• Your parents - home,
   
• Your service - its traditions,
   
• Your Queen & Empire,
   
• Your Church & God.
   

These guidelines represent old-fashioned standards that were acceptable fifty-five years ago but in many quarters are considered inappropriate today. Empire smacks of the evils of colonialism. However, was colonialism so evil? I don't think that it was. Colonialism transformed many territories from being backward areas of the world into well-ordered and viable modern states. Admittedly, errors were made when the boundaries of colonial territories were set by the colonial powers that still cause problems today, but I believe that these problems were more than offset by the order and stability that colonialism brought to the majority of colonies.
India was a collection of warring independent states until it was unified under British rule. Although British administration of India faced many problems, often caused by insensitivity to Indian culture and traditions, we only really realise how effective that administration was when the problems of partition manifested themselves after the independence of India and Pakistan.
After the initial occupation of this country, development was commenced. Road and railways were constructed. Villages, towns and cities were developed. A viable administration and judicial system was established. As the economy of the country developed, education and health systems were provided. I believe that the plusses of colonialism more than outweigh the minuses.
I accept that the pioneers and early settlers who came to this country, came not from altruistic motives, for they were not missionaries, but came out of a spirit or adventure, and to improve their own personal situations. Was it not speculated at the time of occupation that this country was the site of the legendary Ophir, and was rich in gold and other precious minerals?
At the time of independence, the new government of Zimbabwe took over a well-developed and modern state with a strong economy and with a balance of payments surplus. That this was so can be directly attributed to the annexation and colonization of this country by Great Britain.

Zimbabwe News

Mashonaland

On Sunday the 25th March 2007, a most enjoyable lunchtime braaivleis was held at the Mabelreign Club. The weather was perfect for sitting outside in the shade enjoying a few cups that cheer in the company of friends and colleagues. Those attending were:- 4072 Dermot & Helen Allen, 7732 Brett Baines, 5281 Peter Bellingham, (7852) Stella Blake, 11997 Dennis Borra, (3126) Mamie Botha, 7760 Rod Bowen, 203509E Connie De Kok, 901822 M Edwards, WP12 Dorothy Espach (Nee Wesson), 5917 Rod Finnigan, 8646 Andrew & Marguerite Field, 7458 Mike & Sue Fox, (6583) Nora Griffin, 3960 Jack Hammond, 8374 Peter Jelliman, 111038 Cliff Johnson, 8235 Martin & Lynn Kay, 9403 Uwe "Gerry" & Lynne Kolpien, 6927 Chris & Mickey Lee, Guest J D Lucas, WFR Pearl Maclachlan, (3925) Mary May, 3976 "Taff" Morgan, 9406 "Red" O'Connell & Rosie Mercer, (4275) Marty Pratt, 6123 Brian Pym & Jan Lemon, (4331) Lillian Robinson, 31795J Geoff Sandford, 9494 Malcolm Smith, 8746 Rick Summers, Guest Ron Walaron, 5673 Ralph & Marie Williams, Ann Wilson, WP134 Denise Woodiwiss and (4130) Betty Wright. Apologies were received from: - 5568 Dennis Anderson, 7615 "Tok" Arnold, 5111 Jack Bacon, 6311/7279 Mike Bloomfield, 4184 Peter Bosley, 5084 John Clements, (4752) Aileen Coetzer, 8262 Jeff Cooper, 5608 Dave de Burgh Thomas, 4728 Bill Ellway, 6262 Nigel Gabriel, 6982 Harry Kefford, 4394 Dave Martin, 7532 Gillie Oberholzer, 904305 Mark Oxley, 5162 Mike Robinson, 6029 Jamie Tennant, 6724/9210 John Van Zyl, and (2872) Connie Vowles. The raffle was well supported grossing Z$698,000.00.
The next event in the Mashonaland calendar are the Mashonaland Branch and the Central Committee Annual General Meetings, which will be held on Friday the 1st June 2007 at the Old Hararians Bowls Pavilion, 1700 for 1730. The Central Committee AGM will follow the Mashonaland Branch AGM almost immediately, as is usual. Proposals for changes to the Association constitution will be presented for ratification during the Central Committee AGM. We trust that there will be a good attendance at both AGMs.

Matabeleland Branch

The Matabeleland Branch Annual General Meeting was held at the Hornung Golf Club, Bulawayo, on Saturday 24th March 2007 at 11.30 a.m. The following members attended: -
NRP201762 A Adams, 8510 David Adams, 4750 Ken Berry, 6847 Tim Cherry, 273464 Father H F Day, 4993 John Fielder, 6068 Gordon Geddes, 5469 Dave Grimbly, 5117 Ron Hall, 6056 Bob Jamieson, 7435 "Taffy" Jones, 8766 Gordon Kent, 5247 Ken MacDonald, 5867 Douglas Marshall, 5783 Edward Padget, 9392 Ian Spackman, 17859L Ian Terry, 1231Q Tony Turner, SAP Piet van Rensburg, 8601Y A von Riesen, WP484 Carol Warren and 17793P D N Wills. Apologies were received from 21934 John Bannister, 3947 Bill Castle Ward, PR17595Z Thomas Cranston, 9413 Marc de Villiers, PR22031 C Ferguson, PR9209J Ray Herran, 10430 Stephen Lea, 8496J John Learmonth, 8552 Dave Mitchley, 9545 Gary Molyneux-Sandwith, 6387 Lyndon Morgan, 7230 David Pell, 3893 John Robertson, 7356 Malcolm Sergeant, 6540 Hugh Squair and 4416 Eddie Webb.
It was unanimously decided that the existing committee, comprising Ian Spackman (Chairman), John Fielder (Treasurer), John Learmonth (Secretary), Derek Marshall, Ken MacDonald, Ken Berry, Karl Hurry, David Adams & Tony Turner, should remain in office for another year. The AGM was followed by a braaivleis.

Regional News

Eastern Cape

The AGM of the Eastern Cape Branch was held at the Maritime Club, Annerley Terrace, Port Elizabeth Central, on the 27 February 2007 at 17,30 and was attended by the following members, wives and guests: - Associate Mrs.Anne BASSON, 9845 James and Elaine CARSE, 6966 Nobby and Pam CLARKE, 5922 Trevor and Pat COMPTON, Guest Mrs C DAWKINS, 5624 Pat and Lyn FERGUSON, 30549L James FISHER, WFR Mignonne GIBBINGS, 9791 Aubrey INGRAM, (4782) Jill MacKenzie, 9447 Rodger and Betty SLATER, (21549K) Mrs. Carole THURMAN & Associate Mrs. Claire WILSON. Apologies were received from: - 6570 Brian BURSTEIN; 6687 Alan DICKINSON; 4696 Tony DOWN; WP137/281 Doreen NOWELL; 5879 Dave STOW; and 5144 Ray WEARE.
The Chairman, 5624 Pat Ferguson, Secretary Jill MacKenzie and Treasurer Mignonne Gibbings all resigned from the committee for personal reasons. All were thanked for their services. However, as there were no nominations from the floor to fill these important positions, the remaining committee members agreed to serve for another term. The new committee is therefore: -
Chairman: Alan DICKINSON tel: 0415851801 and 0832709739.
Secretary/Treasurer: Nobby CLARKE tel: 0413671642 and 0836516914.
Committee members: James CARSE tel: 0413730710.
Aubrey INGRAM tel: 0413792109.
Anne BASSON tel: 0413781085.
Claire WILSON tel: 0413781986.
Secretary's Address: 7, Lily Street, Mangold Park, PORT ELIZABETH 6070. His E-mail address is ropac@telkomsa.net, and his postal address is BSA POLICE REG ASSOCIATION EASTERN CAPE BRANCH, PO Box 27648, Greenacres, PORT ELIZABETH 6057.
The new committee decided that the regular monthly get togethers would be held at the Maritime Club on the last Friday each month from 1730 hours onwards, as opposed the last Tuesday of the month. However, some members do meet on a regular basis at the club on Mondays and Fridays evenings each week. Should visitors wish to meet ex-members, they can visit the club on these evenings

Natal Branch

Margate Function 24/3/07. The Margate Station has done it again with another successful gathering of regular members and police reserve at the Ramsgate Bowling Club. Eighty members confirmed their attendance, but only fifty-two attended!
Those whom signed the register appear in alphabetical order, 7704 ALSTON John & Lettie, 8291 ARKLEY John & 205 Maddy, 5042 ARNOLD Peter & Bonny, 7675 BISHOP Bob & Wendy, 6785 BROWNLOW Roger & Marie, 5685 CHEETHAM Ray & Ann, 169/424 CLARKE Pauline, 6283 CLARKE Nobby, 8332 CUMMING Chris, 5251 DOLBY John & Carla, 26773A DURY John, 4726 DYER Dikkie & Betty, 5968 HATCH George & Judy, 6017 HILL John, 7229 HOWSE Des & Trish, 5663 HUSON Peter, 225 KALSHOVEN Wendy, 922330 LEWIS Alan, 6872 LYNN Dave & 144 Maddy, 23300Y MOLLER Fred, 6457/7248 O'HANLON Dennis, 8214 PACKER Bob & Kim, 5794 PARKER Jack, 7954 SHAW Roger, 728880 SWANEPOEL Vernon,4225 UNDERWOOD Ron, 6133/9525 VAN RENSBURG Pete Janse, 6467 von HORSTEN Butch & Hilary, 6233 WALTON Courtney & Jenny, 7641 WILLIS Ed, 8157 WOAN Barry, 8531 WOODS Kevin. Guests were, CROSS Arthur (ex Palestine & Malaya police force with Ian Reeves), McCRYSTAL Barbara (looked after Mike Bullen to the end); MUMFORD Cathy (widow of 6363 Roger); 39411 POTGIETER Fred ex Rhod Army (with V.Swanepoel Snr); SWANEPOEL Vernon (Jnr) ex R.L.I.; VAN DER MERWE Cobus (with P.Clarke)
Apologies were received from, 5708 BROWN Fred & Lyn, 6468 CALLOW Dave & Penny, 6136 CROSSLEY Ant, 4749 HARDIE John & Laurette, 5118 HAYES Ian, 5684 HUEY Brian & Marlene, 12682 JONES Bob & Sheila, 5934 MASON Fred & Lindsay, 8418 OLDS Doug & 154 Sarah, SIDEY (Mother of 8773 Tim) 10098 SMITH Bryan & Louise, WALKER Wendy (Guest)

John Dolby welcomed the 52 members attending, and thanked those who took the trouble to apologise. He welcomed the widows and partners of our fallen, and stressed the importance of maintaining contact with these people. They were, after all, there in support and we should now support them. During his talk, he castigated those members who had confirmed that they would be attending, but who then failed to appear.
7045 Bob Gates from Perth in Western Australia, and a former Chairman of the Australia Branch of the Association, visited the Shamwari Club for a few drinks on the evening of Friday 23rd March. Some of the members who were present that evening were 7055 Alan & Myrna Brent; 6187 John Haswell; Dave Stewart (John's brother-in-law out from Canada); 7026 "Stretch" Hughes; Denis Goodson (RLI); Roy Welch; 7706 Chris Driver; Perky Perkins; 5934 Fred & Lindsay Mason; 8105 Pete Cutting & 7229 Des Howse. Bob and Alan Brant (Should this not be Brent? Ed) have a lot to answer for they attended the Sharks match the following day, which broke our 6 match winning run. What is more the following weekend we lost in Perth to Bob's home team!

Natal Midlands

Ex-Deputy Commissioner 3708 Bill Crabtree celebrated his 90th birthday at a gala function in Howick on 18 February. About 100 friends and colleagues attended. Ex-members attending were, Robin Bailey (Daughter 3703 RJV "Bill" Bailey), 5044 Tony Bradshaw; 8303 Rob Bristow; (4210) Shelagh Chadwick (Widow of Brian Chadwick); P/Res Martin Chance; 5473 John Clacke; 9432 Gavin Cooper; 8507 Mike Crabtree; 5470 Buddy Deetlefs; 5958 Dick Isemonger; P/Res Brian Jarvis; 6872 Dave Lynn; 4380 Pat McCullough; 4521 Phil Mingard; (3895) Denise Podmore (Widow of Cliff Podmore), 4564 Peter Reynolds; 4254 Smudge Smith; 4767 Steve Stevens; 4898 Chris Thorne & 4947 Roy Welsh.
The Natal Midlands Golf Tournament was held on Sunday 11 March at Sakabula golf club. 43 players took to the course with varying degree's of success, and a further 20 wives and family joined the players for a braai lunch before the prize giving. The winners were a reputable Sakabula four- ball that was followed closely by a number of our pensioner Monday morning players. The following ex BSAP members were present on the day: - Alan Bennett (8242), Rob Bristow (8303), John Carroll (6519), Graham de Wit (6170-7756), Peter Dick (9636), Chris Driver (7706), Derek & Megan Kerr (7033), Peter Reynolds (4564), Chris Thorne (4898) and Dennis Wyatt (8068). Derek & Megan Kerr and their partners Peter and Denise Budde were the defending champions. Unfortunately they had to rely on winning the booze hamper instead of the tournament this year. The Natal Midlands Chairman Phil Mingard (4521) and his good lady Eve joined us for lunch and said a few words at prize giving. Thanks to all who took part, and those behind the scenes who made the day such a success. The branch raised just over R3000 for branch funds. All in all, this was a successful and most enjoyable day.

Transvaal

The Christmas Sundowner was held at "The Jocks" on the 7th December 2006. There was a good turnout. Thanks go to Peter Stiff for the snacks that he provided. Those present were: -6769 Dick Glanville, 5526 Phil & Robin Devlin, 382682 Alan Braithwaite, 9214 Ian Edwards, guest Brian Newton, 7489 Ian Duncan and wife, 5695 Dave Sloman, (6823) Janet Thornberry, 8446 Derek Walters, 5807 Alastair Webb, 5619 Barry Enslin, 6345 Dave Holmes, 7651 Dick & Tiana Latilla, 153294 Dennis Osborne, 6382 Terry & Denise Schwartz, 8544 Clive Slowe, Sarah Pollock, 62236 Barry Mulder, 8968 Dave Nixon, 4831 Peter & Fran Stiff, 8577 Graham McCleland, WP208 Lois McCleland, ? Dave Rush, 6817 Keith Douche, 6650 Peter Combes, 6268 Leon & Merle du Toit, 5156 Peter Gibson, 7727 John Larn, 7184 Chris Russell, 6534 Ian Cuthbertson, 9526 Farr, 7038 Ashley Collings and Morag Willis, 6764 Willie Wielopolski, guest Judy Hankinson, 7118 Mike & Anne Harrison, 8410 Andrew Sternslow, 6145 Alex Fraser, 6538 Glenn Macaskill.
The Annual General Meeting of the Transvaal Branch was held on the 9th February 2007 (Presumably at The Jocks? Ed). The following members attended: - 8452 D K James (Vice Chairman), 6769 Dick Glanville (Secretary), 6145 Alex Fraser (Treasurer), 6538 Glen Macaskill (Editor) & committee members 6345 David Holmes & 7978 Doug Hay, together with 23 members who signed the attendance register. Apologies were received from 7651 Dick Latilla (The Chairman but who was away on business), 6316 Bob Wishart (Committee Member); 5231 Don Rowland; 6017 John Hill; 4456 Guy Houghton (Now deceased); 6346 Peter Moloney; 5405 Brian Thomas; 6692 Brian Garvey; 5807 Alistair Webb; 5181 John Evans; 6534 Ian Cuthbertson; 4988 Bill Crossan; Sam McCrorie; 6382 Terry Schwartz; 5661Trevor Wilson; 8090 Patrick Clancy; 8749 Ewen Isdale; 7461 Peter Grant; Col John Redfern & Mesdames Trina Burger; Wendy Kruger; Betty Lotter; Sheri Lyn.
The new committee was elected and there was very little change from the previous committee, and is as follows: - from 7651 Dick Latilla (Chairman), 8452 D K James (Vice Chairman), 6769 Dick Glanville (Secretary), 6145 Alex Fraser (Treasurer), 6538 Glen Macaskill (Editor) and committee members 6345 Dave Holmes; 7978 Doug Hay; 7184 Chris Russell & 7038 Ashley Collings.
An ex Chairman of the Australia Branch, 7045 Rob & Laurie Gates from Perth, Western Australia, were over on a visit to relatives in Johannesburg. Rob attested on 13/12/63 and left in January 1967 after being stationed at Salisbury Central, Southerton and Harare, and was also once seconded to CID Law & Order/Sabotage Section. He was Chairman of the Australia Branch of the Association. for 6 years. To welcome him South African fashion at "The Jocks" were: 7038 Ashley Collings & Morag Willis, 7290 Steve van den Heever, 6345 Dave Holmes, 5695 Dave Sloman, 7651 Dick Latilla (the second former P/O to be a branch chairman), 5526 Phil Devlin, 6610 Jock Pirrett, 6538 Glenn Macaskill and 6769 Dick Glanville. We trust that he spent an enjoyable and memorable evening with the Transvaal Branch members.

Western Cape Branch

The Annual General Meeting took place on 5 March at Timour Hall. As in previous years the committee stood down en masse. Elections followed and the following members were elected as your committee for 2007: - John Munro, Chairman: Gilly Potter, Hon Secretary/Treasurer: Dave Blacker, Outpost Editor, and Members Rod Eterman, Graham Jansen, Lawrie Mabin, Mike Mays and Carl Van Woerden. Our financial state is healthy, thanks to the efforts of Gilly Potter. It was suggested from the floor that in recognition of the hard work done by him as Secretary/Treasurer and by Dave Blacker as Editor of the Western Cape Outpost deserved recognition. This proposal received good support from the floor, and will be gone into by the incoming Chairman. One aspect stressed at the AGM was the need to look after our own, and that it is incumbent on all Association members to bring cases of members in need of financial assistance to the attention of the committee.
Many of you will remember F/R Inspector Reg SEEKINGS who died in 1999 and was at one time a PATU Instructor in Salisbury. His set of 11 medals, which included the Distinguished Conduct Medal, the Military Medal, the Rhodesia General Service Medal, the Zimbabwe Independence Medal and many more, was recently auctioned in London, and realised the impressive sum of £60 000 (R840 000). What many may not know is that during the war Reg was a Regimental Sergeant Major in the SAS. During a long-range raid in North Africa he personally destroyed 15 enemy planes on the ground, and he was later parachuted into occupied France and caused havoc, by sabotaging local installations, prior to the Normandy landings.
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police have a reputation for always getting their man, and it would seem this tradition has now been widened. RCMP Constables Jason Tree and David Connors are to marry each other. Their nuptials will be performed in Nova Scotia, with both wearing their red serge uniforms. Presumably they will henceforth be known as the Brokeback Mounties. It is to be hoped their honeymoon will not result in saddle sores!
The death of 4684 Tommy TOMLINSON brought back memories of Gwelo in the 1960's. There was a strike at the Bata Shoe Factory that was, of course, quickly exploited politically and it turned into a riot. Both Uniform and CID details were called out and lined up to face the massed rioters. There weren't many of us in Gwelo at the time and the situation looked ugly. "Pig" Bailey was the Officer Commanding, and Tommy, with his marksman's badge, was a member of the riot squad. Between the two opposing factions wandered a donkey, oblivious to the rocks being thrown over it. Bailey called Tommy and ordered `Drop that donkey'. With one shot he did so, whereupon the rioters, without exception, fled. The riot was over with just the one casualty - one dead donkey.

International News

New Zealand

It is reported that the Annual Christmas Luncheon for 2006 was a success, although numbers were down compared with the previous year. 7750 Peter Burridge had obtained a DVD on the history of the BSA Police which certainly brought back many memories, and had the interest and attention of everyone who attended.
The New Zealand Annual General Meeting was held on Saturday, the 26th May 2007. However, I have no further information regarding this meeting at present.

United Kingdom

General Sir Michael Walker, who was the Chief of Defence Staff of the United Kingdom, and who was the Guest Speaker at the UK Annual Dinner in 2005, has now been appointed as Life Peer. His title is now General the Lord Walker GCB CMG CBE. Lord Walker has accepted the position of Patron of the UK Branch Trust.
Those of you, who like myself, was privileged to attend the Broadway Braai in the UK, will have been sorry to learn that last years Braai was the last. The UK Branch has found an alternative venue at Rutland Water, and the new Rutland Braai has been scheduled for Saturday the 20th June 2007. Members who intend visiting the United Kingdom this year might like to bear this date in mind.
The monthly "Get-Togethers" at the Victory Services Club continue to be well attended, and the Christmas gathering on the 5th December 2006 was no exception. It had the best attendance since 2003! Those present were: - 5975 Mike & Audrey Abbotts, 6147 Tony Anderson, 4278 John Balchin, 7211 Peter & Margaret Biddulph, 5317 Keith Brooks, 7225 Keith & Judy Brown, 6737 Mike & Pauline Coleman, 4882 Peter Dancer with daughters Carol & Wendy, 4046 Ted Galloway, 5883 Murray & Ellen Goldstone, 9086 Tony Granger, 4212 Tommy Griffith, 5662 Barry Henson, 715 Jean Henson, 6125 Mike & Roxanne Horner, Assoc. Les House, 7085 Hugh Fred) Hubbard, 4503 Derek & Joan Hunmberstone, 5248 Alan & Pauline Lane, 5349 Peter Lane, 4819 Brian and Jacky Lay, 5479 Mike & Jan Leach, 4777 Tackie & Esme Mackintosh, 5615 Tom & Joan Meekin, 4955 Bob Morriston, 6527 Mike O'Donnell, 6609 Hywell Parry Jones, 6150 Dave Paterson, 6015 Al & Jean Patterson, 6905 Peter & Bim Phillips, [7327] Maggie Plant, 6348 Dennis Poole, 9753 Graeme Restorick, 5635 Dave Riley & Guests Ant Riley & Andre Okey, 6432 Chris Roberts, 4735 Cliff Rogers, Guest Ian Stewart, 6130 Randy Symmons, 5507 Brian Taylor, 7391 Alan & Lynn Toms, 4809 John Turk, General Lord Walker, 7072 Terry & Janet Walmsley, 5625 Biff & Annetta Way, 6883 Tim Webb, 4158 Tim Weimer & 6684 John Wells,
The North-West Christmas Lunch took place at the Myerscough once again on Sunday the 10th December 2006. Those in attendance at were: - 8913 Edward Archdale and Sandy, 9786 Lance Combrinck and daughter Charlotte, 5607 Harry Davies with guests Penny & Pete, 4041 Allen Day, 7984 Frank & Margaret Dearden, 8307 Brian 'Flash' Firth and Jeanette, 8131 Brian and Anne Hodson. 6314 Barry and Val Marsden, 7423 Rod and Shirley Morton, 4549 Ken & Dorothy Stanford-Smith, 4933 Rod Wilson and daughter Andrea & 7207 Arnold & Paula Wooley. Apologies were received from : - 7846 Roy Aston, Mick and Terry Coleman, (4327) Rona Johnstone, 4716 Larry King, 5479 Mike and Jan Leach, 7192 Steve Robins & 4843 Sid and Vera Strickland.
5334 John Worden wrote to the UK Outpost following a visit to New Zealand to see his daughter Mandy. He stated, "My wife Doreen and I paid a recent visit to our daughter Mandy and family (husband Derek, son of the late Supt Johnny Worsley) who live at Upper Hutt near Wellington, NZ. We had a family reunion on Xmas Day when we were joined by our son Chris (ex PO 110849) on a flying visit from UK, and Derek's aunt June and husband 4732 Phil Hosford ex C/Insp. During our travels in North Island we spent a night with 9814 Clive Boyce and his family in the small town of Te Aroha. Clive asked to be put in touch with the Association and we duly complied when we had lunch in Howick, Auckland, with 5339 Dick Hopper, his wife Lyn and 5333 Dave Le Seuer who drove up from his home in Cambridge and joined us. This was a memorable reunion of three squad mates from combined squads 2 & 3/55, and even more memorable for Dave and I who had not met, as far as we can recall, for 50 years! Dick Hopper is a noted ship modeller and he has built a seven feet long working model of the Pretoria Castle, on which he and I sailed to SA in April 1955. Dick and Dave are stalwarts of the NZ Branch. Our trip brought home to us the continuing companionship of the world-wide family that is the Association."
There was an article in the Spring 2007 UK Outpost about Randolph Cosby Nesbitt who was awarded the Victoria Cross for his part in the well known Alice Mine rescue. The article was summarised from a study compiled by Bernard Terry. The Nesbitt family originated in Lincolnshire. Randolph was born in Queenstown in the Cape Colony on the 20th September 1867. He was educated at Dale College King Williamstown, and St Paul's School in London. His father was Major Charles Nesbitt. Upon leaving school, he joined the Cape Mounted Rifles, and later, the Mashonaland Mounted Police and moved into what became Rhodesia in 1891. He was commissioned later that year but resigned to take up the position of Chief Constable of Fort Pedie in the Cape. When the Matabele War of 1893 broke out he returned to the Mashonaland Mounted Police and was appointed a sub-inspector (Lieutenant) and was posted as Acting Commandant to command the Umtali District. On the 1st June 1895, he was promoted to Inspector (Captain) and transferred to Salisbury. On the 19th June 1895, he commanded the column despatched to rescue the surviving residents at the Alice Mine. On the 1st October 1896, Nesbitt assumed command of Fort Martin situated about 40 miles south of Salisbury. On the 17th March 1987, Chief Mashayangombi and his followers attacked the Fort but the attack was repulsed. On the 7th May 1897, Nesbitt was awarded the Victoria Cross for his part in the Alice Mine rescue. During the Boer War, Nesbitt served with the Mashonaland Division of the BSAP, and was part of Plumer's Column that brought about the Relief of Mafeking. After the war, Nesbitt served in various districts of Rhodesia but resigned in 1909. He was appointed Native Commissioner of Goromonzi and remained in that post until his retirement in 1927, aged 60. After the death of his wife, he moved to Muizenberg in the Cape. In 1956, he was to have travelled to London to take part in the Centenary of the Victoria Cross, of which he was the oldest living holder. Sadly, his health prevented him from attending, and after a short illness, he died at home on the 23rd July 1956, aged 89.

Mailbag

An E-Mail was received from 4757 Ron Pilborough, who now lives in Christchurch in New Zealand who advised: - "I thought there were only 3 former members here in Christchurch, namely myself (4757), Tony "Duke" Dixon (5404) and Tony Cooper (6381). Tony Dixon died from leukaemia on 31 December 2006 leaving just the two. However, this was not correct. We discovered John Davies (5105), who had been living here for 5+ years, and then Tony Connolly (8089), who transferred in from Natal and made contact. He advised that his brother Paul Connelly (9566) was also here. This makes a new total of 5. I could not miss the opportunity for a get together, so a braai was held at my place last night, the 27th January 2007."
I have been corresponding with The Warden of Borradaile Trust in Marondera recently, and he passed on the following that I found most amusing. "There is also a very interesting book called "memories" compiled by Margaret Tredgold, in our library. It contains memories of ex residents of Borradaile Trust, one of whom was my late mother. The one snippet that I really enjoyed was about the one resident who was stopped by the police for rather erratic driving, and was asked to show her drivers licence. After rummaging in her handbag, she produced "a letter of authority to drive an ox-wagon in Salisbury".

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News from Central - Issue Number 89