John Clements ~ RIP
It's sad to report that John passed away on 5th June. Aged 94 and born in Nyasaland. After National Service in the Kings African Rifles he joined the Nyasaland Police in December 1953. Leaving in 1964 he settled in South Africa, resident in Somerset West (W. Cape). His contributions to the website can be accessed under his name from the relevant (J-M) 'Index' page. Further via the 'Letters' page, in June 2024, he sent his greetings and, reflecting his interest, information that he had received the South African Owl Award which is given to nine people for their widespread contribution in the conservation of South African bird life. A celebration of his life will be held on 3rd July at 10am at All Saints Anglican Cathedral, Somerset West, W.Cape.
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David O'Neil Please see the Letters page for a contact by James Faktor, Founder of Flagship Editions, dedicated to naval fiction. He is searching for any information regarding David O'Neil and his literary estate to see if someone would be interested in discussing republishing his naval fiction books. He is aware that David served in the Nyasaland Police and that he has passed away. He would greatly appreciate any assistance you can provide and can be contacted as indicated in his letter.
Webmaster ~ 07.06.2026.
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National Memorial Arboretum
For your information we have received an Email from Lindsey Smith, the Support Services Adminstrator, advising us of a change of name.
She reports that after working on a plan to enhance the long-term future of the National Memorial Arboretum by uniting it with the Royal British Legion it will, from September 2026, become known as the Royal British Legion National Remembrance Gardens. It will continue to be a dedicated place to commemorate service and sacrifice by members of the Armed Forces, emergency services and civilian organisations, for generations to come.
Webmaster ~ 24.04.2026.
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David Watson Do you remember David Watson pictured left (DOB 14/12/1927). He served in the Nyasaland Police from 1951 to 1964. His daughter, Jeanette Watson, is working as the family historian and if you knew him she would be interested to hear from you - and of any information you may have about him or any details of his service. Nypol has only been able to supply some limited details of his time in Nyasaland, so, if you have knowledge of David or anything of interest please email it here to Nypol for onward transmission to Jeanette.
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Passport Are you living abroad and have dual nationality, that is British together with that of your current country of residence. If so it may be that you need to be aware of the recent (February 2026) regulations with regard to travel to the UK. Nypol member Alison McLennan, resident in Australia, has set out on the Letters page of just how it affects her and others similarly placed. To read her letter click here.
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Peter Conway ~ A new Collection Do you remember Peter Conway and his good lady Sylvia? Following service in R.Sigs Peter joined the Police in 1969 employed as a technician in the Radio Communications branch. He was stationed variously in Zomba and Lilongwe. He left the Police in 1972 but stayed on in Malawi with the Posts & Telecomms Dept until 1980. He has kindly contributed a number of photographs which are now available from the Galleries page.
'Click here' to view his collection. |
RIP ~ Mary Brill It is with sadness and heartfelt condolences that I have to report that Mary passed away on 27th January 2026. Aged 101, she was our senior member and a regular contributor to this website - some twenty or so entries alone are recorded in the Index. It was in 1949 that Mary was first in Nyasaland with husband Reg who was then in the Agriculture Department. In 1953 he transferred to the Police and and was employed variously throughout the country. Mary found occasional work, at Karonga airfield, for instance, where she was responsible for the refuelling of aircraft. In particular she is well remembered for her remarkable skill in the production of Dorset Brooches. For so much more read her own story, "Granny's Book", available here on the 'Items of Interest' page. Webmaster
Thank you Mary for your many contributions to the Nyasaland Police Association
May you Rest in Peace
Note: Mary's funeral, 2 pm on Friday 20th February 2026, was at Loders Church, Loders, Nr Bridport, Dorset DT6 3SA
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Simon ElmerNypol member and contributor Simon, is already known for his skill as a producer of figurines, so, we have an addition to those previously portrayed of members of the Northern Rhodesia Police (NRP) and the British South Africa Poice (BSAP) of Southern Rhodesia .......................
Left: It's his very fine presentation of a Nyasaland officer in Number 1 dress.
For an expanded view click here
As reported Simon is a retired Lincolnshire Police Inspector having previously served in the Met and RMP and although never having served in the Colonial Police he has an acquired historical interest of policing colonial Africa especially during the 'Winds Of Change' years .
For more click below:-
Figurines
Greetings from Lincolnshire
Nyasaland attired
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Webmaster decidedly embarrassed! It was the Webmaster's 90th birthday in November 2025 and he was indeed astounded at the amount of attention it generated. In particular, during the "Oldies" Thursdays Lunch Club held at the local Community Centre he was presented with a lovely cake plus the 'Happy Birthday' song and obliged to 'pose' (as below) with the staff there who give of their time to look after the numerous elderly attendees with so much good nature, patience and understanding.
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