Springbok

SA LEGION SPRINGBOK 2013

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ISSN number 221-9854

Newsletter: 2017/1

health let her down and so she needs to rest and recover. It is disappointing that the history of the last 15 years has not been fully recorded so that our history would have been completed.

We welcome our new National Secretary, Lgr Riana Venter Van Zyl and wish her all the best. We truly believe that she has had a year of getting to know the Legion, so we are expecting great things now.

I was honoured to be invited to attend the KwaZuluNatal Regional conference at Dignitaries attending the Centenary Memorial Service of the sinking of the Troopship SS Mendi in the Hollybrook Cemetery, Southampton, United Kingdom Hebron Haven Hotel in the Natal Midlands. This was once again a change in venue which really brought everyone together as a true team.

NATIONAL PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE The comradery and team work is good to see.

As the end of our 95th anniversary comes around Looking at the turnout for the work party at Comwe need to take stock of what the Legion is doing.

Although the membership numbers are not huge, rades Marathon was amazing. Everyone got init is the dedicated few that really gets so much volved and pulled their weight. Then some slept on the floor at the side of the road for the early start. done. These first six months have been very busy.

The Social Club has started a new movement in Firstly, we are sad that our National Secretary Lgr Marrietta Venter has finally retired after 15 years the Legion and it is hoped that others will follow suit. service. We truly thanks her for all the positives that The social side of the Legion has been lacking for she accomplished over the years. Unfortunately her years and it is very important (Continued page 21)

Inside this issue:

Special points of interest: •

SS Mendi centenary UK

10

2

•

SAS President Kruger

12

Branch News

3

•

A Century of caring for Graves 16

Commemorations

6

•

RBL Churchill Shield

18

Other Stories

17

•

Thomas Lane VC

19

Obituaries

23

•

Lgr R Monthe remembered 23

From the Editors Desk

2

National Headquarters

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FROM THE EDITORS DESK

SA LEGION SPRINGBOK 2017/1 NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS FAREWELL LGR MARIETTA

Dear Legionnaires, It is with a very heavy heart that I write this mail to you. You have been informed that I retired at the end of April 2017.

I would like to thank every legionnaire and staff member of Branches for the support given to me during my 15 year service as National Secretary.

I tried my best and gave my everything for the SA Legion. To you who had to bear the brunt of me, no hard feelings. I only tried to do what was best for the Legion.

I have made wonderful friends and hope to stay in touch with you. I have experienced your hospitality when on official visits and will always cherish that.

Through the Legion, I had opportunities to travel abroad and met many RCEL officials and Trustees.

It only enriched my life!

I have handpicked Riana to take over from me and am positive that she will sail this ship close to the wind and not be afraid to change direction when Lgr Charles Ross, Springbok Editor. necessary.

To the NHQ staff, thank you!

My life will be poorer, moneywise, and friendship The first six months of 2017 was once again a wise, if not for all of you. very busy time for the Legion. It started with the centenary commemoration of the sinking of the Legion greetings Troopship SS Mendi on 21 February 1917.

Lgr Marrietta Venter The centenary commemoration was the focal point with the deployment of the South African WELCOME RIANA VENTER VAN ZYL Navy’s Frigate SAS AMATOLA on an extended It is my pleasure to announce the appointment of deployment. You can read more about this later in our new National Secretary, Lgr Riana Venter van this issue.

Zyl, as of 1 May 2017.

Many Legion branches were involved in numerOver a year ago, Lgr Marietta Venter stated that ous commemoration services that took place in she wished to retire at the end of April 2017, after Europe, the United Kingdom and in South Africa.

15 years of faithful service.

This was followed by the centenary commemoraRiana was recruited after a lengthy search for a tion of the Commonwealth War Graves Commissuitable replacement. sion on 21 May 2017. The Commission is responShe was appointed Assistant National Secretary, sible for the maintenance and care of graves and with the intention of her taking up the Secretarial memorials where more than 1.7 million First and post subsequent to Legionnaire Venter's retirement.

Second World War Commonwealth casualties are The last year has amounted to a taking-over pericommemorated. It is also covered later in this isod, so that Riana could adapt all of her skills and sue. knowledge of veteran affairs to the specific needs of Also during the year a number of major clashes the SA Legion. that happened during the Border War will be comHer appointment was ratified unanimously at our memorated by various fellow Veterans Organisalast National Congress, held in Cape Town on 14th tions. These will also be covered in the December October 2016.

2017 edition.

Please join me in welcoming Riana to this imApart from the various commemorations where portant position and give her your full support. the members of the Legion were involved there are also the Midmar Dam Mile swimming event and the Legion Greetings annual Comrades Marathon. You can read more Lgr Godfrey Giles about these stories in this edition. Well done to the National President Durban branch.

SA LEGION SPRINGBOK 2017/1 CONTACT DETAILS

The National Secretary advised on the following: Service records / Military records or history of parents / grandparents SANDF Documentation Centre (DOD Archive) Tel: 012 670 8000 Fax: 012 670 8001 email sandfdoc@mweb.co.za Kindly note that the Documentation Centre (DOD Archive) relocated 42 Saturnus Road (Cnr Nellmapius Drive and Van Ryneveld Avenue), Irene, Centurion.

Medical queries Serina Kordom Tel: 012 319 1189 / 012 319 1911 Fax: 012 319 3556 e-mail: serina.kordom@gpaa.gov.za Outstanding Medical payments GPAA: MILITARY ACCOUNTS PAYMENTS: Medicalt e-mail: MedicalT@gpaa.gov.za > Pension NPO Tel: 012 319 1911 Pension GPAA Tel: 012 319 1261 Fax: 012 323 1288 e-mail: mongezi.mngibisa@gepf.co.za Old Age Pension (SASSA) Tel: 012 392 9204 /9 / 8 Registration as Military Veteran Department of Military Veterans (DMV) Tel: 080 232 3244 e-mail: database@dmv.gov.za National War Fund SA Legion NHQ Only WWI and WWII Veterans or their surviving spouses, over the age of 75 years, may apply for possible assistance. No children, grandchildren or extended family qualify.

Housing Housing Organisations must be contacted directly, not through SAL NHQ.

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Upcoming events, such as the Radio 702 Walk the Talk walk in July 2017, are publicised on the Webpage.

The six monthly edition of Springbok newsletter remains a favourite and let me once again apologise for the late distribution of the December 2016 edition. While the Springbok is distributed electronically it still needs to be printed and distributed as well. With the recent increase in the number of pages there as an obvious impact of postage. We will have to consider limiting the newsletter to a manageable size. The Springbok is also posted on the Digital Publishing Platform, ISSUU, where up to the December 2016 edition we have had 1 153 reads, have six followers while the newsletter has been shared to other sites 33 times. The most popular edition was the Special Delville Wood Centenary Edition.

All the above means of publicising the Legion is very important and can only improve if every branch submit their events and stories for inclusion in one or all of the various above. Cape Town, Durban and Port Elizabeth branches regularly sends their newsletters and reports on events making it easy to tell the world about it. The Branches in Europe and the United Kingdom regularly report on events.

BRANCH NEWS

BRAKPAN The Brakpan Branch once again hosted their annual breakfast at Apex Military Base. The Legion is a Veteran’s organisation, serving the needs of exservice personnel and their dependents in the way of housing, pensions, employment and general welfare.

It is non-sectarian and apolitical. The SA Legion is dedicated to fostering that spirit of self-sacrifice, comradeship and co-operation that inspired members of the armed forces to work together in the PUBLIC RELATIONS common interest of their country and to perpetuate the memory of those that fell and were left behind to Apart from physical presence at as many pa- lie in foreign fields. rades as possible the next best way of making people aware of the South African Legion of Mili- CAPE TOWN tary Veterans is the Webpage and Social Media.

The Poppy Day count for 2016 has now been The various Facebook Pages continues to grow finalised with a record amount of R 85 070.65 havwith the South African page having 5 640 mem- ing been collected. Well done and thank you to all bers, the Royal British Legion: South African who assisted.

Branch having 2 255 members and the South AfriPlanning for this year’s collection which is schedcan Legion: Canada only 118 members. A wide uled for Saturday 11 November has started so variety of stories are posted on the various Face- please set aside the morning on your calendar and book Pages which often leads to good discussions. come and shake a tin!

Since the beginning of 2017 the administrators You may well ask what the Poppy Day funds are only had to deal with a very small number of post- used for. They are allocated to welfare to assist all ings that had to be removed. veterans whether or not they are Legion members.

The Webpages are frequently visited and a num- If you know of a veteran in need please refer them ber of members have actually joined the Legion to the Legion. During 2016 a total of 59 veterans online via the new South African Legion Webpage.

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The Legion banners at the Midmar Mile event .

Some of the guests that attended the breakfast hosted by the Brakpan Branch. were assisted. This excludes the recipients of monthly welfare parcels.

Those of you who have been members for some time will recall that the branch used to hold a quarterly branch meeting. These were discontinued some years ago due to a lack of attendance. Keeping members informed of what is happening and encouraging participation is important and to this end it has been decided to reintroduce branch meetings. The first meeting took place at Rosedale on Thursday 18 May at 1700. This meeting was very well attended and it was decided that quarterly meetings will be held in future.

DURBAN Apart from the ongoing need to grow our membership, please (we’ve only signed up FIVE new members this year!) and in addition to the usual annual Poppy Day collection in November, we really need members to volunteer their assistance for the following (see calendar, below): • The Royal Show (we’re grateful to the Pietermaritzburg Branch kindly agreed to accept responsibility for manning the stand) over the period 26 May to 04 June 2017.

• The Comrades Experience (another stand to man, this time in Durban over the period 01 to 03 June 2017) • The Comrades Marathon (stand just before the halfway point, at Drummond on Sunday 04 June 2017).

Midmar Mile Swimming Event 2017.

The Midmar Mile endurance swimming event is held annually in February at the Midmar Dam north of Pietermaritzburg. Tin 2009 the event was recognised by Guinness Book of Records as the world’s largest open water swimming event.

The South African Legion of Military Veterans got involved with the event to honour the endurance and tenacity of the swimmers, which is similar to the grit displayed by soldiers (including airmen, sailors and medics) during battles over the years. The Legion donated two floating trophies to be awarded to the first male and female Military swimmer out of the water.

This year the Legion was once again at the two day event where Poppy Stick on Tattoos were available for swimmers and spectators to wear. Many swimmers wore this with pride. There was also a competition where swimmers could share their photo and win a prize.

Well done to the Legionnaires in Kwazulu-Natal.

Comrades Marathon 2017 Preparations for 2017 Comrades Marathon started well in advance of the annual event on 04 June 2017. This included the preparation of the Wall of Remembrance and the manufacture of thousands of plastic Poppies by the Learners from the Peter Pan School in Pietermaritzburg for use on the day.

During the Comrades Marathon Expo over the period 01 to 03 June 2017 members of the Durban Branch manned the Legion stand at the Expo. Aim

The Legion stand at the Comrades Expo

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Members of the Durban Branch preparing the Wall of Remembrance for the Comrades Marathon.

Members of the Legion that manned the water point near the half way mark. of the stand was to inform the public of the purpose of the South African Legion of Military Veterans and the relationship between the Legion and the Comrades Marathon.

Activities on the day of the Marathon, 04 June 2917, started very early with the erecting of tents and other facilities at the water point near the Wall of Remembrance near the halfway mark. All during the day members supported the runners.

Once again well done to the members of the Durban Branch.

LOWER SOUTH COAST BRANCH To create awareness For the SA Legion, Lower South Coast branch decided to have a stand at the South Coast Bike Fest 2017, it was a very full week end there were a number of events programmed and a few music events. There were approximately 100 stands stretching for over a kilometre.

There were thousands of Motor Bikes. The crowd was young and old motor bike enthusiasts;

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Stand of the Lower South Coast Branch during the South Coast Bike festival. the weekend I feel was a great success in that we managed to create awareness of the Legion and all we stand for.

Over the weekend we enlisted 5 new members for the Lower South Coast and a possible further 8, as well as about 20 other members for other parts of the country Johannesburg, Limpopo, Durban who will be contacting the relevant branches to complete application forms.

Donations for the weekend were R 1 800.00, which I thought quite well considering the amount of people who are aware of the Legion. I was very surprised after having spent 20 years in the UK, and nearly all the people from a 5 year old Child to 100 year old person, are aware of the Legion and what they stand for, to discover the awareness in South Africa is poor to none existent, nearly all the people I spoke to had the opinion, that it was about the World War 1, and thought that the Legion was a thing of the past.

I feel the Legion has a lot of work to do, by getting out there to educate the public, by arranging to get a stand at festivals, markets, and setting up a stand in the local shopping Mall, and do as the Royal British Legion do by selling Enamelled Poppy and Military Lapels, badges, and broaches at ever chances they got.

In closing I would like to thank the Durban Branch for the loan of their gazebo and flags, I would also like to thank all the Branch members for giving up their time to help on the Stand, because without them Barbara and I would need a week to recover.

PORT ELIZABETH The first general branch meeting took place on Sunday 12 February 2017 and was well attended.

During the meeting four new members were inducted and received membership certificates. The Chairman, Lgr Brian Klopper, presented gifts to Lgr Noel Smith who served as the Vice Chairman for many years and Lgr Elmar Joubert who served on

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Lgrs Klopper and Bird at the Annual General Meeting of the Port Elizabeth branch.

Klopper commented on the shortage of personnel for the annual Poppy Grave Run and encouraged members to participate in this event. Following the formal business Lgr Wolfaardt gave an interesting and informative talk on the Prince Alfred Guard’s Colours.

The Annual General Meeting of the branch took place on Sunday 02 May 2017 and was again well attended with Lgr Schutte traveling from Grahamstown and Lgr Du Plessis from Cradock. As the most important meeting of the year the members learnt that the branch was very solvent. In terms of Clause 8.5.1 of the Constitution it was agreed that the branch would retain the current Capitation fee of R 60.00 per year and R 20.00 for the Springbok, making R 80.00 per annum for 2017. Following the meeting the branch Capitation fees and Springbok subscriptions were paid to National Headquarters.

PRETORIA The branch meets regularly and while attendance to the meetings could be improved the branch continues to honour its commitments in the Capital.

Notwithstanding unrest in the area on the Friday prior to the SS Mendi Centenary Memorial Service at the SS Mendi Memorial in Atteridgeville the branch hosted a very successful service. The branch is also in discussion with the Gauteng Provincial Government to erect a visitor’s information panel at the memorial in Atteridgeville as well as the names of the casualties.

Members of the branch attended the Annual ANZAC Day Dawn Service at Freedom Park on 25 April 2017, the Annual Council of Military Veterans Organisations (CMVO) Memorial Service at the Wall of Remembrance at the Voortrekker Monument on 28 May 2017 and the Annual Sappers Memorial Service at Sappers Rest on 04 June 2017.

COMMEMORATIONS

Lgr Brian Klopper presenting Lgr Noel Smith with a gift. the Executive Committee for many years. It was further reported that the annual Poppy Collection realised just under R 25 000.00, this in spite of poor economic conditions and that some regular collectors did not participate. Members were encouraged to participate in the 2017 Poppy collection as it is the only income of the branch. Lgr

SS MENDI MEMORIAL SERVICES Noordwijk, Netherlands The centenary of the sinking of the SS Mendi, as well as Armed Forces Day was commemorated at Noordwijk in the Netherlands on 21 February 2017.

The ceremony began with a moving chapel service led by Rev. Andrew Gready. Short speeches were delivered by the Mayor of Noordwijk Jan Rijpstra, South African Ambassador Vusi Koloane, Lesotho Ambassador Ms Mpeo Mahase-Moiloa, historian Mark Sijlmans, and myself on behalf of the South African Legion.

The service was followed by a wreath-laying ceremony at the gravesides of five named, and one unnamed SS Mendi casualties, whose bodies were washed-up on the Dutch coast, and now rest in the

SA LEGION SPRINGBOK 2017/1

Lgr Bergman laying a wreath during the SS Mendi Service in Noordwijk.

Commonwealth War Graves Commission section of the Noordwijk General Cemetery.

The now-annual event was hosted by the South African Embassy in partnership with the Municipality of Noordwijk – who have been of amazing support in the way they have embraced ‘their’ SS Mendi casualties – and the South African Legion (EU branch).

South African dignitaries included the Ambassador, as well as Defence attaché Brig Gen Mac Letsholo, Chargé d'Affaires Mrs Namhla Gigaba, and a fine delegation of embassy and consular staff.

In addition to Lesotho, the Ambassadors of Cameroon, Egypt, Kenya, Senegal and Zambia were also in attendance.

The Defence Attachés of the USA, Great Britain, Canada, Japan, Romania and Uganda also attended.

The Royal Netherlands Armed Forces sent several high-ranking officers from various branches.

They also supplied a Guard of Honour of Dutch soldiers to perform ceremonial duties such as raising and lowering the flags. They also supplied a very competent trumpeter who played the Last

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Guests attending the SS Mendi Noordwijk.

Service in

Post, and a piper who added much decorum to the proceedings.

Afterwards, the SA Ambassador invited guests to an informal dinner of South African food and wine in Noordwijk’s superb new sports complex.

After dinner, I was given the opportunity to say a few words. As a token of our appreciation for their continued support, I presented SA Legion Shields to the Mayor of Noordwijk, Ambassador Koloane, and Brig Gen Letsholo.

I also presented the Ambassador, the General, and Chargé d'Affaires Namhla Gigaba with first editions of Fred Khumalo’s just-published novel ‘Dancing the Death Drill’, that includes the sinking of the SS Mendi in its plot. I presented a further two copies to the Mayor of Noordwijk for the city’s public library.

It is incredibly heartening to see how an event that was started by the South African Legion EU Branch just three years ago has grown from a modest ceremony with a few dozen attendees to an annual remembrance embraced by the SA Embassy as well as the international diplomatic community, and attended by well over 80 people. It was just a pity it fell on a work day, which prevented more of the UK Legionnaires from attending.

It was humbling for the SA Legion to receive special mention in Ambassador Koloane’s speech, in which he thanked us ‘for keeping the memory alive’.

In addition, Ambassador Koloane and the Mayor (who just spent three weeks in SA) seem to be plotting all manner of synergies and bridgebuilding between South Africa and this European City of Sport 2017. So watch this space…

Port Elizabeth On Sunday 19th February the Branch hosted the Centenary Service of the Sinking of the SS Mendi on the 21st February 1917 in the English Channel.

Some the wreaths laid during the SS Mendi service in Noordwijk

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A member of the Local Sea Cadets lit a candle in remembrance during the SS Mendi Memorial Service in Port Elizabeth.

This would be a unique service at which it was planned for the Nelson Mandela Metro to lay a wreath, followed by the SALMV and the Sea Cadets.

But alas the Mayor was not able to attend and delegated his Deputy Mayor. Despite a reminder on Thursday the 16th Feb, she too did not arrive and no apology either!

It was also planned for relatives of the men who died that cold early morning in 1917 to attend, but alas there too we ran into a dead end.

The service started with a letter from our friend Nick Ward of Littlehampton, UK, who has done a huge amount of research, being read to set the scene by the Lgr Waldie Bartie.

There followed an excellent address by the Rev Mark Barth wherein he Africanised the tragedy of the SS Mendi, commenting on the situation that most of the soldiers who had volunteered for service had never seen the sea nor a ship and here they were on a sinking ship about to die in the icy waters of the English Channel. He recounted in the most admirable manner the words of the Reverend Isaac Wauchope Dyobha which has become legend.

At the conclusion of the Memoriam, candles for the SS Mendi, HMSAS Southern Floe [1941] and SAS President Kruger [1982], were lit by members of the Sea Cadet Corps and wreaths laid by the SALMV PE and Sea Cadets.

The Port Elizabeth Branch wishes to thank St Paul's Church for once again making the Church available for this service.

Pretoria The sinking of the Troopship SS Mendi in the early hours of 21 February 1917 with the loss of 616 members of the South African Native Labour Corps was commemorated during a memorial service at the SS Mendi memorial in the Gamothakga Resort in Atteridgeville on Sunday 26 February 2017. The service was organised by the Atteridgeville and Pretoria branches of the South African Legion of Military Veterans.

Notwithstanding the events that took place in the area on Friday 24 February 2017 the service was very well attended by representatives from the Department of Military Veterans, Diplomatic Corps, Veteran Organisations and the public. Members of the South African National Defence Force were on hand to show attendees to their seats while the South African Navy provided the sentries and flag orderly. Music was provided by the South African Army Band, Kroonstad and the Pipe Major of the South African Irish Regiment.

Following the welcome the religious service took place which included the singing of the Hymn “For Those in Peril on the Sea”. This was followed by the sounding of the Last Post, two minutes silence and the Reveille and the wreath laying ceremony.

Wreaths were laid by the representative of the Department of Military Veterans, Foreign Military Attaches/Advisors, Veteran Organisations and the Sea Cadets from the Training Ship Fearless. The wreath for the Venerable Order of St John was laid

by Brigadier General D. Fourie (SA Army Retired) and Mr Marcel Van Rossum OMBB. Mr Van Rossum is a recipient of the civilian bravery award Order of Mendi, Bronze.

After the wreath laying and the singing of the National Anthem the guests enjoyed refreshments during which copies of the publication Centenary Retrospective: Sinking of the SS Mendi 1917 – 2017 were handed out.

The Atteridgeville and Pretoria branches wish to

The SS Mendi memorial with all wreaths that were laid.

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Queen Elizabeth II with President Mandela at the opening 23 March 1995

Nelson

Brigadier General D. Fourie (SA Army Retired) and Mr Marcel Van Rossum OMBB. thank the Department of Military Veterans, South African National Defence Force, Joint Support Base Garrison, City of Tshwane, South African National Military Veterans Association, Council of Military Veterans Organisation and the Pretoria Memorial Services Council.

Clr Vasco da Gama, Speaker, City of Joburg

So Johannesburg The centenary commemoration service was very well represented at the Mendi Memorial in the Avalon Cemetery Soweto. This monument was unveiled by Queen Elizabeth II accompanied

by Lgr Nelson Mandela in 1995. The City of Johannesburg gave their full support to the service and the Speaker of the Council, Clr Vasco da Gama laid a wreath on behalf of all citizens of Joburg. Senior representatives of United States of America, Republic of France, Republic of Angola, Commonwealth of Australia, Canada, New Zealand, United Republic of Tanzania, Federal Republic of Germany, Netherlands, UK, British Peace Support Team, to name a few. We were honoured to have four next of kin representatives as well.

The Great Grand Daughter of C/Sgt GH Botha laid a special wreath.

A symbolic field of Poppy Crosses was laid out to

Poppy cross for each live lost at sea show how many lives were lost in this tragedy.

Many comments were made as to just how many there were.

Many other organisations were present e.g. DMV, MK Luthuli Detachment, SA National Military Veterans Association, Memorable Order of Tin Hats, MOTHWA, Gunners Association of South Africa, SA Air Force Association, Naval Officers’ Associa-

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Some of the wreaths laid during the service. tion of Southern Africa, SA Jewish Ex-service League, Curamus Association, SA Korean War Veterans Association, SA Cape Corp Military Veteran Association, Royal Navy Association, Rhodesian Light Infantry Association, Rand Regiments Memorial Trust, Order of St Johns, National War Fund, Military Associations of Gauteng, Flame Lily Foundation, St Dunstans, Legacy Projects, Commonwealth War Graves Commission, Holocaust and Genocide Centre, June 16, 1976 Foundation members, Scouts Association of SA, Mendi Memorial Scholarship Fund, as well as many representatives of SANDF regiments and regimental associations.

The School of Artillery brought 26 senior members led by Col Schoonwinkel.

The community was well represented by the youth from a number of schools.

The project to upgrade this monument is involving the City of Joburg, Johannesburg Heritage Foundation and the Legion.

UNITED KINGDOM ENGLAND CENTENARY The centenary parade to mark the loss of the SS Mendi was held at Southampton’s Hollybrook Cemetery on the 20st of February. The site memorialises 2000 soldiers who died at sea and have no grave – that includes 600 of the 616 casualties

Legionnaires that attended the SS Mendi Service in Portsmouth.

Dignitaries arriving for the service in the Hollybrook Cemetery, Portsmouth from the Mendi – fittingly honoured near the memorial to the great British WW1 soldier Field Marshal Horatio Kitchener.

Respect was also shown in the dignitaries from the host nation who attended: -Minister in the Presidency Jeff Radebe was joined by the HRH Princess Royal, Princess Anne and her husband ViceAdmiral Sir Timothy Lawrence; the Chief of the South African Navy Vice-Admiral Mosiwa Hlongwane; and the Minister for the Middle East and Africa, Tobias Ellwood.

Ceremonial duties were performed by a guard of honour and band of the South African Navy while all four arms of service stood guard around the memorial cross.

In paying tribute Mr Radebe drew on the words of the South Africa poet SEK Mqhayi: “Somebody has to die, so that something can be built, somebody has to serve so that others can live.” The profound meaning in these words did not go unnoticed, touching an emotional chord amongst the entourage of descendents of the Mendi crew who were in attendance, amongst which was Siboniso Makaye, whose grandfather was one of the crew members, Private Ndabana Makaye. Siboniso’s own father died when he was only four, he had grown up hearing about his grandfather’s fate from his grandmother who had raised him.

“Africa is saying it is well with our souls for these heroes. Today Africa is here” are the words of Navy chaplain Captain (Rev) Lulamile Ngesi, who paraphrased the words of a prominent American lawyer who lost four of his children when their ship sank.

Perhaps the most poignant moment came when the piper from the South African Medical Services played the lament, a haunting version of the old hymn “Abide With Me” Tribute to our heroes of the past, bond with the current.

After paying tribute to heroes of ‘forgotten valour’,

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Legionnaires who laid a wreath in honour of the sinking of the SAS PRESIDENT KRUGER. Chief of the South African Navy laying a wreath on the spot where the SS Mendi sank

Also in attendance were Legionnaires Justin Bosanquet, Graeme Scott, Theo Fernandes, Tony Povey, Jose Lopes, Tino de Freitas, Craig Esterveterans enjoyed the chance to meet current serv- huizen and Grant Harrison. ing members of the SANDF, who undertook the ceremonial duties during the centenary.

DMV sends descendants to UK commemoraTo conclude this momentous day the opportunity tion. services granted to meet the Officer Commanding the South The Department of Military Veterans arranged for African frigate, SAS AMATOLA, Captain Roux on a number of descendants of the sinking of the SS board the ship in Portsmouth harbour. Plaques Mendi to attend various ceremonies marking the were exchanged and stories swapped – a fitting end to an historic day of remembrance for those lost at sea.

It was encouraging to see the culmination of everyone’s effort in this auspicious moment, with the SA Legion playing a significant role in the buildup to this year’s centenary (since SA Legion initiated this memorial service at Hollybrook five years ago). This year, although not run by the Legion, the following Legionnaires contributed: Wreaths were laid by Lgr Cameron Kirk Kinnear, Regional Chairman of the SA Legion UK & Europe at Hollybrook (with England Branch Chairman, Lgr Claudio Chiste laying a wreath at Milton cemetery on the Friday). It is perhaps fitting that both are naval veterans and Cameron is a survivor of the sinking of the SAS PRESIDENT KRUGER (affectionately known as the “PK”).

Exchanging gifts on board SAS AMATOLA

Lgr Jacques de Vries on board with the group and laying a wreath at sea..

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centenary in the UK. Two Legionnaires were among those that attended. Lgr Pauline MohaleBuyeye, Soweto Legion Branch Chair, whose grandfather, Seldelo Maredi, survived the sinking.

Another Legionnaire was Lgr Jacques de Vries whose grandfather was Colour Sergeant Fitzclarence Jarvis Fitzpatrick who also survived.

He was one of the 15 next of kin that went on board the SAS Lgr Pauline Mohale- Amatola and laid a Buyeye at a function in the wreath at sea.

UK

OTHER COMMEMORATIONS SAS PRESIDENT KRUGER Members of the South African Legion of Military Veterans, along with a large number of veterans, today (Saturday 18 February 2017) attended the SAS PRESIDENT KRUGER (F150) memorial service presented by the Field Marshal Shellhole.

Following the announcements it was “time” for Colours. The Old Bill of the Field Marshal Shellhole MOTH Quintin Geyser welcomed all present followed by the religious service by Chaplain Van Rooyen.

After the Roll of Honour, call to remembrance the

Legionnaires that attended the SAS PRESIDENT KRUGER memorial service

Last Post was sounded, followed by the two minutes silence and Reveille. A number of anchors were placed on the wall, laying of wreaths and placing of flowers.

All present then adjourned to the “Wardroom” for refreshments.

COMMONWEALTH DAY PARADE LONDON, 13 March 2017 – Mother Nature clearly smiles on the Commonwealth. On Monday, for (about) the fourth year in a row, the remembrance and wreath-laying ceremony at the Commonwealth Memorial Gates in Green Park, was blessed with (uncharacteristic for London) a mild sunny spring day.

Lgr. Theo Fernandes and I met-up at the venue, well ahead of time. He was armed with his customary camera, which he would only surrender (temporarily) later, in order to perform some (even) more important duties.

The Senior Guest of Honour this year was the Ooni of Ife (Nigeria), His Imperial Majesty Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II, who arrived with his entourage in imperial style with heralds and pages.

The organiser told me proudly that this year, the South African Government would be represented by H. E. Ms Baleka Mbete, Speaker of the SA National Assembly. Mrs Mbete arrived shortly after His Majesty, resplendent in traditional Zulu costume (she originally hails from Durban). Theo and Andrew were introduced to her briefly beforehand, as we were the only South African veterans present, and we were treated to a proper meet-and-greet afterwards.

After a short opening address, a Gurkha bugler sounded Last Post, followed by two minutes’ silence. After the ‘Rouse’, a Ghurkha piper played the Lament, and Guests of Honour were called by name to lay wreaths.

The first wreath was laid on behalf of HRH the Prince of Wales. Next, out of deference to his 98

Lgr Theo Fernandes salute having a laid a wreath.

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from Canada and New Zealand.

An interesting meeting was one with the President of the West Indian Association of Service Personnel. His Association are putting-up a memorial to RAF Bomber Command air and ground crew, and want to include the South African names. So watch this space.

65th ANNUAL GUNNER'S MEMORIAL SERVICE The 65th Annual Gunner's memorial Service took place at the Gunner's memorial in Potchefstroom on Sunday 23 April 2017. While the focus of the service is to honour Gunner's that paid the supreme sacrifice in service of South Africa, todays service also commemorated the sinking of the Troopship SS Mendi 100 years ago.

Once again it was well organised and very well attended. Some 50 wreaths were laid during the service.

Legionnaires John Del Monte laid a wreath on behalf of the Reserve Force Council, Godfrey Giles on behalf of the World Veterans Federation Africa and Brian Smith on behalf of the South African Legion of Military Veterans. MOTH Dave Guss laid a wreath on behalf of the Memorable Order of Tin Hats South Africa.

Lgrs Bergman and Fernandes talking to HE Ms Baleka Mbete.. years, the representative of the Burma Star Association, followed by the Ooni of Ife, and then Mrs Mbete on behalf of South Africa.

When the turn came for the South African Legion (UK & Europe Branch), the wreath of poppies was laid by Lr. Theo Fernandes (aka The Porra) – a committee decision in acknowledgement of Theo’s loyal attendance of the event (6+ years), and his unfailing support for the Branch and his fellow Legionnaires.

Afterwards, guests retired to a marquee where the London Indian community had provided a light curry lunch. We were interviewed by a Sikh documentary-maker and the Sikh TV Channel.

When Mrs Mbete left a short while later, we accompanied her to her car, and enjoyed speaking to her as she waited for the diplomatic Mercedes.

She was clearly pleased and surprised to encounter fellow South Africans at such an auspicious event.

Theo and I also met with the Lord Lieutenant of London, leading representatives of the Sikh regiments and community, the Rear-Admiral representing HM Armed Forces and Defence Attaches

ANZAC DAY COMMEMORATIVE SERVICE PRETORIA On a crisp autumn morning the 101st ANZAC Day Commemorative Dawn Service took place at Freedom Park in Pretoria on 25 April 2017. The event is

Lgr Brian Smith laying a wreath on behalf of Legion. annually organised by the Australian and New Zealand High Commissions.

The service started with the playing of the Lament by a Piper from the South African Military Health Service Pipe Band. This was followed by the welcome, invocation, requiem and the singing of the

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Legionnaires that attended the ANZAC Service in the United Kingdom.

Legionnaires that attended the ANZAC Service in Pretoria. hymn Abide with Me led by the Tshwane South African Police Service Band.

Australian High Commissioner Adam McCarthy delivered the address followed by the reading the words of Mustafa Kemal AtatĂźrk, founder and first President of Turkey by the Turkish Ambassador and the reading of the poem In Flanders Fields.

Wreaths were laid by Minister Pandor on behalf of the South African Government, Ambassadors, High Commissioners and various veteran organisations. Legionnaire Godfrey Giles laid a wreath on behalf of the World Veterans Federation and Legionnaire Riana Venter Van Zyl on behalf of the South African Legion of Military Veterans.

The service concluded with the Last Post, Reveille and the singing of the Australian, New Zealand and South African National Anthems.

celebrations in Atteridgeville in Tshwane. The day began at the Ga-Mothakga Resort with the arrival of the dignitaries, which included the Premier of Gauteng Province, Mr David Makhura, members of the Provincial Executive Council, Executive Mayors and Councillors of the Province, Church, Community and Traditional Leaders.

The arrival was followed by the hoisting of the South African National Flag and the singing of the National Anthem and the African Union Anthem.

After the hoisting of the National Flag wreaths were laid at the SS Mendi memorial in honour of the members of the South African Native Labour Corps who died who died during the sinking of the Troopship, SS Mendi, on 21 February 1917. Wreaths were laid by the Premier, Members of the Executive

ANZAC DAY UNITED KINGDOM Fantastic parade were both the RBL SA Branch and the SA Legion UK represented at the 82nd Leighterton ANZAC parade hosted by the Gloucestershire RBL. Inspection of the standards and veterans was done by the High Sheriff of Gloucestershire.

(Pictured) A fitting remembrance ceremony for our Southern Hemisphere cousins.

A roll of honour was read for the 24 ANZACs buried in the Leighterton cemetery.

FREEDOM DAY 27 APRIL 2017 ATTERIDGEVILLE The Gauteng Provincial Department of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation held its Freedom Day

Legionnaire Chaba laying a wreath during the Freedom Day event.

SA LEGION SPRINGBOK 2017/1 Council, Church, Community and Cultural Leaders.

Legionnaire Johannes Chaba, a World War Two veterans from the Native Military Corps and member of the Atteridgeville Branch of the South African Legion of Military Veterans also laid a wreath.

After the wreath laying ceremony the parade marched to the Mbolekwa Sport Complex where cultural, sport and recreation activities took place.

FREEDOM DAY LONDON In another great scoop for the South African veterans living in the United Kingdom, we obtained permission to parade at Westminster on Parliament Square, a big first and a huge honour.

In honour of Freedom Day in South Africa, the South African Legion - England Branch, in association with the Royal British Legion - South African Branch, gave tribute on the 29th April 2017 to three statesmen whose nation building vision and deeds shaped modern South Africa - Nelson Mandela, Jan Smuts and Mahatma Ghandi.

Their statues are all represented on Parliament Square in London as great visionaries of not only South Africa, but also Great Britain and the Commonwealth of Nations.

In addition, as we were at Westminster, it was our privilege and duty to pay appropriate respects to PC Keith Palmer who was tragically murdered at Westminster in the terror attack on 22 March 2017.

The parade took take place in Parliament Square, central London at 11:00am on Saturday 29th April 2017.

Organised by Lgr Claudio Christe, who did a fantastic job, along with Lgr Johnny McCab who conducted the religious ceremony. Thanks to all the other Legionnaires who played key roles and who participated, whether standard bearing, laying wreaths, speaking, conducting acts of remem-

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brance and taking part in the remembrance squad.

Thanks also to wives and partners who assisted with their partners on parade and attended the event.

A special thanks to our affiliated cadets who participated as the guard of honour, the 133 Army Cadet Force.

ANNUAL SMUTS MEMORIAL SERVICE The annual Smuts Memorial Service took place at Smuts House in Irene on Sunday, 21 May 2017.

Once again the service was very well attended with the Welsh Male Voice Choir of South Africa in attendance to lead the singing.

A large number of wreaths were laid amongst other by National President Legionnaire Godfrey Giles on behalf of the World Veterans Federation and Legionnaire Charles Ross on behalf of the South African Legion of Military Veterans.

ANNUAL CMVO MEMORIAL SERVICE The South African Legion of Military Veterans were well represented at the Annual Council of Military Veterans Memorial Service at the Wall of Remembrance at the Voortrekker Monument on Sunday 28 May 2017.

Legionnaires Giles and Ross who attended the Smuts Memorial Service.

Once again it was a very moving memorial service which started with a fly past by four Harvard aircraft. This was followed by the religious service and the call to remembrance, last post and the two Legionnaires attending the Freedom Day service minute silence which ended with the thunderous roar of an Impala aircraft doing a low level fly past. in London.

More than 80 wreaths were laid by amongst other

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Legionnaires that attended the Annual CMVO Memorial Service next of kin, foreign military attaches, veteran’s organisations and cultural organisations.

In attendance were Legionnaires Godfrey Giles, Brian Smith, Bazil Kriel, Harry Keefe, Jaco LĂśtter, William Loffstadt and Charles Ross. Wreaths were laid by Legionnaires Godfrey Giles on behalf of the World Veterans Federation, Brian Smith on behalf of the South African Legion of Military Veterans and Bazil Kriel on behalf of his brother.

A CENTURY OF CARING FOR COMMONWEALTH WAR GRAVES The Imperial War Graves was established by the signing of the Royal Charter on 21 May 1917 establishing the Imperial War Graves Commission (by means of a supplementary Royal Charter dated 08 June 1964 the name was changed to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission). South Africa was a founder member of the Commission.

The duties of the Commission was to mark and maintain the graves of members of the Armed

El Alamein Cemetery

Dar Es Salaam War Cemetery.

Forces of the Commonwealth who died in the two World Wars, to build memorials to those that have no known grave and to keep records and registers.

The work of the Commission is guided by the following principles, each of the dead should be commemorated individually by name either on the headstone on the grave or by an inscription on a memorial, the headstone and memorial should be permanent, headstones should be uniform and there should be no discrimination made on account of military or civilian rank, race or creed.

21 May 2017 marks a century of caring for Commonwealth war graves from both the First and Second World Wars as stated in the Royal Charter.

Today the Commonwealth War Graves Commission is responsible for 1,7 million casualties in 153 countries with more than 23 000 staff members.

More than 800 000 are buried in more than almost 24 000 burial grounds while more than 700 000 are commemorated on memorials.

A total of 21 811 South Africans of all races are

Castiglione South Africa Cemetery.

SA LEGION SPRINGBOK 2017/1 commemorated by the Commission. This represents 9 903 from World War One (6 706 identified burials and 3 197 commemorated on memorials) and 11 908 from World War Two (10 020 identified burials and 1 888 commemorated on memorials).

612 identified and three unidentified South African Commonwealth war casualties from the First World War and 16 from World War Two are buried in the Dar es Salaam War Cemetery in Tanzania while 486 identified and nine unidentified South African Commonwealth war casualties from World War Two are buried in the El Alamein War Cemetery in Egypt.

With regards memorials 833 South African Commonwealth war casualties from World War One are commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial in France while 1, 229 South African Commonwealth war casualties from World War Two are commemorated on the El Alamein Memorial in Egypt.

The South African Agency, established in 1922, is responsible for the Commonwealth war graves and memorials in South Africa, Namibia, Lesotho, Swaziland, St Helena Island and Ascension Island.

This comprises 8 328 identified Commonwealth burials and 495 Commonwealth casualties on memorials. In addition the Agency is responsible for the graves of 136 foreign nationals and 22 947 Non-Commonwealth burials (British graves from the South African War 1899 – 1902) in 1 119 burial sites.

The burial sites in South Africa rages from War Cemeteries, Military Plots and single graves in Local Authorities Cemeteries to single graves along a railway line or a dirt road or a family farm.

The war cemeteries include the Palmietkuil South War Cemetery and Memorial near Springs, Potchefstroom Military Cemetery near Potchefstroom, Hamilton War Cemetery in Bloemfontein and the Dido Valley Naval Cemetery in Simon’s Town. Military plots are found in the Maitland Cemetery in Cape Town, West Park Cemetery in Johannesburg, Stellawood Cemetery in Durban, Plumstead Cemetery in Cape Town and the Thaba Tshwane New Cemetery in Tshwane.

Palmietkuil South War Cemetery.

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The Palmietkuil South War Cemetery and Memorial contains the graves of 215 members of the Native Military Corps and two members of the Essential Services Protection Force. 122 casualties are commemorated on the memorial in the cemetery, 103 from the Native Military Corps, seven each from the Cape Corps and the Indian and Malay Corps, four from the Essential Services Protection Force and one from the Royal Army Ordnance Corps.

OTHER STORIES CENTENARY COMMEMORATION OF THE BATTLE OF ARRAS Sunday 09 April 2017 the centenary of the Battle of Arras will be commemorated in Arras in France.

The battle commenced in the spring of 1916 until August 1918. Central to the centenary commemoration is the Arras memorial with its 35 000 names.

The French handed over Arras to Commonwealth forces in the spring of 1916 and the system of tunnels upon which the town is built were used and developed in preparation for the major offensive planned for April 1917.

The Commonwealth section of the FAUBOURG D'AMIENS CEMETERY was begun in March 1916, behind the French military cemetery established earlier. It continued to be used by field ambulances and fighting units until November 1918. The cemetery was enlarged after the Armistice when graves were brought in from the battlefields and from two smaller cemeteries in the vicinity.

The cemetery contains over 2,650 Commonwealth burials of the First World War, 10 of which are unidentified. The graves in the French military cemetery were removed after the war to other burial grounds and the land they had occupied was used for the construction of the Arras Memorial and Arras Flying Services Memorial.

60 South Africans are buried in this cemetery. 18 from the 1st South African Infantry, 11 from the 2nd South African Infantry, 14 from the 3rd South African Infantry and 15 from the 4th South African Infantry.

Two members of the South African Heavy Artillery, 74th Siege Battery are also buried in the cemetery.

The adjacent ARRAS MEMORIAL commemorates almost 35,000 servicemen from the United Kingdom, South Africa and New Zealand who died in the Arras sector between the spring of 1916 and 7 August 1918, the eve of the Advance to Victory, and have no known grave. The most conspicuous events of this period were the Arras offensive of April-May 1917, and the German attack in the spring of 1918. Canadian and Australian servicemen killed in these operations are commemorated by memorials at Vimy and Villers-Bretonneux. A separate memorial remembers those killed in the

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Battle of Cambrai in 1917.

Included in the total of 35 000 is 76 South African Commonwealth war casualties. 13 from the 1st South African Infantry, 14 from the 2nd South African Infantry, 11 from the 3rd South African Infantry and 38 from the 4th South African Infantry. 68 of the South Africans died during the April – May 1917 offensive.

The adjacent ARRAS FLYING SERVICES MEMORIAL commemorates almost 1,000 airmen of the Royal Naval Air Service, the Royal Flying Corps, and the Royal Air Force, either by attachment from other arms of the forces of the Commonwealth or by original enlistment, who were killed on the whole Western Front and who have no known grave. One unknown South African is commemorated on this memorial.

Both cemetery and memorial were designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens, with sculpture by Sir William Reid Dick. The memorial was unveiled by Lord Trenchard, Marshal of the Royal Air Force on the 31 July 1932 (originally it had been scheduled for 15 May, but due to the sudden death of French President Doumer, as a mark of respect, the ceremony was postponed until July).

Dignitaries that attended the service

and was busy with Basic Military Training when he tragically passed away during a training exercise at Midmar Dam in August 1992.

In the photo are from left to right: Lgr Bryan Doré; Lgr Peter Smit (Vice-Chairman, Durban Branch, SA Legion); Chaplain Thulani Kheswa (Chaplain, Naval Base Durban); Commander Dieter Jones (Officer Commanding, SA Naval Base Durban); Lgr Peter Swindell (President, Durban Branch, SA LeLET US REMEMBER – NOT FOR OURSELVES gion); Lgr Rick Andriés (KZN Provincial Chairman, BUT FOR OTHERS. SA Legion); Councillor Ntando Khuzwayo; Several years ago, the South African Legion of Military Veterans, was informed of a fellow soldier ROYAL BRITISH LEGION’S CHURCHILL SHIELD (sailor) who had passed away on duty and was Just a quick note on a recent big ‘win’ for the buried in the Hero's Acre at the Redhill Cemetery Royal British Legion – South Africa branch. For without a tombstone. those not following social media, the branch has The Legion decided to show the necessary re- once again ‘won’ the Royal British Legion’s Churchspect and honour due to Seaman Goodman ill Shield, that makes it a back to back win and we Mthunzi Maphumulo by erecting a headstone for get to retain it. The Churchill Shield is awarded to him. The unveiling dedication took place on 21 the best performing branch of The National BranchApril 2017 thanks to the South African Naval Base es District. Some pictures attached.

Durban.

The shield was presented to Graeme Scott, our The information that is available, is that Seaman standard bearer, who attended the Royal British Maphumulo, who was raised by his Grandmother Legion National Conference a week or so after his parents passed away, joined the SA Navy ago. Graeme also proudly paraded the branch standard at the ceremonies and attended the Conference as a delegate. My sincere gratitude to Graeme and his family for their unwavering commitment to the cause, Graeme has quite literally pulled the RBL National Branches into addressing their Standard Bearing obligations and with any luck he’ll also be part of the Royal British Legion standard bearer’s contingent at The National Arboretum on Armed Forces Day. With each passing day we as South African veterans can hold our heads higher, we are now highly regarded by the British veteran’s ‘establishment’ and it is the solid work of the committee and the members that make it so. We have come a very long way from the days of exclusion from key Remembrance activates in the United Kingdom - just Sounding of the Last Post.

SA LEGION SPRINGBOK 2017/1

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ended, specializing in artillery and the training thereof. He was then seconded to the Demobilisation Corps.

The attitude of the white soldiers made him bitter because he felt it was his duty not to allow any system (like the Nazi system) to come near his country South Africa.

Thus, after the war, he promised to himself, he would enter politics in order to fight injustices.

In 1945 he married Helene - the union producing seven children -and settled in Kimberley where he was to take an active part in politics, and in particular, fighting to better the life of the so-called coloured people in the town. In 1948 he became an organizer for the United Party in the election won by the Nationalists.

He was a founder member of the Labour Party in 1965 and served as national leader from 1971 to 1979 when the Coloured Representative Council was disbanded. Leon served as a member of the President’s Council between 1981 and 1984 and during the entire period of apartheid was an outspoken critic of the government.

Was the local Chairman and National Vice President of the SA Coloured Ex-Servicemen’s Legion of the British Empire Service Legion (BESL), now the SA Legion.

Leon had joined De Beers as a brush hand in 1952 and progressed to being a painter in the Engineering Department by 1967.

Graeme Scot with the Churchill Shield. five short years ago now, and we can all stand proud of this achievement.

I urge all in the branch to take part in these successes and know that we, as South African veterans and Legionnaires, come from the very best stock of military and security force veterans. We’ve now proved it time and again.

TODAY IN KIMBERLEY’S HISTORY 17 May 2017 by Steve Lunderstedt Lionel Samuel (Sonny) Leon (29 November 1911 - 31 July 1990) was born in Johannesburg and worked in a furniture factory up until World War II when he signed up to fight, enlisting in South Africa’s oldest regiment, the Cape Corps.

He saw active service with the Cape Corps and the 6th Armoured Division in East Africa, North Africa and Italy and was frequently mentioned in dispatches, reaching the rank of Regimental Sergeant-Major, at the time the highest rank a soldier “of colour” could attain.

While he was a Private in the Army Educational Services he applied to follow a NCO course at the Khartoum Military College but was turned down because only whites could attend the college.

He was transferred to Kimberley as RSM at the Corps Training Depot and was there when the war

THOMAS LANE VC – STEVE LANDHURST Thomas Lane VC (May 1836 – 12 April 1889) was an Irish recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.

He was born in Cork, Ireland in May 1836, and in 1853, not quite seventeen, Lane was with the 47th Regiment in the Crimean War, seeing service at the Battle of Alma River, at Inkerman and at Sebastopol.

He is known to have been nursed in Scutari hospital and may even have met Florence Nightingale.

Three years later, he was in India immediately after the Indian Mutiny had ended, and in 1859 he went to China. On 21 August 1860 at the Taku Forts, China, Lane, then aged 24 and a Private in the 67th (South Hampshire) Regiment of Foot (later The Royal Hampshire Regiment), British Army and a lieutenant (Nathaniel Burslem) of his regiment displayed great gallantry.

They swam the ditches of the North Taku Fort and attempted, during the assault and before an entrance had been effected by anyone, to enlarge an opening in the wall, through which they eventually entered.

In doing so, they were both severely wounded.

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SA LEGION SPRINGBOK 2017/1 Lane accused the chief warder of having designs on his wife, which ended that chapter of his life.

Lane's last exploit seems to have been to join the Cape Police in Kimberley. On 12 April 1889 he died in the Carnarvon Hospital, Kimberley, of inflammation of the lungs, and was given a full military funeral. (Various sources).

Grave of Thomas Lane VC

LOST AIRMEN BURIED Relatives of four South African Air Force airmen whose plane crashed on Mount Kenya during the Second World War, have come together to attend a special ceremony at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) Nanyuki War Cemetery.

The CWGC hosted the service, on March 23, to remember the lives of Lt Charles Allen, Lt “Bokkie” Lemmer, Air Sgt Lloyd Murray and Air Sgt Simon Eliastam, who were lost during a training flight on July 23, 1942.

The wreckage of Blenheim Z7763 lay undiscovered in dense bamboo forest until 2002, when it was found by the British Army Training Unit Kenya (BATUK) at an altitude of 10,000 feet. It was subsequently confirmed by experts to be the missing aircraft.

It took several years to organise a joint return operation to the remote location in 2016, and only in the last year were the surviving relatives of all four airmen tracked down.

FICTION OR FACT? For this action both men were awarded the Victoria The USMC Is Interested In This Crazy Speedboat Cross. (His medal is displayed at The Royal Hamp- That Transforms Into a Submarine shire Regiment Museum & Memorial Garden in It sounds like something straight out of a James Winchester, Hampshire, England.)

Bond movie or an episode of G.I. Joe. U.S. Marines He fought in the Anglo-Zulu War as a Sergeant arrive on a beach inside a speedboat that transwith the 3/NNC. This unit was disbanded at forms into a submarine.

Rorke's Drift after the siege and the officers and But this isn’t a trailer for a new Hollywood blocknon-commissioned officers formed three troops of buster or a page out of a Batman comic. It’s part of the Natal Horse. He also fought in Landry's Light real life U.S. Navy and Marine technology demonhorse in Basutoland 1881–82. stration.

His VC gratuity was paid from the consulate in Boston, USA, and also from Auckland, New Zealand, during the 1870s. Lane was one of eight men whose VCs were forfeited. He was stripped of the medal on 7 April 1881 after being convicted of desertion on active service and theft of a "horse, arms and accoutrements".

In 1882 he was in Pretoria jail for tearing down the Transvaal Flag, but was allowed soon afterwards to take the place of a Boer, van Veen, in the Staatsartillerie.

The Pretoria jail must have appreciated his dubious qualities, and for a time he was a warder of this jail and his wife was the matron.

Speedboat or Submarine.

SA LEGION SPRINGBOK 2017/1

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Hebron Haven Hotel (Continued from page 1) Other branches might wish to look at their concept and follow suit. This Region, under the Chairmanship of Rick, has grown from strength to strength. The membership is growing along with all the projects that the branches are undertaking.

There are a number of projects as mentioned in the branch reports, so I Moth Cas Aucamp with the will not go further than to say well trophy he made.. done, you guys are really making a difference.

It was interesting to see how they have used the Legion membership card to obtain discounts for services from a number of service providers. One such offer is 30% off chiropractic services. Maybe this is what we need to seek from other service providers as well.

I think it was really good to see Moth Cas Aucamp, Chairman of the Moth, to be present at the conference and hand over the Membership trophy that he personally made. There is a story about the special wood that he used to make it.

Congratulations to Lower South Coast Branch for winning the trophy for the largest increase in membership.

I was very impressed with the discussions that took place and the ideas that were brought up.

Well done to Lgr Johann Kruger for all the ar-

Chiropractor members

offer

to

card

carrying

Legion

rangements. The venue was a great success.

I was also honoured to attend the Eastern Province Regional Conference in East London. It is always encouraging to see how the different branches interact and generate creative ideas.

The hospitality was great and the branches are working well together. Well done to Brian.

CMVO Annual Military Guest Dinner

The dinner table arranged by Gnr Dominic Hoole.

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In May I was requested to be the host on behalf of the Chairman of the CMVO at Ditsong Museum, Military Veterans Guest Dinner. The dinner was very well attended by 60 guests from various organisations. It was pleasing to see a few old friends—Lt Gen R Janse van Rensburg (Rtd) and Rear Adm RW Higgs (Rtd). The guest of honour Mr Theo Venter, gave the most enlightening talk about how we in South Africa need to be agile.

Having started doing scenario planning in the South African Defence Force and working with many others on scenarios in South Africa and how other countries and their politics affect our well being was very interesting. Many of his predictions that evening have already happened.

The table settings and food were world class, thanks to Gnr Dominic Hoole who arranged the evening.

Theo Venter RCEL Secretary General’s visit

Lt Col Chris Warren, RCEL Secretary General

Chris to meet with Lgr Brian Klopper, National Vice President and Lgr Steve Heiberg, National Treasurer. This would allow Chris to get to know both and to discuss a wide range of topics where the RCEL is concerned. RCEL has truly become partners and given a lot of assistance to the Legion for which we are truly grateful.

He also had time to meet with the NHQ staff especially those involved in the RCEL grants. Time was also spent with the new National Secretary.

RCEL 2021 100th Conference During June Col Nigel Dransfield, Financial Controller, Royal Commonwealth Ex-Service League, RCEL, visited South Africa. He flew into Johannesburg and visited NHQ. This gave him the opportunity to meet our staff and discuss a number of financial points that he was interested in.

As the Financial Controller he was especially interested in the new process that NHQ has put in place to control the RCEL grants. This new process was necessary after the complaints the RCEL received about our administration. I am happy to say that he found the new process to be robust and in order. Thanks to the NHQ staff for putting this in place. It is far more streamlined and working well.

I then accompanied him to Cape Town for the first Recce for the conference. Although it is still under four years away long term planning is required.

We stayed at the Cape Sun which could be a possible venue due to it’s size of accommodation and conference capacity all in one. Another five odd possibilities were also investigated which all have possibilities.

We then visited the Castle with the idea of using it for a Retreat Ceremony and possible massed pipe bands. This really is a great venue. We then moved to the City Hall as it would be opportune to hold the opening at the venue where it all started. There is a lot of construction work going on now so that will be finished by 2021.

The Cenotaph is well positioned to hold the com-

In March Lt Col Christopher Warren, Secretary General, Royal Commonwealth Ex-Service League, RCEL, visited Johannesburg and the NHQ just after it had moved to Dan Pienaar House, Anne Street, Sandringham. The idea was to allow Col Nigel Dransfield hopping on the Red Bus.

SA LEGION SPRINGBOK 2017/1

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memoration service which will be a large event.

We then looked at possible sight seeing opportunity and to give Nigel an idea of what Cape Town has to offer. We started at the Waterfront to show the shopping opportunities, which are vast. Then we used the Red Bus for a day. This allowed us to see what can be done centrally with wine farms, harbour, beach etc. etc.

I think this will allow Nigel to have a very good idea of what is possible for us to work on in the coming years. He was able to meet the Cape Town members of the committee as we all attended Lgr Rodney Monthe’s memorial service. We are looking forward to working with Nigel in the future to make this centenary conference one to be remembered by all.

In conclusion may I thank all Legionnaires who are doing so much for our veterans. You are all very important with what you are doing.

Lgr Godfrey Giles, National President SA Legion

OBITUARIES Sadly the following members of the Legion passed away during the period 01 January to 30 June 2017.

CAPE TOWN. Lgr R. Monthe. Past President for Life.

CENTRAL WITWATERSRAND Lgr S. Reynolds.

Lgr V.A.M Steyn DURBAN Lgr S. Grandin.

GRAHAMSTOWN Lgr J. Taylor.

KIMBERLEY Lgr D. Slabbert.

LOWER SOUTH COAST Lgr J. Sweeney Lgr Rodney Monthe remembered I was fortunate to have met Lgr Monthe many years ago before he became ill. I wish I had had more time to work with him when I hear of the type of man that he was. The memorial service in Cape Town was very well attended by a variety of people who had felt his passion for life. Many felt that he had mentored

them through their lives. He was a very successful businessman and director of numerous companies.

He was one of three Life Members of the Wanders Golf Club.

He served in the SADF Citizen Force between 1950 and 1962 ending up as a Captain with 7 Medium Regiment.

He joined the South African Legion NHQ as National Treasurer in the early 1990’s. Rodney always ensured that sound financial management prevailed at NHQ. In 1996 he was elected as National President at the Randburg National Congress and he served until 2001 taking us into the 21st century.

In all accounts Rodney was a very firm but fair and friendly person who served with distinction as National President. He was bestowed Past President for Life during the 2001 Congress in Cape Town.

By all accounts he was a great family man and enjoyed life to the full. We were told of fishing trips amongst others.

Rodney was well liked by all Legionnaire and he will be sorely missed. Rest in peace.

Lgr Godfrey Giles, National President SA Legion

SA Legion — “Not for ourselves but for others” SOUTH AFRICAN LEGION OF MILITARY VETERANS Springbok, the Journal of the South African Legion of Military Veterans, ISSN number 2221-9854, is the responsibility of the PR Portfolio. Editing by Lgr Charles Ross. Layout and typesetting by Lgr Godfrey Giles. Body text was set in Arial, 8pt, and headers, Arial Bold 10pt. Printed using Nashua Photocopier, thanks to Nashua Central. National LOTTO Distribution Fund supported.

SA Legion Structure Patron in Chief: President, Hon. Jacob C Zuma

Branches: • Alexandria • Attridgeville Past Presidents for Life: • Bedford • Lgr Lawrie Poorter • Benoni • Lgr Jurie Van der Merwe • Bloemfontein • Lgr Chris PC de B Venter • Botshabelo • Brakpan Honorary Life Vice Presidents: • Lgr Arthur Blake • Cape Town • Lgr Lourens Human • Central Wits • Lgr CJJ Jooste • Durban • Lgr Basil Kriel • East London • England National President: Lgr Godfrey Giles • Europe National V/President: Lgr Brian Klopper • Grahamstown National Treasurer: Lgr Steve Heiberg National Secretary: Lgr Riana Venter van Zyl • Kagiso National Membership: Lgr Shadrack Sealome • Kimberley National Gender: Lgr M Manetjie National Welfare: Lgr Brian Smith National PR: Lgr Charles Ross Regional Chairmen: • Eastern Cape: Lgr Brian Klopper • Free State: Lgr Deon Bester • Gauteng: Lgr Brian Smith • Kwa-Zulu Natal: Lgr Rick Andriés • UK & Europe: Lgr Cameron Kinnear

• King Williams Town • Kroonstad • Lower South Coast • Pietermaritzburg • Port Alfred • Port Elizabeth • Pretoria • Scotland • Southern Cape • Soweto • Stilfontein • Strand • Stutterheim • United Kingdom • Virtual

South African Legion of Military Veterans PO Box 1936 Houghton 2041 Tel: 0010 595 4222 Email: pr@salegion.org