B.S.A.P. ASSOCIATION WESTERN CAPE - Edition No. 94 September 2021 - THE QUEEN MOTHER'S ESCORT, SALISBURY, RHODESIA (1960).
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Edition No. 94 September 2021
B.S.A.P. ASSOCIATION WESTERN CAPE
THE QUEEN MOTHER’S ESCORT, SALISBURY, RHODESIA (1960).
2
NEWSLETTER OF
THE BRITISH SOUTH AFRICA POLICE
REGIMENTAL ASSOCIATION
WESTERN CAPE BRANCH
hon.sec.westerncape@bsap.org
COMMITTEE 2021
CHAIRMAN—Lachie HOWIE (Cell: 082 564 5197)
Email: chairbsapwestcape@gmail.com
SECRETARY— D.O. ‘Taffy’ ROBERTS (Cell: 082 892 0236)
Email: secretarybsapwestcape@gmail.com
TREASURER—Ed IONS (Cell: 082 850 6070)
Email: bsapwestcape@gmail.com
ALMONER (SOUTHERN AREAS) —Bob BEDINGHAM
(Cell: 083 252 1106)
MEMBER—Red SMITH (Cell: 084 438 1997)
Email: rgraemesmith@gmail.com
OUTPOST EDITOR—Pete SHOUT (Cell: 079 853 4459)
Email: capeoutpost@gmail.com
HONORARY LIFE VICE PRESIDENTS
Doug Grierson (1998) Dave Blacker (2003) (RIP) Gilly Potter (2003)
3
CONTENTS
EDITION 94 Page
September 2021
Chairman’s Chatter 4
Dates to Diarise 5
On The Scene 6
Annual Luncheon 2021 9
Instant Coppers! - Rob MacLean 20
My Life In The BSAP (Part III) - Andy Bullmore 24
Station Notes—Gwanda (1953) 41
Roll Of Honour 43
Worldwide Branches—Contacts 50
4
CHAIRMAN’S CHATTER
On behalf of the Committee of the Western Cape Association, I would like
to thank all those who attended our 2021 Annual Luncheon at Timour
Hall. It is a pity that Covid restrictions dictated that the number of
attendees be limited to 45. Had it not been for this factor, I have no doubt
that the attendance would have been even larger. Be that as it may, it was
an excellent occasion with a wonderful guest speaker in Bob Bedingham,
outstanding catering from Delish Caterers and a spirit of camaraderie that
is not often experienced in these times.
As I mentioned in my welcoming remarks at the luncheon, I believe that
we should focus on recruiting new members to the fold. It is a known fact
that there are many former B.S.A.P. members in the greater Cape Town
area who are not aware of our existence and activities. Whilst some may
not choose to become involved in the Association, it is my belief that oth-
ers will, so let’s reach out to those folk, invite them to one of our social
events and show them what we’re about.
Our next major social event will be the Christmas braai on Saturday, 4 De-
cember, 2021, so please keep that date free. As this is an outdoor occa-
sion, a greater number of guests may be accommodated.
Finally, on a sadder note, we continue to lose friends and colleagues who
have passed on. On behalf of our Committee and all our members, I
would like to extend our condolences to those families affected. Their
memories will be kept alive through the Association’s activities.
5
DATES TO DIARISE
T
OCTOBER 2021
Monday 04 @ 17:00
Monthly social gathering at Timour Hall.
NOVEMBER 2021
Monday 01 @ 17:00
Monthly social gathering at Timour Hall.
DECEMBER 2021
SATURDAY 04 @ 12:00
ANNUAL CHRISTMAS SPIT BRAAI
Monday 06 @ 17:00
Monthly social gathering at Timour Hall.
6
ON THE SCENE
Time’s Up! The June monthly gathering presented the oppor-
tunity to thank long serving Timour Hall barman, Steve
McEvoy (2nd from right), for his many hours of dedicated,
cheerful and efficient service at BSAP Association events over
many years. We look forward to seeing Steve at our future
functions, not serving drinks, but as an Associate Member.
(L– R: Pete Shout, Bob Bedingham, Lachie Howie, Colin
Burke, Steve McEvoy and Doug Grierson).
BOOK WORM? Rob MacLean has
been doing some valuable mar-
keting for Tony Granger’s books.
Tony has kindly agreed to donate
a portion of the book sales to the
Cape Association. Please contact
Rob for further info.
7 OP URIC/PUMA 164 MEMORIAL SERVICE On Saturday, 4 September, 2021, BSAP Association Committee members, Lachie Howie and Pete Shout represented the Associa- tion at the annual Op Uric/Puma 164 memorial service. The occa- sion was also used to toast the Rhodesian Light Infantry on their 60th anniversary.
8
CONGRATULATIONS to Niall “Mac” McKrill on his
recent selection to the Western Province over-
65’s hockey side. This is the 21st year of Niall be-
ing chosen for interprovincial selection. That is
some record!!
Our intrepid paddler and canoeist, Rob MacLean, has been mak-
ing waves again, this time at the Breede River Canoe Marathon
which was held on the 4th and 5th of September. The 75 kilome-
tre race ran between Robertson and the Kamati Resort close to
Swellendam. Racing in the Masters category (65 years plus) Rob
and his partner, Garth Watters, won their class and were placed
35th overall. After the very good rains and snow in the Boland
and Klein Karoo, and with the river in good spate flowing at about
70 cumecs over both days, it was an exciting event. Next up for
Rob is the Fish River Canoe Marathon in the Cradock area of the
Eastern Cape on the 8th/9th of October, 2021. Good Luck for that
event, Rob, and, hopefully, you’ll be claiming more gold!!
9 ANNUAL LUNCHEON—SATURDAY 18 SEPTEMBER The Western Cape branch of the B.S.A.P. Association held their Annual Luncheon Saturday, 21 September, 2021, at Timour Hall Villa in Plumstead, Cape Town. With attendee numbers capped at 45 due to the prevailing Covid restrictions, the event was fully subscribed. After welcoming remarks from Chairman, Lachie Howie, Grace by Bob Bedingham, and toasts to “Absent Friends” and “The Regiment”, delivered by Doug Grierson and Gilly Potter, respectively, the way was clear for guest speaker, Bob Bedingham, to take the floor. Bob’s address was loosely based on the topic, “You Needed To Have Been There To Have Believed It” and featured numerous amusing anecdotes and memories he recalled from his many years of service in the Force. Instead of nominating a person to reply to the speaker, it was decided to call for contributions from the floor in response to Bob’s speech. This was enthusiastically received and a number of amusing, in- teresting and, at times, poignant, replies were made. Indeed, were it not for time considerations, many more “replies” could have been heard. The catering by Delish was excellent, the ven- ue ideal for the occasion and a good time was had by all.
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The Timour Hall function room looked resplendent with the flags
proudly displayed, coupled with the blue-and-old-gold table décor.
Woe betide anyone who tried to
Dylan Meyer did a great job sneak past Alison Smith without
on the pipes, as usual. buying a clutch of raffle tickets!12
Chairman, Lachie Howie,
welcomed members and
guests to the luncheon.
Gilly Potter proposed
the toast to “The
Regiment”.
Left—Right: Bridget Echardt (guest), Marlene and 6846 Jim Blain
and Colin Burke (Associate Member).13
Guest speaker, Bob Bedingham, was in fine form as he recounted experiences
and memories from his years in the Force, concentrating on normal policing
duties, built on the theme of “You Needed To Have Been There To Have
Believed It ”.14
Replies to Bob Bedingham’s speech were invited from the floor, the
first respondee being Chris Marshall (guest) who gave an interesting
account of the early development of commercial flying activities in
Rhodesia.
7471 Joe Surkont replies to the speaker.15
Left—Right: Claire Howie (guest), 8173/8952 Lachie and Rene Howie and Rory
Alledyce (guest).
Seated (Left—Right): Debbie Priessnitz, 7310 Ed Ions and Ninette Millar.
Standing (Left—Right): 7364 “Dusty” Millar, 8299 Mike Reeler, 7471 Joe
Surkont and 8173/8952 Lachie Howie.16
Left—Right: 8302 Niall McKrill, 6120 Dave Parry, 7889 Pete Cawood and
8244 Rob MacLean.
Left—Right: 5988 Peter and Liz Evans, 8299 Mike and June Reeler, Ursula
and Fido Featonby (Police Reserve).17
7389 “Taffy” Roberts
(left) and 5860 Doug
Grierson share a laugh
about “when they were
there!”.
Ed Ions did a fine job calling
the raffle prize winners.18
Alison and 8732 Graeme “Red” Smith.
Left—Right: 8655 Pete Shout, John Souter (Police Reserve), Grace and
7702 Chris Le Mesurier.19 Annual Luncheon Attendees 6639 Bob Bedingham, 6846 Jim and Malene Blain, Bridget Echardt (guest), 6920 Andy and Val Bullmore, Colin Burke (Associate Mem- ber), 7889 Peter Cawood, 5988 Peter and Liz Evans, Fido and Ursula Featonby (Police Reserve), 5860 Doug and Di Grierson, 8173/8952 Lachie and Rene Howie, Claire Howie (guest), Rory Alledyce (guest), 7310 Ed Ions and Debbie Priessnitz, 7702 Chris and Grace Le Mes- surier, 8244 Rob MacLean, 8302 Niall McKrill, 7364 Graham “Dusty” and Ninette Millar, 6120 Dave Parry, 5689 Gilly Potter and Ronnie MacKay, 8655 Pete Shout, John Souter (Police Reserve), 8299 Mike and June Reeler, 7389 Taffy Roberts, 8732 Graeme “Red” and Alison Smith, 7471 Joe Surkont, Chris and Gila Marshall (guests).
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INSTANT COPPERS, BSAP STYLE!
by Rob MacLean 8244
Circa mid-year 1969 and late one week, Recruit P/O Rob MacLean (then
in Morris Deport with Squad 4/69) was approached by D/Insp Gilly
Potter, the indefatigable and irrepressible Salisbury Police 2nd XV hook-
er. Gilly was out on a recruiting drive for the team, as they were short of
a player or two for a Saturday away match against the Mangula XV (I
have no doubt that this was the reason for the 2nd XV being short of
players!).
Being short of hair at the time and long of respect for any seniors in the
'Fuzz', as well as no doubt being susceptible to a glib Gilly (I was a cur-
rent Salisbury BSAP U20 XV player at the time and that plus depot life
mean I was vey fit), I readily agreed.
And so it was that 15 strong and able BSAP 2nd XV rugby players (no
players for the bench in those days!), spick and span and as neat as new
pins in our slacks, dark blue blazers and ties, assembled one Saturday
morning in the car park at the Salisbury Police club and boarded our
transport.
This was a BSAP 'troop' carrier equipped with wooden benches in the
back and covered with canvas. Nothing wrong with that on a Saturday
morning in June or July, because the sun was bright and warm. However,
it was not a pleasant place to be driving back from Mangula, aching in
many places from the bruises and 'big hits' taken in the game, in the
dead of a Rhodesian winter's night!
As this was my first outing with the 2nd's, I was not at all clued-up to
what travelling to and from various outposts such as Hartley, Gatooma,
Que Que, Marandellas and Bindura entailed. (Yes - I was a good 'press-
ganged' member of that team that season!). I was woefully unprepared
- unlike the likes of Gilly, Seamus, Doug and Co. who arrived with tog
bags filled to the brim with 'Blankets, Grey, 1 - Troops for the use of".21 I only got caught short once—for the Mangula game - because I learnt very quickly from the old sweats on that trip and was well prepared in the future. Anyway, out of the capital city we roared (the operative word in troop carriers) and were cruising along on the flats between Gwebi Agricultural College and the climb up to and over the Great Rhodesian Dike before reaching Sinoia. A motor vehicle in front of us, for no apparent reason, suddenly developed a 'speed-wobble', veered off the left-hand side of the tarmac and into the road reserve where it proceeded to roll half-a-dozen times before coming to a stop in a storm of dust. As no other vehicle was involved, perhaps the driver had fallen asleep or had been reaching across to change a cassette tape? Who knows? Suffice to say that our vehicle pulled up behind the dust cloud that had envel- oped what was now a wreck, the 2nd XV all de-bussing at speed to give any assistance that we could. The driver of another vehicle, that had been approaching the scene from the opposite direction and which had stopped before we could, also stopped - and was found peering into the wreck, looking for the occupants, as we swarmed around. "Good grief!", he said. "This is terrible - somebody had better call the po- lice" - at which point the rich, Irish twang in which Seamus Power express- es himself so well was heard saying, "Don't worry sir, we're here." Well, you could have knocked the other driver over with a feather! He was gobsmacked and, as a recruit watching my seniors get to work and sort things out quickly and efficiently (after all - there was our rugger match looming and we didn't have much time to hang around there), I observed how this fellow sort of stumbled around in a semi-dazed sort of way before waving to us feebly and driving away. No doubt, he had a sto- ry to tell about the incredible efficiency of the BSAP in action at a road accident - before the dust had even settled! My recollection is that the driver and passenger in the wreck were not seriously injured, and another passing vehicle was waved down and re- quested to take them speedily to Salisbury Central Hospital. We then pro- ceeded on our way, stopping only at BSAP Sinoia to give them
22 information so that they could sort out which Station area the accident scene fell under (Banket?) and organize a wrecker etc—remember, no cell phones in those days! Obviously, we arrived late - almost at the time the whistle was to blow the start for the game. We poured off the truck already changed, and went straight into action without any preliminary warm-up. From this hurried start, the rock-hard, tough-as-nails Mangula miners piled in and, before we could take a breath, we were contemplating their kicker lining up to goal a try that had come in the first few minutes of a game. The surface was more akin to a concrete slab than a rugby field - no wonder they all wore long shorts down to their knees and socks up to their knees! But by uncompromising work by the tight five in the scrums, lineouts and ruck and maul situations, some quality back line work under the general-ship of flyhalf Colin Burger (another one of Gilly's press-ganged players!), we ral- lied and were also able to put some points on the board. As we went into the final minute or two of the game, with us trailing by a couple of points, Colin Burger put in a deep kick from a line-out on our 10-metre line, that rolled down into their 22. We were lucky, as their fullback looked up at the moment he was due to pick up the rolling ball at the rapidly-advancing Johnny Gold - he of the incredibly small and tight rugby shorts. He fumbled and lost the ball into touch. Johnny shouted at me (I was playing as a loose forward and so had been giving chase) for a quick throw-in, which I did. With only 5 metres to their line, Johnny crashed over to score a try, in the process taking about a yard of skin off his thighs! Howls of protest by the Mangula XV and their supporters for illegal play was disre- garded by the ref (he obviously wasn't a local!), and with Colin Burger unfortu- nately failing to goal his kick from the touchline, we hung on to win by a single point. The atmosphere in the Mangula clubhouse once we had cleaned up and walked in for a drink with our hosts, was somewhat wintery, but a beer or two later, we were all famously looked after and staggered out to face a freezing trip home to Salisbury well after darkness had fallen, awash with beer and bursting from the enormous steaks that been braaied for us. On such stories rugby legends are born!
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REVAMPED BSA POLICE WEBSITE
Members are encouraged to visit the completely revamped BSA
Police website that Andrew Field and his gallant team have spent
many hours designing and populating with content on all manner
of things of interest to former members. Apart from a variety of
subjects such as Members’ Listings, the Photo Gallery, Roll of
Honour, History and Commissioners, the site carries the latest
news on BSAP Association events from all the branches.
Please follow this link for your one-stop shop on all things BSAP.
www.bsapolice.org24
MY LIFE IN THE BRITISH SOUTH AFRICA POLICE—
MEMORIES AND ANECDOTES (PART 3)
By
Andrew Rivers Bullmore (6920)
I was on a daytime Lake Patrol in the Launch, when out of the blue, a
Canberra Jet Bomber flew right over us, at an extremely low level.
We only really registered this, after the Jet had passed overhead.
Gave us quite a fright, so silent and then, wham. They dipped their
wing and were gone. The Canberra's patrol route took in the
whole country's border.
When they flew the Zambezi River area, below the Escarpment,
north of Sipolilo, at the Kanyemba Police Post, they would open the
bomb hatch and drop a package of newspapers for the police sta-
tioned there. Very accurate. Colin John ended up at Kanyemba
where he met his wife, a “Mobile District Nurse”.
At one stage Kariba and Chirundu exchanged personnel to do foot
patrols. From Chirundu, walking up to the Gorge towards Kariba, to
the Nyamumba Hunting Camp, in the one direction, and then down-
stream past Mana Pools and beyond into the Chiwore Game Re-
serve. Carrying back packs, a .303 rifle (later FN), hard slogging and
very hot. Always the danger of game, plus crocodiles and hippos.
Tiny flies and Tsetse Flies. Mosquitos – malaria pills. The Chirundu
personnel who came to Kariba found themselves in paradise. Mana
Pools was a very popular camping area (and still is with canoe safaris
etc), plus there were other Parks Camps. There were many hunters
from South Africa with their fancy vehicles and very expensive
equipment. No expense spared. Game Department staff were al-
ways around on patrol, checking up. There were Tsetse Control
gates and the spraying of vehicles. There was good control then,25 I had my 21st at Kariba with two or three others, outside the Mess, with a case of beer. There were not any suitable ladies around then. Just Zambezi Blondes! There was a Sailing Club. Jim Paine had a GP 14, Colin John had a Sprog, Mike Harvey had a Tornado. There were a few other boats. We had racing every Sunday around the cans. In the early days, Jim Paine was building a Dabchick, and somehow Dave Mitchell and I managed to buy it from him, and completed it; D 1652. The Sails came from South Africa with the Class No. affixed, and they were duly despatched, ending up in Lusaka – thinking Lusaka was the closest main centre to Kariba. Wrong country! Eventually we had them released only to find the “6” was back to front. No time to change it. In fact Dave Mitchell was transferred from Kariba before the Dabchick was completed. Ed Pugsley was based at Chirundu, but was admitted to the Kariba Hospital with a broken arm, sometime in 1965 (pre UDI). It was in plaster. One evening, Dave Mitchell and, I spoke nicely to the night sister, and took him to the cinema. We were not to be too late with him! After a few beers, we ended up at the yacht club and took Colin John's Sprog out. We were joined by a Barclays Bank employee. There was little room, so I was left on the mooring raft. Good grief, the wind came up, the sails split. They were heading to- wards the Sanyati Gorge, but with some difficulty managed to get back! We eventually got Ed back to the hospital about 2 – 3am. He was not allowed out again and eventually went back to Chirundu with a new plaster.
26 The Roman Catholic residence was on Sugar Loaf Hill, adjacent to the Police Station, on the other side of the Kariba Heights road. Jim Paine asked me to handle parking for a night time function there. It was a steep drive up to the house, with a lot of trees on either side of the drive. I got them all in, to be told the next day by Jim, that the guests had a problem getting their cars out. John Pendlebury had his own plane. He took me up for a “spin”, plus someone from the Bank, one hot Saturday afternoon! He had been overseas and not flown for six months. We went into the valley and dived down on elephants, I do not know who was more nervous. Did a couple of turns and came into land, but no, John just touched his wheels on the runway and was off again! Phew!! Kariba put on shows. Probably around Christmas 1964, I was in a production; “Aladdin's Lamp”! Back to Kariba; Chunky Watson was transferred to the Support Unit, and was replaced by Patrol Officer Geoff Greene and then Colin John (ex-Plumtree Police Cadet) arrived. Later followed by Patrol Officer Dave Mitchell (later promoted to Section Officer)) and P/O's Andy Grey, John Tedford, JB Jaboor and Bob Preller. Detective Section Officer Henry “Nobby” Clarke (CID/SB) arrived with his team to open an office and, later Detective Section Officer Nigel Seaward took over on a more permanent basis. He initially stayed in the thatched hut next to the mess, before his wife, Pauline & baby arrived, and they moved into their house on Hospital Hill. One long weekend, Dave Mitchell and I, trekked to the Zambezi River. Dave had a VW Beetle. We drove a few miles past the airport, turned down a dirt track and parked under a tree.
27 From here we walked with food, liquid, sleeping bag and mosquito nets, down a very steep track onto the river bed. No firearms. There was a large sandbank, and across the river, we could see many crocodiles. How many were on our side, that we could not see as clearly? On the Zambian side was a small village, the inhabitants happily fishing from their canoes. We all waved. Sleeping bag on the sand and a stick to hold up the mozzie nets – we slept well. We had fish- ing rods and the water was crystal clear. We put bait right in front of the vundus noses – they were huge, but they did not bite or move. Maybe they saw us as well! We caught nothing, but it was not important. It was an experience so very (very) few could ever enjoy, and it maybe the same to-day. That's if you like the bush life. We trekked back up the track, and there was the VW – back to work. Early one Sunday morning I received a telephone call. Someone had found a stray cat and wondered if anyone had lost one! On another occasion, about 7.00am, a resident living up the hill re- ported a Lion in his garden, what should he do? Stay inside! By the time we arrived, the Lion had gone. Occasionally, on the road up the Kariba Heights, we would find ele- phant droppings on the tarmac. One of their traditional routes. One Saturday afternoon there was a social in full swing at the Mess and several were in the plunge pool. Somewhere along the line, a visitor, who appeared on the path, found himself in the pool fully clothed. Fortunately, he was in good humour, at least he was able to cool off. He had come to the Station to make a report and was
28 referred to the duty P/O at the Mess! Oh boy! – the Unilateral Declaration of Independence (UDI) was de- clared, to the Nation, on 11 November 1965, by the Prime Minister; Ian Douglas Smith. We all listened on a radio at the office. Jim Paine opened a special sealed envelope after hearing Smith's “Declaration of Independence” speech. I was despatched to the Township to canvass what they thought of the Speech. A bit too soon, with noth- ing to report. Too hard to say what they really thought. Some of the hardliners would have kept their views to themselves– something for Nobby/Nigel and his men to suss out. Oh boy again! Chief Superintendent Sandy Sanderson's entourage arrived en mass in Kariba on Christmas eve, other Forces; Army and Airforce, were also bolstered, and with little or no notice, we were all into 12 hour vehicle patrols! Jim Paine and his loyal two man team, really wondered what had happened, and what was to come. Our somewhat peaceful lives were shattered. On occasions, I accompanied some Rhodesian Light Infantry (RLI - army) patrols, keeping an eye on tracks and worn foot paths, com- ing up from the Zambezi River. Darkness in Siavonga – the Zambian Army had put a pick through an underground cable when they were digging in. They thought there was an invasion coming from Rhodesia! We were looking for the enemy. Everything had changed, it became a whole new ball game. This really changed our lives and existence in a big way, it was mov- ing so fast, there was no turning back. It was full speed ahead. They were serious times. By this time Section Officer Chris Carver (later Inspector) had taken over from Jim Paine.
29 Jim Paine and family were transferred to Salisbury. Not a happy man. Sanderson's men were: Chief Inspector Joe Mcbride, Section Officer Mike Harvey, Patrol Officers Pat Quickfall and Clive Shelley. The RLI Officers of note were; Peter Rich, Bruce Campling and Harry Harvey, all Majors. Kariba also saw the likes of Brigadier's John Hickman and Leon Ja- cobs. You can imagine we were short of many necessities at the Mess. So few glasses available, for one thing, so we had to use Jam Jars. Life progressed and moved on at a pace. The Thatched Hut, next to our mess was transformed into a Bush Pub of note, and it was named; “The Jam Jar Inn”. Many were involved in this project and Mike Har- vey drew up the plans. There is a document; “History of the Jam Jar Inn”. This remained a very busy social place in which to relax. The evening did arrive when the Jam Jar was officially opened and low and behold there was a power failure. We had to use candles. It is amazing we had any. So much for the CAPCO Power. One night there was a joint Police, Police Reserve and Army exer- cise to surround the African Township, to check all movement in and out. Numerous people, who could not explain themselves satisfactorily, were brought to the Police Camp for screening by Nobby and his Team. Not long after daybreak, everyone adjourned to the Jam Jar Inn for a de-briefing. It did not take too long with McBride and Peter Rich to get the pub open, and by 8am it was “all fall down”.
30 Harry, from PWD, arrived to do a job and of course ended up in the festivities, and when his boss arrived a short while later to check on him, he was worse for wear. Plus a few others. And, so lies another tale. Annual Inspection was held on the first of May 1966. Everything was cleaned to a high level. The Station, the Mess. Each Station File had a new back, each one suitably designated with black printing. The transport: Launch, Landover, M/C, and Mini-Moke were gleaming. The stones along paths and flower bed were a whiter shade of white. The whole place was a hive of activity! For about a week before the big day, Chris Carver had organised for an RLI Sergeant Major to attend our early morning stable parades, to knock some drill sense into all of us. It certainly worked, the In- spection was perfect with kit shining, and everything else passed with flying colours. Dispol; Chief Superintendent John Cannon, was the Inspecting Officer. I cannot remember the name, but an Assistant Commissioner, on a visit from Salisbury, was on the Lake near Bumi, in the Launch. He suffered a slight stroke/ heart attack, and was given mouth to mouth by an African Constable who revived him before he went off for further treatment. Apparently this was related to him sometime later, exactly how he had been revived; whereupon he fainted! There was another occasion when Prime Minister Ian Smith was at Bumi. There were several boats off shore “keeping a look out”. One dark night a police patrol was stationary off shore when they ob- served a craft, with a light, crossing in front, between them and the shoreline.
31 Suddenly they were no longer in sight. At once; “Tally Ho”, the Po- lice gave chase at full bore, but came to a sudden halt having hit an island. The unidentified craft had merely moved out of sight behind the island! I do believe it was another boat of police details. Joe McBride made a fairly potent Beetroot Wine home-brew in his quarters, that was sampled by many. Joe McBride was also found fast asleep in a mini-moke, early one morning, parked on the side of the road, past the Airport, in the bush. He was sitting behind the wheel, alone, with the keys in the ignition. P/O Pat Quickfall, the night duty man, found him. He was in two minds whether toremove the keys, but thought better of it. McBride was in a very “deep sleep”. There were occasions when we had functions at the Mess/Jam Jar. We would fill up the aluminium body box (cleaned) with water and ice and stock it with beers. Also on these occasions we used one or two “trustees” and a warder from the prison to help out, clean up etc. They got back to their quarters a little late and probably light headed! No one ever ran away and we never had any escapees. Life in the Kariba Prison was pretty good. One of them even fixed the brakes on my Wolseley 6/90. Petrol was cheap in those days. Life was just great. All good things come to an end. Kariba was certainly very friendly and a great festive hideaway. Dave Mitchell had moved on to Salis- bury. While at Kariba he taught me to play squash and fish.
32
Ed Pugsley and I had made application through Force Orders to join
CID. We were both interviewed at Kariba by a CID Officer Assistant
Commissioner “Pug” Barton. Nobby collected Barton from the Air-
port and introduced us both. We were successful and eventually
transferred together to CID Salisbury to commence one year's pro-
bation. After three months leave in the UK, I started my year's pro-
bation – more to come. From a very hot Zambezi I had arrived in a
very cold London at Heathrow! On leaving Kariba I sold the
Dabchick to Andy Gray. It did not last long, he reversed over it with
the station landrover!
My service in the Criminal Investigation Department and Special
Branch (CID/SB)
I commenced my service in the Criminal Investigation Department,
on twelve months probation, on 1 March 1967, at the Salisbury
Central Police Station. I started on the Storebreaking section, then
Copper Theft, Housebreakings at a suburban station - Marlborough,
and lastly, on Crimes of Violence (later to become Homicide) back in
Salisbury. Each month, the section head, a Detective Inspector,
would submit a progress report as to my suitability to continue with
the probationary period. I succeeded, and during this time, I also
attended a month's CID training course at CID Headquarters, com-
ing 3rd. Now a Detective Patrol Officer.
During my probationary period, I purchased a yellow Triumph TR3,
with a hard top that could be removed. I was living in a furnished
flat; 38 Russell Place in Baines Avenue Salisbury – Rhod $73 pm.
On 31 October 1968, I was transferred to Gatooma, a District Head-
quarters station in the Midlands Province.33 My Member in Charge was Detective Inspector Frank Judd and the Special Branch member was Detective Section Officer Phil Drewett. Our area covered, Chakari, Eiffel Flats, Selous, Hartley and Battle- fields, the surrounding farming areas, TTL and gold mines. We also handled our own scenes of crime; dusting for fingerprints, collecting evidence, and photography. While at Gatooma, I wrote Law and Po- lice Examinations and was promoted to Detective Section Officer. In 1971, I had a great two week holiday, with two Gatooma families, in Mozambique at Bartholomew Dias. A week after we left, the road that we had travelled on, was attacked with mortars and rifle fire by FRELIMO (Front for the Liberation of Mozambique) – fighting for their independence. On 9 July 1972, being single, I was transferred from CID Gatooma to Special Branch (SB) Chirundu. I travelled via Salisbury, where I underwent a few days orientation on SB work. Chirundu is a Border Post with Zambia. With me was Detective Patrol Officer Dave “Fluff” Hawks, and then Detective Patrol Officer Peter Grant. Inspector Tom Naude was Member in Charge the Uniform Branch, who was later replaced by Inspector Julian Twine. There was a de- tachment of South African Police (SAP) camped at Chirundu, and eastwards, at Mana Pools, on the valley floor, below the Zambezi escarpment. We were checking, in liaison with Customs and Immi- gration, all movement, north and south, across the border. There were also patrols to check on similar movement across the valley floor, carried out by local police and SAP patrols. During my time at Chirundu, I carried out short spells at Kariba, as- sisting Detective Inspector Peter Grist.
34 Peter was there in 1972 and remained there for two or three years. How the place had changed. Very commercialised, plus a Casino, and a fully tarred road! This is where I met airforce personnel; Cyril White and Norman Walsh at FAF 2. Great characters. The Border closed while I was at Chirundu in January 1973, and on the same day, the Chirundu Motel opened its doors and virtually died overnight. After the Border closed, people and vehicles that were trapped on the Rhodesian side had to turn around and make alternative arrangements to get into Zambia. During this early period of the closure, we facilitated the incident free and successful crossing of a number of school children, travel- ling in a bus, from Zambia to Salisbury, to return to their respective boarding schools. We received a letter, sent via the Provincial Spe- cial Branch Officer Assistant Commissioner Allan Best, from the Ex- press Motorways Africa, General Manager; P A Hornblow, thanking us for everything that had been done. A very large bright red fire engine, with all the latest equipment, arrived at the Border en route to Lusaka, imported from the UK. After a lot of negotiation, the Zambian authorities finally allowed the fire engine to cross, but in a short space of time, it returned as it could not get up the Zambian escarpment, it was far too heavy! It was a tense time. A silly young customs lad; (no name) drove across the bridge towards the Zambian border post on his motor cycle, as a bit of misguided bravado. He went backwards and for- wards a few times, lo and behold, he was grabbed and held for a while until released one or two days later.
35 One night, the Member i/c Julian Twine, decided to do a mock sta- tion attack with rounds being fired off. All lights off. He was advised it was not a good idea! This really sent panic across the river. Julian later received a severe bollocking from his Dispol, Ray Stenner, an- other great man. We used to monitor Zambian helicopters coming over their escarp- ment heading towards us. They have a very distinctive rotor blade sound, that can be heard from a considerable distance. A quick call to FAF 2 sent the Jets scrambling to check out the air space. On one occasion the Police Launch was shot at, and hit, by Zambian Army rifle fire from the river bank. The launch was travelling in the region of the Gorge near Nyamumba. No one was injured. The SAP did a lot of patrolling in the Valley. Sections of three, used to be choppered off, to carry out specific patrols, to be picked up two or three days later. One of these patrols that were dropped off, opened their map and took out their prismatic compass. The one holding the compass exclaimed that it was broken and could not be used— under the glass was a “bubble” so must be faulty! Not knowing what to do, they decided to head off individually to seek help! Needless to say they all got lost and it was a few days before they were found. All these compasses have “bubbles”. At the Mana Pools SAP Camp, they had guards posted at night at all corners. One night, a guard heard movement in the bush nearby his position and panicked. He fired off a shot which alerted the camp. Virtually everyone started firing, and of course, nothing happened, no injuries. At daylight, there was a follow-up. A buck's spoor was found where the noise was heard.
36 The buck was not shot, but hundreds of expended rounds “doppies” were found all over the camp! There were other occasions when night guards had AD's (accidental discharges). The camp, thinking they were under attack, let rip in all directions. Many “doppies”, no action, no injuries! Chirundu had a football team, comprising Police, Customs and Im- migration and we played the SAP on Saturday afternoons. The team varied depending who was on or off shift at the time. It always drew a good crowd from the locals. I seem to remember in 1973 a team went through to Kariba to play in the Township against a team of Police, Airforce and Army, watched by a big crowd. During this latter period, a Police Dinner/Dance was held at the Lake View Motel. It was attended by the Police Commissioner; Syd Bris- tow. He was my Provincial Criminal Investigation Officer in CID Salis- bury Central, with Ron Eames, when I was stationed there. They used to stroll into town at lunchtime wearing their “pork pie hats”. They were followed by Peter Allum and then Bill Hobley. Pe- ter Allum, later to become OC CID, Deputy Commissioner (Crime & Security) and then Commissioner. I digress! On another occasion, around 1972/73, an entourage from the South African Government was in Rhodesia, on liaison, fact finding, and doing the rounds of their Units. The Party included some of their Opposition Members. There was also a lady from their “Border Wel- fare Fund”. They travelled in two large helicopters (one was a spare).
37 I took three months leave back in the UK. On my return, I was trans- ferred to S B Salisbury Central, on the African Nationalist Desk, on 1 August 1973. Detective Inspector Brian Oberholster was in charge of the section. Very early on, I was despatched to an address in the Ha- rare Township. I was to locate and bring back to the office; Robert Gabriel Mugabe. I had no idea then, who he was, but was advised he had left the day before to an unknown destination. I later learnt that he had travelled to Mozambique, and was probably tipped off. On leaving this department, I was presented with an inscribed Silver Tankard. The terrorist war started in earnest in 1972, with small sections com- ing over the escarpment into the Centenary farming area, in the north east of the country. Attacking farm homesteads. In the mid-1960's, these groups crossed the Zambezi River in groups of a 100 or more. They had been easy to detect, were decimated or captured, and of course, those that did manage to get away, were eventually accounted for, and dealt with at Court. Huge amounts of armaments and documents were recov- ered. They quickly learnt this was suicide, and hence the later mode of operating in smaller groups. Shortly before the Centenary attacks, a farmer travelling in a Citroen, detonated a landmine, on a track, near the Zambezi River. The vehi- cle was extensively damaged, but no one was killed. It was believed the Citroen's superior suspension took the brunt of the impact. The war spread around the whole border, and steadily advanced inland over the next seven years. A lot of people, both men and women, became involved with the police, army and airforce reserve. A police reserve airwing, and a boat section, also operated.
38 Around the country, Joint Operational Centers (JOC), were opened to combat the war in the different provinces, and in some areas, additional centres were opened as; Sub-JOC's. From the office, we were involved. We went to a JOC or Sub-JOC for two months, home for a week, and three weeks back in the office. This routine went on for sometime. It was very disruptive for every- one. Added to that, all the casualties. In 1974; Dave Mitchell, introduced me to his cousin, in Salisbury; Valerie Kathleen Robb. We went on a blind date, with Dave Mitchell and his partner, to the Kamfinsa Hotel. Valerie was employed at Barclays Bank Manica Road. We got en- gaged in January 1975, and were married on 22 March at St Mary's Anglican Church Highlands. Father Neaum married us. He was Chief Superintendent Bob Bedingham's father in law (Bob married to Sue). Dave was my best man. We bought our first house; 27 Caithness Road Eastlea, Salisbury. Michelle Wendy was born on Tuesday 31 August 1976. I was in the bush and came home the next day. Amanda Jayne was born on Thursday 6 July 1978. I was not away this time. I always remember the first rains, there was an incredible fresh smell from the earth. The air was clear and hundreds of flying ants came out of holes in the ground. A local delicacy for some, just pulled the wings off, and swallowed whole! During all this, I wrote Law and Police Examinations, and on 6 April 1977, was promoted to Detective Inspector.
39 On 1 June 1977, I was transferred back to CID Salisbury Central on Homicide. I was responsible for violent crimes, reporting to Detective Chief Inspector Jack Copley. Our team investigated (in the Salisbury area of operation) all Euro- pean murders, and all African murders, where no accused had im- mediately been arrested or identified. To say the least, they were all very brutal and gruesome. We were still on operational duties at the JOC's and Sub-JOC's. In 1980, I applied for promotion to the rank of Superintendent. I was successful, and was promoted on 7 August, of that year. On leaving Homicide, I was presented with an inscribed Copper Tank- ard. Of course, by now, the war had “come to town”, and to an end. A political move. The deaths and casualties, on both sides, was enor- mous. Everything wound down, too complicated to explain here, but suffice to say, monitored elections were held. The result, the Nationalists won their Independence, and on 18 April 1980; Robert Gabriel Mugabe, was installed, as the first President of Zimbabwe. This was all facilitated by the British Government. Very uncertain times. The rest is history. On 1 December 1980, I was transferred to S B Headquarters as a Desk Officer, again on African Nationalism, under Ray Ritson. Apart from regular staff on the section, there were political appoint- ments from Mugabe's faction; the Zimbabwe African National Union (ZANU) and Joshua Nkomo's faction; the Zimbabwe African Peoples Union (ZAPU).
40
Not my scene! I requested a transfer back to active investigations.
On 28 June 1981, I was transferred to CID Headquarters handling
Criminal Records, and later started Interpol from an administrative
point of view. Regrettably, I did not get back to investigations.
I thought we, as a family, would give Zimbabwe five years, but after
two years, health services, education and promotion was problem-
atic.
I tendered my resignation from the Force, and after completing
three months notice, retired on pension on 16 January 1982. Upon
retirement; CID Headquarters, presented me with an inscribed Sil-
ver Tankard and two Wine Goblets. The Bullmores then emigrated
to Cape Town, South Africa.
We were all very privileged to have lived in Rhodesia, and to have
served in the British South Africa Police Force.
“Pro Rege Pro Lege Pro Patria”
We emigrated to South Africa, crossing the border, at Beit Bridge
on 27 January 1982, arriving in Cape Town two days later, travel-
ling through a very hot Karoo, in a Datsun 1200 – no air condition-
ing then!41
STATION NOTES
GWANDA—JUNE 1965
If you have travelled from Bulawayo going south by car you may
have passed us. We will excuse you if you did not notice—few do.
They certainly never notice our 30 m.p.h. speed limit, and before
they know it, Gwanda is behind them.
The present Member-in-Charge is Chief Inspector “Ginger” Bran-
field. His “happy little wanderer” causes us many hours at hide
and seek, which he is an expert at—particularly the hiding part.
Then there is Inspector “Docket Check” Ray, who has had the good
fortune of being posted here on his return from leave. The pleas-
ant greenery of Gwanda should make a nice change for him.
Section Officer Paddy Gallagher is at present having a change of
scenery at Kezi, but he will be back with us again shortly.
Then we have the riff-raff—otherwise known as Patrol Officers.
Top of the list is Pete Good, who is just getting used to the idea of
electricity and may be heard muttering “Sun Yet Sen was never like
this”. There’s some truth in that, for Gwanda has three pubs.
Coming second is Allan MacKenzie, but he is away on leave.
Then we have Tim Cherry, whose first love is the investigation of
stock theft cases. John Waterhouse stands out amongst us—he is
the tall one of the family. Besides, he has recently underlined his
nose. Calls it a moustache!42 And, I nearly forgot—Patrol Officer De Lorme. We seldom see hm, because he is always down town on a motor cycle. Our Officer Commanding is still Superintendent Amstrong, he is getting to be quite a veteran here. And we have two C.I.D. men, Det. Inspector Tom Holden and Det. Section Officer Barry MacKay. They walk around in the quietest of crepe shoes, appearing and vanishing without a sound, almost as if they were Top Secret. Must off now, before the above-mentioned catch up with me. KIP-POL
43 Roll of Honour Hogg, David Alan 'Dave', aged 83 (5517, Chief Superintendent; served between August 1956 - Squad 6/1956 - and July 1978) passed away 19 September 2021, Somerset West, Western Cape, South Africa. 23 September, 2021 Allen, Bruce Lewer, aged 80 (6743, Patrol Officer; served between September 1962 and June 1969) passed away 21 September 2021, Greenock, Inverclyde, Scotland.... 23 September, 2021 Wood, Graham John 'Woody', aged 77 (7175, Patrol Officer; served between October 1964 and June 1971) passed away 29 August 2021, Buckingham; Buckinghamshire, England. ... 13 September, 2021 Crane, George 'Taff', aged 73 (7672, Patrol Officer; served between January 1967 and January 1970; member of the United Kingdom BSAP Regimental Association) passed away 2 September 2021, Rochdale, Lancashire, England. ... 13 September, 2021 Marchant, Stuart Alexander (8768, Patrol Officer; served between February 1972 and July 1982; last stationed PGHQ - Quartermaster) passed away 5 September 2021, Durban, KwaZulu Natal, South Afri- ca. 11 September, 2021
44 Naude, Thomas John ‘Tom’ (5800, Superintendent; served be- tween January 1958 and November 1980; last stationed Superin- tendent Bulawayo West, member of the Western Cape Regimental Association) passed away 2 September 2021, Cape Town, Western Province, South Africa. 04 September, 2021 Fairfax-Francklin, William Nicholas 'Bill' Rev., aged 91 (4504, Con- stable; served between November 1949 and November 1952) passed away 26 August 2021, Wiltshire, England. 29 August, 2021 Ford, Frederick Percy, aged 79 (6201, Constable; served between August 1960 and August 1963 - previously a Cadet) passed away 22 August 2021, Polokwane, Northern Province, South Africa. 24 August, 2021 Nesbitt, Digby Sean, aged 69 (24348P, Field Reservist; served be- tween 1976 and 1980) passed away 19 August 2021, Bulawayo, Matabeleland, Zimbabwe. 22 August 2021. 22 August, 2021 Dowling, Edward James Leonard 'Ted', aged 96 (3955, Trooper; served between April 1946 - Squad 4/1946 and April 1948) passed away 29 July 2021, Perth, Western Australia, Australia 22 August 2021. 22 August, 2021 Fraser, Alexander 'Alex', aged 70 (8367, Patrol Officer; served between December 1969 - Squad 11/1969 and June 1976; last stationed Tomlin- son Depot, Support Unit) passed away 14 August 2021, Bulawayo, Mata- beleland, Zimbabwe.
45 Dawson, Neil Ronald Anthony, aged 75 (7453, Patrol Officer; served between October 1965 - Squad 9/1965 and October 1968; last sta- tioned Bulawayo Traffic; member of the Regimental Association of Transvaal) passed away 6 August 2021, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. 14 August, 2021 Dale, Malcolm Stuart, aged 74 (8181; Patrol Officer; served from January 1969 to January 1971; member of the Natal Regimental As- sociation) passed away 9 August 2021 at Margate, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. 13 August, 2021 Wood, Kenneth 'Ken', (5802, Inspector; served between February 1958 and February 1978; service in the Pioneer Branch; member of the Regimental Association of KwaZulu-Natal) passed away 9 Au- gust 2021, Hillcrest, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. 13 August, 2021 Harvey, Jonathan, aged 71 (8026, Inspector (T); served between July 1968 and July 1981; service in the Signals Branch; member of the Regimental Association of Transvaal) passed away 4 August 2021, Irene, Gauteng, South Africa. 09 August, 2021 Staunton, John Ashley Lancelot ‘Ashley’, aged 103 (10758S, Field Reservist; served between early 1950s through to 1980; service in the Goromonzi Police district) passed away 23 July 2021, Harare, Mashonaland Zimbabwe. 07 August, 2021
46 Duncan, Ian James 'Paddy', aged 82 (7489, Patrol Officer; served between November 1965 and December 1968; member of the Reg- imental Association of Transvaal) passed away 22 July 2021, Roode- poort, Gauteng, South Africa. 07 August, 2021 Evans, Michael Ernest, aged 59 (110977, Patrol Officer; served be- tween September 1979 and December 1980 - departed by pur- chase; last stationed at Morris Depot, Mashonaland Prov.) passed away 31 July 2021, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa. 31 July, 2021 Huggins, Derek Albert, aged 81 (6016, Detective Inspector; served between June 1959 and February 1975; last stationed at CID Salis- bury, Mashonaland Prov.) passed away 19 July 2021, Harare, Ma- shonaland, Zimbabwe. 20 July, 2021 Lane, Peter Brian, aged 86 (5349, Detective Section Officer; served between May 1955 and June 1966; last stationed at CID Salisbury, Mashonaland Prov.; member of the United Kingdom Regimental Association) passed away 14 July 2021, Taunton, Devon, England. 17 July, 2021 Hall-Johnson, Robin Alwyn, aged 86 (5087, Inspector; served be- tween August 1953 and November 1982; last stationed at Triangle, Victoria Prov.; member of the KwaZulu-Natal Regimental Associa- tion) passed away 9 July 2021, Kloof, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. 17 July, 2021
47 Hill, Errol Flynn, (6300, Patrol Officer; served between February 1961 and August 1971; member of the Transvaal Regimental Asso- ciation) passed away 8 July 2021, Lombardy East, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa. 10 July, 2021 Lewis, Ian David, (5543, Chief Inspector; served between Septem- ber 1956 and September 1976; member of the Transvaal Regimen- tal Association) passed away 6 July 2021, Glencoe, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.... 10 July, 2021 Lachenicht, Robert Clive 'Bob', (9552, L/Inspector; served between January 1976 and April 1982; member of the Transvaal Regimental Association) passed away 3 July 2021, Emalahleni (Witbank), Mpu- malanga, South Africa.... 06 July, 2021 Taylor, Harry Alexander, (6417, Section Officer (T); served be- tween June 1961 and August 1971) passed away 27 May 2021, Pe- terborough; Cambridgeshire, England. 10 July 2021... 10 July, 2021 Crook, Douglas Alan 'Alan', (7751, Inspector; served between May 1967 and September 1977; member of the Western Cape Regi- mental Association) passed away 26 June 2021, Cape Town, West- ern Cape Province, South Africa.... 29 June, 2021
48 Hughes (nee Oldham), Valerie 'Val', (WP096; Women Patrol Officer; served between December 1963 and December 1966; for- merly member of the KwaZulu Natal Regimental Association) passed away 5 June 2021, Amanzimtoti, KwaZulu Natal Province, South Africa. 18 June, 2021 Barker, Andrew Duncan Stephen, aged 63 (9488; Patrol Officer; served between November 1975 and September 1978; member of the Transvaal Regimental Association) passed away 6 June 2021, Johannesburg, South Africa. 11 June, 2021 Saul, Eric, PMM PSLM; aged 88 (5562/5898; Assistant Commission- er; served two tours between October 1956 and August 1982; last stationed PGHQ Harare; member of the Transvaal Regimental Asso- ciation) passed away 9 June 2021, Johannesburg, South Africa. 11 June, 2021 Martin, Ronald Douglas 'Ron', aged 68 (8609; Section Officer; served between March 1971 and March 1977; last stationed CPU Salisbury South, member of the Transvaal Regimental Association) passed away 3 June 2021, Bloemfontein, Free State, South Africa. 06 June, 2021 Schonken, Robert John 'Bob' PLSM, aged 80 (6007; Detective Chief Inspector; served between April 1959 and February 1981; last sta- tioned CID Harare, member of the Mashonaland Regimental Associ- ation) passed away 1 June 2021, Harare, Mashonaland, Zimbabwe. 04 June, 2021
49 Wright, David John 'Lofty' PLSM, aged 82 (5666; Chief Superinten- dent; served between March 1957 and July 1978; last stationed CID Harare, member of the Kwazulu-Natal Regimental Association) passed away 31 May 2021, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa. 02 June, 2021 Clancy, Patrick Anthony, aged 67 (9090; Patrol Officer; served be- tween December 1973 and December 1976; last stationed Ruda, member of the Transvaal Regimental Association) passed away 23 May 2021, Johannesburg, South Africa. 29 May, 2021 Ritson, Raymond Victor PLSM, aged 79 (6794; Chief Superinten- dent; served between November 1962 and November 1984; last stationed Special Branch Headquarters - transferred to CIO; life member of the Regimental Association of Mashonaland) passed away 21 May 2021, Harare, Mashonaland, Zimbabwe. 22 May, 2021 Forrest, Brent Munro (6779/8342; Chief Superintendent; served two tours between November 1962 and May 1985) passed away 26 April 2021, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa. 12 May, 2021 Tuck, Roy Kenneth, aged 69 (8491/38058B; Section Officer; served July 1970 - Squad 5/1970 - to May 1982; last stationed Stops Camp, Bulawayo; member of the Transvaal Regimental Associa- tion) passed away 23 April 2019, Germinston, Gauteng, South Africa. 11 May, 2021
50
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