Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Rhodesia, General Service Medal (7961 S/O D. H. McKay) good very fine £200-£300

Duncan Hope McKay...’more tragic news came in the early days of 1977 when the death of Section Officer Duncan Hope McKay was received on 2 January 1977. Duncan was killed by terrorists in the [Chipinga] operational area whilst on vehicle patrol.

Duncan was born on 24 July 1946 in Sussex. He was educated at St. Andrew's Secondary Modern and Goring Hall Private School where he attained his "O" Levels. He then enrolled at the Worthing College of Further Education where he passed a Local Government Clerical examination. On completing his education, Duncan worked for a firm of solicitors, a large corporation and an assurance company. He grew disenchanted with the poor working conditions, and his interest in the B.S.A. Police prompted him to apply to join the Force in 1968. He attested on 9 April 1968.

On completion of his Depot course, he was posted to Victoria Falls. He received the Rhodesia General Service Medal in 1973 and in the same year, he was transferred to Marandellas, PGHQ (Operations), to Highlands CID for three months and back to PGHQ (Operations), until the date of his death.

While stationed with PGHQ (Operations), Duncan was attached to Ground Coverage at Melsetter, Madziwa, Chesa and Marymount. All who came into contact with him were impressed by his efficiency, determination, resourcefulness and reliability as well as his great love of operational work. An outstanding career in the Force was tragically ended when he was murdered.

The funeral service for Section Officer McKay took place at Warren Hills on 10 January 1977 and the Commissioner was represented by Supt B. R. Henson of Police Headquarters.’ (Outpost, January 1977, refers)

McKay was also one of the members of the rescue team at Victoria Falls when the Zambian Army shot at foreign tourists who were on the Rhodesian side, 15 May 1973. The shootings created an international incident, leading to the police, with army support, having to recover the survivors and bring back the bodies under constant fear of being shot.

Sold with copied research.