SPRINGBOK

ISSN: 221-9854

APRIL 2019

Standard Bearers on parade at the SS Mendi Memorial Service at the SS Mendi Memorial in Atteridgeville on Sunday 3 March 2019. Lgr Hennie Bresler was in charge of the standard bearers.

1

INDEX From the Editors Desk

2

National Headquarters

2

Regional News

5

Gauteng

5

Kwazulu-Natal

5

Branch News

5

Atteridgeville

5

Cape Town

6

Central Wits

6

Durban

7

Kagiso

8

Port Elizabeth

8

Pretoria

8

Commemorations

8

The sinking of the Troopship SS Mendi

8

Commonwealth Memorial Parade UK

10

K-9 Memorial

11

Koevoet Memorial

11

ANZAC Day Pretoria

11

Veterans Day Port Elizabeth

12

Other Stories

12

Tribute to Submarines and those who serve(d)

13

Let us Remember

15

SA Marines

19

Obituaries

20

2

FROM THE EDITORS DESK. Thank you for all the comments that I received with regards to the first electronic edition of Springbok. All the comments are appreciated and I will strive to accommodate as many of the comments as possible.

One of the comments was the use of the two columns.

I have therefore decided to publish the April edition in a single column configuration. A further request was to distribute it in Word format rather than in the PDF format. It needs to point out that the PDF format is smaller (2 29 MB as opposed to the Word format 3.26 MB). Once again comments would be appreciated.

SS MENDI MEMORIAL SERVICES, ATTERIDGEVILLE AND CAPE TOWN. Notwithstanding the recent negative publicity where it was alleged that the South African National Defence Force did not want to assist the SS Mendi Memorial Services in Atteridgeville and Cape Town the South African National Defence Force did provide the support requested. The Chairman of the Pretoria Branch received the Ceremonial Order for the support at the Atteridgeville service a week prior to the report appearing in the press.

APOLOGY It was recently brought to my attention that I omitted the names of Lgr’s Jurie Van Der Merwe and Peter Swindell under the heading “Honorary Life Vice Presidents”. I sincerely apologise to the Legionnaires for this honest mistake. Checking back on my records I discovered to my embarrassment that it has been omitted since I first became involved with the Springbok in 2013. I just continued using the list as published in the 2013 edition.

NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS ROYAL COMMONWEALTH EX-SERVICE LEAGUE (RCEL) 2021 SOUTH AFRICAN LEGION RCEL 2021 100TH ANNIVERSARY CONFERENCE – FEBRUARY 2019 REPORT by Lgr Godfrey Giles, Chairman RCEL 100 SA Committee.

Following discussions at Congress in 2012 to host the 100th Royal Commonwealth Ex-service League (RCEL) conference in South Africa in 2021, it is now all systems go. The 34th RCEL Conference will take place in Cape Town over the period 27 February to 3 March 2021.

Lt Col Christopher Warren, General Secretary of the RCEL, and Col Nigel Dransfield visited Cape Town over the period 25 to 27 February 2019. They were met by the Chairman of the RCEL SA Committee, 3

Lgr Godfrey Giles. The National President, Lgr Brian Klopper, joined the group in Cape Town for a few days.

Whilst the RCEL will be responsible for most of the arrangements and implementation, the SA Legion team will be in support. This includes the following: Guest list and invitations. Representatives from all member organisations will be invited as well as numerous very important persons from overseas as well as from South Africa.

Transport. All travel arrangements will be done by the RCEL but meeting arriving guests at the Cape Town International Airport could be supported by the Legion.

Venue. Initial requirements are for a venue to accommodate 120 guests and hold a two-day conference in U shape with four breakaway rooms for the conference which will take place on 1 and 2 March 2019.

Wreath Laying Service Although limited to a wreath per country only the Legion Standards will be on parade. The Legion will be responsible for the wreath orderlies, bands and layout etc.

During the visit to Cape Town, a wide range of requirements was assessed. These included coaches, venues (including the Cape Town City Hall), Cenotaph for the Wreath Laying Service, Retreat Ceremony at the Castle, cultural tours (Robbin Island, Table Mountain, Wine Estate and the "Red Bus").

As soon as the RCEL Visit Report is received more detail will be distributed.

What is very important is that this is going to be a major event in South Africa with visitors from across the World and it is therefore of paramount importance that all members of the Legion buy into the project.

MEDAL PROJECT A large number of medals were received from the SANDF on Monday 8 April with more arriving on Thursday 11 April 2019.

Lgr Theo Fernandes with NHQ staff and the medals that he collected for distribution to recipients in Europe, Australia and the United Kingdom.

4

Lgr. Theo Fernandes pitched up at SAL NHQ out of the blue on Tuesday afternoon, 9 April 2019.

He offered to take some medals with him back to the UK, thinking it will be a few envelopes. 47 envelopes with medals, some of which have moved with SAL NHQ from the Museum in 2017 were collected.

After running around like maniacs to get all sorted, SAL NHQ staff

would like to thank Theo, from the bottom of our hearts, for taking these envelopes of Military Veterans from the following countries: Australia, Germany, Netherlands, New Zealand, Portugal, Republic of Georgia and the United Kingdom.

Well done Lgr Fernandes.

REGIONAL NEWS GAUTENG

The newly established Gauteng Region held a meeting on Saturday 13 April 2019 which was attended by most of the member branches.

KWAZULU-NATAL

The Annual General Meeting of the KwaZulu-Natal region took place over the Attendees at the Gauteng Regional meeting. weekend 12 to 14 April 2019.

BRANCH NEWS ATTERIDGEVILLE Members of the Executive Committee travelled to National Headquarters where they met with the Deputy National President, Lgr Brian Smith, and the Chairperson of the Gauteng Region, Lgr Mark Louw. It was a very productive meeting during which the members were briefed on various Legion matters. Members also received Members Handbooks.

Executive Committee members of the Atteridgeville and Pretoria Branches.

This was followed up with another meeting with members of the Executive Committee of the Pretoria Branch. It was also a report back meeting on the SS Mendi memorial Service held on Sunday 3 March 2019.

Members from the branch attended the Gauteng Region Meeting on Saturday 13 April 2019.

5

CAPE TOWN – ROSEDALE The Legion's Rosedale Residences Holiday flat for rent in Rosebank, Cape Town   

Situated within a secured complex in an up-market suburb within walking distance of Metro-train service close to the University of Cape Town and Groote Schuur Hospital

Self-catering flat for a max of 2 persons with:       

Galley kitchen with microwave oven, kettle, toaster, crockery, cutlery/kitchen utensils, iron and ironing board etc.

Bath/shower and toilet Bedding included Servicing optional at additional cost Lunch may be arranged at the Service Centre office Open parking within the security area is available Ideal for visiting family members

Contact the Legion on sal@mweb.co.za for rates.

To book please contact...

Philippa Woolley SA Legion, Cape Town Tel: +27 (0)21 689 9771 Email: philippa.sal@mweb.co.za CENTRAL WITS Cleaning the grave of Sgt Roxo in the Thaba Tshwane New Cemetery. Eddie Mendes a Portuguese Veteran wished to locate Sgt. Roxo’s grave at the Thaba Tshwane New Cemetery to take a photo to show the family in Portugal. Roxo was Portuguese and joined the SADF in the mid-'70s when Portugal handed over their colonies. He and three of his comrades were killed in Angola within a few days of each other and we buried at the SADF cemetery in Voorterekkerhooge Pretoria. All four veterans are buried in the same grave.

A group of three Legionnaires from Central Wits trekked to find the grave armed with gardening equipment to clean the site in case it was necessary. After much difficulty, the grave was located in the overgrown cemetery on the SADF side. The Commonwealth side is well kept and very neat.

The group decided to clean the grave site as taking photos to show family and friends in Portugal would dishonour the memory of the veterans. The environs of the grave were cleaned of bush and the grass trimmed, raked and tidied as it should be. Flowers from the surrounding fields were placed on the grave in remembrance.

6

Photos were taken and Eddie can now show his family and veterans in Portugal the graves of brave worriers in South Africa.

It is clear that the graves at this cemetery are not serviced by the local government and that as a result our soldiers are forgotten. It is clear looking at the bush and veld that nobody had visited the place in some time. Clearly, the families and veterans wishing to visit and remember their heroes and families cannot visit as getting to the grave headstones in nearly impossible to all but the strong. The graves of our veterans have been forgotten and veterans must mobilise to honour our fallen and veterans at various cemeteries around the country to ensure these are suitable places to visit and remember the sons of South Africa.

DURBAN

Members of the Central Wits Branch at the grave of Sgt Roxo.

Accommodation at B.E.S.L. Court. We still have 1- and 2bedroom flats in Umbilo available for military veterans (preferably without children) and preferably with no vehicle, for there's very limited parking space available. If you know of anyone suitable, looking for a flat with a very reasonable rental, please get them to apply as soon as possible.

Cricket - SA vs Sri Lanka: 10 March. We need a few volunteers to promote the Legion at this event, where there will be another skydive. The lucky few will receive free entry to the match, on a first-come, first served basis. Please contact our Secretary, Johann for arrangements.

Beach Clean-up - Blue Lagoon: 16 March.

Members who feel that they would like to do something to help clean up our environment will be welcome to offer their services and advertise the Legion at the same time. Please contact our Secretary, Johann for arrangements D&D Club Meeting: 23 March. Even if you’re not a Club member, you will be most welcome to attend.

10:30 for 11:00 at the International Police Association, 244 Sarnia Road, Rossburgh (to be confirmed). Why not come and join us?

Chairman of Kagiso Branch, Lgr Thami Manzine, in his new house.

7

KZN Provincial Conference: 12-14 April. Hosted by the Durban Branch. Venue still to be arranged.

All members are welcome to attend. Please contact our Secretary, Johann for details.

ANZAC Remembrance Service: 25 April. 18:00 at NMR. All are welcome.

KAGISO Since 2017 five members of the Kagiso Branch had been awarded houses. Three in the Chief Mogale Complex and two in the Fleurhof Complex. Just recently two more members were awarded houses in the Fleurhof Complex. The latter includes the Chairperson of the Kagiso Branch, Lgr Thami Manzie.

PORT ELIZABETH The Port Elizabeth Branch of the SAL will hold an Annual General Meeting on Sunday, 5th May 2019 at the Prince Alfred's Guard Drill Hall in Prospect Street, Castle Hill. All members and friends are welcome. The Meeting starts at 11h00. This is the most important meeting of the year for the Branch.

It is at this meeting that the Members get to vote in the Executive for the year, at least two Executive Members are standing down this year; The Chairman who now fills the post of National President of the SA Legion; and the Treasurer of the Branch after 23 years of minding the finances of the Branch.

The Port Elizabeth Branch of the SA Legion will hold a Social Function on Sunday, 9th June 2019 at a venue to be advised. More details will be made available nearer the time.

PRETORIA Members of the Executive Committee of the branch met with its counterparts from the Atteridgeville Branch on Sunday 17 March 2019. Part of the meeting was a report back on the successful SS Mendi Memorial Service held on Sunday 3 March 2019.

At the Executive Committee meeting on 19 March 2019, it was agreed that a Membership Certificate for the branch should be developed. Vice Chairman, Lgr Shaun Booth, is hard at work on this as well as Branch Merit Certificate. These will be submitted to the NEC for approval.

The branch represented by the Vice Chairman, Lgr Shaun Booth, and Lgr George Groenewald at the Gauteng Region meeting on Saturday 13 April 2019.

The Wellbeing Officer of the branch has also been very active in assisting Lgr Gerard Smal to find accommodation for a blind veteran. He has also provided seven patients that arrived at 1 Military Hospital without basic toiletries with the necessary toiletries.

COMMEMORATIONS SINKING OF THE TROOPSHIP SS MENDI ATTERIDGEVILLE The annual SS Mendi Memorial Service took place at the SS Mendi memorial in the Ga-Mothakga Resort, Atteridgeville, on Sunday 3 March 2019. The service started with the South African Air Force Band providing music which was followed by the placing of the veteran’s standards and the deployment of the sentries and flag orderly.

8

Some of the Foreign Military Attaches that attended the SS Mendi Memorial Service in Atteridgeville.

After the welcome by the Chairperson of the Atteridgeville Branch of the South African Legion, Lgr Matthew Maredi the religious was conducted. This was followed by the Act of Remembrance, sounding of the Last Post, two-minute silence and Reveille. Then 39 wreaths were laid or crosses planted by the various attendees. Music during this was alternated between the Pipe Major of the South African Irish Regimental Pipes and Drums and the South

African Air Force band.

The service was attended by more than 220 people. Amongst the attendees were the City of Tshwane’s Member of the Mayoral Committee, Mr Sakkie Du Plooy, Military Attaches, representatives from the South African National Defence Force Service Chiefs, Me Lebogang Mhaye (descendant of Pinefas More), various veterans' and civic organisations and learners from four Secondary Schools in the area, Dr W. F. Nkomo Secondary School, Hofmeyr Secondary School, Phelindaba Secondary School and Saulsville Secondary School.

The Heritage Section of the City of Tshwane was responsible for liaison with the Gauteng Department of Education to get the learners to the service. The City of Tshwane provided the bus that picked up the learners and their teachers as well as providing them with a food parcel. The South African Legion provided wreaths and two learners from each school were given the opportunity to lay a wreath on behalf of their school.

Learners from one of the four schools that attended The South African Legion acknowledges the the service laying a wreath on behalf of their school. support provided by the South African National Defence Force and the City of Tshwane in making this service a success.

9

THE 2019 COMMONWEALTH MEMORIAL PARADE ON MONDAY 11 MARCH Several Legionnaires, some with partners, mustered at Hyde Park Corner, to rub shoulders with military attachés, representatives of armed forces from across the Commonwealth, serving and retired members of the British Armed Forces of Commonwealth origin and ancestry, as well as delegations from the High Commissions of a multitude of Commonwealth member states.

Members of the United Kingdom and Europe Branch that attended the parade with the South African Military Attache.

The South African Legion delegation met in bright sunshine at 10:00 ahead of the parade (Spring has certainly sprung, but don’t stow your greatcoat quite yet). Logistics dispatches should note that all South Africans were uncharacteristically on time! This might have had something to do with the fact that some Legionnaires were under ‘spousal supervision’, which clearly ensured strict discipline. We were soon introduced to the new Military Attaché to the South African High Commission in London, Brig Gen E Ramabu, with whom the South African Legion is already building a strong relationship of mutual cooperation. Those Legionnaires who have attended regularly over the past few years were able to renew old stalwart acquaintances.

A dignified service followed. Gurkha bugler sounded Last Post, followed by two minutes’ silence. After the bugle ‘Short Reveille’ or ‘Rouse’, a Ghurkha piper played the lament, and Guests of Honour were called by name to lay wreaths.

After the parade, guests adjourned to a nearby marquee for super refreshments and delicious snacks, provided as always

by London’s Indian community. Several of the South African Legion contingent subsequently repaired to a nearby pub to appropriately consider a successful day, and an appropriate ‘flying of the flag’ for Lgr Cary Hendrick with members of the local Police. both South Africa and the Legion.

10

K-9 MEMORIAL by Lgr Cary Hendricks.

One of the projects I have been very involved with recently is helping a charity establishing the UK's first National K9 Memorial to service dogs. As Police and Military K9 units perform such a vital service, we must remember them for their bravery as well. My role included providing funding for retired service animals in Scotland to receive their service medals, just as I had done for our own veterans. I was invited as the representative of the SA Legion for the day.

The monument was cast in bronze from Chelmsford by John Doubleday, who is a Royal appointed sculptor. The plinth came from the west of Scotland.

Our own retired police dog from Police Scotland (RPD Eigg) received his own medal on the day as well, a fabulous honour for him and us, as the SA Legion in Scotland worked to provide the medals for the Scottish retired dogs.

The ceremony was opened by the Chief Constable of Essex and the Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police, Cressida Dick.

The National Memorial is a major step forward in recognising service animals. Incidentally, on the same day, Finn's Law received royal assent which means that service animals (Police Dogs and Horses) now have the same protection from the law as their human counterparts. Penalties for punching, stabbing, shooting or kicking them will carry more severe penalties.

KOEVOET MEMORIAL SERVICE

Members of the Legion that attended the Koevoet Memorial Service.

A number of Legionnaires attended the Annual Koevoet Veterans League wreath-laying ceremony at the memorial at the Voortrekker Monument on Saturday 6 April 2019. During the service, the Gauteng Regional Chairman, Lgr Mark Louw, laid a wreath on behalf of the Legion. Lgr Brian Smith laid a wreath on behalf of the Ops Medics.

It was the 40th Commemoration of the establishment of Koevoet in 1979.

ANZAC DAY DAWN SERVICE PRETORIA The Annual ANZAC Day Dawn Memorial Service took place amidst pouring rain at Freedom Park on Thursday 25 April 2019 at 06:00. The day commemorates the landing of the ANZAC’s (combined Australia and New Zealand Forces on the Gallipoli Peninsula on 25 April 1915).

Following the welcome and the singing of the Hymn Abide with Me, HE Adam McCarthy delivered the address. This was followed by the reading of the words of Mustafa Kemal AtatĂźrk, founder and first President of the Republic of Turkey. The poems In Flanders Fields and The Falling leaves were also read.

11

The service was attended by various Ambassadors, High Commissioners, Military AttachĂŠs and Veterans Organisations. During the wreath laying Lgr Godfrey Giles laid a wreath on behalf of the World Veterans Federation and Lgr Shaun Booth on behalf of the South African Legion.

After the service guests enjoyed breakfast at the house of the Australian High Commissioner to South Africa.

VETERANS DAY PORT ELIZABETH Members of the Legion that attended the ANZAC Day Port Elizabeth Military Veterans church Dawn Service in Pretoria. parade was well represented by SA Legion, Moths, 61 Mechanized Battalion, S.A.A.F. Association, Prince Alfred Guard, S.A. Jewish ExService League, Friends of the Moths

OTHER STORIES MONTO STANCO SHELLHOLE, NEWCASTLE These are the poppies that we made at the Monto Stanco Shellhole in Newcastle. There are about 1 500 poppies made out of plastic bottles. I thought of the idea after I saw the poppies at the Tower of London. Anything they can do, so can we.

This November we plan to have a cascade of poppies dropping from the roof of the shellhole.

Story by Lgr Vincent Nixon.

Veterans that attended the Veterans Day Service in Port Elizabeth.

ONE OF THE YOUNGEST 101 years ago on 25 March 1918 saw the death of Private David Ross, 2nd Regt South African Infantry.

Buried at Heudicourt Communal Cemetery, he is one of the youngest soldiers killed in the war. He was just 14 years, 3 months old. Son of Mr Colin George and Mrs S. J. Ross, Arcida Mansions, Johannesburg.

At 14 years and 3 months, Pte. Ross is one of the youngest soldiers killed in the 1914-1918 war. Taken on strength 22 May 1917. Wounded in action (leg) 20 September 1917 and died while a Prisoner of War.

12

A TRIBUTE TO SUBMARINES AND THOSE WHO SERVE(D) IN THEM: S A NAVY SUBMARINES Past and present Introduction by Lgr Rusty Higgs “On 18 March 2019, the South African Navy Submarine Service will be 50 years old! The first of our Submarines, SAS Maria Van Riebeeck (later renamed SAS Spear) was launched on 18 March 1969 in France. This was the culmination of years of negotiating, initiated in 1965, to provide three Daphne Class Submarines plus training and infrastructure to run and maintain them.

The farsightedness of the Naval Planners of those days recognised the need for a submarine service to become a “force multiplier” for the SA Navy into the future. Significant resources were allocated for the establishment of this strategic capability in Simon’s Town, including amongst The grave of Ptv David Ross. others, significant enhancement to the harbour facilities, the creation of the submarine basin, a synchro lift capable of placing a Daphne Class Submarine on the hard for extended periods and moving it into the submarine shed for refit purposes.

The Submarine Flotilla was housed in a multi-storey building in Simon’s Town. It was initially called Drommedaris and then later renamed SAS Hugo Biermann after the SA Navy’s only Four-Star Admiral.

However, as many a naval pundit argues, the most important element was the "creation" of the SA Navy Submariner. He (at that stage only men were allowed to serve at sea in submarines) had to be a volunteer who was subject to strict physical and psychological requirements. He needed to be Submarine Qualification Badge. able to operate in a team of up to 65 people, in extremely adverse conditions making use of a hot bunk system, with no showering facilities, very limited exercise, no smoking – except under very constrained conditions in the "bridge" whilst on the surface. The only alcohol onboard was a bottle of pure alcohol used to clean the periscope before the submarine dived.

The "uniform" in the submarine at sea was largely short trousers with a sleeved T-shirt with sandals which needed to have a strap around the heel. The unwritten policy in the submarine was to address seniors by their rank and juniors by their first or nickname. On occasions, people were addressed by 13

the post they filled. The environment was very conducive to collaborative and cooperative teamwork.

The ultimate test on whether someone was to be successful as a submariner was how they adapted to the environment. Those who didn't like it voted with their feet and left, and those who liked it stayed, worked hard and achieved the ultimate qualification – to wear the badge and be called a submariner!

The culture of the submariner is probably best summed up by the following people: Winston Churchill: “Of all branches of men in the forces there is none which shows more devotion and faces grimmer perils than the submariners.”

Vice Admiral Rudolf Gosolov, Russian Navy: “Submariners are a special brotherhood, either all come to the surface, or no one does. On a submarine, the phrase all for one and one for all is not just a slogan, but a reality.”

The final decommissioning of the last Daphne Submarine, SAS Assegaai occurred in 2003 and the proud heritage of the Submarine Service was given a new lease on life with the bringing into service of the three Type 209 1400-Mod Heroine Class Submarines.

The first submarine, SAS Manthatisi, was commissioned in November 2005 in Kiel, Germany.

The new generation of Submariners (women included) considers these to be South Africa's first "true" submarines, as they are far more suited to being underwater than the Daphne Class.

The immense strategic value was best illustrated in late 2007 when a NATO Maritime Group engaged with the South African Navy off the Cape Coast for the first time during Exercise AMAZOLO. The SAS Manthatisi, not only evaded detection by a joint NATO and South African Navy Force during a free play exercise but it "sank" a large number of ships in This is how the Pretoria News reported on the the exercise. The words echoed by the South African success of SAS Manthatisi during Exercise Defence Minister as well as by the Commander of AMAZOLO. the NATO Maritime Group was that SAS Manthatisi put the South African Navy on the map as a highly respected and capable player which is capable of operating with the most sophisticated of Navies. The billboards of the Pretoria News the following day read “SA Navy Sub sinks the NATO Fleet” This single exercise in arguably one of the most highly publicised international naval events has led to the South African Navy and South Africa is globally respected. In conclusion, therefore, and looking forward to the next 50 years, the older generation of Submariners wishes the new generation well as they deal with emerging challenges."

14

Acknowledgement to NOA’s Ark, Final, 2 August 2018. (By the Editor, Lgr Rusty Higgs is a member of the Pretoria Branch.)

LET US REMEMBER – ON THIS DAY IN THE PAST – BRAVERY OF SOUTH AFRICANS Sergeant Frederick Charles Booth VC, British South Africa Police, Attached to the Rhodesia Native Infantry. For his actions on 12 February 1917, he was awarded the Victoria Cross.

Citation: For most conspicuous bravery during an attack, in thick bush, on the enemy position. Under very heavy rifle fire, Sjt (Sgt) Booth went forward alone and brought in a man who was dangerously wounded. Later, he rallied native troops who were badly disorganised and brought them to the firing line. This NCO has on many previous occasions displayed the greatest bravery, coolness and resource in action, and has set a splendid example of pluck, endurance and determination.

Sgt Frederick Booth VC

Captain Oswald Austin Reid VC, 1st Battalion the King’s (Liverpool) Regiment, attached to 6th Battalion, The North Lancashire Regiment, 38th Brigade, and 13th Division. For his actions over the period 8 to 10 March 1917 he was awarded the Victoria Cross.

Citation: For most conspicuous bravery in the face of desperate circumstances. By the consolidate a small post with the advanced troops, on the opposite side of a river to the main body, after his line of communications had been cut by the sinking of the pontoons. He maintained this position for thirty hours against constant attacks by bombs, machine gun and shell fire, with the full knowledge that repeated attempts at relief had failed, and that his ammunition was all but exhausted. It was greatly due to his tenacity that the passage of the river was effected on the following night.

Acting Captain Reginald Frederick Johnson Hayward VC MC, 1st Battalion The Duke of Edinburgh’s (Wiltshire) Regiment, 7th Brigade, 25th Division. For his actions over the period 21 to 22 March 1918 he was awarded the Victoria Cross. Citation: For most conspicuous bravery in action. This officer, while in command of a company, Capt Oswald Reid VC. displayed almost superhuman powers of endurance and consistent courage of the rarest nature. In spite of the fact that he was badly wounded in the head, and rendered deaf on the first day of operations, and had his arm shattered two days later, he refused to leave his men (even though he received a third serious injury to his head), until he collapsed from sheer physical exhaustion.

15

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

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

Lieutenant Colonel Charles Grove Wright Anderson VC, Commanding 2nd/19th Battalion (New South Wales), Capt Reginald Hayward VC. 2nd Australian Imperial Force. For his actions over the period 18 to 22 February 1942 he was awarded the Victoria Cross.

Citation: For setting a magnificent example of brave leadership, determination and outstanding courage. He not only showed fighting qualities of very high order but throughout exposed himself to danger without any regard for his own personal safety.

Squadron Leader John Dering Nettleton VC, No 44 (Rhodesia) Squadron, Royal Air Force. For his actions on 7 April 1942, he was awarded the Victoria Cross.

Lt Col Charles Anderson VC. Citation: Squadron Leader Nettleton was the leader of one of two formations of six Lancaster heavy bombers detailed to deliver a low-level attack in daylight on the diesel engine factory at Augsburg in Southern Germany on April 17th, 1942. The enterprise was daring, the target of high military importance. To reach it and get back, some 1,000 miles had to be flown over hostile territory. Soon after crossing into enemy territory his formation was engaged by 25 to 30 fighters. A running fight ensued. His rear guns went out' of action. One by one the aircraft of his formation was shot down until in the end only his own and one other remained. The fighters were shaken off but the target was still far distant. There was formidable resistance to be faced.

With great spirit and almost defenceless, he held his two remaining aircraft on their perilous course and after a Squadron Leader John Nettleton VC. 16

long and arduous flight, mostly at only 50 feet above the ground, he brought them to Augsburg. Here anti-aircraft fire of great intensity and accuracy was encountered. The two aircraft came low over the rooftops. Though fired at from point-blank range, they stayed the course to drop their bombs true on the target. The second aircraft, hit by flak, burst into flames and crash-landed. The leading aircraft, though riddled with holes, flew safely back to base, the only one of the six to return.

Squadron Leader Nettleton, who has successfully undertaken many other hazardous operations, displayed unflinching determination as well as leadership and valour of the highest order.

Major Edwin Swales VC DFC, South African Air Force, seconded to No 582 Squadron, Royal Air Force.

For his actions on 23 February 1945, he was awarded the Victoria Cross. Citation: Captain Swales was 'Master Bomber' of a force of aircraft which attacked Pforzheim on the night of February 23, 1945. As Master Bomber he had the task of locating the target area with precision and of giving aiming instructions to the main force of bombers in his wake.

Soon after he reached the target area he was engaged by an enemy aircraft and one of his engines was put out of action. His rear guns failed. His crippled aircraft was easy prey for further attacks.

Unperturbed, he carried on with his allotted task; clearly and precisely he issued aiming instructions to the main force. Meanwhile, the enemy fighter closed the range and fired again. The second engine of Captain Swales' aircraft was put out of action. Almost defenceless, he stayed over the target area issuing his aiming instructions until he was satisfied that the attack had achieved its purpose.

It is now known that the attack was one of the most concentrated and successful of the war. Captain Swales did not, however, regard his mission as completed. His aircraft was damaged. Its speed had been so much reduced that it could only with difficulty be kept in the air. The blind-flying instruments were no longer working. Determined at all costs to prevent his aircraft and crew from falling into enemy hands, he set course for home. After an hour he flew into thin-layered cloud.

He kept his course by skilful flying between the layers, but later heavy cloud and turbulent air conditions were met. The aircraft, by now over friendly territory, became more and more difficult to control; it was Maj Edwin Swales VC DFC. losing height steadily. Realising that the situation was desperate Captain Swales ordered his crew to bail out. Time was very short and it required all his exertions to keep the aircraft steady while each of his crew moved in turn to the escape hatch and parachuted to safety. Hardly had the last crew-member jumped when the aircraft plunged to earth.

Captain Swales was found dead at the controls. Intrepid in the attack, courageous in the face of danger, he did his duty to the last, giving his life that his comrades might live.

Extracts 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.

17

1 SA MARINE BRIGADE - SENTRIES OR VIKINGS? by J. Pretorius, November 2018 Part One INTRODUCTION "The mere threat of amphibious attack forces the opponent to expend resources to defend against it, constraining his options…. Amphibious power forces the enemy to defend their shores everywhere an amphibious assault is possible, consuming their resources and tying down combat power" B.A. Friedman (2017) The use of Naval Forces to augment traditional land forces during times of war or unrest has been a standard practice for centuries in Warfare. This requirement eventually resulted in specialised Marine units being formed. Marines have become synonymous with amphibious operations worldwide as well as a reputation for courage and valour.

South Africa with its extremely long coastline would, therefore, seem to be a country where amphibious capabilities would be important, as it would allow for speedy deployment along a very long coast. The sea route along the South African coast also remains one of the busiest in the world, especially in terms of Oil and the strategic value that this commodity presents.

However, the South African Navy has always been under financial constraints not allowing them to be able to fully guard and protect the long coastline. Different Marine units have over the years been established to satisfy different needs. This article will, however, focus on the period 1979 to 1990 and the history of 1 Marine Brigade that was established during this period by the South African Navy.

BUSH WAR SCENARIO The South African Defence Force (SADF) was involved the “Bush War” from the early 1970s to the late 1990s. Forces were deployed in Namibia and various pre-emptive operations are done into Angola to deter the SWAPO infiltration of Namibia. Invariably this led to clashes between Angolan forces and later Russian and Cuban forces.

Fidel Castro realised in 1988 that serious intervention would be needed to ensure victory for the Cubans in Angola and/or a negotiated settlement to ensure an honourable end for the Cubans. The cold war was coming to an end and funds and the support for Communism were waning.

Thus, the scenario in August 1988 was that the elite Cuban 50th division was positioned at Techipa and the SADF was planning several operations to counter this threat. Various operations were planned but the final Operation that was approved was named Prone. In short Prone planned an Eastward flanking movement by the SADF 10th division, allowing the Cuban 50th Division to invade Namibia and 18

then engaging the Cubans on the open plains of the area. The planning also included various other guerrilla, unconventional and full amphibious operation.

An army marches on its stomach and the Cubans were no different. The 50th division was mainly supplied through the Angolan port of Namibe. Destruction and damage to this port its 4 facilities as well the airport would seriously hamper the efforts of the 50th Division. Allowing the SADF to attack a weakened and under-supplied force.

LETTER OF THANKS FROM FIELD MARSHAL JAN SMUTS by Capt. Peter Albert Dickens (retired) This is a letter of thanks from Field Marshal Jan Smuts sent to every single South African who served in the armed forces during WW2. It formed part of his demobilisation debrief. This particular one belongs to my Grandfather – Sgt. Albert Edwin Dickens – and he cherished it so much that it survives to this day.

A simple thank you goes a very long way; decades later I was to serve in the South African Defence Force as a conscript and no such thank you letter was ever given to me – not even so much as a verbal thanks, let alone in writing. Not just me, generally thousands of South Africans called into service of the country as conscripts (and even permanent force) received nothing for it by way of a thank you or even a simple demobilisation debrief in many cases.

Some units in the ‘old’ SADF were a little better than others and some have received thanks from Unit, Regiment, Corps, Squadron, Ship or Battalion commanders, some even received a formalised demobilisation debrief, but many did not (in fact most). As a result, many South African military veterans are now left with a deep-seated disgruntled attitude of "what was it all for". My Grandfather and his generation of military veterans had no such dilemma.

This simple letter of thanks from the Prime Minister goes a long way to demonstrate the vast difference in attitude between South African forces which operated under Smuts as opposed to those who operated in the statute forces under the National Party. Herein lies a key difference between the United Party under Jan Smuts and the National Party under P.W. Botha. When it came to serving the country, the one displayed gratitude the other often displayed arrogance.

Jan Smuts even went further - at the end of the war he sent a thank you letter to all the South African families who had lost loved ones during the war along with a special commemoration plaque, here’s an example of it.

In addition to these letters and brooches, Jan Smuts also issued commemorative plaques to families who lost members in the war bearing the person’s name.

As to arrogance, it is also not only the Afrikaner Nationalists. In 1994, I volunteered to remain with the newly formatted SANDF as a Reservist and to date have not received anything from an African 19

National Congress State appointed State President of South Africa by way of a simple thanks. As to a signed letter from the State President sent to other SANDF members demobilising – I’ve not yet seen one issued to anyone.

We, as South Africans generally treat our veterans very badly. The National Party threw the South African Union Defence Force (UDF) members and their military reputation, colours and victories under the bus in 1960, they again threw their reformatted South African Defence Force (SADF) members and their honours under the bus in 1994. The ANC is now doing a good job throwing the current South African National Defence Force (SANDF) under the bus by underfinancing it and tainting it with corruption. In all of this, South Africans, in general, have no special regard for anyone who has worn the country's military uniform.

Perhaps there is a lesson to the current SANDF to invest in a simple personalised pro-forma letter. It will go a very long way to instil pride and purpose in someone who has risked their life to serve in a South African uniform.

As is very much the custom in the USA, the UK, Australia, Canada and New Zealand, when next you see a UDF, SADF or SANDF military veteran on parade or veteran members of the South African Legion of Military Veterans and MOTH collecting funds for poppies of remembrance or participating in charitable contribution – be sure to walk up to them, shake their hands and give them a simple thank you, it will mean the world to them – because to date there is a very good chance nobody else has.

P.S. A sincere thank you to Maureen Lindsey Paine for allowing me to share her Mother’s letter and brooch which she now wears with pride every Remembrance Day.

OBITUARIES BENONI BRANCH Lgr D. Francis. 28 March 2019. Former National Vice President.

CENTRAL WITS BRANCH Lgr Lawrie Poorter. 20 April 2019. A former National Vice President from 1999 to 2001 and National President from 2001 to 2003 and Past President for Life since 2003.

PORT ALFRED BRANCH Lgr L. O. Cock. 26 April 2019.

20

SOUTH AFRICAN LEGION Springbok, the Journal of the South African Legion, ISSN number 2221-9854, is the responsibility of the Communication Portfolio. Editing by Lgr Charles Ross. Body text was set in Calibri 11 and headers, Calibri 12 pt.

SA LEGION STRUCTURE Branches: • Alexandria • Atteridgeville • Benoni • Bloemfontein • Botshabelo • Brakpan • Cape Canopy • Cape Town • Central Wits • Durban • East London • England • Europe • Grahamstown • Kagiso-West Rand

Patron in Chief: President of the Republic of South Africa Past Presidents for Life: • Lgr Jurie Van der Merwe • Lgr Chris PC de B Venter • Lgr Godfrey Giles Honorary Life Vice Presidents: • Lgr Jurie van der Merwe • Lgr Peter Swindell • Lgr Arthur Blake • Lgr CJJ Jooste • Lgr Bazil Kriel • Lgr Rick Andriès • Lgr Quentin Gibson National President: Lgr Brian Klopper National V/President: Lgr Brian Smith National Treasurer: Lgr (Me) Marina Seabrook National Secretary: Lgr Riana Venter van Zyl National Liaison/Membership: Lgr Mark Louw National Wellbeing: Lgr Rees Davies National Communication: Lgr Charles Ross National Ceremonial/Discipline: Lgr Shaun Booth.

South African Legion, PO Box 1936, Houghton, 2041 Tel: 010 595 4222 pr@salegion.org

21

• • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Regional Chairmen: • Eastern Cape: Lgr Ivo Chunett • Free State: Lgr Jurie v d Merwe • Gauteng: Lgr Mark Louw • Kwa-Zulu Natal: Lgr Rick Andriés • UK & Europe: Lgr Cameron Kinnear

Kimberley King Williams Town Kroonstad Lower South Coast Pietermaritzburg Port Alfred Port Elizabeth Pretoria Rooiplaas Scotland Soweto Strand Stutterheim Virtual