Chairman's Chat

The AGM has come and gone and, unsurprisingly, the committee was re-elected en bloc. I have to say I was a little disappointed at the attendance and would welcome some feedback as to why.

On a more positive note, we have just had a very successful Braai at our new venue in Whitwell. The largest attendance to date enjoyed an excellent weekend, despite the vagaries of the weather, and the appreciative comments of those attending were well received. All being well, we shall return there next year.

Upcoming is our Annual Dinner and I have persuaded Pat Lawless from the Rhodesian Army Association to "sing for his supper" as our guest speaker this year. I noticed that the braai was attended, predominantly, by our more mature members. It would be nice if some more of our younger members could attend the dinner and, indeed, some of our lady members. As this is our Regimental Dinner could I also put in a plea for more members to dress up (DJs) and maintain our traditions.

On a completely different tack, as you will probably know we are affiliated to OSPA (Overseas Service Pensions Association) and through them, and other areas, we continue to pursue the pensions 'problem'. I recently attended their annual lunch - the only representatives of Southern Rhodesia were me and Des Wilson whom some of you may remember from Internal affairs. In chatting to people there, I had this strange feeling of being "different" and then I worked it out. They had worked in various colonies for varying periods and loved their time there but they were all transient and, essentially, looking after the interests of the British Government in that colony. We, on the other hand, had a proud affinity with Rhodesia, or was it the BSAP, or perhaps both.

I leave you with that thought and look forward to seeing you at the Dinner.

Peter Phillips 6905

A Brief Word From The Hon Sec

British State Pension - As a result of Mike Leach's article in the Winter Outpost, on 1 December 2006 I submitted an application in the suggested format, for consideration for an increased pension. (I had previously been allowed to 'buy back' up to a 25% pension.)  On 18.12.06 I received an acknowledgement of my letter.

Having heard nothing further, on 5 May 2007 I queried the situation. On 7 June 2007 I received a response from HM Revenue & Customs dated 5.6.07, which I copy below for the benefit of all those who have enquired.

'Dear Mr Henson,

Thank you for your recent letter concerning your UK Retirement Pension.  Please accept our apologies for the delay in replying.

We understand your anxiety and frustration but we would like to take the opportunity to explain why a decision has not yet been made. As there are legal issues involved, we want to give the matter full consideration and treat it with the seriousness it merits we are, therefore seeking legal advice before we move forward on the issue.  We hope to be in a more progressive position within this current month.

As soon as progress is made we will contact you accordingly.  We are grateful for your continued patience and cooperation and hope that we can work together to reach an accurate and fair conclusion.'

The letter is signed by Miss Kristen S Powell, CAR-Residency/Technical. While I will publish any further response, I will not be holding my breath! 

Subs defaulters - The exercise to contact subs defaulters will commence shortly, so if you fall into this category, please save us time and expenditure of chasing up and get your cheque in now.  If you don't know how much, just ask me.

During my stay in New York, the flat that I had hoped to get, did not transpire and I had two separate spells at the Soldiers, Sailors, Marines and Airmen's Club in Midtown Manhattan (Lexington/37th).  I will be putting a small article on this in the next Outpost but suffice to say that it is open to serving members, veterans and families of the military and Police including 'allies of the United States'. At $47 a night it is unbeatable value and has a reciprocal agreement with the Victory Services Club, London. If anyone is travelling to New York 'on a budget', I can give you details. Take care.

Take care.

Barry Henson 5662
Hon Sec

Around And About The Uk And Ireland

London gatherings at the Victory Services Club

6 March. 2007 those attending were 6905 Peter Phillips, 4853 Fred Punter, 6348 Dennis Poole, 4840 Mike Perslow, 19566 Skip Rauch, 5479 Mike Leach, 6527 Mike O'Donnell. 4278 John Balchin, 5468 Dave Adshead, 9270 Geraint Jones, Guest Paul La Fontaine, 4735 Cliff Rogers, 5812 Derek Singleton,  (from Bermuda)

3 April 2007 attracted the following: 6905 Peter Phillips, 5975 Mike Abbotts, 8131 Brian Hodson, 4735 Cliff Rogers, 5635 Dave Riley & guest Dick Condon, 5055 Ken Miners, 5507 Brian Taylor, 5479 Mike Leach, 7359 Bertie Cubitt, 6360 John Moxham, 7043 Bob Gates, 7211 Pete Biddulph, 8380 Dennis Pretorius, 19566 Skip Rauch, 4278 John Balchin, 6130 Randy Symmons.

1 May 2007 saw the following in attendance: 6905 Peter Phillips, 5662 Barry Henson, 6348 Dennis Poole, 7391 Alan Toms, 4853 Fred Punter, 5975 Mike Abbotts, 6737 Mike Coleman, 19566 Skip Rausch, 5625 Biff Way, 5755 Stu Edwards, 4278 John Balchin.

5 June 2007 saw a great turnout of 25 members and guests: 4728 John Balchin, 4840 Mike Purslow, 4853 Fred Punter, 5055 Ken Miners, 5248 Alan Lane, 5293 Trevor Dutton  (Kloof, SA), 5479 Mike Leach, 5507 Brian Taylor, 5625 Biff Way, 5652 Bill Linfield (Harare, Zimbabwe), 5662 Barry Henson, 5696 Dave Sloman (Johannesburg, SA), 5975 Mike Abbotts, 6308 Dan Hughes, 6348 Dave Sloman (Johannesburg, SA), 5975 Mike Abbotts, 6308 Dan Hughes, 6348 Denis Poole, 6527 Mike O'Donnell, 6632 Gerry Paxton, 6905 Peter Phillips, 7391 Alan Toms, 9291 Ian McLaren and Jacquie, 9270 Geraint Jones and guests Chris Kinsey and Dr Sabrina Schultz, 19566 Skip Rausch, 4735 Cliff Rogers.

3 July 2007 6905 Peter Phillips, 19566 Skip Raussch, 5055 Ken Miners, 5615 Tom Meekin, 7298 Julian Hincks, 4735 Cliff Rogers, 8646 Andrew Field (from Zimbabwe), 5507 Brian Taylor, 5975 Mike Abbotts, 6527 Mike O'Odonnell, 4278 John Balchin, 7310 Ed Ions (from Cape Town), 7461 Peter Grant (from SA). It was a particular pleasure to meet Andrew Field, who does such an excellent job as Webmaster of the BSAP Association website (www.bsap.org). Mike Abbotts.

Chudleigh Gathering 19 May 2007 By 5956 Dave Kennedy

There is a move afoot to include Chudleigh as part of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site!  33 existing and rapidly forming fossils attended and appeared to enjoy the gathering on Saturday 19 May 2007.

Attending were: 4046 Ted Galloway, 2020946 Hilda Olivier, 7900 Gordon Greenwood, PR3356 Wally Pratt, 5566 David MacDonald and his wife Joan, 9926 David Cardy, 5329 Paddy Morton, 3967 'Johnny' Johnston, 6348 Dennis Poole and his wife Norma, 4709 Ron Peters, 9281 Steven Teasdale, 9661 Colin Anderson and his wife Louise, , 6580 Jim O'Toole and his wife Joyce, 5965 Peter  Fitzgerald and his wife Ann, 7547 Chris Inglis, [4766] Pat Shaw, 1279F Heather Milner, 6681 Geoff Quick and his wife 204186Q (A Res) Fiona, 9337 Geoff Hurst, 14777 PR Howard Garbett, WPR Gill Watson, 5468 Dave Adshead, 8693 David Lemon, 6479 Ted Ayers-Hunt, 11999 PR George Fardell, 5956 Dave Kennedy and his wife Anne.  It is very gratifying that some members travel a long distance to attend and Ted Ayers-Hunt deserves a special mention for his 'taxi driver' capacity rounding up a car full in the near Bristol area.

Apologies were received from: David Vickery, Doug Bing, Dave Luscombe, Ian MacIntyre (returned to SA), Alisdair MacIntyre, Dennis Wadsworth (moved to Austria), Eric Collier, Chris Butler, Lin Venters, Jim Gilbert and Chris Jones.

Geoff Quick displayed an impressive array of mounted photos from his BSAP days and Dave Lemon updated us on phase 1 of his attempt to walk around the Kariba Dam gathering information on the plight of the elephant out there for talks on the subject back here in the UK. 

We challenged Wembley Stadium's Cup Final hot air output in chat recounting memories of times past and will be gathering to do so again on Saturday 6th October when any passing fossil is invited to attend. No photos were taken due to an ongoing civil action being taken by one of our attendees who was wrongly identified as Dave Adshead in a recent Outpost but we hope that the matter can be settled out of Court! 

Hey!, one did apologise for that. MSA

The Myerscough June 10th 2007

4933 Rod Wilson writes: A very nice warm day for our gathering at The Myerscough greeted members for our June meeting. As usual members were in a very convivial mood, drank a fair bit, ate a bit more and chatted non stop, with people moving from table to table from 12 noon until about 3-45pm.

Val Marsden had written a card of thanks to the Association in general and the North West Region in particular, thanking all for the messages of sympathy and support after the death of Barry 6314 on April 26th.  13 members attended the funeral in Blackburn and the ashes are to be scattered in Rhodesia Vic Falls area. We shall all miss Barry who was a very keen member of the Myerscough Group.

A new member 5642 Michael Parr joined us from Manchester area and seemed to find things to his liking.

Those attending: 4933 Road Wilson, 4041 Allen Day, 7192 Steve Robins, (6314) Val Marsden, 5607 Harry Davies and guest Barbara Mercer, 5642 Michael Parr, 9786 Lance Combrinck and Charley, 8307 Flash Firth with Jeanette and guest Linda Farrell from Zim, 7084 Frank and Margaret Dearden, 7207 Arnold Wooley and 203679 Paula Wooley.  Apologies were received from Mike and Jan Leach and Dot Stanford Smith.  The Hodsons were AWOL and will be dealt with at a later date.

15 July 2007 18 bodies attended the North West Braai to-day at The Myerscough. It was not wet and it was not cold but then it was a tiny bit wet and not very warm so we had better weather than at Rutland.  Mine Host at The Myerscough is not one to stand still and had built a permanent Gazebo type room outside, with a roof and a heater but only railings for walls with picnic type benches and tables inside. All this for smokers to legally smoke and have a drink and, in our case, a Braai. Well done that man!

Present amongst others , some did not sign in, 4933 Rod Wilson 4041 Allen Day, 7192 Steve Robins, 8307 Flash Firth and guest,  (6314) Val Marsden and whole family, 7207 Arnold Woolley, 4549 Ken Stanford Smith and 204504 Dot Stanford Smith, 9786 Lance Combrinck and young Charley girl and guest had a great time. Apologies from Jeanette Meakin, Paula Woolley, Harry Davies and Barbara Mercer. 

If you want to have a great time in the North West, try The Myerscough.

The Rutland Braai - Saturday 30 June 2007

The Rutland Braai, successor to the now defunct Broadway Braai took place as planned.  It was very well attended by over 100 bods (and bod-esses).  The Whitwell Hotel and Conference Centre lies in beautiful countryside and lived up to its assurance that the team at Whitwell are renowned for tailoring events to meet the exact needs of their clients and that this years BSAP Braai would be a remarkable day.  Our congratulations and thanks to Jim Hazlett, Bertie Cubitt, Alan Toms, Barry Henson and Peter Phillips in organising this function.  Our members who attended were so impressed that your Committee has decided to book the venue for next year for the week-end of 25/26 July.

The UK Inpost

5391 Richard Smallshaw writes: It's always with sorrow that one reads about friends who have died but it also brings back happy memories.  In 1956 Jim Gotley, Martin Braidwood (whose death is reported) and I took some leave and made a trip to Gorongoza Game Reserve in PEA (Mozambique) in Jim's Ford Popular car.  I have photos of us on a small ferry being pulled across the Pungwe River and a cine film of the trip.  I have often seen reference to Martin in Outpost but have not seen any mention of Jim Gotley.  If anyone has news of him I would interested.  Jim Gotley was 5221 Robert James Henniker-Gottley.  Richard can be contacted at Tel: 01483 463854 or by post at Little Elms, 7 Talls Lane, Fenstanton, Cambs PE28 9JJ.  Mike Abbotts.

9086  Tony Granger reports on his recent visit to South Africa to speak at a conference in Johannesburg in May 2007.  En route he met up with 7577 Geoff and Heather Thistleton, 8527 Phil and Sue (WPO Sue Fraser) Wright, 8385 Mike and June Reeler, 9087 Steve Hagan and Anne and Peter Lane in Cape Town.  8244 Rob Maclean  was ill at the time and couldn't make it, as was 7833/8619 Gough Botha.  It would have been nice to have seen them!  Then on to Johannesburg for an informal  get-together at the home of my host Nigel Vaughan in Bryanston in Johannesburg..  Attending were ex Squad mates 9078 Kerr Robinson and 9085 Harry Edwards (ex squad 7/73) and 9432 Gavin Cooper  and 10224 Nigel Cole.  5705 John Bishop, 9065 Alan Shout, 9058 Alan Spiers, Dave James  and Roy Bennett (of MDC fame) were also invited but couldn't make it. At  the conference Tony met up with an old school friend from Sinoia High days, 8438 Peter Steele, who is now living in Cape Town

3004 Neal Arden Sends congratulations to 'young' Bill Crabtree on achieving his 90th.  At 97 myself I can say 'young'.  I was made an Hon Member in 1996 at the Trenchard House meeting place and am most grateful. Also for the big spread you gave my biography on page 23 of the September edition in 2005.  The book, A MAN OF MANY PARTS, has sold well, especially when it is ordered through Amazon.  It  has several references and stories from Rhodesia in the 30s. Because I am thought to be the oldest golfer in East Anglia BBCTV News came and took a film of myself and 3 partners - average age about 86 which was on television that same evening. Best wishes to all.

Sandi Henson, daughter of our Hon Sec Barry, writes on the Rutland Braai "Dear 'Team Whitwell', I'm writing to thank you all for the time, effort and energy you put into organising tonight's BSAP annual barbeque; or as I was quickly corrected during dinner - braai! I must be honest and say that as the youngest member of the Association it's a little difficult for me to remember much of what happened in Zimbabwe. (Probably because I was too busy eating Pronutro and chasing chongololos to take any notice.) However as a human being, I felt privileged to be in a room with so many people who clearly share a special camaraderie and have remarkable memories of some wonderful times in one of the most beautiful parts of the world. Tonight was super special because I got to meet up with the McLarens; folks I've haven't seen in 22 years!    So on behalf of me and my contented belly; it's been years since I've had any Boerewors - thank you!

4853 Fred Punter says he had an excellent stay with 6753 Roger Cook at Roger's hotel the Auberge Camelia in the French Alps.

6617 Garth Stanton wrote to the Hon Sec saying that he is resident in Cyprus and asked if he can join the UK branch. Barry Henson has assured him that this can be done.   In the meantime we include a very brief 'brief' from Garth who tells us he served in the BSAP from 1962 to 1965, stationed at Lalapanzi, Gwelo Rural and Shabani. I would like to enter more details and have them entered on one or more of your sites with the hope that some members of the same squad, 4 of 1962, may contact me .  In Cyprus Garth owns and runs a small business importing and supplying automatic pool cleaners and Salt chlorinators to pool owners on the island.  He can be contacted by email at: dolphinservices@cytanet.com.cy.  Other contact details will follow when he is admitted as a member.

4332 Peter Short comments that the Outpost is well presented and informative and in a recent reflective moment he realised that for many years he has been receiving them without acknowledgement or brief expression of thanks.  Peter and his wife Joan met and married in Que Que in 1963 and she is still very active and in addition to 'housewifely', motherly and 'grandmotherly' duties is the Membership Secretary of the local NHS Retirement Fellowship.  Their sons all live and work fairly close to Chelmsford - Peter's home.  Peter turns 83 in July '07 and has retired once more, this time from musical and theatrical activities, which he started whilst in the BSAP.  Thanks Peter, we wish you a happy birthday.  Mike Abbotts.

Jill Whitehouse was interested in the Mazoe Patrol article by Bernard Terry in the Spring '07 Outpost, saying that she and Bernard corresponded for some time and when she didn't hear from him for sometime she thought something was wrong.  Jill says that it was nice to see a bit about the early days of Rhodesia as there are those of us who are still passionately I nterested in it.  Tim Wright has done a magnificent job with his book about Northern Rhodesia, with access to all the records.  It is a tragedy that conditions do not permit somebody to do the same for Southern Rhodesia, indeed it is an open question how much of this original material which does survive will be available for much longer.

4586 Bert Selley says "In the Spring '07 Outpost I said I would like to make contact with 4582 John Janaway, he got my message and we are now in steady correspondence with each other. He has lived in Mutare ever since leaving the Force.  Sadly, Bert's wife of 51 years, Cherry, died from cancer in February 2007.  Seeking to recharge his batteries, as he put it, he went to Normandy for a week , enjoying the local cuisine and a drop of calvados and also visited the British War Cemetery at Trilly sur Seulles where his brother rests.

WP115 Bev Jaboor (ne้ Bayley) writes:  I have just finished an email to Barry Henson in an effort to become fully 'paid up' for our Outpost.  I am sure he will be back to me shortly.  I thought I would take this opportunity to update our information.  JB and I moved back to Canada in 2002 after six years in the United States. We have settled back into the Toronto area. JB retired from Goodyear and is working on a part time basis and I am still enjoying being involved with the Safari business in East and Southern Africa. Mike and Jan Leach were in Toronto recently and we had a wonderful day with them, going down memory lane, comparing notes from our days in Rhodesia.  They were in great form and looking forward to the rest of their Canadian holiday. Our email address is fbjaboor@sympatico.ca and for anyone who is out our way our phone number is 905-824-7825. We love the Outpost and keeping up with old friends.  Keep it up.

6750 Mike Tavener has recently recently immigrated to the UK from Zimbabwe, and now lives at Middle Barton, in Oxfordshire. Full address details will be listed in due course but in the meantime he can be contacted by email at michaeltavener@btinternet.com.

7084 Frank Dearden recently received a request from Louise, daughter of the late 4754 Albert William (Bill) Freeman.  She last heard of her father as a young child when her parents divorced in 1967.   Bill died in Wales in 2001.  Frank asks  anyone who knew Bill Freeman well be good enough to contact him by telephone at 01229 716078 or by post at Marongora, The Square, Broughton in Furness, Cumbria LA20 6JA.

History of  the Rhodesian Special Branch

"Andrew Field is attempting to put together an authoritive history of the Rhodesian Special Branch, in which there has been much interest by historians. He is looking for former members of the Branch who may be able to contribute to this with anecdotal recollections or documentary support, no matter how small. This project has been a year in the making and many former SB members have made substantial contributions already. Not unexpectedly, there has been some resistance to this, ranging from the strangely paranoid to simple disinterest. Andrew's present location, Zimbabwe, hasn't helped either. The position is this - the official history of the force was sadly lacking in presenting the Special Branch fully as an autonomous branch of the force and what has been written about the Special Branch, unofficially, has concentrated much on the war effort. Military history is critical of the SB role in the war and the branch is not represented fairly by those who seem to have failed to use the intelligence which was available. There was a lot more to the Branch and the history of intelligence in Rhodesia than that which has been written. After 30 years, there should be little cause for concern about any regime being out to get anyone, or compromising yourselves. There is no threat to any regime here, Andrew is in the thick of it and should know, besides which, most officers of the Branch pursued their activities lawfully, as gentlemen and dedicated police officers. The general modus operandi is to "interrogate" a list of former SB officers with a series of questions on specific topics concerning the Branch and encourage their commitment to paper of their recollections - generally by e-mail / fax / or letter. Former members are also being encouraged to dig into their personal archives to find classified documents acquired during service and get these scanned into PDF documents for e-mail transmission to Andrew. This appeal has been made to broaden the source base of information. Andrew would be happy to provide a basic outline of his project initiative and may be contacted at or PO Box HG 935 Highlands, Zimbabwe or on the phone/fax 263-4-755593 during normal working hours or a phone/fax ?4-882897.

Obituaries

It is with regret that we report the following deaths and we extend our deep sympathy to the family and friends of the deceased.

6050 Brian John Cyril Gibbs died at Hitchin, Hertfordshire on 18 May 2007.  Brian died from cancer, which he had suffered for some time. He served in the BSAP from 28 August 1959 to 8 May 1980, retiring as a Chief Inspector.  Brian moved in and out of the Force three times during his career, his Force Numbers were 6050, 6991 and 9099. As an Inspector Brian was Officer i/c 'D' Troop of the Support Unit in 1976.  was awarded the Commissioner's Commendation for his leadership of this unit of the 'Black Boots'.  Brian served on the committee of the UK Branch from May 1990, at which time he became editor of the UK Outpost, a position he occupied until 2000, despite being elected as Chairman of the Branch in 1991, which role he occupied until 2000. In recognition of this service he was awarded Honorary Life Membership of the UK Branch in 2001. He is survived by his wife Adrienne and four sons.

4180 Eric John 'Ricky' May, MLM, PMM, died on Sunday 17th June 2007 at 2.55am in St. Barnabas Hospice, Worthing. Afflicted with leukaemia he had been unwell for some time and passed away peacefully in his sleep. Will Cornell, writing from California, is among many around the world who paid tribute to Ricky saying "I had the privilege of working with him in CID but my first contact was when I was still in uniform in 1962 and in Information Room. I talked to him from time to time about putting down in writing his experiences but he always said he would never do it. I suspect that his 'story would have been one of the more interesting ones. He has had some honorable mentions in other books."  Roger Capper from Florida, USA writes "I worked alongside Ricky at Redbricks, during his long tenure at CIO and always looked forward to seeing him at the Annual Regimental dinners in the UK. Please pass on my condolence to his family." On 27th June 2007 there was a capacity attendance at a Memorial Service to celebrate Ricky's life held at St Andrews Church, Steyning, Sussex by his widow Jeanne, and their daughter Sue.  Among friends and family in attendance it was also well supported by members of the Masons and PROBUS. The BSAP were represented by: John Balchin, Dan Hughes, Gerry and Jane Paxton, Peter Phillips, Cy Hartley, Parry Jones, Fred Punter, Dennis Poole, Dan Stannard, Mike and Jan Leach and Bob Morrison. Mike Wiltshire had prepared a tribute but was unable to attend at the last moment. Dan Stannard read the tribute, to which he added a few observations of his own plus greetings from force members in various parts of the world. Other tributes came from Ricky's grandsons in Australia and, locally from those with whom he was associated in PROBUS.

4354 Dennis Leslie Sherringham died from a heart attack on 10 May 2007 in Bulawayo.  Dennis attested into the force on 29 November 1948 and served until 31 March 1972.   He retired with the rank of Section Officer and was the recipient of the PLSM.   He is survived by his wife, Mary, who is resident in Bulawayo.   Dennis was not an active member of the Regimental Association.

6314 Barry James Marsden died on April 26th 2007 after a long and painful battle with Heart problems. Barry attested on 13/02/61 having been a Cadet with the Lancashire Constabulary. His first posting was to the Gwelo area and he then went to Dog Section and spent his last two years in Bulawayo. Apparently his dog Rex was particularly vicious and only Barry could handle him. In Bulawayo Barry met his wife, Val, and was married in a double ceremony with Val's twin sister who married 6484 Mike Williams.  After his three Barry went to Immigration and then returned to UK in 1966. Barry was a very keen member of The Myerscough group, never missed a meeting, and leaves his wife, Val, two sons and six grand children. 14 BSAP UK members plus 6484 Mike Williams and wife from Jo burg were on parade at the funeral.

7228/7906 Gert Hendrik Petrus (Gerry) de Bruin died peacefully in his sleep, at Margate, South Africa, during the night 11-12 June2007.  He served in the force from 12 Jan 1965 to 31 Dec 1971.  Gerry was an active member of the Regimental Association and a founder member of BSAP Margate 'Station'.  He was a wonderful bloke. We were acquainted while serving in Salisbury Traffic but I got to know Gerry better when he was going to take over from me as editor of the Transvaal Outpost.  In 2002/2003 we spent some months in the hand-over process but then he declined when he was not feeling well.  His reason for this was that he was reluctant to let down our colleagues if he was suddenly unable to produce the Outpost.  It was during this period that I first met Mavis.  As most of us who knew Gerry are aware he was a very talented man in all walks of life, starting with his police service in the SAP (as it was then) and the BSAP but later in his post police career and latterly when he retired, showing great artistic talent as well.

3497 William James Castle-Ward passed away on 7th May 2007 in the Mater Dei Hospital , Bulawayo, at the ripe age of 92 years . He attested on the 20th June 1935 and resigned on 2nd May 1956 with the rank of D/Inspector . He is survived by his wife Beryl ( who will be 90 years this year ), 2 children and many grand and great-grand children. His funeral was held on 11th May 2007. He was a staunch and the oldest member of the Matabeleland Branch.

4020 Ben Plowman died on 5th June 2007 at Launceston,  Devon.  He was cremated on 13th June 2007.  Ben served 28.04.1946 - 27.01.1967 retiring as a S/Insp.  He was not a member of the Association.

4596 Nelson Howard Graham died in Harare on the evening of Wednesday the 27th June 2007. The cause of death was cancer - cancer of the bowel.  5111 Jack Bacon went to visit him on Monday (25/6/2007), and says that at that time he was cheerful, and that the visit was very pleasant.  They were able to reminisce, and to joke about times past.  Jack says that although Nelson had lost a tremendous amount of weight, he did not expect him to die so suddenly.

4630 Leonard Barrett (Barry) Ball died in Zimbabwe on 13/05/2007.  Barry served from 22/05/1950 to 31/01/56 leaving with the rank of Constable, on his  transfer to the Game Department.  He was not a member of the Association.

6337 Peter Vincent Gallagher died of leukaemia at Pontyates, South Wales on 28/05/2007.  He served from 20/03/1961 to 21/06/64.  He was not a member of the Association.

6684 Frederick John Wells (known as John) died on 11th July 2007 at 1.30 pm.  His funeral took place at Amersham Crematorium and was attended by the following BSAP R/A members: 6905 Peter Phillips, 8693 Dave Lemon, 6432 Chris Roberts, 6609 Parry Jones, 7072 Terry Walmsley, 7359 Bertie Cubitt, 7085 Fred Hubbard, 7269 Gordon Murrell (married to John's sister), 6841 Brian Tindale.  Also present was Keith Goddard, son of the late 6199 Rowley Goddard (who was first husband of John's wife, Shirley).   Peter Phillips, as Chairman of the UK Branch, of which John was a member, delivered a tribute to John, in which he reviewed his career in the BSAP in which he served from 14/05/1962 to 14/05/80, leaving as an Inspector. John  served at Fort Vic Rural, Triangle, Bikita and later in his service Mashonaland and latterly in Police Headquarters in Salisbury. Peter concluded by saying it was noticeable from his research that the comments which came through were generally "A decent Chap; a good lad; a Nice man" and this is indeed how we will remember him. We were proud to have served with him and to have known him. Hamba gahle John.

6812 Garth Ralph Ward died on the night of the 16/05/2007 at the Westville Hospital, following a massive stroke on the 4th May. Garth served as a Patrol Officer between 13/12/1962 and 31/05/1967 at Que Que. He left 'At Own Request' Garth and his wife, Rosemary, moved to Natal. He is survived by his wife, three daughters (Tracy, Brenda & Janet) and a son (Jason).

9384Z R/S/O Frank Henry COX died in Johannesburg on 29/05/2007 arising from complications following a lengthy stay in ICU.  Frank's BSAP service was fully in Matabeleland, mostly Western Commonage. Sympathies to his family, particularly his Son 9189 Christopher Henry COX.

9520 Des Odendal died in Fish Hoek, Cape Town on the 29/05/2007.  He was suffering from Cancer and battled over the past year or so. He Served from 06/01/1975 to 18/11/1978 leaving as a DPO.

4121 Graham White passed away in July 2006.  Graham, who was a member of this branch, attested 26/06/1946 and left as a trooper on 15/05/1951.

4258 Derrick Gordon Bennison passed away at 1.20am on the 1st March 2007 at the St Augustine Hospital, Durban from cancer. Derrick served from the 01/05/1948 to the 06/08/1980, retiring on pension as a Senior Assistant Commissioner. He was an active member of the Natal Branch of the Regimental Association and served as Chairman of the Branch. A son Gavin, daughter Charmaine and 4 grandchildren survive Derrick

5190 Patrick Thomas Crook. Pat died at his home in Kleinmont, Western Cape, on Monday 19/02/2007. Although he had been suffering from a chronic internal condition for several years  his death came quite suddenly. We express our condolences to his wife Maureen and daughter Penny, and to his sister and brother-in-law Molly and Bill Hollington (4360). Pat `did his three' from 3 January 1954 to 2 January 1957, serving in the Victoria Province  at Gutu, Bikita and Chilimanzi.  He took his discharge with the rank of Constable. His funeral took place in Kleinmont on Friday 23 February. The Western Cape Branch was represented by 5098 Dave Riley. Pat was, and Bill and Dave are, members of the Western Cape Branch.

[4964] Eleonore (Nora) Gallagher, died in hospital at Gloucester in June 2007. Nora was the widow of the late Brendan [Paddy] Gallagher who Died at Wankie in 1978.

9417 Brian Edgar Timmer died in Johannesburg on 06/06/2007.  He served in the force from January 1975 to May 1980.  Brian, who was not a member of the Regimental Association, lived in Durban. His wife Wendy and two children Megan and Rowan survive him.

7611/10204 Michael (Mike) William Bullen died from liver cancer, in Margate, South Africa on 22//02/2007. Mike initially served as Force No. 7611 from 28/06/1966 to 07/08/1976 leaving as an S/O, he re-attested as Force No. 10204, and served from 09/11/1977 to 04/07/1980 leaving as an Inspector. Resident in Lichtenburg Mike was a member of the Transvaal Branch and we extend our sympathy to his family. For the record the nominal roll under number 10204 reflects Mike as "Michael Winston." This was incorrect, his names Michael William, were correctly reflected under number 7611.

PR 7077 John Edward Stedall, died at his retirement residence in Cape Town on 6 April 2007. John had a hip replacement operation about four previously and appeared to be making a good recovery, so his death was sudden and unexpected. John was an active and enthusiastic member of the Western Cape Branch. Peter  Tobin an Associate Member of the Transvaal Branch died in Joahannesburg  in March 2007, aged 89.  Peter, a former RBC presenter and personality, was a true gentleman was a guest speaker at a Transvaal Branch Annual Dinner, he was truly probably the last of the old school of "steam radio" personalities. A true gentleman, whom we shall miss.

4354 Dennis Leslie Sherringham died in Bulawayo from a heart attack on 10/05/2007.  Dennis served from 29/11/1948 to 31/03/1972.   He retired with the rank of Section Officer and was the recipient of the PLSM.  He is survived by his wife, Mary, who is resident in Bulawayo.   Dennis was not an active member of the Regimental Association.

Joyce Cole  - While she was not a member of the Force or the Association Joyce will be remembered by many former members of the Depot Officers' Mess as a lady who for many years looked after the Mess and its members, very well and will be saddened to hear of  her death in Cape Town on 09/07/2007.

May They Rest In Peace