Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A scarce K.P.M. combination group of seven awarded to Superintendent S. E. Collings, British South Africa Police, late 12th Lancers

King’s Police Medal, G.VI.R., 2nd issue, for Distinguished Service (Capt. Sydney [sic] E. Collings, B.S.A. Police) in Royal Mint case of issue; 1914-15 Star (5615 L. Cpl. S. E. Collings, 12-Lrs.); British War and Victory Medals (5615 Pte. S. E. Collings. 12-Lrs.); Defence and War Medals 1939-45; Army L.S. & G.C., G.V.R., crowned bust, Southern Rhodesia (2129. Sgt-Maj. Sidney E. Collings, B.S.A.P.) remainder mounted as worn, light contact marks overall, therefore generally very fine (7) £800-1000

K.P.M. London Gazette 4 January 1952:

‘Attested in the Force on the 26th October 1919, and retired with the rank of Superintendent after 31 years of service. In 1927 he received a Special Commendation for the courageous single-handed arrest of two dangerous fugitive criminals from South Africa. During the 1939-45 War he served with distinction in the Rhodesian African Rifles attaining the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Throughout his Police Career he was a most dependable and highly efficient member of the Force.’

Sidney Edward Collings ‘retired on pension on 8th June 1951, having completed 31 years and seven months service in the B.S.A. Police and nearly 40 years service in uniform.

After three and a half years in the Royal Navy ending in July, 1914, he joined the British Army in August, 1914, and saw active service until 1919 in the Cavalry and Machine Gun Corps. He attested in the B.S.A. Police on 26th October, 1919, and served in all districts and on many stations. Promoted Corporal in February, 1921, Sergeant in July, 1921, Sergeant-Major in 1928 and Inspector in 1934, Captain Collings was commissioned in 1949.

On the outbreak of the last war he was seconded to command “One col” of the Rhodesian Forces serving in Nyasaland during September and October, 1939, and returned to Police duties until July, 1940, when he was seconded to the Rhodesian African Rifles, commanding the 1st Battalion from February to October 1943. Being over age for service in Burma, he served in East Africa and Somalia in various posts until October, 1945, when he returned once more to Police duty.

An excellent native linguist and an accomplished horsemaster, Captain Colling’s keen sense of discipline and tact earned him a high reputation amongst all ranks, while those who had the good fortune to serve under him always received invaluable advice and instruction in their duties.’ (Outpost, June 1951 refers)

Collings was born in Kenninghall, Norfolk. He served during the Great War with the 12th Lancers in the French theatre of war from June 1915. He transferred to the 5th Squadron, Machine Gun Corps (Cavalry) the following year (wounded during his Great War service). Having joined the British South Africa Police after the war, Collings was awarded his L.S. & G.C. 30 June 1933. He advanced to Superintendent in April 1951, and retired having reached the age limit, in June that year. Collings wrote numerous articles for the B.S.A.P magazine Outpost under the pen name ‘Muvimi’, including relating the arrest of two armed criminals from South Africa (for which he received a Special Commendation).

Appointed Messenger of the Court of Que Que in March 1953, and died in Que Que, 25 July 1980.

A total of 13 K.P.M’s were awarded to the B.S.A. Police, of which only 5 have the combination of K.P.M. and Army L.S. & G.C. with Southern Rhodesia suspension.

Sold with a file of copied research, including photographic images of recipient and several original copies of articles written as ‘Muvimi.’