Welcome

The OVERSEAS SERVICE PENSIONERS' ASSOCIATION (OSPA) represents the interests of people who served the Governments of former British colonial territories of the British Empire. Most were members of the British Colonial Service, properly called Her Majesty's Overseas Civil Service (HMOCS), responsible for all aspects of the administration and development of the colonies, under the former British Colonial Office.  People who served the governments of Southern Rhodesia, the Central African Federation, and Sudan, which were not administered by HMOCS, are also entitled to belong. To see the list of the colonial territories concerned click here.

Founded in 1960 to protect the pensions of expatriate HMOCS officers, and their widows, OSPA is now concerned to spread a better understanding of what the Colonial Service/HMOCS was, who its members were, what they did, why and how they did it, and to what effect.

Membership of OSPA is open to all former HMOCS officers and their widows, and other Overseas Service people.   Non-pensioners, and anyone having a personal or professional interest in the work or activities of the Colonial Service, or just in colonial life and times generally, may become Associate members. To see membership rules and other details click here.

There are nearly 5,000 members, of whom about a quarter live outside Britain. There are many more former HMOCS personnel (and widows) who do not belong, perhaps because they do not realise the nature and scope of what OSPA now does. They are invited to join now!