SPRINGBOK - JUNE 2018

ISSN: 221-9854

Newsletter: June 2018

BANNER BEARERS FROM THE VARIOUS VETERAN ORGANIZATIONS THAT ATTENDED THE CENTENARY OF THE 2 MINUTE SILENCE AT THE FIRING OF THE NOON DAY GUN IN CAPE TOWN ON 14 MAY 2018

JUNE 2018

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MESSAGE BY THE NATIONAL PRESIDENT. This will be my last message as National President of the Legion which has been such an honour and privilege to work with so many members, families, friends and other organisations.

The last decade or more with the Legion has been a most fulfilling one which has allowed me to travel the world, meeting veterans of all nations and at times work with our members on a watering table at Comrades. Many hours have been spent trying to second guess the future of the Legion and then putting in plans that not everyone bought into at the time. It is my wish that one day soon someone will lead the Legion into the future so that it is sustainable in order to fulfil our main pillars of focus, namely: Remembrance, Recognition and Service.

I have tried my best to generate ideas and thoughts for the future in order for the Legion to be measured on what it achieves and not how many members it has. Only a few members are able at any time to give their all, don’t throw them out, one day they will surprise you.

So to the hardy few that make it happen, carry on as a winning team you will attract others that will want to be part of it. Although a lot of our work is arduous, let’s add the fun factor and do things that we enjoy.

One hundred small branches which consists of a few close friends doing what they enjoy really appeals to me, they will carry on doing it even if only now and again it directly affects our veterans.

Let us never forget those around our veterans, they meant a lot to them so we should honour their memories and loved ones as well. So often we forget their dependents and families who often out live our veterans.

This is the centenary of the end of that Great War of all Wars that would never happen again. Mankind does not learn from their past at all. So I am sure there will be veterans forever, let’s hope not in our country.

I am truly looking forward to our National Congress in October in one of my favorite places, KZN. By now I am sure you are sick and tired of all the motions I have formulated and the proposed changes to the constitution and Bye-laws. After many years of being directly involved I hope that these will really make a difference in the role of the Legion going forward.

An example of how an organisations can out live the people that started it, is Comrades Marathon. A veterans, a member of the Comrades of the Great War, which became the Legion, loaned the first Pound to start it in order to remember our soldiers and their endurance as well as those that did not return is no longer run by the veterans nor the Legion and it has grown into a huge organisation attracting people form around the globe to an event that generates millions for charities and still has the spirit of it’s origins.

How can the Legion do the same, when there are no more veterans running the Legion, it must continue to grow while being run by others. How do we create this legacy for those to come in the future. That is why I am so pleased that eh National Executive approved the work sessions at the start of our Congress. This will allow us to start designing the plan of action to be followed and built on for the future.

The support the Legion has received from the Royal Commonwealth Ex-Service League, RCEL, especially their Secretary General, Lt Col Christopher Warren, has surely assisted the Legion and myself through a few trying times.

I am very privilege to have been appointed as the Chairman of the RCEL !00th Anniversary Conference in Cape Town in 2021. I will be focusing my energies on this now so that the RCEL and all of their members and guests will remember that conference for many years to come.

The National War Fund, NWF, Board of Trustees has supported the Legion at all times and it is a privilege for the Legion to be able to do their administration.

My thanks go to the previous and current Ministers for them giving myself and the Legion opportunities to serve the veterans, along with all the members of so many organisations like WVF, SANMVA, CMVO, SANDF and all the other veteran organisations that work with the Legion over so many years. You all make the Legion stronger!

To the NE and all the members, I have been privileged to see all the work that you do for our veterans and their families. I know you do it as part of your love and service for them not expecting thanks and praises—let me tell you that it does not go unnoticed, those that you have assisted really appreciate it and are very grateful. Thank you for what you have achieved and done—please carry on as it will attract others to continue your great work for many years to come.

That is why the Springbok should never ever cease—here is a record of what you are all doing. Here we witness your achievements as well as the hard times and the disappointments.

Please remember “you cannot please everyone” you will get those that will try to break you down for whatever personal issue, don’t let them break you and your spirit, just carry on doing your best serving, recognizing and serving others.

Our motto is so strong that many others are using it during their speeches etc. we should be proud of that, they too believe in what we believe in.

Together we can make it happen—forming a new nation that believes in a common goal that will unite our nation as one, building on the many varied trials and tribulations along with the successes of our long colourful history.

May we as Legionnaires lead others in our country to the greatness that this country really deserves in the world.

Once again thanks for everything each and every one on of you are doing.

Lgr Godfrey Giles, National President.

FROM THE EDITORS DESK. Later this year the world will commemorate the end of the First World War at the eleventh hour, on the eleventh day of the eleventh month of 1918.

Millions of people, largely civilian, lost their lives during the war. The Commonwealth War Graves Commission today have some 1, 7 million Commonwealth war casualties on their data base. A war that ‘war that would end all wars’. Well so everyone believed.

Since 2014 the World commemorated a number of prominent events and battles that took place during World War One. These include inter alia the Battle of Marne (6 to 10 September 1914), Gallipoli Campaign (25 April 1915 to 9 January 1916) during which the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (known as the ANZAC’s) were involved, the Battle of Jutland (31 May - 1 June 1916) was the largest naval battle of the First World War. It was the only time that the British and German fleets of 'dreadnought' battleships actually came to blows, the Battle of Verdun (21 February - 18 December 1916) was the longest battle of the First World War. It was also one of the costliest. It began in February 1916 with a German attack on the fortified French town of Verdun, where bitter fighting would continue for most of the year, the Battle of the Somme (1 July - 18 November 1916) was a joint operation between British and French forces intended to achieve a decisive victory over the Germans on the Western Front. For many in Britain, the resulting battle remains the most painful and infamous episode of the First World War, South Africans commemorated the Battle of Delville Wood which formed part of the Battle of the Somme, the Third Battle of Ypres (31 July - 10 November 1917) has come to symbolise the horrors associated with the war on the Western Front. It is frequently known by the name of the village where it culminated – Passchendaele and the Battle of Megiddo (19-25 September 1918) marked the beginning of the final British-led offensive in

the Sinai and Palestine Campaign. It successfully combined cavalry, infantry, artillery, armoured vehicles and aircraft to achieve decisive victory over the Ottoman Turks and their German allies. It was the start of a series of important Allied victories that ultimately led to the collapse of Ottoman Turkish forces and their eventual withdrawal from the war.

Also since 2014 the World commemorated events such as The first use of tanks on the battlefield was the use of British Mark I tanks at the Battle of Flers-Courcelette (part of the Battle of the Somme) on 15 September 1916, with mixed results; many broke down, but nearly a third succeeded in breaking through. The first tank versus tank battle did not occur until April 24, 1918, near the small town of Villers-Bretonneux (vilAIR BRIH-toh-na). There were two reasons it took so long for such an event to happen: The Germans, perhaps uncharacteristically, were far behind in tank technology and didn't deploy tanks in the field until March 21, 1918 and The Germans only produced 20 tanks during the whole war In May 1922 King George V and Queen Mary left London on a pilgrimage to the battlefields, cemeteries and memorials in Europe. The cemetery at Terlincthun was the final stopping point on the pilgrimage. Here King George laid a wreath at the great cross while Queen Mary laid a wreath at the Cross of Sacrifice. Following the laying of the wreaths King George addressed the crowd and said, ‘In the course of my pilgrimage I have many times asked myself whether there can be a more potent advocates of peace upon earth …. than this massed multitude of silent witnesses to the desolation of war. I feel that, as long as we have faith in God’s purpose, we cannot but believe that the existence of these visible memorials will, eventually, serve to draw all peoples together in sanity and self-control, even as it has already set the relations between the Empire and our allies in on the deep-rooted base of common heroism and a common agony’.

The League of Nations was an intergovernmental organisation founded on 10 January 1920 as a result of the Paris Peace Conference that ended the First World War. It was the first international organisation whose principal mission was to maintain world peace. Its primary goals, as stated in its Covenant, included preventing wars through collective security and disarmament and settling international disputes through negotiation and arbitration. Other issues in this and related treaties included labour conditions, just treatment of native inhabitants, human and drug trafficking, the arms trade, global health, prisoners of war, and protection of minorities in Europe. At its greatest extent from 28 September 1934 to 23 February 1935, it had 58 members.

NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS

During the period under review National Headquarters rendered assistance to various branches by providing various items such as regalia, poppies and other administrative information. It also facilitated the regular National Executive Committee and the National Executive Committee Management Committee meetings. This included the distribution of Agendas and Minutes as well the regular follow ups on the submission

of branch reports, branch almanacs, capitation fees, regional reports, etc. National Headquarters facilitated the Annual General Meetings of various branches in the Gauteng area while it also facilitated the preparation meeting on the Gauteng Region.

National Headquarters also assisted branches with printing, arrangements iro parades (including printing of programmes and seating,) wreath logos and storing of wreaths.

It is further responsible for printing, labelling of envelopes and posting of the Springbok Magazine and the membership cards. With regards the latter, provided that branches have submitted their lists.

The National Headquarters represented the South African Legion of Military Veterans at the monthly Council of Military Veterans Organisations of South Africa’s monthly Management Committee meetings. National Headquarters arranged for the Legion to be represented at the Annual General Meeting of the Council.

Administration, including applications and monthly payments of all National War Fund and Royal Commonwealth Ex-Services League grants are facilitated by National Headquarters. It was further responsible for the submission of the Annual Report to the Royal Commonwealth Ex-Service League.

The medal project is ongoing and another batch of medals was recently received from the South African National Defence Force. The distribution of these are being addressed by National Headquarters.

NATIONAL EXECUTIVE The National Executive or management committee met every month in the first six months via a telecon. This has ensured that all outstanding issues are followed up.

NATIONAL CONGRESS Congress will take place at Banana Beech, Port Shepstone, KZN from Friday 12th to Sunday 14th October. Cost per person sharing for the week end and Congress is R 1 250.00. It is very important for every single branch to attend so that they can have their say in the future of the Legion.

Friday afternoon will be the last National Executive meeting and that evening is a braai so that everyone can get to know each other. Then Saturday morning will be a work session looking at the future of the Legion in 5 to 10 years’ time. Saturday afternoon will be the first session of Congress with a social evening that night. Sunday will start off with a memorial service and the final session of Congress.

Most Legionnaire will then leave at lunch time while the new National Executive meets for the first time.

There are plans for spouses to see some of the nearby sights on Saturday. Please contact the National Secretary at National Head Quarters to book.

Motions This is the item to start sending in your motions that you wish to be discussed at Congress. You need to motive your motion so that other branches can discuss them and vote at Congress.

Reports It is very important for everyone to hand in reports for Congress to ensure that everyone understand what you and your branch have been doing. This also forms part of our Legion history.

Constitution Changes.

There has bene a lot of comments about the Legion constitution and that it needs to be updated. Should yu have any suggestions, please forward these to the National Secretary at National Head Quarters so that they can be discussed by branches before Congress.

Wreaths and Poppies National Head Quarters has just received the new wreaths and Poppies from the UK. THE cost of delivery has increased dramatically so the cost of delivery of a box of 2,000 Poppies is now over R350.00. As there is still old stock, branches can order the old stock still at the old price which is R100.00 less, so place your orders now.

100 Years of the Poppy Concert On the 6th October the annual concert will be held at the Johannesburg City Hall. It is hoped that this will ensure awareness of the Poppy.

On the 11th November the Symphonic Choir Johannesburg will be holding a concert in recognition of the end of World War I 100 years ago. The Legion will be supporting them.

The National President personally bought and has distributed over 900,000 Flounders Poppy seeds. It is hoped that over 5 million seeds will be sown next year and then in increasing numbers thereafter. Again this is all to ensure awareness of our Poppy.

Poppy Trademark The final step in the Trademark registration of the Poppy has been done. Everyone should now be using the ™ mark with the Poppy at all times.

Red Socks On 14 February a meeting was held with the new CEO of Red Socks Friday, Warren Chalklen and Nicky. They are very keen to support the Legion and the wearing of Red Socks. Contact National Head Quarters for stock.

Rand Club Membership The National President, Legionnaire Godfrey Giles has been having negotiations with the Rand Club whereby Legionnaires may join the Rand Club as full members for R 500.00 per annum. More details to follow shortly.

Medals National Head Quarters received over 200 medals which they are busy distributing to those recipients that have had to wait months. Unfortunately the process is out of our hands but we are grateful that we did receive so many.

Dr Rosalind Eskell, RCEL visit On the 12th March we were honoured to have a visit from Dr Rosalind Eskell who has represented the Legion for many years as our Trustee in London. Ros was able to see our new headquarters and meet all the staff. Ros promised to give a full account of what eh Legion is doing to the committee so that they understand our situation. We do appreciate her giving up her family time to see and and she must have been persuasive as RCEL did approve our grant.

Sumaridge Wine Estate Holly Bellingham, the owner of Sumardige invited the National President, Legionnaire Godfrey Giles, to a launch of three wines at the estate on 26th February. Sumaridge had decided to launch a special red wine called Bushell. Roger Bushell was born in Hermanus and educated in Johannesburg before going to war. As a prisoner of war he coordinated the Great Escape which story has been told in movies etc. Sumaridge decided that a portion of the sales of this wine would go to the Legion. So the Legion was presented with a cheque for R 7 500.00.

This was followed by a special dinner that was hosted by Sumaridge at the Michelangelo Hotel in Sandton on 20 April to which the National President was invited.

Again the reference was made of the Legion and they are going to do 25 launches across Europe and they have had special beaded Poppies made that will be sold at these launches. All the funds will be going to the Legion.

National War Fund National Head Quarters arranged a very successful Trustee Board meeting and AGM on 10th May. Once again the trustees congratulated and thanked the staff for the administration they did of the fund and the Trust.

Council of Military Veteran Organisations (CMVO) The Legion has attended all possible meetings of the CMVO as a MANCO member.

The last AGM was held on 26th May. The Legion did not attend the work session due to the arrangements for the event was not finalized until the day members were meant to leave to attend the event. The position of the Legion membership of the CMVO is being discussed and will be finalized at Congress in October.

Military Associations of Gauteng (MAG) The National President Legionnaire Godfrey Giles is a committee member and has attended the committee meetings. The annual dinner was changed to a lunch to be held on 22nd July. The Annual MAG Family Musical Picnic at eh Ditsong National Military History Museum in Saxonwold will be held on 9th September. The Legion will once again be involved in the advertising fo the event as well as the raffle and table for items for sale.

MAG also organizes the Barberton Raid this year it will be held on 25th August.

Barberton was used during World War II to train our troops before going up north.

PUBLIC RELATIONS Members of the various Facebook Pages have remained fairly static during the first six months of 2018. However there has been very interesting postings on all the pages which resulted in good comments. The South African page has 5 729 members and the Royal British Legion – South African Branch having 2 241 members.

The Facebook remains a very useful social media as was proved with the posting of the passing of Legionnaire Mamatela recently. 163 members responded to the posting with more than 110 members making comments.

The International page is also very active and during June the following articles reached the indicated number of people: 

Celebrating Another South African D-Day Hero, Capt. McKay. 4 349.

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An Unsung Hero – The Lady in White. 7 211.

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South Africa was Present at the Formal Surrender of Japan in 1945. 7 331.

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Jan Smuts Central Role in Operation OVERLOAD, D-Day. 7 831.

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Why the Comrades Marathon is called Comrades. 8 598.

Regular features includes the daily postings “on this day in the history of the SA Navy “by the SA Naval heritage Trust and the weekly postings on Commonwealth War Graves Cemeteries where South African casualties are buried. During June interesting postings from the Maritime News have also being posted to the South African page.

REGIONAL NEWS EASTERN CAPE The Eastern Cape held its Regional Conference at the Prince Alfred Guards Head Quarters in Port Elizabeth on 2nd June. The National President, Legionnaire Godfrey Giles, was invited and attended. The social braai on Friday was very interesting and brought back many memories for many who attended. The Conference started off with the act of homage held in the hall. There was a lot of debate and a work session that raised a number of interesting issues. Legionnaire Brian Klopper stepped down and Legionnaire Ivor Chunnett was elected as Regional Chairman, Legionnaire Graeme Hutchinson as Vice Chairman supported by Legionnaire’ s Usher and Bezuidenhout.

Good to see new blood taking over the reins.

FREE STATE The Free State Region Conference will be held on 25th August in Bloemfontein.

GAUTENG The National President, Legionnaire Godfrey Giles chaired a discussion meeting with the various branches in the Gauteng Region at National Headquarters on Saturday 21 April 2018. Purpose of the meeting was to determine the branches’ view on the advantages and disadvantages of belonging to a regional structure.

Regarding the formation of a Region, eight branches were in favour and three not in favour. It was decided to form an interim committee consisting of Legionnaires Rees Davies, Arthur Khosa and Brian Smith who is presently the Region’s caretaker to address the formation of a Regional Structure, this steering Committee would look to arranging an Annual General Meeting and election of office bearers of the Regional Structure.

The Regional Conference will be held in September.

KWAZULU-NATAL KwaZulu-Nata Provincial Conference took place from 11 to 13 May 2018 at the Banana Beach Holiday Resort and Conference Centre on the South Coast, went off most satisfactorily, particularly as we had our National President, Legionnaire Godfrey Giles and our National Vice-President, Legionnaire Brian Klopper in attendance. It was good for delegates to meet Brian, as he’ll most likely become the new National President when Godfrey steps down at our National Congress (at the same venue, 12-14 October 2018).

BRANCH NEWS BENONI An open meeting was held on 6th March in Benoni in order to establish a committee to arrange the AGM in order to give the charter back to the branch. Unfortunately this has not happened to date and the National Executive have requested that this is now finalised urgently.

BLOEMFONTEIN The AGM was held on 28th May where Legionnaire Jurie Van Der Merwe was once again elected as Branch Chairman supported by Legionnaire s’ W. Stofberg, W. J. van Rensburg, V. Fourie, De W. V ISITORS TO THE TEA GARDEN ENJOYING WHAT WAS ON du Toit and H. H. Steyn.

OFFER .

KWAZULU-NATA PROVINCIAL CONFERENCE

F RONT – PETER SWINDELL (P ROV : VICE-CHAIR), GERRY G REGORY (LSC VICE-C HAIR), STUART HOLMES (LSC C HAIR), GODFREY GILES (NAT : PRESIDENT ), B RIAN KLOPPER (NAT: VICE-P RES ), R ICK A NDRIÉS (DBN : & PROV : CHAIRMAN), J OHANN KRUGER (DBN : & PROV: SEC:) B ACK – B RYAN DORÉ (DBN : VICE-C HAIR), MARLENE CAMPS (DBN : C LUB), B RIAN MC GARRY (P MB :), STEVE H ORNBY (DBN: C LUB), PETER W ILLSON (P MB : CHAIR), STEVE L EAHY (DBN : C LUB), SKIPPY MICHELL (C HAIR. DBN: C LUB), GEORGE LE MERLE (DBN: C LUB), S HARON SIM (P MB :), DEAN ARNOLD (P MB : VICE C HAIR), GEORGIA S MIT (D BN :), P ETER S MIT (DBN : & PROV:

BLOEMFONTEIN MINI FETE 2 JUNE 2018

On Saturday 2 June 2018 the Bloemfontein Branch held a mini fate at the Springbok Park Complex. Apart from the tea garden attendees could indulge in cake and the food from the ‘potjekos’ competition. In addition you could also have your photo taken.

BRAKPAN The branch held its annual breakfast on 18th February which was once again well attended and organised. They also held their AGM on 23rd June to which Legionnaire Brian Smith represented the National President.

CAPE CANOPY Legionnaire Lewis Gerber and the National President first spoke on the phone and then they met on 26th February in Cape Town in order to discuss the formation of a branch. This was finalised and the National Executive approved them. The National President is going to meet with their branch committee and members on the 16th August in Cape Town to answer questions and see how they can support the Legion.

CAPE TOWN Poppy Day 2017.

The total collected as at 12 January was slightly less than what was collected in 2016.

There are still tins outstanding so hopefully the gap on last year will close.

Special mention needs to be made of three people namely Hannah Latham, Pamela Poole and her grandson Leonardo Santos. Hannah was our youngest collector while Pam worked tirelessly over many months organizing collectors and venues, chasing up on outstanding tins and counting and banking the takings. Pam tells me that her grandson Leonardo Santos, age 11, assisted with sticking labels on tins and some of the more menial tasks.

Hannah, aged 11 and a pupil at Springfield Convent writes: ‘I found out about Poppy Day from my Dad who is from England and talks about it a lot as well as often bringing Poppies back from England. He got some Poppies from SA Legion in 2016 which I took to school to try and sell but it didn't work as it was too late. In 2017 I tried again much earlier and it worked much better. I then got my Dad to take me to the SA Legion to hand them in with the collected money and I added some of my own money’.

Thank you to everyone who assisted be it with pinning poppies, shaking a tin on Poppy Day, making a donation or counting the takings.

Thank You Function.

A ”thank you” function for those who assisted with Poppy Day 2017 was held at Rosedale on 22 February. The function was well attended and the snacks, liquid refreshments made for an enjoyable evening for the attendees.

Approval to hold a Poppy Day collection in 2018 has been received from the City of Cape Town and planning will start in May so you can expect a call requesting your assistance.

Rosedale Cape Town The re-decoration of the dining and lounge areas is now complete. The tasteful colour schemes have introduced a warm and welcoming atmosphere for residents and guests’ Visit to Langebaan and West Coast.

O N THE WAY TO LANGEBAAN AND THE W EST COAST .

With the assistance of Colonel ‘Robbie’ Roberts and Ian Robertson the Rosedale Social Committee was able to organise a coach trip to Langebaan and the West Coast on Tuesday 15 May 2018.

59 Residents enjoyed the outing that included a visit to the Casino at Club Mykonos and the Langebaan

Country Club.

Self-defence Skills. We were given the opportunity to test our skills at a demonstration of self-defence led by Claudio Chiste who was assisted by his father, Diego in the Wreck Room on Friday 18 May. Thanks to David Holmes for making this possible. We all agreed it is an activity worth repeating not least of which so that we can attain Level 2 prowess.

Dukes Association’s Annual Reunion Luncheon. On Saturday, 19 May 2018 Rosedale hosted this event. It was the 78th anniversary of the mobilisation of the 1st South African Infantry Brigade (1940 – 1978), when Dukes were called up for military service in World War II. It also marked the 41st anniversary of the mobilisation of the Dukes regiment for border duty in South West Africa in 1977.

SALSA Demonstration.

Erica Maré, graduate from the Contemporary School of Dance, visited Rosedale on Tuesday 22 May to demonstrate the Salsa, which Wikipedia describes as ‘a popular form of social dance that originated in the Caribbean’.

The movements of salsa have origins in Puerto Rican MEMBERS OF THE BAND OF THE CAPE TOWN RIFLES (DUKES). bomba and plena, Cuban Son, cha-cha-cha, mambo and other dance forms. The dance, along with salsa music, originated in the mid-1970s in New York.

Entertainment by the Regimental Band of the Cape Town Rifles (‘Dukes’). The oldest military band in Africa, having been established in 1856 - entertained us on Tuesday 21 May. Entertainment by the Silver Companions. On Thursday 23 May the Silver Companions’ trio (cello, piano and flute) treated residents to a selection of familiar, well-loved pieces and Isolde Stegmann, their talented burlesque dancer/mime artiste did not disappoint. It was followed by tea-and-biscuits all in all a delightful way to spend a Wednesday afternoon.

CENTRAL WITWATERSRAND An open meeting was held on 4th April at the View, with some interest Legionnaires in order to get the branch going again.

An interim committee was appointed to arrange the AGM. An Annual General Meeting took place on 13 June 2018 during which the branch received its Charter back while a new T HE CENTRAL W ITS, Committee was elected THE C HARTER F ROM T HE with Legionnaire Mark

N EWLY ELECTED C HAIRMAN OF L EGIONNAIRE MARK LOUW , RECEIVES N ATIONAL P RESIDENT LEGIONNAIRE GODFREY GILES .

Louw was elected as the new Chairman.

DURBAN SA Legion Spends the Weekend at the Cricket. There was a dash of showmanship of the highest order at the Kingsmead Cricket Ground on at the weekend when SA took on Australia in the first cricket test match, which had nothing to do with cricket but everything to do with the SA Legion’s Centenary of the Poppy Awareness Campaign.

As part of the campaign, members of the Legion’s Durban branch, assisted by models from Irene’s Model Agency in Pietermaritzburg handed out flyers and stick-on tattoos to the public.

During tea on Saturday, 3 March 2018, four skydivers from East Coast Skydivers had planned to make an entrance into the main arena but this was postponed to Sunday, 4 March after weather conditions raised concerns for their safety.

At 14:55 on Sunday, a lone aircraft was spotted about 4000ft above Kingsmead Cricket Oval.

Spectators watched in awe as a smoke canister was set off in the oval and the four courageous skydivers jumped out the aircraft. There were gasps as spectators watched the four men free fall and then a collective sigh of relief as their parachutes opened T HE SKYDIVERS THE JUMPED proudly displaying four KINGSMEAD IN D URBAN . banners depicting the SA Legion logo.

AT THE CRICKET MATCH AT

The skydivers touched down safely in the oval to loud applause, cheers and shouts of encouragement from the crowds.

East Coast Radio Big Walk. More than 50 members from the Durban Branch participated in the East Coast Radio Big Walk (running and walking) on Sunday 20 May 2018.

The Royal Show - 25 May to 5 June. Members from the Durban Branch assisted the members of the Pietermaritzburg Branch to once again man the Legion stand at the Royal Show. Aim of the stand this year was to gain some new members and, in

SA LEGION SPENDS THE WEEKEND AT THE CRICKET

addition to some fundraising, carried out an awareness campaign. The theme for the stand this year was a World War 1 Operations Room.

The Comrades Expo - 7-9 June, Members of the Durban Branch again successfully manned the T HE LEGION STAND AT THE 2018 COMRADES EXPO .

Comrades Expo from Thursday 7 June to Saturday 9 June. This is where the runners collect their race numbers and goody-bags - and was s a great opportunity to give out Poppy Tattoos (for a donation) and promote the centenary of the end of World War 1.

The Comrades Marathon Sunday, 10 June. This year (a down run), the Legion refreshment table was in Pinetown, so it was easily accessible. Members were also near Drummond, handing poppies to runners to place on Arthur’s Seat in terms of the legend that, if they place a flower there and greet Arthur (Newton) with a “Good morning, Sir”, MEMBERS OF THE SOUTH AFRICAN LEGION CLUB, DURBAN they’ll have a good second ENJOYING REFRESHMENTS WHILE WATCHING THE RUGBY . half run.

The National President, Legionnaire Godfrey Giles, was privileged to join the working team thanks to the Legion Social Club members. This team had to unload 17 tons of water and food for the watering hole. Once again the Legion was congratulated and thanked for their efforts.

South African Legion Club Durban. The South African Legion of Military Veterans Club in Durban held a meeting at the Natal Mounted Rifles (NMR) facility on Saturday 23 June 2018. At the meeting the Chairman of the Durban Branch of the Legion, Legionnaire Rick Andries, proposed that the club become a branch of the Legion. It was agreed that this be discussed by the Executive Committee of the club.

Following the meeting the members settled down to good old South African ‘braai’ and watched the rugby test between the Springboks and the English at Newlands.

SOUTH AFRICAN LEGION CLUB DURBAN

ENGLAND BRANCH

O NE OF THE SOCIALS AFTER A UK B RANCH MEETING .

To England Branch held tow committee meeting on 27 January and 7 April 2018 to which members of the branch were invited.

During the meetings branch members were briefed on the quarterly update and given the opportunity to provide inputs for the next quarter.

Both meetings were followed by socials.

Visit to Defence Academy of the United Kingdom. Members of the branch visited the Academy on 13 April 2018. The opportunity to play with a huge amount of hardware was thoroughly enjoyed by the attending Legionnaires.

PORT ELIZABETH The first General meeting of the PE Branch took place on Sunday, 11th February – if you missed the meeting you missed a very informative talk by our Patron Lt Col Daryl Burman on South Africa's artillery.

The business part of the meeting was opened by our Padre, who intoned a request that the Almighty guide us into the future as we MEMBERS THAT ATTENDED THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF THE PORT E LIZABETH B RANCH . remember the past. The Treasurer assured the meeting that the Branch was financially very healthy but that it would help to have more hands for our annual Poppy Collection – our only major income. The Chairman, Legionnaire Klopper imparted some interesting news as well as some important information about our future meetings.

ENGLAND BRANCH SOCIAL

The major information related to our change of meeting venue. This had been under discussion for some months and the decision was finally taken to relocate our local headquarters to Prince Alfred Guards Drill Hall – this is in accordance with the wishes of the NEC that all branches associated themselves with their local SANDF Reserve Regiment where possible. Thus in future we will meet at the PAG Drill Hall in Prospect Hill at a time and date to be advised from time to time.

PLEASE MAKE A NOTE OF THIS CHANGE. The Branch Executive expressed its sincere gratitude to Aloe White Ensign Shellhole which has been our base ever since the Moth Club was sold so very many years ago.

The second important matter was the Legion Coin raffle. The Chairman has the books of tickets, there are 11 tickets in the book thus if you sell 10 tickets you get the 11th one free. The price of a ticket is R 30.00 and the draw takes place at the Branch AGM on the 6th May – please contact the Chairman [081 270 4374] for a book of tickets, all the proceeds will be used in PE for the benefit of veterans in need.

ROOIPLAAS This new branch came out of talks between the National President, Legionnaire Godfrey Giles and Legionnaire Nico Beneke on 5th February followed by a meeting on 9th February. The branch was formally approved by the National Executive and the National President visited them in Badplaas on 14th April. He was allowed to address a large group of veterans explaining what eh Legion is all about. We welcome the new branch.

SOWETO The National President, Legionnaire Godfrey Giles, attended a meeting on 5th January and another on 14th January with the Soweto branch committee to inform them that they had to call an AGM urgently. This was held on 21st April and Legionnaire Johnny Sexwale was elected as the Branch Chairman, following in his father’s footsteps.

Legionnaire Franck Sexwale was Branch Chairman 1982— 1992. Secretary is Legionnaire Thabiso Masike and Treasurer Legionnaire Arthur Khosa. The City of Johannesburg donated a lot of big paving tiles that will be used to upgrade the parking area at the Chapel in Soweto VIRTUAL Emails were sent to all members that had addresses informing them of what the branch is all about and requesting their capitation fees. The numbers have grown slowly and they arranged an outing to the Air show at Swartzkops on 5th May.

COMMEMORATIONS SS MENDI MEMORIAL SERVICES Atteridgeville Pretoria.

The Annual SS Mendi Memorial Service was held at the SS Mendi Memorial, Gamothakga Resort, Atteridgeville, Pretoria on Sunday 25 February 2018.

Once again the service was very well attended with a number of Ambassadors/ High Commissioners, Military Attaches/Advisers and Military Veteran Organisations in attendance.

S OME OF THE GUESTS THAT ATTENDED THE SS MENDI MEMORIAL SERVICE IN A TTERIDGEVILLE .

This year the service was honoured with the attendance of Me Lebogang Mhaye, a descendant of Private Pinefas More who was a casualty of the SS Mendi. Me Mhaye promised to bring the ‘entire village’ to the 2019 service.

The service was supported by the Department of Military Veterans and the SA National Defence Force.

Avalon Cemetery Soweto Johannesburg The Annual SS Mendi Memorial service took place at the SS Mendi memorial in the Avalon Cemetery in Soweto, south of Johannesburg on Saturday 2018. Once again the service was very well attended by members of the Diplomatic Corps, SA National Defence Force, Veteran Organisations and the local community. A special guest at this years’ service was former Chief of the SA Defence Force, Legionnaire (General) Constant Viljoen and Mrs Viljoen.

Following the address and the religious service over 50 wreaths were laid starting with the City of Johannesburg, next of kin, Diplomatic Corps, SA National Defence Force and various military veteran organisations.

Service was organised by the Soweto branch of the SA Legion of Military Veterans supported by the City of Johannesburg.

SS Mendi Memorial Service Noordwijk

A GROUP PHOTO OF THE ATTENDEES TO THE SS MENDI MEMORIAL SERVICE IN S OWETO.

At 11 am on Wednesday February 21 2018, the South African Ambassador to The Hague, HE Vusi (Bruce) Koloane, His Worship The Mayor of Noordwijk, Alderman Jan Rypstra, under the guidance of programme director, Deputy-Mayor Gerben van Duin, joined with the ambassadors of several countries, and the

SS MENDI MEMORIAL SERVICE ATTERIDGEVILLE PRETORIA

military attachĂŠs of several more, and representatives of the South African Legion and other veterans, at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission section of the General Cemetery in Noordwijk in the Netherlands, on the 101st anniversary of the sinking of the SS Mendi*.

The Dutch Armed Forces provided a Guard of Honour, a brass band, and several pipers to add colour to a dignified event. Rev. Andrew Gready led the service with hymns in the cemetery hall, before conducting the wreath-laying at the graveside. South African Deputy Military attachĂŠ, Lt Col Andrew Mafofololo orated the Act of Remembrance.

SS MENDI MEMORIAL SERVICE IN N OORDWIJK , NETHERLANDS .

After the service, the South African Embassy hosted a delicious lunch of South African food and wine at the ultra-modern

Noordwijk Sports Centre. *On 21 February 1917, the SS Mendi, a troop ship out of Cape Town carrying 823 men of the 5th Battalion South African Native Labour Corps bound for Le Havre in France was rammed by the Daro in thick fog in the English Channel of the Isle of Wight.

They were travelling to support the war effort, in particular Britain and her allies, who were running out of people and supplies.

The SS Mendi sank quickly with the loss of more than 600 South African servicemen.

In 2012, February 21 was proclaimed as the day to observe Armed Forces Day annually.

Since 2014, an annual remembrance and wreath-laying service has been held at the gravesides of Privates Sitebe Molife, Natal Kazimula, Abram Leboche, Arosi Zenzile, and Sikaniso Mtolo, who lie buried in the picturesque seaside town of Noordwijk in the Netherlands.

They all perished when the SS Mendi sank, and their bodies were washed-up on the (neutral) Dutch coast.

ANNUAL 3 SHIPS SERVICE, PORT ELIZABETH.

C ANDLES THAT WERE LIT DURING THE T HREE S HIPS SERVICE IN PORT E LIZABETH .

The Port Elizabeth Branch held its annual 3 Ships Memorial Service on Sunday 18 February 2018. This service remembers those who lost their lives at sea on the SS Mendi, HMSAS Southern Floe and the SAS President Kruger. These three tragedies all occurred during the same week but decades apart. The service was conducted by the Reverend Canon Mark

SS MENDI MEMORIAL SERVICE NOORDWIJK

Barth of St Paul's Church and in his capacity of being the Branch Chaplain, with the Sea Cadets lighting the Candles of Remembrance. The address by the Reverend Barth centred on HMSAS Southern Floe – a whaling ship converted into an antisubmarine and minesweeper in WW2.

“Whether by design or default, there are times when it becomes necessary to use what is available to us. As we remember the story of the HMSAS Southern Floe, we are reminded that – here was a ship that was drawn into a situation for which it was not designed – and yet – served for the good of its people and its country. The ship sank as a result of a possible floating mine with the loss of all but 1 of its crew. This sole survivor was Leading Stoker C J Jones; he clung to some wreckage for some 12 hours before finally being rescued. Many of us today, who may be involved in very different spheres and activities of life – are reminded that – under the normal scheme of things, our desire is to get on with the everyday business of life.” He concluded by saying “We too need to be converted – to be the minesweeper and the anti-submarine vessels – detonating the “harmful charges” that threaten the well-being of the citizens and people in our own country - To be agents of peace, of goodness and righteousness.” After the Service many enjoyed the fine fare and tea/coffee provided by the Ladies of the Church in the Church Hall. The Port Elizabeth Branch expresses its thanks to the Reverend Barth AND the ladies for both hosting this service and then looking after the innerman/woman.

THREE SHIPS PARADE, RICHMOND, UNITED KINGDOM Members of the England Branch commemorated the loss of lives at sea, and paid homage to the SS Mendi (21 February 1917), HMSAS Southern Floe (11 February 1941) and SAS President Kruger (18 February 1982) at a parade at the South African Cenotaph in Richmond, United Kingdom On 24 February 2018. The branch recognised the three significant periods in the history of South Africa.

COMMONWEALTH UNITED KINGDOM

M ARCHING TO THE MEMORIAL IN R ICHMOND FOR THE UK T HREE S HIPS PARADE .

DAY

PARADE,

On 13 March 2018 members of the England Branch attended the annual Commonwealth Day parade at the Commonwealth Gates Memorial. It is the annual celebration day of the Commonwealth of Nations, consisting of 52 member states, of which South Africa is a member.

COMMONWEALTH DAY PARADE, UNITED KINGDOM

ROYAL AIR FORCE CENTENARY: BAYS’ HILL, AFB SWARTKOP

ATTENDEES TO THE C OMMONWEALTH D AY P ARADE , UK.

The Centenary of the Royal Air Force, together with the Annual Royal Air Forces Association Memorial Service for the Royal Air Force Joint Air Training Scheme took place at Bays’ Hill at 11h00 on Sunday 8th April 2018. Wreaths were laid by Legionnaires Godfrey Giles and Dave Francis.

ANZAC DAY SERVICE, PRETORIA

W REATH LAYERS AT M EMORIAL S ERVICE .

THE

RAF

ANZAC D AY S ERVICE IN P RETORIA.

ASSOCIATION

The Annual ANZAC Day Commemoration Service took place at Freedom Park on Wednesday 25 April 2018 at 06:00 in the morning. This year the services was hosted by the New Zealand High Commission in South Africa. Legionnaire Charles Ross did the welcome on behalf of the New Zealand High Commission. Wreaths were laid by Legionnaires Godfrey Giles (World Veterans Federation) and Brian Smith (South African Legion of Military Veterans). Following the service guest enjoyed breakfast at the residence of the New Zealand High Commissioner.

NATIONAL GUNNERS MEMORIAL SERVICE This annual service at the Gunners Memorial in Potchefstroom on 26th April.

Legionnaires Godfrey Giles and Brian Smith attended and laid wreaths on behalf of the Legion. This service was very well attended and was a moving event.

NATION BUILDING TRIBUTE, UNITED KINGDOM On 28 April 2018 in celebrating Freedom Day in South Africa, the South African Legion of Military Veterans – England Branch gave tribute to three statesmen whose nation building vision and deeds shaped modern South Africa – Nelson Mandela, Jan Smuts and Mahatma Ghandi, whose statues are all represented on Parliament Square in London as great visionaries of not only South Africa, but also of Great Britain and the Commonwealth of Nations.

NATION BUILDING TRIBUTE, UNITED KINGDOM

ANZAC DAY CEREMONY, UNITED KINGDOM. Members of the England Branch attended the Annual ANZAC Day Service which took place at Cannock chase, Brocton on 29 April 2018.

3rd GENERATION ELIZABETH

M EMBERS

OF THE U NITED K INGDOM B RANCH PARTICIPATING IN THE ANZAC D AY S ERVICE IN C ANNOCK .

PARADE

PORT

The Third Generation parade was held on the 20th May at the MOTH Provincial Headquarters in King Edward Street, Newton Park, Port Elizabeth. There was a good representation of Legionnaires present and many wreaths were laid during the service, as can be seen from the photo below of our Patron having just laid a wreath on behalf of the Gunners.

SOUTH AFRICAN AIR FORCE AND SOUTH AFRICAN AIR FORCE ASSOCIATION MEMORIAL SERVICE The Annual South African Air Force and South African Air Force Association Memorial Service took place at the South African Air Force Memorial, Bays’ Hill, AFB Swarkop on Sunday 20 May 2018. National Secretary,

P LACING OF BANNERS DURING THE CMVO M EMORIAL S ERVICE .

N ATIONAL S ECRETARY , L EGIONNAIRE R IANA V ENTER V AN Z YL RECEIVES HER WREATH .

Legionnaire Riana Venter Van Zyl laid a wreath on behalf of the South African Legion of Military Veterans.

SMUTS MEMORIAL SERVICE The Annual Smuts Memorial Service took place at the Smuts House, Irene, centurion on Sunday 20 May 2018. Legionnaire Andre Le Grange from the Pretoria Branch laid a wreath of behalf of the South African Legion of Military Veterans. Legionnaire Laurie Poorter laid a wreath on behalf of the National War Fund.

SMUTS MEMORIAL SERVICE

COUNCIL OF MILITARY VETERANS ORGANISATIONS MEMORIAL SERVICE

L EGIONNAIRE ANDRE L E GRANGE LAYING A WREATH ON BEHALF OF THE L EGION AT THE S MUTS M EMORIAL S ERVICE .

The Annual Council of Military Veterans Organisations (CMVO) Memorial Service took place at the South African Defence Forces’ Wall of Remembrance at the Voortrekker Monument on Sunday 27 May 2018.

Legionnaires Godfrey Giles, on behalf of the World Veterans Federation, and Brian Smith, on behalf of the South African Legion of Military Veterans laid wreaths during the service. Legionnaire Jaco Lötter carried the Pretoria Branch banner. A number of Legionnaires from the Pretoria Branch was in attendance.

SAPPERS SERVICE The Annual service was held on the 3rd June at the SAPPERSRUS, Skeerpoort. The National President Legionnaire Godfrey Giles and Legionnaire Brian Smith attended the service and laid wreaths. Legionnaire Ray Cumming was also in attendance.

OTHER STORIES TROOPING THE COLOUR – GREY HIGH SCHOOL PORT ELIZABETH Grey High School in Port Elizabeth are one of the few schools in South Africa that still do Cadets. The age old tradition of Trooping the Colour is annually performed by the Cadets of the school. An Old Boy from the school is annually invited to take the salute.

This year the event took place on Friday 11 May 2018 and the salute was taken by the Secretary/Treasurer of the Pretoria Branch, Legionnaire Ray Cumming (Brigadier General, South African Army Retired).

HUMANSDORP WAR MEMORIAL by Chris Papenfus.

Legionnaire Chris Papenfus sent in this interesting and little known story. The Memorial was erected to commemorate those fallen soldiers of World War 1 and 2. It used to stand where the Cultural building stands today. It was moved to the back of the caravan park and over the years has fallen into disrepair and was forgotten. In a joint venture between the Municipality, the Museum and St Marks Anglican Church it was decided to move it again to what will be it's final resting place, in the grounds of St Marks Anglican Church.

The plaques with the names of the fallen soldiers reside in the Cemetery and will be returned and placed at the Memorial. Also, in our history and not mentioned before, are those fallen soldiers enlisted in the Coloured Corps of our community who fought in both World War 1 and 2.

With the help of the community and the Humansdorp Museum, these fallen soldiers will be searched for. Their names and ranks once verified by the South African National Defence Force, their names will also be placed on the plaques at the Memorial.

We are trying to pay respect and homage to all the past and fallen soldiers who resided in the area, before going to war irrespective of Regiment or population group. The only criteria is that the fallen soldiers had to have been residents in the Humansdorp are at the time of going to war.

BATTLEFIELD DRIVE-AROUND YPRES AND PASSCHENDAELE. 12 TO 13 MAY. Every few years, on the second Sunday of May the city of Ypres in Belgium hosts the ‘Festival of Cats or Kattenstoet’.

This members of the England branch crossed the channel to attend the festival. On Saturday 12 May they visited the various World War 1 sites in the area and attended the Last Post Ceremony in the evening. On Sunday 13 May they attended the festival in the O RIGINAL GRAVE MARKERS IN THE TREKKOPJE afternoon and in the evening attended the CEMETERY. Last Post Ceremony at the Menin Gate. At this ceremony the Chairman of the Europe Branch was asked by the Master of Ceremonies to deliver the Oration or Epitaph. A wreath was laid on behalf of the South African Legion of Military Veterans.

2ND BATTALION KIMBERLEY REGIMENT AND THE BATTLE OF TREKKOPJE by Steve Lunderstedt.

M EMBERS OF THE E UROPE AND U NITED K INGDOM PAYING A COMPLIMENT AFTER LAYING A WREATH AT THE M ENIN G ATE .

The 2nd Kimberley Regiment left the main camp (in German SWA) together with the 2nd ILH on 10 February 1915, heading alongside the railway in the direction of Arandis. There were many hold-ups to explode booby traps left by the Germans, but with some good rain falling, the temperatures were fine to march along at a brisk pace and Arandis was reached on the

12th.

The German aeroplane visited Arandis on the 15th, but despite some aggressive antiaircraft fire from the Kimberley Regiment the German plane still dropped its two bombs and made off – no casualties being reported from either side.

Instructions to march to Trekkopjes – some 75 miles from Swakopmund – was given on 23 April and at 06h00 the column moved off, the Regiment reaching their destination at 10h15 after a breakfast stop. At the time the 3 Brigade forces were quite spread out – the 1st ILH and 1st Rhodesia Regiment were at Arandis, 20 miles west of Swakopmund on the Trekkopjes side, the Brigade artillery was at Swakopmund, while

BATTLEFIELD DRIVE-AROUND YPRES AND PASSCHENDAELE. 12 TO 13 MAY

Colonel Skinner had moved to Trekkopjes with 3 squadrons ILH, the 2nd Kimberley Regiment and the 2nd Transvaal Scottish.

On the night of 25/26 April Colonel Skinner was on a reconnaissance with the Imperial Light Horse (and some Transvaal Scottish) to Ebony some 18 miles eastwards of Trekkopjes, having left Colonel T Rodger of Kimberley in command at the base camp at Trekkopjes. At 01h00 on the 26th a German force was observed marching towards the camp. The heavy dust storm did not allow Rodger to ascertain numbers, but the dust did allow Skinner to return post-haste to camp without being noticed. At 03h30 Rodger telephoned GHQ at Swakopmund explaining the situation and requested artillery support. A train with two 4-inch guns plus two squadrons Southern Mounted Rifles was sent immediately, while at about the same time Skinner called in to the Trekkopjes camp the 1st Rhodesia Regiment from Arandis who had been guarding the railway line to his rear.

At 05h45 the Germans destroyed the line to the north of Trekkopjes, a pointless exercise, as it did not deflect from any Union reinforcement coming from the south towards Trekkopjes. Two batteries of German guns approached from the north and from 5000 yards shelled the camp coupled to an infantry advance, this at 07h40. This shelling lasted the entire battle, but despite this, the infantry fire from the shallow trenches as well as fire from nine armoured cars put paid to all assaults by the Germans, who at best, managed to get within 50 yards of the Union forces. The Rhodesia Regiment had arrived shortly before the German attack and had entrenched to the left of the 2nd Kimberley Regiment. Two batteries of German guns approached from the north and from 5000 yards shelled the camp coupled to an infantry advance, this at 07h40. This shelling lasted the entire battle, but despite this, the infantry fire from the shallow trenches as well as fire from nine armoured cars put paid to all assaults by the Germans, who at best, managed to get within 50 yards of the Union forces. The Rhodesia Regiment had arrived shortly before the German attack and had entrenched to the left of the 2nd Kimberley Regiment.

There were four assaults by the Germans. The first was against the Rhodesians who had just detrained; the second was against the Kimberley Regiment, the third against the right side of the Kimberley Regiment and the left side of the Transvaal Scottish, while the fourth was against the Transvaal Scottish.

Captain DR Hunt of the 2nd Transvaal Scottish said that: “The 2nd Kimberley’s suffered most on our side. They had a trench next to our left, with a high built up wall which made a good artillery mark for the Germans and we could see they were getting it hot, but they stuck well to their position.

T HE GRAVES IN THE T REKKOPJE C EMETERY TODAY .

The Germans withdrew from the field of battle at 10h30, coming under fire from the Brigade anti-aircraft guns.”

On the day’s work, the whole Brigade raises its hats to the Kimberley Regiment.

NOT FOR OURSELVES BUT FOR OTHERS – THE STORY OF THE BESL BUILDING IN DURBAN During a severe storm that devastated parts of Durban on 10 October 2017 the BESL building was badly damaged. The building comprises flats as well as the offices of the Durban branch. Fortunately, there were no injuries and repairs to the building is in progress. Soon after posting the damage on the Facebook Pages the branch received donations to affect the repairs.

“A group of South African Legion UK members led by SA Legion England branch chairman, Legionnaire Claudio Chisté, embarked on a '3-Point Challenge' on 25 November 2017 to raise funds in support of the SA Legion Veterans who suffered loss and damage to their possessions at BESL Court during the storm on 10 October 2017.

“Setting off from outside the SA High Commission at Trafalgar Square, our first stop was Parliament Square to pay our respects at the statues of Mandela and Jan Smuts.

Then it was off for the final destination, the SA Cenotaph in Richmond cemetery. The aim was to cover the 19,3km march in under three hours, excluding refreshment stops at various watering holes in the way. At the SA Cenotaph, flowers were laid on the nearby graves of the 39 WW1 SA servicemen, patients at the SA Military Hospital in Richmond Park, London, who lost their last battle there after evacuation from the Western Front.

“I'm pleased to say that with the support of the SA Legion UK and Europe community we achieved our target of raising £1 000 (around R16 500). This will be transferred to the SA Legion Durban branch bank account shortly.

“There will be an article published on the SA Legion UK website together with some pictures. All those who took part had a M EMBERS OF THE UK B RANCH ON THE MARCH . fantastic day of laughs and camaraderie, ending with a braai at a local pub where guest of honour Margaret Butler, local councilor for Richmond, issued us with certificates and badges for completing the challenge.

“I hope the repairs are going well and that these funds will assist the SA Veteran residents at BESL Court to put their lives back together.”

That particular flat - the wort-affected by the storm - has now been restored to a luxury apartment and is to be occupied again in June.

There is further damage that is not yet restored, but is on track to be attended to in the next couple of weeks.

We, and here I include the residents, are truly most grateful for your very welcome and generous assistance.

Please pass on to all who so kindly assisted in any way our sincere gratitude.

NOT FOR OURSELVES BUT FOR OTHERS – THE STORY OF THE BESL BUILDING IN DURBAN

COMMEMORATING THE CENTENARY OF THE TWO-MINUTE SILENCE by Regine Lord.

On Monday, 14 May 2018, the Noon Gun of Cape Town fired not just once, but twice, with a brief pause between the two thunderous booms. The reason for this unusual occurrence was that a special tradition was being commemorated that day: the Centenary of the Two-Minute Silence, which was first introduced right here in Cape Town on 14 May 1918.

In 1918, news of the terrible battles being fought on the Western Front in France, and of the many soldiers killed and wounded, had been reaching their families in Cape Town. When lists of casualties were read out during church services, parishioners were asked to participate in brief moments of silence in honour of the fallen.

F IRST OBSERVATION OF THE TWO MINUTES SILENCE IN C APE T OWN .

Cape Town Mayor Sir Harry Hands was grief-stricken on receiving the news of the death of his eldest son, Captain Reginald Harry Myburgh Hands. After days of continued fighting and being repeatedly exposed to mustard gas, Captain Hands had died during a poison-gas bombardment on 20 April 1918, while off-duty and seemingly safe behind Allied lines.

After a special City Council meeting, at which those present expressed their sympathy to the Mayor and his wife, one of the councilors, Mr Robert Rutherford Brydone, approached the Mayor in his office at the City Hall. On hearing the boom of the Noon Gun, and the Westminster Chimes coming from the clock tower, they stood up, united in their grief, to observe the traditional Angelus pause that was common practice in the Anglican Church they both attended.

Councilor Brydone then suggested that the observance of a brief period of silence be introduced in the city centre, in remembrance of all those who had fallen in World War I. Mayor Hands was taken by this idea, and after some discussion, it was implemented.

The daily public ritual was synchronised with the firing of the Noon Gun on Signal Hill, to remember the fallen and acknowledge their ultimate sacrifice, and to give thanks for those who had returned alive, wounded and carrying the scars of the terrible fighting they had endured.

COMMEMORATING THE CENTENARY OF THE TWO-MINUTE SILENCE

Thus, on 14 May 1918, as soon as the Noon Gun was fired, all residents of Cape Town stopped what they were doing, traffic and trams came to a halt, and all stood in silent prayer, heads bowed, thinking of their loved ones who had given their lives and those who were still fighting on the battlefields of WW1. A bugler on a balcony of the Fletcher and Cartwright building on the corner of Adderley and Darling Streets, played the Last Post and then the Reveille to signal the end of the silence.

In Cape Town, this midday pause continued daily until 17 January 1919; it was revived once more during the Second World War. A year after the signing of the Armistice had ended the Great War on 11 November 1918, an annual Armistice Day service was being introduced by then King George V. It was to be held throughout the UK and the Commonwealth at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month every year, marking the time and day on which WW1 – ostensibly the War to end all Wars – finally ended.

A COMMEMORATIVE PLAQUE AT THE NOON GUN , WHICH HAD BEEN UNVEILED BY F LAG O FFICER F LEET, R EAR ADMIRAL R.W. HIGGS , AT THE 90 TH ANNIVERSARY IN 2008, SUMMARISES THE BACKGROUND OF THE TWO MINUTE SILENCE

South African author and political figure Sir Percy Fitzpatrick, who had personally experienced the impact of the two-minute silence in Cape Town in 1918, wrote to King George V,

suggesting that it be adopted for the Armistice Day service. The King was so taken by this proposal, that he immediately approved it and gave instructions for its adoption throughout the British Empire.

And thus, this simple yet profoundly stirring ritual spread throughout the United Kingdom, the Commonwealth and beyond.

The special commemoration ceremony at the Noon Gun on 14 May 2018 brought together the SA Navy, the City of Cape Town, the Department of Cultural Affairs and Sports, the MOTHs of the Western Cape and other key stakeholders.

C EREMONY ON S IGNAL H ILL MARKING THE C ENTENARY OF THE T WO -M INUTE S ILENCE

Commander Leon Steyn of the SA Naval Museum, acting as the Master of Ceremonies, welcomed the invited guests, explained the historic significance of the event and introduced the various speakers.

Navy Chaplain Smith said a prayer and spoke a few words that lent solemnity and gravity to the occasion.

Councilor Dave Bryant said that the Noon Gun had become an integral part of the history of the city, remarking that, when it was fired at 12h00 every day, many Capetonians could not help checking their watches, while the unexpected loud boom tended to startle visitors. He added that, “We were not always aware of the sacrifice so many people made to help create the free and open society we have today.”

Before the new plaque to mark the occasion was unveiled by the Western Cape Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sports, Minister Anroux Marais, she declared: “We raise awareness of our historical heritage and honour and remember those who have gone before us while shaping the world we live in today. Today, we pay respect to all those who lost their lives for a greater cause, regardless of culture or creed. …

Let us take this opportunity to be mindful of those who died in many conflicts and wars that have claimed a number of fellow South African lives. Let us reflect on their causes and legacies and how each one of us have and will continue to play an active role in the progress of Cape Town and its people.”

Dave Revell, Provincial Old Bill of the Cape Western Provincial Dugout, delivered the MOTH Credo and Prayer, as the MOTHs stood to attention, echoing the promise, “We will remember them.”

Thereafter, Chief Petty Officer Dudley Malgas took the microphone, and shared some of the history of the Noon Gun and his own experience of firing it every day for many years. There are in fact two guns, both of which are loaded, in case one fails. Designed

by Captain Thomas Blomefield and cast by Walker and Co., London, these original 18pounder smooth-bore muzzle-loading guns date back to 1794, making them 224 years old this year. They had arrived at the Cape of Good Hope in 1795, during the first British occupation. They weigh more than two tons each, and are loaded with 1.5 kg of black powder. They are the oldest working cannons in the world.

Originally located at the Imhoff Battery, on the seaward side of the Castle of Good Hope, the two large guns were temporarily moved to the Castle when the Imhoff Battery was demolished in 1896 to make way for Strand Street and the railway line. A few years later, they were relocated to the newly constructed Lion Battery on Signal Hill on 4 August 1902, no doubt because they were so deafeningly loud.

N EW PLAQUE UNVEILED BY M INISTER ANROUX M ARAIS ON THE C ENTENARY OF THE TWO -M INUTE S ILENCE .

The custom of firing the gun at noon actually only started in 1903, the year in which Standard Time was introduced in South Africa. The gun was originally fired as soon as the artilleryman on Signal Hill saw a signal flare – and later the dropping of a time-ball – at the South African Astronomical Observatory at 12pm. As this manual method proved unreliable, the SA Navy apparently began to use the clock of the City Hall in Darling Street on the Grand Parade to trigger the firing.

According to CPO Malgas, however, they soon realised that, while the Noon Gun was using the City Hall clock to determine the correct time, the City Hall clock was in turn using the Noon Gun to reset their clock!

Nowadays, the gun is fired remotely. The Astronomical Observatory (which has an extremely accurate atomic clock) sends an electrical signal down the wires a few milliseconds before noon, thus igniting the firing cap on the cannon and sparking the gunpowder. At the Centenary celebrations, though, the guns were fired manually.

T HE NOON G UN FIRES .

CPO Malgas demonstrated charging and loading the gun, inserting a small white bag of black powder into the barrel and pushing it down with a long wooden ramrod.

As he took his place next to a nearby box housing the remote triggering mechanism, the sentries at the memorial stood ready to lower the SA national flag, and the MOTHs banners nearby were called to attention by Sgt Major Leon Robertson.

The Last Post was stirringly performed by young bugler Zubair Abader, smartly attired in his school’s Marching Band uniform. He is a learner from the South African Colleges Schools (SACS), which is the oldest school in South Africa, having been founded in 1829. To this day, SACS continues the tradition of sounding the Last Post at the end of each school day, in front of the honours boards that list the names of past pupils who died on military service during the 20th century. As the last notes died away, the first gun fired a thunderous report, setting off car alarms nearby. Everyone, military and civilian alike, stood quietly and solemnly, as the noise of the alarms died down and the clouds of smoke billowed and dissipated. All that could be heard was the flags and banners fluttering in the gentle breeze and the distant sound of traffic in the city below.

Suddenly, the second gun fired – BOOM! As the smoke drifted away into the blue sky, the Bugler began to play the Reveille, signaling the end of the two-minute silence.

The spectators’ attention then shifted to the Cannon Association of South Africa, whose members had set up three quarter-pounder saluting guns on the hillside overlooking the harbour. Under the instruction of Master Gunner Martin Venter Snr, they fired a ten-gun salute, at precise one-minute intervals – each shot representing 10 years. These small yet surprisingly loud guns are locally cast replicas of original saluting guns, which would have been placed on the gunwales of ships, dating back to pre-1400.

The commemoration concluded with the playing of the SA National Anthem by the SA Navy Band, conducted by Bandmaster WO2 Llewellyn Arnold.

Among the guests at the commemoration service were: Mr Ken Hands, who is one of Mayor Harry Hands’ great-grandsons, British Consul General Edward Roman, Gunner Kevin Ashton of the Gunners Association, Mr WP van Zyl of the Bishops Old Diocesan Union, and representatives of the City of Cape Town, of the SA Museum and the SA Naval Museum, as well as military veterans and visitors. Royal Navy Captain Matt Syrett and a group of fellow officers from the HMS Protector, the Royal Navy’s ice

patrol ship, which is currently in Cape Town harbour for maintenance after a long deployment in the South Atlantic, also attended the ceremony. And a special visitor had travelled all the way from Bloemfontein to attend: Mrs Joan C. Abrahams, affectionately known as “Tannie Mossie” (Ma Sparrow). A long-time supporter of the military, she has developed a very close bond with, in particular, the South African paratroopers.

Although the Two-Minute Silence is no longer a daily ritual, as it was for some time during World War I and World War II, it is still regularly used at military parades, annual commemoration services, and other public events, with a bugler first playing the Last Post and then signaling the end of the two-minute silence by playing the Reveille.

For Capetonians, the firing of the Noon Gun at 12h00, serves as a daily reminder of this hauntingly beautiful ceremony of giving thanks to those who survived the horrors of war and honouring those who had given their lives and never returned home to their families.

B ANNERS OF V ETERAN O RGANISATIONS AT THE C ENTENARY COMMEMORATION .

We will remember them.

P.S. The author would like to thank Mrs Joan Abrahams (Tannie Mossie) for the information she provided in her draft manuscript, “The Silent Pause of Remembrance”.

In it, she clears up the confusion around the origins of the silent pause. Most online sources suggest that the Councilor Robert Rutherford Brydon (without an ‘e’) had lost his son Major Walter Brydon in World War I, and that this prompted him to propose the introduction of the Two-Minute Silence of Remembrance.

The Councilor’s surname was in fact spelt with an ‘e’ – Brydone, and his son’s name was Robert Gilray Brydone; he served as a medic and survived World War I. Maj Walter Brydon (who was not the Councilor’s son), was a South African, whose parents were Jenny Hay Brydon of London and the late William Walter Brydon of Belfast. Maj Walter Brydon served as gunner on the M RS J.C. ABRAHAMS (T ANNIE M OSSIE ) WITH Western Front, in both the 71st and the PARATROOPERS J IM H ARWOOD AND P AT L OFTUS .

73rd Siege Batteries, until he was appointed as the Commanding Officer of the 73rd Siege Battery South African Heavy Artillery. He was wounded three times and then gassed, before being killed in action on 12 April 1918. Coincidentally, both Captain Reginald Hands and Major Nugent Fitzpatrick (the son of Sir Percy Fitzpatrick) served in ‘Brydon’s Battery’ when they were killed. No doubt adding to the confusion of Brydon/Brydone is the fact that the plaque, which was unveiled at the Noon Gun in 2008, spells the Councilor’s name as ‘Brydon’.

ROYAL MARINES SECRETLY JOINED PASSENGERS ON BOARD LUXURY CRUISE SHIP An elite squad of armed former Royal Marines secretly joined passengers on a luxury cruise to protect them from pirates. The crack team boarded the Queen Mary 2 as it sailed through the treacherous Gulf of Aden, dubbed Pirate Alley because of the number of Somali outlaws there. Few of the liner’s 2,600 passengers were aware of the plain-clothes gun unit mingling with them. Water cannon were also fixed on deck to repel any attackers and the gunwales were fitted with sonic weapons capable of causing permanent hearing damage at close range.

Although some measures were taken in secret, a serving Marines Colonel also boarded the vessel to reassure passengers and give them security briefings. As the ship travelled at full speed for six days between Dubai and the Jordanian Red Sea resort of Aqaba, only essential deck lights were kept on at night and passengers were urged not to illuminate their balconies.

Sections of deck were closed at night with notices warning: ‘Please do not distract the watch-keepers. They are part of our security precautions.’ Captain Peter Philpott also wrote to passengers: ‘In the unlikely event of a pirate attack, everyone should move to the inside of the ship, away from decks or windows. ‘If your stateroom has a window or balcony, you should move to the corridor immediately outside to sit on either a chair or on the floor.’ He added that the QM2 would be ‘under the protection of an international task force assigned by a UN mandate to protect merchant ships from a pirate attack’.

It is understood the security team boarded soon after the liner left Dubai. Their weapons were offloaded in a Red Sea rendezvous with a small, unmarked boat before the liner arrived at Aqaba – presumably to avoid security problems with the Jordanian authorities. One passenger said: ‘We always felt completely safe.’ A Royal Navy spokesman said it was ‘routine practice’ for personnel to be invited to join merchant vessels ‘for liaison visits… and to brief on anti-piracy matters’. QM2 owner Cunard said the precautions were ‘standard practice in certain regions’.

SPITFIRE GIRL Jackie Moggridge (born Dolores Theresa “Jackie” Sorour). During the Second World War she left South Africa for England and joined the ATA Hatfield Ferry Pool on 29 July 1940, being the youngest of the female pilots to take part in the Battle of Britain, aged just 18.

The ATA “The Air Transport Auxiliary” was charged with delivering new and repaired aircraft to front-line Royal Air Force squadrons and were flown by civilian commercial pilots and female pilots excluded from flying roles deemed as “combative” service at the time.

The initial plan was that the ATA would carry personnel, mail and medical supplies, but the pilots were immediately needed to work with the Royal Air Force (RAF) ferry pools transporting aircraft. By 1 May 1940 the ATA had taken over transporting all military aircraft from factories to Maintenance Units to have guns and accessories installed. On 1 August 1941 the ATA took over all ferrying jobs. This freed the much-

needed combat pilots for combat duty. At one time there were 14 ATA ferry pools as far apart as Hamble, Southampton, Portsmouth and Lossiemouth near Inverness in Scotland.

The ATA recruited pilots who were considered to be unsuitable for either the Royal Air Force or the Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm by reason of age, fitness or gender. A unique feature of the ATA was that physical handicaps were ignored if the pilot could do the job, thus there were one-armed, one-legged, short-sighted and one-eyed pilots, humorously referred to as “Ancient and Tattered Airmen”. However, most notably, the ATA accepted women.

Initially, to comply with the Geneva Convention, as many of the ferry pilots were nominally civilians and/or women, aircraft were ferried with guns or other armament unloaded. However in due course, after encounters with German aircraft in which the ferried aircraft were unable to fight back, RAF aircraft were ferried with guns fully armed.

As part of unique and very brave bunch of pilots, mainly women, our South African hero, Jackie safely handed over 1 500 aircraft during the war, 83 different types and 200 more than any other ATA pilot.

She had a very lucky escape on 5 January 1941 when ferrying an Oxford Mk I to RAF J ACKIE M OGGRIDGE ( BORN D OLORES T HERESA “J ACKIE ” S OROUR ).

Kidlington, Oxfordshire, with no R/T to meet up with 1st O Amy Johnson who was bringing one in from Blackpool. Both went off course in adverse weather conditions, with Johnson following the rules, bailing out and drowning in the Thames Estuary. So Jackie went down to a few hundred feet and found herself over the Bristol Channel with 20 minutes fuel remaining. She claimed that she did not want to take to the chute because she had broken her leg during a parachute jump in 1938.

Jackie also encountered a V-1 flying bomb in the air over Surrey while flying a Tempest. She altered course, fully intending to attempt to topple it with her wing tip but failed to catch up to it. The standard practice in dealing with a ‘doodlebug’ (as the V1 was nicknamed) was a wingtip topple. It threw the flying bomb’s gyro off its intended target and sent it into open countryside instead of a city. However the trick was to fly faster than the rocket to do it. The picture featured shows this remarkable maneuver between a Spitfire and an unmanned V1 flying bomb.

Jackie was also the first woman in South Africa to make a parachute jump. (4 000 feet).

She was South Africa’s youngest pilot of her time age 17 years. In November 1959, she was awarded the Jean Bird trophy as Woman of the Year. She flew Lancasters, Spitfires and a variety of other planes as a RAF pilot during World War 2. She logged over 4 000 hours flying over Europe, North Africa and the Middle East.

She is best described by her daughters: “Jackie was like two women in one; artistic, romantic, forgetful and disorganised, but when she climbed into an aeroplane she became focused, calm and very capable – not our mother at all! She loved many things: singing, dancing, sewing and painting, but her main passion in life was flying. Up in the sky is where she belonged. She really was two women in one. She was a real battler for women to get on in life and just could not imagine that there was anything she could not try to achieve. But she knew, and said, that as a woman she had to have the best results to be taken seriously.”

J ACKIE MOGGRIDGE (BORN DOLORES THERESA “J ACKIE” SOROUR).

She was a member of one very elite group and one of only five women to be awarded full RAF wings during the war, Jackie even campaigned to become the first woman to break the sound barrier but was prevented from doing so by the powers that be.

The actions of the ATA are best summed by Lord Beaverbrook in 1945, who said; “Without the ATA the days and nights of the Battle of Britain would have been conducted under conditions quite different from the actual events. They carried out the delivery of aircraft from the factories to the RAF, thus relieving countless numbers of RAF pilots for duty in the battle. Just as the Battle of Britain is the accomplishment and achievement of the RAF, likewise it can be declared that the ATA sustained and supported them in the battle. They were soldiers fighting in the struggle just as completely as if they had been engaged on the battlefront.”

After she died, aged 81, in 2004, Jackie took to the skies one last time, for her ashes were scattered from the ‘Grace’ Spitfire ML407.

She is now proudly acclaimed as one of ‘The Female Few’ whose actions in The Battle of Britain and for the duration of the war brought us the freedoms we know today.

THE STORY OF THE REMEMBRANCE DAY SHOE LACE WREATHS AT SAINT ANDREWS SCHOOL BLOEMFONTEIN by Miss Joan Abrahams One of the traditions at the Saint Andrew’s Remembrance Day Services is the laying of wreaths made up of shoes laces which have been donated by Saints’ schoolboys.

The story of this tradition is shared with us by Miss Joan Abrahams. To all that some or other stage did military service in Bloemfontein will remember her as “Tannie Mossie”.

“One of those shoelaces is mine. I was a pupil at school here, many years ago. I remember this tradition well because I still feel part of this annual Remembrance Day ceremony because of it. My black shoe laces keeps me personally included and involved.”

A not-so-young-anymore gentleman passed these remarks during an Annual Remembrance Day ceremony held at 11:00 on the 11th day of November at the Memorial Gates of his old school, Saint Andrew’s.

After listening to the names of all the past learners of his Alma mater who had died as soldiers defending their cause (the list had T HE SHOE LACE WREATH . been read alphabetically and with clear diction), he whispered: “it’s a good feeling and I’m grateful, not only to those boys whose names have been read today, but also that our teachers taught us this respectful and honoured tradition. Just look at those special wreaths. The red poppies are for remembrance, the shoelaces for youngsters, as well as the bell being tolled and mostly the observance of the Two Minutes of Silence, all mean so much. One just needs to know the story behind the story. It really makes one think.” He said while nodding his head.

Later, when the official ceremony was concluded and over cups of tea in the staffroom, the same gentleman and I continued our trip down memory lane: “When the chapel bells toll and we observe the two minute silent pause to remembrance,” he continued, I think not only of the old boys who died, but I’m so grateful that we have the second minute to remember, in gratitude, all those veterans who survived. (One minute is for prayer and thoughts of those who fell. One minute is for prayer and thoughts for those who survived). The silence is the loudest sound I have ever heard.

“Just watch those 70 and 80 year olds veterans during the two minute silence. One can only imagine how many of their fallen and wounded mates they are remembering.

When the present pupils in their neat uniforms escort the same veterans to the tea room afterwards, one can only wonder what thoughts and hopes these old soldiers cherish for the youngsters,” he said with a quiver in his voice.

“Can I offer you another teaspoonful of sugar?” I said. “I believe it may help,” is all I could add at that stage of the conversation. “Come on, tell me more about your shoe lace that is plaited into that wreath that the Head Boy laid at the Memorial Gates today,” I said.

“Well, things usually happened during the first period on a Monday morning. Our L EARNERS FROM THE P RIMARY S CHOOL CARRYING THE teacher explained that all the guns of both SHOE LACE WREATH , the Allied and the opposing forces during World War One stopped firing at 11:00 on 11 November 1918. She added that peace followed, but that millions had died during the war.”

“She also gave us more information and details about the Two Minute Silence and the build-up to its origin in Cape Town, and how the Queen of England and the very

important persons throughout the world lay red poppy wreaths at the exact time of 11:00 and she even read us the Poppy Poem by the Canadian doctor, John McCrae, who wrote the poem ‘In Flanders Fields the poppies blow between the crosses row on row.’

“She taught us how to stand to attention (erect with feet together and arms at our sides) and then she asked us each to ‘donate’ the shoe lace of the shoe of our right foot. We all sat on our desks and undid the lace while the class captain collected them. Ma’am plaited them so that we could see the rather strange looking thick, black-plaited rope that she promised to take to the office to be inter-twined around one of the school wreaths. She then explained that for the rest of the day we would be expected to move around the school buildings, even if awkwardly, with one loose shoe.”

“The constant reminder of the untied shoe hampered our movements would force us to remember what those soldiers suffered and how grateful we should be. I must, however, add that by a strange coincidence a box of new shoe laces went up for sale at the school tuck shop that same day.”

“That experience has always been a wonderful memory over the years and ‘brought the message home’. I so appreciate the fact that the tradition is still observed and that three well-covered shoe-laced wreaths are used annually.”

“Yes, teachers……good thoughtful teachers, do have more class.”

TOC H OUDTSHOORN by Reinderd Visser This story is going to take you on a far journey. It begins in 1915 in a town in Belgium during the First World War. Then it shifts the attention for a moment to England and then, 25 years later, when World War II is already well under way, the story reaches its climax here in Oudtshoorn, of all places!

When I was invited to Belgium the year before last (2014), I made a list of towns and places in the area of the battlefields in West Flanders that I wanted to visit. One such place was the town Poperinge, but time caught up with me and sadly it was one of the places I could not get to. It however remains on my list for next time. But why did I want to visit Poperinge specifically? Let me tell you.

During the war the village was a short but relatively safe distance behind the war front and centrally located, making it the ideal venue for British soldiers who went on leave from the front. Here they could for a short time escape the inhuman war circumstances in the trenches, rest, recuperate and at least live normally for a short while. The town also offered its usual quota of entertainment, mostly of the less sober kind.

It was here that a chaplain, Father Tubby Clayton, got the idea to found a home as a club where soldiers could feel at home and relax - with entertainment of the more sober type. He was supported herein by the head chaplain of the army, Father Neville Talbot, and they rented a large house and garden for this purpose. The owner leased the house as he temporarily wanted to move to a safer area with his family after a German bomb hit the back of his home. So Tubby's idea became a reality in December 1915 (exactly 100 years ago). It was this house that I wanted to visit.

A Colonel suggested that the house should be named Talbot House in honour of Father Talbot's younger brother, Lieutenant Gilbert Talbot, who died in July that year.

And so it was. The signalers, when they used abbreviations, called a 'T', 'Toc', and soon they abbreviated Talbot House to Toc-H, part of our heading for today.

Tubby felt that it should be a gentleman’s club. On the door was a sign 'All rank abandon ye who enter here.' Therefore, when you walked into Talbot House, you left your rank outside. Here all were equal, whether you were a private or a general. The soldiers really felt at home, he even had a funny sign put up with the words “If you are in the habit of spitting on the carpet at home, please do spit here.”

Talbot House, or Toc-H, was a huge success. Not only was it a place for relaxing or a cup of hot tea (a luxury for the soldiers from the front), Tubby eventually also started a library. Interestingly, the soldiers had to hand in their caps as a guarantee when they took out a book because he knew a soldier could not go on parade without it. He later converted a room on the third floor as a chapel and here he had an oil lamp burning as a symbol of light in the darkness. The tragedy was that many soldiers celebrated their last communion here as they would go back to trenches, to D AD B EN J OLLIFFE 1942 never return again. In the garden there was a barn where he arranged concerts, debates and entertainment evenings. The men could even watch Charlie Chaplin silent films. For the next three years, until the end of the war, thousands of soldiers walked through the doors of Toc-H. Tubby articulated the philosophy of the house as being a place 'where friendships could be consecrated, sad hearts be renewed and be a place of light and joy and peace and Brotherhood.'

An English General said after the war: "In all my experience I have never known a place so vital to morale as Talbot House."

At the end of the war Tubby Clayton returned to England, but the idea of Talbot House remained in his head. Following his experiences in Poperinge he had a new dream to start a movement or organization to occupy itself with camaraderie as well as welfare. This dream also came true and the Toc H Movement was founded in London in November 1919. Tubby rented a house that would serve as a home for men who worked in London but who could not find accommodation. These men then got involved with Tubby's plan to serve the community. Soon these houses opened their doors all over England and the Toc H movement became a household name in England. Tubby made the lamp that burned in Talbot House as the symbol of light in the darkness, the emblem of the organization. Every new Toc H was inaugurated with the lighting of its own lamp.

Tubby and the Toc H Movement are closely associated with LEPROSY, an organization that works under the lepers (many members volunteered to work in Africa in leper colonies). Toc H was also one of the key organizations involved in the establishment of the British National Organisation for Blood Transfusion.

S ON T REVOR J OLLIFFE 2015

Little did I know that my desire to visit Poperinge in Belgium would prepare me for a casual question someone at the local museum asked me recently: 'Reinderd, do you know anything about Toc H in Oudtshoorn?' What? A Toc H in South Africa? And also here in Oudtshoorn? This

was certainly news to me!

You will remember that Toc H, or Talbot House, was a house in the town Poperinge in Belgium during the First World War where soldiers could forget the war for a moment.

You will also remember that Toc H developed into a successful movement in England after the war, aiming to promote camaraderie and welfare, amongst others. And then I ended Part 1 with the unexpected question someone at the local museum recently asked me: 'Reinderd, do you know anything about Toc H in Oudtshoorn?'

Let me start with the question itself, because the reason for the question is a story on its own. Someone from England, a man named Trevor Jolliffe, contacted the museum with photos of a man in uniform in front of a building in Oudtshoorn with a sign on the wall reading 'Talbot House'. He wanted to know if the building still existed. He mentioned that the man in the photograph was his father, Ben Jolliffe, who received training here in Oudtshoorn in 1942. Trevor was trying to follow the trail of his father's movements and mentioned that he would like to take a photo of himself in front of the same building on his visit to Oudtshoorn. The staff at the museum could determine that the building still exists, but they also wanted to know more about Toc H Oudtshoorn itself. Well, the first part of the story, the origin of Toc H in Flanders, I could immediately help with. However, I still had two questions unanswered – how did a Toc H branch end up here in Oudtshoorn of all places, and what training did Ben Jolliffe undergo here?

I look at the question about Ben's training first. The answer to this question I could get thanks to the work of a local researcher on the military institutions here in Oudtshoorn.

During the 2nd World War the British Royal Air Force had the need for air force training schools outside the United Kingdom and South Africa, with other Commonwealth countries, made itself available. Many training schools were constructed nationwide, one of them just outside Oudtshoorn where the airfield is currently. It was as a training school for observers and opened as 45 Air School at the end of 1940. I read that at some stage it had a staff of more than a thousand! British students travelled by ship from England to Cape Town and then by train to, among others, Oudtshoorn for

training (the rest were taken to other flight schools to be trained as pilots, for example).

Those who successfully complete their courses here in Oudtshoorn returned to England to become involved as observers on bombers in the European war theatre. It was as an observer student that Ben Jolliffe came to Oudtshoorn.

Just so you know, 45 Air School closed in 1945, but the aircrafts’ hangars still exists today and are used by the Klein Karoo Co-Op, the Police and the Army. And most of the home units and offices of the training school are still used by the police training college.

Then there is the question of Toc H, Oudtshoorn. We know now that Toc H was started as a society after World War 1 in England. In the mean time I found out that this association expanded to other Commonwealth countries in the 1920s, including South Africa. Early in 1940 the pastor of the local Anglican Church, Padre Atkinson, decided to open a Talbot House, or Toc H, probably because of the increasing presence of military training schools in Oudtshoorn (both military and air force). The goals were the same as with the original Toc H Poperinge in Belgium - that this would be a 'gentleman's club' where military personnel, students and troops could retreat from their daily routine and relax, rest and where both the body and soul could be fed. The church's choice fell on an available house with a comfortable garden at the back in Queen Street (now Baron van Reede) - it is the double-storey building to the left of the entrance to Tom's Mill. The house was once a boarding house with the name 'Waltho's House'. On March 15, 1940 Toc H, Oudtshoorn lit its distinctive lamp and opened its doors. When I look at the pictures that Ben took of visitors relaxing in the garden it is clear that the house was a success among the students. At the flight school, they spoke of 'The Other Christian Home' (following the abbreviation Toc H), and one of the students in a narrative described it as 'Home away from home'. For example, he wrote you could have a great home cooked meal for as little as a tickey (3 cents).

And now a final question - could Trevor take a picture of himself in front of the Toc H building where his father stood in 1942, as he wished? Indeed! He was here in October 2015 and besides the picture in front of the Toc H building he could also take pictures of the suspension bridge in Church Street (and walk over it like his father) and the stone house (the old ticket office) next to the entrance of the caves – all places where his father was and took pictures. Why was it so important to him? From my correspondence with Trevor I could see that the visits to these places where his father was during his stay in Oudtshoorn was to him of much sentimental value. And there was a good reason for it, as the story of his father had a double sad ending. After Ben completed his training in 1942 in South Africa, he became a member of the crew of a British bomber that, according to Trevor, flew 30 successful flights to Germany to perform operations there. However, on the night of October 20th, 1943, during their 31st flight and on their way back from Leipzig Germany, their aeroplane was shot down over the Netherlands. Ben died that night, leaving his wife behind as a widow. And the double sad part of this was, it happened while his wife was still pregnant with Trevor.

Trevor never knew his own father!

KATIE SEKILA BESOEK DIE SS MENDI SE LAASTE RUSPLEK by Reindard Visser Verlede keer het ek jou van Booi Tshikila vertel, iemand wat die grootste deel van sy lewe in die Klein-Karoo geleef en gewerk het en wat ek ontdek het ‘n oorlewende van die SS Mendi ramp (100 jaar gelede op 21 Februarie 1917) was. Jy sal onthou dat 616 Suid-Afrikaners, waarvan 607 swart arbeiders, tydens die ramp verdrink het met net meer as 200 wat dit oorleef het. Die Weermag het die afgelope dae in sowel SuidAfrika as in Engeland samekomste gehou om die ramp en lewensverlies van 100 jaar gelede in herinnering te roep. Nasate van gestorwenes en oorlewendes is byvoorbeeld na die verrigtinge in Engeland genooi. Ek het aan die einde van die vorige artikel belowe om jou meer hiervan te vertel aangesien Katie, Booi se een kleindogter, ook die geleentheid gekry het om dit saam met 9 ander nasate mee te maak en hulle was van die 16e tot die 22ste Februarie in Engeland.

Hul eerste stopplek, op die 17e, was by die hawedorp Portsmouth. Hier is die Milton begraafplaas met grafte van sowel die Eerste as die Tweede Wêreld-oorlog en hier lê die liggame van 8 arbeiders van die Mendi-ramp begrawe. Katie vertel dat die 10 van hulle tydens die verrigtinge daar kranse by 2 van die grafte gelê het. Die program vir die dag toon ook dat die Last Post, Reveille en volksliedere van beide Suid-Afrika en Engeland gespeel is en dat 2 minute van stilte vir die gestorwenes gehou is.

Sy sê dat dit nie verpligtend was om op die Sondag (19 Februarie) kerk toe te gaan nie, maar sy en ‘ʼn paar ander het die diens in die pragtige Portsmouth Katedraal gaan bywoon.

Hul volgende stop was op die 20ste by die Hollybrook Begraafplaas in Southampton.

Daar vind jy onder andere op ʼn bronsplaat die name van dié arbeiders wat tydens die Mendi ramp gesterf het, maar wie se liggame nooit teruggevind is nie! Ook hier het hulle ʼn program gehad en is daar ʼn kranslegging gehou.

Die hoogtepunt vir haar, sê Katie, was egter op die 21ste, die dag van die 100 jarige herdenking van die ramp. Op hierdie dag het hulle met die SAS Amatola, ʼn Frigat van die Suid-Afrikaanse vloot, na die presiese plek naby die Isle of Wight gevaar waar die wrak van die SS Mendi al vir 100 jaar diep onder die water lê. En dit was om 2 redes vir haar ʼn hoogtepunt. Eerstens omdat sy nog nooit voorheen op ʼn skip of boot op water was nie – sy sê dit het letterlik gevoel asof hulle op die water loop! Maar die indruk wat die verrigtinge self op haar gelaat het sê sy sal sy nooit vergeet nie! ʼn Toppunt moment!

Ek kan onthou hoe emosioneel ek gevoel het die eerste keer wat ek Delville woud in Frankryk ingestap het, en ek het nie eens familie wat daar geveg of gesterf het nie. Sy was letterlik by die plek waar haar oupa in die koue see beland het en vir lank moes worstel om te oorleef. Dit was hier waar die honderde liggame om hom gedryf het (soos hy aan hulle vertel het) en waar ʼn vriend van hom, wat op dieselfde stuk hout kon kruip waarop hy was, maar nie kon bly vashou nie en wat uiteindelik ook onder die water verdwyn het. Emosie! Katie sê dat hulle, ten spyte van warm klere, enorm koud gekry het. Dink dan net hoe koud was dit nie vir die soldate in die koue water nie!

Elkeen van die nasate het tydens die plegtigheid geleentheid gehad om ʼn krans in die water te gooi. Sy vertel dat hulle aangesê is om effe wydsbeen te staan sodat hulle

nie hul ewewig verloor nie, en direk na hulle die krans in die water laat val het, ʼn oomblik van stilte kon hou. Ook hier is die Last Post, Reveile en die volksliedere gespeel. Onvergeetlik.

En uiteindelik is die manne, wat vir baie lank in ons geskiedenis vergete was, op ʼn gepaste manier onthou - en so ook Booi Tshilika, die oupa van Katie en die pa van sy 2 dogters wat nog leef.

VAALHARTS IRRIGATION SCHEME by Steve Lunderstedt The Vaalharts Irrigation Scheme – an idea of Rhodes’ in 1886 – started in 1934 in the region and by the end of the year had cost £2 million for the 300 settlements. The farm Andalusia was approved for survey as a town (or village) just before World War II, and development came to a halt circa 1940 because of the conflict. An internment camp for Germans from East Africa, SWA, Rhodesia, and South Africa was erected in the settlement, one of the largest in the country with over 200 guards deployed.

The Royal Navy chose Ganspan – now part of Jan Kempdorp – in 1942 for a ammunition depot for their naval vessels, chosen because of easy access for them to get bombs, etc to any coast in South Africa, and also because it was too far for either German or Japanese bombers to reach. After the war the Union Defence Force opened an ammo depot adjacent to the Royal Naval depot, the latter being taken over

by South Africa when the Royal Navy left in 1958. The combined ammo depot became 93 Ammunition Depot of the South African Defence Force.

During World War II there were three Internment Camps in the region – one at Ganspan and two at Andalusia. They were mostly German speaking residents of SWA (now Namibia), although there were a few from the countries now known as Zimbabwe and Botswana. At Andalusia at least 2000 internees lived in the camp from 1941 onwards, and at least 17 lie buried in the local cemetery. 180 internees lived at Ganspan.

In 1956 the name of the town was changed from Andalusia to Jan Kempdorp in honour of an Anglo-Boer War General, Jan Kemp, a member of the Krugersdorp Commando in the early part of that conflict.

By 1963 there were 1250 plots for white farmers and 1550 plots for Black farmers in the scheme, the population totaling 29 000 souls, while the canal network in the scheme measured some 900 kilometres.

Historically, Matabele Thompson lies buried in the region at Cornforth Hill; the notorious robber /rustler/highwayman Scotty Smith operated in this region as he had his HQ at Taung; and Professor Raymond Dart discovered the famous Taung skull.

70 YEARS OF UNITED NATIONS PEACE SUPPORT OPERATIONS by Captain (SAN) Charles Ross (SA Navy Retired)

G ERMAN GRAVES NEAR J AN K EMPDORP .

Every year on 29 May the United Nations (UN) commemorates the “International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers”. On 29 May 2018 the UN commemorated 70 years of UN Peace Support Operations (PSO).

Since 1948 the UN has authorised 71 PSO’s in which some 3 326 peacekeepers from 120 countries died.

The UN was established in 1945. The Charter of the United Nations, of which General Jan Smuts wrote the original preamble, was signed on 26 June 1945 and came into effect on 24 October 1945.

Article One of the Charter of the United Nations states that the organisation is “To maintain international peace and security, and to that end: to take effective collective measures for the prevention and removal of threats to the peace, and for the suppression of acts of aggression or other breaches of the peace, and to bring about by peaceful means, and in conformity with the principles of justice and international law, adjustment or settlement of international disputes or situations which may lead to a breach of the peace.

To achieve the above the Security Council of the United Nations (UNSC) may deploy a PSO mandated under the following Chapters of the Charter.

Chapter VI (Pacific Settlement of Disputes) which is classically an-inter positioning force deployed in a temporary security zone.

The UN funds this PSO and members states participating is reimbursed in accordance with the United Nations Policy and Procedures for Reimbursement of Contingent Owned Equipment (COE Manual).

Chapter VII (Action with Respect to Threats of the Peace, breaches of the Peace, and Acts of Aggression) in which the UNSC mandates the respective Force Commander to take certain operational actions. It is funded by the UN and member states participating are reimbursed in accordance with the COE Manual.

A M ILITARY O BSERVER SITE IN UNTSO. UN P HOTO 126522.

Chapter VIII (Regional Arrangements) where the UNSC mandates a regional organisation or a group of countries to conduct a PSO. If it is a group of countries, they are generally referred to as the “Coalition of the Willing”. These missions are generally not funded by the UN, but may provide logistic support.

The first UN PSO was the deployment of the “UN Truce Supervision Organisation”, known as UNTSO in May 1948. The role of the mission, comprising mainly unarmed Military Observers and mandated under Chapter VI of the UN Charter, was to monitor the Armistice Agreement between Israel and its Arab neighbours. The mission is still in operation today.

In 1956 the UN deployed its first armed PSO with the deployment of the “UN Emergency Force” (UNEF I) to address the Suez Canal issue. The PSO was established by the first emergency special session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA) from 1 to 10 November 1956. The mandate of the Force was to secure and supervise the cessation of hostilities, including the withdrawal of the armed forces of France, Israel and the United Kingdom from Egyptian territory and, after the withdrawal, to serve as a buffer between the Egyptian and Israeli forces and to provide impartial supervision of the ceasefire. UNEF was withdrawn in May-June 1967, at Egypt's request.

The first large scale PSO was in 1960 with the deployment of the “UN Operation in the Congo” (ONUC). At its peak ONUC had nearly 20 000 military personnel. The mandate of ONUC was amended by UNSC resolution 161 dated 21 February 1961 to “use force” and again vide resolution 169 dated 24 November 1961 to “take vigorous action” under Chapter VII. During the 1960’s and 1970’s the UNSC established a number of short term PSO’s

A M ILITARY O BSERVER DEPLOYED UNDER UNEF 1. UN PHOTO 120934.

In 1988 the Nobel Committee cited “(UN) the Peacekeeping Forces through their efforts have made important contributions towards the realisation of one of the fundamental tenets of the United Nations.

Thus, the world organisation has come to play a more central part in world affairs and has been invested with increasing trust”.

The UN peacekeepers were awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.

Since 1988 there has been a marked increase in the number of UN PSO’s with 57 of the 71 taking place since 1988. The new PSO’s changed from the “traditional”, ie deployment of primarily Military Observers to more complex “multidimensional” which is designed to ensure the implementation of comprehensive peace agreements and assist in laying the foundation for sustainable peace. At the same time the nature of conflicts changed from inter-State conflicts to intra-State conflicts and civil wars.

At 30 April 2018 there were 14 UN PSO’s with seven on the African Continent. A total of 104 043 personnel from 124 countries are deployed in these missions. This comprises 87 916 uniform (76 026 Contingent Troops, 10 632 Police, 1 984 Staff Officers and 1 258 Experts on Mission), 12 830 Civilian and 1 308 UN Volunteers.

Current cost is $ US 6,8 billion. This includes logistic support to the African Unions Mission in Somalia (AMISOM).

South African Involvement

A SA AIR F ORCE HELICOPTER DEPLOYED IN SUPPORT OF MONUC ON THE GROUND IN E ASTERN DRC. UN PHOTO 150037.

South Africa first participated in a UN PSO was the Korean War from 1950 to 1953. 2 Squadron, SA Air Force was the main element of South Africa’s participation. In addition a squadron of Centurion tanks from the SA Army was seconded to a British Army Unit for deployment. It is interesting to note that this PSO is not included in the official UN List of Peacekeeping Operations.

MONUC/MONUSCO – PSO IN THE Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Participating in this PSO, under Operation MISTRAL, started in September 1999 with the deployment of a Capital Liaison Officer to Kampala in Uganda. Mandate of MONUC was amended vide UNSC resolution 1291 dated 24 February 2000 as a Chapter VII PSO. This was followed with the deployment of the SANDF Specialist Contingent (SANDFSPECC) to various locations in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This was followed with the deployment of Infantry, Engineers, Military Police, Helicopters and Medical personnel. Since the inception of the PSO South Africa has had a number of senior appointments. These include the MONUSCO Force Commander, Lieutenant General D. Mgwebi, Deputy Eastern Brigade Commander in MONUC Brigadier General D. Mdutyana, Brigadier General P. Dube as Commander Force Intervention Brigade in MONUSCO and Commander Sector 5 in MONUC, Colonel L. Smith. South Africa UNMEE – PSO IN ERITREA AND ETHIOPIA. Participation was limited to the deployment of Military Observers and Staff Officers from July 2000 to July 2008 under Operation ESPRESSO. During this deployment history was made when the first female Military Observer deployed. The mandate of UNMEE was amended vide UNSC resolution 1320 dated 15 September 2000 to Chapter VII. UNMIL – PSO IN LIBERIA. A small number of staff officers deployed under Operation MONTEGO from October 2003 to January 2005. UNMIL was established as a Chapter VII PSO vide UNSC resolution 1509 dated 19 September 2003.

ONUB – PSO IN BURUNDI. This PSO followed on from the South African and African Union Missions in Burundi (AMIB) under Operation FIBRE from June 2004 to December 2006. Major General D. Mgwebi became the first South African to be appointed as a UN PSO Force Commander. This was the first PSO where all four of the Services were deployed. ONUB was established as a Chapter VII PSO vide UNSC resolution 1545 dated 21 May 2004. The original deployment by South Africa in 2001 was endorsed by the UNSC by means of UNSC Resolution 1375 date 29 October 2001.

UNMIS – PSO IN SUDAN. A Staff Officer was deployed to the United Nations Mission in Sudan UNMIS) under Operation CORDITE. UNMIS was established as a Chapter VII PSO vide UNSC resolution 1590 dated 24 March 2005. The PSO was terminated on July 2007 with the establishment of UNAMID. UNAMID – PSO IN DARFUR, SUDAN. This was a follow on from the Africa Union Mission in Sudan (AMIS) under Operation CORDITE from July 2008 until the withdrawal of the SANDF contingent in April 2016.

This was the first mission in which the SA Police Service deployed with Commissioner M. Fryer been appointed as UNAMID Police Commissioner. Brigadier General D. Mdutyana served as Deputy UNAMID Force Commander until November 2010. During this mission three members of the SA Police Service was abducted and later returned unharmed. UNAMID was established as a Chapter VII PSO vide UNSC resolution 1769 dated 31 July 2007.

S OUTH AFRICA’ S L IEUTENANT G ENERAL D. M GWEBI , MONUSCO F ORCE C OMMANDER . UN PHOTO 722989.

UNMIN – PSO IN NEPAL. A small number of Military Observers were deployed under Operations INDULI from April 2007 to July 2009. The Military Observers deployed in civilian dress.

UNSMIS – PSO IN SYRIA. A small number of Military Observers were identified for redeployment from MONUSCO in the DRC to UNSMIS in Syria under Operation VIGILANCE in June 2012. A request for the deployment of additional Military Observers were received. None of the Military Observers deployed to UNSMIS. The PSO only lasted from April 2012 to August 2012.

UNMISS – PSO IN SOUTHERN SUDAN. There are currently a small number of SA Police Service members deployed. UNMISS was established as a Chapter VII PSO vide UNSC resolution 1996 date 8 July 2011.

South African Contribution as at 30 April 2018 At 30 April 2018 South Africa had 1 231 personnel deployed in three missions. These are as follows: MONUSCO. A total of 1 184. This includes 1 160 military, 18 Staff Officers and six Experts on Mission.

UNAMID. A total of 35 which includes 21 members of the SA Police Service, ten Experts on Mission and four Staff Officers.

UNMISS. A total of 12 members of the SA Police Service are deployed.

Acknowledgements The United Nations website for the information on present and past PSO’s and photos.

MEMORIES OF BLACK SOUTH AFRICAN SOLDIERS WHO BORE ARMS AND FOUGHT IN WAR II by Marilyn Honikman “The Germans ran away. Now we were having short magazine guns, we pushed them.

They said we went 300 miles … [we were in the] 8th Army led by [British Field-Marshal Bernard] Montgomery. Those Germans never came back. We fought as one; black and white soldiers.” — Sergeant Petrus Dlamini speaking about the battle of El Alamein to filmmaker Vincent Moloi Most South Africans would be surprised by this statement. Official war histories largely ignored the contribution of black South African soldiers in World War I and World War II, and there is still widespread ignorance about the part they played, though attention is now being paid to the sinking of the SS Mendi in 1917. A few books now mention that black soldiers did vital and dangerous work, often under fire, but not that they were armed and fought in the two great battles at El Alamein, Egypt, in World War II. There’s a reason for this ignorance. The South African military’s propaganda department was given the task of downplaying the role of black soldiers. They did such a good job their myths still linger.

Military historian Dr Suryakanthie Chetty, in an essay on South African propaganda during World War II, said: “The Nationalists were vociferously opposed to black South Africans in the army at all, even unarmed.”

As Prime Minister Dr DF Malan said in Parliament: “To every Afrikaner, the use of black troops against Europeans is abhorrent.”

Chetty added that actions of black soldiers such as Job Maseko, who, while a prisoner of war, blew up a German supply ship in Tobruk harbour, “represented the possibilities of empowerment offered by military services that the state wanted to curtail”.

B LACK SOLDIERS UNDERGOING DRIVING TRAINING .

“Smuts could lose what support he had in Parliament” (if news of Maseko’s actions reached South Africa). Which is why, when Maseko’s commanding officer, a Colonel Sayer, suggested that Maseko’s name should be put forward for a Victoria Cross, his suggestion was vetoed. Maseko was awarded the less newsworthy Military Medal (MM) and news of his courageous

and significant act of sabotage was contained.”

When asked about his 2007 documentary movie A Pair of Boots and a Bicycle, which celebrated the action of Maseko, film director Vincent Moloi said: “Our mothers and fathers were denied the opportunity to know their history.”

Returning soldiers told their families stories of wartime adventures, but how many soldiers of any race spoke of the horror?

In his book, The War of a Hundred Days: Springboks in Somalia and Abyssinia, 194041, James Ambrose Brown wrote what is possibly the only account of the terrible suffering of the South African troops, including units of black soldiers from the Native Military Corps, in the final triumphant battles they fought against Italy’s great military leaders, the Duke of Aosta and General Guglielmo Nasi, before Aosta surrendered.

My brother and I knew our father’s unit had stayed on in Abyssinia to help “mop up” the last remaining Italian regiments, and we knew that was where a young black driver saved his life. We were told of their adventures with wild animals but, we children, and perhaps our mother too, were told nothing of those appalling last days in Abyssinia.

Many war stories stayed untold, and if stories were told by black South African soldiers, they were rarely recorded.

But, luckily, 60 years after World War II, Moloi interviewed black and coloured veterans about their wartime experiences. With persistent and penetrating questions he coaxed them to tell him the stories many had never spoken about before. From their recollections we know that, although black soldiers left South Africa armed only with assegais, “Up North” many were armed with guns. And we know they fought alongside white soldiers in the thick of battle.

Sergeant Petrus Dlamini spoke of being at Sidi Rezegh, Mersa Matru, Tripoli, Garowe in then Abyssinia and El Alamein before he went by boat to Italy with the South African 1st Division. He remembered doing guard duty in North Africa.

He says: “There, at Garowe, we were guarding as a sentry. We were guarding with assegai.”

The president of the ANC in the war years, Dr AB Xuma, said: “They are expected to fight aeroplanes, tanks and enemy artillery with knobkerries and assegais. What mockery.”

But just a few months later, Dlamini adds: “It was said — I heard a rumour — that the superiors [commanding officers] of South Africa, England and Australia said we must be given guns. Those guns were taken from the Italians in Kenya. They gave them to us and we were taught how to put ammunition and we were training with guns.

“Then we went to El Alamein and they took these [Italian] guns that were not right and they gave us short magazine Lee-Enfield .303. We got them at El Alamein.”

This has been verified in an article in the South African Historical Journal by historian LWF Grundling, who says: “Recruits received rifle musketry training, which was seriously handicapped by the defective Italian rifles with which they were issued.”

It was General Sir Pierre van Ryneveld who instructed the commanding officers in North Africa to arm black soldiers with Lee-Enfield rifles before El Alamein. But this does not seem to have been mentioned in dispatches.

Sergeant Dlamini said: “In the front line we were accompanied by whites. When we go to fight the Germans we were mixed.”

He spoke vividly of the battles he was in. Moloi recorded his description of the battle of El Alamein.

“It was like bees, those German planes together with our planes, the Royal Air Force and the South African Air Force. Many died there. Shots were like falling rain. They would hit here and here where you are sitting. When you are sleeping in your trench you would hear sounds of bombs all the time, when you wake up you would see those injured and those who are dead.”

Dlamini says they were with the 8th Army. “It [the 8th Army] pushed. Ai! Man! It was terrible, soldiers were lying dead, black and white, but the Germans were retreating and we kept following them. The Germans ran away. Now we were having short magazine guns. We pushed them. They said we went 300 miles … 8th Army led by Montgomery. Those Germans never came back. They went down together with the Italians you see.”

He added: “We were one. We fought as one; black and white soldiers. Here in South Africa (before we went up north) we were treated differently. Blacks were sleeping this side, whites on the other side. When we arrived in Egypt we mixed. If we made a queue, in front would be a white person, behind would be a black person then a white person. We were one.”

And, perhaps explaining why he had not spoken of his experiences before, he added: “You know the heart of a soldier. Your feelings die. You are always angry.”

Besides Moloi’s interviews with Dlamini, and with several other black World War II veterans, almost no records of the wartime experiences of black soldiers exist. And as it’s probably too late now to collect more, Moloi’s transcribed and translated interviews are a national treasure.

Marilyn Honikman is the author of There Should Have Been Five (Tafelberg) about the fall of Tobruk and the action of Job Maseko while he was a prisoner of war. When filmmaker Vincent Moloi and producer Eddie Wes heard Honikman was writing a book about Maseko they sent her the transcripts of Moloi’s interviews with black veterans.

She uses their words in the book.

THE HISTORY OF THE CAPE CORPS IN BRIEF Compiled by Maj J.S.C. Cupido World War 1: 1914 - 1918 The Cape Corps was re-established in 1915 and more than 35 000 volunteered as imperial troops. Initially most of them saw service in South West Africa (Namibia) in a non-combatant role. But for the East African Campaign a battalion of infantry later to be known as 1st Battalion Cape Corps was formed. These men were originally not only infantry men and Garrison troops but also saw service as Pioneers.

They did so well that a second Battalion was started. First Battalion with reinforcements from Second Battalion was transferred to Egypt and, Palestine in 1918 and on the 19, 20 and 21 September covered themselves in glory at the Battle of Square Hill. During this battle all their officers were killed or wounded the men carried on under the leadership of their NCO and refused to withdrew in spite of their troops being slaughtered by the Turks until they were instructed to -do so by Low Flying Aircraft.

A Battalion of dockworkers was send to France where they rendered excellent service in the Harbours of France. They also served in the SA Field Artillery, Cape Auxiliary Horse Transport Companies and the Cape Coloured Harbour Corps.

At the end of the war they were awarded the following Battle Honours: Degiddo, Nablus, Palestine 1918, Kilimandjaro, Behobeho, Neyangao, East Africa 1916 – 17 and a King's Colour. Second Battalion won the Battle Honour, East Africa 1917 – 1918.

World War II: 1939 - 1945 With the outbreak of World War II the Cape Corps was re-established in 1940 and more than 45 000 men volunteered for service and although they were used as noncombatant troops they played an extensive role in the war effort.

In 1942 the Defence Force adopted what became known as the "Dilution Policy" which in effect meant that all non-combatant roles had to give to members of the Cape Corps, this resulted that all numbers on the Artillery were filled by men of Cape Corps. Thus artillery training for Coloureds was commenced. Men of the Cape Corps rendered distinguished service with all South African Regiments including the Medical Corps, Engineering Corps, Artillery, South African Seaward Defence, the South African Air force. They also saw service with the Union Defence Forces during the Madagascar campaign in 1942.

At the end of the African Campaign various PIT Companies were formed for service in Palestine and the near Cast. Whilst the Cape Corps Aerodrome Defence Units stayed in Egypt to guard RAF Aerodromes when the war moved to Italy. A large number of men moved to Italy with the 6 SA Armoured Division.

Men of the Cape Corps won the following Medals and Awards: Military Medals 9, British Empire Medals 4, Mentioned in Dispatches 51, Kings Commendation Medals 2, and Commander in Chief's Commendation 8.

In 1947 the Cape Corps was established as a PF Unit but was disbanded in 1949.

100 YEARS AGO: CAPTAIN REGINALD FREDERICK JOHNSON HAYWARD VC MC AND BAR, 1ST BATTALION THE DUKE OF EDINBURGH’S (WILTSHIRE REGIMENT), 7TH BRIGADE, 25TH DIVISION Honouring a true South African hero and Victoria Cross recipient, and this man, Captain Reginald Frederick Johnson Hayward VC MC & Bar is one very extraordinary

South African. "Bravery" is an often over used word, then you read about a South African who won the Military Cross for Bravery, not once but twice and then goes on to win a Victoria Cross. Now this Hilton College old boy is a "brave" man cut from a different cloth, and this is his story.

Reginald Hayward, son of stockbreeder Frederick and Gertrude Hayward, was born on 17 June 1891 at the Beersheba Mission Station near Swartruggens, East Griqualand in South Africa. He was educated at Hilton College Natal, Durban Business College and the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons in the United Kingdom.

In May 1912 Reginald arrived in the United Kingdom and joined the 6th Battalion Wiltshire Regiment and was commissioned C APTAIN R EGINALD H AYWARD VC MC AND B AR . as a 2nd Lieutenant on 29 September 1914. Later the same year he was promoted to temporary Lieutenant and in March 1915 joined the 1st Battalion Wiltshire Regiment in France where during October 1916 he was involved in action at Stuff Redoubt, Thiepval, France during which he was awarded the Military Cross. Wounded during the action he briefly returned to London to have the piece of shrapnel removed from his eye.

On 19 December 1916 Reginald was promoted to Temporary Captain and on 22 December 1916 was promoted to the substantive rank of Lieutenant. During the battle of Messines in Belgium on 07 June 1917 he was awarded a bar to his Military Cross.

On 21 March 1918 the Germans launched their Spring offensive against the section of Front manned by British Third and Fifth Armies running from Roeux on the River Scarpe east of Arras in the north to the River Oise west of La Fere in the south, as the crow flies a distance of about 50 miles, but over double that on the ground. 6th Corps held the British Line south of Arras. From the previous evening, German troops had begun probing British positions at this point. 13th Battalion Alexandra, Princess of Wales’s Own (Yorkshire Regiment) were in the line from St -Leger, just east of the road south from Arras to Bapaume, along the road south to Mory.

It was here on the morning of 21 March 1918 that Temporary Second Lieutenant E F Beal gallantly repelled a German incursion, helping to stabilize the situation until he was killed. However, German pressure was relentless and the British were pushed back. As the enemy advances steadily towards Bapaume, 1st Battalion The Wiltshire Regiment was moved to the north of Fremicourt, a village east of Bapaume and just south of the Cambrai road. 4th Corps was trying to hold a line between Vaulx and Morchies to the north of the road. It was for his gallantry in the fighting which followed that Acting Captain R F J Hayward was awarded the VC.

The surviving Wiltshires, three officers and 54 NCO’s and men, were gathered at Bihucourt, north-west of Bapaume, on 24 March. Hayward had been evacuated with the other wounded the night before. When the German offensive had opened on the 21st, 8th Battalion The Gloucestershire Regiment mounted an unsuccessful counterattack at Doignies to try and contain the enemy advance south of the CambraiBapaume road. They were then withdrawn west to Velu Wood. By the 23rd, the German advance had reached this point and the Glosters, together with the 10th Battalion The Royal Warwickshire Regiment was ordered to cover the further withdrawal of British forces. Bapaume itself was abandoned to the Germans.

Reginald survived the war and in 1919 he became the Adjudant of the 1st Battalion Wiltshire Regiment and later that same year, along with Lieutenant S. J. Parker MC DCM carried the 1st Battalion’s Regimental Colours at the Peace Parades in London and Paris.

Over the period 1919 to 1921 he served in Dublin, Egypt and Palestine and on 27 September 1927 he was promoted to the substantive rank of Captain. On 04 April 1935 he was transferred to the Reserves.

On 09 July 1938 Reginald marries Linda C APTAIN HAYWARD WITH FELLOW OFFICERS .

Angus (nee Bowen in the Christ Church, Burbage, Buxton, Derbyshire. During the Second World War served as Commander of the Royal Army Service Corps Anti-Aircraft Command. Over the period 1945 to 1947 he was Commandant of Prisoner of War Camps where after he retired on 09 July 1947 as an Honorary Lieutenant Colonel.

Reginald worked at the British Broadcasting Corporations (BBC) Publications Department from 1947 to 1952 and as games manager of the Hurlingham Club from 1952 to 1967.

CITATION For most conspicuous bravery in action. This officer, while in command of a company, displayed almost superhuman powers of endurance and consistent courage of the rarest nature. In spite of the fact that he was buried, wounded in the head, and rendered deaf on the first day of operations, and had his arm shattered two days later, he refused to leave his men (even though he received a third serious injury to his head), until he collapsed from sheer physical exhaustion.

Throughout the whole of this period the enemy was attacking his company front without cessation, but Captain Hayward continued to move across the open front from one trench to another with absolute disregard of his own personal safety, concentrating entirely on re-organising his defences and encouraging his men.

It was almost entirely due to the magnificent example of ceaseless energy of this officer that many determined attacks on his portion of the trench system failed entirely.

His Victoria Cross investiture, along with his Military Cross, was on 24 October 1918

by King George V at Buckingham Palace. His Victoria Cross is held at the Royal Gloucestershire, Berkshire and Wiltshire Regiment Museum in Wiltshire.

Apart from his Victoria Cross and Military Cross with Bar he was awarded the 1914 – 1915 Star, British War Medal 1914 – 1920, Victory Medal 1914 – 1919, Defence Medal 1939 – 1945, Coronation Medal 1937, Coronation Medal 1953 and Territorial Efficiency decoration.

Reginald died on 17 January 1970 in Chelsea, London and was cremated on 23 January 1970 in the Putney Vale Crematorium, London while his ashes are scattered in the Garden of Remembrance. He is commemorated in the St Mary’s Church, Limpley Stoke, Wiltshire.

Extract published with the kind permission of The VC and the GC, The Complete History, published by Methuen and The VC and GC Association in 2013.

A REUNION OF COMRADES, OLD AND NEW, AT ROSEDALE: 78TH MOBILISATION ANNIVERSARY AND REUNION LUNCHEON 2018 by Regine Lord & Alan Brashaw. Photos by Regine Lord.

The Dukes Association held their annual reunion luncheon at the premises of the South African Legion, Rosedale, in Rosebank on Saturday, 19 May 2018. The event marked the 78th anniversary of the Mobilisation of the 1st South African Infantry Brigade (1940 – 1978), which saw a large number of Dukes being called up for military service in World War II. It also marked the 41st anniversary of the mobilisation of the Dukes regiment for border duty in South West Africa in 1977.

At the commencement of World War II in 1939, the Union of South Africa was still part of the British Empire. On 1 September 1939, Germany had invaded Poland, thus sparking World War II. Over the next two years, German forces invaded and occupied numerous countries, all around its circumference – the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, France, Denmark, Yugoslavia, Greece and Norway.

In 1940, Winston Churchill, then Prime Minister of Britain, requested the South African government to supply both men and war machinery to assist the war effort. In this way, South Africa was drawn into the war on the side of MR A LAN B RASHAW (CHAIRMAN OF THE DUKES ASSOCIATION) WELCOMES THE GUESTS .

the Allies, and troops were supplied to defend the Empire against German invasion.

South Africa’s participation in World War II lasted some five years.

The South African 1st Brigade was formed by merging South Africa’s three premier infantry regiments at that time, being: 

The D E O R – the Duke of Edinburgh’s Own Rifles – The Dukes) (Cape Town).



The Transvaal Scottish – The Jocks (Johannesburg).



The Royal Natal Carbineers – The Carbs (Pietermaritzburg).

These three units assembled at Premier Mine, Johannesburg, received their kit, training and were equipped for war. Most of those who joined were young men eager to defend their country; many of them never returned. After training, they embarked by train (some by ship) and travelled through African countries, such as Abyssinia and Ethiopia, into the Sahara Desert in North Africa, where most of the campaigns took place. The 1st Brigade under the very capable leadership of General Dan Pienaar joined up with other Allied divisions in the desert war, fighting against German General Erwin Rommel’s Afrika Corps, which eventually surrendered.

The Dukes left Cape Town by train on the 20th of May 1940. This is thus the day on which the Dukes Association celebrates the mobilisation of the 1st Brigade with an annual reunion of military veterans at which traditions are remembered and familiar stories of bravery, determination, strength and sheer will power to get the job done are shared among old comrades.

Sadly, time has taken its toll, and now only two World War II veterans are still alive to attend this annual function – Mr Alf Kramer (97 years old) and Mr Alf Husband (95 years old).

Both veterans had joined the DEOR (Dukes) in 1940, at the start of South Africa’s participation in World War II. They were posted with the Dukes, and saw action in Abyssinia and Ethiopia before the unit reached the Sahara Desert.

The El Alamein campaign saw particularly fierce C OLONEL LESLIE MASTERSON , LIEUTENANT COLONEL MANFRED fighting, with many KRECKLENBERG , MR ALAN BRASHAW (C HAIRMAN OF THE DUKES A SSOCIATION ), AND LIEUTENANT C OLONEL F RANCOIS MARAIS South African soldiers ( CURRENT OC OF THE D UKES) WITH MR ALF KRAMER ( LEFT ) AND captured and made MR ALF H USBAND ( RIGHT). prisoners of war; some managed to escape and were repatriated back to South Africa. Both Mr Alf Kramer

and Mr Alf Husband, along with many other South African soldiers, were then drafted into the Special Services Battalion (SSB), and spent two-and-a-half years in Italy with the SSB Tank Corps, until the end of the war.

This annual reunion is also used to mark the 41st anniversary of the mobilisation of the Dukes regiment for border duty in South West Africa in 1977. From the late 70’s into the mid 80’s South Africa mobilized its forces all along the borders with neighbouring countries in an effort to protect itself and its citizens against terrorism. Many of its young soldiers were drafted into the services of the army. The Dukes were called upon to deploy a battalion to the South West African border. The Regiment’s Officer Commanding at that time was Lt Col Les Masterson, who was the youngest OC ever to command the Dukes in battle. The Regiment were entrained in Cape Town and the journey to their base camp took some 4 days/nights. Numerous other deployments of the regiment took place over the years.

Mr Alan Brashaw warmly welcomed the invited guests, who included Brigadier General Les Fouché, Leslie Masterson (previously the Honorary Colonel of the Dukes), Lieutenant Colonel Francois Marais (the current OC), Lt Col Ray Nesset (previous OC), Lt Col Leslie McKenzie, Lt Col Manfred Krecklenberg A MOMENT OF SILENCE IN REMEMBRANCE OF FALLEN COMRADES . (previous OC) and Lt st Col Bryan Sterne, as well as members of the 1 South African Infantry Brigade, being the Dukes, the Transvaal Scottish, and the Natal Carbineers.

This well-attended event brought together some 53 old friends and comrades, past and present commanding officers, current serving members and friends of the Cape Town Rifles (Dukes). All thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to mingle and reminisce, with many a tall tale and hilarious anecdote being shared amidst roars of laughter and clinking of glasses.

Calling for a moment of silence, Mr Alan Brashaw said, “Remembrance is an important part of who we are as a regiment. Two years ago, the Dukes Association presented the Regiment with the Roll of Honour. We now have a record of those brave men who died in the service of the Regiment and our country over the past 162 years. It is important that we keep the act of Remembrance. We bow our heads every year for those who paid the supreme sacrifice. Lest we forget.”

The Dukes Association expressed their condolences to Lt Col Manfred Krecklenberg, whose wife Bertha had passed away a few months ago. She regularly attended Dukes functions over many years, always supporting her husband and the Regiment.

Lieutenant Colonel Francois Marais spoke about some of the recent activities of the Cape Town Rifles (Dukes), as well as mentioning the training and deployment they will be undergoing later this year. He concluded by offering a toast to the Regiment.

A warm welcome was extended to the Cape-based members of the Transvaal Scottish Regimental Association and their spouses who joined the festivities.

Also at the function were three members of the United States Marines Corps from the US Embassy in Tokai.

The Dukes’ Warrant Officers and Sergeants Mess has had a longstanding relationship with the US Marines stationed at the US Embassy in Cape Town, and regularly attend each other’s functions, such as mess meetings, parades, luncheons, military dinners.

Mr Alan Brashaw (centre) with Western Cape members of the Transvaal Scottish Regimental Association (from left to right), Neville Bennett, Malcolm Stephenson, Peter and Magda Bolton, Jacques van Wyk with his partner Janine O’Connor, and Gordon Sharman (Chairman).

The luncheon ended with

the awarding of raffle prizes to several lucky recipients!

A Big Thank You to the kitchen staff and helpers who decorated the dining room so beautifully in the Dukes colours, and who prepared such a hearty and delicious meal of soup, roast meat and vegetables, and of course the familiar favourite dessert, ice cream with hot chocolate sauce.

Guests were entertained by the marvelous Dukes Band, looking resplendent in their scarlet tunics, under the baton of Captain Len Taylor. The Band will be performing at Rosedale on Monday evening, 21 May, at 19h00, and residents as well as guests are invited to attend what is sure to be a delightful evening of music.

NEW BOOKS THE REGISTER OF SOUTHERN AFRICAN AIRMEN OF THE GREAT WAR 1914 – 1918 BY MICHAEL SCHOEMAN AND MAC BISSET. Southern African Airmen is a ‘must have’ book for anyone researching the air services of World War 1, in particular the men who served. Covering all roles, men who served in the South African Aviation Corps, 26 (SA) Squadron as pilots, observers and ground crew. Are recorded. There are short biographies based on medical cards, personnel records and a variety of other resources for all men who served in the various theatres of war. Men who were born in South Africa and who served in foreign Commonwealth forces, and those from other countries who served in South African contingents are all recorded. The front of the book contains a brief history of the South African Aviation

Services and how the biographies were compiled. There is also a comprehensive abbreviation list. Scattered throughout the book are photos and men, some published for the first time. Other details include school, training, types of planes flown, and what happened to those that survived the war. This book has been a long time in creation and the authors are to be commended. The information contained in these 390 pages contain a reef of data waiting to be mined by social historians as well as its obvious use for genealogical and military researchers. All credit to the time, love and patience invested by Michael Schoeman and Mac Bisset on this all-encompassing book. Dr Anne Samson, Royal Historical Society, Great War in Africa association, First World War in Africa Network. Anyone interested in obtaining the book can contact Mac Bisset on 021 686 6309.

THE BRAVEST MAN IN THE BRITISH ARMY – The extraordinary life and death of Lieutenant Colonel John Sherwood Kelly VC by Philip Bujak.

The life of Lieutenant Colonel Kelly was also covered in the December 2017 edition of the SPRINGBOK. I have not yet seen a review of this new book, but am sure that it certainly worth reading. I am not aware where the book will be available, or if it is already available.

PROTEA TOPS FOR BANNERS If there are branches that are interested in obtaining a Protea for the top of their banners, please contact the editor who will put you touch with a veteran that manufactures them in the Pretoria area.

OBITUARIES BLOEMFONTEIN Pieterse.Legionnaire Ebeling.

J.

Legionnaire M. Kraft. Legionnaire T.

BRAKPAN Legionnaire Kobus van Wyk. Elbourne.

Legionnaire L.

CAPE TOWN Legionnaire R. Monthe. Legionnaire A. D. Kilgour.

Legionnaire B. Amos.

CENTRAL WITS Legionnaire M. Knight, DURBAN Legionnaire Gerald Snyders. Legionnaire M. Adrian, Legionnaire B. Tanner.

EAST LONDON Legionnaire F. Potgieter. Legionnaire N. Flemmer, Legionnaire T. Godin KIMBERLEY Legionnaire Lawrie Shuttleworth. Legionnaire Shuttleworth was borne in Grahamstown on 14 November 1914 and studies at the Rhodes University. He started flying before the Second World War started and joined the ‘Pirow’ Pilot Training Scheme of the South African Air Force in 1937. During the Second World War he was shot down twice and hade to make a sea crash landing. By the end of the war he had logged some 1 700 flying hours and was awarded the Distinguish Flying Cross (DFC).

He settled in Kimberley where he served on the Kimberley City Council from 1968 to 1994. From 1972 to 1974 he was Mayor of Kimberley during which time he bestowed the Freedom of the City on the late Harry Openheimer.

He was instrumental in establishing the Pioneer Aviation Museum on the outskirts of Kimberley.

PIETERMARITZBURG Legionnaire Len Lumley.

PORT ALFRED Legionnaire N. Levine.

SOWETO Legionnaire Edward Michael Mamatela, World War Two Veteran.

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 Legionnaire Charles Ross. Layout and typesetting by Legionnaire Godfrey Giles. Body text was set in Arial, 11pt, and headers, Arial Bold 12pt. Printed using Nashua Photocopier, thanks to Nashua Central. National LOTTO Distribution Fund supported.

SA LEGION STRUCTURE

Patron in Chief: President, Hon.Cyril Ramaphosa Past Presidents for Life: • Legionnaire Lawrie Poorter • Legionnaire Jurie Van der Merwe • Legionnaire Chris PC de B Venter Honorary Life Vice Presidents: • Legionnaire Arthur Blake • Legionnaire Lourens Human • Legionnaire CJJ Jooste • Legionnaire Bazil Kriel National President: Legionnaire Godfrey Giles National V/President: Legionnaire Brian Klopper National Treasurer: Legionnaire Steve Heiberg National Secretary: Legionnaire Riana Venter van Zyl National Membership: Legionnaire Shadrack Sealome National Gender: Legionnaire M Manetjie National Welfare: Legionnaire Brian Smith National PR: Legionnaire Charles Ross Regional Chairmen: • Eastern Cape: Legionnaire Brian Klopper • Free State: Lgr Deon Bester • Gauteng: Lgr Brian Smith • Kwa-Zulu Natal: Lgr Rick Andriés • UK & Europe: Lgr Cameron Kinnear

Branches: • Alexandria • Attridgeville • Bedford • Benoni • Bloemfontein • Botshabelo • Brakpan • Cape Canopy • Cape Town • Central Wits • Durban • East London • England • Europe • Grahamstown • Kagiso

South African Legion of Military Veterans PO Box 1936 Houghton 2041 Tel: 010 595 4222 Email: pr@salegion.org

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