Rhodesia Mounted Police Button

[Traist]

Hi, Can anybody tell me more about the Rhodesia Mounted Police. I just found this button. Regards Andrew

[1314]

Short lived name.
In May 1895 the territories of Mashonaland and Matabeleland were established as a single territory known as Rhodesia and the BSAC police therein titled ' The Rhodesia Mounted Police ' but this name was phased out by the end of 1896 and the title BSAP (in full) brought in.This was formalized in the ' High Commissioner's Police Notice No 18 of 1897 '.More in Service Before Self,by M P Radford although strangely no illustration;similarly none in Owen.

[1314]

I have checked my RMP buttons - all in brass,two piece with loose metal loop,all marked Hobson and Sons,Lexington St ( London W1).

[Traist]

Thank you 1314. This button has no makers mark on the back. I did check Owen too, I also found nothing. Do you have a picture of their badge? Regards Andrew

[1314]

I cannot recall ever having seen a ' badge ' ie cap badge or pouch badge of the Rhodesia Mounted Police, I would assume that if there had been one,it would have been along the lines of the Lion and Tusk used by a variety of early Rhodesian units.The RMP merit only the briefest of mentions in Harding's 'Frontier Patrols'.

[Traist]

Thank you very much. Regards Andrew

[chingola]

hi all,late Steve Stevens ex BSAP and Rhodesian Military fundi who worked at the Gweru War Museum gave me some of the notes for a book he never completed..in these he states the RMP was formed in 1896 from the MMP/MMP and wore the MMP cap badges but had buttons specially made for the unit,as shown here by Andrew.
other similar buttons ie with Lion and Tusk centre seen are;
BSAP - two types with BSAP above or BSA above and POLICE below Lion and Tusk.
NRP - letters above Lion and Tusk.
BNP - letters above Lion and Tusk.
so this would make 4 types seen to date with similar centre ie RMP,BSAP,NRP and BNP.
nice illustration of the BSAP buttons as found by Col Hickman shown in his first volume of Rhodesia Served the Queen,these dated to 1902.
regards,Craig.

[Traist]

Thank you Craig for the information. Regards Andrew

[guBulawayo]

Can anyone confirm what size Rhodesia Mounted Police buttons they have come across please, I collect Rhodesian buttons of all units, sizes, materials etc but at present only have one RMP button 16mm, convex back, maker Hobson & Sons .

Many thanks

Wayne
Wales