Referendum
By Glenn Macaskill

No, not about the re-introduction of the death penalty, although that is an issue which recent media surveys show that as many as 70% of the population are in favour.

What is being suggested now is one among our members for suggestions on how the committee should function in the interests of the association.

We know this sort of survey has been tried before without success, but I see no harm in bringing up the matter again.
The Outpost is a conduit through which suggestions and comments can be posted. It is also our main, if not the only, tool to generate more interest being shown in the affairs of the association. Many of our members, for whatever reasons, do not take an active part by communicating and attending functions. Lethargy perhaps is a major factor.

Your committee does what it deems correct by organising monthly and annual functions. But is this enough? The subjects of business networking and building more detailed databases of our members, as well as recruitment, have been aired before, but we always seem to end up with the 'lack of time' factor. Your committee are working men with limited extra time available. Who would take on such projects?
As an 'input' example, a member recently queried the use of the Jocks as a venue as it was in a dangerous area. Are there members out there who feel this way? If so, let us know and depending on the swell of opinion, the matter could be reviewed. Your thoughts on this and any other issues would be welcomed.

There was a fall-off in attendance at the Curry and Rice lunch because of smoking, parking, rugby, other patrons present etc. For this reason the committee is considering a new venue for June next year to overcome these problems. It's likely to be Northcliff Country Club. What do the members think?

All the best for the festive season.

Glenn.
 

Recent Events

Monthly Sundowner - 11/08/06

Present at this do were: 6769 Dick Glanville, 5526 Phil Devlin, 5695 Dave Sloman, 5807 Alistair Webb, 6382 Terry Schwartz, 7184 Chris Russell, 9214 Ian Edwards, guest Brian Newton, 6610 Jock Pirrett, 7978 Doug Hay, 7289 Dave Parker, 6538 Glenn Macaskill.

Annual Dinner - 08/09/06 Johannesburg Country Club

I'm pleased to report that our premier event of the year was well-attended and a great success at the new venue, with 97 persons signing the register. Our guest speaker was Colonel Pat Armstrong, formerly of the Selous Scouts. He delivered an excellent and interesting address which brought much nostalgia amongst the audience. He was quick to point out that Dick Latilla is the first former Patrol Officer to become the chairman of any of the BSAP associations. He fondly mentioned former SB members who'd worked with the Scouts, including Keith Samler, Winston Hart, Tom Thomas, Peter Stanton, Bob Wishart, Peter Dewe, and the late Vic Opperman. He'd also read the History of the BSAP, rather boring he said in jest! Pat praised the BSAP (The Right of the Line) as the finest force in the world.

He pointed out that Army colours had been derived from BSAP colours, and the Selous Scouts' standard, bearing buffalo horns and the Scouts badge, was whisked away to the U.K. where it now rests in the National War Museum in London. Pat received warm applause at the end of his speech.

The reply to the speaker was delivered by none other than 4254 Neil 'Smudge' Smith, now in his 80's, who was flown from Nchanga by the branch specially for the function. If that's possible, he must have lost six inches in height! His humorous talk, interspersed with 'horsy' stories, was a delight and verged on brilliance. It was a pleasure to have him in our midst.

After the formalities the guests mingled till carriages at 0030. Thanks to those who supported the auction and memorabilia sales.

The attendance register: 7184 Chris Russell, 7978 Doug Hay, 6000 Peter Finch, 7609 Tom Short, 6345 Dave Holmes, 6764 Willie Wielopolski, Intaf Alex Bundock, 5845 Gordon Rendall, 8277 Hans Hoffman, 69238384 Ron W Hammond, 10098 Bryan Smith, 6650 Peter Combes, 6416 Terry Smith, guest Richard Smith, 8157 Barry Woan, 10222 Peter Dyer, 9790 Duncan Waugh, 110615 Bryan Peach, 10555 Peter Hobson, number forgotten Gerry Ratering, 9214 Ian Edwards, WFR 2427 Betty Lotter, 6059 Laurie Ibbitt, 8026 Jon Harvey, 9364 Jerry Lancaster, 28306R Kevan Hyett, 7959 Ray Hoggins, 4988 Bill Crossan, 9407 Graham Campbell, 8544 Clive Slowe, 5695 Dave Sloman, 7885 Harry & Joey Esterhuizen, 8003 Greg & Linda Ferguson, 900202 Malcolm Barnfield, 7038 Ashley Collings, 7789 Peter Drysdale, 6538 Glenn Macaskill, WP 101 Sherri Lynn, 6587 Ian Harries, 9704 Alistair Steuart, V3707 Gary Menzies, 110756 Chris Birtle, 8749 Ewen Isdale, 8065 Steve Britz, V2370 John Cannon, 9142 Max Barker, 6534 Ian Cuthbertson, 22495N SAP Rob Allan, 8557 Corrie Pretorius, 7721 Pre Pretorius, 8159 Hennie Pretorius, 5231 Don Rowland, guest Brian Catt, 5526 Phil Devlin, 6382 Terry Schwartz, guest David Richmond, 6817 Keith Douche, 6610 Jock Pirrett, 727984 J. Davidovics, 7289 Dave Parker, SAP R. Edmiston, 728230 Rh Inf C/Sgt R. Wheeldon, 8517 PR C. Saville, 5991 Don Joss, Sandton Commando R. Dow, M. Hart, M. Groenewald, P. Cloete, WP 422 Hilary Beck, WP 185 Cathy Mason, SAPR Allan Fitzgerald, 8446 D. Walters, 6593 Jac van Niekerk, 6166 Keith Nortje, 40211 R. Henry, 15386Y Chris Watermeyer, 6180 Barrie Bennett, 6910 John Bissett, 7290 Steve van den Heever, 5839 Colin Becks, guest Kerry Holmes, 6692 Brian Garvey, guest Sean McClymont, guest Jim Findlay, 4254 Neil Smith, 7651 Dick Latilla, 8452 Dave James, 6145 Alex Fraser, 7255 Norman Atterbury, 9824 S. du Preez, 8053 Gus Albertson, 7717 Tony Merris, 8626 Phil Bishop, 6769 Dick Glanville.

Monthly Sundowner - 13/10/06

Where was everybody else? Present were: 6345 Dave Holmes, guest Derrick Field, 7964 Stuart Thompson, visiting from the U.K., 380608 Dave Critchell, 6382 Terry Schwartz, 7651 Dick Latilla, 9790 Duncan Waugh, 6610 Jock Pirrett, 6538 Glenn Macaskill.

Chairman’s Note

Regimental Dinner
Well we had a fantastic dinner this year, very well attended, great venue, great food and two wonderful guest speakers in Pat Armstrong and Smudge Smith. I wish to thank all of you who attended, you made the evening what it was, and you are what keeps the Association going, so thank you for your attendance. Once again the Committee members did a sterling job and I wish to express my thanks to all of you. Memorabilia sales were good and I have had the photo album of Smudge Smith put onto CD and it will be available soon. If you are interested you can contact me.

Outpost
A special thanks goes to the Editor, Glenn Macaskill for his dedicated work on the Outpost. He does a wonderful job of putting it together, editing the articles and producing something that I know I can’t wait to read when it arrives in my post box. I read all the other Outposts, and I am happy to say our’s is the best and the most informative in the world. Thanks Glenn. (Thank you, Dick – Ed.)

Remembrance Day
There will be a Remembrance Day service on the 12th November 2006 at Rooihuiskraal, Pretoria. Let's get more Rhodesian families there, you can contact me or Dick Glandville for further details.

As this will be the last Outpost for this year, let me take this opportunity to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. All go well, and we will see as many of you as possible at the December Christmas Sundowner and for the AGM on the second Friday of February next year.

God bless you all
Dick Latilla
latillagroup@mweb.co.za
082 892 6590 or home 011 452 7416
Chairman.

Reminder!!!!!
Monthly gatherings every second Friday at the Transvaal Scottish (The Jocks) anytime after 5.30pm. Wives, partners and guests welcome
Please make the effort – you’ll not be disappointed and you’ll be surprised at who you meet.

News from the Branches

New Zealand Branch

The Annual General Meeting was held on 20, May and considered successful, albeit a little disappointing that more members could not attend. It was a cold and wet day, which was soon forgotten once the socialising and nattering got under way. The attendance register was signed by: NRP 390 Greg McManus, 3693 Bill Schollum, Lyn Hopper, 5335 Dick Hopper, 5333 Dave le Sueur, 4757 Ron Pilborough, 7750 Peter Burridge, Barbara Burridge, 4623 Maurice Roffey, 10431 Steven McIntosh-Doná, 123 Shirley Winters, 7595 Ian Winters, 12933G Ted Preston, 718 Arthur Moulds (NRP), 4346 Terry Cottam, F Fitzgerald (NRP), 8543 John Crisp, Bill Jowles, Paul Taylor, Mel Clements. (I did a head count of thirty-eight - apologies to those not included; I took the names off the register - Ed Blue and Old Gold)

Natal - OB Extracts 19 June 2006

What an evening we had at the Hillcrest Station function at the Augusta Club on Sat 3 June. I think we should re-name it the Hillcrest Jiving Competition. Dauntless Des brought along a collection of CDs from the 50-60's and we all brought hot snacks. After chatting, something hot to snack on and the mandatory speech from Hon. Chairman Noble Nodus Clark, it was "... let the Jiving Competition begin!" It was as if we were all magically transported back in time to one of those Single Quarters parties of the 50/60's, everyone was on the floor jiving and having fun…wow what an evening. Those attending were:
4258 Derrick Bennison & June Lucas; 7405 John & Val Borland; 6283 Nobby Clark 5931 Alan & Gerda Cunningham; 8105 Peter Cutting; 5293 Trevor Dutton; 7543 Pete & Elsabe Gatland ; 7229 Des & Trish Howse, 7033 Derek & Megan Kerr; 6872 David & Maddy Lynn (WPO144 Hayes) 5934 Fred & Lindsay Mason; Judie Short (Mother of WPO494 Jacque Short); 5653 Mike and Di Taylor; 4947 Roy Welch; 5802 Ken & Yvonne Wood; 8068 Dennis & Marian Wyatt

On Friday 9th we met with Bill Ellway, the President of The Regimental Association, at lunchtime and had drinks and a very pleasant lunch under the trees at the Shamwari Club. Those attending were:
Bill Ellway, Phil and Eve Mingard, John and Laurette Hardie, Roy Welch, Nobby Clark, Trevor Dutton, John Hill and Fred Mason.

Transvaal Inpost

“Dear Glenn & Dick
As I mentioned I would like to place the attached advert in the next outpost on behalf of John Hicks.
I have effected an electronic transfer of R. 200.00 to the Association account
Ref # 20060824/Netbank/134502 (the funds will be deposited tomorrow)
Disbursemets as follows :
- R.50 for the Advert
- R.50 - Annual subs for mself
- R.50 - Annual subs fof JOHN HICKS
- R.50 - for the Association coffers
Would appreciate it if you could send John the last edition of the outpost
his address is :-
JOHN HICKS
COTE D'ORE
PRASLIN
SEYCHELLES
Thanks for your help
Regards
7999 Dave Stanton-Humphreys”

Advert appears below – Ed.

HOLIDAY ACCOMMODATION AVAILABLE ON PRASLIN ISLAND IN THE SEYCHELLES

Former colleague, JOHN HICKS (5360), is offering holiday accommodation in the Seychelles
Self contained cottage with 1 Double and 2 Single beds in two separate rooms
Just a few meters from the sea at high tide.
Self catering. (Local purchase of victuals or bring your own rat-packs & dog biscuits )
W & E provided.
Daily rate = Euro 50 for the unit.
(Normal hotel costs on Praslin from Euro 500 to Euro 1000 per day. )
Diving and fishing also available @ reasonable cost.
Contact John for full details
Tel & Fax: 09 248 232115
 

“Dear Glenn,
Have received a letter from Pat Deasy whose address is:
34 Mitchell St.,
Dungarvan,
Co Waterford,
Rep. Of Ireland
He had a lot to say but of particular interest he attended a BSAP day at Sandy Stokes's place, some 30 miles from Pat. About 30 ex members and wives attended, including Eddie Matchett, Tom Meecham, Eric Robb, Peter Phillips, Fred Punter, 5584 John Berry, 4358 Andy Bryant, Robin Harvey, 5768 Clive Evans, 5757 Bill O'Connell, 5856 Peter Bradley, 6658 Greg White, 7348 Peter O'Hare, 7851 Brian Walthew, Tom Heslip.
Pat took along 30 mackerel which he grilled Portuguese style and 12 hours later made his weary way home. His next trip is the U.K. Dinner.
Best wishes,
Jock Pirrett 6610.”

Thanks, Jock. Seems like Pat has settled down. He served 22 years and was a keen golfer, for those who don't know – Ed.
 

“Dick Glanville,
Dear Dick,
Just received the latest Outpost, thanks very much (21/8/06).
However, I must apologise for not attending any of the functions etc. Reasons – I'm rather advanced in tears – will be 88 on the 13th October and living in Bapsfontein, rather a longish way from Joburg. Driving at night is a no-no for me, hope you understand the situation.
Great to be a member of the BSAP regimental association.
Yours sincerely,
Dudley Paxton.”

Dudley was a P.R.A.W. Pilot who Dick recruited at a Remembrance Day parade (R.A.S.A.) A good man and the airwing were unsung heroes – Ed.

 

“Glenn,.
Regarding the annual dinner. I have never been to one before and so did not know what to expect. What a great gathering. The venue was nice, the food good and the company excellent. At the heart of it remains the fact that in walking into that room one is fully aware that,unknown to anyone, every man in the room has a lot in common with oneself.
The speeches were good and at over 80 Smudge Smith is well on top of his game, even remembering names of his recruits. I had to smile at Pat Armstrong's comment that the arrested RLI troopies always found that the 'Cops had it all wrong'. I recall now that Paddy Crowe, who for years ran the Charge Office at Central would never charge the RLI or hand them over to the MPs, only to the RLI Regimental Police. From what Pat said I think they were thankful for and remembering of that.
I found the latest Outpost a good read. The obituaries grind on but that is life. The rest of it is somehow lighter and more entertaining. Well done. See you at next year's dinner.
Malcolm Barnfield 900202.”

Glad you enjoyed! And thank you for the donation of the two super souvenir coins to provide income to the branch – Ed
 

“Hi Glenn,

Have just read The Transvaal Outpost for August 2006,issue No 22-2/2006 and noted your comment on page 14 regarding IPA Zimbabwe and would like to clarify the matter.We have not been suspended,but we have,in the best interests of our members, taken voluntary suspension due to financial difficulties beyond our control.This means that our members paid up to 2005 will be regarded as paid up members of IPA for the years 2006 and 2007 and will continue to enjoy the benefits of full IPA membership.From 2008 onwards they will have the option of joining another section of their choice.You may be interested to know that IPA Mashonaland still meet once a month in Harare and we hope to do so for a while yet. Congratulations on your excellent publication,I thoroughly enjoyed reading it.
Sincere Regards,
Rod Finnigan 5917 (RN)
National President
IPA Zimbabwe”

For general info – Ed.
 

“Glenn,
Something for the next Outpost ...... ?

The law of South Africa:
Two recent court cases, have earned the attention of newspaper readers in South Africa. One person was fined R1 000 for not having a TV license. Another was released on bail for R500 after being arrested for murder. The moral of this South African story: If you do not have a TV license and the inspector comes round, kill him. You'll save R500. It's the Right Thing To Do...
Dick Glanville”
 

“Hi Dick,
Apologies from me for the regimental dinner - suffered a heart attach Tuesday 29 Aug 06 and landed up in Linksfield and subsequently Sunninghill. Am pretty well on the mend.
Cheers
Hilton Wray 6080”
 

“Hi Glenn, - grateful if you can put a short note in the Outpost with my new details. I intend to join the Aus branch and then will visit them when I can.
Currently have an ex BSAP chap and former Western Australian Police Supt with us in Afghanistan - Ian Calderwood.
Bruce Braes our COO is en route to Australia (Perth) permanently.
Cheers for now
Servo per Amikeco
Steve Acornley”

Tel work +6562245071 Singapore
sacornley@securerisks.com - Ed
 

“Glenn,
Re: The Sweaties.
And who the hell is James Scott you may have asked, following the ''flyer' about his book in the post. Well, I am now at liberty to identify him, none other than our own John Larn, who has spent the last two years sweating it out to produce this book. I have not yet finished it, but can say that each and every ex member, PR, Intaf and those browns and blues who were involved, especially at a planning level, should read it. There are two reasons for this. One - to support our own and Two - to get an insight into the true enormity of our situation at the time - if you perhaps did not already know. It puts our little history into perspective. Many of its readers will recognize themselves or will recognize the characters portrayed. In a way I find it to be almost an obituary of so many people who tried so hard to achieve something that eventually was seen to be impossible, and yet, still they tried. Some will say it was all an exercise in futility and will produce many cogent reasons for so saying. To some it was an adventure, to many, an end of a lifetimes dream.
Whoever you were and whatever you did, recapture it in this book. It deserves to be read!

Peter Gibson.”

James Scott is indeed ex Inspector John Larn, one of our branch members. His advertisement appears again on the last page of this Outpost, with the websites where the book can be ordered. His reasons for using a pseudonym are genuine.
I have started reading the book myself and find that John has a good writing style and a flair for description of events and the political machinations of the time. I'm enjoying what I've read but obviously need to read it all to be able to give a proper crit – Ed.

 

“Glenn,
I received a call yesterday from Smudge Smith, who asked me to pass on his gratitude to the Committee, for his flight and his accomodations, and also for the invitation extended to him. He said it had given him such a lift, and he also said that the opportunity to meet up with colleagues and friends was a huge privilege.
I had earlier spoken to his good lady, who said she too was very grateful, because Smudge had been given such a boost by his invitation, and had been a diffrerent person of late.
From my own point of view, thank you all for approving the original suggestion for his inclusion. I am sure he made 'the difference' this year, this sentiment being expressed by many at the dinner.
Best wishes
Dave Holmes 6345”

Smudge also phoned me to express his thanks, saying he's a better speaker than a writer. So on his behalf, thanks to all who made his visit such an enjoyable one – Ed.
 

“Dear Glenn,
Ref my phone call this am. As per our conversation, I would like to open up our facility to all ex members and families free of any charge.
We reside on a 22ha plot which has a large well stocked (Bass, Bream and Trout (Winter months) dam, there are numerous picnic and braai sites, and a centralised Kitchen with toilets. We recently built a Pub, and are presently building a seperate unit for the more private functions. Thre is a copse of thorn trees under which we have chair and table units for Sunday breakfasts, and floodlit areas, around the dam for late evening walks. The venue is an ideal and safe place for smallish parties. We are bounded by two large properties, one which has springbok, black wildebeeste, and blesbok, which are on our boundary fence. We are on the borders of the Cradle of Humankind, along Beyers Naude Drive, over the N14 (Krugersdorp/Pta highway) 3,7 Kms on the right (Signposted Walkhaven Dog Park etc). I have also contacted Doug Hay (A fisherman) to actually come out and see for himself, please feel free to do likewise. I can be contacted on 0836591488 or 9573252.
Regards,
Dave Fowler (7617)”

Doug Hay has been out there and recommends it. The committee are considering having a function there one of these days – Ed.
 

Hi Glenn,
I have been doing a little research into the formation date of Special Branch. There is a dearth of information on this and the little that there is appears to conflict. Bill Crabtree in his book "Came the Fourth Flag" states, "prior to the start of the 1960 Festive Season, the Deputy Commissioner, Pat Barfoot, contacted me with startling news. I was to return to Salisbury as soon as possible to organize and assume command of a Special Branch." He goes on in the next chapter to say "Arriving at Police General Headquarters early in the New Year, the DC informed me that
Government had decided to set up a Special Branch within the BSAP, entirely divorced from any other section of the Force". The scheme was based on the recommendations of Sir Roger Hollis...whom Bill Crabtree had met on the occasion of Hollis's visit some months earlier. Certainly Pat Barfoot was in the Deputy Commissioner "hot seat" at the time.
However, reading through Çommissioner Spurling's History (unpublished) it is apparent that Hollis did visit, but only in 1961 - no month given. This is corroborated by Ken Flower. Assuming that he would have reported on his visit and made the recommendations on paper and assuming that the "some months earlier" comprised a few months, and given the likely bureaucracy, is it not feasible that the Special Branch was in fact set up in January 1962 rather and 1961? Perhaps, but another pertinent visitor was General Sir Douglas Packard who only visited the country, but only in early 1962 (again confirmed by Flower) and whose eventual report was released on 5 May 1962.
Not much was discussed between Packard and Spurling at the time of his visit, but one question raised by Packard with Spurling was that of Special Branch. Packard "wanted to know why the BSA Police did not have one", that is circa February 1962. Clearly if there was a Special Branch in existence at that time, then Spurling never knew about it! In fact one of the recommendations in the Packard Report is "The Commissioner should have three main subordinates, a Deputy Commissioner (Administration), a Deputy Commissioner (Crime and Police) and the Head of the Special Branch".
Anyone care to comment?
Andrew Field
BSAP Webmaster”

Dave Sloman is aware of this research and will no doubt come up with some, if not all, the answers – Ed.
 

“Hi Glenn,
I hope that this finds you well, for my troubles I have been posted to Kampala, Uganda. Alma and I really enjoy it here, weather constant, with only two seasons wet and dry, the temperature is between 18 and 32 degrees, but can get very humid at times. Wet weather, it rains at least once a day, normally a good hard shower for about 30 minutes then back to clear blue sky again, we are nearly on the equator. I have found the people very friendly; they go out of their way to help you. Had car trouble and 6 local youths came to help me, after thanking them, they just walked away, none asking for money. Very little begging, most are employed or self employed, with little workshops all over the place, One chap in Kampala walks around with a bathroom scale, asks if you would like to weigh yourself for a tip. You buy fish from a vendor, you pay him, he then gives it to another chap who scales it, then another who fillets it, so for the price of a fish ( Cheap, a kg fish costs about R8.) 3 people make a living .Fillet is aprox R18 a kg. Vegs are also very cheap, fresh from the farm.
I have been told that there are about 37,500 whites in Uganda, mostly in Kampala, big SA crowd, A Dominee comes once a month to hold a church service, then goes fishing on Lake Victoria, (Which by the way, I look out onto, about 2 kms away from my house.) The traffic here is something else, there is no” give way” to the right, if you did you would never get anywhere, at traffic circles you nose in at 45 degrees, but you must be close behind the next vehicle, because if you leave a gap of 500mm a bicycle or Boda Boda( Small 50 to 150cc bikes carrying up to three passengers) will nose in and you will loose your place, if a boda boda can get the handle bars through they will take the gap. The roads in town are something else, Tar with huge pot holes, so you zig zag along the road (Just like a DWD Driver). A couple of weeks ago a petrol tanker hit a pot hole while going around a circle and turned over, spilling petrol all over the place, the locals were there with buckets etc. taking the petrol, while the Police watched, when asked why they were doing nothing, the reply was that the people were helping the environment, as the petrol would seep into the water system, as well as damaging the roads and soil!!! Most of the roads outside town are nice, (Maintained by the Government) if the road is clear you can sit at 120 kmh, but these people can’t judge speed or distances, so you get very bad accidents, Head on. In town you get the bumper bashing.
Well I must end now. Keep well
Kind Regards
Rob Kenny 6535.”

Death Notices

To the families and friends of the deceased we extend our sincere condolences.

4494 John Restorick
John died on 7 August 2006 at Kings Lynn Hospital after a long illness, culminating in a suspected stroke. He had been a member of the UK Branch.

5424 Noel John McKenzie
He joined 28 Jan 1956. Noel died at his place of residence in Port Elizabeth on Sunday 13 August 2006. Noel, who did his 20years, served mainly in Matabeleland Province.

4997 Robert John "Bob" Samways
It is with regret that we advise death of Robert John Samways at Umhlanga
Rocks on Tuesday 1 August 2006 - as yet cause unknown. Bob served from December 1952 to April 1975. Information received from a police widow whose husband served at the same time.

6628 Frank Wales Eddey
He died in the Booth Memorial (Salvation Army) Hospital Cape Town on Sunday 23 July 2006 after a long illness. Prior to his death he had been living with his son Clinton and his daughter-in-law. Frank served from 12 March 1962 to 31 July 1970 and left in the rank of Patrol Officer. Thereafter he served in the Police Reserve and PATU for several years.

6363 Roger Anthony Mumford
He passed away peacefully during the night of 12 September 2006 after fighting a three-year battle against cancer; he is survived by his wife Cathy and a daughter in England. Roger served from 24 April 1961 until 30 April 1966 and left as a Patrol Officer at 'Own Request'. He relocated from Joburg about a year ago and was a member of the Regimental Association (Natal and Transvaal Branches) and an active and founder member of the BSAP Margate Station.


4891 John Hutchinson
John passed away in August in London, Ontario, Canada. He had not been well for some months and had been suffering from diabetes. John served from April 7, 1952 to January 17, 1964 and retired as a Crown Sgt. The information came from Will Cornell 6388.

6597 Anthony Edward Clayton Potts
Early news at this stage. On 25th October he apparently had a heart attack and although rushed to hospital was declared DOA.
He ran Ramsgate Stationers and was visited regularly by several ex members. Survivied by his wife Judy.
He was in apparent good health at the local function on Saturday the 21st October. Further details not available at time of going to print.

Johnny Vye
Another early advice. He died of a heart attack in France on 18th October. No further details at present, but he was a well-known character in the force.

Veronica (Ronnie) Norris
Wife of 5137 Don Norris on 14/08/2006 in Johannesburg after an 8 year battle with emphysema. Ronnie was the daughter of Quinton Siebert, a "permanent" A Reservist of Bulawayo well known to many.

Articles, Books Etc.

The Skull

Sometime in the early 1960’s, I can’t recall the exact year, Stan Edwards O.C. Fort Victoria District handed me a human skull which his young son had found whilst playing at a nearby kopje.
The skull was obviously old but had a neat round hole in the back. I was asked to look into the matter. Our initial reaction was that the skull had probably come from an old burial site. Local tribes often concealed their dead in rock cavities or caves in the surrounding kopjes. A search of the area where the skull was found was carried out. No bones or other human remains could be found. The hole in the skull however still posed a problem. I therefore took it to the Hospital next to the Police Camp where it was examined by GMO Henry Minto Strover, Doctor Roger Hindle and Doctor Doreen Bell (wife of Inspector Peter Bell, Member in Charge Bikita at that time).
The consensus of opinion was that the hole situated high at the back of the skull and to the right hand side was more than likely due to a small piece of bone having fallen out from deterioration of the bone structure. The hole was positioned over one of the skull’s natural internal cavities where the bone is normally thinner. In addition the bone was turning fibrous from age. Flash light examination of the inside of the skull did not reveal any other damage or marks. Inflicted injury to the skull was unlikely and no purpose would be served by subjecting it to further forensic examination.
On reporting my findings to Stan Edwards he instructed me to dispose of it in the hospital’s incinerator. Alas! The hospital did not have an incinerator and I couldn’t find a furnace anywhere in Fort Vic. I therefore wrapped it in newspaper and placed it in the boot of my Morris Oxford saloon in the recess behind the upright spare wheel, out of sight, until such time as I could find a suitable place to dispose of it.
Incidentally I purchased the small black Morris Oxford from the late Detective Inspector Dixie Bruce, CID Bulawayo in 1958, who no doubt some of the ex CID members will remember.
The skull remained in the boot for some considerable time and I completely forgot about it. The only excuse I can offer for the lapse of memory is that of a single Sergeant shunted under pressure from Station to Station relieving permanent Members in Charge while they were on leave. In a period of six months I had been in charge at Chilimanzi, Zaka, Bikita and Chibi and suffered no less than three daunting Commissioner’s Annual Station Inspections. The Commissioner, Basil Spurling, got fed up with seeing me in the end. Those taking leave must have known something. Perhaps my memory lapse was excusable. Anyway back to the skull story.
As you have already guessed, I sold the Morris Oxford to a Constable from Selukwe with the skull still in the boot. The said Constable who shall forever remain nameless, on discovering the skull failed to contact me to find out its origin, and in his infinite wisdom flung it through the car window as far as he could into the bush somewhere in the middle of the Selukwe District.
Months later a Post Office linesman walked into Selukwe Charge Office carrying a skull with a neat hole in the back of it, which he stated he’d found in the bush whilst working on the telephone lines. Our nameless Constable, who was present at the time, recognized the skull and realizing his folly kept quiet about it.
An unnecessary, fruitless investigation was carried out by the Member in Charge, Selukwe which apparently lasted some weeks. The skull was eventually buried under supervision and the exact spot marked in Station records.
I had no knowledge of the Selukwe turn of events until a year or so later when I bumped into the said Constable in Fort Vic. He related what had happened, expressed his annoyance and blamed me for the trouble caused and anxiety he suffered by not telling him the skull was in the boot when I sold the car. He never owned up to throwing the skull into the bush and asked me to keep quiet about it. I never did enlighten him as to the origin of the skull.
P.S. Mr Edwards Sir, Guilty of negligence as charged.

5526 Phil Devlin


Israel

The Middle East has been growing date palms for centuries. The average tree is about 18-20 feet tall and yields about 38 pounds of dates a year.
Israeli date trees are now yielding 400 pounds/year and are short enough to be harvested from the ground or a short ladder .
Israel the 100th smallest country, with less than 1/1000th of the world's population, can lay claim to the following:
The cell phonewas developed in Israel by Israelis working in the Israeli branch of Motorola, which has its largest development center in Israel. Most of the Windows NT and XP operating systems were developed by Microsoft-Israel.
The Pentium MMX Chip technology was designed in Israel at Intel.
Both the Pentium-4 microprocessor and the Centrino processor were entirely designed, developed and produced in Israel.
The Pentium microprocessor in your computer was most likely made in Israel.
Voice mail technology was developed in Israel.
Both Microsoft and Cisco built their only R&D facilities outside the US in Israel.
The technology for the AOL Instant Messenger ICQ was developed in 1996 by four young Israelis.
Israel has the fourth largest air force in the world (after the U.S, Russia and China). In addition to a large variety of other aircraft, Israel's air force has an aerial arsenal of over 250 F-16's. This is the largest fleet of F-16 aircraft outside the U. S .
Israel 's $100 billion economy is larger than all of its immediate neighbors combined.
Israel has the highest percentage in the world of home computers per capita.
According to industry officials, Israel designed the airline industry's most impenetrable flight security. US officials now look (finally) to Israel for advice on how to handle airborne security threats.
Israel has the highest ratio of university degrees to the population in the world.
Israel produces more scientific papers per capita than any other nation by a large margin - 109 per 10,000 people –as well as one of the highest per capita rates of patents filed.
In proportion to its population, Israel has the largest number of startup companies in the world. In absolute terms, Israel has the largest number of startup companies than any other country in the world, except the U.S. (3,500 companies mostly in hi-tech).
With more than 3,000 high-tech companies and startups, Israel has the highest concentration of hi-tech companies in the world -- apart from the Silicon Valley, U. S.
Israel is ranked #2 in the world for venture capital funds right behind the U. S.
Outside the United States and Canada, Israel has the largest number of NASDAQ listed companies.
Israel has the highest average living standards in the Middle East. The per capita income in 2000 was over $17,500, exceeding that of the UK.
On a per capita basis, Israel has the largest number of biotech startups.
Twenty-four per cent of Israel's workforce holds university degrees, ranking third in the industrialized world, after the United States and Holland and 12 per cent hold advanced degrees.
Israel is the only liberal democracy in the Middle East.
In 1984 and 1991, Israel airlifted a total of 22,000 Ethiopian Jews (Operation Solomon) at Risk in Ethiopia, to safety in Israel.
When Golda Meir was elected Prime Minister of Israel in 1969, she became the world's second elected female leader in modern times.
When the U. S. Embassy in Nairobi, Kenya was bombed in 1998, Israeli rescue teams were on the scene within a day – and saved three victims from the rubble.
Israel has the third highest rate of entrepreneurship -- and the highest rate among women and among people over 55 - in the world.
Relative to its population, Israel is the largest immigrant-absorbing nation on earth. Immigrants come in search of democracy, religious freedom, and economic opportunity. (Hundreds of thousands from the former Soviet Union)
Israel was the first nation in the world to adopt the Kimberly process, an international standard that certifies diamonds as “conflict free."
Israel has the world's second highest per capita of new books.
Israel is the only country in the world that entered the 21st century with a net gain in its number of trees, made more remarkable because this was achieved in an area considered mainly desert.
Israel has more museums per capita than any other country.
Medicine... Israeli scientists developed the first fully computerized, no-radiation, diagnostic instrumentation for breast cancer.
An Israeli company developed a computerized system for ensuring proper administration of medications, thus removing human error from medical treatment. Every year in U. S. hospitals 7,000 patients die from treatment mistakes.
Israel's Given Imaging developed the first ingestible video camera, so small it fits inside a pill. Used to view the small intestine from the inside, cancer and digestive disorders.
Researchers in Israel developed a new device that directly helps the heart pump blood, an innovation with the potential to save lives among those with heart failure. The new device is synchronized with the camera and helps doctors diagnose heart's mechanical operations through a sophisticated system of sensors.
Israel leads the world in the number of scientists and technicians in the workforce, with 145 per 10,000, as opposed to 85 in the U.S., over 70 in Japan, and less than 60 in Germany. With over 25% of its work force employed in technical professions. Israel places first in this category as well.
A new acne treatment developed in Israel, the Clear Light device, produces a high-intensity, ultraviolet-light-free, narrow-band blue light that causes acne bacteria to self-destruct – all without damaging surrounding skin or tissue.
An Israeli company was the first to develop and install a large-scale solar-powered and fully functional electricity generating plant, in southern California's Mojave desert.
All the above while engaged in regular wars with an implacable enemy that seeks its destruction, and an economy continuously under strain by having to spend more per capita on its own protection than any other county on earth.
AND THE FRENCH AMBASSADOR IN ENGLAND SAYS "ISRAEL IS NOTHING BUT A SHITTY LITTLE COUNTRY"

Interesting in the light of recent developments – Ed.

Books Review

The Victorians
By Tony Seward.

This book is about Victoria Province, its triumphs and disasters. Whilst the author served in many other Provinces and stations he always returned to the Province in war and in peace.
This is the autobiography of a former member of the B.S.A.Police of
Rhodesia, a force with a long and distinguished reputation as one of the finest police forces in the world.
Born in London England in 1940 Tony Seward attested into the B.S.A.Police on the 17th November 1958 and served for twenty-five years in the force before retiring in 1983 as an Inspector.
After his retirement in 1983 Tony moved to take up the position of site manager of the Kyle boat club near Masvingo in the new Zimbabwe.
Personal concerns for his own safety and security resulted in Tony returning to the United Kingdom in 2004 and his struggles to get into the "system".
"A fast moving autobiography of a former member of the British South
Africa Police in Rhodesia now living in the U.K. A story of the terrorist war in Rhodesia and his part in that war".

Published by Trafford. Contact Tony at mlambo@tseward.wanadoo.co.uk Ed.

 

New Books Package

Following the success of his first book King's Gold, your editor has come up with his next two in association with Michael Bowery, ex British Police, Nyasaland Police and for many years an intelligence case officer with the S.A. Government. The novels comprise:

Michael Bowery:
Canham's Run. First published as The Centaur File. The conspiracies of the 1990 Gulf War. Excellent reviews.
The Sligo Piper. An attempt by the Real IRA on the life of a British Royal mid 1990s.
Kill the President. The Third Force in SA's conspiracy to assassinate then President Nelson Mandela and his cabinet.

Glenn Macaskill:
Crime Lords. A professional crime syndicate of ex SAP members and MK soldiers up against the elite Scorpions. Car hijackings, cash-in-transit, drugs and trafficking of young girls abroad.
Of Royal Blood. A 19th century British war hero turned assassin. His target a renowned monarch.

Published by Crest Publishing. Contact Glenn at his email or Michael Bowery at crestbooks@mweb.co.za for discounted prices - Ed

This and That

Press Release

International Rugby Board (IRB) Rugby World Cup 2007.

Following complaints to the IRB about the All Blacks being allowed to motivate themselves by performing the 'Haka' before their games, other nations were asked to suggest pre-match rituals of their own. The IRB Rugby World Cup 2007 Organizing Committee has now agreed to the following pre-match displays:
1) The England team will chat about the weather, wave hankies in the air and attach bells to their ankles before moaning about how they invented the game and gave it to the world, but no one appreciates them.
2) The Scotland team will chant "You lookin' at me Jimmy?" before each of them smash a bottle of beer over their opponents' heads.
3) The Ireland team will split into two, with the Southern half performing a Riverdance, while the Northerners march the Traditional route from their dressing room to the pitch, via their opponents dressing room.
4) Unfortunately the Committee was unable to accept the Welsh proposal to form a choir and sing Tom Jones '"It's Not Unusual".
5) Argentina will unexpectedly invade a small part of opposition territory, claim it as their own "Las In-Goals-Areas" and have to be forcibly removed by the match stewards.
6) Two members of the South African team will claim to be more important than the other 13 whom they will imprison between the posts. These two will then go about selecting the best parts of the pitch to settle on and claim that they have been there for centuries.
7) The Americans will not attend until almost full time. In future years they will amend the records to show that they were in fact the most important team in the tournament and Hollywood will make a blockbuster film called 'Saving Flanker Ryan'.
8) Five of the Canadian team will sing La Marseillaise and hold the rest of the team to ransom.
9) The Italian team will arrive in Armani gear, sexually harass the female officials and then prepare pasta dishes, which they will flog to the crowd for a fortune.
10) The Japanese will shock fans by demonstrating how to capture a whale for scientific research by harpooning an opposition prop.
11) The French won't have a pre-match display and will simply hide in fear in the dressing room for the whole match.
12) The Australians will have a BBQ on their side of the field and invite the opposition over before the game. The food and alcohol will be in abundance and by the start of the game no-one will remember what they came to the stadium for. After some streaking, the singing of dirty songs and the occasional chunder everyone will go home thoroughly convinced it was a bloody good night.
13) The Moroccan team will quietly pray during the first half and then launch suicide attacks against the opposition after the break. Unfortunately, this strategy works well for the first game only, after which Morocco is forced to withdraw from the Rugby World Cup due to lack of players.
14) Samoa will prepare a huge feast in the middle of the pitch by digging a large hole and filling it with burning embers. They invite the opposition over by saying, "We'd like to have you for dinner". It's only when the opposition get to the pit that they realize there is no meat and that they are the dinner!
Hopefully, with these policies now in place, further problems in this area of the game should cease to exist.

Regards,
Syd Miller
IRB Chairman


What a priest!
'Try not to lie, but if you do, do it as well as the priest."..........
A distinguished looking young lady is on a flight returning from Switzerland. She finds herself seated next to a priest and asks "Excuse me father, may I ask a favor of you?"
"Well of course Miss, what can I do for you?" he replies.
"Here's the dilemma, I purchased for myself, a superbly sophisticated electronic hair remover. I paid a lot of money for it. I really went well over the limits set forth by Customs, and I fear they will confiscate it from me. Could you perhaps secret it through Customs for me under your robes?"
"I certainly could my dear, only I must warn you I really am not ever able to lie..."
"You have such an honest face father, surely they will never ask any questions of you," and with that she hands him the hair remover.
After landing they proceed through Customs and it becomes the father's turn in line.
"Father, do you have anything to declare?" asks the Custom's officer.
"From the top of my head to my waist I have nothing to declare my son."
Finding this answer a little strange the custom's officer proceeds to ask, "And from the waist to the floor, what do you have to declare?"
The father replies, "I have a marvelous little instrument destined to be used on a woman, but which has never yet been used..."
Roaring with laughter the Custom's officer says, "Go right through father. Next!"


Tailpiece

Kids

A father was at the beach with his children when the four-year-old son ran up to him, grabbed his hand, and led him to the shore where a seagull lay dead in the sand.
"Daddy, what happened to him?" the son asked.
"He died and went to Heaven," the Dad replied.
The boy thought a moment and then said,
"Did God throw him back down?"