Springbok newsletter june 2015

SA LEGION SPRINGBOK 2013

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ISSN number 221-9854

Newsletter Date: June 2015

NATIONAL PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE 2015 has been a busy year already. So much has been achieved by our branches and their members. Reading the various articles in this edition one can see the highlights yet there is more that is not reported. We need to stop and thank them for what they are doing to assist others. So many Legionnaires are living up to our motto “Not for ourselves but for others”.

There are three obituaries in this edition that mark ends of eras as all of them played huge roles in the Legion. Firstly Lgr Frank Sexwale, chairman of the Soweto Branch for ten years and represented South Africa overseas on a number of occasions. He would visit the Soweto Legion Chapel as often as he could.

Lgr Dave Forsyth worked tirelessly for the Legion assisting others and would go the extra mile so often. At our last Congress Dave was thanked for his services and made a Honorary Life Vice President which he richly deserved. Dave was an institution in East

London especially in Naval circles.

Lgr Tony Eldridge also a Honorary Life Vice President played a significant role in East London and the Naval Association form many years. Tony returned to the UK in 2004 but did visit a few times and I was fortunate to have met him. This was a very special Legionnaire and he wore his SA Legion tie on most occasions.

Although we are going to miss them, let us salute them by carrying on the great work that they did.

Thanks to the National Head Quarters staff for their ongoing efforts, especially Lgr Marrietta Venter.

Once again Lgr Charles Ross has produced a fantastic Springbok and he has made the Facebook page really something to be proud of. It gives updates and very interesting articles on an ongoing basis.

Finally do look at joining us on the Delville Wood Centenary Tour next year.

Lgr Godfrey Giles

Inside this issue:

Special points of interest:

2016 Delville Wood Centenary Tour

2

Branch News

6

Remembrances

14

Centenary of World War 1

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Legion Shirts—formal and golf

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St Barbara—Patron Saint of all Artillerymen and Women

19

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Bloemfontein (Hamilton) War Cemetery

75th Anniversary of World War 2

26

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War Poems

Obituaries

35

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NEWS FROM NATIONAL HEAD- and certain decisions recommended. Due to the in depth discussions the meeting was QUARTERS unable to complete its work, so follow up NEW GRAND PRESIDENT OF ROYAL COMMONWEALTH EX-SERVICES LEAGUE The South African Legion of Military Veterans (the Legion), a founder member of the Royal Commonwealth Ex-Services League (RCEL), is delighted with General The Lord Richards announcement that His Royal Highness The Duke of York, Prince Andrew, has agreed to take over the role of Grand President from His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Phillip.

It is with sadness yet full understanding that HRH, Prince Phillip, will be standing down after 41 years of loyal service to our veterans at the helm of the League. The Legion will be sending our heartfelt thanks to HRH Prince Phillip in due course as well as welcoming and congratulating HRH Prince Andrew.

Prince Andrew, Duke of York KG GCVO CD ADC, is the second son and third child of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. He has an excellent military service record, including operational flying during the Falklands War and he already has strong connections with the Commonwealth.

His Royal Highness also supports many charitable and not-for-profit organisations and maintains close links with the Armed Forces.

MEDAL PRESENTATION At a medal presentation was held at the Ditsong National Museum for Military History during which a large number of medals and certificates were presented to recipients.

NATIONAL EXECUTIVE A very successful National Executive Committee workshop was held in Midrand on 6 and 7 June 2015. At the meeting various aspects of the Legion was discussed in depth

meeting is being planned. Once all discussions have been completed minutes will be distributed MEDAL PROJECT

Since the launch of the Medal Project in November 2014 a total of 1 219 medals have been presented to 699 recipients. 890 medals has been presented to 524 recipients in South Africa, 131 medals to 87 recipients in Australia and new Zealand, 95 medals to 50 recipients in the United Kingdom, 45 medals to 22 recipients in the United States of America and 58 medals to 16 recipients in the United Arab Emirates, Bagdad, Europe and the Far East.

600 outstanding medal applications are currently still with the SANDF. LEGION SHIRTS The Durban branch have received the consignment of formal white Legion shirts with the Legion emblem on the pocket. Cost of the shirts are R 100.00 each and are to be ordered directly from the Durban Legion Secretary, Johann Kruger at salegiondbn@telkomsa.net Durban branch advised that shirts are a small make, so for normal XL order XXL etc. Please e-mail proof of payment to Johann Kruger.

Durban Branch banking details:Bank: First National Bank Branch: Florida Road, Durban Branch Code: 220526 Account Name: South African Legion Account Number: 50740009599 Account Type: Current Account Durban branch will shortly order green golf shirts which will be available at R 150.00 each. Details will be provided once the golf shirts have been received.

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NEWS FROM THE VARIOUS PORTFO- Park, and Ulster Tower, followed by Braai and LIO REPRESENTATIVES walking tour of Delville Wood.

PROJECTS 2016 Delville Wood Centenary Tour.

Trust that you are all aware of the 2016 Delville Wood Tour, if not there may still be time to submit your name to Lgr Kevin Bolton at email Kevin.Bolton@NavWorld.co.za Here is the programme for the tour: Wednesday 06 Jul 16. Depart from O R Tambo for Charles de Gaulle.

Day 1 Thursday 07 Jul 16.

Arrive Charles de Gaulle Airport meet guide and transport. “Marry up� with the South African Veterans Organisation of Australasia (SAVOA) and depart for Albert, visit to Underground Museum, followed by visit to Thiepval Memorial to the Missing and Visitors Centre. Attend rehearsal at Delville Wood for Ceremony on Sunday 10 July 2016 before checking in to the Holiday Inn Express in Arras.

Day 2 Friday 8 Jul 16. Following an early breakfast the group departs for the Arques la Battaille Ceremony. Here the group will be joined by the members of the United Kingdom branch of the South African Legion.

Luncheon at Arques. Return to Arras and some free time.

Day 3 Saturday 9 Jul 16. After breakfast the coach departs for visit to Vimy Ridge trench systems and tunnels, Lochnagar Memorial Crater, Pozieres Memorial and village, Tank Memorial, Visit the grave of Captain Clement Robertson VC who is commemorated on the commemorative plaque of South Africans awarded the Victoria Cross during World War One in the Castle in Cape Town, Beaumont Hamel Newfoundland Memorial

Day 4 Sunday 10 Jul 16. Once again an early breakfast and check out of the Holiday Inn Express in Arras before departing for the Delville Wood Parade and Ceremony. After lunch the group departs for the Wood for Butte de Warlencourt and visit the grave of Major Percy Nugent Fitzpatrick the son of Sir Percy Fitzpatrick, initiator of the two minutes silence that is still observed today at all remembrance ceremonies across the World.

Major Fitzpatrick is one of four members of the South African Heavy Artillery that are buried in the Red Cross Corner Cemetery, Beugny.

Then journey to Belgium and town of Ypres. Check in to the Novhotel in Ypres.

Day 5 Monday 11 Jul 16. Day will once again start with breakfast before the group departs for visit to the Ypres salient which will include visits to Messines Ridge (including the Messines British Cemetery where 55 South Africans are commemorated, 10 known and 45 unknown), Irish Park and Tower, German trench systems at Bayernwald, Hill 60, Tyne Cot Cemetery (where 95 South Africans are commemorated 24 known and 71 unknown), Yorkshire trenches and Essex Farm.

On completion of the tour the group will return to Ypres for some free time prior to attending the Last post ceremony at the Menin Gate during which wreaths will be laid by members of the group. 560 South Africans are commemorated on the panels of the Menin Gate.

Day 6 Tuesday 12 Jul 16. 08.00. Breakfast. Coach departs for visit to Hooge Crater Museum, followed by Yorkshire Trench, Brandhoek cemetery and grave of Captain Noel Chavasse VC and Bar, one of only three

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recipients of a double Victoria Cross, Diksmuide and Trench of Death, and Ijzer Tower. Then return to the hotel.

Day 7 Wednesday 13 Jul 16. Day 7 will again start with a leisurely breakfast where after the coach will depart for visits to the Flanders Field Museum, a Dugout Experience at Zonnebeke. The group will also visit and lay a wreath at the newly erected memorial to the South Africans who died during the battles around Ypres.

The group will then return to Ypres for some free time before attending the Farewell R2,000.00 required to confirm a booking Dinner. Various guests have been invited to join us at the dinner which includes the for- and R12,000.00 to be paid by 30 December mer Belgium Military Attaché to South Africa. 2015. The total amount of R20, 000.00 needs to be paid by 30 March 2016. Anyone wishing Day 8 Thursday 14 Jul 16. After break- to pay up front may do so. fast and check out of the hotel, the coach Interest on the monies in the “Trust” acdeparts for Paris for check in at Charles de count will be credited to each person.

Gaulle.

Should the price be more – each person will Day 9 Friday 15 Jul 16. Arrive OR Tam- be informed well in advance and monies will bo International Airport. need to be paid before departure.

Account Details.

Costs. The cost is estimated to be in the region of R 20 000 for the tour package Name: SA Legion (price will be confirmed in early 2016 and is Bank: Standard Bank Killarney subject to exchange rates), excluding air tickets. The costs include, all hotel acAccount Number: 200355694 commodation and breakfast, luxury Coach Branch Code: 007205 for transport, fund for incidentals, memorabilReference: DW 2016, Your Name ia of the tour (tour shirts, caps etc.)

Contact.

What it does not include are the following; air ticket, cost of visa, travel insurMarietta Venter at SA Legion 011 486 4533 ance, lunches (some might be supplied on (nationalsecretary@alegion.org) or Kevin Bolthe coach while travelling), suppers, en- ton on 011 791 0205 or 082 564 3639 trance fees to museums, drinks and (Kevin.Bolton@NavWorld.co.za) spending money, driver’s gratuity etc.

PUBLIC RELATIONS Other Travel Arrangements. Provision Briefing the 36th Pretoria (Sinoville) can be made for those wanting to fly earlier and return later but arrangements must be Scout Troop. An invitation was sent to the made in good time. If sufficient numbers want Sinoville Scout Troop to attend the SS Mendi to go elsewhere, let us know so that we can Memorial Service in Atteridgeville and to lay a wreath. Unfortunately this clashed with the try to arrange another extended tour.

“Scouts’ Founder’s Fling” and they could not Payment. A special “Trust” account will be attend. However the Chairman of the Pretoria set up by the SA Legion especially for this branch, Lgr Charles Ross, was invited to brief tour for safe keeping. In order to establish the the Scouts at the weekly meeting on Friday best deal for those interested we need to get 20 February 2015. numbers as soon as possible. So the follow- British South Africa Police (BSAP) Vetering will apply: ans Annual General Meeting. The Legion

SA LEGION SPRINGBOK 2015/1 was invited to address the members of the British South Africa Police Veterans’ at their Annual General Meeting at The View on Friday 13 March 2015. Having got lost initially, Lgr Charles Ross briefed the meeting on the role and function of the South African Legion of Military Veterans and that former members of the BSAP, as approved at the 2014 National Congress, is eligible to join the Legion.

A number of application forms were handed out.

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ties on the Western Front and World War One.

A series on the cemeteries and memorials where South African casualties from the World Wars are commemorated by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission was started recently and have received positive comments. To date the Hamilton War Cemetery in Bloemfontein, Rooidam Military Cemetery in Bloemfontein, Palmietkuil South War Cemetery and Memorial, Dar es Salaam War Boksburg Athletics Club Comrades Mar- Cemetery, Plumstead Cemetery and the Dido athon Talk. Lgr Dave Francis was invited Valley Naval Cemetery has been covered. to a Comrades talk on Thursday night 05 May 2015 at the Boksburg Athletic Club. The Activities of the United Kingdom branch of President of the club insisted that Lgr Francis the Legion as well as articles of interest are wear military fatigues with a poppy. As Lgr shared onto the South African page.

Francis’ uniform did not fit him anymore he While the Facebook Page is very well supwore our military veteran’s uniform with WW2 ported by numerous visits and “likes” we need medals, (to help look the part). The theme more branch news to be posted on the page. was the relevance of the poppy and why the Branches and individuals are urged to send Comrades is run, as it is the 90th event. Lgr reports and photos of all activities to the EdiFrancis confessed that he have not tried hard tor at chross@iafrica.com. Let us really put enough with the Comrades Association to in a great effort during the rest of the year to bring back the poppy into the race. This will include MUCH MORE branch news on the change, because he convinced the audience page - ED at the talk and most of them agree with the United Kingdom Facebook Page. As is significance of the poppy. the case of the South African page the memSouth African Facebook Page.

The bership keeps growing and is approaching 2 South African Facebook page of the South 000 members. Branch activities are posted African Legion is growing steadily and is fast on the page and once again positive comapproaching the 3 000 members. All branch ments are received. Included in the postings activities that are received are posted on the are activities of the Royal British Legion with whom the branch is associated as well as a variety of military articles and stories including the “Bush War”.

Many of the articles posted on the South African page is shared on the United Kingdom page.

A separate page for members of the United Kingdom branch only has also been launched with great success.

Canada Facebook Page. While is not yet a Legion branch in Canada membership of the Facebook page remains steady. At present there are 70 members to the page. Most page and invariable receive positive com- of the South African and United Kingdom artiments from the very wide variety of mem- cles are shared to the Canada page. bers. This is supplemented by military articles of interest, including daily diary of activi- New Zealand Facebook Page. Unfortu-

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nately due a lack interest this page had to Macaskill and E. Boshoff were chosen as closed. committee members.

South African Website. Due to challenges the website is not yet active.

United Kingdom Website. The website is very popular and kept up to date by the members of the United Kingdom branch.

BRANCH NEWS

BLOEMFONTEIN BRANCH Branch President, Lgr, Jurie van der Merwe and Vice President Lgr, At Vorster were elected for the year 2015/2016. The branch is pleased to report that a number of new members have joined the branch since the beginning of the year. Sadly Lgr B. Jones passed to higher service. Members of the branch participated in the annual Veterans Day Walk at the Tempe Military Base on Saturday 13 June 2015.

The branch Annual General Meeting took place on 25 May 2015 and the following offic-

BRAKPAN BRANCH Apex Base and South African Legion Breakfast. The best breakfast you will ever have in Brakpan is the annual South African Legion Breakfast, which is hosted each year by Apex Military Base on 15 February 2015. The SA Legion (Brakpan Branch) are responsible for the all the costs of the breakfast for which a donation, is then requested from the patrons, to raise much needed funds for all military veterans.

This breakfast has however taken on a most important secondary role, which is the awarding of medals and decorations to those members who were entitled to receive a medal or medals for service rendered to their country, but for some reason were not awarded these medals during the time of their service.

As these members are no longer serving in the SANDF or have passed on, this initiative by the SA Legion allows members or their families to receive those decorations that were due to them, even if it is many years after the service was rendered. The pride and joy on the faces of these veterans when receiving their medals, gives testimony too, what a wonderful service this is to all the veterans.

CAPE TOWN BRANCH

On Saturday 14 March 2015 another Medal Presentation Ceremony took place at Rosedale in Cape Town. During the ceremony 48 ...medals were presented to 25 recipies bearers were elected: Lgr. W Stofberg as ents. Two John Chard Medals were included Chairman and K Van Heerden as Vice Chair- in the medals presented. These must have man and members of the committee Lgrs. W. stofberg, K. van Heerden, W. de Beer, V. Fourie, H Steyn, W Janse van Rensburg and G Van Heerden.

The housing Annual General Meeting was held on 20 June 2015 during which the following was elected as office bearers: Lgr. W Stofberg as Chairman and K Van Heerden as Vice Chairman of the ex-volunteers housing organization and Lgrs. W. Stofberg, K van Heerden, W. de Beer, V. Fourie, H. Steyn, W.. Janse van Rensburg, G van Heerden, D

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been earned a long time ago, possibly prior assist with the erection of a monument in to 1994.

Mesen to honour the South Africans who paid the supreme sacrifice during the battles in DURBAN BRANCH Flanders. Accordingly, we have proudly conThe branch is pleased to report that the tributed an amount of R5 000 towards the newly established SA Legion Club for ex- R100 000 required for this purpose. servicemen/women has taken off with a Natal Provincial Conference took place at bang! Not only does it have the support of Scottburgh on Saturday 13 June 2015 and the Durban Branch and the Provincial comwas attended by both the National President mittees, it also has the very enthusiastic apand National Secretary. proval of our National President, Lgr Godfrey Giles and the National Executive. The pur- EAST LONDON BRANCH pose of this Club is pretty obvious - i.e. to The branch is going through a rough time give members the opportunity to meet regu- with the passing of serving Chairman Lgr larly and to socialise. For more details con- Dave Forsyth and the move from the Buffalo tact the Branch Secretary, Lgr Johann Kru- Volunteer Rifles Headquarters to the new ger, premises in Lions Club.

Thanks in the main to the recently established SA Legion Club, 20 new member Lgr’s P. Sorenson and S. S. Foxcroft attended the Eastern Cape Provincial Annual Genjoined the Durban branch. eral Meeting over the week-end of 23 and 24 After many years’ service Lgr Bev Smith May 2015 at Kenton-on-Sea. Both members resigned as branch secretary at the end of were elected to represent the branch on the February 2015. The branch is pleased to Provincial Committee. welcome Lgr Johann Kruger as the new branch secretary. Members of the Durban 12 Members attended the branch held its branch are encouraged to visit Johann. As Annual General Meeting on 10 June 2015 we have to vacate our Branch HQ by mid- during which the following office bearers were year, our new office, in the ‘old’ Womens’ elected: Lgr P. Sorenson as Chairman, Lgr A. Auxiliary meeting room at BESL Court - our J. Step as Vice Chairman, Lgr S. S. Foxcroft block of 42 flats in Umbilo Road - is currently as Secretary and Lgr’s C. Hutchison, C. being re-furbished for this purpose. We look Naude, M. Cook and E. Moscos as members forward to moving there during May. The only of the branch committee. With new blood negative that comes to mind is the shortage elected to the committee the branch is confiof parking space, so be warned! dent that it will be able to put aside all the The Durban office recently received from trials and tribulations. the following 39 medals from National Head- The branch is planning a memorial service quarters: Pro Patria Medal x 15; Southern shortly to honour the late Lgr Tony Eldridge Africa Medal x 7; General Service Medal x who served the Legion with dedication for 11; Unitas Medal x 5; Military Merit Medal x 1 many years and sadly Passed to Higher serand nine medal certificates. We are busy vice in the United Kingdom a week or two contacting the recipients with a view to hav- after the Passing to Higher service of the ing our National President making a formal branch’s serving Chairman, the late Lgr Dave presentation all 20 ex-servicemen at our Forsyth.

Conference on June 13th. Unfortunately and understandably, some of them cannot make The annual Delville Wood collection is it, so they will need to collect them from our scheduled for Saturday 11 July 2015. office or come to some other mutual arrangeKIMBERLEY BRANCH ment.

At it’s meeting in March, the Branch Com- The NC Region of the SANDF’s Reserve mittee agreed to support this appeal by the Force Council has submitted a request that SA Defence Attaché to BENELUX, the E.U. the RSA Govt/SANDF consider sending a and Liaison to NATO, Col Maryna Fondse to composite Guard of 96 privates, provided by

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the 19 Regiments who provided the troops for 1 SA Inf Bde, for the Centenary Services at Delville Wood (in France) in 2016.

It is quite fitting and we hope they will accede to and organise this pilgrimage. (This is a very noble suggestion and it is sincerely hoped that the “powers to be” will agree. ED). The S A Legion NHQ is arranging a pilgrimage – if anyone is interested, kindly contact the office and the Secretary will provide you with a Flyer giving the preliminary arrangements.

vice of the Battle of Square Hill on Sunday 20 September at 15h00, followed by the Poppy Day Street Collection on Saturday 8 November and the National Remembrance Day Service at 11h00 on Sunday 9 November. We are pleased to report that we have re-ignited our discussions with the Sol Plaatje City Council with regard to updating the Cenotaph, in order to include the names of all citizens in the surrounding areas of Kimberley who paid the ultimate sacrifice in all wars, including the SWA/Angola Campaign and the Liberation Struggle. A presentation by the Branch Committee was given to the LED Committee of the Sol Plaatje Municipality in mid-May. We sincerely hope to achieve our goals by this year’s Remembrance Day Service in November.

The Kimberley Branch remains active in its operations to assist military veterans where ever possible, i.e application for military disability pensions, disability pension increases for deterioration of injuries sustained during active service, application for medals either lost or never awarded, etc. and we continue to assist needy, unemployed veterans in the PIETERMARITZBURG BRANCH form of grocery shopping vouchers on a biannual basis. We are dependent on dona- Once again a very successful social evening tions and thus cannot meet all the demands was held at ththe Office on the evening of Wednesday 8 April where all who attended placed on us. shared in a “Boerie Bring & Braai”. The office The present serving committee consists of supplied relish and a bean salad and memPresident Lgr Elliott Dempster, Chairman Lgr bers brought their own rolls and wors and a Callie Beukes, Vice Chairman Lgr Chris cash bar was available for those wishing to Marnitz, Secretary/ Treasurer Mrs Ros Eras- partake of a beverage. mus and committee members Lgrs Stefan Marx, Riaan Bode, Dirk Slabbert, John Pa- If you have not yet attended one of these social evenings make an effort to come to the ton, Ramon Allen next one as it is a very pleasant way to get to The Annual Re-union Dinner of the Kimber- meet your fellow Legionnaires. If you don’t ley Regiment Association will be held on Sat- know anyone then come along and make new urday 15 August 2015. This is a very pleas- friends. After all as the song by the late Jim ant evening and a good three course meal Reeves went “A stranger is just a friend you served at a very reasonable cost. Enquiries do not know”. can be made at the office..

All residents of the S. A. Legion Cottages The usual annual functions will be held this and War Memorial Homes, MOTH Cottages year, the first being the Remembrance Ser- and Leinster Court attended a sponsored lunch time braai at the S. A. Legion Office on Friday 8th May 2015.

The Annual General Meeting of the Pietermaritzburg Branch of the S. A. Legion was held at the Baptist Church Hall, Grosvenor Road on Tuesday 19th May 2015 at 16:30.

PORT ELIZABETH BRANCH The Annual General Meeting of the Branch took place on the 3rd May at the Aloe White Ensign Shellhole Dugout. 28 members were

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present – by far the biggest attendance for many years. The meeting was opened with a reading by our new Chaplain, Rev Mark Barth of St Paul's Church where after the Chairman, Lgr Klopper, presented his annual report which indicated that the Branch had enjoyed a busy year, what with the social outings, general meetings and the parades attended! He expressed his sincere thanks to his committee saying that it would be indeed difficult to function without their unhesitating support and assistance.

The Treasurer presented the audited financial statements, these showed that the Branch was financial healthy, however we will have to look at further fundraising if we are to honour our promised donations to our new project, 31 and 32 Battalion Veterans Associations – the forgotten soldiers who have been abandoned by the SANDF and forgotten by Government.

All of the Committee who had just stepped down were voted back into the Executive except for Lgr Mike Evans who had withdrawn from the nominations – his place was taken by Lgr Ian Shaw; and so your are all saddled with Lgrs Klopper, Morton, Smith, Bartie, Engelbrecht, Joubert and Wolfaard for another year – at least the new face of Lgr Shaw will be a change!

Grey High School Trooping of the Colours.

The annual Trooping of the Colours parade took place at Grey High School on Friday, 22nd May 2015. The parade starts at 16h00 which whilst it is normally still reasonably warmish, this year there was a cold wind blowing and the high cloud base meant that

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by the end of the parade at 17h00 it was getting dark! The parade was its usual excellence and the cadets are to be complimented for their standard. The Band now has 65 members and puts on an excellent show – it is a large band by any standard. The first Trooping of the Colours by the School was on the 3rd June 1938, but is was only in 1957 that is became an annual event. The Inspecting Officer was Rear Admiral Robert W Higgs SM MMM, Chief of Naval Staff. The Admiral was the Deputy Head Boy at the School in 1975. It was good to see the number of S A Legion members present at the Parade.

Some 7 new members were inducted and received their Certificate of Membership as well as the booklet “Not for ourselves”. The Chairman also presented the Rev Barth with the Legion blazer badge for his stole.

The Executive have adopted two major donation projects for 2015. These are to assist the desperate situation of the members of the former 31 Battalion and 32 Battalion. Both these two battalions are regarded as forgotten soldiers from the Border Wars. “We fought side by side with the Bushmen as brave warriors... The Bushmen being small people, our unit was also small, but this never scared us a bit... We were the David against Goliath in the SWA Bush War”.

The Port Elizabeth Branch of the South African Legion of Military Veterans has accepted this Project for the year 2015. Help in the form of funding to assist with the SCHOOLING will be the primary objective, however assistance with Health, Electricity and Water will form an intrinsic part of the Schooling Assistance.

Should any member wish to assist or make a contribution to these worthy Projects, please contact Legionnaire Brian Klopper at klophamer@yahoo.com or 081 270 4374 PRETORIA BRANCH As part of the Legion’s ongoing project outstanding medals for 24 recipients residing in the Pretoria area was given to the branch for distribution. This included 35 medals and 4 certificates. It was decided to hold the ceremony at the GEM Village Irene on Saturday 14 March 2015. Invitations were sent to all 24 recipients and their families. Unfortunately only 16 of the 24 recipients could attend the

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ceremony.

The recipients and their families gathered at the hall in the GEM Village Irene where the Chairman of the branch, in his opening address welcomed them and briefed them on the South African Legion of Military Veterans.

Lieutenant General (Ret) Raymond Holtzhausen SSA SD SM MMM then presented the medals and certificates to the recipients.

In his address General Holtzhausen congratulated the medal recipients and spoke about the responsibilities of officers and other ranks based on his original Act of Commission.

Guests then enjoyed refreshments prepared by the GEM Village Ladies and many new friends were made. The ceremony received wide coverage on Facebook as many of the recipients posted photos on their respective pages.

One of the members of the Pretoria branch of the South African Legion of Military Veterans, Lgr Chris Szabo and his wife Janet spent most of May 2015 on St Helena Island and following the branch meeting on Saturday 26 June 2015, with a sherry for the cold and some chips, shared their experiences with the members present at the meeting.

This included the passage from Cape Town on board the RMS St Helena, the many interesting sites that they visited during their stay on the island and the return passage. Very interesting. Some of the very interesting sites included the memorial to the crew of the RFA Darkdale, house where Napoleon stayed and his grave, and the graves of the Boer Prisoners of War from

the South African War (Anglo Boer War 1899 – 1902).

The Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) Darkdale was launched on 30 July 1940 and sailed from the Clyde as part of Convoy OB 246 on 21 November 1940. She participated a number of convoys and returned for some repairs early part of 1941. She sailed as part of Convoy OB 338 on 21 June 1941 for Curacoa in the Caribbean. From here she sailed for St Helena Island where she arrived on 04 August 19141 to become the South Atlantic oiler anchored off Jamestown. On 21 October 1941 the Captain and five members of the crew were ashore when shortly after midnight the German submarine U68 torpedoed RFA Darkdale. She exploded and sank with the loss of the remaining 41 crew members.

The 41 crew are commemorated on a memorial in Jamestown.

On 18 June 2015 the Battle of Waterloo on 18 June 1815 was commemorated. This was the defeat of Napoleon and he was sent to St Helena Island where he lived until his death on 05 May 1821. The house where Napoleon lived, Longwood House was given to the French and original grave with no inscription are still maintained by the islanders.

The branch donated R 5 000.00 to the new Messines Memorial in Belgium.

LEGION MOTORCYCLE CLUB The club has been very active since the beginning of the year. Apart from being involved in numerous charity activities the club also attended three parades in Pretoria while co-hosting the Pro-Patria reunion at the Re-

SA LEGION SPRINGBOK 2015/1 veille Shellhole with great success. The club also “raided” the Gap Shellhole in Boksburg which was a great success.

The club’s war graves cleaning project is doing very well and 44 war graves have been cleaned while an old wooden cross of an “Unknown Soldier” have been restored. In one of the cemeteries a headstone to a soldier who died from his wounds from the Battle of Delville Wood was found and cleaned.

Other activities include the outing to the Animal Sterilisation Rock and Roll Day and a day spent with the newly established South African Veteran Signallers Association. A member of the club promoted the club at the African Bike Week. Who knows there may be a charter on the South Coast shortly.

All Legion members are invited to the Log Cabin on Friday afternoons.

UNITED KINGDOM BRANCH Commonwealth Day: Every year on the second Monday in March, 53 countries join together in celebration of the links they share as members of one diverse and dynamic global family - the modern British Commonwealth.

Commonwealth Day in the United Kingdom began with a service of remembrance and the laying of wreaths at the Commonwealth Memorial Gates on Constitution Hill in London. The South African Legion was once again honoured to attend this parade in London, and we were even more honoured to lay a wreath alongside all the dignitaries in honour of the South African lives given to the British Crown under the Commonwealth agreement. From WW1 and WW2 and even to the present day.

Her Majesty The Queen officially inaugurated the Memorial Gates on Constitution Hill in London in 2002 as a lasting memorial to honour the five million men and women from the Indian subcontinent, South Africa, the African continent, Caribbean and Nepal who volunteered to serve the Empire with the Armed Forces during the First and Second World Wars.

The Gates also celebrate the contribution that these men and women and their descendants, members of the Commonwealth family, continue to make to the rich diversity

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of British society As the Queen’s Life Guard rode by on their way to perform their duties at Horse Guards Parade, and the Band of the Coldstream Guards provided musical accompaniment, Ministers, Commonwealth representatives, service personnel, veterans - including The South African Legion, and children from the City of London School Combined Cadet Force gathered near Hyde Park Corner for the annual service The Rt Hon Eric Pickles MP, Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government in his speech at the event said: “In both world wars millions of soldiers from across the Commonwealth fought side-by-side, defending the values of freedom and liberty, and defeating the dark forces of tyranny and oppression.

Every Commonwealth country shares this proud history, but we also share enduring values, which provide enormous opportunities for future cooperation.”

To open the wreath laying, representing His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales, Field Marshal Sir John Chapple laid a wreath. This was followed by Major General Ed SmythOsbourne, General Officer Commanding the Household Division and Headquarters London District, who laid a wreath on behalf of the Chief of the Defence Staff of the Ministry of Defence. Sir John Major, attended the event for the third year in a row and also laid a wreath. Further wreaths where laid from a variety of other organisations, called up to lay a wreath on behalf of the South African Legion was Lgr Tom Mason.

At the closing of the parade everybody adjourned for tea in the marquee.

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We thank the following Legionnaires who took time out their busy schedules to attend and represent The South African Legion on a working week day - Tom Mason, Andrew Bergman, Chis Mulder, Theo Fernandes, Stuart Robertson and Peter Dickens. Images thanks to Theo Fernandes - and thanks to Colonel Tim Coles from the Memorial Trust for giving us the opportunity to remember the South African sacrifice.

A Real Military Hero: Sub-Lieutenant Anthony Eldridge DSC. Meet a real military hero who was laid to rest on Friday 17 April 2015 - read on to learn a lot about a phenomenal man and his life's work.

As Legion it was our absolute privilege and honour to be involved in giving an appropriate send-off to a military hero and our colleague Lgr. Tony Eldridge.

The South African Legion's Standard was carried in slow march along with the Submariners Association's Standard as they flanked Tony's Grandson - Brendan James Currie who carried his Grandfather's medals and submariner’s dolphin pin on a black cushion in front of the coffin.

As is the honour afforded any Legion veteran we arranged for the coffin to be covered with both a Union Jack and the South African National Flag (at his family's request). At the close of the funeral the Last Post was played and this brought the Standards to dip during the minutes silence inside the Church.

The South African Legion's padre added to the ministerial service and read from Psalm 107 after the family gave their eulogies. The South African Legion UK branch also arranged metal and paper poppies for all the mourners and arranged a poppy bouquet on behalf of the SA Legion HQ. Our sincere condolances to Tony's family and what is a massive loss. The Legionnaires in attendance were Peter Dickens (Standard Bearer), Terence Rowe, Rev. Nicholas Pnematicatos (Padre) and Christian Bredenkamp.

Riders Day: The South African Legion’s United Kingdom Branch was out and about with our brother organization The Royal British Legion in London on the 24th May 2015, supporting the Royal British Legion Riders

Branch at their annual Riders Day held at the Ace Café.

The South African Legion set up their display tent next to the highly memorable South African Defence Force “Buffel” (Buffalo) Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) provided by the SA Forces Re-enactment group. The “Buffel” APC had to endure a £250 London low emission tax to get there – something it would never have anticipated in 1980 on a “kaplyn” patrol – but it was worth it as it stole the show.

To support the Poppy Appeal (the funds raised go to supporting veterans and their families), the RBL South African Branch was able to secure the key prizes from HarleyDavidson as a corporate donation. Prizes included his and her’s Harley-Davidson leather jackets and a Harley-Davidson helmet – as well as other merchandise. Our “PoppyPoppies” were quick off the mark to support the Rider’s fundraisers and headed into the crowd with Raffle Ticket books for the Appeal.

Theo Fernandes, our stall-wart “porra” manned the South African Legion’s stand with his daughter Shauna. Theo also provided free South African Legion merchandise and brochures. Theo’s depth of support knows no bounds and we are all proud of him.

Our fellow South African Legionnaire and RBL Rider - David John Hope, organized the event on behalf of the Royal British Legion Riders and our full congratulations go out to him for a stellar event – no mean feat as it included Custom bikes, “Remembrance” Custom bikes, Custom Trikes, “Marmite” (John’s custom “beast”), Royal Hospital “Chelsea” Pensioners, local mayors, two live rock bands

SA LEGION SPRINGBOK 2015/1 (Tomahawk and Mordecai) and Her Majesty’s armed forces where represented by The Rifles who also set up a display.

We made many friends, including some interesting Welsh riders who dedicate themselves in the United Kingdom to commemorate the famous South African Battle at Rorke’s Drift, one of them, Barbara was dressed in period attire complete with pith helmet of B Company 24th Foot – now the Royal Regiment of Wales.

Other Legionnaires in support with their families included Paul Duncan, Peter Dickens, Steve Moritz and Chris Mulder. Well done to all.

Founders Day: Royal Hospital - Founder's Day Parade held on 4th June 2015. The South African Legion branch in the United Kingdom enjoys an excellent relationship with the Royal Hospital in Chelsea, and it actually has two South African residents.

Here are some excellent photos provided from the Royal Hospital's PRO from their Founders Day Parade. Prince Andrew, Duke of York KG GCVO CD ADC(P) inspected the Chelsea Pensioners this year. The parade also included the awarding of France's Legion D'Honneur to all surviving World War 2 veterans who liberated France a massive honour bestowed by the French government after the 70th anniversary of the D Day landings.

As South African Legion we were privileged and honoured to attend this year's parade as guests, the parade is steeped in the type of pomp and ceremony that only the British can

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deliver, it commemorates the escape of the future King Charles II from parliamentary forces after the Battle of Worcester (1651) and is held as close as possible to this birthday on the 29th May. Many thanks to John Rochester for the invitations and for an outstanding parade. Legionnaires in attendance included Stuart Robertson, Peter Dickens, Simon McIlwaine and John Rochester Armed Forces Day Parade. Some of the images from yesterdays Armed Forces Day parade held in Woking England by the Royal Navy Association - in attendance as invited quests were The South African Legion and The Nepalese Gurkha Veterans Association.

I laid a wreath for the SA Legion and Peter Gilliat and Justin Bosanquet fell into the colour party carrying standards for The Royal Legion South African Branch and the South African Legion UK branch respectively.

On parade for the South Africans where Peter Dickens, Justin Bosanquet, Peter Gilliatt, Lesley Ferrando, Theo Fernandes, David Watt, Steve Moritz, Russel Mattushek - all proudly supported by their families.

After the parade we joined the RNA for a social at their club nearby, had a raffle, won some prizes and put some cold ones down range - well-earned after a nice warm English summer days parading.

SCOTLAND BRANCH Members of the Scotland branch attended the memorial service in Glasgow, commemorating the 75th anniversary, of the sinking of the RMT Lancastria on 17 June 1940. The RMT Lancastria was sunk by enemy action on 17 June 1940 – making it the greatest loss of life in British Maritime History.

EUROPE “OUTPOST” Memorial to Lancaster W4888: On a remote location in the Netherlands, the South African national flag permanently flutters proudly next to the Canadian, British and Dutch national flags - held high in grateful recognition of the sacrifice to liberate the country during World War 2 and to commemorate a special memorial and site. Recently the South African Legion representative in Europe, Andrew Bergman, was invited to join

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the SANDF Attache' to Belgium, Colonel Maryna Fondse, to remember a very special South African. This is the re-dedication ceremony of the plaque for the memorial of Lancaster W4888 which was attacked by a German night fighter and crashed on 5 May 1943 on its return from a bombing raid on Dortmund with the loss of six of the seven crew.

The South African connection is the pilot, Nicholas James Stanford (RAF 80378) who was born in South Africa in 1915 and enlisted in 1941 in Salisbury, Rhodesia. After his training he arrived at 101 Squadron and flew several operations. The re-dedication of the plaque, occurred in Workum (Vriesland) in the Netherlands today under the auspices of Workumer Verzetsmonument on the 16 April 2015.

A beautiful protea wreath was supplied by Colonel Fondse - and was laid in a joint ceremony with Andrew Bergman - it really did South Africa proud and it was an immeasurable honour for us to be able to participate in such a fitting and decorous ceremony. It is also most heartening to see the way that the town of Workum has ‘embraced’ this sad episode in their history, and continue to honour our fallen airmen "who fought for freedom and justice".

The clearly deep impression it all made on the men’s relatives – in the knowledge that the ultimate price paid by their ancestor is not forgotten - was pure gold! This is just some of the fantastic work been by the SANDF Defence attaché to Belgium/ Brussels EU - and to Colonel Maryna Fondse and her team and our sincere thanks. On days like this it makes us all eternally proud to be Legionnaires.

CANADA BRANCH There are currently not a Legion branch in Canada. However a number former South Africans, now residing in Canada, have enquired about starting a branch in Canada.

Peter Dickens the chairman of the United Kingdom branch have provided them with valuable information. So watch this space.

REMEMBRANCES SS MENDI MEMORIAL SERVICE SOWETO JOHANNESBURG The City of Johannesburg, supported by the Legion’s National Headquarters, held a successful SS Mendi memorial Service at the SS Mendi Memorial in the Avalon Cemetery in Soweto, Johannesburg. The service was as always well attended and Madam Speaker delivered the address. A large number of wreaths were laid by Foreign Dignitaries, SANDF and various veterans’ organisations.

SS MENDI MEMORIAL SERVICE ATTERIDGEVILLE A successful SS Mendi Memorial Service took place at the SS Mendi Memorial in the Gamothakga Resort in Atteridgeville, Pretoria on Sunday 22 February 2015. The Atteridgeville and Pretoria branches was supported by the Department of Military Veterans, South African National Defence Force and the Pretoria Memorial Services Council (PMSC).

The service was attended by a large crowd with the most senior been a representative of the Department of Military Veterans. The Chaplain used the poem by S. E. K. Mqhayi, SINKING OF THE MENDI as part of his sermon. The poem is included at the end of this edition. The various Arms of Service was

SA LEGION SPRINGBOK 2015/1 also represented as well as a number of veterans organisations. A total of 17 wreaths were laid and 10 crosses planted. The Legion’s wreath was laid by the chairman of the Atteridgeville branch while a member of the Atteridgeville branch, a survivor of the Second World War’s Native Military Corps, also laid a wreath. The South African Army Band: Limpopo was in attendance while the South African Navy provided the sentries at the memorial.

The service received wide media coverage in both the printed and the electronic media.

The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) broadcasted it on both the international news channel and the local SABC 3 news during the evening. The Afrikaans channel “Kyknet” broadcasted a short clip on the service on Monday morning 23 February 2015 on their programme “Dagbreek”.

THREE SHIPS SERVICE IN PORT ELIZABETH. The Annual Three Ships Service, ie the Mendi Service, was once again held at the St Paul's Church, Tucker Street, Parson's Hill PE on the 22 February 2015. The Service was conducted by the Reverend Marc Barth, the Rector of St Paul's.

Some 80 Legionnaires, MOTH, Sea Cadet, RAFA/SAAFA, Naval Officer Association, Royal Society, St John Ambulance members and other Friends of the Legion attended the service. A further coincidence of note was that Mrs Lesley Moore, the granddaughter of CPO MacTavish, a member of the SS Mendi crew who went down with the ship, was among us to pay her respects on the day.

After the Processional Hymn and the welcome, Lgr Brian Klopper (Chairman) read the Legion Prayer – which incidentally he composed! Thereafter followed the Lesson by Legionnaire Wolfaardt. Lgr Declan Brennan gave an excellent address, his theme embraced 3 ships which has permeated our history from the time of Jan van Riebeek who arrived with 3 ships; the battle of Muizenberg in which three Royal Navy ships took part, and so on up to the three ships involved in the SAS PRESIDENT KRUGER tragic sinking in 1982. The address was enjoyed by the

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congregation and informative to them as well.

Our visitor from the United Kingdom, Mr Nick Ward, gave 10 minute address on his archaeological work on the SS Mendi. Mr Ward has taken a keen interest in the SS Mendi tragedy for some 7 years and flew from London to attend our service. He will shortly be publishing a book titles “SS Mendi – The Long Voyage Home” wherein he recounted not only the story of the sinking but also some of the unhappy decisions by both the UK and South African Governments of that time. We were grateful to him for his flying visit and we thank him for his input.

The Three Candles of Remembrance were lit by three senior SA Sea Cadets from the Port Elizabeth Training Ship Lanherne. The Memorium was performed by Lgr Tertia Morton after which the Service ended with the Recessional Hymn.

Much good harmony and camaraderie was enjoyed in the Church Hall courtesy of the Church Ladies, who put on their usual excellent spread – Thank you ladies and to all those involved with the planning and execution of this annual event.

SS MENDI MEMORIAL SERVICE HOLLYBROOK CEMETERY, SOUTHAMPTON, UNITED KINGDOM On Friday 20 February 2015 the annual SS Mendi Remembrance Service was held at the SS Mendi Memorial in the Hollybrook Cemetery, Southampton, England. The service was once again very well attended and the guests included The Right Worshipful the Mayor of Southampton, Councillor Sue Blatchford and the High Commissioner of South Africa, His Excellency Mr. Obed Mlaba.

Following the opening prayer by Reverent Doctor Zihle, Councillor Sue Blatchford welcomed all to the service. A message of the day from the High Commissioner of the Republic of South Africa, His Excellency Mr. Obed Mlaba, was read by Brig Gen S. Mahlobo, Military Advisor.

Brig Gen S. Mahlobo then read Reverend Isaac Dyobha last speech, where after Lgr Peter Dickens delivered a message from the South African Legion of Military Veterans.

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This was followed by The Act of Remembrance, sounding of the Last Post by Mr Ian Smith MBE (Music Director Jubilee Brass), two minutes silence and reveille.

Wreaths were laid by The Right Worshipful the Mayor of Southampton: Councillor Sue Blatchford, The High Commissioner of South Africa, His Excellency Mr.Obed Mlaba, Brig Gen S. Mahlobo on behalf of the SA National Defence Force, Lt Cdr Lee Blackburn Royal Navy on behalf of the United Kingdom, Lt Mark Douglas Royal New Zealand Navy on behalf of New Zealand, The Royal British Legion and the South African Legion. A special wreath was laid by Peter Dickens in memory of Lgr Frank Sexwale.

The service was concluded with Playing of National Anthems. South African National Anthem followed by God Save the Queen.

SS MENDI MEMORIAL SERVICE NOORDWIJK, NETHERLANDS As their overnight ferry from Harwich approached the Dutch coast of Hook of Holland at 05:00 on the morning of Saturday 21 February 2015, Legionnaires Peter Dickens and Nick Pnematicatos paused, acutely aware of the drama that had played-out in the English Channel at that moment 98 years before.

But another five SS Mendi casualties, Private A. Leboche, Private Arosi Zendile, Private Sitebe Molide, Private Natal Kazimula and Private Sikaniso Mtolo, lie in the Commonwealth War Graves Commission section of the General Cemetery of Noordwijk, just north of The Hague in the Netherlands.

Though neutral during the First World War, the Netherlands was not spared from hosting

the casualties of a war that was fought within earshot.

It was at these gravesides that, at 10:30 on 21 February 2015, the European Outpost of the UK Branch of the South African Legion of Military Veterans held a parade to commemorate South Africa’s worst ever maritime disaster. The Legionnaires were joined by Col. Maryna Fondse, South African Military Attaché in Brussels, as well as a contingent of 32 Battalion Association veterans who had travelled from across Western Europe. Two representatives of the Dutch veterans’ association De Bond van Wapenbroeders also fell-in alongside us.

The Municipality of Noordwijk was represented by Deputy Mayor Gerben van Duin, accompanied by Mr. Rob Boekelman, Consul of the Dutch War Graves Foundation who assist the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.

The ceremony, compiled by Branch Padre Nick Pnematicatos, began in the cemetery chapel with traditional remembrance hymns, readings, as well the National Anthems of both South Africa and the Netherlands. SA Legion UK Branch Chairman Peter Dickens first paid tribute to Legionnaire Frank Sexwale who had died in Soweto the previous week.

He then gave a short explanation of the history of the loss of the SS Mendi.

Deputy Mayor Gerben van Duin, who was born and bred in Noordwijk, delivered an inspiring address. He declared how Noordwijk has embraced the Commonwealth war dead who lie within its borders. He also welcomed the South African veterans and voiced Noordwijk’s agreement that the heroes of the SS Mendi may never be forgotten.

SA LEGION SPRINGBOK 2015/1 After the service guests made their way to the gravesite and the veterans formed a Guard of Honour with their Standard. In a moving Act of Remembrance, wreaths of flowers, poppies and proteas were laid on behalf of the Municipality, the SA Department of Defence and Military Veterans, the UK branch of the South African Legion, the SA Branch of the Royal British Legion and the 32 Battalion Association.

A light lunch followed the parade, after which Legionnaires and guests were treated to a special tour of the bunkers of the Atlantikwall Museum in Noordwijk. The evening ended with a delicious Indonesian rijsttafel in The Hague, just in time for the Engelandvaarders to make the return ferry on time.

Especially heartening was the Deputy Mayor’s invitation and expression of support in the lead-up to the Centenary in 2017.

COMMEMORATION PLAQUE FOR THE SINKING OF SAS PRESIDENT KRUGER UNVEILED On Sunday 01 March 2015 Captain (SAN) (Ret) Allan Forrest unveiled a commemorative plaque commemorating the sinking of the SAS PRESIDENT KRUGER on 18 February 1982 on the Field Marshall Shellhole Wall of Remembrance. The plaque contains the names of those that died in this tragic SA Navy accident.

In his short address Captain Forrest explained certain Naval terminology and procedures and his experience to the members of the Shellhole and the members of the South African Legion of Military Veterans Motorcycle Club who attended the small ceremony.

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Lgr Charles Ross represented the South African Legion.

KOEVOET MEMORIAL SERVICE, KOEVOET WALL OF REMEMBRANCE, VOORTREKKER MONUMENT. The Annual Koevoet Memorial Service was held at the Koevoet Wall of Remembrance on Sunday 04 April 2015. The South African Legion was represented by Lgr’s Kevin Bolton, Demetri Friend and Charles Ross.

Charles also laid a wreath on behalf of the South African Legion.

SOUTH AFRICAN GUNNERS’ MEMORIAL SERVICE, GUNNERS MEMORIAL, POTCHEFSTROOM The 63rd Annual Gunners’ memorial Service was held at the Gunners’ memorial in Potchefstroom on Sunday 12 April 2015. The service is held annually to commemorate all the South African Gunners’ who lost their lives in service of South Africa.

During the service wreaths were laid by various organisations. Lgr Godfrey Giles laid a wreath on behalf of the World Veterans Foundation, Lgr Marietta Venter laid a wreath on behalf of the South African Legion and Lgr Kevin Bolton laid a wreath on behalf of the Sapper Foundation.

ANNUAL SERVICE IN MEMORY OF JAN CHRISTIAAN SMUTS The General Smuts Foundation held its annual Service in Memory of Jan Christian Smuts today, Sunday 24 May 2015 at the Smuts House in Irene attended by a good crowd. Jan Christian Smuts was born on 24 May 1870 and died on 11 September 1950.

Following the posting of the sentries, members of the Pretoria Regiment, there was a fly past by a single Harvard where after religious service started. Reverend Glynis Goyns delivered an inspiring sermon using sandals as her theme and referring to “to serve” which General Smuts did during three wars, South African War (Anglo Boer War 1899 – 1902), First World War (1914 – 1918) and the Second World War (1939 – 1945). The South African Welsh Male Voice Choir was in attendance and contributed to a successful memorial service.

This was followed by the laying of wreaths

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by various Military Advisers, Military Attaches, South African Air Force and numerous veterans’ organisations. Charles Ross laid a wreath on behalf of the South African Legion of Military Veterans.

Prior to the singing of the Welsh National Anthem the master of ceremonies shared the incident during 1917 when the Welsh coal miners went on strike and General Smuts was sent to talk to them.

MAJOR EDWIN SWALES VC DFC MEMORIAL SERVICE On 06 May 2015 a memorial service was held at the Major Edwin Swales VC DFC memorial at the Durban High School to commemorate the centenary of the birth of Edwin Swales (1915 – 2015), the 70th anniversary of the death of Edwin Swales (1945 – 2015) and the 70th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day (1945 – 2015).

 The personal file of Edwin Swales, a pre-

war employee of Barclays Bank DC & O (now First National Bank – FNB) was traced and a copy will be presented by Mr Preggy Pillay.

Numerous persons assisted David with organisation which include Messer’s Pat Goss (a DHS Old Boy) and Preggy Pillay both Directors of First National Bank (FNB). FNB sponsored the event.

Following the welcome by David Bennett the South African National Anthem was sung.

This was followed by a short address by Mr Leon Erasmus, the 14th Headmaster of the Durban High School which was founded in 1866. Mr Paul Kilmartin then provided a historical background on Major Edwin Swales VC DFC SAAF and Victory in Europe Day (08 May 1945) where after the presentations took place.

Dr Edwina Ward, niece of Edwin Swales, thanked everyone on behalf of the family followed by the dedication of the memorial events by the Reverend Canon R. N. van Zuylen. Then followed the Last Post, 2 minutes silence, Reveille and the laying of wreaths.

Following the tragic loss of Edwin Swales, Air Chief Marshall Sir Arthur “Bomber” Harris KCB OBE AFC Chief of Bomber Command Royal Air Force, wrote a letter to Edwin’s mother, Mrs Olive Essery Swales, saying inter -alia the following: “On every occasion your son proved be a fighter and resolute captain of his crew. His devotion to duty and comThe event was organised and coordinated plete disregard for his own safety will remain

by David R. Bennett, a Durban High School an example and inspiration for all of us.”

Old Boy and Edwin Swales biographer. During the event the following were presented to the Durban High School:

 A one in thirty-two scale model, in a glass

display cabinet, of a Lancaster Bomber Aircraft (a copy of the type of aircraft flown

by Edwin Swales on the operation during which he was tragically killed) sponsored and presented by Mile Jacklin. The Model was built by Peter Jacklin.

 The original Edwin Swales Flying Log Book was found in the Archives in the United Kingdom by Paul Kilmartin who has had a copy bound made.

SA LEGION SPRINGBOK 2015/1 The documents from the South African Air Force promoting Edwin Swales to Major only reached the British authorities in the United Kingdom after his death and the awarding of the Victoria Cross was gazetted, hence the rank “Captain” on the citation of his Victoria Cross. His headstone and all other official documents reflects his rank as “Major”.

In 2013 Swales was awarded the “Bomber Command” clasp to be worn as clasp on the 1939 – 1945 Star.

On 11 November 2009 the then Chief of the South African Air Force, Lieutenant General Carlo Gagiano, and Dr Edwina Ward unveiled the memorial to Major Edwin Swales VC DFC SAAF at the Durban High School.

A TRULY SOUTH AFRICAN HERO. On 03 June 2015 FNB named their Boardroom in the new Acasia House, Umhlanga, Durban “Edwin Swales Boardroom”.

ANNUAL COUNCIL OF MILITARY VETERANS ORGANISATIONS (CMVO) MEMORIAL SERVICE The annual CMVO Memorial Service was held at the SADF Wall of Remembrance on Sunday 31 May 2015. As always the service was well attended and more than 100 wreaths were laid. Lgr Godfrey Giles laid a wreath on behalf of the World Veterans Federation, Lgr Marietta Venter on behalf of the South African Legion. Lgr Brian Smith represented the United Kingdom branch at the service.

CENTENARY COMMEMORATION OF WORLD WAR ONE THE KAKAMAS SKIRMISH BETWEEN GERMAN AND SOUTH AFRICAN FORCES FEBRUARY 1915 Some of the important events leading up to the Kakamas Clash were the outbreak of the First World War (1914-1918), the consequent German South-West African Campaign and the South African Rebellion (1914-1915).

Approximately 12,000 Boers rebelled against the South African Government’s decision to invade German South-West Africa. Under the leadership of General Manie Maritz, 900 men marched westward and rebelled openly on 9 October 1914.

Maritz briefly occupied

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Keimoes from where he attacked South African troops on 22 October on their way to invade German South-West Africa. During the attack, Maritz was wounded in the knee and retreated to Kakamas, where his followers were defeated by South African troops two days later. Maritz escaped and was met by General J.C.G. Kemp at Nakob on the German side of the border. Maritz accepted guns from the Germans and attacked Upington on 24 January 1915. Twelve rebels were killed, 23 wounded and 97 taken prisoner. After the defeat, Kemp and his rebels surrendered and Maritz fled to German South-West Africa where he continued to support the Germans.

Major Hermann Ritter received orders from the German commanders to attack Kakamas in order to gain control of the two forts overlooking the Orange River. The battle took place on 4 February 1915. It was the only German action within South Africa during the First World War. The Germans seized the ferry landing, but the South African troops sent reinforcements across the river and Major Ritter retreated. The South African troops suffered one officer killed and two men wounded. Seven German soldiers died and sixteen were wounded. The deceased German soldiers were originally buried on the battlefield. Six were later exhumed and reinterred at their present graves just outside Kakamas. The seventh German grave could not be located. The German War Graves Commission constructed a memorial at the grave site in 1960. An unknown German soldier wrote: We had achieved ... nothing. Yet every man who had participated would look back on the endeavour with pride. We had acted with discipline and courage.

By February 1915, the home front was secured and South Africa continued to invade German territory. Windhoek was captured on 12 May 1915 and two months later all the German forces had surrendered. South Africa effectively ruled South-West Africa for the next 75 years.

CENTENARY OF THE BATTLE OF TREKKOPJE 26 APRIL 1915 26 April marked the centenary of the Battle of Trekkopje, a railway station some 75 kilometres from Swakopmund in Nambia, between the German and Allied Forces. The

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Allied Forces comprised mainly of Union Defence Force troops.

It was one of the most important battles of the German South West African campaign of the First World War as after the battle the German forces went on the defensive until the surrender on 09 July 1915 North of Otavi.

A memorial just outside Otavi marks the spot where the German forces offered their surrender which was later accepted by General Lois Botha.

The battle is known for a few firsts on the African continent: First time armoured cars were used in combat – in the sense of Trekkopje the RNAS played a pivotal role in turning the battle and the use of anti - aircraft guns to discourage German air reconnaissance.

Allied Forces included the following Kimberley Regiment, 2nd Regiment Transvaal Scottish, Witwatersrand Rifle, 1st Rhodesia Regiment, Number 1 Squadron RNAS Armoured Car Division and the South African Telephone & Postal Corps. Nine members of the Union Defence Force are buried in the Trekkopje Cemetery, 6 from the Kimberley Regiment, 2 from the Transvaal Scottish and 1 from the Rhodesia Regiment. There are also three German graves in the cemetery.

During a visit in January 2012 Alan Pateman-Jones, the then Director General of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission labelled the cemetery the “most isolated cemetery in the Commission’s care”.

The Escarpment Shellhole of the Memorable Order of Tin Hats (MOTH) held a commemoration event over the weekend of 24 to 26 April 2015.

The South African Agency of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission is in the process of erecting new road signs indicating the cemetery as well as a visitor’s information panel.

BATTLE OF GIBEON NAMBIA The Great War - 1914-1918: April 28th, 1915 - Battle of Gibeon, Defeat for Germans in South West Africa.

Pictured - Little more than a footnote in the history of the war, the South African annexation of German South West Africa added a massive province to the country that it kept until the end of apartheid rule in the 1990′s.

By the standards of the Western Front, the battles that occurred between the South Africans and the Germans in German South West Africa were minuscule skirmishes. But these firefights, often between only a couple score of horsemen on each side, determined the fate of a vast area of Africa one and a half times larger than the entire mainland German Empire.

60,000 South African Union troops had invaded German South West Africa after a previous failed incursion, and a Boer rebellion at home, in 1914. The army was led by General Louis Botha, the current Prime Minister, and Jan Smuts, a future one. Interestingly, both men were Afrikaaners and had led Boer commandos against the British during the Second Boer War. The two split their command, Botha leading his troops to the north while Smuts concentrated on the south. Botha concentrated his men for a push towards the German colonial capital of Windhoek.

All that faced this massive invasion was force of around 3,000 German colonial sol-

SA LEGION SPRINGBOK 2015/1 diers, bolstered by local colonist militia. The Germans depended on mobility and surprise to even the odds, using hit-and-run attacks and ambushes. 700, with two guns, stood in the way of Botha’s column, which consisted of 14,500 rapidly moving cavalry. A Captain Kleist commanded the Germans. He had been ordered to make a fighting retreat and hold back the South Africans wherever possible, and to escort fleeing columns of German farmers and their cattle. The South African 9th Cavalry Brigade caught up to the Germans in the village of Kabus, driving them out and capturing the farmers. The South African cavalry stayed planted in Kabus for the meanwhile.

Kleist decided to try and lure the South Africans into a trap. He dispatched 150 men back towards Kabus, to draw out the foes, while he and the rest of the force waited in ambush along the road to hit the pursuers.

On the 23rd a group of German horsemen burst into the town, shooting their guns into the air wild-west style. The South Africans, rudely interrupted at breakfast, gave chase, but they gave up soon and the trap could not be sprung. Kleist decided to rest for a few days. He vastly underestimated the swiftness and experience of his enemies.

In the next couple of days the Union cavalry discovered an uncut German telephone line near the town. They hooked up their telephone and listened in to the Germans discussing the situation with the “Englanders”.

The Germans planned to retreat by train in the village of Gibeon. The South Africans devised a scheme to blow the railroad tracks

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and capture the whole German force.

At night the South Africans rode towards Gibeon and blew up a stretch of the railroad tracks. Kleist’s men woke up to the noise and deployed around the train, in two drainage ditches that offered excellent cover. The Union cavalry that thundered in did not see the ditches, and when a German machine gun opened up it delivered withering fire. The Germans killed 24 South Africans, and wounded or captured about a hundred.

However, when dawn came, Kleist refused to abandon the train, even though it was useless without the rails. Over the night the South Africans had entirely encircled the position.

Suddenly seeing the desperate situation, Kleist ordered a retreat. The Union horsemen galloped in. The Germans fell back hurriedly, turning occasionally to make a stand, but their resistance collapsed quickly in the face of overwhelming force. Sections of Kleists command did manage to escape, but they lost twelve dead, eleven wounded, and 180 taken prisoner. This represented a hefty part of the German forces in South West Africa. There would be no more resistance on the route to Windhoek.

The site is jointly maintained by the South African Agency of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission and the German Kriegsgraberfursorge in Namibia.

There are 33 Allied casualties buried in the cemetery, 20 members of the Natal Light Horse, 3 members of the 1st Mounted Rifles (Natal Carbineers), 3 members of the 5 th Mounted Rifles (Imperial Light Horse), 1 member from each 4th Infantry (1st Eastern Rifles), 4th Mounted Rifles (Umvoti Mounted Rifles), Military Magistrate, South African Medical Corps, South African Military Constabulary, South African Mounted Rifles and the South African Service Corps. A large number of German casualties are also commemorated in the cemetery.

ANZAC DAY COMMEMORATIONS IN SOUTH AFRICA Pretoria.

The landing of the Australia and New Zealand Army Corps, known as ANZAC’s, on the Gallipoli Peninsula in Turkey on 25 April 1915, 100 years ago, was commemorated across

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the World.

In unison with the rest of the services across the World the centenary commemorative in Pretoria South Africa took place at Freedom Park at 06:00 on Saturday 25 April 2015.

Notwithstanding the cold weather and threat of light rain a large crowd gathered to participate in this history event. The service started with a Piper of the Transvaal Scottish Regimental Association Pipes and Drums playing the Lament, Flowers of the Forrest.

After the welcome by Captain (SAN) (Ret) Charles Ross. Invocation by Reverend Alan Dyssel and the Requiem by His Excellency Mr Richard Mann New Zealand High Commissioner, the hymn “Abide With Me” was sung.

This was followed by the address by the Australian High Commissioner Designate, Mr Adam McCarthy and the reading by Mr Kerem Yilmaz, Deputy Ambassador of Turkey. Mr Ben Playle, Deputy High Commissioner of Australia then read the well-known poem, in Flanders fields, written by Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae in May 1915.

Led by the Australian High Commissioner Designate wreaths were laid by various High Commissions, Embassies, Veterans Organisations and the public. This was followed by the Ode by the children of the Australian High Commission, the Last Post, 100 seconds silence (one second for every year) and the Reveille played by a trumpeter of the University of Pretoria Brass band.

The service was concluded with the Benediction by Reverend Allan Dyssel and the singing of the National Anthems of Australia, New Zealand and South Africa.

Invited guests than enjoyed breakfast at the residence of the Australian High Commissioner.

Durban.

The ANZAC Day Commemoration Service was held at the Headquarters of the Natal Mounted Rifles at 18:00. The service was well attended and the ANZAC’s was represented by Mr Danie Beukman from the New Zealand High Commission.

Following the Act of Remembrance, Last Post, Two Minutes Silence and the Reveille a large number of wreaths were laid by the New Zealand High Commission, Military Units and Veterans Organisations.

HONOURING SOUTH AFRICAN HEROES OF WORLD WAR ONE by William Endley Captain S. I. Visser MC. ANGLO-BOER WAR SERVICE: Burger Solomon Ignatius Visser joined his commando and took part in the initial offensives of the Anglo-Boer War in the Western Transvaal in 1899. As a “bitterender” his war only ended on 31 May 1902 when peace was signed. Some of the major engagements he took part in include the Siege of Mafeking, Twee Rivieren, Magersfontein, Paardeberg, Friedrichstadt and Ysterspruit. He served under various Commando leaders which included Generals Koos De La Rey, Piet Cronje, Andries Cronje, Piet Liebenberg and Commandant Wolmarans.

His Anglo Boer War medal was approved and issued to him in 1921.

GERMAN SOUTH WEST AFRICA SERVICE: With his wife, Mrs S.G. Visser stated as his next of kin, Assistant Veld Kornet Visser joined the 1st Mounted Brigade Right Wing on 15 October 1914. His address was stated as the farm of Goedgevonden in the Klerksdorp District. On 5 January 1915, Visser joined the Potchefstroom “A” Commando. He was wounded in a landmine detonation on 2 May 1915 during the advance on Karabib.

Released from service on 7 August 1915, he was awarded the Military Cross “for distinguished service in the field and in connection with the campaign in G.S.W.A.” Recommended on 1 January 1916 for this decoration, it was finally gazetted in the London Gazette on 22 August 1918. His 1914-15 Star was despatched to him on 12 January 1921.

SA LEGION SPRINGBOK 2015/1 GERMAN EAST AFRICA SERVICE: On the 1st of December 1915, Captain Visser joined the 1st Mounted Brigade and the 1st South African Horse. Unfortunately, his service was marred by disease and sickness which ultimately led to his being found permanently unfit for further military service and discharged on 16 January 1918. In March 1916 he contracted malaria and pneumonia in Arusha and then his second bout of malaria at Kondoi Irangi where he spent two months in hospital. This was preceded by a dysentery attack. A serious relapse followed in September which resulted in another month in hospital. In October 1915, articular rheumatism followed. He was evacuated to Nairobi and then to the Union of South Africa where he arrived in Durban on 15 November 1916. Various recuperation periods followed and on occasions he was hospitalised in Potchefstroom and at Roberts Heights. His permanent discharge stated “exposure in a man of rheumatic diathesis”. He was 39 years old.

Temporary Chaplain 4th Class: Captain (Reverend) Noel Roberts; M.C. Attached 1st South African Infantry Regiment. The Reverend Roberts was educated at St Augustine’s College in Canterbury from 1903 to 1906. He became Deacon in 1906 and Priest of Pretoria in 1908. At the same time, he was the Curate of St Albans in Pretoria from 1906 to 1912 and later became the Vicar of Pietersburg from 1912 to 1915. Captain Roberts attested for military service at the age of 36 with the rank of temporary sergeant. His previous military service had indicated 3 months duty as a member of the Civic Guard in Petersburg during the 1914 rebellion. He was formally "discharged" on 31 July 1917 to be commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the 1st South African Infantry Brigade and his military character was rated as "Very Good". His profession was "Clerk in Holy Orders". Appointed a Drafts Escorting Officer on 7 August 1917, he later joined the 1st South African Infantry Brigade as part of the 2nd Reserve Battalion of the South African Infantry.

On the 31st of October 1917, Captain Roberts was appointed as the Chaplain of the 1st South African Infantry Regiment. During the German offensive of April 1918, the 1st South African Infantry Brigade was intensely

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involved. Due to significant casualties, the "Brigade" was reformed and consisted of 39 officers and 1473 men. From the 9th to the 19th of April 1918, it held the line from Messines Ridge to Lumm's Farm. On the 10th of April at 17H45, the Brigade launched an attack on Messines Ridge. The 1st Regiment, with their chaplain present, carried out a bayonet charge and took part in hand-to -hand close fighting. During this engagement, Captain Roberts was slightly wounded in the right shoulder (gunshot). He received medical treatment and returned to duty on 19 April 1918. Over the period 10 to 13 April 1918, the Brigade had suffered 639 casualties. His wife was informed of his wound on 12 April 1918.

Captain Roberts was appointed as the Brigade Educational Officer on 25 October 1918.

On 13 June 1919, he was released from service and at the same time relinquished his temporary Imperial Commission and resumed his status as a temporary second lieutenant on the supernumerary list of the Active Citizen Force.

During the operations from the 8th/9th October, 1918, east of Beaurevoir, and at La Cateau, he showed great energy and devotion to duty in organizing stretcher bearer parties and bringing in wounded under very heavy fire to a place of safety. His contempt of danger was most marked and through his gallant efforts all wounded and dead were brought back with very little delay.”

Second Lieutenant Frederick Seymour Andrews: No 13 Squadron, Royal Flying Corps. On 16 April 1917, Baron Manfred Von Richthofen celebrated his 45th victory.

2nd Lieutenant Frederick Seymour Andrews was the observer and was the son of Thomas Frederick and Louisa G. Andrews. They resided in Warden Street in the town of Harrismith in the Orange Free State in South Africa. Andrews, born in Harrismith in 1889, was educated at Murchison College in Pietermaritzburg after completing his schooling in Harrismith. Andrews went to England to volunteer when the First World War started. A member of the Royal Flying Corps, he served in the ranks with No 1 Squadron. He was commissioned in March 1917 and was posted to No 53 Squadron where he met his aircraft’s pilot, Lieutenant Alphonso Pascoe. Andrews and

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Pascoe were transferred to No 13 Squadron on 18 March 1917. April 1917 is known as “Bloody April” as the RFC suffered a disproportionate amount of casualties in relation to the Germans. On 9 April 1917 the Battle of Arras started. During the battle, the RFC lost 245 aircraft. 211 aircrew were killed and/or missing and 108 becoming Prisoners of War. On 16 April 1917, there had been minimal air activity due to bad weather (rain and low clouds). At 14H50, Pascoe and Andrews were in their BE2e (No. 3156) aircraft on an Artillery spotting mission. According to Von Richtofen’s aerial combat report (flying D III, No 2253/17) he approached Pascoe and Andrews aircraft from approximately 1000m.

They were flying at an altitude of 800 metres and were completely unaware of Von Richthofen’s presence. The Red Baron immediately attacked and the aircraft was seen to lose control and began to exhume smoke before Pascoe was able to regain control.

The aircraft suddenly “dropped” towards the ground from a height of approximately 100 meters and crash landed between Bailleul and Gavrelle. The pilot, Lieutenant Pascoe, survived and recovered in England. His observor, however, was critically wounded and was treated at various casualty clearing stations and then finally reached Le Tocquet Hospital. Lieutenant Andrews died from wounds on 29 April 1917 and lies buried in Etaples Cemetery, France. He was 28 years old.

Second Lieutenant Alfred Ryder; MM, 2nd South African Infantry Regiment.

Alfred Ryder was born in Newcastle, Natal on the 12th of March 1897. His occupation was

listed as being a civil servant. At the outbreak of the First World War, he enlisted in the 2nd Mounted Rifles or the Natal Carbineers for the German South West Africa campaign as Trooper No E2963. As part of H Squadron he participated in the Battle of Gibeon on 27 April 1915. At the conclusion of this campaign he enlisted for overseas service with the 2nd South African Infantry as a Private with the number of 3114 in B Company. He participated in the Battle of Halazine on the 23rd of January 1916 during the Senussi campaign.

When the SA Infantry Brigade returned to France, Ryder participated in the Battle of Delville Wood and is listed as part of the Ian Uys “Roll call”. He took part in the engagements at Arras, Fampoux, Ypres, Gouzecourt, Messines and Wyschaete. He was awarded the Military Medal for bravery during the operations East of Ypres in 1917. Obviously a very competent and reliable soldier, promotion followed quickly in the field. He was promoted to lance-corporal on 17 May 1917, Corporal on 30 June 1917, Sergeant on 18 April 1918 and he was then commissioned as a temporary second lieutenant on 15 July 1918. Ryder was released from service on 28 May 1919 after commanding B and C companies of the 2nd SAI Regiment respectively. Ryder received his military medal ribbon from General Lukin on 17 February 1918 in Delville Wood during the memorial service and gallantry medal parade when medal ribbons were awarded to the worthy recipients.

Major David Adamson Pirie, 3rd South African Infantry Regiment. Pirie served as a lieutenant in the Transvaal Cycle and Motor Corps from 1905 to 1909. At the outbreak of WW I he was appointed as a lieutenant in the Rand Light Infantry and served in the German South West Africa Campaign as Staff Officer to Colonel Sir George Farrar. Pirie volunteered for service in the 3rd South African Infantry Regiment and served in Egypt and France. He was the second in command of B Company commanded by Captain Medlicott.

On Wednesday, 19 July during the Battle of Delville Wood, the Company was overrun by a surprise attack by a strong enemy force that was launched from behind. Six officers and 185 other ranks were taken prisoner. The officers included Captains Medlicott and Pirie,

SA LEGION SPRINGBOK 2015/1 Lieutenants Hirtzel, Guard and Thomas and Second Lieutenant Newton of the SA Scottish. Both captains were released from captivity due to ill-health in June 1918.

On his arrival in Holland in June 1918, Pirie was selected for duty with the British Red Cross. In November 1918 he was given charge of providing meals to British Soldiers passing through the Southern part of Holland and there were depots established at Venloo, Roumond, Sittiard and Maastricht. In December of that year, Major Pirie proceeded to Rotterdam as Military Representative to the Red Cross and he acted as the Red Cross Commissioner for a month.

In February 1919 the Inter Allied Commission Berlin requested his services and Pirie was then transferred to Celu Arcay. As the representative of the Inter-Allied Commission he was placed in charge of 50,000 Russian Prisoners of war released for his return to South Africa after his recall by the War Office in April 1919. Pirie returned to South Africa and was he demobilized on 7 August 1919.

His military service continued as a major in the Pretoria Regiment where he was appointed second in command and he promoted to the rank of temporary lieutenant colonel before he resigned in 1929.

As Deputy Commissioner of Pensions in the civil service he was awarded the 1935 Jubilee and 1937 Coronation medals.

Second Lieutenant Joseph Walker; MM. Collins Scouts; 4th South African Infantry Regiment. Joseph Walker, born in Cumberland in the United Kingdom, resided in Middelburg and his occupation was listed as being a fitter. He was employed at the “Uitkyk” Collieries in Middelburg. Walker’s height was given as being 6 foot with good physical development. At the age of 21 he enlisted and his father, George Walker from Boksburg, was confirmed as being his next of kin.

At the outbreak of the First World War, he had enlisted in the Middelburg “A” Commando under the command of Commandant W.J. Mouton for the German South West Africa campaign as Burger No 136. He then joined Collins Scouts which was the 16th Intelligence Unit and formed part of the 2nd

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Mounted Brigade. Collins Scouts consisted of 90 members and probably the most famous member was Captain Bloomfield V.C. who had enlisted as a Private in January 1915 and who was later commissioned in the unit. His 1914-15 star was dispatched on 16 August 1923.

At the conclusion of this campaign he enlisted for overseas service with the 4th South African Infantry Regiment as a Private with the number of 7555 on the 26th of November 1915. He was awarded the Military Medal for bravery during the operations in the Battle of Arras in 1917 and this was gazetted on the 9th of July 1917.

Corporal Walker qualified as a First Class Lewis gunner on 1 January 1917 and it was in this appointment and qualification that he was decorated for bravery in the field. He had, however, been found guilty of being Absent Without Leave and for using a false pass on two occasions. He was selected for officer training and graduated from the 2nd Officer cadet Battalion at Pembroke College in Cambridge on 6 November 1918. This was a few days from the Armistice that ended the Great War. CITATION: “In the operations on the 9th and 12th April this man who was no 1 on a Lewis gun behaved with great coolness and bravery.

On both days, although the whole of the Lewis Gun team with the exception of himself were either killed or wounded, he continued on by himself and kept his gun in action the whole time, using his gun with great skill and judgement.”

Unfortunately, he was to relinquish his commission due to ill health.

Private Sidney Martin Carey, D Company, 1st South African Infantry Regiment.

Pte Sidney Martin Carey, aged 21 years, serving in D Company of the 1st South African Infantry Regiment, vividly recalled his experience of the fighting on that day: “We all knew that we were going against a pretty tough enemy - but we didn't expect anything like what actually happened. While going up to Longueval my friend next to me [Pte G.F. Greenwood] said, "Man, but there're a damn lot of bees around here!" I said, "Bees be blowed! Those are bullets flying around."

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Unfortunately about four minutes afterwards a bullet caught him and killed him right out. Then I began to see that things were getting bad. Then another went over. Then another. Then I thought, "It's my turn next'.

There were machine gun posts at the flour mill at Longueval and we got it very heavy from there. I got hit at the beginning of the wood. The lower part of my jaw was shot away, they reckon by a ricochet. It felt like a mule-kick.�

Quotations From: Delville Wood by Ian Uys. 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF WORLD WAR TWO SINKING OF THE SS ENRINPURA During all wars there is always the need for additional forces, both combat and noncombat and World War Two was no different.

By 1940 the British had identified the need for additional non-combat troops and a major recruitment drive was launched in most Commonwealth countries. Given the excellent work performed by the South African Native Labour Corps (SANLC) during World War 1 the attention of recruitment once again turned to Southern Africa for noncombatants, ie not armed. By 1940 a number of Native Military Corps (NMC) battalions had been established by the Union Defence Force (UDF) and deployed to North Africa.

The call for additional forces also reached the High Commission Territories (HCT), Basutoland (Lesotho), Bechuanaland (Botswana) and Swaziland (Swaziland) via the British High Commissioner in Pretoria. In Basutoland (Lesotho) recruiting started soon

after the message was received and the initial group was trained as part of the NMC in South Africa before returning to Basutoland (Lesotho).

The HCT countries wanted their forces to be separate from their South African counterparts and following discussions with the High Commissioner in Pretoria the African (Auxiliary) Pioneer Corps (APC) was established and Basutoland (Lesotho) launched a new recruitment drive. The APC in Basutoland (Lesotho) was trained by British Military Training Teams sent from the United Kingdom.

By October 1941 the first trained members of the APC departed from Basutoland (Lesotho) for Durban from where they were transported by ship to North Africa. A number of the APC was soon deployed to Lebanon and Palestine while other remained in North Africa and some participated in the Battle of El Alamein. As the Allies advanced the APC followed closely behind.

Having survived the siege troops were sent to Malta to assist with establishing a base there. Members of the APC found themselves part of this new force of which the initial group made it safely to Malta. During April 1943 the second group of the APC boarded the SS Erinpura in Alexandra for the journey to Malta. The SS Erinpura was part of a 23 merchant ship convoy escorted by 11 war ships. On board the SS Erinpura was 179 crew and more than 1 000 troops from a number of nationalities that included more than 600 Basotho and a number from Bechuanaland (Botswana).

SS Erinpura was a twin screw steam ship of 5 143 gross tons that was built in 1911 for the British India Steam Navigation Company for service in the Bay of Bengal and Singapore.

She could reach a speed of 16 knots which made her a fast ship for the time. During World War 1 she served as a hospital ship in the Indian Ocean, Red Sea and Persian Gulf.

In 1919 she ran onto a reef in the Red Sea with no casualties. She could however not be towed off the reef and the bows were cut from the rest of the ship and the rest towed to Bombay (Mombay). A new bow section was manufactured in Scotland and shipped to Bombay (Mombay) in sections where it was

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fitted for her to return to peacetime service by 1923. During World War 2 she was again used in Government service as a troop ship and was involved in the evacuation of troops from Singapore in 1941.

On the afternoon of 01 May 1943, while in the Mediterranean Sea, the convoy came under attack from the Luftwaffe which intensified during early evening. Notwithstanding Allied fighter aircraft coming to the assistance of the convoy a tanker was hit and sank. Later a single bomb hit the SS Erinpura which penetrated the forward deck and exploded causing huge damage. As most of the soldiers were below deck many were killed when the bomb exploded. The command “abandon ship� was given and she sank very quickly with huge loss of live.

Of the 1 025 troops on board only 203 were saved. 633 APC (Basutoland) and 6 APC (Bechuanaland) (Botswana) lost their lives.

The BROOKWOOD MEMORIAL commemorates nearly 3,500 men and women of the land forces of the Commonwealth who died during the Second World War and have no known grave, the circumstances of their death being such that they could not appropriately be commemorated on any of the campaign memorials in the various theatres of war. Some died at sea, in hospital ships and troop transports, in waters not associated with the major campaigns, and a few were killed in flying accidents or in aerial combat.

The Memorial stands in BROOKWOOD MILITARY CEMETERY which is owned by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission and is the largest Commonwealth war

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cemetery in the United Kingdom, covering approximately 37 acres. 633 members from Basutoland (Lesotho) and 6 members from Bechuanaland (Botswana) are commemorated on one of the pillars of the Brookwood memorial.

There is a very impressive memorial in Maseru, Lesotho commemorating the Basotho that died during the Second World War. The Maseru Memorial which takes the form of a curved screen wall surmounted by a cast bronze crocodile, the national emblem.

Bronze panels on the Memorial record the 996 Lesotho war dead who died during the Second World War, including those who died when the ship SS ERINPURA was sunk in the Mediterranean on 1 May 1943 and 117 Lesotho who died in Egypt and have no known grave. An officer of the United Kingdom forces buried in Maseru Cemetery is also commemorated on this memorial.

There is also a memorial in Gaborone, Botswana commemorating those from Bechuanaland (Botswana) who died during World War 2, including those that lost their lives when the SS Erinpura sank.

VE-DAY 70th COMMEMORATION The SA Legion, Military Association of Gauteng (MAG), the City of Johannesburg and the MOTHS arranged a commemoration service for the 70th anniversary of VE Day at the Ditsong National Museum of Military History on Saturday 09 May 2015.

All veterans of World War II were invited as well as descendants of World War II veterans to attend should they so desire. More than

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450 people, including a number of World War 2 veterans attended the short service. The services commenced with the singing of the Vera Lynn World War 2 favourite “Till me Meet Again”.

A special clasp to the Johannesburg Gratitude medal was presented to those veterans present. If the veteran has passed on to higher service the clasp was presented to a family representative (only one representative per family).

FALL OF TOBRUK by Ken Gillings 21st June 2015 – marked the 73rd anniversary of the fall of Tobruk.

On the 21st June 1942, the Allies suffered one of their greatest defeats in WW2 when Tobruk fell to the Germans. The Springbok soldiers displayed great fortitude and the following is just a short extract from the Official History of the Natal Field Artillery (18622000), which is due to be published soon.

On the 21st June 1942 – that ‘fateful day’ – B Troop was on duty in the wadi while A Troop was at ease, when information was received that an attack in strength was developing on the eastern perimeter. Sitreps followed regularly thereafter giving the progress of the action but there did not appear to be any urgency. At noon, B Troop was recalled and orders were given to prepare to move in order to cover 5th Battery’s position in the centre of the perimeter while at the Battery position itself, the crews were ordered to enlarge the gunpits from 120° to 360°.

Evans was posted in the Command Post with orders to man the telephone. In the late afternoon, German tanks were seen beyond

a pall of smoke from a burning lorry. Conditions were such, however, that neither the NFA’s Gunners nor the Germans could engage. Late in the evening, Capt Forder took a van in order to assess the position in Tobruk generally but he was obliged to return due to a shortage of fuel. Forder also remarked that there were no tanks or ack-ack guns and only twenty-one 25-prs capable of being brought into action. Furthermore, there was no transport available. Forder then left to report to Major Meintjes, leaving Lieut Roux in charge of the guns and news was received that Gunner JA Walsh had been killed by a bomb.

At 07h00 on the 22nd June 1942 Meintjes telephoned the Troop and ordered them to destroy the guns. Forder waited at the telephone and when the order from RHQ was received, with tears streaming down his face he shouted “Fire!” Three of the guns were shattered; one of them – Latimer’s – refused to fire and had to be abandoned as the German tanks opened fire with machine guns.

Exeunt 4th Battery; Capt MA Forder MC died while a POW. The Royal Artillery Commemoration Book describes 6th Battery’s defence of its positions at Rigel Ridge as “…the most glorious action fought by South African Artillery during this period”, and goes on the record: “On 13th June the Scots Guards on Rigel Ridge were attacked and overrun by a large force of enemy tanks. The 6 Bty, two troops of which were 800 yards (730 metres) below the Ridge (and north of it) and 600 yards (550 metres) apart, was at gun-fire under the directions of the troop commanders until the Ridge was lost.

The battery commander then decided that it was his duty to stay and fight it out, and so delay the enemy as long as possible. The troop commanders hastened to the gun positions and all guns were commanded, individually by officers, and engaged the enemy over open sights.(9) The enemy tanks lay hull down on the Ridge with 50 mm anti-tank guns on the ground between them – supported by field guns, they maintained a devastating fire – including armour piercing machine-gun fire on 6 Bty. Tanks moved round until the troops were being attacked from the front and rear.

Nevertheless the fight was maintained until all

SA LEGION SPRINGBOK 2015/1 eight guns had been put out of action by enemy fire. About half the detachments were killed and wounded, including the battery commander and most of the officers. The last gun in action was manned by Lieut. Ashley and one signaller (Ken McKay) until this gun too was knocked out. When the battery had been silenced, the enemy tanks approached cautiously and the battery personnel were made prisoners.”

The man who surrendered his troops to a vastly superior force – Major General HB Klopper, the South African commander of the 2nd SA Division, was the first target of critics.

(12) Klopper has no regrets; history and its peers have by and large exonerated the General, who was the most junior divisional commander available to take on the task of defending Tobruk. Modern military historians claim that the War Office was to blame and – more specifically Churchill himself, who ordered that Tobruk should be held at all costs in order to gain time for the 8th Army to gather its strength.

General Ritchie – commander of the 8th Army at the time - who retired to Toronto in Canada, has disclosed that he accepts the blame for the debacle. In a letter to a South African friend he wrote: “Klopper did all that was humanly possible, placed in the circumstances that faced him. Looking back, I know that he had an impossible task.”

Many historians now say that the South Africans went out in a blaze of valour, if not glory. Under armed and under strength, they fought fiercely to stem the tide of armour against them, hopeless though it was. The

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number of Union Defence Force personnel taken at Tobruk has been given as follows: Officers – 560, Other Ranks – 8 400, Cape Corps – 360, Indian and Malay Corps – 118 and Native Military Corps – 1 264. TOTAL: 10 722.

The Afrika Corps now basked in its full glory; Rommel was awarded his Field Marshal’s baton by Hitler, while Prime Minister Churchill faced a strongly critical Parliament.

In May 2009, a party of South African military history enthusiasts visited the battlefields of Libya and Egypt – the first since group tour since WW2. We placed poppies on the graves of the Springbok soldiers who had the Supreme Sacrifice in the Battles of Bardia, Gazala, Sidi Rezegh, Tobruk and El Alamein.

On this - the 73rd anniversary of this battle let's consider the following: “Let us pause to remember those of our brethren who did return. They shall grow not old as we who are left grow old. Age shall not weary them nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we WILL remember them” OTHER NEWS VICTORIA CROSS AND BAR The Victoria Cross is the highest bravery medal that can be awarded to Commonwealth members of the Armed Forces. By 2013 there were only three Commonwealth members of the Armed Forces that had been awarded a bar to their Victoria Cross, ie a second Victoria Cross. They are Surgeon Captain Arthur Martin-Leake, Captain Noel Chavasse and Captain Charles Upham.

Two of them were medical doctors and one of them have a South African connection.

Surgeon Captain Arthur Martin-Leake VC and Bar Surgeon Captain Marin-Leake was awarded his first Victoria Cross as member of the South African Constabulary {(a Police Force that was established to police the areas that came under British control during the South African War (Anglo Boer War 1899 – 1902)} at Vlakfontein near Val and Standerton in the Mpumalanga Province of South Africa. On 08 February 1902 Captain Martin-Leakes went forward to tend to a badly wounded soldier

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and while providing medical treatment to another officer was shot himself by the enemy, less than 100 yards away. Captain Martin-Leake only gave up when he was exhausted and then insured that all the wounded received water before him.

The second Victoria Cross was awarded to Captain Martin-Leakes was awarded his conspicuous bravery and devotion in rescuing a large number of wounded men lying close to enemy trenches and exposed to constant enemy fire over the period 29 October to 08 November 1914 near Zoonebeke in Belgium.

His commanding officer wrote in his recommendation “His behavior on three occasions when the dressing station was heavily shelled was such as to inspire confidence both with the wounded and the staff. It is not possible to quote any one specific act performed because his gallant conduct was continual.”

Captain Martin-Leake died on 23 June 1953 at Marshalls, where he was born. He is the only double VC to be buried in the United Kingdom On 24 September 2013 a memorial to Captain Artur Martin-Leake VC and Bar was unveiled on the farm Syferfontein near the spot where he won his first Victoria Cross. The memorial was the brainchild of Advocate David Scholtz and his team at the Johannesburg Branch of the South African Military History Society. A second memorial to the Boer General, Gert Claassen, whose family owned the farm at the time of the Anglo-Boer War and for several decades thereafter.

Gert Claassen was a Lieutenant Colonel with the South African forces which captured German South West Africa during WWI. He was awarded the Croix de Guerre by the French govern-

ment for his services.

Captain Noel Chavasse VC and Bar. Captain Chavasse was awarded his first Victoria Cross of the first day of the Battle of the Somme, 01 July 1916, one of the worst days in the history of the British Army. While attached to the 10th Battalion King’s (Liverpool) Regiment the Regiment and other units suffered major casualties.

Captain Chavasse tended too many of the casualties even into the night during which he was hit by shrapnel on two occasions. At one stage Captain Chavasse carried a wounded soldier 500 metres to safety. Captain Chavasse also collected as many identification tags (dog tags) of those killed. The citation for his first VC stated: “Altogether he saved the lives of some twenty badly wounded men, besides the ordinary cases which passed through his hands. His courage and self-sacrifice were beyond praise.”

During the Battle of Passchendaele (also referred to as the Third Battle of Ypres), Belgium in July 1917 Captain Chavasse set up an advance first-aid post in a captured German dugout. Notwithstanding the fact that Captain Chavasse was hit in the head during shelling he remained at his post and ordered stretcher bearers to take wounded soldiers to relative safety as he believed that he had to remain at his post to support his men. On 02 August he received a severe stomach would from another shell and was removed to a casualty clearing station. Captain Chavasse died as a result of his wounds on 4 August 1917, age 32, and is buried in the military cemetery at Brandhoek in Belgium. His headstone is the only one in the world engraved with two VC’s. The citation for his second VC stated: “Though severely wounded early in the action whilst carrying a wounded soldier to the dressing station, he refused to leave his post, and for two days not only continued to perform his duties but went out repeatedly under enemy fire to search for and attend to the wounded who were lying out. During these searches, although practically without food, he assisted to carry a number of badly wounded men over heavy and difficult ground.

By his extraordinary energy and inspiring example he was instrumental in rescuing many who would have otherwise undoubtedly suc-

SA LEGION SPRINGBOK 2015/1 cumbed under the bad weather conditions.�

Captain Charles Upham VC and Bar. Captain Upham was awarded his first Victoria Cross for his outstanding courage and leadership during the fighting in Crete in May 1941. Despite being wounded by a mortar shell, he carried a wounded man back to safety.

The second Victoria Cross was awarded during the fighting in North Africa in 1942.

Notwithstanding his arm being severely damaged by enemy fire Captain Upham captured a German position, destroyed an enemy tank and several vehicles with grenades. Captain Upham only stopped fighting when the loss of blood caused him to faint. After he had his wounds attended to he returned and stayed with his men and suffered further injuries.

Captain Upham was later captured and spend the rest of World War 2 as a Prisoner of War in Colditz. He died in New Zealand in November 1994, aged 86.

Extracts of the various citations are 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 - ED. ST. BARBARA - PATRON SAINT OF ALL ARTILLERYMEN AND WOMEN

The Legend of Saint Barbara. According to legend, Saint Barbara was the extremely beautiful daughter of a wealthy heathen named Dioscorus, who lived near Nicomedia in Asia Minor. Because of her singular beauty and fearful that she be demanded in mar-

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riage and taken away from him, he jealously shut her up in a tower to protect her from the outside world.

Shortly before embarking on a journey, he commissioned a sumptuous bathhouse to be built for her, approving the design before he departed. Barbara had heard of the teachings of Christ, and while her father was gone spent much time in contemplation. From the windows of her tower she looked out upon the surrounding countryside and marvelled at the growing things; the trees, the animals and the people. She decided that all these must be part of a master plan, and that the idols of wood and stone worshipped by her parents must be condemned as false. Gradually she came to accept the Christian faith.

As her belief became firm, she directed that the builders redesign the bathhouse her father had planned, adding another window so that the three windows might symbolize the Holy Trinity.

When her father returned, he was enraged at the changes and infuriated when Barbara acknowledged that she was a Christian. He dragged her before the perfect of the province, who decreed that she be tortured and put to death by beheading. Dioscorus himself carried out the death sentence. On his way home he was struck by lightning and his body consumed.

Saint Barbara lived and died about the year 300 A.D. She was venerated as early as the seventh century. The legend of the lightning bolt which struck down her persecutor caused her to be regarded as the patron saint in time of danger from thunderstorms, fires and sudden death.

When gunpowder made its appearance in the Western world, Saint Barbara was invoked for aid against accidents resulting from explosions--since some of the earlier artillery pieces often blew up instead of firing their projectile, Saint Barbara became the patroness of the artillerymen.

Saint Barbara is usually represented standing by a tower with three windows, carrying the palm of a martyr in her hand. Often, too, she holds a chalice and a sacramental wafer and sometimes cannon are displayed near her. In the present calendars, the feast of

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Saint Barbara falls on December 4th and is traditionally recognized by a formal military dinner.

As members of that elite corps – Artillery, we particularly, the Air Defence Artillery should take time out to remember and honour some of the great traditions that have been passed on by our comrades in arms.

We all need protection at some stage in our lives, so just as many travellers carry or wear a St. Christopher Medal or place it in the car, so too do artillerymen and women invoke the protection of our Patron Saint, Saint Barbara whose feast we celebrate on 4 December.

(The ADA Sergeant Majors hold a St Barbara Parade, in Kimberly, the 1st Monday in December every year.) The Double Barrel, Vol 4, Issue 6, December 2014.

COMMEMORATING SOUTH AFRICANS SOUTH AFRICANS COMMEMORATED

BY THE COMMONWEALTH WAR GRAVES COMMISSION The Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) was established by Royal Charter on 21 May 1917, the provisions of which were amended and extended by a supplementary Charter of 08 June 1964.

The member states of the CWGC is Austral-

ia, Canada, India, New Zealand, South Africa and the United Kingdom. In terms of the Royal Charter the task of the CWGC is to commemorate the Commonwealth war dead of the two World Wars by making fit provisioning in perpetuity for their graves and memorials and maintaining records of the dead. Today the CWGC commemorate 1,7 million Commonwealth war casualties in more than 23 000 locations in 153 countries.

According to the CWGC Casualty Data base a total of 22 116 South Africans (10 129 from the First World War and 11 987 from the Second World War) who died during the two World Wars are commemorated by the CWGC in 59 countries. The largest concentrations are 6 768 in South Africa, 3 915 in France, 2 716 in Egypt, 1 821 in Italy and 1 392 in the United Kingdom.

17 152 South Africans (16 461 known and 691 unknown) are buried in 1 207 cemeteries with the Cape Town Maitland Cemetery (745), Dar es Salaam War Cemetery (631), El Alamein War Cemetery (495), Knightsbridge War Cemetery (420), Kimberley West End Cemetery (397), Castiglione South African Cemetery (401), Halfaya Sollum War Cemetery (372), Johannesburg West Park Cemetery (350) and Durban Stellawood Cemetery (316) the largest.

A number of South Africans are also buried in far off countries which includes Bangladesh (1), Bulgaria (7), Republic of Congo (1), Ghana (17), Indonesia (2), New Zealand (1), Sri Lanka (2), Ascension Island (1), United States of America (1) and Yemen (6).

4 964 are commemorated on 48 memorials with the El Alamein Memorial (1 229), Thiepval Memorial (833) and Hollybrook Me-

SA LEGION SPRINGBOK 2015/1 morial (717), Menin Gate Memorial (560), Poziers Memorial (321), Plymouth Naval Memorial (225), Malta Memorial (172), Palmietkuil South War Memorial (121), Pugu Road Memorial (110) and Dar es Salaam British and Indian Memorial (73) the largest.

BLOEMFONTEIN (HAMILTON) WAR CEMETERY The Hamilton War Cemetery in Bloemfontein with its 74 Commonwealth graves is one of the 602 burial sites in which 8 440 casualties are commemorated for which the South African Agency of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission is responsible in South Africa. Both the number of burial sites and graves are increasing as Commonwealth casualties previously not included in the Commonwealth War Graves Commission’s casualty database are added. The cemetery is located close to the War Museum of the Boer Republics and opposite the In Memoriam Municipal Cemetery.

The cemetery features an attractive entrance which was erected in 1982. The entrance gives access to an open grass area with a Cross of Sacrifice directly opposite the entrance.

Provided that a train does not rumble pass, the cemetery is one of tranquility, peace and quiet. During 2013 the Mangaung/ Bloemfontein Municipality erected a new historical cemetery name board at the entrance.

To the right on the open grass area are 9 Border War graves as well as a memorial to the Imperial Light Horse Regiment and Kimberley Regiment commemorating the Battles of El Alamein and Monte Salvaro. On the left are the graves of 3 of 13 members of the South African National Defence Force who were killed in the clashes in the Central African Republic in 2013. As these graves are within the boundary of the cemetery it will be maintained along with the Commonwealth graves.

During the Second World War a Military Hospital was established in the Tempe Military Camp which also housed the Headquarters of the then Orange Free State Command. Flying training under the Joint Air Training Scheme in South Africa was carried out by 27 Air School (Service Flying Training) at Bloemspruit and at Tempe Airfield by 62

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Air School (Flying Instructor Training), 63 Air School (Ground Instructor School) and 64 Air School (Electrical and Wireless School).

Of the 74 Commonwealth graves in the cemetery 12 are from the First World War and 62 are from the Second World War. 29 of the burials are South African Army personnel who were originally buried in the non-European cemetery which became unmaintainable and the remains were re-interred here in the early 1970’s.

The First World War graves are 11 members of the South African Native Labour Corps and 1 member of the West African Fighting Force (WAFF), Gold Coast Regiment.

Graves from the Second World War includes 18 graves from members of the South African Native Labour Corps, 11 members of the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserves, 9 members of the South African Air Force, 8 members of the Cape Corps, 3 members of the 1st South African Reserve Brigade, 2 members each of the General Service Corps, Indian and Malay Corps and South African Engineer Corps. In addition there are 1 grave of each of the following Essential Service Corps, Q Service Corps, South African Artillery, South African Instructional Corps, South African Interment Corps, South African Pay Corps and the South African Corps of Military Police.

NEW SOUTH AFRICAN MEMORIAL AT MESEN by Colonel Maryna Fondse The Marble Memorial is in the form of an inscribed Obelisk set on a large plinth in the shape of the Castle of Good Hope. Each

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corner will have end with a raised smaller Castle.

Two flagpoles to be installed at the 2 outward castles. The two front castle would be inscribed with the Springbok head of then.

The following would be inscribed on the panels at the base of the needle:

 A list of the units involved and the two main battles fought in Flanders.

 List of the South African Victoria Cross awards in Belgium.

This monument would be centrally placed on the Mesen (Messines) Town Square in front of the "Stadshuis". This is an indication of the great esteem in which this Town holds the South Africans.

MAX 3 meters wide. Solid Granite from base of memorial cone. On the upper panels there will be a list of the units, a list of the VC’s as well as mention of the youngest participant. All the engravings must be engraved on the granite itself

South African Heavy Artillery 74th Battery YPRES South African Heavy Artillery 71st, 72nd, 73rd, 74th, 75th, 125th Batteries South African Infantry 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th Regiments 1st South African Field Ambulance PILCKEM South African Heavy Artillery 75th Battery LANGEMARCK South African Heavy Artillery 75th Battery

MENIN ROAD South African Heavy Artillery

LIST OF THE UNITS

71st, 73rd, 74th Batteries

South African Heavy Artillery

South African Infantry

71st, 72nd, 73rd, 74th, 75th, 125th Batteries South African Infantry 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th Regiments

1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th Regiments 1st South African Field Ambulance A Section of the South African Railwaymen

1st South African Field Ambulance

BROODSEINDE

A Section of the South African Railwaymen

South African Heavy Artillery

Bailey's South African Sharpshooters. Recruited and financed by Sir Bailey, this small sharpshooters unit (a total of 24 men served in it) fought on the Western front from 1916 to 1918 in a British division.

71st, 73rd, 74th Batteries

South African Signal Company (Royal Engineers). 1917 Flanders Coast, 1918 Lys and advance in Flanders.

75th Battery

1917 HILL 70 South African Heavy Artillery 72nd, 125th Batteries MESSINES

POELCAPPELLE South African Heavy Artillery PASSCHENDAELE

South African Heavy Artillery 71st, 72nd, 73rd, 74th, 75th Batteries South African Infantry 3rd Regiment 1st South African Field Ambulance

SA LEGION SPRINGBOK 2015/1 1918 MESSINES South African Infantry 1st, 2nd, 4th Regiments KEMMEL South African Infantry 1st, 2nd, 4th Regiments LYS South African Heavy Artillery 71st, 73rd, 125th Batteries South African Infantry 1st, 2nd, 4th Regiments OBITUARIES FRANK SEXWALE – Soweto Branch It is also with a very heavy heart that we announce of the passing the Past Chairman of the South Africa Legion's Soweto Branch and father to Colonel Tokyo Sexwale, Legionnaire Frank Sexwale.

Frank Sexwale was one of our last remaining World War 2 heroes, having served with the South African Native Military Corps during the war and was very fondly regarded.

To Colonel Tokyo Sexwale, Colonel Johnny Sexwale and General Mokoape we offer our deepest personal condolences. On behalf of all the Legionnaires of the South African Legion of Military Veterans, we offer our sincere condolences to his family. Our words cannot take away the sorrow they must all be feeling at this time.

We hope our thoughts and prayers give comfort to his family that we as an organisation recognise and salute the work and efforts of Lgr Frank Sexwale. Frank Sexwale

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as Chairman of the SA Legion Soweto branch steered the branch through the turbulent 1980's. In 1986 he received a letter of commendation from the Legion for "transcending political pressure to keep the branch operational" in difficult and dangerous days. The branch facilities were actually expanded and sponsorship secured.

During the late 1980's he also played a pivot role in securing Legion sponsored housing for Black veterans in Dube and Moroka districts on 99 year leases, when property ownership became legal for Black South Africans, he arranged special meetings to explain the legalities of the lease and filed 140 applications. To him, many Black South African veterans owe their homes. In 1989, he became the first Black member of the Legion to address a Royal Commonwealth Ex Services League Conference conference in London, England.

On this trip in 1989 he also travelled to this very cemetery - Hollybrook cemetery in Southampton to visit the SS Mendi memorial here and at this very memorial he laid a wreath. He then went on to see artefacts from the Mendi kept at the Bembridge Museum on the Isle of Wight. He has been central to championing the memory of the men lost on the SS Mendi and remained so all his life.

We know how important the SA Legion Soweto Branch was to him and we will try to ensure that it remains strong in his memory. We will honour our commitment to his family to remember him at all the SS Mendi Commemoration Services – here in the United Kingdom, in Holland and in South Africa. At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we will remember him!

DAVE FORSYTH – East London Branch Former Honouary Life Vise Preside It was with deep sadness that we learned of the “Passing to Higher Service” of Rear Adm Dave Forsyth recently.

Legionnaire Forsyth was a stalwart supporter of the SANDF

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Reserve Forces and served as the Director tale bubbles. However, the chemical that abReserve Forces for some years. He was also sorbed the carbon dioxide gave off a lethal the Chairman of the East London Branch of gas if it got wet and breathing pure oxygen at the Legion and served more recently as the a pressure of more than two atmospheres - a Chairman of the Eastern Cape Province of the water depth of 30 feet - was poisonous and SALVM. Our condolences go to his wife, had led to fatalities. Differences in water denYvonne, and their family. sity - such as meeting fresh water up a river “At the going down of the sun, and in the caused the chariot to plunge, the excess pressure affecting breathing and the suit painfully morning, we will remember him”. to pinch the diver.

ANTHONY ELDRIDGE DSC – Former To these hazards were added cold, darkness, Honoury Life Vice President claustrophobia and enemy action, not forgetAnthony Eldridge’s father, an artillery ser- ting the problem of getting back and finding geant in the Great War, owned a hairdressing the launching submarine. saloon in Tunbridge Wells and young Eldridge Charioteers had had mixed successes and went to school at the Skinner’s Company disasters in the European and Mediterranean School where he became a King’s Scout theatres - on his way to the Far East, Eldridge Reaching the age of eighteen, he joined the noted that several of his colleagues were Royal Navy in January 1942, undergoing ‘locked up in Germany’. On arrival at Trincobasic training as an officer candidate. Briefly malee in Ceylon (now Sri Lanka), he was at sea in the Hunt class destroyer Cleveland, warned that Japanese treatment of PoWs ‘left he took part as a four-inch gun loader in a much to be desired’ and was given a crash noisy night action against German E-boats off course in jungle survival.

Dartmouth. Selected for officer training at HMS King Alfred based at Hove, Eldridge was In October 1944 the submarine Trenchant, by Lieutenant-Commander commissioned as a Temporary Acting Mid- commanded ‘Baldy’ Hezlet, later Flag Officer Submarines shipman RNVR on Christmas Eve 1942. and one of the war’s most highly decorated While at the junior officers’ ‘finishing school’ submariners, carried two higher-performance at Greenwich Naval College, his whole class Mark II chariots with thousand pound warwas invited to volunteer for ‘special service’. It heads from Trincomalee to Phuket on the soon became apparent that this was to be coast of Siam (now Thailand). Their targets ‘special and hazardous service’ of an underwere two 5000 ton merchantmen in the harwater nature. Eldridge was one of ten who bour. Lieutenant Eldridge with Petty Officer volunteered for the intensive and often danWoollcott in one chariot and Petty Officer gerous physical and mental training that Smith with Steward Brown in the other set off would equip them to become ‘charioteers’. in moonlight, weighed down not only with their Successful attacks by Italian ‘human torpe- operational equipment but with emergency does’ on shipping in Gibraltar and the damag- rations, compass, knife, maps, various currening of the battleships Valiant and Queen Eliz- cies, gold sovereigns and ‘in case things got abeth in Alexandria had prompted Prime Min- rough’, a cyanide capsule. ister Winston Churchill to enquire,” Is there Propelling for some six miles both on the any reason why we should be incapable of surface and dived, both chariots found their the same scientific aggressive action the Italtargets and settled on the bottom underneath ians have shown?”. them, releasing their warheads and setting Early British ‘chariots’ resembled a conven- the timers. After broaching to the surface rational torpedo with two cockpits, a buoyancy ther too close to the target for comfort in order tank and a stores locker superimposed. With to sort out Woolcott’s breathing tube which 600lb warheads and driven by batteries, they had kinked, Eldridge then kept dived for twenwere difficult to control and had a limited ty-five minutes, steering carefully by compass range. The men wore a diving suit of rubber- until reaching the rendezvous with Trenchant ised twill - known for good reason as a without too much difficulty. Smith’s chariot ‘Clammy Death’ - and a closed-circuit oxygen also found the Trenchant. Both chariot crews breathing apparatus which produced no tell-

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were able to watch the heavy explosions through the submarine’s periscope just after dawn. Thus ended the only chariot attack in the Far East theatre and one of the most successful of the war. Lieutenant Eldridge was awarded the DSC for his outstanding courage and determination.

After the war Lieutenant Eldridge was appointed to the minesweeper Elfreda clearing wartime minefields, being demobilised in 1946. He worked in farming, getting married in 1950. Working for ICL he was transferred to South Africa and took up a post in Johannesburg until moving to Rhodesia.

With an increasing family - three girls and a boy - he worked for the company, installing successive generations of information management systems to clients over a wide area.

A long period of self-help against sanctions tested everybody’s ingenuity, but Eldridge’s business still flourished. Eldridge took part in what he called his ‘second war’ after he volunteered for the British South African Police Reserve, as it was called. From 1965, he was a ‘weekend soldier’ and served over eighteen years, being awarded the Meritorious Service Medal.

He retired to South Africa in 1984, living near East London. His personal motto of ‘Get up, Show up and get on with it’ meant he was always one to get involved, he became chairman of the South African Legion - Eastern Cape area, Tony became Honorary Life Vice President of the South African Legion, as well as former Provincial Chairman. In addition he found time to become Chairman of his local Gardening club, as well as Chairman of the Naval Officers Association in East London He and Dorothy returned to England in

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2004. Despite becoming blind he was active and vigorous until his death. In particular he remained engaged with the British Legion, rarely missing a Submariners memorial service, taking particular delight in obeying the ceremonial ‘Flasks Out’ order. He would parade however foul the weather, saying that “Your skin is waterproof, you won’t melt”.

Never slow in coming forward, he could always be found where the action was in life, be it the ‘Braai’, or volunteering to represent and support those who had fallen in the service of their country. Despite his failing eyesight, he was an early adopter of computers and social media in order to stay in touch with – or ‘in comms’ as he would say – his increasingly widespread family.

He is survived by his wife Dorothy and three of his four children; Vivienne, Diana and Richard with Laura having sadly passed away in 2009. He was beloved grandfather to 13 and great grandfather to 13 more. He also leaves a bother Gordon and a sister Margaret.

His Autobiography ‘Just out of sight’ was published in 1998, and is dedicated ‘To those that Volunteer’.

Anthony Eldridge DSC MSM, wartime ‘charioteer’ was born on July 16 1923. He died on 13th April 2015 aged 91.

LGR RANDLL BRUCE – Kimberley Branch.

“A Kimberley boy all his life, Randall passed away recently after a short illness. He had an impressive military and veteran career, firstly serving in the Kimberley Regiment where he was commissioned and attained the rank of Captain.

He served as the Adjutant of his Regiment whilst deployed in Northern South West Africa during that Campaign. He was a Legionnaire and a member of his Regiment's Association and also Provincial Old Bill of the MOTHS in the Northern Cape.

He is survived by his wife, Veronica, and three children."

LGR EUVERARD COETZEE – Durban Branch.

LGR B. JONES – Bloemfontein Branch

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WAR POEMS This edition is concluded with the following poems.

The Australian and New Zealand Army Gorps (ANZAC) was formed in Egypt prior to the landing on Gallipoli in April 1915. (The moving poem and the tragic commentary below, are displayed in the National ANZAC Centre above the harbour in Albany, Western Australia) WE ARE THE MAIMED – by W. B. France. ln Flanders fields we do not lie .

Where poppies grow and larks will fly, Forever singing as they go Above the bodies row on row, Of those whose duty 'twas to die.

We are the maimed. Death did deny Its solas. Crippled, blind, we try To find on earth the peace they know ln Flanderc fields.

Forget us not! As years go by, On your remembrance we rely For love that sees the hearts below Our broken bodies. Else we grow To crave our peace with those who lie ln Flanders fields.

SINKING OF THE SS MENDI – by S. E. K. Mqhayi Yes, this thing flows as a normal thing from that.

The thing we know is not scared of that; W e say, things have happened as they should have, W ithin our brains we say: it should have been so; If it hadn’t been so, nothing would have come right.

You see Sotase, things came right when the Mendi sank!

Our blood on that ship turned things around, It served to make us known through the world!

The British didn ’t buy us with begging; They didn’t seduce us with long strips of meat; They didn’t bribe us with things as high as the stars, They didn’t bribe us with profits.

W e say unto those who died, you were Africans, Those who died in the country of the rising sun, Those who died in the country of the setting sun, You didn’t die out of subservience for the king, Nor because you wanted to kowtow to Britain.

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On the day you left home, we talked, On the day you left, we promised to look after your families, On this day we shook hands, our eyes were wet.

On this day mothers cried, you fathers sobbed, On this day you left the mountains of your birth, You left the rivers of our country behind W e said to you, going there as dark -skinned men, W e said: “You are our sacrifice from here. ”

Could we have sacrificed anything more precious?

W hat did it mean to sacrifice a village?

W as it not giving the bull calves of your homestead?

Sending those very ones who loved you as a nation?

W e’re talking deep now; we have added our voice, Proudly we are part of those opening the road to freedom.

In the way Abel was the sacrifice of the earth?

In the way the Messiah was the sacrifice of heaven?

Be consoled, all you orphans!

Be consoled, all you young widows!

Somebody has to die, so that something can be built; Somebody has to serve, so that others can live; W ith these words we say: be consoled, This is how we build ourselves, as ourselves.

Remember the saying of the old people: “Nothing comes down, without coming down. ” Awu! The finest of Africa was busy dying!

The ship couldn ’t carry its precious cargo, It was echoing into the inner circles, Their brave blood faced the King of Kings.

Their deaths had a purpose for all of us How I wish I could be with them, How I wish I could stand with them on resurrection day, How I wish I could sparkle with them like the morning star.

Let it be so! © 1943, SEK Mqhayi From: Inzuzo Publisher: W its University Press, Johannesburg, 1943 Translation: 2008, Antjie Krog, Ncebakazi Saliwa & Koos Oosthuyzen Translator's Note: The country of the rising sun – East Germany The country of the setting sun – West Germany In the line “Nor because you wanted to kowtow to Britain” the implication is “but you died for Africa ”. The saying “Nothing comes down, without coming down ” implies “this is not the first time this has happened ”.

SA Legion — “Not for ourselves but for others” SOUTH AFRICAN LEGION OF MILITARY VETERANS Springbok, the Journal of the South African Legion of Military Veterans, ISSN number 2221-9854, is the responsibility of the PR Portfolio. Editing by Lgr Charles Ross.

Layout and typesetting by Lgr Giles. Body text was set in Arial, 9pt, and headers, Arial Bold 11pt. Printed using Nashua Photocopier, thanks to Nashua Central. National LOTTO Distribution Fund supported.

SA Legion Structure Patron in Chief: President, Hon. Jacob C Zuma Past Presidents for Life: Lgr Tony C Chemaly Lgr Rodney W Monthe Lgr Lawrie F Poorter Lgr Jurie Van der Merwe Lgr Chris PC de B Venter Honorary Life Vice Presidents: Lgr Arthur Blake Lgr Lourens Human Lgr CJJ Jooste Lgr Basil Kriel National President: Lgr Godfrey J Giles National V/President: Lgr John DelMonte National Treasurer: Lgr Hilton Kaplan National Secretary: Lgr Marrietta Venter National Marketing: Lgr Shadrack Sealome National Transformation: Lgr S Nosenga National Gender: Ms M Manetjie National Welfare: Lgr Dave Francis National PR: Lgr Charles Ross Regional Chairmen: Central: Lgr Deon Bester Eastern Cape: Lgr Brian Klopper Kwa-Zulu Natal: Lgr Rick Andries

Branches:  Adelaide  Alexandria  Attridgeville  Brakpan  Bedford  Bloemfontein  Botshabelo  Cape Town  Central Wits  Durban  East London  England  Ennerdale  Graaff-Reinet  Grahamstown  Hermanus

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

South African Legion PO Box 1936 Houghton 2041 Tel: 011 486 4533 Email: pr@salegion.org