Perim Island
PERIM ARMED POLICE
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When the Perim Coal Company left Perim in 1936 responsibility for the civil administration of the island also passed to the Aden Police, the Commissioner of Police being appointed ‘Administrator Perim’ from 10th November 1936. The Aden Police were to remain responsible for Perim until 1959, when the island passed back to being administered directly by Government, although a detachment remained on the island.
Italy entered the war on 10 June 1940 and it became evident that reinforcements were needed. On 25 June the Inspector asked for an increase in the strength of the police detachment, still 30 strong, due to the number of extra guards and patrols. 20 extra men were sent there early in August. From 1959 a detachment of Armed Police remained on Perim.
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In the 1st photograph one see can the pride of a man in ‘best kit’ for the photographer. But what is of particular interest is the location: the former Residency – aka Murray House until about 1906. Compare the 4th photograph which was taken around 1930 with the 1st photograph taken in 1964. In 1964 the verandah is no longer enclosed and its roof is in need of repair.
One of the measures necessary following the RAF being made responsible in 1928 for the defence of Aden was that the defence of Perim became the responsibility of the Armed Police. Pre-war the detachment was 30 strong, under the command of an inspector
There was still a detachment there in 1964 and photographs 2, 3 & 4 on this page date from that year. One of the inspector’s main tasks was to meet every incoming (civil) aircraft and in the 2nd photograph one sees him awaiting the arrival of a DC3 of Aden Airways.
The photograph on the left has him standing between two of his men, with even the one not in uniform looking smart and well-disciplined.
The former Residency, 'Murray House' circa 1930