LONDONium 26AUG2006
I seem to recall that the old Federal Badge had above the GATE emblem, an Eagle
holding a hydrometer in metal. After break-up of Federation (I think) officers were told to remove the EAGLE part ONLY
(coz I think it resembled the same eagle in the new Zambian coat of arms). Most officers removed the whole EAGLE/HYDROMETER
device in error, but a few did not.....
I seem to think PETER BROCK was one officer who still retained the HYDROMETER
part...... in fact I phoned John Spencer tonight (Spenny – we were in Mess No 3 @ Vic Falls together circa 1967/8) and
he confirms that Brock was one of the few officers that he recalls who did have the HYDROMETER (come on PETER.... do please
get a digital capture and send it in to Arthur Adams directly).
Bear in mind that I joined the department in 1966, so I'm doing my best on memory
and hearsay here.
Anyway, if someone still has the official cap badge(s) with EAGLE + HYDROMETER
or just with HYDROMETER or also with just the GATE, they would be useful and interesting additions I feel.
I have suggested a replacement GATE badge coz the one on our site has already
been attacked by tsotsis who seem to have stolen some of it!! (or was it the mice in your loft, Arthur?).
I liked Derek Brent's montage display. The plaque from KDV seems to have the
RHODESIA part a bit off-centre. How about re-centering, re-photographing, and then put it up again.
Aussie :)
