Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

An intriguing Second War and Rhodesian Meritorious Service Medal (Security Forces Division) group of seven awarded to Group Leader J. J. S. Kirkwood, one of the founder members of the Rhodesian Police Anti Terrorist Unit (P.A.T.U.), late Pilot Officer, Royal Air Force, who despite the nature of his post-war employment managed to fabricate his Second War service to include the award of a fictional D.F.C., being shot down over occupied France, and evading capture with the help of French prostitutes

1939-45 Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45; Rhodesia, Meritorious Service Medal (Security Forces Division) (5786N F/R J. J. S. Kirkwood); Rhodesia, General Service Medal (5786N F/R J. J. S. Kirkwood); Rhodesia, Police Reserve Long Service Medal (5786N F/R J. J. S. Kirkwood); Zimbabwe Independence Medal 1980 (23803), generally very fine or better (7) £600-700

James John Spencer Kirkwood was born ‘in Scotland on 3 February 1922 — although his birth was registered in London to which he escaped at a very early age. He arrived in this country, after six years in the Royal Air Force where — as an air gunner and later as a pilot — he earned the Distinguished Flying Cross, and the rank of Flight Lieutenant, to take up farming early in 1949. He joined the Police Reserve in 1955 and, on moving from Banket to Salisbury, became a full-time PR instructor late in 1960 with the rank of R/Sgt. Soon afterwards he was attached to the Police Reserve Headquarters staff at PGHQ and also became an active member of the then 'B' Reserve — a most unusual dual role only partially explained by the fact that Jim was regarded as a civil servant in his PGHQ capacity, rather than a full-time policeman. It is fair to say that Jim never gave up this "double life" even in later years. At the end of 1963 he changed his "civilian" employment to join the Public Services Board. This meant no reduction of his PR role and within three years he was the "Administrative Officer" of the 'B' Reserve.

After more than a decade of being "urbanised", Jim answered the call of the wilds made by PATU on the latter's formation and if— in his mid-forties — he could be maligned as being over the hill, he countered such insult by putting himself and other members of his PATU HQ section on top of the steepest, almost unclimbable hills to maintain radio communications. When on the lower plane, he was on top of the cooking, the general administration, moving base camp when necessary and — always — the peak of cheerfulness: Even when Jim and his companions were being lashed by wind - and rain on some rocky gomo, to hear his voice (and the latest sports news) on the relay was comfort for those enduring hardships below. About the only thing to rub Jim up the wrong way was the suggestion that he became a mere radio operator instead of a PATU HQ founder member who consequently knew exactly what was needed on a PATU relay.

Jim had long experienced medical problems with his legs and it was a sad day in late 78 when one of his limbs had to be amputated. On being visited in hospital by his OC, his one concern was to get mobile in time to spend Christmas running the relay on his favourite mountain. Last year was an uncomfortable one for Jim but, he couldn't be kept out of involvement in this year's elections, joining the PATU standby details at their headquarters and, of course, hogging as much of the radio and the administrative chores as he could bully others into letting him perform.

Almost overlooked here has been Jim's later civil service role as secretary to the Minister of Law and Order during hectic — but always ever-helpful — years, but Police Club Secretary, Butch Buckley, fills in other aspects of talent — those "confined" to the sports field.

"Jim's sporting  career began at Chiswick School in England where he received colours for cricket, soccer and athletics. Cricket, however, was his first love and he represented the Middlesex Colts in 1946/47.

When he arrived in Rhodesia in 1949 to turn his hand to farming, he played cricket in Banket. Moving subsequently to Ayrshire, he was a founder member of the Ayrshire Country Club, played for them from 1950 until 1960 and captained the team towards the end of the decade. On four occasions he played for the County Districts XI.

Jim was an all-rounder — he used the new ball and batted at No.4. He played his cricket with good taste and reserve and his splendid quick bowling will be ruefully testified to by many Mashonaland Country District participants. He collected two centuries in the Districts Lithurbridge Cup Competition and against Shamva in 1959 he took all ten wickets for 42 runs. He moved to Salisbury in 1960 and joined the Police Sports Club. Although his playing career was just about over, the 2nd XI was having difficulties and we persuaded him to take the team under his wing. This he did efficiently, quietly and unobtrusively.

Jim then turned from cricket to bowls where he became one of the stalwarts of that section. He won the Police Club Singles Championship in 1972, 1973 and 1977. This was no mean feat especially with the 1977 Competition when his health was already failing. His grit and determination will always be an example for others. His sad passing will be felt by many."

On behalf of PATU members, Jim's many other friends in the Force and all over Zimbabwe, we'll leave the closing lines to Butch,

"I can only conclude in saying that I was privileged to know Jim Kirkwood as a friend and the phrase 'the salt of the earth' could well have been coined especially for him. Rest in Peace, Jim. We will miss you." ‘ (The Outpost, May 1980 refers)

Kirkwood did serve with the Royal Air Force during the Second War. He was initially employed as an Air Gunner, and was posted as a Pilot Officer to 158 Squadron in July 1944. It would appear, however, that he ‘awarded’ himself the D.F.C. as there is no record of him receiving it. Another ‘James Kirkwood’ of 207 Squadron was awarded the D.F.C. in January 1944, and he was later killed in action during the war.

J. J. S. Kirkwood was awarded the M.S.M. (Security Forces Division) in November 1976, and the Police Reserve Long Service Medal in July 1971. He went through his entire civil service and police reserve career not only claiming the award, but also wearing it on official occasions (photographic images of M.S.M. investiture included in the lot illustrates). Further gloss is added by an extract from P. Gibbs’ book Blue and Old Gold:

‘Communications were, of course, absolutely essential for PATU to function to full effect and many relay posts were established atop high Kopjes and manned by reservists supplied by Helicopter. One such radio operator was James “Jim” Kirkwood, DFC. As air gunner and, later pilot, he had been shot down over France during the 1939-45 conflict. He managed to escape internment with the aid of French prostitutes who passed him from one brothel to another, giving rise to his claim that he was the only airman who had “fornicated his way to freedom”.’

Sold with copied research, including photographic images of the recipient.