Medals, Honours and Awards
of former members of the
British South Africa Police
Pro Rege Pro Lege Pro Patria

Compiled by Andrew Field 8646

This page is dedicated to those members of the British South Africa Police who have been awarded medals or honours during their service in the force or subsequent to service in the force. The page has been split into two sections:

• British and Colonial Awards
• Rhodesian Awards

Information is generally ordered by surname and first names, followed by the life span of the person in brackets, or birth death years.  Existing decorations at the time of the award are listed along with a force number and period of service in the BSA Police, in brackets, the rank at the time of the award, and the date of the award.  If you believe you have found any errors in these listings, please report them to the , and where possible provide credible supporting documentation.  Thank you.

British and Colonial Awards

The Victoria Cross


The following persons, who were members of either the Mashonaland Mounted Police or Bulawayo Field Force (forerunners of the British South Africa Police), and later BSA Police, are recipients of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces:

Nesbitt, Randolph Cosby - On 19 June 1896 at Mazoe, near Salisbury, Rhodesia, Captain Nesbitt led a patrol consisting of only 13 men to go to the rescue of the miners at the Alice Mine in Mazoe Valley, who were surrounded by hordes of rebels.  Captain Nesbitt and his patrol fought their way through the enemy and succeeded in getting the beleaguered party (including three women) back to Salisbury, in spite of heavy fighting in which three of the small rescue party were killed and five wounded.   At the time, Nesbitt was 28 years old, and a Captain in the Mashonaland Mounted Police, British South Africa (predecessor of Southern Rhodesia) Forces during the Mashona Rebellion, Rhodesia when the deed took place.

Booth, Frederick Charles (1630) (1890 - 1960) was a 26 year old Sergeant in the British South Africa Police attached to the Rhodesian Native Infantry during the First World War, when on 12 February, 1917 (World War I) at Johannesbruck, in German East Africa (now Tanzania), during an attack in thick scrub on an enemy position, Sergeant Booth went forward alone to rescue an injured man.  He then rallied the poorly organised native troops and brought them to the firing line.  On many previous occasions this NCO had set a splendid example of pluck, and endurance.  He was born in Holloway, North London, and educated at Cheltenham College served in the British South Africa Police, in Southern Rhodesia, from 1912 to 1917.  Booth died on September 14, 1960, in Brighton, United Kingdom and is buried at Bear Road Cemetery, Brighton, Sussex, England, in the Red Cross Plot.

Henderson, Herbert Stephen was a 26 years old Trooper in the Bulawayo Field Force, British South African Forces during the Matabeleland Rebellion, Rhodesia when on 30 March 1896 at Campbell's Store, near Bulawayo, Rhodesia, a patrol which had been sent to the rescue of another beleaguered patrol, was surprised by rebels and Trooper Henderson and another trooper were cut off from the main party.  The second trooper was shot through the knee and his horse killed, so Trooper Henderson put the wounded man on his own horse, and, walking beside it, made his way to Bulawayo, 35 miles away.  They had to move principally by night, as the country was full of marauding rebels and they had no food for two days and one night.

Baxter, Frank William (1869 - 1896) was a 26 years old Trooper in the Bulawayo Field Force during the Matabeleland Rebellion, when on April 22, 1896 (Matabeleland Rebellion), near Umguza, Mashonaland, Rhodesia, he gave up his horse to a wounded comrade who was lagging behind, with an enemy force in hot pursuit.  Baxter then tried to escape on foot, hanging on to the stirrup of another mounted scout of the Bulawayo Field Force, until he was hit in the side by enemy fire.  He let go of the stirrup and died moments later.  He was born on 29 December, 1869 in Woolwich, London.   Baxter is buried at Bulawayo Town Cemetery, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe.

Knight Commander of the Royal Victorian Order (KCVO)

Recipient:
Pestell, Sir John Richard (1916-2005) - CPM (No. 3815 - served from Apr-1939 to Jun-1965) post BSAP Service on 9-Jul-1969.  Sir John was Private Secretary and Comptroller to the Governor of Southern Rhodesia (1965-1969)

Knight Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (KBE)

Recipients:
Edwards, Sir Alfred Hamilton Mackenzie KBE; CB; MVO; Major General - Commissioner of Police

Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (CBE)

Recipients:
Appleby , James (1899-1985) - KPM (No. 2123) Commissioner on 8-Jan-1954;
Barfoot, Frank Eric (1913-1971) - QPM; CPM (No. 3342) Commissioner on 13-Jun-1964;
De Quehen , Basil Maurice (d.1993) – MVO (No.3136) Captain on 14-Apr-1947;
Capell, Algernon Essex (1869-1952) – DSO - Colonel on 3-Jun-1924;
Jackson, Harold (1903-1998) - KPM; CPM (No. 2853) Lieutenant-Colonel on 1-Jan-1958;
Morris, John Sidney ( d.1961) (No. 1119) Commissioner on 3-Jun-1935;
Parson, George (-1951) - DSO; MID - Major on 4-Jun-1934;
Ross, John Ellis (1893-1965) - CVO; KPM (No. 1771) Commissioner on 8-Jun-1950;
Spurling, Basil Gordon (1908-1991) - QPM; CPM (No. 3100) Commissioner on 13-Jun-1959;
St.Quinton , Noel (d.1970) (No.941)
Stops, George (1876-1940) Commissioner on 3-Jan-1933;
Stubbs , William Frederick (d.1987) – GMC (No.2434)
 

Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire ( OBE)

Recipients:
Adams, Arthur Veysey (d.1972) (No. 1672 - served from Apr-1913 to Apr-1933) Post BSAP Service on 2-Jan-1942;
Black, JB - DFC (No. 3768V) Pre BSAP Reserve Service (Joined 1966) ;
Brundell, Joseph Cyril (d.1938) (No. 1142 - served from Jun-1901 to Oct-1935) on 1-Jan-1935;
Clemow, Hedley William (1890-1975) (No. 1701 - served from Aug-1913 to Oct-1945) Major on 18-Jun-1942;
Duncombe, Charles William (b.1907) MBE; CPM (No. 3102 - served from Apr-1929 to Jan-1962) Post BSAP Service on 1-Jan-1964;
Fitzwilliam, George Lionel Canard (b.1908) (No. 3089 - served from Mar-1929 to Nov-1963) S/A/Commissioner on 1-Jan-1964;
Fleming, Malcolm Granger - Lieutenant Colonel on 1-Jan-1954;
Hamilton, Richard (d.1962) (No. 671 - served from Jun-1905 to Feb-1939) Major on 11-May-1937;
Harries, George Mervyn (1912-2001) - QPM; CPM (No. 3369 - served from Feb-1934 to Oct-1967) Deputy Commissioner on 1-Jan-1965;
Harrison, Frederick William (b.1896) (No. 2323 - served from Jul-1920 to Jan-1951) Lieutenant Colonel on 9-Jun-1950;
Hickman, Arthur Selwyn (1900-1976) (No. 2622 - served from Aug-1924 to Nov-1955) Chief Superintendent on 9-Jun-1944;
Phillips, William James (d.1957) (No. 221 - served from Aug-1901 to Oct-1931) Major on 30-May-1919;
Shillingford, Norman Frederick (No. R524) Superintendent (Reserve) on 7-Jan-1949;
Stephens, Francis Trant (d.1946) (No. 560 - served from Oct-1903 to Jul-1920) Major on 30-May-1919;
Syratt, William James (No. 4129 - served from Jun-1946 to Oct-1949) ;
Thornton, George James (d.1948) (No. 18 - served from Nov-1896 to Apr-1923) Major on 1-Jan-1919;

 

Colonial Police Medal for Gallantry (CPMG)

  

Recipients:
Coutts, Alexander Cameron Sibbald "Sandy" (5234) - Inspector
Garikayi (possibly Varikayi) (17440) - Constable
Tichawona (12064) - Constable

Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)

Recipients:
 

Queens Police Medal for Meritorious Service (QPM)

Recipients:
Bailey, Robert John Vivian - CPM (3703)  Deputy Commissioner on 18-Jun-1965;
Barfoot, Frank Eric - CBE; CPM (3342)  Commissioner on 16-Jun-1961;
Blowers, Harry Branton - CPM (3529)  S/A/Commissioner on 14-Jun-1933;
Borland, Robert Hugh - CPM (3306)  Lieutenant Colonel on 14-Jun-1957;
Botha, John Nicolas - CPLSM, CPM (3126)  Assistant Commissioner on 4-Jan-1963;
Bunce, Ernest Hope - CPLSM, CPM (2724)  Assistant Commissioner on 13-Jun-1958;
Duncombe, Charles William - CPM (3102)  S/A/Commissioner on 17-Jun-1970;
Edwards, Stanley - CPM (3749)  Captain on 8-Jan-1965;
Fitzwilliam, George Lionel - OBE, CPM (3089)  S/A/Commissioner on 1-Jan-1960;
Flower, Kenneth - MBE, CPM (3854)  Deputy Commissioner on 5-Jan-1962;
Harries, George Mervyn - OBE, CPM (3369)  Deputy Commissioner on 6-Jun-1962;
Harvey, Fgeorge McLean - CPLSM, CPM (3118)  S/A/Commissioner on 6-Jan-1961;
Hickman, Arthur Selwyn - CPM, OSJ (2622)  Commissioner on 1-Jan-1955;
Lennox, Ernest James - CPLSM, CPM (3119)  Assistant Commissioner on 2-Jan-1959;
Price, Basil Joseph - CPM (2844)  Major on 19-Jun-1959;
Redfers, Jack - CPM (3540)  Captain on 1-Jan-1964;
Rogers, Graham Cecil - CPM (2537)  Lieutenant Colonel on 8-Jan-1954;
Rolfe, Graham Sydney Ablitt - CPM, MID, 53 CORO (2934)  S/A/Commissioner on 10-Jun-1955;
Spink, James - CPM, MID, 53 CORO (3743)  Commissioner on 19-Jun-1964;
Spurling, Basil Gordon - CBE, CPM (3100)  Commissioner on 4-Jan-1957;
Streeter, Ernest Stanley - MBE, CPM (2807)  Major on 3-Jan-1958;
Thatcher, Charles William Howe - CPM, (3193)  Assistant Commissioner on 1-Jan-1956;
Walker, William Hampton Dawson - MBE (MIL), CPM (3088)  Lieutenant Colonel on 1-Jun-1958;

 

Rhodesian Awards

The Conspicuous Gallantry Decoration (CGD)

No members of the Defence Forces or Police were recipients of this medal.

The Grand Officer of the Legion of Merit (GLM)
For Outstanding Service to Rhodesia

Recipients:
Flower, Kenneth (1914-1987) - ID; MBE; QPM; CPM (No. 3654 - served from Apr-1937 to Jun-1969) Deputy Commissioner on 27-Apr-1979; and
Sherren, Peter Denis Wray Richard (1919-1995) - CLM; PCD; OLM; CPM; PLSM (No. 3862 - served from Aug-1939 to Feb-1978) Commissioner on 17-Jul-1978;

The Independence Decoration (ID)

Recipients:
Barfoot, Frank Eric - CBE (3342) Commissioner on 11-Nov-1970; and
Flower, Ken - MBE (3654) Deputy Commissioner on 20-Apr-1979

Commander of the Legion of Merit (CLM)
For Distinguished Service to Rhodesia


Recipients:
Allum, Peter Kevin - OLM; PCD; CPM; PLSM (3939) Commissioner on 11-Nov-1978;
Bristow, Sidney Frederick Samuel - PCD (3844) Commissioner on 11-Nov-1972;
Sherren, Peter Denis Wray Richard - PCD; OLM (3862) Commissioner on 11-Nov-1975;

Police Cross for Conspicuous Gallantry (PCG)


Recipients:
Edwards, Derrick George (8158) Patrol Officer on 25-Mar-1977;
Kampaundi, C (21149) Constable on 20-Jun-1975;
Manyawu, SM (22150) Constable on 25-Mar-1977;
Mazarire, E (22327) Constable on 5-Aug-1977;
O’Brien, Lindsay Robert (9440) Lance Section Officer on 8-Sep-1977;

The Officer of the Legion of Merit (OLM)



Recipients:
Allen, Thomas Digby - PCD; CPM; PLSM (3779)  Post Service (Retired 1973) on 11-Nov-1973;
Allum, Peter Kevin - PCD; CPM; PLSM (3939)  Deputy Commissioner on 11-Nov-1976;
Atkinson, George - PCD; CPM; PLSM (4094)  Deputy Commissioner on 11-Nov-1978;
Bailey, Robert John Vivian - PLSM (3703)  Deputy Commissioner on 12-Jul-1971;
Burrell, Robert Edmund - PLSM (4795)  Assistant Commissioner on 11-Nov-1978;
Crabtree, William - PCD; CPM (3708)  Post Service (Retired 1970) on 12-Jul-1971;
Denley, Jack - PCD; CPM; PLSM (4261)  Deputy Commissioner on 11-Nov-1978;
Fletcher, John Samuel Trevor - PLSM (4774)  Assistant Commissioner on 27-Apr-1979;
Jouning, Leonard James - PCD; CPM; PLSM (3968)  Deputy Commissioner on 11-Nov-1975;
McGuinness, Michael John Peter - PLSM (5197)  C/Superintendent on 11-Nov-1978;
Sherren, Peter Denis Wray Richard - PCD; CPM; PLSM (3862)  Deputy Commissioner on 11-Nov-1973;
Van Sittert, Eric Desmond - OLM; PCD; CPM; PLSM (3631)  Post Service(Retired 1971) on 10-July-1972;
 

The Member of the Legion of Merit (MLM)

Recipients
Bennison, Derrick Gordon - PCD; PMM (4258)  S/A/Commissioner on 7-Dec-1979;
Blowers, Harry Branton (3529)  Post Service (Retired 1967) on 11 -Nov-1971;
Brent, Darroll Lancelot (8556)  Section Officer on 7-Jul-1978;
Burt, Peter John Byatt (5025)  Post Service (Retired 1973) on 11-Nov-1977;
de Gray-Birch, John (7160/8468)  D/Inspector on 11-Nov-1978;
Hedge, Douglas Cordy - PCD; PMM (4147)  S/A/Commissioner on 7-Dec-1979;
Hollingworth, Donald (4490)  Superintendent on 27-Apr-1979;
Ludgater, W J - PRAW Pilot on 12-Jul-1971;
Mansill, R - Superintendent (Reserve) on 27-Apr-1979;
Mason, Frederick Charles - PLSM (5934)  C/Superintendent on 7-Dec-1979;
May, Eric John - PMM (4180)  Post Service (Retired 1974) on 27-Apr-1979;
Murray, Philip Stuart (4437)  S/A/Commissioner on 11-Nov-1978;
Nigadzino, Samuel (200763)  Auxilliary Constable on 8-Sep-1978;
Palmer, P P - PRAW Pilot on 7-Dec-1979;
Parker, Robert William James (8175)  Section Officer on 14-Jul-1978;
Redfern, Jack - CPM (3540)  Post Service (Retired 1965) on 12-Jul-1971;
Shimongola, FAC (16021)  Sergeant Major on 7-Jul-1978;
Wiltshire, Michael Benjamin (4857)  Post Service (Retired 1970) on 27-Apr-1979;
Woan, Barry Robert Charles (8157)  Section Officer on 7-Jul-1978;
Wright, James Anthony (4130)  S/A/Commissioner on 11-Nov-1978;

 

The Police Decoration for Gallantry (PDG)



Recipients:
Bacon, Henry William (8539 )  D/Section Officer on 5-Oct-1979;
Barker, Jim M (10328A )  Field Reservist on 23-Oct-1970;
Bredenkamp, WL (90314 )  Field Reservist on 25-Mar-1977;
Conn, P A  Field Reservist on 2-Aug-1974;
de Robillard, MCA (24465 )  Field Reservist on 25-Mar-1977;
Hewitt, Timothy Charles (8525 )  Posthumous (KIA 23-Feb-1977) on 5-Aug-1977;
Katsiru, AE (20792 )  D/Constable on 21-Feb-1975;
Kauzanani, E  African Field Reservist on 9-Jun-1978;
Lailey, Graham John (8329 )  D/Section Officer on 17-Aug-1979;
Ludeke, Barend Jacobus (10041 )  Patrol Officer on 5-Oct-1979;
Marshall, Benjamin Edwin Noel (6188 )  Section Officer on 23-Oct-1970;
Masakwa, M (16518 )  Sergeant Major on 8-Sep-1978;
Mathews, Thomas Bruce (9010 )  Section Officer on 25-Mar-1977;
Mkandhla, D  African Field Reservist on 9-Jun-1978;
Ncube, M (21609 )  Constable on 15-Oct-1976;
Paul, Duncan Jones (8980 )  Patrol Officer on 25-Mar-1977;
Phillips, Frederick Jan Smuts (5096 )  Inspector on 23-Oct-1970;
Shoko, C (20174 )  Constable on 20-Jun-1975;
Soka, G (24825 )  Posthumous (KIA 1-Sep-1977) on 9-Jun-1978;
Sutherns, Geoffrey David (10383 )  Patrol Officer on 5-Oct-1979;
Tiffin, Barry James (6075 )  Section Officer on 23-Oct-1970;
Twine, Julian Edward - MBE (6511 )  Inspector on 21-Feb-1975;



Police Cross for Distinguished Service (PCD)



Recipients:
Allen, Thomas Digby - CPM; PLSM; (3779 )  S/A/Commissioner on 11-Nov- 1971;
Allum, Peter Kevin - CPM; PLSM; (3939 )  S/A/Commissioner on 11-Nov- 1973;
Atkinson, George - CPM; PLSM; (4094 )  S/A/Commissioner on 11-Nov- 1973;
Bellamy, Robert Steele Cremer - CPM; (3528 )  S/A/Commissioner on 11-Nov- 1971;
Bennison, Derrick Gordon - MLM; PMM; (4258 )  S/A/Commissioner on 11-Nov- 1978;
Bradfield, John Douglas - PMM; PLSM; (4511 )  S/A/Commissioner on 11-Nov- 1976;
Braes, Andrew Meikle - CPM; (3803 )  S/A/Commissioner on 11-Nov- 1971;
Bristow, Sidney Frederick Samuel - PCD (3844 )  Commissioner on 11-Nov- 1971;
Crabtree, William - OLM; CPM; (3708 )  Deputy Commissioner on 11-Nov- 1971;
Denley, Jack - OLM; CPM; PLSM; (4261 )  S/A/Commissioner on 11-Nov- 1975;
Eames, Ronald Dudley (4221 )  S/A/Commissioner on 7-Dec-1979;
Gaitskell, Henry Kenneth Allfrey - CPM; (3620 )  S/A/Commissioner on 11-Nov- 1971;
Gardner, Ronald George Edward - PMM; (4678 )  S/A/Commissioner on 11-Nov- 1978;
Godwin, Alan Roger - CPM; (3657 )  S/A/Commissioner on 11-Nov- 1971;
Hedge, Douglas Cordy - PMM; (4147 )  S/A/Commissioner on 11-Nov- 1977;
Jouning, Leonard James - OLM; CPM; PLSM; (3968 )  S/A/Commissioner on 11-Nov- 1971;
Lamont, Lawrence - PLSM; (4052 )  S/A/Commissioner on 11-Nov- 1973;
Lee, Gainforth G - CPM; (3535 )  S/A/Commissioner on 11-Nov- 1971;
McCulloch, Patrick James (4380 )  S/A/Commissioner on 7-Dec-1979;
Murray, Philip Stuart - PMM; PLSM; MLM; (4437 )  S/A/Commissioner on 11-Nov- 1976;
Oppenheim, Edward Abraham - CPM; PLSM; (3480 )  S/A/Commissioner on 11-Nov- 1971;
Podmore, Clifford Newell - CPM; PLSM; (3895 )  S/A/Commissioner on 11-Nov- 1975;
Robinson, Derrick - CPM; PLSM; (4224 )  Assistant Commissioner on 10-Jul-1972;
Sanderson, Dennison Harvey - PMM; PLSM; (4138 )  S/A/Commissioner on 11-Nov- 1978;
Sheriff, Edward James - RGSM (4024 )  S/A/Commissioner on 11-Nov- 1972;
Sherren, Peter Denis Wray Richard - CLM; GLM; OLM; CPM; PLSM; (3862 )  Deputy Commissioner on 11-Nov- 1971;
Thorpe, Charles Terence - RGSM (4028 )  S/A/Commissioner on 11-Nov- 1974;
Turner, Laurence Herbert - CPM (3668 )  S/A/Commissioner on 11-Nov- 1971;
Van Sittert, Eric Desmond - CPM; PLSM; (3631 )  S/A/Commissioner on 11-Nov- 1971;
Ward, Thomas George (4344 )  S/A/Commissioner on 7-Dec-1979;
White, Eric Gordon Hammett - CPM; (3512 )  S/A/Commissioner on 11-Nov- 1971;
Wordsworth, John Layton Rudolph - CPM; (3525 )  S/A/Commissioner on 11-Nov- 1971;
Wright, Douglas William - CPM; (4071 )  S/A/Commissioner on 11-Nov- 1973;
Wright, James Anthony - PMM; PLSM; (4130 )  S/A/Commissioner on 11-Nov- 1977;

Source Material:
The London Gazette - Supplements and Notices
Lovett, John - Contact
Kennerley, Wayne - Personal E-mails to Author
Moorecroft, Paul - Contact II
Taylor, Brian - Listings of Colonial Awards to members of the BSA Police;