SPRINGBOK

ISSN: 221-9854

AUGUST 2019

The Battle of Delville Wood Commemoration Service in Pietermaritzburg took place at the “weeping cross”

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INDEX FROM THE EDITORS DESK NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS REGIONAL NEWS BRANCH NEWS Brakpan Durban Durban and District Club Kimberley Lower South Coast Pretoria Soweto Strand COMMEMORATIONS Delville Wood – Durban Delville Wood – Johannesburg Delville Wood – Pietermaritzburg Delville Wood – Pretoria Delville Wood – Richmond United Kingdom OTHER STORIES Vodacom Durban July Special at Hebron Haven Hotel Kwazulu-Natal LET US REMEMBER OUR HEROES Private William Faulds VC MC Captain Percy Hansen VC Captain William Bloomfield VC BOOK REVIEW Soutie and the Big Crocodile: Bullets, Blisters and Jukskei OBITUARIES

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3 3 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 10 10 14 14 15 15 15 18 20 22 23

FROM THE EDITORS DESK Once again the past two months has been a very busy period for most of the branches of the Legion. Some branches were involved in organising Battle of Delville Wood Commemoration Services as well as the Border Boys Parades that commemorated the start of the Border War on 26 August 1966.

Many branches held their Annual General Meetings during the period and elected new office bearers. Thank you to those branches that submitted the names of the newly elected office-bearers.

There are many of our branches that almost daily provide support to veterans on some or other way. This includes items such as the provisioning of groceries, medical support, transport or many in other ways. Sadly VERY little of this ever reaches the public or other branches. I appeal to branches to report these actions to the Editor of Springbok as well as to the National Executive (NE) responsible for Wellbeing, Lgr Rees Davies at reesdavies52@gmail.com.

The Delville Wood Trust has embarked on a project to identify World War One memorials in South Africa. They have requested the assistance of ALL branches to identify such memorials in their area and to take photos of the memorial and if known who is responsible for the maintenance of the said memorial. Please send photos and details to the Editor at chross@iafrica.com APOLOGY It was recently brought to the attention of National Headquarters that the name of the late Lgr Paul Frame was omitted from the list of Obituaries in the December 2018 edition of Springbok. The notice of his passing has somehow not been received through the rightful channels and for that reason, his name was not under the list of obituaries. The SA Legion would also like to apologise for the nonresponse on your original email to pr@salegion.org as this e-mail address is currently non-operational.

As Editor of the Springbok, I sincerely apologise for the omission.

NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS NOB/NEC MEETINGS During the period covering this edition, the NOB met twice and the NEC once. Two of the most important decision taken at these meetings were the approval of the Memorandum of Understanding to be used by branches where other organisations are used during the annual Poppy collections. The MOU has been distributed to all branches vide a South African Legion Directive. The second was the approval of the North Coast Branch, formerly the Durban and District Club. A Charter will be sent to the new branch shortly.

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The Legion sends its condolences to Enrico, the receptionist at NHQ, and his family on the passing of his father recently.

MEDAL PROJECT Although it was decided at the October 2018 Congress that the Legion would no longer entertain requests for medals, it is still responsible for those requests that were submitted before the decision.

National Headquarters received more than 100 medals which will be sorted and the branches and/or recipients notified.

SOUTH AFRICAN LEGION RCEL 2021 100TH ANNIVERSARY CONFERENCE (RCEL100SA) Earlier this month Lt Col Christopher Warren, RCEL General Secretary, contact Lgr Giles with regards to the RCEL FOUNDERS meeting that will be held in Cape Town from 27 February to 1 March 2020.

The Founders are, The Returned and Services League of Australia Ltd, The Royal British Legion, The Royal British Legion Scotland, The Royal Canadian Legion, The Royal New Zealand returned and Services Association Ltd and The South African Legion The RCEL team that will also be coming consists of General The Lord Richards of Herstmonceux (Deputy Grand President and Chairman of the Meeting), Michael Winarick (Honorary Recorder), Mr Toby Case (Honorary Legal Adviser), Christopher Warren (Secretary-General) and Nigel Dransfield (Controller Finance).

They will be arriving by the evening of 27th February 2020 and will be staying as well as meeting at the Southern Sun Cape Sun Hotel, which is now the official conference venue, until 1st March 2020.

The notice and agenda for this meeting have already been circulated to all parties. This meeting is to allow the Founders to decide on the agenda items for the 2021 conference and to do a final recce of the venues etc. in Cape Town. It is the time for the committee to sell Cape Town and South Africa to them so that we get maximum participation of all countries.

The dates for the RCEL 34th Conference in Cape Town South Africa are still from Saturday 27th February to Wednesday 3rd March 2021.

We have been requested to arrange an evening outing which is already underway with the Cape Town Branch. I have also been requested to arrange a special outing for the Deputy Grand President.

Currently, there is nothing else that we have been requested to arrange.

Lgr Godfrey Giles; Chairman: RCEL100SA South African Committee.

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CMVO REPORT FEEDBACK: CMVO SA COUNCIL MEETING HELD AT 1 PATRIOT ROAD, SALVOKOP, PRETORIA ON 21 ST AUGUST 2019 The CMVO has embarked on a process to reconfirm and/or update the strategic vision of the organisation.

This draft will shortly be shortly be distributed to members organisations. The DMV database of military veterans must be verified annually. The requests requested support in the verification of legionnaires on the database. To this end, it was requested that the CMVO provide the request in writing and that the applicable fields to be verified be identified, documented and communicated.

In the meeting the chairman complimented the SA Legion on a professional and informative newsletter; our Springbok. In this regard, it is proposed that we direct a word appreciation to the editor of the newsletter, legionnaire Charles Ross.

All branches that have a Chaplain. Include the name of the Chaplain, contact details and location.

Submit to the National Secretary. Branches that require SANDF assistance for memorial services during 2020 – 2021 are to send their requirements to Lgr Shaun Booth at salegionncd@gmail.com by 15 October 2019.

BRANCH NEWS BRAKPAN It’s a privilege to inform you that one of our WW2 Veterans, Lgr Errera, celebrate his 95th BIRTHDAY on the 8TH July 2019 Lgr Maurice Errera has been a Member of the Brakpan Branch for 10 years. The Brakpan Branch is very honoured to have him as a Member.

DURBAN Once again the branch was represented at the Annual Durban July Horse Racing event at the Greyville Racecourse on Saturday 6 July 2019 (see report elsewhere in this edition).

The Skydiving Team landed on the racecourse with the Legion Lgr Errera. flag. Members of the branch also assisted the Savages Athletic Club with the Supa Mama Savages 21.1/10km Challenge hosted by Savages Athletic Club on Sunday 18 August wearing a temporary tattoo in

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Remembrance of those Brave men and women who stood up to be counted, so that we can have Freedom in South Africa. A branch meeting was held on 21 August.

DURBAN AND DISTRICT CLUB – NORTH COAST BRANCH The Durban and District Club held its Annual General Meeting at the NMR Hall on 27 July 2019.

The Executive Committee was re-elected except for a new Secretary, Mrs Lana Skipworth-Michell.

The Durban and District Club recently voted to establish a second branch of the South African Legion in the Durban Members that attended the Durban and District Club’s Annual General area. This request has been approved by the KwazuluMeeting.

Natal Regional Chairman, NOB and NE of the South African Legion and the North Coast Branch of the South African Legion. We welcome the new branch to fold of the Legion and wish them success for the future.

KIMBERLEY The Annual General Meeting of the Kimberley Branch of the South African Legion took place on Tuesday 2 July 2019. The following new Committee was elected: President: Lgr Elliott Dempster Chairman: Lgr Chris Marnitz Vice-Chairman: Lgr Riaan Bode Treasurer: Mrs Ros Erasmus

Attendees to the Kimberley Branch Annual General Meeting.

Secretary: Mrs Ros Erasmus Committee Members: Lgrs R A Allen, C Kruger, S Marx.

LOWER SOUTH COAST At the AGM on 10 July the Branch Executive was elected as follows: Chairman:

Lgr Stuart Holmes (re-elected)

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Vice-Chairman:

Lgr Gerry Gregory (re-elected)

Secretary:

Lgr David Alderson-Smith (new)

Treasurer:

Lgr Barbara Holmes (re-elected).

PRETORIA During the period under review, the branch held a branch meeting and an Executive Committee meeting.

The branch was largely responsible for hosting the Annual Battle of Delville Wood Commemoration Service on Sunday 14 July 2019. The branch invited our neighbouring branch, Atteridgeville to attend the service. Fourteen members of the Legion attended the service. In terms of a decision taken at the AGM in 2018 whereby the branch would be more visible at all veteran Members of the Atteridgeville and Pretoria Branches that attended events and attend all memorial the battle of Delville Wood Service in Pretoria services in and around Pretoria members of the branch attended the "Oud Soldate Braai� on Wednesday 31 July. Members also attended the Border Boys Parade (18 August) as well as the SAP COIN Memorial Service (24 August).

Members of the branch will again assist Lgr Gerard Smal (a member of the Pretoria Branch) at the Ramcat Fishing Competition on Sunday 1 September. During the lunch after the competition, the Chairman of the Pretoria Branch will hand Lgr Smal his Legion Merit Certificate. Invitations have been sent to all fellow veterans organisations to join the branch at the Annual International Day of Peace Church Service in the NG Kerk Raslouw on Sunday 8 September. The next branch meeting will be held on Saturday 21 September which is a family event. Two new members have joined the branch.

SOWETO A member of the branch, Lgr Jonny Sexwale has been appointed as the South African Ambassador to Angola and the Republic of Congo. Congratulations Lgr Sexwale.

STRAND Lgr. Christie Jooste, SAL Strand Branch, celebrated his 99th birthday on Sunday 25 Aug 2019.

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“In the central place of every heart, there is a recording chamber. So long as it receives a message of beauty, hope, cheer, and courage – so long are you young." Douglas MacArthur

COMMEMORATIONS BATTLE OF DELVILLE WOOD DURBAN The Durban Branch held a Battle of Delville Wood Commemoration Service on Sunday, 28 July. Having given only a week’s notice (due to no fault of ours) it was remarkably well attended and went off most successfullyhe photo shows the Delville Wood Cross (one of the crosses made by Gen W. E. C. Tanner, OC 2nd Regiment, who led the 1st SAI Brigade into battle at Delville Wood. Gen Tanner imported timber salvaged from the splintered trees of Delville Wood Delville Wood Cross in Durban. and made crosses for Cape Town, Pietermaritzburg and Durban at the base of which wreaths were laid in memory of those gallant soldiers.

JOHANNESBURG The service took place at the Scottish memorial outside “The View”, on Sunday 14 July. The service commenced with the marching on of the standards and the veterans led by the Pipes and Drums of the South African Irish Regiment. This was followed by the religious service, Act of Remembrance and the laying of wreaths.

PIETERMARITZBURG A service took place at the weeping cross in Pietermaritzburg on Sunday Standards of the various veteran organisations on parade at the Battle of 14 July. The service was Delville Wood service in Johannesburg. attended by members of the local authority and fellow veteran organisations.

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BATTLE OF DELVILLE WOOD COMMEMORATION SERVICE IN DURBAN.

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PRETORIA Following weeks of planning and preparations by the Pretoria Branch a large crowd gathered at the Scottish Memorial in Burgers Park in bright warm sunshine on Sunday morning 14 July for the 103rd commemoration of the Battle of Delville Wood on July 1916. The South African National Defence Force ensured that all the equipment, chairs, flagpole, sound system, band, sentries and ushers were in place well in advance of the start of the service. Following the deployment of the various veteran standards and the sentries the religious service commenced.

This was followed by the Act of Remembrance, Last Post, Two Minute Silence and the Reveille. 36 Wreaths were then laid.

On behalf of the City of Tshwane and by representatives of the South African Army, South African Air Force, South African Navy and the South African Military Health Service. The Military Attache from Poland laid a wreath on behalf of Poland. Lgr Shaun Booth, NE member for Ceremonial and Discipline laid a wreath on behalf of the Legion. Wreaths were also laid by numerous other veteran organisations.

After the service, all the fresh flower wreaths were removed

The Scottish Memorial in Burgers Park, Pretoria, where the Battle of Delville Wood and taken to the MOTH Evenden House where it was placed Service took place. on display. Many of the attendees gathered at MOTH

Evenden House for something cool and refreshing.

The Pretoria Branch wish to acknowledge the support rendered by the South African National Defence Force, Pretoria Memorial Services Council and the Pretoria District of the Memorable Order of Tin Hats.

The parade appeared in the SA Soldier, Vol 26 No 6 2019.

BATTLE OF DELVILLE WOOD REMEMBERED IN RICHMOND by Stuart Robertson Photography by Karen Parry RICHMOND-ON-THAMES – The South African Legion gathered again at the South African Cenotaph in East Sheen Cemetery in Richmond, London, to commemorate the Battle of Delville Wood in humble remembrance of those who paid the ultimate sacrifice during this critical part of the battle of the Somme in the summer of 1916.

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PHOTOS OF THE BATTLE OF DELVILLE WOOD SERVICE IN PIETERMARITZBURG

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BATTLE OF DELVILLE WOOD REMEMBERED IN RICHMOND by Stuart Robertson Photography by Karen Parry Our friends from General Browning and Gazala Shellholes joined us again this year as well as members of the Countess of Mountbatten's Frontiersmen. Also, rendering support were two standard bearers from the Teddington Branch of the Royal British Legion.

Padre Lgr Chris Esterhuizen welcomed us all to the service and the Standards, including the South African and British flags were piped in by a piper of the London Scottish Regiment.

We were also extremely fortunate to have the help Church Service that preceded the Battle of Delville Wood Service of the choir of the New Apostolic Church at Richmond-On-Thames. of Camberley in attendance and their voices lifted the singing to wonderful heights.

After a very moving service from the Padre, two poems written shortly after the battle were read out and the service was concluded. The veterans then fell-in and were piped from the chapel to the South African Cenotaph, where there was a wreath-laying ceremony. Bugler Robbie Crick, ex of the Royal Artillery played Last Post. The salute for the march past was taken by SA Legion Regional Chair Lgr Cameron Kinnear.

We then decamped to the clubhouse of the Teddington branch of the RBL for a wellearned beer or two. We were as always generously hosted by Lee Greed of the RBL Teddington. Braai master Johann DeVries ably helped by Legionnaire Theo Fernandes ensured that none went hungry Standard bearers in front of the Memorial at Richmond-On-Thames.

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PHOTOS OF THE BATTLE OF DELVILLE WOOD SERVICE IN RICHMOND-ON-THAMES.

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We were also able to raise money for the SA Legion via a raffle.

A wonderful and moving parade in all, and we look forward to welcoming more guests and friends in the years ahead to help raise awareness and remembrance of the fallen of South Africa.

BORDER BOYS The Annual Border Boys Parade took place at the MOTH Cottages in Eloffsdal, Pretoria, on Sunday 18 August. The event is annually organised by the Pretoria District of the Memorable Order of Tin Hats (MOTH). This year more than 60 members attended the parade. The Pretoria Branch of the Legion was represented by Lgr’s Jaco Lötter, Debra De Billot, Andre Le Grange (Jnr) and Andre Le Grange (Snr). Lgr Andre Le Grange laid a wreath on behalf of the Legion.

OTHER STORIES VODACOM DURBAN JULY HANDICAP 6 JULY 2019 Throughout the world, there are special events that Lgr Andre Le Grange (SNR) laying a wreath on behalf of capture the imagination and interest of a nation and the Legion at the Border Boys Parade in Pretoria. in South Africa, it is the acclaimed horserace, the R4,25-million "Vodacom Durban July”, that carries that iconic status.

The Vodacom Durban July Handicap is internationally acknowledged as Africa’s Greatest Horseracing event with a history spanning three centuries. This South African thoroughbred horse race is held annually on the first Saturday of July at Hollywood Bets Greyville Racecourse in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal and boasts horse racing, high fashion, elegance and fine dining.

About 3 000 people attended that first meeting and never dreamt that in years to come it would grow to a point where a crowd of 50 000 plus was the norm and on one occasion the gates had to be closed for security reasons after all printed entrance tickets had been sold.

Some of the skydivers that carried the Legion flag into the Greyville First held in July 1897 at a racecourse.

distance of 1 mile (approx. 1

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600m), the distance was modified several times until 1970 when it was changed to its current 2 200 meters (11 furlongs).

Adding to the entertainment this year, the South African Legion has arranged for six skydivers to land on the main straight between Races 4 and 5 (around 13:50). This is being done to draw attention to the work that is carried out by the South African Legion in KZN particularly and in South Africa generally.

And yes, it is the most exciting and entertaining racing event in Africa and, if you haven't been before, you just have to be there - and if you can’t be there, be sure to watch on TV! NOTE THE FOLLOWING SPECIAL (VALID FOR A YEAR) AT HEBRON HAVEN HOTEL JUST OUTSIDE HOWICK IN THE KZN MIDLANDS: As the hotel is now under new Hebron Haven Hotel. management we would like to continue the relationship with both associations as the hotel had in the past.

We would like to offer a dinner, bed and breakfast rate of R 399.00 per person sharing. Breakfast and dinner would be a set menu. Bookings need to be made directly with the hotel on 081 496 3434 or hebronhaven@futurenet.co.za. Please note that this special is subject to availability and is valid until the end of August 2020 at which time we will review another special.

Many thanks Shaun Corlett

+27 60 398 5413 LET US REMEMBER OUR HEROES PRIVATE WILLIAM FREDERICK FAULDS VC, MC, 1ST BATTALION, 1ST SOUTH AFRICAN BRIGADE. William Faulds was born in 34 Market Street, Craddock in the then Cape Colony on 19 February 1895.

He attended the local schools and started work at the Midland Motor Garage until 14 October 1914 when he joined the Craddock Commando. He served with the Union Defence Force in the German South-West African during the early part of the campaign and was discharged on 12 January 1915

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When call came for volunteers to serve outside the borders of South Africa, William again enlisted with the 1st Infantry Battalion, comprising mainly soldiers from the Regiments in the Cape Colony, at Potchefstroom on 23 August 1915 and arrived in France as part of the 1st South African Brigade, 1st Infantry Battalion on 16 April 1916.

At the time that William and the rest of the South Africans arrived in France the war on the Western Front had largely been static since early 1915. The Commonwealth forces were, however, preparing for a major offensive which was supported by the French Army to the north.

On 01 July 1916, the Battle of the Somme was launched with one of the objectives to capture the French town of Longueval. By 14 July 1916, the objective of taking Longueval was largely achieved.

However, they were threatened by the Germans in the Delville Wood which bordered Longueval to the East. On 15 July 1916 the 1st South William Faulds VC African Brigade was tasked to take and hold Delville Wood at all costs. This resulted in an epic battle in which the South Africans suffered extremely heavy losses.

The South Africans were subjected to serve artillery bombardments and machine gunfire. On 16 July 1916, William Frederick Faulds showed great bravery and devotion to duty when he rescued Lieutenant Arthur Craig and on 18 July 1916 rescued another wounded soldier. For this, he was awarded the prestigious Victoria Cross.

Citation: For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty. On 16 July 1916, a bombing party under command of Lieutenant Arthur Craig attempted to rush across 40 yards of ground which lay between the British and the German trenches. Coming under heavy rifle and machine-gun fire, Lieutenant Craig and most

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of the party were either killed or wounded. Lieutenant Craig, unable to move, laid halfway between the British and German trenches in fairly open ground.

In full daylight Private Faulds, accompanied by two other men, climbed over the parapet and ran out and picked up Lieutenant Craig and carried him back, one man being severely wounded in doing so.

On 18 July 1916 Private Faulds once again showed most conspicuous bravery in going out alone to bring in a wounded soldier, carrying him nearly half a mile to a dressing station, subsequently rejoining his platoon. The artillery fire was at the time so intense that stretcher-bearers and others considered that any attempt to bring in the wounded man meant certain death. This risk Private Faulds faced unflinchingly, and his bravery was crowned with success.

His Victoria Cross investiture was on 08 January 1917 by King George V at Sandringham in Norfolk.

William Faulds was promoted to Lance Corporal on 20 August 1916, Corporal and Lance Sergeant on 18 October 1916. On 12 April 1917, he was promoted to Sergeant and on 19 May 1917 to Temporary Second Lieutenant.

Temporary Second Lieutenant Faulds served for a short time in Egypt before returning to France in early 1918.

During a German offensive, he led a group of soldiers at Heudecourt which enabled the rest of the Battalion to withdraw with only slight losses.

He was reported to be wounded and taken prisoner of war on 24 March 1918. On 19 November 1918, he was repatriated and promoted to Temporary Lieutenant. On 16 Memorial to William Faulds VC in Cradock.

March 1919 promoted to Lieutenant and returned to South Africa where he demobilised.

On his return to South Africa, William Faulds joined De Beers Consolidated Mines as a mechanic where he joined the Kimberley Regiment in 1922 and made Captain. William later worked at Jagersfontein in the Orange Free State and then in Southern Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe). In 1937 he was a member of the Southern Rhodesia contingent at the Coronation.

Over the period 1941 – 1942 he served as Lieutenant East Africa and in 1945 became Government Industrial Inspector.

William Frederick Faulds passed away on 16 August 1950 in the Salisbury Hospital in Southern Rhodesia and was buried on 17 August 1950 in the Salisbury Pioneer Cemetery. Apart from the headstone in the 17

cemetery he is commemorated at the South African National Memorial in Delville Wood in France, Memorial Gate in Hyde Park in London and a plaque in the Castle of Good Hope in Cape Town, South Africa.

Apart from the Victoria Cross and the Military Cross William was awarded the 1914 – 15 Star, British War Medal 1914 – 20, Victory Medal 1914 – 19, 1939 – 45 Star, Africa Star, Defence Medal 1939 – 45, Africa Service Medal 1939 – 45, War Medal 1939 – 45 and the Coronation Medal 1937.

CAPTAIN PERCY HOWARD HANSEN VC, 6TH BATTALION THE LINCOLNSHIRE REGIMENT, 33RD BRIGADE, 11TH DIVISION Percy Hansen was born in Dresden Germany during a visit by his parents to a spa in Dresden on 26 October 1890 as the son of Viggo Julius Hansen, a Danish merchant who had settled in South Africa with stores in Port Elizabeth, Cape Colony and Johannesburg, Transvaal and Anna Elizabeth. The family emigrated to the United Kingdom during 1901/02 where he was educated at the Hazelwood School, Limpsfield, Surrey; Eton College and the Royal Military College in Sandhurst. On 08 December 1910 Percy Hansen became a naturalized British subject enabling him to join a British Regiment.

On 04 March 1911 Percy was promoted to 2nd Lieutenant in the 6th Battalion Lincolnshire Regiment and on 03 August 1912 to Lieutenant in the same Regiment. During August 1914 the 6th Battalion Lincolnshire was raised for service in the First World War. On 04 September 1914 made Temporary Captain and Adjutant of the 6th Battalion Lincolnshire Regiment this temporary rank was made substantive on 02 February 1915.

On the night of 06-07 August 1915, the 6th Battalion Lincolnshire Regiment landed at Suvla Bay, Gallipoli in Turkey. Following the landing, the Allies pressed forward across the dry Salt Lake beyond the shore Captain P. H. Hansen VC and the regiment captured Yilghin Burnu, christened “Chocolate Hill” by the Allies. On 09 August the British attempted unsuccessfully to break out of the Suvla Plain by advancing into the high ground which surrounded it, aiming for Anafarta. Fighting raged around Scimitar Hill, parts of which changed hands several times, but by the end of the day, the British had failed to secure it.

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Many men were left wounded on its slopes and when the Turkish artillery set alight the scrub which covered it, Captain Hansen, Adjutant of the 6th Battalion Lincolnshire Regiment called for volunteers to help rescue them. Six of the wounded were saved and for his gallant act, Percy was awarded the Victoria Cross while Lance Corporal Breese was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM).

Citation: For most conspicuous bravery on 9th August 1915, at Yilghin Burnu, Gallipoli Peninsula After the second capture of the "Green Knoll," his Battalion was forced to retire, leaving some wounded behind, owing to the intense heat from the scrub which had been set on fire.

When the retirement was effected Captain Hansen, with three or four volunteers, on his initiative, dashed forward several times some 300 to 400 yards over open ground into the scrub under a terrific fire, and succeeded in rescuing from inevitable death by burning no less than six wounded men.

Later in the conflict, Percy was awarded the Military Cross (MC) for a daring reconnaissance which involved swimming Turkish lines North of Suvla Bay to establish the position of a Turkish artillery battery.

Captain Hansen assumed command of the Battalion when the Officer Commanding, Lieutenant Colonel Phelps went down Grave of Percy Hansen VC with dysentery.

Unfortunately, Percy fell ill as well and had to be evacuated to Egypt and during November 1915 and back to the United Kingdom.

The period 16 June to 16 September 1916 Percy spent at the Major Halton Park Camp from where he deployed to France as General Staff Officer 2. During this deployment, Percy was awarded the Distinguished Service Order (DSO) for another daring reconnaissance under artillery and machine gunfire.

Percy was appointed Brevet Major on 01 January 1919 and in April 1919 transferred to Tactical School Camberley Surrey as General Staff Officer 2and on 02 July 1919 to the Staff College Camberley. On 02 February 1920 transferred to 8th Infantry Brigade as Brigade Major and on 09 February 1920 to 12th Brigade as Brigade Major.

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Percy married Marie Rose Emsell on 12 June 1928 and a daughter was born from the marriage.

During the rest of his career, Percy served as General Staff Officer 2 with the 55th (West Lancashire) Division (Territorial Army) and Jamaica, West Indies. Second in Command and Commanding Officer of the 2nd battalion Lincolnshire Regiment, Deputy Assistant Adjutant General Western Command and Acting Assistant Quartermaster General 12th Corps. In 1941 Percy was promoted to the rank of Brigadier whereafter he was Commander Belfast Northern Ireland Area, Sub District Commander Ashford, Kent, Head of Civilian Affairs Unit for Norway under Supreme Headquarters Allied Expeditionary Force (SHAEF). Brigadier Percy Howard Hansen retired from the Army on 19 January 1946.

His Victoria Cross investiture was on 04 December 1915 by King George V at Buckingham Palace. His Victoria Cross is held at the Imperial War Museum in London.

Apart from his Victoria Cross, Distinguished Service Order and Military Cross. Percy was awarded the 1914-15 Star; British War Medal 1914-20; Victory Medal 1914-19 with Mention in Dispatches, General Service Medal 1918-62 with clasp Palestine, France and Germany Star; Defence Medal 1939-45; Coronation Medal 1937, Croix de Guerre (Belgium); Officer Legion of Merit (1946) USA; Order of St Olaf 3rd Class (1945) (Norway).

Percy died in London on 12 February 1951. His funeral service was in London and his ashes are interred in the family vault in Copenhagen.

CAPTAIN WILLIAM ANDERSON BLOOMFIELD VC, SCOUT CORPS, 2ND SOUTH AFRICAN MOUNTED BRIGADE. William Bloomfield was born on 30 January 1873 in Edinburgh, Scotland as the son of James Broomfield and Jane Turnbull (nee Cargill).

Although he was registered as Broomfield, sometime later changed it to Bloomfield. His parents moved to Port Elizabeth, South Africa in 1878. William was orphaned in 1881.

Early 1890’s he joined the Cape Mounted Police as a Trooper and served in the Langeberg Campaign in Bechuanaland (now Botswana). In 1897 William moved to the Transvaal and in 1899 was a member of the Cape Mounted Police that escorted Sir Alfred Milner to the Transkei. Incidentally, three members of that escort went on to win the Victoria Cross.

Sergeant Major Alexander Young VC during the South African War (Anglo Boer War 1899 – 1902), Captain William Bloomfield VC

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Lieutenant Colonel Jack Sherwood Kelly VC CMG DSO and Captain William Bloomfield VC during World War One. During the South African War (Anglo Boer War 1899 – 1902) William served with the Ermelo Commando against the British in the Transvaal. During the latter half of 1900, William was captured at the Ermelo Hospital. William was released by the British and he served as a stretcher-bearer and later commanded an ambulance section during the campaign in Natal and were present at numerous engagements including at Spioenkop. After the war, William ran a hotel in Ermelo. On 14 December 1904, William married Maria Magdalena de Villiers.

In January 1915 William joined the 16th Intelligence Unit (Collins' Scouts) as a Private and was commissioned some two months later and served with the Union Defence Force in the German SouthWest African campaign. Following the German surrender on 09 July 1915, William was demobilised during August 1915.

On 01 April 1916, William enlisted as a Captain with the 2nd Mounted Brigade Scout Corps.

On 18 May 1916, William embarked for German East Africa campaign.

In August 1916 General J C Smuts attempted to trap the forces of the German Commander in East Africa, General Paul von LettowVorbeck, at Morogoro on the railway line from Dar-es-Salaam, north of the Uluguru Mountains.

Unaware that there was, in fact, Grave of William Bloomfield VC in the Ermelo Cemetery. a track south from Morogoro through the mountains to Kissaki, Smuts sought to block von Lettow-Vorbeck’s retreat by cutting the roads that ran south to the east and west of the range. The 2nd South African Mounted Brigade under Brigadier General B. G. L Enslin was detailed to cut the western road at Mlali. On 24 August 1916 Mlali was taken but German reinforcements arrived and while advancing to deal with German fire the 5th Horse got into difficulties and was recalled. The British captured considerable quantities of German stores but could not prevent the escape of von Lettow-Vorbeck and his forces into the mountains the following day.

Citation: For most conspicuous bravery. Finding that, after being heavily attacked in an advanced and isolated position, the enemy was working round his flanks, Captain Bloomfield evacuated his wounded, and subsequently withdrew his command to a new position, he is amongst the last to retire.

On arrival at the new position, he found that one of the wounded – No 2475 Corporal D M P Bowker – had been left behind.

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Owing to the very heavy fire he experienced difficulties in having the wounded Corporal brought in.

Rescue meant passing over some 400 yards of open ground, swept by heavy fire, in full view of the enemy.

This task Captain Bloomfield determined to face himself, and unmindful of personal danger, he succeeded in reaching Corporal Bowker and carrying him back, subjected throughout the double journey to heavy machine-gun and rifle fire.

This act showed the highest degree of valour and endurance.

During February 1917 William was Mentioned in Dispatches and returned to South Africa at the end of February 1917 where he relinquished his Temporary Commission. Soon after this William enlisted again, this time as a Major with the South African Native Labour Corps and served in France from 19 September 1917.

His Victoria Cross investiture was on 20 October 1917 by King George V at Buckingham Palace. William finally demobilised on 23 July 1919.

After the war, William worked as a cartage contractor in Ermelo until his death on 12 May 1954 and is buried in the Ermelo Cemetery, Oosthuizen Street, Ermelo, Mpumalanga. Apart from the headstone in Ermelo cemetery, William is commemorated on the South African Memorial, Delville Wood, France and at the Memorial Gate Hyde Park Corner, London, United Kingdom.

Apart from the Victoria Cross William was awarded the Cape of Good Hope General Service Medal 1880 – 97 with clasp Bechuanaland: British War Medal 1914 – 20; Victory Medal 1914 – 19 with Mention in Dispatches; Silver Jubilee Medal 1935; Coronation Medal 1937 and Coronation Medal 1953.

His Victoria Cross is held at the Ditsong Museum of Military History.

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

BOOK REVIEW. SOUTIE AND THE BIG CROCODILE: BULLETS, BLISTERS AND JUKSKEI by Sapper Soutpiel When The Big Crocodile (PW Botha) enlisted foreigners in the South African army, he expected the warrior descendants of Winston Churchill, Vasco da Gama and Field Marshall Rommel. Instead, he got Sapper Soutpiel - an asthmatic, short-sighted, brandy-swilling punk rocker.

Follow Soutie as he learns how to steal socks, forge signatures, kak in die bos, dropkick helmets, smuggle hot dogs and bite his bed linen.

Can his dainty British testicles survive the freezing Orange Free State nights? Will he ever find some crispy bacon? And will the Big Crocodile let him stay at his holiday home?

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Welcome to the crazy world of Sergeant Snor, Corporal Babyface, Major Rabid and the mysterious Anneline (PO Box 12, Sun City).

Moenie vir my loer nie, troep. Buy the blerrie book!

WARNING: Not recommended for angry PFs with a heart condition.

OBITUARIES BRAKPAN Lgr [Ms] Joan Stewart.

PORT ELIZABETH Lgr Max Frank.

PRETORIA Lgr Jimmy Strong VIRTUAL BRANCH Lgr Joe Cole

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SOUTH AFRICAN LEGION Springbok, the Journal of the South African Legion of Military Veterans, 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. Printed using Nashua Photocopier, thanks to Nashua Central. National LOTTO Distribution Fund supported.

SOUTH AFRICAN 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 reception@salegion.org

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Regional Chairmen: • Eastern Cape: Lgr Graeme Hutchinson • Free State: Lgr Magiel Van Heerden.

• Gauteng: Lgr Mark Louw • Kwa-Zulu Natal: Lgr Rick Andriés • UK & Europe: Lgr Cameron Kinnear

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

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