dressage in the summer and hunt in the winter. Tony on RH YORK in jumping competition mode

I’ve tried to recall a few anecdotes but without sitting down and thinking for an hour or so none spring readily to mind. Well not ones I’m prepared to own up to!! Just thought of a quickie. We were at Gwelo show in 1965 and had finished our evening performance. We all got changed and went back to the show grounds where they were having a dance and a braai. Members of the Display Team we were under the misguided impression that we had free access to the event. Not so. We were

barred at the gate, and told to “go away”.

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This displeased some members of the display troop and a pair who shall remain nameless, decided to disconnect the lighting from the generator. As the place fell in to darkness and amid much consternation, the elite troop scaled the compound fence and mingled with the revellers. On the lights being reconnected, we were all safely inside. Policemen?? Tut Tut

“Squire” Tony on Rodney ready for the Hunt and in hot pursuit The grey horse I’m riding in the photos is Rodney. We had a Rodney in Depot when I was there who was a bit of a character. When standing in line he used to half rear up and knock his two front feet together. Smudge used to call him “Clap hands Charlie”. He was ridden on the 1965 Musical Ride by a chap called Fred Williamson who returned to UK after his three and became a Bailiff in Southampton. He then retired to Spain. I thought of him when I named the grey, the horse that is! An unusual phenomenon in regard to horses is that I’ve been to Ireland a few times to buy horses and there it’s all the lads that ride. You hardly ever see a young girl on a horse there, whilst here in the UK 90% of people riding horses are women??

Another of my extraneous “horsey duties” is the position of the Main Ring Dressage Steward at the Badminton International Horse Trials each year. I’m sure no one, other than Smudge Smith will probably have ever heard of the event, but it’s a premier equestrian event where international riders prepare for the Olympics and World Equestrian Games, etc. Tony Brown (Not totally true Tony, even I know what Badminton is, but well done, ride safely and many thanks for your story – Ed)

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This displeased some members of the display troop and a pair who shall remain nameless, decided to disconnect the lighting from the generator. As the place fell in to darkness and amid much consternation, the elite troop scaled the compound fence and mingled with the revellers. On the lights being reconnected, we were all safely inside. Policemen?? Tut Tut

“Squire” Tony on Rodney ready for the Hunt and in hot pursuit The grey horse I’m riding in the photos is Rodney. We had a Rodney in Depot when I was there who was a bit of a character. When standing in line he used to half rear up and knock his two front feet together. Smudge used to call him “Clap hands Charlie”. He was ridden on the 1965 Musical Ride by a chap called Fred Williamson who returned to UK after his three and became a Bailiff in Southampton. He then retired to Spain. I thought of him when I named the grey, the horse that is! An unusual phenomenon in regard to horses is that I’ve been to Ireland a few times to buy horses and there it’s all the lads that ride. You hardly ever see a young girl on a horse there, whilst here in the UK 90% of people riding horses are women??

Another of my extraneous “horsey duties” is the position of the Main Ring Dressage Steward at the Badminton International Horse Trials each year. I’m sure no one, other than Smudge Smith will probably have ever heard of the event, but it’s a premier equestrian event where international riders prepare for the Olympics and World Equestrian Games, etc. Tony Brown (Not totally true Tony, even I know what Badminton is, but well done, ride safely and many thanks for your story – Ed)

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With acknowledgement to Dick Hamley. Having received Tony’s story, I had a chat with Smudge to ascertain if there were any “stories” in respect of the former. Smudge indicated that on one occasion the final dress rehearsal for the Mounted Escort for the opening of parliament, formed up in Depot (without a roll call) and moved to Government House, before completing the journey with the car to Parliament and back, then returned to Depot. The Officer in Charge was Alec Blair and Smudge was the Warrant Officer.

During the escort, no one had noticed that the two NCO’s, Tony Brown and John Pearce who normally rode to the rear of the car, were missing from the escort. However both were subsequently found standing outside the Depot Chief Inspectors Office, ready to admit their guilt, for being absent from the parade!

Ch Inspr Ron Trangmar wanted to know what the hell they were doing outside his office. After confessing to missing the Escort Dress Rehearsal, Ron’s retort was “well nobody missed you, so bugger off”! Ed

UK Members : Europe and UK Visit 2014

Ed with Micky & Norah York (Amsterdam) Alan Lane & Ed (East Molesey)

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THE MARRIAGE BED - EQUAL PARTNERS?

SOME UNUSUAL BOAT NAMES

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THE MARRIAGE BED - EQUAL PARTNERS?

SOME UNUSUAL BOAT NAMES

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KILLER CROCS - Kariba

These three crocodiles were shot after Mac Bailey was taken and killed as he was beaching his catamaran on Lake Kariba in August 2014. The crocodile shot out from between the hulls of the boat and hauled him into the lake, in front of his wife. The largest croc is over 20' long and all are pretty close to that length. The man in the photo is 5'10" tall. (I promise never to swim in Kariba again – Ed)

7899 Rusty Hustler : Isobel King Hustler The following email was received from 7899 Rusty Hustler reminding us of another family where more than one generation served in the Force. I remember Ben and his brother Vince well. The Hustler story will hopefully appear in the next Edition. Ed “Rusty Hustler 7899 reporting for duty!!!!! I have sent my subs to the treasurer and included my R40 to sponsor two pages for the next Natal Outpost.

If it would be at all possible please, to mention the passing of my Mother, Isabella King Hustler. Mum would have celebrated her 100th birthday on the 22nd of April this year, but due to a fall in 2012, she began to lose her confidence. She was admitted to hospital in December 2013 and sadly passed away peacefully on the 21st of January 2014. Unfortunately I was unable to see her, as I only arrived in

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B S A P MEMBERS IN NORTH AFRICA AND THE AEGEAN : WORLD WAR II

Bill Crabtree and a “Milk Stout” with a good head, in his well appointed Bar.

As a result of the article in the 94th Edition of our magazine and the mention of the ketch “Meander” skippered by 3448 Pat O’Bryen, which sailed between islands in the Aegean as transport for members of the BSA Police, seconded during the Second World War to serve on the Dodecanese Islands, I decided to try and locate a photograph of the boat. This was achieved by visiting our Senior Member, 3708 Bill Crabtree at his lovely home in Howick, and with whom I spent a very pleasant day. I’m glad to report that Bill keeps well and is still spry, regularly walking around the very pleasant estate on which he lives. Bill turned 97 earlier this year and looks good to join Bill Schollum in the Centenary Club. However on reading Bill’s book, “Came the Fourth Flag”, it transpired that there were several boats used as “inter island” transport, by seconded members in the Greek Islands in addition to the Meander, with “caiques” Calliope, Assam and Monte Falcone, skippered by 3658 Cliff Hayes, 3889 Don Lane and John Doody from Symi. Obviously the BSA Police Marine Wing was started much earlier than that with which we are more familiar, ie: that used on Kariba and the Zambezi. It had been my intention to take Bill out to lunch, but we were enjoying our wide ranging chat so much that we ended up sampling a large Milk Stout each, some very nice health bread and cheese. Amazing how time flies when you are enjoying yourselves! Bill is a fount of considerable knowledge (in addition to wisdom) about matters BSAP over such a long period of his service and subsequently at “red bricks”. He also spent nearly 14 years as the Rhodesian Diplomatic Representative in Greece, also representing South Africa for a period, prior to this country appointing its own Consular Official. Bill enjoyed Greece so much during the war that he couldn’t wait to get back after his retirement from the Force in 1970! I found it all so very interesting and it was also great to be able to fill in gaps in my knowledge during the period of my earlier service in the Force.

the UK on the 22nd of January. We held a small service for her at the Legion Village which was attended by friends and family. Just a bit of info on the two of them, Dad 4048 Ben Hustler came out and joined the force in 1946, my mother came out during 1947 and they were married in Salisbury the same year. Unfortunately Dad did not apply for permission and spent 6 days in the Depot Cells and also lost six months seniority which was still in place when he retired in 1969. I understand that the cells were left open for Mum to visit him during his stay and the chaps made sure that she had supper with him every night. Both of them left Africa from Zimbabwe in 2000 and took up residence in the British Legion Village in Aylesford, Kent. I am currently living in Mafikeng and retired from North West Parks Board after 22 years of service, one of these days I hope to see you all down in Durban”.

Best Regards Rusty

ooooOooo Christmas Golf Four old timers were playing their weekly game of golf, one remarked how nice it would be to wake up on Christmas morning, roll out of bed and without any argument go directly to the golf course, meet his buddies and play a round. His buddies all chimed in said, "Let's do it! We'll make it a priority, figure out a way and meet here early, Christmas morning." Months later, that special morning arrives, and there they are on the golf course. The first guy says, "Boy this game cost me a fortune! I bought my wife a diamond ring that she can't take her eyes off.." The second guy says, "I spent a ton too. My wife is at home planning the cruise I gave her. She was up to her eyeballs in brochures." The third guy says "Well my wife is at home admiring her new car, reading the manual." They all turned to the last guy in the group who is staring at them like they have lost their minds. "I can't believe you all went to such expense for this golf game. I slapped my wife on the bum and said, 'Well babe, Merry Christmas! It's a great morning -- intercourse or golfcourse --' She said, "Don't forget your hat."

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the UK on the 22nd of January. We held a small service for her at the Legion Village which was attended by friends and family. Just a bit of info on the two of them, Dad 4048 Ben Hustler came out and joined the force in 1946, my mother came out during 1947 and they were married in Salisbury the same year. Unfortunately Dad did not apply for permission and spent 6 days in the Depot Cells and also lost six months seniority which was still in place when he retired in 1969. I understand that the cells were left open for Mum to visit him during his stay and the chaps made sure that she had supper with him every night. Both of them left Africa from Zimbabwe in 2000 and took up residence in the British Legion Village in Aylesford, Kent. I am currently living in Mafikeng and retired from North West Parks Board after 22 years of service, one of these days I hope to see you all down in Durban”.

Best Regards Rusty

ooooOooo Christmas Golf Four old timers were playing their weekly game of golf, one remarked how nice it would be to wake up on Christmas morning, roll out of bed and without any argument go directly to the golf course, meet his buddies and play a round. His buddies all chimed in said, "Let's do it! We'll make it a priority, figure out a way and meet here early, Christmas morning." Months later, that special morning arrives, and there they are on the golf course. The first guy says, "Boy this game cost me a fortune! I bought my wife a diamond ring that she can't take her eyes off.." The second guy says, "I spent a ton too. My wife is at home planning the cruise I gave her. She was up to her eyeballs in brochures." The third guy says "Well my wife is at home admiring her new car, reading the manual." They all turned to the last guy in the group who is staring at them like they have lost their minds. "I can't believe you all went to such expense for this golf game. I slapped my wife on the bum and said, 'Well babe, Merry Christmas! It's a great morning -- intercourse or golfcourse --' She said, "Don't forget your hat."

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It was under these circumstances that the Members listed in the “Aegean Contingent” letter (ref our previous edition) were to find themselves in the various Greek Islands. Bill indicated that there were a total of four groups from the BSA Police posted for duties as part of the British Military Administration Force, the first and second to East Africa for Eritrea, Somalia, Ethiopia, Cyrenaica and Palestine, the third to North Africa for Tripolitania and Bengazi, whilst the fourth (the Aegean group) went via Cairo and Haifa to some of the Dodecanese (meaning twelve) Islands, although in fact there are 13. Secondments from the Force had actually commenced in late 1939 to various branches of the Military in Rhodesia and in July of 1940 numerous members of the Force had been returned to Depot for an Instruction Course, prior to transfer to the Rhodesian African Rifles, among whom were Pitt, Salt (later to become the first O C of 1 RLI) Jimmy Spink (later Commissioner) from the Town Branch together with Drewett, Kettle, Giles, Warton and Hampshire from District, and Lowings, Van Niekerk, and Woodgate (later the Chief Musketry Instructor) from Depot. Thus the Force provided many members in support of the various Rhodesian and other Forces who were tasked to support the British Empire and the Allied efforts in the war against the Axis countries. Whilst the fourth group were travelling north by boat from Durban, passing Port Sudan, they were aware that George Findlayson, a Sergeant in the BSA Police was Acting Bimbashi (Half Colonel) in charge of a detachment of the Sudanese Police. After Peter Sherren (another future Commissioner), Don Lane, Bruce Barrett and Bill Crabtree ( later Deputy Commissioner) from this group arrived in Cairo, they were posted to Haifa in Palestine to link up with Force 281 for service in some of the Italian Dodecanese Islands, the more strategic of which were still occupied by the Germans. These Islands were taken over by the Italians in 1913 but were subsequently occupied by the Germans in WW II, including Samos, on the orders of Hitler after the invasion of Italy by the Allies and its subsequent surrender. The Islands provided an outer defensive ring for the Germans which barred the way to the Aegean, the Balkans and Russia from the Mediterranean. In 1943, an Allied force, including members of the BSA Police, was despatched to pre-empt this move and to infiltrate the Islands of Leros, Cos and Samos. Ginger Pritchard of Zaka fame and Stan Smart were sent to Leros, with Pat O’Bryen and Henry McMasters deployed to the town of Kolovassi on Samos. As the result of a German counter attack, Pritchard was captured and spent the rest of the war as a POW in Germany, whilst the others managed to escape via Turkey and in due course turned up in Cairo for redeployment. Later members of the BSA Police travelled in a group from Haifa via Beirut to Symi to gather intelligence about German activity on neighbouring islands and carrying out infiltration

During our chat, Bill produced his many photographs and we were able to locate one of the “Meander” to which the earlier article referred, not with “glowing affection”. Not only were these members Policemen and members of the seconded armed Forces during the war, but soldiers and sailors too! The reference to the boat is repeated below: FEBRUARY, 1946

“Our ketch the “Meander”, sometimes, for very good reasons, known as the “Unterseeboten of the Aegean,” and which, on occasion, has beaten the Navy in heavy weather and has sailed the seas for forty odd years. We are proud to relate that the B.S.A.P. sailed her through last winter’s appalling weather without mishap. It was not easy. We shall always remember her with kindly affection, even if we did call her an old witch more times than we can remember. We have no wish, however, to take her to sea this winter. “Once bitten twice shy!”

After our discussion, I thought that it would be a good idea to include some details of the postings of some of the BSA Police members to the Dodecanese, etc, most of which have been gleaned from Bill’s book and other details supplied by 8361 Andrew Young.

The ketch “Meander” taken in the Greek Islands

In June 1940, Italy entered the 2nd World War and at that time had garrisons in Abyssinia, (Ethiopia), Eritrea and Italian Somaliland and had massed troops in Cyrenaica and Tripolitania, which now form part of Libya. Later as the result of the defeat and rolling back of first the Italians and then the Germans, it became necessary to fill the vacuum created by their departure. Thus it was that members of the BSA Police were drafted to assist in filling these gaps to re-establish the rule of law and to restore a degree of normality in those countries that had generally been part of the Italian Empire.

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The “First” Group of BSAP Members wearing their Forage caps, before deployment to North Africa, via

Durban, in front of the Sergeants Mess in Morris Depot

Fourth Group

Back Row – Barrett, Sherren, Page, Lane, Vickery and Andrews Middle Row – Simpson, Pestell, Hall, Jones, Crabtree, Foxcroft and James

Front Row – Green, Lombard, Morris, u.k, De Lorme. Sitting – Scott and Allan

Bill Crabtree, Dickie Wolff and Arthur Lennard in Cairo

probes. One small raiding party, included Shorty Wilsher (BSAP) conducted a reconnaissance incursion of the enemy occupied island of Piscopi (Tilos). None of them returned. Two days later Bill Crabtree accompanied another raiding party, which confirmed that after fighting, a number of Allied prisoners were taken to Rhodes by the Germans. Later, Shorty recounted after his return as a POW from hospital, (by way of an Allied boat, which had been” invited” by the Germans to deliver rations to the starving local population on the Island), that his raiding party had managed to surprise and capture the small German enemy garrison on Piscopi. However the sound of gunfire must have carried to Rhodes, as early the next day a fairly large body of Germans landed and counter attacked. During this contact Shorty was shot and although he hid in the mountains, due to the extent of his injury, he was forced to give himself up and was hospitalised on Rhodes as a prisoner. Shortly afterwards on the 6th May 1945, the Germans on Rhodes together with the other islands they occupied, surrendered. The group of BSAP members on Symi sailed two days later with their assortment of boats to Rhodes where they remained, until they commenced their return to Rhodesia the following year. By the middle of 1946, the Greeks on the islands were pushing for Union with Greece, after 400 years of foreign domination and the BSA Police detachment was withdrawn from the Aegean and departed from Mandraki Harbour for Cairo. Subsequently they left via the Suez Canal for Durban, aboard the French Ship the Felix Roussell. After a short stay in Durban where they enjoyed the “delights of the city” and a lot of local hospitality, the members entrained for Salisbury, so very glad to return home and looking forward to resuming their BSA Police careers (at least most of them). However, on arrival they were promptly “stripped” of their commissions and reverted to their NCO status, upon which some opted for their discharge! To date, of the BSA Police Members deployed to North Africa, I have ascertained that:- 3877 Charles Beric Mansfield was killed in action on 08.05.42 in Ethiopia, 3581 Charles Herbert Stride was killed in action on 18.01.43 in Tripoli, and 3817 Derek Lever Simpson was killed in action on 24.11.1944 in Tripolitania. Bill Crabtree’s book, Came the Fourth Flag, and other sources contain far more information than the magazine can possibly relay about the deployments of the BSA Police during WW II and could result in a sizeable story on its own. If I’m not careful, I could end up with a book rather than a magazine, so I’ll leave this to someone more qualified than myself. I am deeply indebted to Bill for the use of his photographs, information from his book and for his incredible memory. Ed.


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Fourth Group




probes. One small raiding party, included Shorty Wilsher (BSAP) conducted a reconnaissance incursion of the enemy occupied island of Piscopi (Tilos). None of them returned. Two days later Bill Crabtree accompanied another raiding party, which confirmed that after fighting, a number of Allied prisoners were taken to Rhodes by the Germans. Later, Shorty recounted after his return as a POW from hospital, (by way of an Allied boat, which had been” invited” by the Germans to deliver rations to the starving local population on the Island), that his raiding party had managed to surprise and capture the small German enemy garrison on Piscopi. However the sound of gunfire must have carried to Rhodes, as early the next day a fairly large body of Germans landed and counter attacked. During this contact Shorty was shot and although he hid in the mountains, due to the extent of his injury, he was forced to give himself up and was hospitalised on Rhodes as a prisoner. Shortly afterwards on the 6th May 1945, the Germans on Rhodes together with the other islands they occupied, surrendered. The group of BSAP members on Symi sailed two days later with their assortment of boats to Rhodes where they remained, until they commenced their return to Rhodesia the following year. By the middle of 1946, the Greeks on the islands were pushing for Union with Greece, after 400 years of foreign domination and the BSA Police detachment was withdrawn from the Aegean and departed from Mandraki Harbour for Cairo. Subsequently they left via the Suez Canal for Durban, aboard the French Ship the Felix Roussell. After a short stay in Durban where they enjoyed the “delights of the city” and a lot of local hospitality, the members entrained for Salisbury, so very glad to return home and looking forward to resuming their BSA Police careers (at least most of them). However, on arrival they were promptly “stripped” of their commissions and reverted to their NCO status, upon which some opted for their discharge! To date, of the BSA Police Members deployed to North Africa, I have ascertained that:- 3877 Charles Beric Mansfield was killed in action on 08.05.42 in Ethiopia, 3581 Charles Herbert Stride was killed in action on 18.01.43 in Tripoli, and 3817 Derek Lever Simpson was killed in action on 24.11.1944 in Tripolitania. Bill Crabtree’s book, Came the Fourth Flag, and other sources contain far more information than the magazine can possibly relay about the deployments of the BSA Police during WW II and could result in a sizeable story on its own. If I’m not careful, I could end up with a book rather than a magazine, so I’ll leave this to someone more qualified than myself. I am deeply indebted to Bill for the use of his photographs, information from his book and for his incredible memory. Ed.


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Fourth Group




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Bob Shelagh showing the Governor and his Wife around Plumtree Police Camp. 1958

“In fact whilst serving at Plumtree he purchased a small farm, Westfield, which bordered the Plumtree Dam, and it was to this farm that he retired, opening a store on the boundary of the Nata Reserve, and running cattle. He also served as Secretary of the Bulalima–Mangwe Town Council for ten years. “He became my Father In Law, when I married his daughter Caryl in June 1978, although I had known him some eight years prior to this. I was fascinated by his stories of life as a District Policeman, of the lengthy patrols on foot and horseback and in particular the special relationship with the tribesman and the Police. He would tell me of his deployment to North Africa with the BSAP Contingent, the interesting work as an Intelligence Officer, of his promotion to Officers rank, only to be stripped of his Commission upon his return to the BSA Police in Rhodesia. “The photographs attached are of the Governors visit to Plumtree School and the Police Station in about 1958. The first was in the Governors full dress on arrival and then in civvies. “In 1979 whilst walking his dog along the main road on the farm he was confronted by a lone armed terrorist. Before Bob could grab his revolver and before the terrorist could level his AK, Bob’s favourite Dog, Charlie, a massive bull mastiff attacked and severely bit the man. The terrorist ran in one direction and Bob and Charlie in the other. That was the last time that Bob went walking alone on the farm. Sadly, because of increased terrorist activity in early 1979 and a daylight attack on their store, they moved into Plumtree Town and bought the house directly across the road from the Police Station, completing a cycle of some thirty years”. Barry Woan 9361 Andrew Young, who has been very helpful in respect of research into some historical articles of interest, at which he is extremely adept, sent me the following with photographs:

This story then took a new turn when Barry Woan (who else – to whom I am also indebted), mentioned that his Father in Law was 3767 Robert (Bob) Shelagh, one of the first group who was deployed to serve with the Abyssinia Police in Addis Ababa, now Ethiopia and let me have the following photographs. Bob joined the Force on 2nd June, 1938 and retired as a Chief Inspector on the 7th December 1959. A bit more on Bob Shelagh: Robert “Bob” Shelagh was an Englishman who came out and joined the BSA Police in !938. After Depot he was posted to Matabeleland and for the next 21 years served at most of the Provinces’ District Stations, retiring as a Chief Inspector on the 7th December 1959. He was particularly fond of his time at Essexvale, Filabusi, Gwanda, Beitbridge and Plumtree. During the second World War he was deployed to Addis Ababa in Abyssinia, now Ethiopia. Bob Shelagh with his “trusty motorcycle” Police 9, in Addis Ababa

3767 Bob Shelagh and His Excellency the Governor of Southern Rhodesia, Vice Admiral

Sir Peveril William-Powlett KCB CBE DSO during a visit to Plumtree in 1958.

This page sponsored by 8157 Barry Woan

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“The BMA Police flash that the BSAP Members wore”. Andrew

Ed - Another e mail on same subject was received from 6226 Andrew Stevens: “Dear Trevor, “Congratulation on your Outpost. I found the article by 7376 Kerry Croasdell about his pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela very interesting. “Your reproduction of the Feb 1946 Outpost on Aegean postings, I also found most interesting. Should you have any more material or book titles about the Duodecanese postings and any other Greek posting, I would be most interested in having this information. I was in contact with Bill Crabtree through his son, Mike, and quite amazingly I discovered in his book that he had been friendly with friends of ours, Elef & Jose Tsignakis of Crete. Small world!” AA Stevens 6226

MAKE A NOISE LIKE A FROG GRANDPA

A six-year-old goes to the hospital with her mother to visit her Grandfather. When they got to the hospital, she runs ahead of her mother and bursts into her Grandpa's room. "Grandpa, Grandpa," she says excitedly, "as soon as my mother comes into the room, make a noise like a frog!""What?" said her Grandpa. "Make a noise like a frog”?

Yes, yes she cried, because my mom said, ”As soon as you croak, we're all going to Disney World”!

This page sponsored by 6859 Pat Cunningham

“Attached are a couple of other items which may be of interest. I found these on another site where a chap, who had picked up a scrapbook at an auction, found them inside. This scrapbook was compiled by 3821 Henry 'Tug' Tugwell who served on attachment from the BSAP with the British Military Administration Police in Eritrea from 1944 to 1946.

“In the photograph are two BSAP chaps in uniform kneeling and the one on the right is Henry Tugwell. Attached is also a photograph of his ID card and a sketch, by an unknown artist, showing him on a camel in Eritrea.

3821 Henry Gordon Tugwell on his Camel “ Tugs” BMA Identity Document


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In 1957 the flat for the permanent Mess Stewardess (Mrs Cole) was built and a new block of six bedrooms was erected in the Mess grounds. A bedroom in the east section was converted into a ladies room/powder room and an adjoining visitors’ lounge was created.In 1961 the old thatched band shelter on the south lawn which had stood for many years, was modernised in 1966.

A view of the Dining Room. On “Dining Nights” the table was extended to accommodate 60 Officers .

Once again I have to thank Bill Crabtree for the photographs of the Officers’ Mess whichbrought back a lot of happy memories of evenings spent with friends and colleagues, a “few” (sometimes many) drinks, a good meal, humorous moments, sometimes rather long speeches, in a splendid environment imbued with a great history. There were many beautiful items of silver, paintings and other pieces presented to the Mess, since its inception, some by illustrious personages and departing Officers. (These were all listed in a booklet “Record of Presentations” to the Officers Mess, Salisbury, which regrettably did not contain photographs, but gave a description, by whom the item was presented and a brief history of the individual.)

On “Dining Night” (in or out) the table was resplendent with starched white cloths, silver cutlery, crystal glasses, candelabra, flowers, together with pieces of fine silverware from the collection. All place settings were carefully placed and everything was accurately “lined up”over the length of the table.

The President of the Mess was the Commandant Depot, and The Mess President was the Assistant Commandant Depot, who was totally responsible for the running of the Mess.

THE OFFICERS MESS, MORRIS DEPOT, SALISBURY

The front of the Officers Mess Building, in Morris Depot, Salisbury

The Officers’ Mess of the Mashonaland Mounted Police in the Morris Depot was in existence in 1893. Records prior to this were unfortunately destroyed in the National Archives in 1903. It was in 1893 that Captain, the Honourable C White, Officer Commanding the Force convened the first meeting of the Salisbury Club in the Officers’ Mess.

With the Merger of the Mashonaland and Matabeleland Mounted Police to form the British South Africa Police in 1896, a BSA Police Officers’ Mess was established on the present site in 1897. Whilst it closed later that year, it re-opened in March 1898.

When first constructed the building consisted of a row of red brick rooms with mud used as mortar, a brick paved veranda along the full length of the building and wooden supports for a corrugated iron roof. At that stage, the Mess consisted merely of an ante-room, dining room and bedrooms.

In 1928/29 the Mess was completely renovated and in the ensuing years considerable development was effected. In particular the dining room, originally of very limited capacity, was gradually extended by the incorporation of bedrooms in the western wing, until in 1961 the dining room attained its capacity for seating 60 Officers.

Other changes included the addition of a billiard room in 1934, the conversion of a bedroom in the eastern wing into a bar, which was further extended in 1953 and again in 1961.

This page sponsored by 5428 Ian Hogg

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The Sideboard presented to the Officers Mess by Cecil John Rhodes.

This sideboard was one of a pair carved on the instructions of Cecil John Rhodes by a craftsman employed by the Bulawayo firm of Dechow and Tweedale for the Grahamstown Exhibition of 1898, subsequent to which, one was sent to London (the whereabouts of this piece is not known). The other was presented by Rhodes to the Officers’ Mess in Bulawayo and later moved to the Officers’ Mess in Salisbury. In the centre are three carvings namely the seal of Lobengula, the arms of the British South Africa Company and the crest of the Bulawayo Municipality. On either side there are carvings of animals, birds and horns. A really beautiful piece of hand crafted furniture.

Some Members used to grumble about having to attend “Dining Nights”, but I enjoyed them.I didn’t have to find an excuse for having drinks with some of my “mates” and to me it was a “pleasant duty” and one could catch up with so many colleagues at the same time.

On odd occasions the evenings could be rather long if the Commissioner or Senior Member present, decided they had staying power, as members could not leave before he departed and at times, it could be almost sunrise before we could wend our way home. However, we were still expected to be back in the office on the Saturday mornings “bright eyed and bushy tailed” but feeling rather knackered and in desperate need of sleep. However our problems were miniscule compared with The “Mess President”, who was required to be present beforethe commencement of the evening, being responsible for the organisation and liaison with

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the other staff in respect of the function, ensuring that all proceeded without a hitch and could not leave before the last Officer left the Mess.

Whilst the proper decorum was usually maintained, especially in the splendid Dining Room,there were some hilarious incidents which livened up the proceedings. Newly Commissioned Officers (junior members), were required to serve behind the bar until further promotions took place, in my case nearly a year. My entry into the “Hallowed Halls” was not without incident as one of the “barmen”. A Senior Officer said “Nah then Wilson, give me a brandy and splash”, the latter being from large Soda siphons which had been recharged,sometimes under quite high pressure. I managed the brandy easily, but when I added the “splash”, the brandy left the glass on the opposite side and landed on the Officer concerned,who exclaimed loudly “Oi Wilson, preferably in a bloody glass”. Was my face red!

On another occasion, an Assistant Commissioner found that he was having a problem waiting until after the speeches, before he could leave the room. Slowly his head began to sink below the snowy white table cloth and pushing his chair slowly back, he crawled away on hands and knees from the table in his mess kit complete with “boots half wellington” and spurs, out through the French windows behind, to visit the toilet. After he had left, his “friends” on either side, called Sgt Thomas the Head Waiter and instructed him to remove the place setting and chair. On the return of the said member on his hands and knees, trying to avoid the attentions of the President of the Mess and the Commissioner in the centre of the table, he realised his predicament and said during a sudden lull in the conversation, “you bloody bastards, where’s my chair?”, this drew the attention of all and a lot of laughs, during which he reversed back out of the doors, probably to be seen at PGHQ the next morning.

Dear old Stan Browning, Staff Officer Signals, also a good friend, known to grumble on occasions, loudly exclaimed during a lull while tasting the soup “Bloody hell the soups cold again”, to which someone responded “For heaven’s sake Stan it’s Cold Consomme, it’s supposed to be cold”. The President of the Mess was not amused.

After the meal, toasts and speeches, members could leave the Dining Room and sit and listen to the Police Band which played very pleasant music, helping to pass what on occasions,proved to be rather long but in my case enjoyable evenings. Some chose to play snooker or just to spend time in the bar.

Remembering that my good friend Courtney Walton had served in Depot as Assistant Commandant, I asked if he would put together his recollections of the duties he was required to fulfil in respect of the Officers’ Mess, to which he has kindly responded. These duties were many and varied, but included the supervision of the Officers Mess and arranging the various functions.

This will appear in the next issue of the magazine. (Apologies Courtney, ran out of space) Ed

This page sponsored by 7899 Rusty Hustler in memory of his parents Ben and Isabel Hustler





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MORE HUMOUR MEDICAL ALERT Australian Medical Association researchers have found that patients needing blood transfusions may benefit from receiving chicken rather than human blood. It tends to make the men cocky and the women lay better. Just thought you'd like to know.

Natal Branch : New Members since May 2014

Name No Location Station Olds Sarah WPO 154 Westville Durban West Branfield Allan 7983 Winklespruit Durban South Joubert Kenneth 9131 Kloof Durban West Dewe Peter 7677 Kloof Durban West Davies Howard 7787 Kingsburgh Durban South

OBITUARIES

Isabel King Hustler, Widow of 4048 Ben Hustler and Mother of 7899 Rusty Hustler, who died on the 22nd April, 2014 in hospital in Aylesford, Kent, UK.

6166 Keith John Nortje died, aged 72 years, on 26 April 2014 in Delarayville, Transvaal, South Africa. Keith, who was a member of the Transvaal Branch of the Association, served from 2 June 1960 to 6 August 1970 leaving on gratuity with the rank of Detective Section Officer, after which he moved to Pretoria, where he spent many years. He was a long-time member of the Transvaal Branch of the Association. 6453/9411 Hugh Cunningham Jarvie died on 12 May 2014 in Derby, England. Hugh, who was not a member of the Association, did two stints in the BSA Police, first attesting on 31 July 1961 and serving until 14 March 1972 when he left on gratuity with the rank of Staff Section Officer. He re-attested on 5 May 1975 and served until to 30 July 1980 when he transferred to the Zimbabwe Republic Police where he served until 31 October 1991 retiring from that Force with the rank of Assistant Commissioner. Hugh’s service was mostly in the Staff Branch.

5526 Philip (Phil) Devlin died on 20 May 2014 in Mill Park Hospital, Johannesburg, South Africa. Phil, who was a staunch member of the Transvaal Branch of the Association, served from 5 August 1956 to 2 March 1964 leaving at his own request with the rank of Sergeant.

WP 31 Yvonne Muriel Georgiou (nee Arnold) died, aged 79 years, on 25 May 2014 in Harare, Zimbabwe. Yvonne served in the Uniformed Branch from 2 July 1956 to 30 May 1958.

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MORE HUMOUR MEDICAL ALERT Australian Medical Association researchers have found that patients needing blood transfusions may benefit from receiving chicken rather than human blood. It tends to make the men cocky and the women lay better. Just thought you'd like to know.

Natal Branch : New Members since May 2014

Name No Location Station Olds Sarah WPO 154 Westville Durban West Branfield Allan 7983 Winklespruit Durban South Joubert Kenneth 9131 Kloof Durban West Dewe Peter 7677 Kloof Durban West Davies Howard 7787 Kingsburgh Durban South

OBITUARIES

Isabel King Hustler, Widow of 4048 Ben Hustler and Mother of 7899 Rusty Hustler, who died on the 22nd April, 2014 in hospital in Aylesford, Kent, UK.

6166 Keith John Nortje died, aged 72 years, on 26 April 2014 in Delarayville, Transvaal, South Africa. Keith, who was a member of the Transvaal Branch of the Association, served from 2 June 1960 to 6 August 1970 leaving on gratuity with the rank of Detective Section Officer, after which he moved to Pretoria, where he spent many years. He was a long-time member of the Transvaal Branch of the Association. 6453/9411 Hugh Cunningham Jarvie died on 12 May 2014 in Derby, England. Hugh, who was not a member of the Association, did two stints in the BSA Police, first attesting on 31 July 1961 and serving until 14 March 1972 when he left on gratuity with the rank of Staff Section Officer. He re-attested on 5 May 1975 and served until to 30 July 1980 when he transferred to the Zimbabwe Republic Police where he served until 31 October 1991 retiring from that Force with the rank of Assistant Commissioner. Hugh’s service was mostly in the Staff Branch.

5526 Philip (Phil) Devlin died on 20 May 2014 in Mill Park Hospital, Johannesburg, South Africa. Phil, who was a staunch member of the Transvaal Branch of the Association, served from 5 August 1956 to 2 March 1964 leaving at his own request with the rank of Sergeant.

WP 31 Yvonne Muriel Georgiou (nee Arnold) died, aged 79 years, on 25 May 2014 in Harare, Zimbabwe. Yvonne served in the Uniformed Branch from 2 July 1956 to 30 May 1958.

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3004 Arthur Neal Arden died, aged 104 years, on 4 June 2014 in Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire. Neal, was not only the oldest Association member worldwide, but also the oldest member of the UK Branch, of which he had been an Honorary Life Member for many years. He was actually born Arthur Neal Alston on 27 December 1909 in Fulham, West London and it was in this name that he attested in the Force. Initially Neal went into spectacle making but, at the age of 18 met a lady whose son had been accepted as a member of the “Rhodesian Mounted Police” (sic). He

attested in the BSAP on 30 March 1928. Neal was a district man spending most of his service on patrols in Umtali District, seeing service at Penhalonga, Umtali, Melsetter and Headlands. He left as a Trooper on 2 April 1930. On returning to UK he studied drama at RADA and changed his name to Neal Arden. This led to a long and varied career in theatre, film, radio and television. He appeared with many of the greats of their day and had roles in many of the classic TV series such as Maigret, Ivanhoe, Z Cars, Dixon of Dock Green, etc Neal also wrote plays and composed over 40 songs recorded by various artists including Petula Clark, Cleo Laine, Russ Conway and Paul Hazel. The Association was represented at the service by Peter Phillips, Barry Henson, Jim Hazlett and Peter Butler. 5267 Norman Stewart (Jock) Burns - belatedly we report the death of Norman on 22 November 2013 in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa. Norman, who was not a member of the Association, joined the Force on 27 June 1954 and served most of his career in the Criminal Investigation Department in Bulawayo and Salisbury. He retired on 27 June 1976 with the rank of Detective Chief Inspector and took up an appointment with the Dairy Marketing Board in Rhodesia. He later moved to South Africa where he was Security Manager for Natal Co-operative Dairies based in Pietermaritzburg. 10111 Dennis George Von Broembsen died on 25 May 2014 in Johannesburg, South Africa. Dennis served from 4 July 1977 to 4 July 1980 leaving at his own request as a Patrol Officer. 7912 Clive Frederick Neil Clifton-Parks died on 1 July 2014 in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu, Natal. Clive, who was not a member of the Association, served from 2 February 1968 to 31 March 1978 leaving on gratuity with the rank of Inspector(T). Clive served in the Pioneer Branch of the Force which took him to various stations around the country. 110964 Trevor Glen Ashby died on 14 July 2014 in Durban, South Africa. Trevor served from 20 August 1979 to 31 July 1980 when he transferred to the Zimbabwe Republic Police where he served until 20 November 1980 leaving that Force as a Patrol Officer. 5089 Brian Anthony Isgar died, aged 79 years, on 31 July 2014 in Durbanville, Cape Town, South Africa. Brian served from 9 August 1953 to 17 April 1957 leaving at his own request with the rank of Constable.

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5370 Richard James (Dick) O’Brien died on 6 August 2014 in Johannesburg, South Africa. Dick served from 7 July 1955 to 7 July 1959 mostly in Bulawayo, leaving with the rank of Constable. 5444 Christopher John Stone died, aged 77 years, on 9 August 2014 in Cape Town, South Africa. Chris served from 4 March 1956 to 17 November 1962 leaving at his own request with the rank of Sergeant. He was a member of the Staff Branch based at PGHQ and later Umtali DHQ. 7108 Alastair John (Mac) MacKenzie died, aged 68 years, on 14 August 2014 at Constantia, Cape Town, South Africa. Mac served from 8 June 1964 to 31 July 1980 when he transferred to the Zimbabwe Republic Police where he served until 15 August 1980 leaving that Force with the rank of Inspector. 6222 Robert (Rob) Traill died, aged 73 years, on 28 August 2014 in Cape Town, South Africa. Rob, who was long standing member of the Western Cape Branch of the Association, served from 31 October 1960 to 31 July 1980 when he transferred to the Zimbabwe Republic Police where he served until 12 June 1982 leaving that Force with the rank of Inspector.

5109 Maurice Peter Aked died, aged 79 years, on 28 August 2014 in Kelowana, British Colombia, Canada. Maurice, who was a member of the UK Branch of the Association, served from 30 August 1953 to 30 December 1963 mainly in Salisbury, leaving on gratuity with the rank of Sergeant. Maurice was awarded a Commissioners Special Commendation for his display of courage, devotion to duty and complete disregard for his personal safety in effecting the arrest of an African rioter in the face of a hostile and stone-throwing mob in Harare Township, Salisbury in 1960.

Maurice emigrated to Canada and after a time with Pinkertons, joined the Canadian Indian Affairs Department where he rose to senior rank. 4149 Robert George (Bob) Kerswell died, aged 88 years, on 14 September 2014 in Shropshire, England. Bob, who was a member of the UK Branch of the Association and until 2006 the Mashonaland Branch, attested on 28 December 1946 spending most of his service in the Criminal Investigation Department. He left the force on 6 February 1957 on gratuity with the rank of Detective Sub-Inspector. After leaving the force, Bob qualified and took up a career in the legal profession, eventually becoming a partner of a Salisbury legal firm. In 1971 he took up the honorary role of Legal Advisor to the Regimental Association. He was a renowned breeder and exhibitor of British Bulldogs and was multi Best in Show winner. He became President of the then Rhodesia Kennel Club and later the President of the Kennel Union of Southern Africa.


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5370 Richard James (Dick) O’Brien died on 6 August 2014 in Johannesburg, South Africa. Dick served from 7 July 1955 to 7 July 1959 mostly in Bulawayo, leaving with the rank of Constable. 5444 Christopher John Stone died, aged 77 years, on 9 August 2014 in Cape Town, South Africa. Chris served from 4 March 1956 to 17 November 1962 leaving at his own request with the rank of Sergeant. He was a member of the Staff Branch based at PGHQ and later Umtali DHQ. 7108 Alastair John (Mac) MacKenzie died, aged 68 years, on 14 August 2014 at Constantia, Cape Town, South Africa. Mac served from 8 June 1964 to 31 July 1980 when he transferred to the Zimbabwe Republic Police where he served until 15 August 1980 leaving that Force with the rank of Inspector. 6222 Robert (Rob) Traill died, aged 73 years, on 28 August 2014 in Cape Town, South Africa. Rob, who was long standing member of the Western Cape Branch of the Association, served from 31 October 1960 to 31 July 1980 when he transferred to the Zimbabwe Republic Police where he served until 12 June 1982 leaving that Force with the rank of Inspector.

5109 Maurice Peter Aked died, aged 79 years, on 28 August 2014 in Kelowana, British Colombia, Canada. Maurice, who was a member of the UK Branch of the Association, served from 30 August 1953 to 30 December 1963 mainly in Salisbury, leaving on gratuity with the rank of Sergeant. Maurice was awarded a Commissioners Special Commendation for his display of courage, devotion to duty and complete disregard for his personal safety in effecting the arrest of an African rioter in the face of a hostile and stone-throwing mob in Harare Township, Salisbury in 1960.

Maurice emigrated to Canada and after a time with Pinkertons, joined the Canadian Indian Affairs Department where he rose to senior rank. 4149 Robert George (Bob) Kerswell died, aged 88 years, on 14 September 2014 in Shropshire, England. Bob, who was a member of the UK Branch of the Association and until 2006 the Mashonaland Branch, attested on 28 December 1946 spending most of his service in the Criminal Investigation Department. He left the force on 6 February 1957 on gratuity with the rank of Detective Sub-Inspector. After leaving the force, Bob qualified and took up a career in the legal profession, eventually becoming a partner of a Salisbury legal firm. In 1971 he took up the honorary role of Legal Advisor to the Regimental Association. He was a renowned breeder and exhibitor of British Bulldogs and was multi Best in Show winner. He became President of the then Rhodesia Kennel Club and later the President of the Kennel Union of Southern Africa.


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4696 Anthony William Austen (Tony) Down died, aged 84 years, on 17 September 2014 in Vredenburg, Western Cape, South Africa. Tony served from 12 March 1951 to 8 January 1962 leaving on gratuity with the rank of Sergeant. During his service Tony was stationed at Bulawayo Urban and Gwanda, before transfer to Morris Depot as an Instructor. He also served in Salisbury District at Beatrice, Norton, Marandellas, Mount Darwin and in Salisbury Urban (Liquor and Drugs) and was Public Prosecutor at the

Salisbury Courts. 6521 John Philip Bursby died on 21 September 2014 in Tunbridge Wells, Kent, England. John, who was not a member of the Association, served from 6 November 1961 to 5 November 1966 leaving at his own request with the rank of Patrol Officer to join the Immigration Department. During his service he was posted to Matabeleland districts, including Fort Tuli and West Nicholson and ended up as public prosecutor in Gwanda. He emigrated to Canada and went into banking, which carried him to a London investment banking career. He retired to Thailand, but returned to the United Kingdom for health reasons. 9201 Kurt Rene Kreuter died aged 58 years, on 22 September 2014 in Johannesburg, South Africa. Kurt served from 25 June 1974 to 24 June 1977 leaving at his own request with the rank of Patrol Officer. He emigrated to South Africa and had trained and practised as a Paramedic, a career which was cut short by his death. 4747 Gerard William (Gerry) Day PMM died on 5 October 2014 in Kenton, Eastern Cape, South Africa. Gerry attested on 22 June 1951 and served at a number of stations in Matabeleland Province until his appointment to Superintendent in 1969. He then served in various posts in Midlands and Salisbury Provinces and at PGHQ as Staff Officer (Promotions). Promoted to Assistant Commissioner in 1977 he served until 31 July 1980 when he transferred to the Zimbabwe Republic Police Force where he served until 17 July 1982 retiring from that Force as Officer Commanding, Matabeleland Province with the rank of Senior Assistant Commissioner. 6765 Peter Turner died on 1 November, 2014 in Port Elizabeth, South Africa after a long illness. Peter attested on 1st October, 1962 leaving on the 30 September 1963 on medical grounds. The Natal Committee extends its sincere condolences to all families and friends of the above members

[Ed. Whilst it is an inevitable fact of life, it is the source of considerable sadness to see that so many good friends and former colleagues have moved to higher service, may they rest in peace.]

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[Editor. The work of the Zimbabwe Pensioner Support Fund is an extremely vital and worthwhile project which deserves our publicity and support. [Due to the length of this Magazine I have not included the latest report from the ZPSF.] Should anyone wish a copy of these reports, they can be obtained from Linda Schultz, [email protected] or the Zim Pen Support Fund Website www zpsf.co.za or by e mail from [email protected] (or phone 00 27 013 7900934). As you will gather from the above, the situation is again deteriorating in Zim, and additional pensioners will require support in future. The fund also has a UK account and a Paypal facility on the zpsf web site. If you make a donation please give your name as reference and advise Linda via e mail or phone (as above).

Banking Details for Donations: First National Bank Account Name: Zimbabwe Pensioner Support Fund Account No. 62239042906 Branch Code 250655

NPO No 096733 : Section 18A PBO 930031642


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[Editor. The work of the Zimbabwe Pensioner Support Fund is an extremely vital and worthwhile project which deserves our publicity and support. [Due to the length of this Magazine I have not included the latest report from the ZPSF.] Should anyone wish a copy of these reports, they can be obtained from Linda Schultz, [email protected] or the Zim Pen Support Fund Website www zpsf.co.za or by e mail from [email protected] (or phone 00 27 013 7900934). As you will gather from the above, the situation is again deteriorating in Zim, and additional pensioners will require support in future. The fund also has a UK account and a Paypal facility on the zpsf web site. If you make a donation please give your name as reference and advise Linda via e mail or phone (as above).

Banking Details for Donations: First National Bank Account Name: Zimbabwe Pensioner Support Fund Account No. 62239042906 Branch Code 250655

NPO No 096733 : Section 18A PBO 930031642


NATAL SOCIAL CALENDAR FOR 2014

26 Oct Sun Bring & Braai Durban West Augusta Estate 11.30 12 Nov Wed Drinks Durban North Virginia Club 17.00 22 Nov Sat Lunch South Coast MOTH Shellhole 11.00 If in any doubt regarding a scheduled event we suggest you telephone the following contacts before commencing your journey: Durban South Ed Bird 031 903 2967 or 082 482 4702; Natal South Coast Barry Woan 039 312 2028 or 0834430533; Durban West (Hillcrest) and Natal Branch Des Howse 031 762 1010 or 083 440 6740; Durban North Iain Laing 031 500 4628 or 083 778 7765. Members are requested to please support the functions arranged by the Members i/c Stations and their teams, for the enjoyment of members.

Memories!

Remember this? Prior to flying, members who joined the Force from the UK via the Union Castle Line and some South Africans will remember this. Three days on the train from Cape Town to Bulawayo and an overnight on to Salisbury. A compartment in a SAR and Rhodesian Railways passenger coach, complete with hand basin and folding table. Bunk beds, which folded down at night, made up by the attendant. Hot railways coffee in the morning!


Leopard Rock Hotel, 2014

Hey Guys, that was a great lunch!

the rhodesian armed forces plot (84) at the field of ... · the rhodesian armed forces plot (84) at...

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