Riot Squad recruits!

We received this photo in December 2020 from former P.C. John Arlott who pointed out that he had barely arrived on Island on 2nd October 1970 than he and his fellow new recruits found themselves on riot squad duties. Great introduction to Bermuda! We wanted to know the identities of everyone in the photo, and also when and where it was taken. We added a couple of blows-ups to assist you in picking out who is who.

I have to say that because this photo is slightly blurred it's extremely difficult to identify a few of the guys in it, particularly in the 2nd row and the top row. I've done my best to try to sort them out and place them in the right places, but some are definitely not correct. I thought that the guy standing immediately between Ian Scotland and "Nobby" Clark was David "Dai" Thomas, but on checking the record he didn't arrive on Island until 14th October which I believe is after the riots. Terry Cabral, who has successfully identified most of the group thought it was Vendon Archer but "Moby" pointed out that Vendon didn't arrive until later in the 1970's.

I'm going to write to some of the guys who might be able to confirm identities but please feel free to make suggested changes - until we get it right - if ever!

One more question though - can anyone confirm exactly where the photo was taken?

Riot Squad - October 1970

(l-r) Standing on ground - Rex Osborne, Norrell Hull, Arden Cato, Ian Ganson, Brian Warraker,

Ian Scotland, Vendon Archer, Ian Scotland, David "Dai" Thomas?, L.M. "Nobby" Clarke, Dave Parsons, Dick Murphy,

Willy McCracken, Willy Hart, Jude Perrotte, Foster Burke.

2nd row - ? Ray Jones, Andy Lavery, ? Peter Blogg, Gerry Molloy, and John Arlott behind Foster Burke

Top row - Bob Porritt, Peter Moore ? Bruce Bingley, Les Pearson

Blow-up 1

Blow-up 2

Davie Kerr 2 years 1 month

We'll just have to "agree to disagree" on this one, then, because it sure looks like Bloggy to me!Maybe someone could settle this by simply asking Billy B?Editors note - I had been meaning to email and ask Billy Butterworth if that's him. Will do it now and let you know the result.

JOHN GEORGE FREDERIC 2 years 2 months

Hi All,I have identified top left behind Ian Scotland ,Bill Lawson from our induction course , not sure he stayed too long after the riots . Finally , not wishing to disagree with the legend and oracle that is Davie Kerr , but that is definitely Billy Butterworth

Davie Kerr 2 years 2 months

Sorry JGF, I still think that the two behind Dick and Willie are Peter Blogg and Gerry Molloy.Editors note - I'm not sure about Peter Blogg but I'm sure it Gerry Molloy.

Hi all , Behind Nobby Clarke might be Alistair Brown, behind Murphy and MCracken is Billy Butterworth and left of Peter Moore (his right) is Terry Warrilow . The picture was taken at Prospect about 4-00am about to hit Court Street on early morning raids.Editors note - Many thanks John. Perhaps I can mention that John (Arlott) kindly provided this photo in the first place and he was one of the young men there that night. Will check with Billy Butterworth to confirm he was there.

Not 100% convinced on the ID of Foster Burke as the far right man: I think it could be Stan Francis, who was on the same intake as Foster.Editors note - I think you might be correct Davie. He looks a little to big to be Foster.

Replying to #7, Roger, I seem to recall that all the ones who arrived in Sep '70 were almost immediately shanghaied into riot units: if Bloggy came then, I'm sure he'd have been included!Editor s note - Agreed Davie. Peter Blogg it is.

terry 2 years 2 months

Maurice Pett said :

Roger, I also thought it was Dai Thomas, could be, he came here in 1968. MobyEditors note - I have access to a slightly sharper image of this photo and I agree with you, I'm almost 100% sure it's Dai. Will write him to confirm.

Refresh me here were Dai Thomas is mentioned.Thanks.Editors note - You'll see Dai is mentioned at the top of this 'Who Where and When' article and I initially ruled out it being Dai because I mistakenly checked and thought he didn't arrve until late October 1971, but that's not the case. As "Moby" has pointed out, he arrived in January 1968, so it could be him, and I now believe it is.

Maurice Pett 2 years 2 months

The date would I think be some time in Oct '70, as I was away on leave Sep '70-Nov '70 and missed that action (and probably some serious OT for good measure!).Editors note - Thanks Davie. Definitely early October 1970

Davie Kerr said :

I came late to this one, but I think that looks more like Peter Blogg behind Messrs Murphy and McCracken: I await the official cast list!Editors note - Thanks Davie. I don't think it's Peter Blogg but can't be at all sure. I've lost the ball on ths one. Can't remember who provided the photo and I'm trying to cofnirm the date. I believe whoever sent me the photo was called out to deal with a riot within days of arriving. Will put my thinking ap on and try to come up with some answers!

Was it Mr. Arlott?Editors note - Great minds think alike! I had just remembered it was John who was featured in our "Keeping in Touch" column last December, but you are totally on the ball there Terry. Just writing up as much as we know about the photo but not sure we'll ever be absolutely sure of everyone in it. Let me know what you think.