BSAP/Rhodesian Police force service records

[Jeannadew]

Hello all,

I'm not sure if this forum still operates, but will take my chances...

I'm trying to trace and access any kind of records or evidence of my father's service in the BSAP between 1959 and 1968.

He was in the CID for some of the time, and I have his service number(s) - which were 5952 and 7282
His name is George Malcolm Francis Roach

It seems to me as if the service records have more or less vanished. Ive tried various routes, without any success thus far. I"d be really grateful if anyone has any bright ideas as to where I could go hunting further.

Thank you!

[ShaunJ]

I think you would have to contact the National Archives of Zimbabwe in Bulawayo.

[Jeannadew]

Thank you. I’ll try there - good idea.

[COLINBALLINGALL]

Good luck with that one, trying to contact the National Archives, i have tried contacting them numerous times over the last years still waiting on a reply, even tried the Embassie's as well in UK and Zimbabwe they were as reluctant to respond to emails.
Any one with ancestors in Rhodesia/Zimbabwe, give up its a hopeless cause.

[Jeannadew]

I haven’t had much success either, although Andrew Field of the BSAP committee, was really helpful. In general though, I haven’t got far. Likewise with Botswana. Perhaps they just get too many enquiries and are under-resourced. I can sympathise with that, as they aren’t paid for going the extra mile to help.

[COLINBALLINGALL]

They may not have the time to search, but they could at least reply and say that, manners cost nothing. i have to say i expected a response from the Embassy, but they are as bad. out of all archives i have contacted over the years, this is the worst. i am affraid we may never find what we are looking for. 

[Jeannadew]

I do agree. They could reply - and I have no idea why they don’t.

[Jeannadew]

If it’s for the purpose of applying for a British passport, I have heard that you can submit an application anyway. It’s a complex thing, but seemingly that may somehow either have access to records we don’t have, and/or in the absence of proof to the contrary - as long as the story is feasible, they ultimate have to give you the benefit of the doubt.

[Jim82]

If you follow this link and scroll down there is chap called Paul Brewster who is an expert on BSAP. He helped me before with a chap whose medals I was researching. May not have full records but will have some info.

https://bsapuk.org/office-bearers/

Jim