23 Oct In Memoriam: Alan Lane 5248
Lane, Alan John (5248, Chief Superintendent; served between May 1954 and June 1979; last station at Police General Headquaters, Salisbury; Honorary Life Member of the United Kingdom Regimental Association) passed away 21 October 2021, Tooting, London, England.
23 October 2021
Retirement Notice Outpost Magazine July 1979
After 25 years and a few days of service in the Force, Chief Superintendent Alan John Lane (5248) walked away from the wicket on 17 June. A Channel Islander, predictably educated at Victoria College, Jersey, Alan joined the Force soon after his 18th birthday, attesting on 9 May 1954.
After training, Alan spent his first decade in the Force in Midlands – Gwelo Urban, Eiffel Flats, Gatooma Urban and Midlands Highway Patrol – and these sheltered early years must have made the transfer to the Hard Square as PWO Police Reserve traumatic and in the best traditions of Force policy of throwing an incumbent in at the deep end.
A measure of Alan’s very likeable character is that he survived the barbs of barbarian Salisbury police \ reservists in those hectic mid-Sixties and subsequently took charge at Salisbury Park and then – another drastic change – at Highlands. As a newly-promoted superintendent, he won the Depot Assistant Commandant’s job in 1973 and then moved down to Manicaland Provincial HQ as Supt (PR & S). Promotion to Chief Superintendent in 1976 brought him back to Salisbury as OC Suburban and then OC Salisbury South.
In June 1977 Alan came to PGHQ as Staff Officer (Promotions), a role he retained until retirement. His police career earned him the RGSM and the PLSM and on the sporting scene he could turn his hand to almost anything – a very keen participant in social soccer and cricket, he also included squash, hockey and athletics among his interests at various times. A keen philatelist, Alan concentrated on Rhodesian stamps and we hope his collection will be some insurance against Britain’s inevitable, rainy days. Unfortunately Alan is another good friend leaving the sunshine but we wish ‘him, his wife Pauline, daughters Alison and Caroline prosperity in the years ahead and our very sincere good thanks for their company.
Peter Hillier
Posted at 21:59h, 11 NovemberSo sad to hear the news of Alan’s passing. Was a pleasure working with him at Salisbury Park with Tom Keeping and others.
Great sportsman.
Condolences to Pauline and family. Rest peacefully 5171 Peter Hillier
Michael Parry
Posted at 13:05h, 09 NovemberMy condolences to Alan’s family on their loss. He was always a gentleman.and a sportsman. Glad we met. Rest in Peace Alan.
Cooke Paul
Posted at 21:28h, 27 OctoberAnother loss to the Regiment Association ‘s meetings in London.
Quite a shock – sincere condolences to family and close friends.
RIP..RESPECT.
Bert van der Vlugt
Posted at 12:21h, 25 OctoberA very sad loss indeed. Remember Allen from Salisbury days and the soccer field. A true gentleman who was much respected. Rest in peace Allen. Condolences to the family and friends..
Kerry Hoadley 5316
Posted at 05:43h, 25 OctoberMy condolences to Alan’s family on their loss. He was always a gentleman. Rest in Peace Alan.
Les burrow
Posted at 15:23h, 24 OctoberWith sincere condolences to family and friends. A very pleasant man who was always smiling and helpful. A keen photographer at all BSAP functions
Constance Hickie
Posted at 22:29h, 23 OctoberDeepest Sympathy to his Family and Friends, MHDSRIP.
Anthony (Tony) Marillier (8278)
Posted at 20:24h, 23 OctoberWhat a shock. A sportsman and gentleman of note. RIP
Peter Good
Posted at 15:13h, 23 OctoberA very sad loss. His happy face as he photographed those of attending various functions, will always be remembered. Sending deepest sympathy and sincere condolences, to Family members and Friends.
May He Rest In Peace.
John Murphy
Posted at 15:00h, 23 OctoberMy deepest sympathies to Pauline and family Alan was my M.I.C at Salisbury `Park 1968 he was a great M.I.
Mal & Roz Thurman 8338
Posted at 13:42h, 23 OctoberA loss of a great gentleman. Our love and prayers to all Alan’s family and friends 🙏. 🙏
Geraint Jones
Posted at 13:25h, 23 OctoberRIP Old Comrade.
Hall Glenn Seymour
Posted at 13:04h, 23 OctoberAlan always had a smile when getting his photographs done at the Regimental functions. Condolences to Pauline and family.
Andrew Field
Posted at 11:40h, 23 OctoberDeepest sympathy and sincere condolences to all the family and friends from the President and Delegates of the BSA Police Regimental Association Constitutional College. On a personal note, Alan had been a very active photographer within Regimental circles and was a major contributor of images to the BSA Police Photograph Gallery, and to the website in general. Alan had collected a very great number of former member ‘mug-shots’ over the years and happily shared his work. My being a photographic enthusiast, specialising in wildlife, Alan became a positive critic of my works, and we became personal friends. He shall be very sadly missed, and his amazing contribution to the Regimental Association shall be a great loss to all former members. May he rest in peace.