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Contents PUBLISHER ............................................................................................................... 5 AIM / DOEL ................................................................................................................ 5 COPYRIGHT .............................................................................................................. 5 ONGOING PROJECTS .............................................................................................. 5 WELCOME................................................................................................................. 5 Friends of the Rail................................................................................................... 5 Etienne du Plessis .................................................................................................. 6 Nico Moolman ......................................................................................................... 6 1899 – 1902: RAILWAYS: ANGLO-BOER WAR: N MOOLMAN................................ 7 Bucket / Emmer ...................................................................................................... 7 NZASM No 16 ........................................................................................................ 8 Damaged Armoured Train ...................................................................................... 9 Somewhere in the Cape ......................................................................................... 9 Another armoured truck with a bucket .................................................................. 10 NZASM Loco’s and Ambulance Train ................................................................... 11 ‘Kimberley se Trein’ .............................................................................................. 11 British Armoured locomotive ................................................................................. 12 Locomotive: “Stormberg”? Cape Town Harbour ................................................... 12 Somewhere in the Old Transvaal (ZAR) ............................................................... 13 1914 – 1915 AFRIKANER-BOER REBELLION: SOUTH AFRICA ........................... 13 Another mystery photo ...................................................................................... 17 MYSTERY PHOTO .................................................................................................. 18 CAPE GOVERNMENT RAILWAYS: MORTIMER STATION ................................... 18 1925 ROYAL TRAINS: PRINCE OF WALES: OUDTSHOORH ............................... 20 1925 ROYAL TRAINS: PRINCE OF WALES: ALBERT BORGSTEIN ..................... 20 Royal Tour: Post Mark ...................................................................................... 23 VISIT PRINCE OF WALES: PRETORIA 19 – 22 JUNE 1925: FREDA GREEN ...... 24 Indulgence ........................................................................................................ 47 1947 ROYAL TOUR: LES PIVNIC ........................................................................... 48 South African Railways and Harbours Photo Journal........................................ 48 SA POLICE AND THE ROYAL TRAIN ..................................................................... 49 The King’s SAP Orderlies ................................................................................. 49 2
At the end of the tour......................................................................................... 49 Royal Protection Officers .................................................................................. 50 The King’s BSAP Orderlies in Rhodesia ........................................................... 50 1947 MODEL OF THE WHITE TRAIN: PETER GREEF .......................................... 51 1947: ROYAL TOUR: NICO MOOLMAN.................................................................. 52 BOOK: BLUE AND KHAKI BY LIEUT.-COL. R S. GODLEY, OBE, KPM ............... 53 Captain Nesbit V.C, Mashonaland Mounted Police........................................... 54 Salisbury Rifles ................................................................................................. 54 British South Africa Police (B.S.A.P.) ................................................................ 54 “Advance Rhodesia”.......................................................................................... 55 Anglo-Boer War................................................................................................. 55 Service aboard an Armoured Train ................................................................... 55 1900: Service in the South African Constabulary (SAC) ................................... 56 Blockhouse Duties ............................................................................................ 56 Anglo Boer War: Recruits for Heidelberg .......................................................... 57 Watermelon-thief ............................................................................................... 57 1910: Royals and the Railways ......................................................................... 58 1913: Miner’s Strike .......................................................................................... 58 Covert deportation by train ................................................................................ 58 1914 – 1918: World War 1 ................................................................................ 59 The role of the SAR in support of the (new) SA Police in Natal ........................ 59 German Internees ............................................................................................. 59 1919 - 1920: The General Strike 1919 and the Red Revolt 1920 ..................... 60 1925: Visit of HRH the Prince of Wales............................................................. 60 1928: Royal Visit ............................................................................................... 60 1930: Royal Visit 1930 ...................................................................................... 60 RAILWAY NEWS AS REPORTED IN THE MEDIA .................................................. 60 They now call me Mr 350% - defiant Prasa CEO .............................................. 61 Illegal power connections disrupt Cape Town rail services ............................... 62 China: Train at your doorstep: Daily Mail (UK) .................................................. 62 Armoured Train: Daily Mail (UK) ....................................................................... 63 The romance of steam is back: Traditional locomotive hauls scheduled main-line service in Britain for the first time in 50 years .................................................... 63 Comment .......................................................................................................... 72 3
TRANSNET AND PRASA: MORTIMER DISTRICT: JP MEYER ............................. 73 Class 20E .......................................................................................................... 73 Class 35-256 ..................................................................................................... 75 34-550 & 34-447 ............................................................................................... 75 34-076 & Driver Meyer ...................................................................................... 76 34-501 ............................................................................................................... 76 34-076 & Driver Meyer ...................................................................................... 77 20E-035 ............................................................................................................ 78 Prasa 34-847..................................................................................................... 79 Prasa 7E in the sunset ...................................................................................... 79 JP Meyer: Our photographer at Mortimer.......................................................... 80 20E-093 Driver Noel Welsh ............................................................................... 81 1960: SAA ................................................................................................................ 83 Johannesburg – London ................................................................................... 83 Jan Smuts Airport.............................................................................................. 88 SA RAILWAYS: TELECOMMUNICATION APPARATUS: J & J WEPENER ........... 90 PRASA ILLS COMPARED WITH S.A.R./S.A.T. TIMES: J & J WEPENER .............. 93 SAR BRIDGES: J & J WEPENER ............................................................................ 95 GAUTRAIN: GOUTREIN (HBH) ............................................................................... 96 TUBULAR LINE FROM PRETORIA TO THE EAST ................................................ 99 LETTERS ................................................................................................................. 99 Nicholas Clarke: NZASM locomotives named after Mr H and Mrs A Boom ...... 99 DRISA: Ms. Yolanda Meyer: Transnet Centre of Knowledge .......................... 100 Soul of a Railway: Etienne du Plessis ............................................................. 102 Leith Paxton: The Mystery Locomotive (On Page 18) ..................................... 102 SLOT ...................................................................................................................... 103 KOPIEREG ............................................................................................................ 103
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PUBLISHER This electronic magazine is compiled and published on ISSUU by Hennie Heymans. Hennie is a retired brigadier of the former South African Police. He is passionate about the history of South Africa’s National Security and holds a MA degree in National Strategic Studies. He is most interested in the strategic use of railways in Southern Africa but he loves trains generally no matter where they are! Contact address: heymanshb@gmail.com Telephone number: 012-329-4229.
AIM / DOEL Our goal is to collect and record our South African railway history for publication in the SAS-SAR for the use of future generations.
Ons doel is om die spoorweggeskiedenis van suidelike Afrika in die SAS-SAR aan te teken en so vir die nageslagte se gebruik te bewaar.
COPYRIGHT Great care is taken to make sure that we do not transgress the Copyright Act. Permission to reprint any article or photograph may be obtained from SAS-SAR. Please make sure that when you use somebody else’s photographs or material to first obtain the necessary permission before sending it to SAS-SAR for publication.
ONGOING PROJECTS Please help us with: • • •
Researching royal and presidential visits to South Africa. Compiling information about the use of armoured trains and hospital trains in Southern Africa. Trains in time of war, rebellion and unrest.
WELCOME Friends of the Rail We trust this magazine reaches you in good health. We are getting old: Take time to smell the roses. If you don’t make time for pleasure, ill health will force you to make time!
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Welcome to this edition of SAS-SAR on this sad note: Steam train to Cullinan derails after sleepers stolen, 2017-03-21 16:09.1 The day was spoilt for about 500 “steam fans” from Pretoria to Cullinan and return. We feel sad that this has happened to Nathan Berelowitz and Friends of the Rail. They deserve better from Spoornet and the police.
Etienne du Plessis In this job as compiler of the SAS-SAR I meet the most interesting people in the world! All over the globe people are always busy exchanging ideas and information. An interesting personality I met in cyber space and over the telephone is Etienne du Plessis from Port Elizabeth. Etienne is, like me, interested in various subjects: Planes, trains, ships, army, navy, air force, places, history and most things in our South African environment. We hope to meet in a few weeks time and to visit the Spoornet library. He is the owner of a “flickr” website: “Bygone Cape Town” with link: https://www.flickr.com/photos/8270787@N07/sets/72157600938342274 We have exchanged photographs and he has given us permission to share some of his photographs. He is especially interested in the SOUTH AFRICAN AIRWAYS especially the old SAA propeller aircraft. If any readers would like to share their photos please tell us.
Nico Moolman He is continuously sharing his old railway photographs from his archive with us. He has graciously allowed SAS-SAR to share this railway history with our readers. This electronic magazine is here for your enjoyment and pleasure. They say to have a successful publication you must inform, amaze and amuse your readers! We hope we will succeed. The formula for happiness
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http://www.news24.com/SouthAfrica/News/steam-train-to-cullinan-derails-after-sleepers-stolen20170321
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1899 – 1902: RAILWAYS: ANGLO-BOER WAR: N MOOLMAN Bucket / Emmer Die emmer op die trok vasgemaak / The bucket fixed to the side
Nico Moolman is the author of various books, mainly on our South African history and culture. We had a long telephonic conversation about the bucket hanging on the goods truck next to the passenger saloons. It is Nico’s contention that the bucket was unused as a toilet. After all it was POW’s being conveyed. The train was on the move and what do you do when you have to go?! I do not agree. I think the bucket was used to obtain hot water from the engine for making tea (or even mealie porridge). I base my perception on the British Army’s Standing Orders for Railway Staff Officers. I am counting on my memory and I hope it serves me correct: The order said that when possible and if the train stopped at meal times the soldiers had to fetch boiling water from the engine. They then had tea and hard biscuits (hardtack) for lunch and dinner. If you had to do “number one” I think it was done over the side. The Army waits for no man to do “number two”. It shows no courtesies in that regard to either prisoners or soldiers in that regard. Number two was done at stops in the veldt under the watchful eyes of the armed guards.
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So I say the bucket was for boiling water for tea – sorry, no instant coffee for the Boers! •
What do our readers say? We would like to hear from you!
NZASM No 16
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Damaged Armoured Train
Somewhere in the Cape
What would appear to be Boers and Tommies somewhere in the Cape – note the lamp post. I have seen these lamp posts in the Cape at CGR stations.
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Same place – different angle
Another armoured truck with a bucket
I would say the bucket was used for tea. 10
NZASM Loco’s and Ambulance Train
One loco has the number 224. I think this train was still in the hands of the Boers – looking at the train crew.
‘Kimberley se Trein’
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British Armoured locomotive
Locomotive: “Stormberg�? Cape Town Harbour
Any comments from our readers? 12
Somewhere in the Old Transvaal (ZAR)
A NZASM locomotive: It could be in the Zuid-Afrikaansche Republiek (ZAR) when the line was constructed or when the Boers invaded Natal near Ladysmith? It certainly looks like some kind of a picket. Any comments from our readers?
1914 – 1915 AFRIKANER-BOER REBELLION: SOUTH AFRICA During 1914 – 1915 we had a Rebellion in South Africa by former Boer fighters who in the meantime generally became known as Afrikaners after the formation of Union in 1910. Afrikaners of all four provinces united. The rebellion took place in Northern Cape (Gen. Maritz and Gen. Kemp); in the Transvaal Gen. Koos de la Rey was killed by Police when they refused to stop at a road block in Langlaagte2. Const. Drury3, ironically the worst shot in the police, did what the British could not do during the war. (Actually the police were looking for the Foster-Gang.) Gen. Beyers who was with Gen. De la Rey that fateful night later died crossing the Vaal River, which was in flood, from the Free State to the Transvaal. (He died from a heart attack.)
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I believe there is a memorial plaque at the Langlaagte railway station – HBH. Const Drury went on to be the SA Police cook in the German South West Africa campaign.
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Gen. Christiaan de Wet trekked across the Free State and Transvaal and was arrested in the Kalahari by an Afrikaner Defence Force officer. Kommandant (Captain) Jopie Fourie was arrested and sentenced to death by firing squad on 16th of December 1914. Most fighting was over by Christmas 1914 allowing Gen. Botha to focus on his invasion of GSWA. It was a sad time in Afrikaner history: Boer fighting Boer. On the (new) Government side was Gen. Louis Botha – Prime Mister and General Commanding the new Union Defence Force - assisted by Gen, JC Smuts. This is a railway magazine and no place for politics. However, we cannot ignore the role played by the newly formed SAR. Many railwaymen were attached to the British Forces 12 years previously and serving mainly in Railway Regiments. So there was much experience and a good corporate memory of railways during the Anglo Boer War. To quell the rebellion (and to invade GSWA) the railways played a strategic role. Gen. Botha used the railways extensively to convey his men, police, horses, fodder and motor cars. Apart from special “strategic” or “tactical” trains the SAR quickly assembled five armoured trains for the Defence Force. Each train has a military number from 1 to 5 but they were also officially known as His Majesty’s Armoured Train (HMAT) followed by the name given e.g. HMAT Erin or what the case me be. I have published a special edition on armoured trains. I am not going to repeat that information. Having read “Die Rebelspoor”4 by Dr. LJ Bothma I have found new information on the use of the SAR during the Rebellion.
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Liarally: The Rebel Spoor”.
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Dr Bothma writes on page 300 about armoured trains in the Orange Free State during the rebellion and the following is for our purposes enough at this juncture: 1. One Armoured train was commanded by Capt Dickson. 16
2. 3. 4. 5.
Engine driver WRS Eaton of an armoured train was killed. Capt Wallis was i/c of HMAT Trafalgar from Bethlehem. HMAT Erin was commanded by Capt. Shannon. A third armoured train, HMAT Schrikmaker, was commanded by Capt. Adams
Another mystery photo Nico Moolman furnished the following photograph from his archive
Comments by Hennie Heymans: We don’t know when or where this photograph was taken. The photo was definitely taken during the First World War period or during the 1922 Revolt on the Rand. The scene is too advanced for the Anglo Boer War. We however do not know when and where the photograph was taken. Does the coal stack suggest any leads? Comments will be welcome.
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MYSTERY PHOTO Any comments on this photo would be appreciated
Another mystery photo. My bet / guess: This photo was taken in Kimberley when the railway line reached the Diamond City. Copper dome = CGR; see lettering on truck also CGR-style – HBH. NB – See Leith Paxton’s response under the heading “Letters”. He must be aware of every steam locomotive in South Africa.
CAPE GOVERNMENT RAILWAYS: MORTIMER STATION I had to look on a railway Atlas to find where Mortimer was (or more correctly is) situated, The police station is closed and the Post Office is inside the local Farmer’s Co-Op. Me. Yolanda Meyer from the Spoornet Centre for Knowledge / Heritage Library furnished the photos. We can imagine there was quite a little busy town at Mortimer – sadly not so active anymore.
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Enlargements of the locomotives
Sadly the present or last station is no more. It would be nice if we could get more photos of the station at Mortimer during SAR-times. 19
1925 ROYAL TRAINS: PRINCE OF WALES: OUDTSHOORH
Strictly speaking not “railway” related, but still the Prince arrived at Oudtshoorn by Royal (White) Train. The Dance Card proves that Albert’s information below is correct. They had 20 dances and the dancing comenced. I have the program. The train must have left Oudshoorn very late for Klipplaat.
1925 ROYAL TRAINS: PRINCE OF WALES: ALBERT BORGSTEIN
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Royal Tour: Post Mark
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VISIT PRINCE OF WALES: PRETORIA 19 – 22 JUNE 1925: FREDA GREEN
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Polleys Hotel
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Colonel
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From Station to Union Buildings
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Outside the Railway Station
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Sunday Service
Union Buildings
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Indulgence I beg your indulgence, not all photos above are railway related, but in the final analysis it was the Royal Navy and the SAR who made the tour possible. I found it an enriched historical experience to delve in the past. More information is in the pipeline. The old SAR was the backbone of the country. 47
1947 ROYAL TOUR: LES PIVNIC South African Railways and Harbours Photo Journal
Above is the best information on the 1947 Royal Tour to South Africa. 48
SA POLICE AND THE ROYAL TRAIN In the 1947 SA Forces magazine, The Nongqai, I found that the SA Police provided a number of Royal Orderlies on the train. Here is a photo of the group Royal Orderlies: The King’s SAP Orderlies
Brigadier JGM ‘Buurman” van Zyl (right) was the Northern Transvaal rugby Coach. At the end of the tour
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Royal Protection Officers
Royal Protection duties were carried out by Deputy Commander Burt, Supt Cameron and Insp Perkins of Scotland Yard and they were assisted by Gen RJ ‘Bobby’ Palmer, Mai Diedericks, Maj H du Plooy and Capt J van Wyk of the the South African Police The King’s BSAP Orderlies in Rhodesia
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1947 MODEL OF THE WHITE TRAIN: PETER GREEF
Peter shared these photos with us. 51
1947: ROYAL TOUR: NICO MOOLMAN
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BOOK: BLUE AND KHAKI BY LIEUT.-COL. R S. GODLEY, OBE, KPM Book: BLUE AND KHAKI5 by Lieut.-Col. Richard S. Godley,6 OBE, KPM. Godley is another remarkable police officer that also put pen to paper and produced a work that is also very important to the South African History in general and Police and Railway History in particular. Fortunately the Railways also did their bit and he also not only gives descriptions but there are photos as well of carriages, P.O.W.’s in trucks etc. etc. One has to remember that railways are not the focus of his book and that we have to use the bits and pieces that he gives to fill the gaps in our field of study. On the 27th of March 1896 he departed from Brentwood Station on his way to leave England and he embarked for Durban to enlist in the Natal Police under the command of Sir John Dartnell. On board were twenty of Dr. Jameson’s BSAP men, under the command of Capt Straker, returning to South Africa to rejoin the BSA Co.’s police in Rhodesia. At Madeira he and other recruits heard of the Matabeleland Rebellion. On the 13th of April 1893 they reached Cape Town he joined the “Matabeleland Relief Force” on the same day. He and his comrades left Cape Town that same evening at 21:00 for Mafeking. Godley and a friend “were packed into a 3rd class7 railway carriage with about ten others, en route for Mafeking and the unknown, having left all our belongings on the ship never to be seen again. How depressed and homesick I felt when, early next morning, after a very uncomfortable night of fitful dozing, I awoke to find that we were in the Karoo” (Godley: 25 –27). It is important to note the following: “At Mafeking8, which was at this time the railhead going north to Rhodesia, we detrained, and went to the camp which had been erected on a waste piece of very dusty ground on the far side of the present railway station” (Godley: 27). Without the luxury of a Railway, this is the way they had to travel to Rhodesia: “As there would be water difficulties on our march through the Bechuanaland Protectorate to Macloutsie, some four hundred miles distant, Colonel Plummer decided to send one or two troops9 at a time, with their transport. There was to be a day’s interval between each party, to avoid congestion at the watering holes, and to 5
Full title: Khaki and Blue. Thirty-five Year’s Service in South Africa. Lovat Dickson & Thompson Ltd, London, 1935. 6 Born 1876 in Woolwich, England. 7 rd Many whites, recruits and soldiers also traveled 3 Class in the old days. Apartheid on the Railways was nothing new. All “non-white” carriages have a “C” in their classification. [Up to c 1955 all white SA st policemen below the rank of 1 Class sergeant had to travel ‘with blankets’ – meaning they had to rd st bring their own bedding. All non-white policemen traveled 3 class. Later all policemen traveled 1 Class and could travel “without blankets”. Today they fly or travel by car.] 8 The British were geo-politically aware – study the route from Cape Town to Rhodesia. It missed the Boer Republics, which could have been a hindrance in a war situation. 9 In the former SAP a troop consisted of one troop-sergeant and 36 men.
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minimize the risk of there being a shortage of water for men and animals” (Godley – 28). If they had the train it would have been an easier exercise! “Our route from Mafeking to the Khami Ruins10 lay on the old coach route, over which all supplies for Bulawayo and Matabeleland generally were hauled on oxwagons from the railhead at Mafeking. On this road Zeederberg’s coaches, with their spans of twelve mules a-piece, used to travel with passengers and mails. Such coaches were huge “Buffalo Bill” affairs, swinging on enormous leather springs, and carrying twelve passengers, the driver and a Cape boy to assist him. Teams were changed every seven or ten miles, and throughout the whole distance of six hundred miles, ‘change stables’ were erected at the side of the road, where mules were put up and looked after by a couple of natives or Cape boys” (Godley: 31 – 32). To journey without a train was not easy. “A journey in one of these conveyances meant days of trial and tribulation. … (Passengers) were packed like herrings for days on end. Inside there was no room to move or stretch one’s legs; one was also choked with dust.”(Godley: 32). One should also remember that 1896 was the year of the “rinderpest” – many oxen and other cattle perished. So it was horse and mule power! Transport riders and farmers were ruined. “Along the road to Khami hundreds of wagons were left abandoned, many with whole teams of sixteen bullocks lying dead and rotting at their yokes (Godley: 33). Godley describes how the goods were left on the wagons. Some stuff was looted. Captain Nesbit V.C, Mashonaland Mounted Police Nesbit won the coveted V.C. during the first few days of the outbreak of the Rebellion in Mashonaland. [I think it is the same Nesbit of Mafeking who was also mentioned in regard to the armoured train incident at Kraaipan. If so, Godley furnishes some biographical detail.] Salisbury Rifles Godley was later transferred to the Salisbury Rifles as lieutenant. Here he came into contact with Colonel Baden-Powell and Cecil John Rhodes (Godley: 50). British South Africa Police (B.S.A.P.) Godley was offered a commission in the new BSAP.11 “Owing to incidents which occurred in connexion with Police Forces in Rhodesia and Bechuanaland before the Jameson Raid, the Imperial Authorities decreed that the new Force being raised for Matabeleland and Mashonaland (to be called the British South Africa Police) should be commanded by officers seconded from the Army. They would be placed under
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Some 12 miles south of Bulawayo. In Rhodesia the BSAP was the Senior Regiment. They always ‘stood right of the line’. They wore spurs with their mess dress. 11
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general control of an Imperial representative who was styled Commissioner, and Commandant General of Rhodesia’” (Godley: 54).
‘Resident
Nesbit was also part of this new Force (Godley: 56). “Advance Rhodesia” Godley says, if he remembers correctly, the railway from Umtali reached Salisbury during 1899. “A week’s festivities took place in the latter town to celebrate the event”. He took leave for a week to celebrate the occasion (Godley: 64). Anglo-Boer War Before the actual outbreak of the War Col. R.S.S. Baden-Powell had been sent out with some special service officers, amongst them was Colonel (later Field Marshall Lord) Plummer and Godley’s brother12, “to raise an irregular corps for the protection of Rhodesian and Bechuanaland border, in the event of trouble taking place” (Godley: 65). As soon as War was declared Godley, together with everyone else, endeavoured to get to the front. He was successful a few months later. On or about the 6th of March 1900, to Godley’s intense satisfaction, orders came from Salisbury that he was one of three BSAP officers selected to go with one hundred Rhodesian volunteers to reinforce Plummer’s column for the relief of Mafeking. The other two officers were Major Hopper13 and Lieut. Mundell 14 (Godley: 66). Godley and his brothers in arms reached Bulawayo on the 14th of March 1900 and entrained to join Col Plummer, whose force at that time was at Crocodile Pools and Lobatsi (Godley: 67). Service aboard an Armoured Train Godley gives a description of various skirmishes with the Boers. “From Crocodile Pools Major Hopper and I, with two troops were sent to Lobatsi, on the armoured train, commanded by Captain Hoël Llewellen, of the BSA Police.”15 They found Lobatsi Station being shelled and they were immediately sent to occupy a position on a koppie facing the right front of the Boers. After heavy fighting they were ordered late that night to retire and entrain onto the armoured train back to Crocodile Pools.16 On the 18th April 1900 Godley wrote as follows: “ … The Imperial Yeomanry, we believe are coming through Mashonaland from Beira17, under General Carrington, and are use purely for Rhodesian defence …”(Godley: 70 – 71). A few days later he was ordered to join Capt. Nesbit’s squadron as a troop leader (Godley: 72). Godley suffered a wound and was taken to Mafeking that had just been
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Later General A.J. Godley, G.C.B., K.C.M.G., and Governor of Malta. No initials supplied 14 No initials supplied 15 Later Chief Constable of Wiltshire. 16 Was this a wise command? To retire with the armoured train back to Crocodile Pools. 17 Again the strategic importance of the Beira Railway comes to the fore. 13
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relieved. According to Godley they had good rations within 48 hours after Mafeking was relieved. In June 1900 he left Mafeking for England with Capt. Forbes who had also been wounded. He believes he was the first officer from the Mafeking relief force to reach Cape Town. Lord Milner plied him with questions about the situation “up North” (Godley: 79). After convalescence he was declared fit for duty during October 1900. He set sail for South Africa during November 1900. He suffered a bout of malaria and visited the sanatorium in Claremont. While in the sanatorium he received a telegram from General Baden-Powell offering him a transfer to the newly formed South African Constabulary18 (Godley: 81). 1900: Service in the South African Constabulary (SAC) “After a long and tedious journey by troop train, which was sniped on two occasions in the Free State, I arrived at my destination19 on December 18th, 1900”. At Modderfontein we had several alarms, and one night Zuurfontein Station20 on the Johannesburg – Pretoria line was heavily attacked, and we had to send a party of men to help beat the enemy off.” (Godley: 82). On Christmas-eve he was transferred to Newcastle, Natal, to raise and train 250 men for the Utrecht Mounted Police (U.M.P.) for policing and patrolling Utrecht and Vryheid districts which had been detached from the Transvaal and annexed to Natal. Godley was appointed Military Magistrate and Officer Commanding, UMP. Blockhouse Duties Later orders were received for the establishment of a Blockhouse line from Val Station21 on the main Elandsfontein22 - Natal main line, across to Wonderfontein on the former NZASM line from Pretoria – Delgoa Bay. He describes the blockhouse lines as follows: “… lines … of small fortified posts, about five hundred yards apart, connected with a strand of wire (about 2 ft. from the ground), on which were hung old tins of every description. Timely warning was thus given should a party of the enemy attempt to pass through during the night. Each post was garrisoned by an N.C.O. and from five to eight men, the whole being divided into sections, for each of which a troop under a captain and subaltern were responsible. The sniping, both by day and night, which continued for weeks and sometimes months with little or no respite, was a great strain on the nerves of officers and men. The line completed, it became one of my duties to accompany 18
According to Godley the SAC was formed on the instructions of Lord Milner who had been appointed Governor of the Transvaal and Orange River Colony (Free State). It was to be a Police Force of 10 000 mounted men.(Godley – p.81 –82). 19 Modderfontein Dynamite Factory, about 8 miles from Johannesburg. 20 What is called today? 21 Does it still exist today? 22 Now Germiston.
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Lieut.-Col Fair, who had now succeeded Colonel Pilkington in Command of the Division, when he inspected it. Occasionally the Colonel would send me alone to obtain information from the various officers, to ascertain their wants, and to report to him on the situation generally. We often had to ride at full gallop from post to post while pot-shots were taken at us from some fold in the ground” (Godley: 86). Anglo Boer War: Recruits for Heidelberg Late in the year Godley was sent from Heidelberg to fetch 200 recruits at Cape Town. At Cape Town it was his first task to check the roll and divide them into two parties. Each recruit was provided with a rifle and a small amount of ammunition. Recruits also received something to eat. “… (T)hen the whole crowd were packed and locked into a special train for the journey up country. Ordinary tinned rations were carried, to be issued for the day each morning, at our first stopping place. It was late in the evening before we actually got away, and about 6.30 a.m. next day found us at a small siding at the top of the Hex River Valley, where I ordered the men to be let out of the carriages to stretch their legs, and rations to be issued. About sixty yards from the siding was a small store. No sooner were the inmates out of the train than numbers of them made a bee-line for the building. Not being served quickly enough for their liking, they started helping themselves, and it was with difficulty they were got back into the train. After this incident they gave no further trouble, which considering the tediousness and the length of the journey23 reflects very much to their credit (Godley: 88). “Hostilities were still very active in the Orange River Colony and the Transvaal, and raids on the railway line were frequently made. It was for this reason that rifles had been issued before leaving Cape Town. After crossing the Cape Colony border we had to halt each night at some fortified station or siding.” (Godley: 88). An interesting fact about this special train: “At the rear of the train was an open truck in which a corporal’s guard did duty during the twenty-four hours. It was relieved at regular intervals. The principal duty was to see that no one left their compartment without permission, and further to keep a sharp look-out for any enemy snipers or raiding parties who might be in the vicinity” (Godley: 88 - 89). Watermelon-thief “The train which was very long and heavy, traveled at a snail’s pace when ascending a slope of any kind. Once the process was so slow, that a man of the guard, espying watermelons growing near the line, thought one would be extremely refreshing in the prevailing heat. Jumping from the truck, he climbed through a wire fence, collected his trophy, and started to run back towards the train. Unfortunately for him the engine and some carriages had topped the rise, and gathering speed began to rush down the slope on the other side. On the matter being reported I thought it a good thing, orders having been flagrantly disobeyed, to inflict a severe lesson, and directed that 23
What was the length of the journey, during the War, between Cape Town and Heidelberg?
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the train should continue to the next stopping place, about one and a half miles distant. As we halted in the siding for a brief period, a solitary figure was shortly seen careering along the track. When the culprit came within a hundred yards or so, I told the guard to blow his whistle as though we were about to restart. Full marks must be given for the magnificent last sprint which the man made to safety. The corporal24 and his guard were sentenced to remain on duty in the truck until we reached Heidelberg the following afternoon (Godley: 89). “Before the end of the year25 a remount train was blown up and attacked about three miles from Heidelberg on the Natal line. It was a Sunday morning, and most of the garrison were at church when the news was received. A mounted force, including about a hundred S.A.C., were sent to drive off the raiders, and to collect any uninjured horses that were loose on the veldt (Godley: 90). “The early months of 1902 were occupied in Staff and Blockhouse duties” (Godley: 90). He describes a few skirmishes with the Boers and Peace was declared during May 1902. 1910: Royals and the Railways “Owing to the death of King Edward, however, to the regret of all this was impossible, and H.R.H. the Duke of Connaught26 came out instead, with the Duchess of Connaught and Princess Patricia, now lady Patricia Ramsay. I remember being much amused at hearing the latter remark that the only objection she had to South Africa was the shortness of the railway compartments, as when she lay down she had great difficulty in keeping her feet properly covered!” (Godley: 107). This Royal Party also visited Potchefstroom by train (Godley: 107). 1913: Miner’s Strike Godley describes how strikers set fire to the Park Station and obstructed the Fire Brigade in their work. Covert deportation by train A special train was used to deport the leaders of the strike. Godley explains: “The Government had decided on the deportation of the leaders who had been arrested, and to prevent carefully laid plans from miscarrying, it was vital that no whisper be noised abroad until they were safe on board a ship, and outside the three mile limit27. At midnight a prison van unobtrusively left the Fort Prison in Johannesburg, containing the deportees. It conveyed them to Jeppe Station, where a special train waited, and immediately left for Durban. … Captain Trew28 had already gone to the 24
The Corporal concerned later became Major Mitchell, District Criminal Investigation Officer for the Witwatersrand. 25 1901 26 The Prince of Wales would have opened the first Union Parliament. 27 The hand of Smuts can clearly be seen in this covert operation. 28 Later Lt-Col HF Trew.
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coast, charged with the duty of seeing our prisoners safely embarked for England. Durban must be have been reached before the slightest suspicion of what was happening leaked out.” (Godley: 126). The operation was successfully carried out and the ringleaders deported before they could lodge an appeal. The boat was in any case in international waters by the time anything was contemplated! 1914 – 1918: World War 1 When war was declared Godley was summonsed to Pretoria and told he had been transferred to Pietermaritzburg as Acting Deputy Commissioner with the rank of Lieut.-Col. and was “ordered to proceed by the first available train” to his new station to take over police duties from the S.A.M.R. (Godley: 128). The role of the SAR in support of the (new) SA Police in Natal The policing of Natal was the responsibility of the Union Defence Force’s constabulary, the South African Mounted Rifles. Godley had taken this responsibility over and needed details for police work urgently. The national carrier was the newly formed SAR who apparently did a good job in bringing in new men to Natal. “ … I wired asking that Jack Fulford29 might be sent down, and within twenty-four hours he was in ‘Maritzburg. By this time officers and men were due to arrive from the Free State and the Transvaal. I sent Major Marshall of the S.A.M.R. and old Natal Police, who had now been attached to me for duty, up to Ladysmith, the junction of the two railway lines. He was to divert men direct to the various police posts (Godley: p – 130). German Internees “We had no sooner completed taking over, or rather walking in, with police duties fairly normal once more, than orders came to arrange accommodation for some 2,000 Germans who had been interned in Pretoria (Godley: 130). The Government decided wisely to move the internees from Pretoria to a safer area, as they feared that the rebels might attempt to set the internees free. “Pretoria was one time seriously threatened, and loyal troops were holding the height surrounding the town” (Godley: 131). The old military cantonments at Fort Napier were brought into good shape and some 48 hours after receiving instructions to prepare for the internees, “a special train steamed into the siding, with Lieut.-Col. “Bill” Manninng in command.” A force of special constables was now enrolled to provide guards to the camp, and perform all duties in connection with it, with Manning as Commandant. … (A)nd I was gazetted Lieut.-Col in the Defence Force, and Commandant of Pietermaritzburg and district, in addition to other duties (Godley: 131).
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Captain Jack Fulford.
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1919 - 1920: The General Strike 1919 and the Red Revolt 1920 Strikes took part in Johannesburg during 1919 and the Railways were sabotaged, trains were derailed (e.g. the Port Elizabeth mail train on 9 March, 1920) and fired on – I will not go into detail because it does not fall under the ambit of this study. These riots were serious, the total causalities were: 43 Soldiers and 29 policemen were killed, 219 officers and men wounded and 66 injured. For his actions acti Godley was rewarded with the King’s Police Medal (Godley: 238). 1925: Visit of HRH the Prince of Wales The Prince traveled by train from Pretoria to Johannesburg (Godley: 245). From Johannesburg the Royal Party went to Rhodesia (Godley: 246). “On July 20, the “White Train’ again steamed into Johannesburg, proceeding straight to the Show Ground siding at Milner Park. At the Royal passenger’s own request, it had been arranged that this should go to a quit spot. And that he might live therein during these few days of leisure. The train had been specially built in the Union for the Prince’s use, and was most comfortable though simply arranged and fitted up. In addition to the special sleeping compartments and bathrooms, there was an att attractive dining-room, room, observation car, and a special little study where he could work in peace (Godley: 248). 1928: Royal Visit 1930: Royal Visit 1930 January 1930 the Prince of Wales again visited the Union in a private capacity. Godley was involved with the arrangements. They again traveled in the Prime Minister’s private coach attached to the ordinary mail train to Rhodesia where Godley’s duties came to an end. From Bulawayo the Prince also went to Beira. (Godley: p – 260).
RAILWAY NEWS AS REPORTED IN T THE MEDIA NEWS & ANALYSIS
They now call me Mr 350% - Letsoalo News24 | 07 March 2017 Suspended acting CEO insists that ongoing salary debacle is not his fault but subterfuge
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They now call me Mr 350% - defiant Prasa CEO Cape Town – The Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (Prasa) has twice tried to return suspended acting CEO Collins Letsoalo to sender, with no success. And a week after he was again handed his marching orders, a defiant Letsoalo has insisted that the ongoing salary debacle is not his fault. "This is subterfuge," he told the committee on Tuesday. Prasa and Letsoalo were summoned to Parliament on Tuesday to explain his socalled 350% salary hike. In a meeting that was more akin to a "soapie", according to MPs, the suspended CEO and the board continued to hurl accusations at each other. "I never, ever calculated my salary or ever asked for an increase, and they know this," Letsoalo told the committee. Board members 'lying' The Prasa board unanimously voted to dismiss Letsoalo after the Sunday Times revealed that he allegedly increased his salary from R1.7m to R5.9m per annum in October. He said once he had been seconded to Prasa, he had merely inquired about what he was entitled to in terms of salary and secondment allowance. He accused the board members of lying, and said they had known of each and every step taken ahead of his appointment, including the salary scale. But the board disputed this, with board member Tefetso Phitsane telling the committee that Letsoalo had demanded to be paid what former CEO Lucky Montana had earned, which amounted to R5.9m. He had threatened them and had said he would view it as insubordination if his request was not granted, Phitsane said. "Where have you ever heard of an official negotiating his own salary, including looking at inflation?" Prasa said. Letsoalo was armed with more than 10 emails which he read out in the committee. The emails detailed his secondment and discussions about his salary. 'Something fishy' An animated Letsoalo read out the emails, at times drawing MPs attention to particular points. "Aha, here is the interesting part. This is a killer. Aha, there is something fishy going on here, listen to this," he said at one stage.
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He named each and every person who had been copied in emails ahead of his appointment, including board chairperson Popo Molefe. The acting CEO told the committee that since the salary difference was in the spotlight, he was constantly under scrutiny. "When I'm walking, they call me Mr 350%," he said. Prasa told the committee that Letsoalo had first been dismissed in August 2016, and again in December. But the minister had asked the board to expedite the filling of the CEO position permanently, and they had been working on an April 2017 deadline. http://www.politicsweb.co.za/news-and-analysis/they-now-call-me-mr-350-letsoalo?utm_source=Politicsweb+Daily+Headlines&utm_campaign=6061af5a01EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2017_03_07&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_a86f25db996061af5a01-130042309 (Retrieved 8 March 2017). Illegal power connections disrupt Cape Town rail services 2017-03-26 12:35 Lizeka Tandwa, News24 See: http://www.news24.com/SouthAfrica/News/illegal-power-connections-disruptcape-town-rail-services-20170326 (26 March 2016). China: Train at your doorstep: Daily Mail (UK)
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Armoured Train: Daily Mail (UK)
Mail Online 20 Maart 2017 The romance of steam is back: Traditional locomotive hauls scheduled main-line service in Britain for the first time in 50 years • The A1 steam locomotive, Tornado, will pass over the 'Roof of England' on the Settle to Carlisle line • Organised by Northern Rail, Network Rail and the Friends of Settle and Carlisle, service runs until Thursday • Rail enthusiasts have snapped up almost all the reserved seats, around half of the 500 seats on each journey By TED THORNHILL FOR MAILONLINE and PRESS ASSOCIATION PUBLISHED: 10:35 GMT, 14 February 2017 | UPDATED: 20:12 GMT, 14 February 2017 The romance of steam returns to Britain's railways for Valentine's Day as a traditional locomotive hauls passengers on a scheduled main line service for the first time in half a century. The Peppercorn class A1 steam locomotive, Tornado, will pass over the 'Roof of England' on the famous Settle to Carlisle line later today, carrying hundreds of steam enthusiasts.
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Carving its way through spectacular snow-capped scenery through the rugged Eden Valley in Cumbria, across the majestic Ribblehead Viaduct and over the Yorkshire Dales, Tornado's journey will be the first for 50 years that a steam train has replaced regular train passenger services.
The romance of steam returns to Britain's railways for Valentine's Day as a traditional locomotive hauls passengers on a scheduled main line service for the first time in 50 years. The Peppercorn class A1 steam locomotive, Tornado (pictured), passed over the 'Roof of England' on the famous Settle to Carlisle line, carrying hundreds of steam enthusiasts.
Tornado crosses the Ribblehead Viaduct in the Yorkshire Dales. The magnificent bridge has 24 arches. 64
Hot stuff: The Tornado steam engine comes into Skipton station, West Yorkshire, with dozens of cameras clicking away.
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Dozens of rail enthusiasts gather to admire the powerful steam engine at Appleby.
Carving its way through spectacular snow-capped scenery through the rugged Eden Valley in Cumbria, across the majestic Ribblehead Viaduct and over the Yorkshire 66
Dales, Tornado's journey will be the first for 50 years that a steam train has replaced regular train passenger services. It's pictured here at Appleby. The initiative, organised by Northern Rail, Network Rail and the Friends of Settle and Carlisle, runs from today until Thursday, running two return journeys each day between Appleby and Skipton. Rail enthusiasts have already snapped up almost all the reserved seats, around half of the 500 seats on each journey, and queues are expected for the remaining unsold unreserved tickets on the day. British Transport Police (BTP) officers will patrol the route over the three days and encourage enthusiasts to enjoy the spectacle while remaining at a safe vantage point. Inspector Neil Hubbs, from BTP, said: 'We understand people are excited about seeing the Tornado and want them to enjoy the occasion and, of course, have a great day out.
The initiative, organised by Northern Rail, Network Rail and the Friends of Settle and Carlisle, runs from today until Thursday, running two return journeys each day between Appleby and Skipton.
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Rail enthusiasts have already snapped up almost all the reserved seats, around half of the 500 seats on each journey, and queues are expected for the remaining unsold unreserved tickets on the day. The train left Appleby at 8.25am today
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The locomotive is pictured here being pushed into Skipton station by a diesel engine. The nine-year-old, scale replica locomotive doesn't have enough fuel to make the return journey, so only travels under full steam power when going north
Tornado is pictured here at one end of Ribblehead Viaduct, with a scattering of rail enthusiasts watching her pass
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The Tornado steam engine disappears in a cloud as it shunts onto another line at Skipton station
The driver carefully steers the locomotive into Skipton Station underneath modern electric power cables
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Paul Barnfield, regional director at Northern Railway, said: 'It is great to see so many people supporting this historic venture' 'Our priority is the safety of the public and passengers viewing and travelling on the train. 'The railway is a hazardous environment and we urge people who are planning on attending to use safe vantage points to view and take pictures of the train, stay clear of the line and not to risk their lives and the lives of others by trespassing on the tracks, and to respect local landowners by not trespassing on any private land.' Paul Barnfield, regional director at Northern Railway, said: 'It is great to see so many people supporting this historic venture.
A man holds his ticket for the Tornado locomotive at Appleby station before it pulls the first timetabled main line steam-hauled service for half a century across the Ribblehead viaduct in North Yorkshire. 'We always knew that the first timetabled steam services in the UK for 50 years would be extremely popular, but the demand for tickets has been phenomenal. 'The running of Tornado on the Settle and Carlisle line - as a timetabled service - is going to be quite a spectacle and we want everyone to be able to enjoy the three-day event. 'The services, and all stations along the line, will be extremely busy and we understand that even those who are not travelling will want to be able to witness Tornado running on the historic line.' The first train left Appleby at 8.25am today. 71
Share or comment on this article http://www.dailymail.co.uk/travel/travel_news/article-4222796/Steam-engineTornado-hauls-service-Settle-Carlisle.html (Retrieved 15 February 2017.) Comment The railways in South Africa tried this during the late 1980’s early 1990’s. During 1992 whilst stationed in Soweto I clearly remember the Trans-Karoo was steam hauled on some trips. Should one refer to Soul Of a Railway,30 System 5 part 2, photo 6 by Mr. Les Pivnic, one reads and I quote with his permission: “... In 1989 the General Manager granted a concession to the Electric Running Shed staff at Braamfontein to use steam traction on Fridays on the Up Trans Karoo from Johannesburg to Klerksdorp - returning on Saturday mornings with the Down Trans Karoo. This indulgence – ostensibly to attract tourists – caused a lot of interest and Germiston Loco soon asked if they could do something similar on the main line to Kroonstad. Operating then allowed Germiston to provide steam power – 15F or 25NC – to work the "Amatola" or "Algoa" passenger trains (to East London and Port Elizabeth respectively) on Fridays from Johannesburg to Kroonstad. ...”
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https://sites.google.com/site/soulorailway/home/system-5/part-2-o-f-s-main-line---makouvlei-tobosrand
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TRANSNET AND PRASA: MORTIMER DISTRICT: JP MEYER Class 20E
Driver Noel Welsh passing through Mortimer
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Class 35-256
34-550 & 34-447
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34-076 & Driver Meyer
34-501
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34-076 & Driver Meyer
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20E-035
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Prasa 34-847
Prasa 7E in the sunset
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JP Meyer: Our photographer at Mortimer
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20E-093 Driver Noel Welsh
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1960: SAA Johannesburg – London
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Jan Smuts Airport
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SA RAILWAYS: TELECOMMUNICATION APPARATUS: J & J WEPENER Hi all, Some photographs of some types of Telecommunication apparatus used on the Railways in South Africa. Most of these items were found abandoned at derelict, vandalised stations as well as line side. a. An old Morse key and bell apparatus, used for trains working. b. Part of a buzzer used for communications. c. Magneto phones, used at stations, with manual exchange, normally only twenty extensions, coupled to Railway network and the G.P.O. network. d. *Some dial type automatic phones, all marked S.A.R. or S.A.T.S. [One remembers the grey body with maroon hand set phones found country wide]. e. A part of the phone apparatus used with Van Schoor trains working machines. [Painted in same green as machines]. f. Three outside type phones. 1st.Magneto found under cover 2nd.Emergency line side phones.
in
cabins,
sheds
and
shunters
huts.
3rd. Newer type emergency line side phone, (plug in-press handset). Kept by running staff. Today with Radio Train Orders [R.T.O]. Cell phones, line side phones are no longer used. 90
Behind phones, is an Anti-Terrorist cardboard display, of various types of Hand grenades/Land mines. Were at all Government buildings, including Stations. [Remember the carry type, magneto phones, in brown metal case, with leather shoulder strap plus long bamboo pole, with two copper protruding bent over electrodes. These were used to connect to the copper wires, indicated by black plastic, insulators found on line side telephone routes. Running staff would, extend bamboo pole, hook copper electrodes to marked wires. Scratch tarnished wire, for better connection, give one long ring. This was received by both stations to rear-front, where train was standing. A Station Foremen would make contact with "Operating" / "Bedryf". To arrange help for stranded train]. *I displayed many items at our Church Bazaar. Among them were these phones. A little boy asked: "Oom wat is die goed?" I replied: "Telefone". He said: "Maar daar is nie knoppies nie". Replied: "Nee, dis draai fone. Jy draai die ronde stuk." "Hoe Oom?" "Jy draai die (Dial) so". Excitedly he asked: "Kan ek vir my Ouma skakel (He dialled a few times.) When his family arrived he said: "Ek het vir Ouma geskakel op die ou telefone". The beauty of something new and innocent for him, made his and other youngsters day. I can remember in the 1950's, in Yeoville we had an old black phone with a cradle to hold the hand piece. g. A cross member with porcelain and black plastic insulators found line side. Porcelain insulators indicated trunk line routes. On branch lines one would find only two pairs of wire. On main lines, the route had up to five cross members with 20 pairs of wire. A single pair, could take up to 24 calls, using the magnetic field created between the energised wires. Special equipment at exchanges would filter calls at both ends. Voltage between 48v to 60v DC.
h. A modern telex machine, (replaced the older round cover type). These modern machines were soon out dated with stations receiving fax machines. [Mischievous staff would empty a bit of the small round wax tape cuttings, left behind in receptacle, when copies of telex messages were made. No photo copiers then. Place some on lady clerk’s hair, without them knowing, it stuck like crazy, much to their annoyance. With Station Master, saying in stern voice: "Jan stop dit!"] i. Three dry cell batteries "SAR/SAS. 1.5v. the larger 3v.
used
in
Railway
phones.
One
marked
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j. Some bits of cable found line side. Many of these items were found in derelict and vandalised station buildings. Sad to reminisces of all the work done to construct these country wide line side routes, today all gone. On some routes all that is left are the re-enforced round concrete poles, stripped of metal cross members, the concrete pole having no commercial value for scrap metal dealers, thieves and vandals. Hartseer spoorweggroete, John and Jacque.
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PRASA ILLS COMPARED WITH S.A.R./S.A.T. TIMES: J & J WEPENER Hi all, PRASA has been in the news of late.... The reason for this article is: The Nationalist Government with its separate development policy; started early with the construction of “Non-White” suburban
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services in Cape Town, Durban, Johannesburg, Pretoria – the so-called PWV regions. Very large networks were constructed with the necessary barrier systems to check tickets and control passengers. During peak periods, trains arrived - departed every few minutes. The presence of the ever watchful S.A.R. Police visible at all stations. A “Flying squad” also available, equipped with vans. On the main/branch lines, daily trains were available to transport migrant workers home. The R.T.S. had a massive fleet of passenger, passenger/goods and goods only vehicles, to serve almost all the outlying settlements. These bus services would connect with arrival/departure of trains. As an example: When parents – grandparents stayed in Yeoville, they hired a flat from Messer’s J. Lesnick and sons, offices in Jeppe. As with all flats male servants were employed for cleaning purposes. They were given a uniform, consisting of blue/white, thick calico shirt and shorts. /.../ Our servant was John Mhlangu, from Pomeroy. Got him after school scrubbing his clothing with a bar of green/red soap, in a tin bath. His wife often came to visit him. She wore the traditional hair style of Zulu woman. When the two returned for his annual leave, he would pack the tin bath with groceries and other house hold items. When packed it looked just like the baths the returning mine workers, booked up at Booysens station. A friend with a vehicle would pick them up in the afternoon; take them to “Park” station, after greeting the tenants of the four flats. He told me he would travel with the “Stimela” to Wasbank station; with the evening all stops 3rd class train. At Wasbank he would take a “Red Bus” to Helpmekaar, change there to a bus to Pomeroy, his final destination. Wonderful how the S.A.R. catered for everyone’s needs. Carrying amongst others: Bodies, explosives, goods, live stock, parcels, passengers, perishables, specie, vehicles and anything else the railway rules and regulations allowed. If in possession of the necessary permits when required, for ammunition, explosives, fire arms, live stock to quarantine areas. Les always says in the good old days, the ganger or “baanmeester” and his team, would hand tamp the ballast on main and branch lines. Leaving it very neat. Today Ballast Tamping Machines do the job, but leave track untidy. Especially some ballast sifting machines, these machines leaves a big continuous pile of sifted dirt and sand alongside the track. Was always removed, these days it remains track side for extended periods. On the subject of these machines, a magnetic red label with black lettering “BOM” [Ballas Onderstop Masjien], would be placed on the mini-C.T.C. panel, to indicate to the T.C.O., the occupation on that particular section of track. Similarly a red painted lever collar was placed on lever frames to indicate track occupied. A quick call to CS 90 in Kroonstad, got the reply, that a similar “BOM” label is placed on the display screens, also indicating track occupied.
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Our former Railway servant friend, visited his family in Cape Town recently. His brother-in-law is a Metro driver. He states large shortage of drivers. Due to almost daily deaths, caused by persons crossing lines and being hit by passing trains. This results in driver being taken off the roster, for inquiry and to see “Kop mechanic”, then being off for further treatment. Many leaving the service due to difficult working conditions. Shots fired, rocks thrown and windows shattered. Our rail service is in a shambles, will be impossible to regain its former service and safety standards. Mistroostige groete, John and Jacque Wepener
SAR BRIDGES: J & J WEPENER Hi all, More sad Railway news in NSA. A mother is to sue Prasa after her young child fell from the damaged foot bridge at Chris Hani station, yesterday 2nd February, 2017. Line built 2010, in 2012 “Skollies” stripped the railings and other metal sections, to sell as scrap. After numerous complaints nothing was done, to safe guard passengers. Her young son somehow fell off the bridge. Not stated onto tracks or station platform. Rushed to hospital, by car. [Ambulances now targeted in Cape Town. Certain areas no go zones]. After being in three hospitals, he was discharged. Cannot do anything for him now. Prasa spokes woman, stated matter being investigated. In the S.A.R. & H. Days, every District Engineer section had a “Bridge team / Brugspan. They did ongoing inspections, repairs and painting of all steel bridges. Including foot bridges plus the old lattice steel bridges, built in the late 1890’s to middle 1990’s. First sign of the team was their odd assortment of goods trucks. Then the team arrived to start scraping off the old paint. An undercoat applied, then the lovely red oxide final layer. Bridges look super after being painted. Later compressors were used to sand blast old paint off, today recently at Rooiwal, tarpaulins were draped over/under section being sand blasted, protecting Renoster River from being polluted. Bridges now painted light grey looks good. Railway houses were painted every 5 years, with gloss enamel paint. Railway stations and other buildings every 7 years. There was a similar programme for bridges. I remember, whilst on the subject of paint. Parthenon paint had an advertisement of “Spick and Span”. A brother and sister team, hopping and skipping. Spoorweggroete, 95
John and Jacque.
GAUTRAIN: GOUTREIN (HBH) The other day I went to Johannesburg to visit the War Museum – it has a new name, but as an Old Age Pensioner you will forgive me; I cannot remember the museum’s name!! Anyway, I always go by “Goutrein” from Hatfield; is a quick trip to Rosebank and from there it is as far as a cat can spit to the War Museum. Well anyway the service on the Goutrein is good! One feels safe and security is everywhere! The stations and train is clean! They run on time. From Hatfield to Rosebank our driver was Mr Jade Wilson - an “old Railway-friend” from Bosveld Train Safari’s. He is an expert driver and loves the railways. I travelled in the first coach and greeted and thanked him at Rosebank. At every station he would get out of the cab, look back and depart when the message came over the radio in the cab. He is a fine example of a “safety first” and caring driver. We travelled at high speed along the free way – we were faster than the cars! I distinctly remember the last time I travelled by Metro train from Pretoria to Johannesburg. I went by train from Johannesburg to Durban (and return). What a nightmare! First thing is safety. Even a first class ticket does not guarantee your safety! There was a group of police on the train. Loud speaking school children got on and off all along the route. I felt quit exposed to danger. The doors did not close and I thought: “Heymans, hier gooi hulle jou vandag van die trein af! (Sonder kamera, tas of padkos!) Jammer om van jou problem te hoor!” Even as an experienced street-policeman, now on pension, I did not feel safe with my camera, suitcase and padkos on the Metro! I recalled the time I was stationed in Soweto (1992) and any day of the week we found bodies along the railway line, especially from New Canada to stations in Soweto. [We then had 500 SAP members in Soweto on Metro trains.] We even patrolled the line in peak hours by police helicopter. The Prasa Metro can do much to improve their safety on the trains and at stations. If Goutrein can do it, why not the Metro? I have travelled trains in many parts of the world even in London, Hong Kong and New York! Always felt safe! [I plan a PRASA-trip to Cape Town – I hope I will not be disappointed.]
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Jade greeting me at Rosebank
Cheers! Jade is passionate about his job! 97
Hatfield Station – note how clean! This is better than London, New York or Hong Kong’s commuter service. Gautrain is in the top league!
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TUBULAR LINE FROM PRETORIA TO THE EAST
From Pretoria eastwards I observed a new tubular line from the vicinity of Pretoria station towards Hatfield. Not only the two tracks (up and down) are cemented in, but also between the two lines I observed cement. So it’s like a cement road with four tracks. Drainage looks good! The photo shows workmen and a small diesel locomotive doing the cementation.
LETTERS Nicholas Clarke: NZASM locomotives named after Mr H and Mrs A Boom Dear Hennie, I saw the correspondence between you and Yolanda Meyer at the Transnet Heritage Library regarding the names of the two NZASM locomotives called Hendrik Boom and Annetjie Boom in the latest edition of the SA Railways Historical Magazine (Vol.8 No. 3). Hendrik and Annetje were not NZASM employees: they lived roughly 250 years earlier! 99
Jan Hendrik Hendricxsz Boom arrived with Jan van Riebeeck at the Cape in 1652 as the first Dutch East India Company gardener His wife was Annetje (nee. de Boerin). His was no menial positions. He was tasked with ensuring that the VOC staff and their families as well as passing ships were well provisioned with fresh fruit and vegetables. Today we would call him a horticulturalist, I guess. Hendrik was also among the group of nine men first to be released from their contracts as so-called ‘free burgers’ in 1657, but the Booms soon decided to return to the Netherlands in 1665. As the NZASM named their locomotives after historical Dutch figures, some of whom had a connection with the VOC and South Africa, it is not strange that the Booms were honoured in this way. I if any other locomotives have ever been named after a gardener and his wife!?do not think that this has anything to do with Boom Street in Pretoria. I wonder I have always thought it noteworthy that the first trained horticulturalist in the country had the apt surname Boom! Kind regards, Nicholas Clarke
Dear Nicholas, You are quite correct! I feel quite silly! I have made a detailed study of the SA History - just shows you! One tends sometimes to be side tracked. Boom is mentioned in the following books AJ Boeseken: Jan van Riebeeck en sy gesin, Tafelberg, 1974. Godèe Molsbergen, Dr EC: De Stichter van Hollands Zuid-Afrika Jan van Riebeeck 1618 - 1677, Amsterdam 1912, SL van Looy (1912). Thanks for refreshing my memory. Kind regards
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Who has a photograph/ photographs of the locomotives named Hendrik Boom and Annetje Boom?
DRISA: Ms. Yolanda Meyer: Transnet Centre of Knowledge Yolanda sent us the following newsletter which we quote with her permission:
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Newsletter March 2017
DRI DRISA in short DRISA plans to present, on the internet, a searchable catalogue of the Transnet Image collection, with thumbnails of each image, freely accessible to railway and history researchers all over the world.
Since Janu Janua nuary 2017 … The major milestones since our previous communication: •
• •
Two new interns have been hired to continue with the processing of the catalogues and the scanning of images. Another two are lined up to be employed soon, depending on the availability of funds. The LS Collection of lantern slides is now catalogued thanks to the work of three volunteers and will be scanned and posted to the internet soon. A new volunteer, Jean Dulez, helped us to survey the diverse video materials and all items have now been reshelved in an orderly fashion. Cataloguing will start soon to screen the materials which should be digitised first.
More More South African can Rail Railw ilway Magazine ines online! In the previous newsletter, some background was given about the early Railway Magazines. This short newsletter has the primary aim to let you know that a major new part of this collection has been published on 24 March. Previously we had the NGR Magazine 1905 to 1907 (707 pages) and the SAR Magazine 1906 to 1910 (4101 pages) on the website. The latest section to be published is the SAR Magazine 1911 to 1915 (6338 pages), to bring the total to 11 146 pages. As we are now remembering the First World War everywhere, readers may be interested to see how the War influenced the working of the South African Railways through the lens of its magazine. Scanning of the 1916 to 1920 section has just commenced.
The DRISA website The magazine collection can be accessed through the DRISA website at www.drisa.co.za – see you there! Page 1 of 1 101
Soul of a Railway: Etienne du Plessis Dear Les ... / ... / On a different note: The work and effort that you and Charlie are putting into ‘Soul of A Railway’ will forever stand as a proud monument for what the two of you have done for the heritage of Rail in this country. I salute you sir! Groete uit Suid Afrika, Etienne du Plessis
Beste Etienne, Baie dankie vir jou kommentaar – dit is hoog op prys gestel. Always glad to help when I can. Thanks for your kind words regarding Soul of a Railway31 – it is a labour of love but tinged with sadness because the great railway that we had in South Africa is no more. So Charlie and I use Soul to showcase what we had. .../ .../ ... Thanks again for your kind comment. Groetnis Les Leith Paxton: The Mystery Locomotive (On Page 18) Hello Hennie, There are two engines visible. The smaller one in the foreground is the Ruston, Proctor (No.7272) ‘Coffee Pot’ that was used on the construction of the line. The locomotive which I presume is the subject of your query is a little more difficult due to the crowd. Health and Safety did not appear to be an issue in those days! Fortunately in 1884, when the line reached Kimberley, there were not that many locomotives to choose from and many of them were tank engines. I strongly feel that 31
Click on the home page: https://sites.google.com/site/soulorailway/home
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the engine in question is a Cape 3rd class 4 coupled Joys. See Holland Page 38 and attachment. Those engines were built in 1883, just a year before the line reached Kimberley. Regards, Leith
SLOT Geagte leser vir hierdie kwasie-historiese dokument ons maak van verskeie bronne gebruik en bevat die dokument uiteraard uiteenlopende en diverse persoonlike menings van akademici, politici en veterane en die opsteller van SAS-SAR kan nie in sy persoonlike hoedanigheid daarvoor verantwoordelik of aanspreeklik gehou word nie.
KOPIEREG Toestemming om artikels of foto’s wat hier verskyn, te publiseer kan by SAS-SAR verkry word. Greetings / Groete. Hennie Heymans
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