A Very Special Visitor

We had recently received this photo and wanted to know who is the visitor, when and why did he visit Bermuda, who is sitting next to him, and who is the young police officer giving the salute?

We received numerous responses to these questions, and there was no problem identifying the VIP in the car as Emperor Haile Selassie of Ethiopia. He is sitting in the Governor's car who at that time was Sir Julian Gascoigne. We had a variety of suggestions as to who the young police officer might be, but a good number of former officers who were here in the early 1960's had no problem recognizing him as Terry Bawden who served in the Bermuda Police from 1962 - 1966. The photo was actually submitted to us by Terry who has also written an article about himself which you can read in our 'Then and Now' column at http://expobermuda.com/index.php/tan/509-terry-bawden

Emperor Haile Selassie visited Bermuda on two occasions, this being the first one in October 1963 when he was en route to the U.S, for a State Visit during which time he addressed the General Assembly of the United Nations, and also met President John F. Kennedy. He stopped in Bermuda again in 1967 again en route to the U.S.

By coincidence, Terry Bawden has described in his "Then and Now" article how he was interviewed in London for the Bermuda Police Force by the then Governor H.E. Sir Julian Gascoigne. We had never heard of the Governor conducting interview with applicants to the BPS and wonder if anyone else was interviewed by Sir Julian Gascoigne or any other Governor.

5th September 2016

This young police constable giving the salute is ....

Terry Bawden 6 years 6 months

At the time of the interview in London, I was told that the Governor was doing it only because he happened to be in London at the time.Editors note - Thanks Terry. It certainly seems like an unusual assignment for the Governor.

Keith Hatfield 6 years 7 months

It is Terry Bawden - circa St. George's 1963. I remember the day well.

Terry 6 years 7 months

George F. Rose said :

Might he be Dave Adam?Editors note - Not Dave Adam.

I remember Dave Adam George.He was as tall as Mike Caulkett

McQuaid 6 years 7 months

Absolutely no problem guys, this is one of the few guys that I do seem to remember these. Terry Bawden. I was with him on that occasion and 'Doc' Hall was in charge. Haile Selassie's 707 was parked up for about three days as he was said to be on a 'runner' because of political problems at home. It was said that the aircraft contained property, gold and cash worth millions, just in case there was a coup back home! Terry is on the St Georges Mess picture which lies within your blog. The rastas in Bermuda told me that he was a messenger from Heaven!Editors note - The young Constable was indeed Terry Bawden and this was also confirmed by Dick Johnson and Keith Hatfield by email. Emperor Haile Selassie was actually on his way to the U.S. for a State Visit where he was greeted by President John F. Kennedy. Sadly. Emporer Selassie made a return trip to the U.S. just 6 weeks later to attend the State Funeral of President Kennedy who was assassinated in Dalls Texas on 22nd November 1963.

You have all the info Roger.I may have seen him but not whilst serving because like you said he left a short bit before Davie arrived and I joined 2 months later.Looks like Bob Allen's brother.Namaste.

Well show us some photo's of who came out in the same month and I will tell you whom it is.Were you there then Roger?Just a question.Editors note - The young man in question was still serving when I arrived in May 1964. To assist in identifying him I've now added his photo to this article.

George F. Rose 6 years 7 months

Davie Kerr 6 years 7 months

The only two likely candidates who would fit the bill as coming out a year or so after Dave Garland would be Jeff Payne and Barry Rudkin, but it doesn't look like how I remember either of them. It actually looks like my old schoolmate Neil Hunter, but I know it can't be him because the dates don't fit: likewise with Dick Johnson...Editors note - You're getting warm Davie! The young man in question came out the same month as Jeff Payne, but it's not Jeff or Dick Johnson. You would never have met him because he left the Force 6 months before you arrived in November 1966.

Got those Andy Bermingham eyes.Editors note - Not Andy.

Jeff Baker 6 years 7 months

I have no idea of the year, but I would say the officer is David GarlandEditors note - Jeff is the second person to ask if the officer is Dave Garland. It's not Dave but he came out about 12 months after Dave.