SPRINBOK DECEMBER 2018

SPRINGBOK DECEMBER 2018 SPRINGBOK DECEMBER 2018 [Grab your reader’s attention with a great quote from the document or use this space to emphasize a key point. To place this text box anywhere on the page, just drag it.]

Newsletter: December 2018

ISSN: 221-9854

Mr Wasserman and his dog laid a wreath to a round of applause on behalf of the South African Police Counter Insurgency or COIN Veterans League, for all animals that died in combat.

1

SPRINGBOK DECEMBER 20 SPRINGBOK DECEMBER 2018

INDEX Message from the National President

3

From the Editors Desk

4

National Headquarters

5

86th Legion Congress

5

Public Relations Report

10

Regional News

12

Branch News

12

Commemorations

18

Battle of Delville Wood

18

British South Africa Police

23

Battle of Square Hill

23

Remembrance Day

26

Carabiniers

36

Other Stories

36

CWGC Marks South Africa’s National Day

36

Nursing Sister Jessop

38

Ramcat Fishing Competition

39

Strange Story of SS Warimoo

41

First Man to Land on Aircraft Carrier

42

Donation of a Wheelchair

44

Veterans Day Pretoria

46

International of Peace

46

21 September

48

Maj Gen Palmer

49

St Helen Island Air Port

50

South African Indian Legion

51

Bell of the SS Mendi

52

Acting Capt Andrew Beauchamp Proctor

52

Obituaries

55

3

SPRINGBOK DECEMBER 20 SPRINGBOK DECEMBER 2018 MESSAGE BY THE NATIONAL PRESIDENT .

Constitution, which was ratified at the National Congress in October of last year.

It would be churlish indeed were I not to thank Rick Andries and his fellow banana boys for a Congress that was consummately well organized, splendidly appointed and ran like clockwork. They made it easy for us to transact a great deal of urgent business seamlessly. Well done, KZN Region!

Having congratulated ourselves on a job so well done in 2018, it now behoves the SA Legion to plan for and expedite more hard work between 2019 and 2021. It’s a case of “hats off to the past and jackets off to the future”! We must do all that we can do as individual Legionnaires, Branches and Regions to grow our membership because that is the only way to perpetuate the work that we do and guarantee the longevity of this proud organization.

I would also ask that all of us stay in regular touch with National Headquarters; please do send copies of your Executive Committee minutes and monthly Branch Returns to Riana and Izelle because that way, we are fully up to date with all of the good work that you do and there will be the added bonus of no unsung heroes.

Dear Legionnaires, I take this opportunity to wish you and your loved ones a 2019 year that is prosperous, fulfilling and consummately happy.

We can look back on a 2018 year that was both eventful and constructive, due in large measure to the Trojan work done by the immediate past National President, Legionnaire Godfrey Giles. Filled as he always is with abundant reserves of energy, Godfrey saw to it that our new Members’ booklet was suitably updated and contained all of the information necessary to render new and existing members fully au fait with everything that the SA Legion stands for and does. We also owe Godfrey a real debt of gratitude for all of his insightful contributions to our updated

2019 will be another good year for the SA Legion; of that I am certain. My heartfelt thanks to all of you for the confidence you have placed in me and you have my oath that I will do all in my power to assist and guide, where necessary, your sterling efforts.

Brian Klopper (National President: SA Legion)

4

FROM THE EDITORS DESK.

and distributed every second month. The December 2018 edition will still be a printed copy and will cover the last six months of 2018. The next printed copy will be printed and distributed during January 2020.

This new ruling places a HUGE BURDEN on ALL branches to ensure that monthly activities are sent to the Editor for inclusion in the electronic editions. So PLEASE ensure that I receive your reports. No matter how small or big the event, the rest of the branches need to know about.

The second half of 2018 could be viewed as very interest, but also very important.

Not only did we have the 86th Congress of the Legion, but during November 2018 the World remembered the end of the First World War which ended at 11:00 on 11 November 1918.

The 86th Congress took place over the period 12 to 14 October 2018 on the Kwazulu-Natal South coast. An event very well organised by the Kwazulu-Natal branches and in Naval terms ‘BZ’ to all involved.

As a fairly newbie to the Legion (only my second Congress) delegates should be commended for their participation in the various discussions. While we may have differed from others, delegates always placed the Legion first.

Apart from the serious stuff, there was ample time for the congress goers to meet socially and many a new friendship was established.

One of the decisions taken at the 86th Congress concerns the Springbok. It was decided that from 2019 the printed Springbok will only be published one a year while an electronic copy will be compiled

In particular, I urge branches to send me stories of their humanitarian activities. Over the past years I have received very few such stories, yet at Congress, numerous stories came out. We need to share that so that the World can take note of it.

The centenary of the end of World War One was commemorated across the Globe with the main event taking place in Paris France on 11 November 2018.

In South Africa services took place in just about every city and town with branches involved in various forms.

The services in Cape Town and Pretoria made the electronic media with the Pretoria service receiving a number of live crossings from SABC Television News. A number of interviews were also broadcasted from Pretoria.

A little bit of history was made during the Pretoria service when a dog and his handler laid a wreath on behalf of all animals killed during wars. (See the photo on the cover.)

So where do we go from here? The focus of main effort should certainly be the centenary celebration of the RCEL in 2021.

I wish all the readers that 2019 be filled with joy, happiness, good health and prosperity.

SPRINGBOK DECEMBER 20 SPRINGBOK DECEMBER 2018

Saturday 13 October started with a healthy breakfast followed by a work session led by Legionnaire Jess Giles which focused on marketing the work of the Legion and the very important use of social media to do it.

A spin-off from this was recruiting members for the Legion. There was also a request from the Delville Wood Trust on how the Trust can be of assistance to the Legion in hosting First World War events, SS Mendi, Battle of Delville Wood and Battle of Square Hill. This was followed by lunch.

NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS 86th CONGRESS OF THE SOUTH AFRICAN LEGION OF MILITARY VETERANS The 86th Congress of the South African Legion of Military Veterans took place at Banana Beach on the South Coast of Kwazulu-Natal from Friday 12 to Sunday 14 October 2018.

D ELEGATES TO THE 86TH CONGRESS ENJOYING REFERSHMENTS DURING THE ‘BRAAI ’ ON F RIDAY EVENING 12 O CTOBER 2018.

A LIGHTER MOMENT DURING THE WORKSHOP .

The afternoon session started with a group photo which was followed by Act of Homage, Opening of Congress, and adoption of the Minutes of the 85th Congress, Confirmation of Financial Statements 2013 to 2018 and the various Reports to Congress. The session ended here.

Congress started with the last meeting of outgoing National Executive Committee at 16:00 on Friday 12 October 2018. Items that were discussed and approved included the approvals of the Agenda for the 86th Congress, Financial Statements, budget and awards.

Discussions included branches in breach of the Constitution, amendments to the Constitutions, Congress motions and issues raised in any of the reports. Some very constructive debates were the order of the day. Meeting ended just in time for the ‘braai'.

Notwithstanding the rain, everyone enjoyed the ‘braai'

D ELEGATES DURING S ATURDAY MORNING .

THE

WORKSHOP

ON

During the dinner on Saturday evening numerous awards were handed out.

Sunday 14 October dawned as beautiful day and Congress once again started with a healthy breakfast. This was followed by the second session and included Amendments to the Constitution and Bye-

L GR ’S G ODFREY AND J ESS GILES FACILITATING THE DISCUSSIONS DURING THE WORKSHOP ON S ATURDAY MORNING .

6

SPRINGBOK DECEMBER 20 SPRINGBOK DECEMBER 2018

Delegates to the 86th Congress participating in the discussions.

7

SPRINGBOK DECEMBER 20 SPRINGBOK DECEMBER 2018

86th Congress of the South African Legion in session.

8

SPRINGBOK DECEMBER 20 SPRINGBOK DECEMBER 2018

Preparing for the official opening ritual of the 86th Congress of the South African Legion.

Delegates that attended the 86th Congress of the South African Legion.

The newly elected National Office Bearers with the outgoing National President.

9

SPRINGBOK DECEMBER 20 SPRINGBOK DECEMBER 2018

Laws, Motions to Congress and election of Offices Bearers. Elected were National President.

Legionnaire Brian Klopper, National Vice President. Legionnaire Brian Smith, Treasurer. Legionnaire (Me) Marina Seabrook, Public Relations and Editor of Springbok. Legionnaire Charles Ross, Relief and Welfare. Legionnaire Rees Davies and Membership.

Legionnaire Mark Louw.

being the main contributor to the social media and the Springbok.

SOCIAL MEDIA There are currently four Legion Facebook Pages used to spread the word about the Legion. These are the International page, South African page, Canada page and the Royal British Legion (South Africa Branch).

INTERNATIONAL PAGE This is probably the most ‘powerful’ of the various Facebook Pages. Because of its ability to reach large numbers of people only stories of utmost importance are posted on this site. The following are some of the success of this site in recent time: 

 T HE 86TH CONGRESS OF THE SOUTH A FRICAN L EGION OF MILITARY VETERANS IN SESSION .



Congress decided that the 87th Congress will be held in Cape Town and will coincide with the Centenary celebrations of the RCEL in 2021.



Congress concluded with a meeting of the newly elected National Executive Committee.



PUBLIC RELATIONS



PUBLIC RELATIONS REPORT TO THE 86TH CONGRESS OF THE SOUTH AFRICAN LEGION OF MILITARY VETERANS





INTRODUCTION The South African Legion of Military Veterans continues to utilise the basic ways of marketing the Legion. These include the use of social media (Facebook Pages), six

 

monthly Springbok magazine and the physical presence of members in Legion attire at services and parades. The latter



10

The RAF’s 100th Birthday and the founder Jan Smuts. Reached 49 371 persons.

500 Shells per minute fell on Springboks – the Bloodiest battle hell of 1916. 13 674 persons reached.

Delville Wood ‘Weeping Cross’. 12 172 persons reached.

Taking Gallantry at Delville Wood to a new Level – William Faulds VC MC. 9 754 persons reached.

South African soldier’s Dairy explains the Horror of Delville Wood.

8 876 persons reached.

Why the Comrades Marathon is called Comrades. 8 598.

Jan Smuts and South Africa’s Sanctuary for Polish Refuge Children. 8 346 persons reached.

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

‘Proccy’ South Africa’s Bravest of the Brave. 7 502 persons reached.

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

7 331.

In Vlaandere se Velde – 7 262 persons reached.

SPRINGBOK DECEMBER 20 SPRINGBOK DECEMBER 2018

  

 



 

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

Nancy the Springbok. 7 001 persons reached.

When the SA Air Force went to Warsaw 1 August 1941. 6 691 persons reached.

Delville Wood Memorial Service, Pretoria. 5 921 persons reached.

Together History – South Africa at its best – Berlin Airlift. 5 323 persons reached.

Two Fellow Members of the South African Legion – Churchill and Smuts. 4 578 persons reached.

Delville Wood Memorial Service, Durban. 4 551 persons reached.

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

from the Maritime News have also been posted to the South African page.

ROYAL BRITISH LEGION AFRICA BRANCH) PAGE

(SOUTH

The page has 2 227 members or followers and caters mainly for the United Kingdom members and branch. While it contains mainly posting from the United Kingdom, most of the South African events are also posted on this page and visa-versa.

CANADA PAGE This is the smallest and least active of the pages with only 127 members or followers.

While a number of people view the postings, there is very little response to any of the postings.

SPRINGBOK MAGAZINE

SOUTH AFRICAN PAGE

The magazine remains the major printed communication method informing members of the Legion of what has happened in the rest of the Legion during the previous six months and what is planned for the next.

Unfortunately, in some instances it was delivered late. The major challenge of the Springbok is that very few of the branches submit any contributions. To ensure that the Springbok reflects the activities of all the branches it is of the utmost importance that ALL branches submit contributions.

There are currently 5 702 members or followers of this page. The Facebook Page remains a very useful social media as was proved with the posting of the passing of Lgr Mamatela recently. 163 members responded to the posting with more than 110 members making comments.

Postings by members or followers frequently result in interesting debates between the members of followers. These are however closely monitored to ensure that all comments remain within the prescribed limits. This is largely being complied with and in the recent past no members were cautioned, postings removed or members or followers removed.

Since the posting, the June 2015 electronic edition of the Springbok on the ISSUU website the various editions of the Springbok has had 1 907 reads, 12 796 impressions, 6 followers, 2 likes, 50 shares and 5 link-outs.

PHYSICAL PRESENCE SERVICES/MEMORIALS

Regular features include the daily postings "on this day in the history of the SA Navy "by the SA Naval Heritage Trust and the weekly postings on Commonwealth War Graves Cemeteries where South African casualties are buried. Interesting postings

AT

This remains the important method of promoting the Legion and the major contributor to the social media and Springbok.

11

SPRINGBOK DECEMBER 20 SPRINGBOK DECEMBER 2018

REGIONAL NEWS

BRANCH NEWS

FREE STATE

BENONI BRANCH

The Annual General Meeting of the Free State Region took place at Springbok Park, Bloemfontein, on 25 August 2018. The meeting was attended by the National President, Lgr Godfrey Giles, and Regional President and Past President for Life, Lgr Jurie van der Merwe.

During the Annual General Meeting of the Benoni Branch on 10 October 2018 Lgr Martin Blake was elected as the new Chairman of the Benoni Branch.

During the meeting, Martin received the branch Charter from the National President, Lgr Godfrey Giles.

CAPE TOWN Annual General Meeting The annual general meeting took place at Rosedale at 1630 on Thursday 15 November

L GR ’S J URIE VAN DER MERWE , GODFERY GILES AND DEON BESTER WHO ATTENDED THE F REE STATE AGM.

Heritage Day Food Fair Well done to the Rosedale Service Centre Committee who organized a very successful food fair on Heritage Day. The day was well supported with a variety of food and refreshments available. If you didn’t make it this year the good news is that it is likely to become an annual event.

GAUTENG GAUTENG REGION AGM The Annual General Meeting of the Gauteng Region took place at National Headquarters on Thursday evening 15 November 2018. The Acting Chairman and National Vice President Legionnaire Brian Smith welcomed those in attendance and explained the purpose of the meeting.

Followed by the purpose of the region.

Representatives from Central Wits, Benoni, Brakpan and Pretoria were in attendance while Kagiso and Soweto tendered apologies.

Year-end social Another year has come and gone and 2019 looms. You are invited to attend the branch yearend get together at Rosedale from 1700 onwards on Thursday 6 December.

R35 will cover the cost of substantial snacks and a cash bar will be open.

During the meeting Legionnaire Mark Louw (Central Wits) was elected at Gauteng Region Chairman, Legionnaire Rees Davies (Brakpan) was elected Region Vice Chairman and Legionnaire Arthur (Layani) Khosa (Soweto) as Secretary/Treasurer.

Christmas Carol Service Took place in the lounge/dining-room on Saturday 15 December 17:30 for 18:00 and was followed by the sale of boerie rolls and frankfurters in the Wreck Room at R25,00 each, when the bar will be opened.

Tea/coffee will be served for which an honesty jar will be in place. The platinum

It was agreed that the next meeting of the Gauteng Region will take in Pretoria on Saturday 9 March 2019. Pretoria branch to arrange the meeting.

12

SPRINGBOK DECEMBER 20 SPRINGBOK DECEMBER 2018

box will also be put out for general – and hopefully generous – donations. This is a wonderful opportunity for you to invite family members and friends to participate in this annual event and to join the choir in singing your hearts out in celebrating the joy that this precious time of the year brings.

and the praise-and-worship team band from St Peter’s Community Church, Fish Hoek, will sing heartily along with these accomplished men to golden oldies such as O Come All Ye Faithful and fresh renditions of Away in a Manger as well as lesserknown carols such as See Him Lying on a Bed of Straw. All in all, it promises to be a night to remember.

Chair Stephen will lead the proceedings and, exciting news, Bishop Frank Retief will deliver the message. A man of considerable ability, Frank was born in Cape Town in 1942. He became a minister in the Church of England (CESA) and pastored St James Church, Kenilworth (well known for the tragic massacre which took place there in 1993) for many years. Frank was consecrated an Area Bishop for the denomination in 1985. In 1999 he was nominated as Presiding Bishop and served the denomination in this capacity until his retirement in 2010. He is also an author of note and has written a number of books on a wide range of topics.

For a number of years the Cape Town Branch has delivered cheer packs to the patients unfortunate enough to be in hospital over Christmas and on 21 December 2018, 45 packs were handed to Matron Maj Van Zyl for distribution by Exco member responsible for welfare Peter Napier. The parcels were distributed on Christmas morning by the OC. DURBAN Accommodation at B.E.S.L. Court. We still have 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 very reasonable rental, please get them to apply as soon as possible.

Ramcat Fishing Competition. As we’ve done for the past few years, members of the Durban & Districts Club were present in support of the KZN Quad Para Association with their fishing competition in the Durban harbour for the physically handicapped fishing competition on 14 July 2018.

L GR PETER NAPIER HANDING OVER THE PARCELS TO MAJ VAN W YK .

With that impressive resumé, we are sure of a meaningful and spiritual message of note.

Mandela Day: 18 July. We assisted with some ‘upgrades’ (painting, repairs, etc.) at a pre-primary school in Hammarsdale and also collected stationery and sports equipment to donate to them.

The Carol Service will take on a new format with the inclusion of some of the members of the Cape Welsh Choir who call themselves the Welsh Rarebit. Don’t you just love it! And so, the choir and audience, accompanied by Ralph Kelly on the piano

Annual General Meeting: 15 September Our 2017 AGM was held at the 84 Signal 13

SPRINGBOK DECEMBER 20 SPRINGBOK DECEMBER 2018

The Durban Social Club’s representative on the committee is Lgr Peter Shattock.

The accountant is Lgr Conway Reynolds.

Unit at Lords Ground Military Base, followed by a ‘bring and-braai’. We had a fair turnout and we’re very grateful to those who attended - come on now Legionnaires, it is your duty to at least attend the AGM and the Annual Service of Remembrance. The Branch Committee was re-elected en bloc, with the welcome addition of Lgr Fred Nathras. As is the tradition, the new Committee elects the Chairman and Vice-Chairman at its first meeting and Lgr Bryan Doré is the new Branch Chairman, with Lgr Rick Andriés now the Vice-Chairman. We are most confident that Bryan will take the Legion in Durban to even greater heights.

Congratulations and best wishes.

Congratulations to the newly elected committee.

PIETERMARITZBURG MARITZBURG COLLEGE REMEMBRANCE DAY SERVICE Current and retired Maritzburg College staff together with learners, Old Boys and honoured guests joined in the annual Remembrance Day Service outside Clack House.

This being a special Remembrance Day service as it marked the end of the First World War on 11 November 1918. Those in attendance were reminded of the significance of Remembrance Day and the sacrifices of the College during 1914 – 1918. This was followed by the reading of the Colle Roll of Honour.

During the War Maritzburg College offered up 800 of its past pupils for service with the Imperial Forces.

Unfortunately, 97 old boys and three

Karkloof 100-Mile Run: 21-23 September The weather this year was only slightly better than last, but we are very happy to again assist with this endurance race. Our position at the Bushwillow Caravan Park in the Karkloof is perfect and all necessary arrangements were well made. Again, a BIG thank you to all those who assisted.

Hope you enjoyed it (and will be happy do it again)!

Amashova Cycle Race: 21 October By all accounts, this went off very well, again (as we’ve come to expect). Another b-i-g THANK YOU to all who braved the cold wind - well done!

Durban Branch Committee. At the recent Annual General Meeting of the Durban Branch of the South African Legion of Military Veterans the following committee was elected Branch President Lgr Peter Swindell, Branch Chairman Lgr Bryan Doré, Branch Vice-Chairman Lgr Rick Andriés, Secretary/Treasurer: Lgr Johann Kruger, Members Lgrs Fred Nathras, Obie Oberholzer, Ina Odendaal, Peter Smit and Gerhard van Aswegen.

MEMBERS OF THE PIETERMARITSBURG B RANCH AFTER LAYING A WREATH.

teachers did not return. Their names appear on the First World War Memorial.

Following the call to remembrance, Last Post, 2 minutes silence and Reveille wreaths were laid. Members of the Pietermaritzburg Branch attended the service and a wreath was laid on behalf of the South African Legion of Military Veterans.

14

SPRINGBOK DECEMBER 20 SPRINGBOK DECEMBER 2018

wreath on behalf of the Legion. Lgr’s Jaco Lötter and Andre Le Grange from the branch attended the Annual Council of Military Veterans Organisations Memorial Service at the South African Defence Force Wall of Remembrance at the Voortrekker Monument. Lgr Jaco Lötter carried the branch standard.

PORT ELIZABETH A fun bowls day took place recently and while the attendance was low, those that did turn up had lots of fun on the greens.

The Coin Raffle The raffle was an excellent success raising over R 7000.00. The draw took place at the Bowls Day during lunch and a Mrs Grimes was the lucky ticket holder. The EXCO extend their grateful thanks to all who participated.

During the past year, there has been a number of weddings in the branch. The latest happened on 30th June 2018 when Tertia Morton, branch secretary, became Mrs Tertia van der Linde as a ceremony at St George's Port Elizabeth Club, in the company of many family and friends. The ceremony was conducted by the Branch Chaplain, the Very Rev Canon Mark Barth of St Paul's Church whose theme for the ceremony was "Gift".

MEMBERS OF THE P RETORIA B RANCH THAT ATTENDED THE D ELVILLE W OOD SERVICE IN P RETORIA WITH THE NATIONAL SECRETARY

Lgr Jaco Loötter attended the Annual 61 Mech Memorial Service at the Ditso National Museum of Military History. Lgr Jaco Lötter laid a wreath on behalf of the Legion at the MOTH Border Boys Parade at the MOTH Cottages in Eloffsdal on Sunday 19 August 2018.

Also in attendance was Lgr Jimmy Strong. On 26 August Lgr’s Charles Ross and Andre Le Grange represented the Legion at the SAP COIN Veterans Association Memorial Service in Doornpoort. Lgr Charles Ross laid a wreath on behalf of the Legion while Lgr Andre Le Grange carried the branch standard.

PRETORIA The branch continues to be more and more active and during the reporting period, it was no different. The Executive Committee of the branch met regularly while two branch meetings were held.

Members of the branch were involved in the organising of the Battle of Delville Wood Commemoration Service as well as the Remembrance Day Service at the Union Buildings. 12 Members from the branch attended the Battle of Delville Wood Service during which the National Secretary, Lgr Riana Van Zyl Venter, laid a wreath on behalf of the Legion. Lgr Andre Le Grange carried the branch standard.

(Editor. See full report on the event later in the edition).

The branch hosted the Fourth Annual International Day of Peace Church Service in the NG Kerk Raslouw on Sunday 16 September 2018. (Editor. See full report on the event later in the edition).

During June the branch became aware of the need of a wheelchair by World War 2 veterans in the Olds age home in Wolmaranstad. On 7 October Deputy Chairman, Lgr Shaun Booth and Lgr George Groenewald delivered the

On Sunday 20 May 2018 Lgr Andre Le Grange represented the Legion at the Annual Smuts Memorial Service at the Smuts House in Irene where he laid a 15

SPRINGBOK DECEMBER 20 SPRINGBOK DECEMBER 2018

wheelchair. (Editor. See full report on the event later in the edition)

Military Veterans while Lgr Jaco Kriel laid a wreath on behalf of the Legion. Lgr George Groenewald carried the Department of Military Veterans standard while Lgr Les Loffstadt carried the Legion standard.

The branch had a successful Poppy Appeal 2018 which continues to grow in the Pretoria area.

L GR ’S SMITH , F RIEND , GILES AND LÖTTER THAT ATTENDED THE 61 MECH SERVICE .

Four members of the branch attended the 86th Congress of the South African Legion of Military Veterans from 12 to 14 October 2018 on the Kwazulu-Natal South Coast.

They were Lgr’s Bazil Kriel, Charles Ross, Ray Cumming, and Brenda Kriel. At the Congress Lgr’s Charles Ross, Gerard Smal and Kevin Bolton were honoured with awards.

C OLOUR PARTY PRIOR TO THE START OF THE F ORMAL MESS DINNER.

UNITED KINGDOM BRANCH

AND

EUROPE

SA Legion the United Kingdom and Europe Formal Mess Ball and Annual Awards Dinner 2018 by Lgr Andrew Bergman

Lgr Jaco Lötter represented the branch at the Annual Battle of El Alamein Memorial Service at the MOTH Coalbox Shellhole on 21 October 2018 where he laid a wreath on behalf of the Legion.

The second Formal Mess Ball of the South African Legion UK & Europe Branch was held on Saturday 22nd September 2018 at the Southgate Masonic Centre in London.

Saturday 3 November 2018 saw the branch hosting Veterans Day during which Poppies and Crosses were placed on the graves of veterans in the cemeteries in Pretoria. (Editor. See full report on the event later in the edition)

The purpose of the ball was primarily to entertain and treat our partners, who don’t always participate in the Legion events during the year. It was also a super opportunity for veterans and a like-minded crowd to get together, have a few laughs, a good old natter, and have fun.

Nine members of the branch attended the Remembrance Day Service at the Union Buildings on Sunday 11 November 2018.

Chairman of the branch and Public Relations was interviewed by SABC Radio News at 06:10 on Sunday morning while he was interviewed during a live crossing to the Union Buildings by SABC Television News (DStv Channel 403) at 10:30. Lgr Shaun Booth, wearing his official hat, laid a wreath on behalf of the Department of

It was especially good to welcome some friends who we haven’t seen for a while, as well as guests from South Africa and other veterans’ organisations including the Royal British Legion South Africa Branch.

Guests were greeted with a glass of bubbly, and rubbed-shoulders in the Centre’s cosy pub before dinner.

16

SPRINGBOK DECEMBER 20 SPRINGBOK DECEMBER 2018

SA Legion England Branch Vice-Chair acted as PMC for the evening, and the standards were paraded-in under the direction of ceremonial officer Lgr. Brian Parry. Lgr. Stuart Roberson.

Most importantly, the raffle raised essential funds which will be used for the support of South African veterans.

Following the success of last year’s event, the Mess Ball promises to be an annual highlight of SA Legion activity, so be sure to watch this space for announcements.

The 2019 edition is already being discussed!

Bravo Zulu to SA Legion England Branch Chair, Lgr. Russel Mattushek and his team for the superb organisation.

G UESTS AT THE FORMAL MESS DINNER.

After the formal opening, the ceremonial officer pointed out the PMC that the Chairmen of the Regions various Branched were ‘improperly dressed’. The PMC then presented the Chairmen with their respective Collars of Office with their distinctive ribbons reflecting the colours of the South African Flag.

G UETS ENJOYING THE F ORMAL MESS DINNER .

Lgr. Dirk Benneyworth then took the floor as Master of Ceremonies in what was to be a fun night for all. The refectory of the Centre provided excellent cuisine and service. Live music with a distinctly South African flavour made the evening extra special.

Pilgrimage to Menin Gate 8 August 2018 Yesterday The Royal British Legion completed its Great Pilgrimage to the Menin Gate in Belgium with this march past. Proud to announce that the South African branch of the Royal British Legion was up-front and present, in this sea of standards our branch standard flew proudly with its Churchill Cup scrolls. A wreath was laid on behalf of South Africa at the gate itself.

After dinner following the formal toasts, it was a fitting occasion for the presentation of our annual awards and certificates of appreciation. The sheer number of recipients this year reflects an encouraging degree of engagement and support throughout the spectrum of SA Legion activities.

The parade was to commemorate the end of World War 1 at the famous Menin Gate in Ypres, Belgium which lists row upon row of South African names sacrificed on Ypres' battlefields alongside their British and Commonwealth brothers on its walls.

The highlight of the evening was the raffle.

The table groaned with even more prizes than there were guests, and everyone went home with something. The grand prize of a flat-screen TV was scooped-up by a lucky guest from the Royal British Legion.

For those who did not see it live this video will give you an idea of just how prestigious this parade was and what a military 17

SPRINGBOK DECEMBER 20 SPRINGBOK DECEMBER 2018

veteran's association of magnitude in full colour looks like. It is with immense pride that South Africa was represented and we can now add the coveted Grand Pilgrimage scroll to the South African Branch Standard.

military, attaches braved the chilly weather to pay tribute.

South Africa’s sacrifice and heroism during the World War One battle of Delville Wood in France have been commemorated at the annual memorial at Burgers Park in Park.

Military veterans, as well as a handful of serving members of the South African National Deference Force and several military, attaches braved the chilly weather to pay tribute to those who lost their lives in what was the costliest fighting the South African Infantry Brigade saw on the Western Front.

In July 1916, the Brigade – which was attached to the British 9th Scottish Division – was given the task of capturing the wood near the small village of Longueval in northern France, which was a key German defensive position. On the 20thof July, the Brigade was finally relieved after six days and five nights of fierce fighting. Only 750 soldiers of the Brigade’s over threethousand remained, the rest had either been killed or wounded.

MASS LAYING OF WREATHS AT THE MENIN GATE .

The Royal British Legion is a sister organisation of The South African Legion and we share a common root as founders of the Royal Commonwealth Ex-Services League.

Our sincere thanks to Graeme and Merle Scott who represented the branch - Bravo Zulu to you both. Graeme is also a proud Legionnaire of The South African Legion.

Speaking at the memorial, Marina Valentine of the Memorable Order of Tin Hats (MOTHS) provided the stark details of the South African losses. She said out of 121 officers and 3 032 other ranks that formed the brigade on the morning of 14 July, only 29 officers and 751 other ranks were present at roll call some days after the battle. The heroic resistance of the SA Brigade had saved the southern part of the British line. But the wood would remain the scene of bitter fighting for more than a month.

COMMEMORATIONS BATTLE OF DELVILLE WOOD DURBAN The Annual Battle of Delville Wood Commemoration Service took place at the Cenotaph in Durban on Sunday 15 July 2018. The service was attended by the eThekwini Municipality, local Reserve Force Regiments and various Veteran Organisations. Wreaths were laid.

PRETORIA REMEMBERS SACRIFICE OF DELVILLE WOOD. by Janet Szabo

Stressing the importance of remembrance, Chaplain Marius van Rooyen noted that what we are doing today was perhaps one of the most important aspects of our lives.

He said remembrance is to help us to move

Military veterans, as well as a handful of serving members of the South African National Deference Force and several 18

SPRINGBOK DECEMBER 20 SPRINGBOK DECEMBER 2018

Scenes from the Delville Wood Service in Durban.

19

SPRINGBOK DECEMBER 20 SPRINGBOK DECEMBER 2018

Scenes from the Delville Wood Service in Pretoria.

20

SPRINGBOK DECEMBER 20 SPRINGBOK DECEMBER 2018

Shellhole) hosted the very well-attended Delville Wood Remembrance Parade at East Sheen Cemetery in Richmond, London.

forward, to remember past victories and to remember glorious moments and people who can inspire us.

The traditional melancholy strains of the Last Post, two minutes silence – the first minute to give thanks for those who survived and that second minute to remember those who died – followed by the rousing Reveille, preceded the wreathlaying ceremony. Wreathes were laid and crosses planted on behalf of the Chiefs of the Army, Navy, Air Force and Surgeon General as well as by several veterans' organisations such as the South African Legion and the Armour Association and the military attaches of France, Kenya and Canada.

The Legion and MOTH contingents were swelled by members and standard bearers of the Royal British Legion (South Africa Branch and Teddington Branch), MOTH (General Browning Shellhole) as well as the Master and several Freemasons from the London-based South Africa Lodge No. 6742 (UGLE), supported by several family and friends.

We gathered at the cemetery chapel to remember the 229,000 South Africans who volunteered for World War 1, paying tribute to 2,500 who perished in the Battle of Delville Wood (15 July – 3 September 1916), the single biggest South African military loss on the battlefield.

November this year marks the centenary of the Armistice that ended the First World War.

The Standards were paraded into the chapel and Lgr. Craig Esterhuizen led a dignified remembrance service of prayer, reflection, and hymns, with poems and contributions read and recited by representatives of all organisations present.

It was not only a service where the dead were remembered as Valentine also reminded the gathering about another significant anniversary this month – the 105th birthday of the Pretoria Regiment.

The reserve force armour regiment provided the sentries for the service. During the First World War, the regiment saw service in the German South West Africa.

Under the expert direction of Ceremonial Officer Lgr. Brian Parry, veterans fell in behind the gathered Standards and a piper from the London Scottish Regiment (aka the ‘Cockney Jocks’) and marched in quick time to the nearby South African Cenotaph in the Commonwealth War Graves Commission section of the vast civilian and military cemetery.

The regiment was awarded the Freedom of the City of Pretoria on 1 July 1963, its 50th anniversary. It has exercised its right to march through the city streets with banners unfurled and bayonets drawn on its 90th and 100th anniversaries

Standards were dipped in salute as the bugler sounded Last Post following the Act of Remembrance.

At the conclusion of the service, the flower wreaths were moved to the MOTH Evenden House.

As the piper sounded a poignant lament, wreaths were laid by the SA Legion England, Scotland, and Europe Branches, MOTH Gazala Shellhole, and South Africa Lodge.

BATTLE OF DELVILLE WOOD - UK RICHMOND-UPON-THAMES – On the morning of Saturday 14 July 2018, the South African Legion (UK & Europe Branch) in association with MOTH (Gazala 21

SPRINGBOK DECEMBER 20 SPRINGBOK DECEMBER 2018

Photos of the Delville Wood Parade at Richmond, United Kingdom.

22

SPRINGBOK DECEMBER 20 SPRINGBOK DECEMBER 2018

War (1964 – 1979) during which 403 members gave their lives, the BSAP ceased to exist in name in August 1980 with the final lowering of the Rhodesian National flag and the formation of Zimbabwe.

SA Legion Scotland Branch Chair Lgr. Cary Hendricks, resplendent in full Murray of Atholl Highland kit then took the salute on behalf of the Regional Exco.

We then proceeded to The Mitre in Richmond for several cold pints, and super braai in the beer garden catered by Lgr. Theo Fernandes, Lgr. Dutoit Verster, and Lgr. Johan de Vries. Legionnaires, MOTHs, and Masons mingled and seemed to have imported South African summer weather to Richmond.

Members of the SA Legion who attended the parade were Lgrs Russel Mattushek, Brian Parry, Tony Povey, Jose Lopes and Dave Wiseman. The SA Legion Banner was paraded by Lgr Brian Parry and a wreath was laid by Lgr Tony Povey, who served with the BSAP during the Rhodesian Bush War.

BSAP MEMORIAL SERVICE, NATIONAL MEMORIAL ARBORETUM

The service was followed by lunch and then a stroll through part of the 150 acres NMA grounds, home to over 350 memorials, to pay our respects to those who gave their lives for their country. Over 400 members of the BSAP made the ultimate sacrifice during the Rhodesian Bush War. We Will Remember Them.

On Sunday 22 July 2018, in bright sunshine reminiscent of its African heritage, the British South Africa Police Regimental Association, UK branch, held a Memorial Service at the National Memorial Arboretum in memory of those members of the BSAP who gave their lives during the 84 years of its existence.

BATTLE OF SQUARE HILL SERVICE IN KIMBERLEY During a small service at the Cenotaph in Kimberley on Sunday 16 September 2018, the Centenary of the Battle of Square Hill was commemorated.

A TTENDEES TO THE BSAP MEMORIAL SERVICE , RICHMOND , UNITED KINGDOM .

Formed in 1889 as the British South Africa Company Police, the force became known as the British South Africa Police (BSAP) in 1896 and developed as a light cavalry regiment. Participating in the Matabele War (1893), the Jameson Raid (1895) and the Matabele and Mashona Rebellions (1896 – 1897). They also played an active role in the Boer War and during WW1 in campaigns in German East Africa and South West Africa. After being at the forefront throughout the Rhodesian Bush

MR V AN W YK LAYING A WREATH DURING THE SERVICE IN KIMBERELEY .

Sentries were provided by the Kimberley Regiment while the Pipes and Drums of the regiment were in attendance.

Mr W P van Wyk, 95 years of age is the sole surviving World War 2 Cape Corp veteran in Kimberley to the records of the Kimberley 23

SPRINGBOK DECEMBER 20 SPRINGBOK DECEMBER 2018

Branch of the South African Legion of Military Veterans laid wreath.

in the final months of the First World War (*see below).

Refreshments were served at the Regimental Headquarters of the Kimberley Regiment after the Service.

To mark 100 years since this historic battle, representatives of the South African Legion (England, Scotland, and Europe Branches) as well as South Africa gathered with representatives of the Royal British Legion (SA Branch), Royal British Legion (Teddington), and M.O.T.H. (Gazala Shellhole), as well as several civilian guests at the East Sheen Cemetery Chapel on the northern outskirts of London’s vast Richmond Cemetery.

Copies of the special edition of Centenary Retrospective The Battle of Square Hill 1918-2018 were handed to all who attended. This is a very interesting and well-presented book.

BATTLE OF SQUARE HILL CENTENARY SERVICE IN PORT ELIZABETH The Annual Battle of Square Hill service took place at the Garden of Remembrance at Aloe White Ensign on Sunday 23 September 2018. The service was attended by some 50 veterans of which 35 were able to stand on parade.

The religious service was conducted by the branch Chaplain, Lgr Canon Mark Barth while the Brig Genl M. Kinghorn SD SM MMM (SA Army Retired) delivered the address.

L AYING OF WREATHS AT THE BATTLE OF S QUARE HILL SERVICE , EAST SHEEN C EMETERY .

Following the Call to Remembrance, the Last Post was sounded, followed by the two-minute silence and Reveille.

Numerous wreaths were laid.

Service SA Legion Ceremonial Officer Lgr. Brian Parry directed the procession of standards into the chapel and SA Legion England Branch Chairman Russel Mattushek recited the Act of Remembrance (They shall grow not old…).

This was followed by a finger lunch in the Dugout.

BATTLE OF SQUARE HILL CENTENARY SERVICE AND PARADE 2018 RICHMOND UPON THAMES

SA Legion Chaplain Lgr. Craig Esterhuizen then led all present in a dignified remembrance service. He pointed out the biblical significance of the location of the Battle of Square Hill, which raged in the area north-east of Jerusalem now known as the ‘West Bank’, close to where Joshua laid siege to Jericho, and also to its proximity to Megiddo, referred to in the Bible as Armageddon, prophesied location of a gathering of armies for a battle during the end times.

The England Branch of the South African Legion hosted a remembrance service and parade to mark the centenary of the Battle of Square Hill at London’s East Sheen Cemetery in Richmond on Saturday, September 22.

The Battle of Square Hill was fought from September 19 to 21, 1918, when Cape Corps troops engaged with Turkish forces 24

SPRINGBOK DECEMBER 20 SPRINGBOK DECEMBER 2018

A tribute was also delivered in memory of the late General Johannes Jacobus (Jannie) Geldenhuys who served as Chief of the South African Defence Force between 1985 and 1990 and was Called to Higher Service on 10 September 2018.

General Geldenhuys was 83.

triumphantly down Asia, conquered Damascus, and overran Syria until they reached the Holy Land.

Gen Allenby, with his Staff Officers, mused over his problem and formulated their battle plans.

Strategy

Remembrance

The significance of this battle was General Allenby’s military strategy to connect with Arab allies to the east of the Dead Sea, a mission that was thwarted by the enemy’s control of the Jordan crossing at Jisr ed Damieh.

Captain Ivor D Difford, quartermaster of the Cape Corps wrote that Gen Allenby was “determined to strike a blow west of the Jordan, where the whole Turkish army in that area was enclosed”. To this end, the plan was to “break through the enemy’s defensive positions and create a gap for the cavalry to pass through”.

Veterans and gather guests joined in prayers, hymns, and the National Anthems of South Africa and the United Kingdom, after which the standard bearers and the veterans present fell-in to march to the nearby South African cenotaph.

At the cenotaph, the Act of Remembrance was repeated, Last Post sounded, and two minutes’ silence observed.

Wreaths were laid on behalf of the SA Legion England, Scotland, and Europe Branches, the Royal British Legion (South Africa Branch) and MOTH (Gazala Shellhole).

During the night of 18 September 1918, the 1st Cape Corps themselves had taken 181 prisoners. Having come under "fairly persistent counter-attack" they were said to have battled with bayonets in the "strictest silence" and that they carried out orders implicitly.

Battle of Square Hill This year marks the milestone centenary of a historic battle which is not yet at the forefront of general consciousness in the United Kingdom. The legion playing its part to raise general awareness.

Notable names mentioned in this battle were Lt. Samuelson, Sgt February and L/Cpl Thimm. The 1st Cape Corps capturing of the enemy field gun which was noted as “the first gun captured on the Palestine front during Allenby’s great push” - resulted in Lance-Corporal Thimm being promoted to Corporal.

During the Battle of Square Hill in 1918, Cape Corps soldiers were able to shine in their first battle with Turkish soldiers in Palestine during the final months of the First World War. The Turks were a mighty foe…

Monument

The nightmare that affronted Gen Allenby came in the form of Gen Mustapha Kemal or Ataturk as he was later known (founder of modern Turkey) and Gen Liman von Sanders seconded by the German High Command to their Turkish allies. This Turkish/German Army was the same one that had defeated the Australian, New Zealand, and Canadian (ANZAC) forces at Gallipoli, and thereafter marched

Following the war, a monument was built in Kimberley. The gun captured at Square Hill stands there still… but of similar monuments in Johannesburg and Cape Town, nothing but promises materialised.

The annual Armistice Day/Remembrance Sunday parade at the Johannesburg cenotaph drew a large crowd of Cape Corps veterans and descendants for 25

SPRINGBOK DECEMBER 20 SPRINGBOK DECEMBER 2018

decades and was widely known as the Square Hill parade, but even that memory has now faded.

ex-service personnel, including a substantial contingent of South African Legionnaires, march on Remembrance Sunday - designed this memorial and it was unveiled by General Jan Smuts in June 1921. It became a pilgrimage focus in the 1920s and 1930s.

The battle on that night claimed the lives of L/Cpl S Visagie and Pte S Gobey. Further casualties the next day were Pte J Jonkers, Pte G Groep and Pte D Hahman.

As Legionnaires, we carry the flame of remembrance…

It now has Grade II listed status and it is recorded as a building of special architectural and historic interest.

Background of Richmond South African Cenotaph:

Lest we forget...

NOT FOR OTHERS

Following the outbreak of the First World War, South Africa, as a British Dominion, formed and mobilised the South African Overseas Expeditionary Force, as its contribution to the war effort. This force consisted of: The SA Infantry Brigade, SA Mounted Brigade, SA heavy Artillery Brigade, SA Field Artillery Regiment, SA Native Labour Corps, SA Field Ambulance unit, SA Corps of Engineers, SA Signals Company, and the SA Medical Corps - a total force of about 232 000, each one of them volunteers.

OURSELVES,

BUT

FOR

REMEMBRANCE DAY SERVICES REMEMBRANCE BLOEMFONTEIN

DAY

SERVICE

Many of our grandfathers were among them.

L GR J URIE VAN DER MERWE LAYING A WREATH DUEING THE SERVICE IN B LOEMFONTEIN .

The SA Medical Corps provided the staff for both the South African Military Hospital in Richmond Park London, and the No 1 South African General Hospital established in France. Injured or ill soldiers from all theatres of war were transferred to Richmond for treatment and for recuperation.

The 2018 Remembrance Day Service in Bloemfontein took place at Springbok Park on Sunday 11 November 2018 and was attended by various Veterans Organisations in Bloemfontein The Religious Service was conducted by Ds. Tommy Lessing where after wreaths were laid by SA Legion, George Coombs Moths, Castiglione Moths, SA Air Force Association, Regiment President Steyn, Para Vets Organisation, Tiffies, Club 55, SAPRA, SA Defence Force Association and Rhodesian Light Infantry representative.

Altogether 39 of the South Africans who died in the SA Richmond Park Hospital were buried in the Richmond Cemetery. At the end of the First World War, the SA Hospital and the Comforts Fund Committee decided to erect a memorial to these men and to all those South Africans who had died in the war.

Sir Edwin Lutyens who designed the Whitehall Cenotaph – where thousands of 26

SPRINGBOK DECEMBER 20 SPRINGBOK DECEMBER 2018

REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY DURBAN

together with other veterans organisations and interested Durban citizens who marched (at 18:00) down Anton Lembede Street, turning right into Dorothy Nyembe Street and halting in front of the Cenotaph.

The veterans then participated in the second additional ceremony - the Beacon of Light/Hope ceremony - where beacon fires were lit at sunset around the world.

Sunset in Durban on 11 November was at 18:26, so the veterans were formed up in front of the Cenotaph by 18:15, in time for the lighting of the flame “at the going down of the sun”. We used the ‘Flame of Armour’ of the NMR (Natal Mounted Rifles) Regiment, which is safe and is lit on auspicious occasions by regiments of the Armour Formation. The lighting of the Flame symbolised the lighting of the evening fires/beacons on the battlefield and is now also recognised as the Beacon of Hope. This will be followed by trumpet calls of the “Last Post” and then “Reveille”, separated by a Silence of Remembrance.

Thereafter, a short MOTH service closed the day.

As it was the centenary of the Armistice – the cessation of WW1 hostilities at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918 – the remembrance commemorations this year in Durban (and around the world) had two additional events. Everywhere in the Commonwealth, indeed in every city around the world with a Cenotaph, there were two brief ceremonies added to the usual annual Services of Remembrance.

The first of these additional ceremonies in Durban was the Pipers play the haunting tune of “Battle’s O’er” at 06:00 at the Cenotaph, twice over, followed by a moment’s silence. The Battle’s Over tune symbolised the musical (bagpipes are music to those of Scottish decent!) instruction/order of old to those soldiers remaining on the battlefield to “Cease Fire”.

This ceremony entailed serving military members, veterans and civilians gathering in the grounds and on the steps of the Cenotaph at 05:30.

Following this, the gathering immediately moved to the SS Mendi Memorial on the shores of Durban Bay, by the Maritime Museum, where at 07:00 a short ceremony took place, including the laying of wreaths.

REMEMBRANCE JOHANNESBURG

DAY

SERVICE

The National Civic Remembrance Service at the Cenotaph in Johannesburg also paid tribute to the men of the Cape Corps who fought and died during the Battle of Square Hill against Turkish forces fighting on the side of the Central Powers (AustriaHungary, Germany, and Bulgaria) in Palestine 100 years ago. The field gun they captured is now incorporated in the Square Hill Memorial in Kimberley in the Northern Cape.

We then returned to the Cenotaph by 10:00 to participate in the annual Remembrance Service, starting at 10:30. This entailed a SANDF company of troops on parade in Dorothy Nyembe Street. After a short religious service, wreaths were laid in honour of those who paid the supreme sacrifice on our behalf. Guns of the NFA (Natal Field Artillery) Regiment fired two salvos – to mark the beginning and the end of the two-Minutes’ Silence. The Service of Remembrance was followed by invited guests attending the Mayoral Tea in the City Hall.

Speaking at the Johannesburg memorial, Reverend Trevor Slade spoke of the importance of continuing remembrance: “This generation has gathered here today with our memories of loved ones who were killed in past wars. We are also here today in solidarity with those who are still alive,

Later in the afternoon, a Sunset Parade will took place, comprising mainly members of the Memorable Order of Tin Hats (MOTH), 27

SPRINGBOK DECEMBER 20 SPRINGBOK DECEMBER 2018

Photos of the Remembrance Day Service in Durban.

28

SPRINGBOK DECEMBER 20 SPRINGBOK DECEMBER 2018

Photos from the Remembrance Day Service in Durban.

29

SPRINGBOK DECEMBER 20 SPRINGBOK DECEMBER 2018

but who live with terrible wounds of body and mind. We are here today to ensure that the memory of those who died in war and

Wreaths were laid by among others representatives of the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Japan, and the US as well as veterans organizations such as the SA Legion of Military Veterans, the MK Military Veterans Association, Cape Corps Military Veterans, 32 Battalion Veterans Association. Also, a wreath was laid in tribute to the descendants of those who died on the SS Mendi in 1917.

REMEMBRANCE KIMBERLEY

A RRIVAL OF THE EECUTIVE MAYOR J OHANNESBURG AT THE SERVICE J OHANNESBURG .

DAY

SERVICE

"Service of Remembrance" took place in Kimberley on Sunday 11 November 2018 at 11h00 at the Cenotaph War Memorial.

The Service was hosted by the local city municipality under the guidance of the S A Legion Branch.

OF IN

those who survived war, and especially those brave South African servicemen and women who died in the First World War, the Battle of Square Hill, those who died in World War ll, Korea and subsequent battles for the liberation of people everywhere, that their memory will live on for all generations.�

There was good military representation from local Military Units as well as a large support group of veteran organisations from Kimberley as well as the Free State MOTHs who were visiting the city.

The Kimberley Regiment Guard of Honour was in attendance as well as the Pipes and Drums.

Serving military members, veterans and diplomats attended the services and laid wreaths to honour those who fought and died not only in the First World War but also other conflicts such as Korea and during peacekeeping operations.

T HE YOUNG AND THE NOT SO YOUNG AT THE SERVICE IN KIMBERELEY .

The Service was conducted by the Kimberley Regiment Chaplain, Chpn L S F Motlhaudi.

S TANDARDS ON PARADE J OHANNESBURG SERVICE .

DURING

Refreshments provided by the Sol Plaatje Municipality were enjoyed by all at the Regiment HQ, Drill Hall."

THE

30

SPRINGBOK DECEMBER 20 SPRINGBOK DECEMBER 2018

REMEMBRANCE DAY PORT ALFRED

Veterans League, for all animals that died in combat.

The parade was represented by all quarters...The Moths, South African Legion, The South African Airforce Association Municipality and others all with wreaths to be laid. Present too was the ever-present bugle and bagpipes. The event was exceptionally well supported by the public which is much appreciated.

Finger snacks were served and a great party was had by all...WONDERFULLY SUCCESSFUL DAY all-round.

REMEMBRANCE DAY BUILDINGS PRETORIA

The band and pipers from the South African Military Health Service provided the music during THE SERVICE. SOUTH AFRICAN VETERANS’ ARMISTICE DAY PARADE BY LGR CRAIG ESTERHUIZEN The Richmond Armistice Day service was held on 10 November at 10:30 and was attended by more than 50 people, including the South African Legion (UK & EU Branch, representatives of the MOTH, the Royal British Legion and South Africa Lodge.

UNION

The service at the Union Buildings was organized by the Pretoria District Old Bill of the Memorable Order of Tin Hats and the Pretoria Memorial Services Council opened with recordings of gunfire and shelling, evoking the atmosphere of the brutal conflict 100 years ago.

After the entrance of the banners and flags under the direction of Ceremonial Officer Lgr Brian Parry, Chaplain Craig Esterhuizen opened the service with a verse from Matthew 5:9 "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God".

Following the posting of the standards and the sentries the hour of 11 o'clock approached, the guns fell silent and were replaced by jubilant peals of church bells, recreating the time when Armistice Day was declared on November 11, 1918, and Big Ben in London sounded on the hour at 11 am – the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month.

After the hymn Be Still My Soul led by the choir of the New Apostolic Church who added their superb voices to the occasion, the lesson continued and centred around the meaningfulness of Armistice Day, is that it was 100 years ago that the accord was signed; but that peace was still a commodity in short supply in the world. The story of the reconciliation between Esau and Jacob was referred to, and an exhortation that we all fight as hard for peace, as we would for our freedom.

The service started with the religious service followed by the Act of Remembrance, Last Post, 2 Minutes Silence, Reveille and the wreath laying ceremony. Wreaths were laid by various Diplomatic Personnel, the South African National Defence Force and various Veterans Organisations.

The service was ably supported by the choir who delivered renditions of poignant hymns such as Only Remembered, He in Whose Heart Peace Abideth and The Lord is my Light. Poems were read by Lgr Andrew Bergman, Lgr Russel Mattushek and Lgr Paul Gladwin. At the conclusion, the choir received a standing ovation from the Legionnaires in attendance.

In a moving tribute during the Pretoria ceremony, and possibly a first during a Remembrance Day memorial service, Mr Wasserman and his dog laid a wreath to a round of applause on behalf of the South African Police Counter Insurgency or COIN 31

SPRINGBOK DECEMBER 20 SPRINGBOK DECEMBER 2018

Photos from the Service at the Union Buildings, Pretoria

32

SPRINGBOK DECEMBER 20 SPRINGBOK DECEMBER 2018

.

Scenes from the Remembrance Day Service in Richmond, United Kingdom.

33

SPRINGBOK DECEMBER 20 SPRINGBOK DECEMBER 2018

To mark 100 years since the end of WWI, SA Legion UK & EU Regional Chair then unveiled an SA Legion Shield, for which the custodians of East Sheen Cemetery Chapel kindly gave permission, as well as the pride of place at the apex of an arch. Its presence further cements the warm relationship that the SA Legion enjoys with Richmond Cemetery, thanks in a large part to the efforts of Lgr Stuart Robertson.

Once everyone was formed up in the road, a bit closer to the memorial, the service began. Large TV screens, showing the service, were provided in the road, as they have been in previous years, but unfortunately, the one in front of the Legion column was not working. There was however no mistaking the moment when the two minutes' silence began, as the canon of the King's Troop, Royal Horse Artillery boomed out from Horse Guards.

A short tea was enjoyed after the service, complete with home-made muffins provided by Gail Esterhuizen.

Remembrance Wreaths were then laid, beginning with Prince Charles on behalf of HM The Queen and followed by military leaders, politicians and High Commissioners of the Commonwealth. Once the formalities were over the mood in the column became more relaxed. Hip flasks were passed around and fellow veterans groups cheered as they began marching off, the Royal Military Police Association party receiving the timehonoured but well-intentioned boos.

Wreaths were then laid at the cenotaph and a march-past with the salute, received by Lgr Cameron Kinnear. A social then continued at the Mitre Pub where a typically carnivorous braai was provided by Du Toit Verster and Johan De Vries.

CENOTAPH WHITEHALL, LONDON Around 40 Legionnaires from around the UK and Europe joined 9,000 veterans and 10,000 civilians at the Cenotaph in London for the Remembrance Parade to mark 100 years since the armistice to end the First World War was signed.

The South African Legion party was expertly drilled by Lgr Brian Parry. When the time came for the march-past came, the wreath was laid by Royal British Legion South Africa Branch Chairman Lgr Peter Dickens. After performing the customary eyes left past the Cenotaph, the column wound through the roads back to Horse Guards where Princess Anne, Princess Royal took the salute.

Many who travelled to Waterloo Station used the excellent free Poppy Cab service to reach the muster point at St James’s Park. Tickets were distributed and members quickly passed through the busy but efficient Royal British Legion ticket checking process to form-up as part of Column D on Horse Guards Parade.

AGM Back on the parade ground, it was time for group photos and jokes with fellow veterans before everyone began making their way to the pub for the RBL SA Branch AGM. To emphasise the size of the Centenary event, the last of the civilian column had yet to set off by the time the veterans had marched through and were leaving the area.

Muster That this year’ s parade was of a different scale in terms of attendance became evident after the column had marched through the arch onto Whitehall. The normal position is almost directly opposite but this year the group was marched almost to Trafalgar Square to accommodate all those attending.

Legionnaires and their families gathered at The Kings Arms in Mayfair for some well34

SPRINGBOK DECEMBER 20 SPRINGBOK DECEMBER 2018

Photos from Remembrance Day parade at Whitehall, London, United Kingdom.

35

SPRINGBOK DECEMBER 20 SPRINGBOK DECEMBER 2018

earned refreshment and the AGM. The formal minutes are recorded elsewhere, but in his speech, Lgr Peter Dickens reminded the members that attendance at such special events is largely down to the close relationship forged with the Royal British Legion who run these events in the UK.

It is because of this connection that the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards Association welcome the presence of the South African Legion at their annual Observance.

Following a short service, wreaths were laid by the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards (Carabiniers and Greys), the South African Legion and the Moths of Gazala Shellhole.

CARABINIERS REMEMBERED AT KIMBERLY GATE, CHELSEA by Lgr Toney Povey

We then adjourned to the Royal Hospital, Chelsea, for a service in the magnificent Wren Chapel followed by drinks and a traditional curry lunch in the Chelsea Pensioners Club. The sense of history was palpable inside this famous home of the Chelsea Pensioners which has cared for British Army veterans since 1692. It was an honour to rub shoulders with these grand old men and women in their distinctive red frock coats and a day to remember for all.

On Sunday 2 December the South African Legion England Branch once again joined the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards Association for an Observance at the Carabiniers Memorial, Chelsea.

OTHER STORIES

COMMONWEALTH WAR GRAVES COMMISSION (CWGC) MARKS SOUTH AFRICA'S NATIONAL DAY The Commission commemorates more than 23,000 members of South African forces who died during the First and Second world wars. Here are 6 facts about their contribution, and some of the CWGC cemeteries and memorials where they are commemorated.

Members of the Legion and MOTH’s at the Kimberly gate.

South Africans served all over the world in many roles during both conflicts. They fought with the infantry and artillery, in the air and at sea, joined nursing and medical services, served as engineers, in railway and signal companies, and in labour corps.

Many died far from their homes.

The memorial remembers the fallen of the 6th Dragoon Guards (Carabiniers) who gave their lives during the South African War 1899 – 1902 (Second Anglo-Boer War). The Carabiniers were part of the cavalry division under Major-General Sir JDP French which led the charge through Piet Cronje’s Boer lines to relieve the siege of Kimberley on 15 February 1900.

During the First World War, South African forces played a key role in German South West Africa (Namibia) and East Africa 36

SPRINGBOK DECEMBER 20 SPRINGBOK DECEMBER 2018

(including modern-day Tanzania). They served on the Western Front in France and Belgium and took part in several significant battles including at Arras, Passchendaele, and Mont Kemmel.

three sides, and forced to hold on amid almost constant fire from German machineguns, snipers, mortars and artillery. When they were relieved six days later, barely 750 men of the brigade were still fighting.

During the Second World War, troops from South Africa fought in East and North Africa, including the famous battle of El Alamein in 1942, as well as in Italy.

The sinking of the SS Mendi in February 1917 was one of the worst maritime disasters in British waters, and South Africa’s war. The number of lives lost was second only to the casualties suffered by the South African Brigade at Delville Wood during the Battle of the Somme in 1916.

Delville Wood Cemetery.

The South African Native Labour Corps (SANLC) made an important contribution to the British Empire’s war effort during the First World War. Among their ranks were respected warriors and tribal leaders, yet its personnel were not permitted to serve as combat troops, to carry weapons, or mix with white communities. A total of 25,000 South Africans joined the SANLC, of whom 21,000 left South Africa for France.

Delville Wood Cemetery was begun after the Armistice when the remains of those who had died fighting nearby were brought here. Today, it is the final resting place of more than 5,500 servicemen, most of whom died in 1916. At the heart of Delville Wood is the South African National Memorial, which honours all those South Africans who served and died in the First World War, as well as subsequent conflicts.

The CWGC commemorates more than 11,300 members of the South African forces who died during the First World War and 12,000 in the Second World War.

CWGC Arques-la-Bataille British Cemetery, France. Located near the French coastal town of Dieppe is Arquesla-Bataille British Cemetery. It contains the graves of nearly 400 servicemen of the First World War, many of whom were members of the South African Native Labour Corps (SANLC).

CWGC Delville Wood Cemetery, France.

During the Battle of the Somme in 1916, much of the fiercest fighting took place in and around several woods which had been fortified by the Germans. Perhaps the most notorious was Delville Wood. After British Empire forces reached the wood in midJuly, its capture was to be the task of the South African Brigade.

By the autumn of 1916, the demand for labour to carry out vital logistical work behind the Allied lines on the Western Front was becoming critical. The SANLC came to France early in 1917 and No.1 General Labour Hospital was established at its camp at Arques-la-Bataille. Most of the

Some 3,100 officers and men entered the wood but found themselves exposed on 37

SPRINGBOK DECEMBER 20 SPRINGBOK DECEMBER 2018

burials in the cemetery are of men of the SANLC, many of whom died at the hospital.

memorial building originally erected by South African troops. It contains two tablets unveiled by Field-Marshal Smuts, prime minister of South Africa during the conflict, with an inscription in English and Afrikaans: "To save mankind yourselves you scorned to save".

Reverend Isaac Wauchope Dyobha.

Reverend Isaac Wauchope Dyobha was one of the men of the SANLC who died when the Mendi sank.

Eyewitness stories of the bravery exhibited by the men aboard the Mendi have become legendary. The most famous story perhaps is that of the death dance that the men performed as the ship went down. They were led by the chaplain, the Reverend Isaac Wauchope Dyobha, with the words “let us die like brothers”.

Arques-la-Bataille British Cemetery.

A memorial to all members of the SANLC who died in France was built at the centre of the cemetery.

CWGC Castiglione South African Cemetery, Italy. This Second World War cemetery was started in November 1944 by the 6th South African Armoured Division, which had entered Castiglione at the end of September and remained in the area until the following April. Many of the burials were made directly from the battlefields of the Apennines, where South African troops held the line against German forces during the winter.

His name is one of those inscribed on the CWGC Hollybrook Memorial, alongside that of Lord Kitchener – perhaps the British Empire’s most famous soldier when he died in 1916.

NURSING SISTER JESSOP Nursing Sister Violet Constance Jessop lived a charmed life. Born in Argentina, Violet survived the sinking of not one but two ships, the RMS Titanic in 1912 and her sister ship, the HM Hospital Ship Britannic in 1916 during World War One. She also survived a major collision involving the luxury liner RMS Olympic when the ship collided with the British Royal Navy Cruiser HMS Hawke off the Isle of Wight in 1911.

Violet Jessop was an Ocean Liner Stewardess but also a qualified Nursing Sister who despite her misfortunes, spent her entire career at sea and went on to live a healthy life. In 1912, the RMS Titanic struck an iceberg in the North Atlantic before breaking in half, taking over 1500 lives with her. Violet was ordered onto

Castiglione South African Cemetery.

The majority of those buried in this cemetery were South Africans, the remainder belonging mostly to the 24th Guards Brigade, which fought alongside them. Within the cemetery stands a 38

SPRINGBOK DECEMBER 20 SPRINGBOK DECEMBER 2018

Lifeboat No.6 and as the boat was being lowered, one of the Titanic’s Officers handed her a baby to look after. The following morning, Violet and the rest of the survivors were rescued by the ship RMS Carpathia. According to her, while on board, a woman, presumably the baby’s mother, ran up to her, grabbed the baby she was holding and ran off without saying a word.

Undeterred from her chosen career path, she continued working as an Ocean Liner Stewardess after the War, cruising around the world several times in the process. After 42 years at sea, Violet Jessop finally retired in 1950 and went to live in a quiet country 16th Century thatched cottage in Great Ashfield, Suffolk, England where she died on 05 May 1971 at the age of 84 after suffering heart failure.

RAMCAT FISHING COMPETITION It was a rather overcast and cool start to the second Ramcat Fishing Competition for disable anglers at the Pride of Africa Irene Country Lodge on Saturday 8 September 2018. This, however, did not deter the more than 60 disable anglers from near and far (someone all the way from Plettenberg Bay) to have a great day of fishing. It certainly a day that was enjoyed by all the anglers and 49 fish was eventually bagged with a four kilogram Carp being the heaviest catch of the day.

The day started with everyone registering and receiving a sponsors t-shirt and a cap as well as a tag with your name on. Coffee was always available and around 09:00 breakfast was served to anglers and supporters. Around 11:00 the mobile bar was established and some stronger refreshments were available.

Nursing Sister Violet Jessop.

The members from the Pretoria Branch of the South African Legion of Military Veterans were responsible for the recording of all fish caught on the day. This in itself was a great experience with Lgr George Groenewald showing his multiskills which include fishing. The Chairman of the Council of Military Veterans Organisation, Major General Dippenaar, (SA Army Retired) also paid the anglers a visit.

During World War One (1914-1918), Violet Jessop was serving as a Stewardess and Nursing Sister for the British Red Cross aboard HM Hospital Ship Britannic. The ship struck a moored mine while sailing in the Aegean Sea and quickly sank off the Greek Island of Lea with the loss of 30 lives.

While the Britannic was sinking, Violet Jessop was forced to jump out of a lifeboat that was being sucked into the ship's propellers. She was sucked under the water and struck her head on the keel of the lifeboat but managed to re-surface again and was rescued by another lifeboat.

Fishing continued until around 13:30 when the halt was called and everyone started packing up and getting ready for the fivestar lunch. With everyone seated under the 39

SPRINGBOK DECEMBER 20 SPRINGBOK DECEMBER 2018

Scenes from the Ramcat Fishing competition.

40

SPRINGBOK DECEMBER 20 SPRINGBOK DECEMBER 2018

tarpaulin the organiser, Lgr Gerard ‘Yster' Smal thanked everyone for their support and handed every angler a gift (that included a Poppy) before handing the winner's trophy to the winner of this year's completion. Then it was time to enjoy lunch.

was in the Southern Hemisphere and the middle of summer. The stern was in the Northern Hemisphere and in the middle of winter. The date in the aft part of the ship was 31 December 1899. Forward it was 1 January 1900.

Lgr Gerard ‘Yster' Smal, a member of the Pretoria Branch, and his team needs to be saluted for organising this event. This includes everyone that in some way contributed to making this year's event a huge success.

This ship was therefore not only in two different days, two different months, two different seasons and two different years but in two different centuries-all at the same time.

Looking forward to the 2019 event.

STRANGE WARIMOO

STORY

OF

THE

SS

The passenger steamer SS Warrimoo was quietly knifing its way through the waters of the mid-Pacific on its way from Vancouver to Australia. The navigator had just finished working out a star fix and brought the master, Captain John Phillips, the result.

The Warrimoo's position was latitude 0 degrees x 31 minutes north and longitude 179 degrees x 30 minutes west.

SS MARIMOO

Captain J (John) D. S. Phillips was Master of 3326 tons R.M.S. WARRIMOO of the Canadian – Australian Lines in at least 1899 and 1900; he is listed as Master when the (Sydney) Evening News of October 17, 1900, reported RMS WARRIMOO as arriving Sydney on October 16, 1900, from Vancouver via Honolulu and Brisbane with 32 passengers on board (all named except 3 children, a maid and 3 steerage passengers). She was also reported at Brisbane on April 28 and July 23 1900, but the Master was not named on those occasions.

The date was 30 December 1899. Know what this means? First Mate Payton broke in, we're only a few miles from the intersection of the Equator and the International Date Line.

Captain Phillips was prankish enough to take full advantage of the opportunity for achieving the navigational freak of a lifetime. He called his navigators to the bridge to check and double check the ship's position. He changed course slightly so as to bear directly on his mark. Then he adjusted the engine speed. The calm weather and clear night worked in his favour. At midnight the Warrimoo lay on the Equator at exactly the point where it crossed the International Date Line!

The incident is reported on several websites, most of which seem to find it important that Captain Phillips was sitting in a quiet corner of the bridge smoking a cigar when first told of WARRIMOO’s proximity to the intersection of the Equator and the 1800 meridian!

WARRIMOO was one of two ships built for James Huddart, of Huddart Parker Ltd., for

The consequences of this bizarre position were many. The forward part of the ship 41

SPRINGBOK DECEMBER 20 SPRINGBOK DECEMBER 2018

an independent Trans-Tasman service in competition with Union Steamship Company. After a fierce rate cutting war James Huddart withdrew from the TransTasman trade after only five months and started a service connecting Australia and Canada, subsidised by the Canadian and New South Wales governments. In 1897 the New Zealand government offered a subsidy if the ships would also call at a port in their country. To provide the same service frequency a third ship was required and the steamer AORANGI was purchased from the New Zealand Shipping Company.

Unfortunately the service, despite the subsidies, couldn't support three ships; the company defaulted on payments for the AORANGI and in February 1898 the New Zealand Shipping Company assumed control of the Canadian – Australian Line and purchased WARRIMOO on 16.08.1899. In 1901 NZSCo sold the service and ships to Union Steamship.

aircraft, a feat that at the time was near impossible, and the practice of landing aircraft even today on an aircraft carrier takes supreme skill and is reserved for the ‘best of the best' pilots, such is the hazard.

Unfortunately for his pioneering endeavour, his efforts were to end in tragedy.

Edwin Harris Dunning was born in South Africa on the 17th July 1892, the second child of Sir Edwin Harris Dunning and was later educated at Royal Navy Colleagues in the United Kingdom.

In late 1914 WARRIMOO was taken up as a troopship. On 17 May 1918 when on a convoy from Bizerta to Marseille she collided with the escorting French destroyer CATAPULTE. In the collision the destroyer’s depth-charges were dislodged; they exploded in the water blowing out the bottom plates of both ships, causing them both to sink with some loss of life.

Squadron Commander E H Dunning climbs out of his aircraft on the flying-off deck of HMS FURIOUS after the first successful landing on an aircraft carrier underway.

A very skilled aviator, he took to pioneering naval aviation. He rose to a high rank within the Royal Navy's newly born Air Service or RNAS (which was to evolve into their ‘Fleet Air Arm'). During World War 1 the Army and the Navy ran separate Air Services under their own Command.

During the war, the Royal Navy began to look at how aircraft can be operated from fighting ships.

Sources: Passenger Ships of Australia and New Zealand Volume 1 page 74. Crossed Flags (World Ship Society) page 51. Photos from Flotilla-Australia.com THE FIRST MAN TO LAND ON AN AIRCRAFT CARRIER AT SEA WAS A SOUTH AFRICAN BY LGR PETER DICKENS

Previously the Royal Navy had used catapults to launch the aircraft from ship decks but landing them was a different matter – early naval aircraft types were fitted with pontoons (sea-plane or ‘float’ plane) and ‘landed in the ocean next to the vessel to be hoisted back on. This posted a number of difficulties, sea conditions and

A South African holds a very prestigious place in the world of aviation firsts. Edwin Dunning was the first man to land an aircraft on a moving ship adapted to carry 42

SPRINGBOK DECEMBER 20 SPRINGBOK DECEMBER 2018

time and manoeuvring of the aircraft and ship for hoisting for starters. Also, they could only operate one aircraft from a ship and it was usually used for one thing – ‘spotting’ i.e. reconnaissance work.

around the superstructure to land (much later on they removed the rear gun and extend the flight deck to compensate for this, but it looks tragic learning).

The solution lay in an adapted fighting ship with a runway from which a number of aircraft could take-off or be catapulted from and could land directly on the ship again, this could then bring the formidable nature of air-power – striking targets anywhere in the world within range completely at will into the realm of sea-power. The concept of the aircraft carrier was born (a concept that to this day divides a super-power from an ordinary country).

HMS Furious with the original flight deck conversion in the front

Squadron Leader Edwin Dunning, aged just 25, flying a Sopwith Pup bi-plane marched into the history books at Scapa Flow, Orkney Islands, Scotland during test exercises in the Flow. He became the first person to land on a moving aircraft carrier at sea. He completed this landmark aviation feat on 2 August 1917.

The landing was extremely perilous – whereas now arrest wires would bring a plane to a halt, Dunning was relying on the deck crew of the Furious to grab the wings of his Sopwith Pup to bring it to a halt.

Five short days later, after completing his milestone, Dunning endeavoured to do it again. However, tragedy struck during his third landing of the day. On approach, his aircraft stalled and he came down on the deck of the Furious at too steep an angle.

Dunning was knocked unconscious, his port wing lifted as the plane went over the side of the ship and he drowned in the cockpit.

A colourised image captures Dunning’s milestone. Note naval personnel ‘catching’ his aircraft

However, you needed people with considerable skill and courage to try this idea out, that it was dangerous to land on a ship in high winds and rolling seas is an understatement – think of runway that is always moving around. They found such a man in our hero, one very brave South African aviator.

The Royal Navy decided to convert a Courageous-class Battlecruiser, the from a fighting ship into a fighting aircraft carrier by removing her forward gun and a flight deck was added to the bow in its place. A difficult proposition to land on as the approaching aircraft had to manoeuvre

Recognition Edwin Dunning is buried at St Lawrence’s Church, Bradfield in England. A plaque in the church says just about everything in 43

SPRINGBOK DECEMBER 20 SPRINGBOK DECEMBER 2018

recognition of his contribution to naval aviation.

It reads:

A memorial stone was also unveiled at Swanbister Bay in Orkney in 1992 in recognition of Dunning’s feat.

"The Admiralty wish you to know what great service he performed for the Navy. It was, in fact, a demonstration of landing an Aeroplane on the deck of a Man-of-War whilst the latter was underway. This had never been done before, and the data obtained was of the utmost value. It will make Aeroplanes indispensable to a fleet; & possibly, revolutionise Naval Warfare.

The risk taken by Squadron Commander Dunning needed much courage. He had already made two successful landings; but expressed a wish to land again himself, before other Pilots did so; and in this last run he was killed. My Lords desire to place on record their sense of the loss to the Naval Service of this gallant Officer”.

In memory of Edwin Dunning, the Dunning Cup is given annually to the officer who is considered to have done most to further aviation in connection with the Fleet for the year in question. In the 1950s and 1960s, it was awarded to Royal Air Force squadrons which achieve the highest standard on courses at the Joint Anti-Submarine School.

On the occasion of the centenary of Dunning's feat, the British marked the occasion in Orkney with a Hawk flypast and a new plaque was unveiled. Lt Cdr Barry Issitt, Commanding Officer of 736 Naval Air Squadron, paid tribute in August 2017 to mark the centenary, he said; "The event itself is of particular significance to the Royal Navy and Fleet Air Arm as it marks the first successful landing of a fixedwing aircraft on a ship underway at sea; a moment that would be the genesis for the establishment of the pre-eminence of aircraft carriers.

“It is all the more poignant considering the current regeneration of the UK’s carrier capability, with HMS Queen Elizabeth currently conducting sea trials not far from the location of Dunning’s landing, with Merlin helicopters from 820 Naval Air Squadron operating from her flight deck.”

In Conclusion As is typical to South Africa’s lack of recognition to countrymen who attained greatness serving in the ‘hated’ British forces (as was the case with the old National Party) or in the case of the ‘colonial’ forces (as is the current case with the ANC), even if the feat was an international aviation milestone. So it passed unnoticed and no such flybys, plaque unveilings, awards, centenary mark or national salutes were given to our pioneering hero in South Africa – and that’s more tragic than the tragedy itself.

The new plaque has been produced by local craftsman Stuart Wylie, of Orkney Crystal – 2017.

DONATION OF A WHEELCHAIR At the end of June 2018, Me Jeanne'-Mari Johnson informed the Chairman of the 44

SPRINGBOK DECEMBER 20 SPRINGBOK DECEMBER 2018

Handing over of the wheelchair to World War Two veterans at the Wolmaranstad Old Age Home.

45

SPRINGBOK DECEMBER 20 SPRINGBOK DECEMBER 2018

Pretoria Branch of the South African Legion of Military Veterans of two World War 2 veterans and a SADF veteran residing in the ‘Wolmaranstad Tehuis vir Bejaardes'.

Wolmaranstad is a small town in the North West Province halfway between Pretoria and Kimberley along the N12 highway.

a number of German POW graves and some Police graves. Locating the graves proved a bit of a challenge, but never the less some 250 Poppies were placed on the various graves in the cemetery. The team also visited the German War Memorial in the cemetery.

A wheelchair was an item that was required by the home for use by one of the World War 2 veterans. With the assistance of the National Secretary, Riana Van Zyl Venter, and National Headquarters a wheelchair was obtained for donation to the home. The branch is pursuing other options to assist the veterans.

On Sunday 7 October 2018 two members from the Pretoria Branch, Shaun Booth (Vice Chairman) and George Groenewald travelled to Wolmaranstad and delivered the wheelchair. Apart from the wheelchair each of the veterans was given a Legion blanket and a Poppy. In doing so the Pretoria Branch certainly lived up to our motto ‘Not for Ourselves, But for Others'.

Veterans that participated in the Veterans Day in Pretoria.

By noon both teams returned to MOTH Evenden House where a healthy ‘boerewors' roll was waiting for all. The ‘boerewors' roll was prepared by the ‘galley' team and provided with the compliments of the Pretoria Branch of the South African Legion of Military Veterans. Naturally, the pub was open for something cold.

VETERANS DAY PRETORIA The Pretoria Branch of the South African Legion of Military Veterans invited fellow veterans to join them on Saturday 3 November 2018 for Veterans Day, during which Poppies would be placed on the graves of those that have gone before us and are buried in cemeteries in Pretoria.

A great time was had by all and chats lasted for many an hour.

INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE Article One of the United Nations Charter, came into effect on 24 October 1945, states that the organisation is “To maintain international peace and security, and to that end: to take effective collective measures for the prevention and removal of threats to the peace, and for the suppression of acts of aggression or other breaches of the peace, and to bring about by peaceful means, and in conformity with the principles of justice and international law, adjustment or settlement of international disputes or situations which may lead to a breach of the peace”.

Apart from members of the Legion members of the MOTH’s and the SA Military Intelligence Veterans Association gathered at MOTH Evenden House where the group was divided into two teams. One team would look place plant crosses in the Thaba Tshwane New Military Cemetery and place Poppies on the graves in the Thaba Tshwane Old No 1 and 2 Cemeteries.

The second team visited the Rebecca Street Cemetery where there are almost 200 scattered Commonwealth war graves,

By 1948 the United Nations deployed its first Peacekeeping Operation “United 46

SPRINGBOK DECEMBER 20 SPRINGBOK DECEMBER 2018

Photos of the Annual International Day of Peace church service.

47

SPRINGBOK DECEMBER 20 SPRINGBOK DECEMBER 2018

Nations Truce Supervision Organisation”, known as UNTSO. Since then the United Nations have deployed 70 Peacekeeping Operations. In 1981 the General Assembly decided that the third Monday of September, the first day of the annual General Assembly, would be known as the ‘International Day of Peace’. In 2001 this was amended when the General Assembly Adopted a resolution declaring that 21 September would annually be commemorated as the ‘International Day of Peace’.

friend, The Rev. A.P. Wales. It was later transferred to the new cathedral, where it sits in the centre of the altar cross. It has become a symbol of peace and reconciliation across the world. There is over 330 Cross of Nails Centres all over the world, all of them bearing a cross made of three nails from the ruins, similar to the original one. When there were no more of these nails, a continuing supply has come from prison in Germany. They are coordinated by the International Centre for Reconciliation.

In 2015 the Pretoria Branch of the South African Legion of Military Veterans decided to commemorate the ‘International Day of Peace’ with a church service. This year the service again took place at the NG Kerk, Raslouw in Centurion on Sunday 16 September 2018.

The service was conducted by former Chaplain General, Marius Cornelissen.

Fellow veteran organisations joined the South African Legion of Military Veterans for the service and the tea and ‘koeksisters’ after the service.

A Wooden Cross.

One of the crosses made of nails from the old cathedral was donated to the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church in Berlin, which was destroyed by Allied bombing and is also kept as a ruin alongside a newer building. A replica of the cross of nails was also donated to the Chapel of Reconciliation (Kapelle der Versöhnung) which forms part of the Berlin Wall Memorial. A copy of the Stalingrad Madonna by Kurt Reuber that was drawn in 1942 in Stalingrad (now Volgograd) is shown in the cathedrals of all three cities (Berlin, Coventry and Volgograd) as a sign of the reconciliation of the three countries that were once enemies.

21 SEPTEMBER – INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE – A TRULY REMARKABLE STORY OF RECONCILIATION The Charred Cross and the Cross of Nails were created after the cathedral was bombed during the Coventry Blitz of the Second World War. The cathedral stonemason, Jock Forbes, saw two wooden beams lying in the shape of a cross and tied them together. A replica of the Charred Cross built in 1964 has replaced the original in the ruins of the old cathedral on an altar of rubble. The original is now kept on the stairs linking the cathedral with St Michael's Hall below.

A medieval cross of nails has also been carried on board all British warships who subsequently bear the name HMS Coventry. The cross of nails was on board the Type 42

The Cross of Nails was made of three nails from the roof truss of the old cathedral by Provost Richard Howard of Coventry Cathedral at the suggestion of a young 48

SPRINGBOK DECEMBER 20 SPRINGBOK DECEMBER 2018

destroyer Coventry when she was sunk by enemy action in the Falklands War. The cross was salvaged by Royal Navy divers and presented to Coventry Cathedral by the ship's Captain and colleagues. The cross was subsequently presented first to the next Coventry in 1988 until she was decommissioned in 2002, and then to HMS Diamond, which is affiliated to Coventry, during her commissioning ceremony on 6 May 2011 by Captain David Hart-Dyke, the commanding officer of Coventry when she was sunk.

1910 he joined the Transvaal Scottish Regiment and served for a year as a troop.

From 1911 to 1913 he served with the British South Africa Police (BSAP) whereafter he joined the Orange Rover Colony Police (ORCP) in 1913. During the Rand riots, he was transferred to the Mounted Police.

At the start of the First World War, he deserted from the ‘Zuid Afrikaanse Polisie’ and joined the Royal Flying Corps as an Aircraft Technician and later qualified as a pilot with the rank of Second Lieutenant. At the end of the war in 1918, he returned to the ‘Zuid Afrikaanse Polisie’ without any consequences for his desertion in 1914.

Acknowledgement to Wikipedia.

In 1920 he is promoted to First Class Sergeant and in 1925 appointed as District Commissioner of Kroonstad in the Orange Free State. 1930 saw him being appointed as the Officer Commanding of the South African Police Dog Training Unit, Kwaggaspoort, Pretoria a post that he occupied until 1939 when, with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, was appointed as the Deputy Commissioner of the Western Province.

MAJOR GENERAL ROBERT JOHN PALMER CVO DSO – THIRD COMMISSIONER OF THE SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE by Lgr Charles Ross with acknowledgement to Brigadier Hennie Heymans (SA Police – Retired.)

With the declaration of the Second World War in 1939, he is appointed as the Officer Commanding 1st Battalion of the 6th Infantry Brigade (so-called Police Brigade), 2nd South African Division. His Battalion served in South Africa at the following Prisoner of War (POW) Camps, Baviaanspoort, Andalusia, Leeukop and Koffiefontein. This was followed with intensive military training at Zonderwater and Oribi Camp near Pietermaritzburg.

During June 1941 the Battalion departed on board HTS Mauretania from Durban for service in North Africa.

Robert Palmer was born in Grahamstown on 20 February 1892 and matriculated in 1907 at the Victoria Boys’ High School (Graeme College) where after he started work at a mine on the Witwatersrand. In

Early January 1942 he distinguished himself during the battles of Bardia, Sollum and Halfaya and receives a Distinguished Service Order (DSO). He is promoted to Brigadier on 14 May 1942 and succeeds

The cross made from recovered nails given to the church in Germany.

49

SPRINGBOK DECEMBER 20 SPRINGBOK DECEMBER 2018

Brigadier H. B. Klopper as the Officer Commanding 3rd Brigade, 2nd South African Division. The Brigade participated in various operations in the Western Desert under General Dan Pienaar. This included the Battle of El Alamein for which he receives a Bar to his DSO.

which he was awarded the Companion of the Victorian Order (CVO).

On his retirement in 1951, he was awarded the

Gen Sir Pierre Van Ryneveld, Field Marshall Viscount Montgomery and Maj Gen Palmer.

King's Police Medal.

Major General Palmer received the following medals: CVO DSO and Three Bars, Bronze Star (USA), Africa Star (8th Army Clasp), Italy Star, British Defence Medal, War medal 1939 – 1945 with Oak Leave, Africa Service Medal. King George V Silver Jubilee Medal and King George VI Coronation Medal.

B RIGADIER R PALMER .

On 1 February 1943, he is appointed as the Officer Commanding 12th South African Motorised Brigade as part of the 6th South African Armour Division that participated in the campaign in Italy. From April 1943 to May 1945 he Acting Officer Commanded the 6th South African Infantry Division with the rank of Major General. Returned to South Africa following the war.

Major General Palmer is the first member of the South African Police that served in all the ranks from Constable to Commissioner and is to date the only Commissioner that qualified as a pilot.

He is appointed as the third Commissioner of the South African Police on 1 August 1945. He set out to increase the strength of the Police by launching an intensive recruiting drive and improved the salaries and working conditions of the Police.

During the Royal visit in 1947, he was responsible for the safety of the visitors for

ST HELENA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT PROJECT My neighbour was involved with the project almost from the beginning and is currently back in South Africa on holiday. He lent be the coffee table book on the project ‘ST HELENA AIRPORT PROJECT’ compiled 50

SPRINGBOK DECEMBER 20 SPRINGBOK DECEMBER 2018

SOUTH AFRICAN INDIAN LEGION

by Jimmy Johnston for the main contractor Basil Read. The project comprised the design and construction as phase one and

The South African Indian Legion (SAIL) is a registered organisation (None Profit Company) and is in the process of registering as a Public Benefit Organisation with a planned affiliation to the South Africa Legion of Military Veterans.

The organisation's primarily focus is on the documentation and preservation of the South African Indian Military History and its Heritage. Members will comprise of Military Veterans, Serving Members and Associated Members (Civilians) who has an interest in preserving the South African Indian Military History.

The runway at the St Helena Island Airport.

the operation as phase two.

Projects undertaken are as follows:

It is only when reading the book that one realises the magnitude of the project not to mention the enormous logistical challenges. Everything required for the project had to be brought in by sea. To achieve this there were two immediate requirements, firstly to construct a temporary quay where major equipment could be offloaded and secondly to acquire a suitable ship to transport the equipment mainly from Walvis Bay in Namibia.

Compilation and publication of an historical book covering the various eras of conflict were there has been active participation by Indians.

The establishment of the South African Indian Military Museum in Durban.

The establishment of a Memorial and a Wall of Remembrance in Durban.

The ship, NP Glory 4 had to be converted and modified which included adding a crane to the vessel. She delivered over 80 000 tonnes of cargo over a period of 40 months in 48 voyages between Walvis Bay and St Helena at an average cycle time of 21 days. Sailing the equivalent of six times around the World during her time on the project.

Some of the equipment brought in included 120 items of construction machinery (this included 22 Articulated Dump Trucks 40 tonnes, Excavators 70 tonnes), 60 items of support plant, 13 million litres of diesel, 924 containers, 21 000 tonnes of cement, 3 000 tonnes of reinforced steel and 4 500 tonnes of explosives.

Lgr Godfrey Giles with members of the newly established South African Indian Legion at the Johannesburg Remembrance Day Service.

Upgrade and the revitalisation of the Indian Anglo Boer War Memorial in Observatory in Johannesburg. Make an application to the City of Johannesburg to build a Wall of Remembrance at the site.

Truly a remarkable achievement.

51

SPRINGBOK DECEMBER 20 SPRINGBOK DECEMBER 2018

Commissioning a set of Paintings spanning from the Anglo Boer War to present day of Indian Soldiers to be used in the Museum.

Prints will be sold to the general public.

during August 2018 as a result of Ramaphosa's bilateral mission to the United Kingdom. On 28 August 2018 Me May handed the ships bell of the Troopship SS Mendi to the South African President Mr Cyril Ramaphosa. The SS Mendi sank on 21 February 1917 with the loss of 646 souls, mainly members of the South African Native Labour Corps.

Facilitate annual Memorial Parades at the Indian Anglo Boer War Memorial and the new Memorial in Durban.

Create Historical research teams to compile the South African Indian Military History to be used in the Book and Museum. The History Research teams will be divided into sub groups looking at different eras of research.

ACTING CAPTAIN ANDREW WEATHERBY BEAUCHAMP PROCTOR VC DSO MC AND BAR DFC NO 84 SQUADRON, ROYAL FLYING CORPS

Anglo Boer War, World War I, World War II, Pre 1994 (including SADF, SAS Jalsena and MK) and post 1994 (era where significant career advancement of Indian Soldiers took place in the service of South Africa)

Andrew Weatherby Frederick Proctor was born in Mossel Bay, Cape Colony, South Africa on 4 September 1894. He later dropped the name Frederick and added the maiden name of his mother Beauchamp.

Andrew was educated in Beaconsfield and Mossel Bay, then boarded at College House, South African College School (later University of Cape Town) studying for engineering diploma.

Public Relations Team - Creating awareness and publicising the relocation in the media. Involving schools, South African Indian Community, Indian High Commissioner etc.

On 1 October 1914 enlisted as a signaller in Duke of Edinburgh's Own Rifles and served in German South West Africa (now Namibia) and then transferred to South African Field Telegraph and Postal Corps.

Following the surrender of the German Forces in German South West Africa on 9 July 1915, he demobilised during August 1915. He returned to complete his studies at South African College.

Fund Rising Team - To generate funds to carry out the above projects.

There will be on going correspondence on the project development which will give all members an opportunity to be part of this historic event.

On 12 March 1917 Andrew attested as 3rd Class Air Mechanic, Royal Flying Corps. In April 1917 he was transferred to Farnborough Officers’ Cadet Battalion training at Castle Bromwich, Warwickshire, Netheravon, Wiltshire and Upavon, Wiltshire, where he gained his wings. On 29 July 1917, Andrew was posted to No 84 Squadron as Flying Officer and deployed with his squadron to France on 21 September 1917. On 19 February 1918

Handing over of the Ships Bell of the SS Mendi.

BELL OF SS MENDI The Prime Minister of the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland, Me Teresa May, conducted a working visit to South Africa 52

SPRINGBOK DECEMBER 20 SPRINGBOK DECEMBER 2018

Andrew attacked a flight of enemy scouts, for which he was awarded the Military Cross (MC). During the German Spring offensive on 21 March 1918 No 84 Squadron attacked advancing Germans.

discharged from the hospital in March 1919.

Citation: Between August 8th, 1918 and October 8th, 1918, this officer proved himself the victor in twenty-six decisive combats, destroying twelve enemy kite balloons, ten enemy aircraft, and driving down four other enemy aircraft completely out of control.

Between October 1st, 1918, and October 5th, 1918, he destroyed two enemy scouts, burnt three enemy kite balloons, and drove down one enemy scout completely out of control.

On October 1st, 1918, in a general engagement with about twenty-eight machines, he crashed one Fokker biplane near Fontaine and a second near Ramicourt; on October 2nd he burnt a hostile balloon near Selvigny; on October 3rd he drove down, completely out of control, an enemy scout near Mont d’Origny, and burnt a hostile balloon; on October 5th the third hostile balloon near Bohain.

L IEUTENANT BEAUCHAMP PROCTOR

Andrew was promoted Lieutenant on I April 1918 and to Temporary Captain and Flight Commander on 8 April. Awarded a Bar to the Military Cross on 28 May 1918, and during July 1918 was one of first recipients of Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) for being “a brilliant and fearless leader of our offensive patrols”; For his actions over Northern France during the period 8 August-8 October 1918 Andrew was awarded the Victoria Cross (VC).

On October 8th, 1918, while flying home at low altitude, after destroying an enemy twoseater near Maretz, he was painfully wounded in the arm by machine-gun fire, but, continuing, he landed safely at his aerodrome, and after making his report was admitted to hospital.

In all he proved himself conqueror over fiftyfour foes, destroying twenty-two enemy machines, sixteen enemy kite balloons, and driving down sixteen enemy aircraft completely out of control.

He was wounded on 8 October and evacuated to the United Kingdom where he spent the rest of the war in Northumberland War Hospital near Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Northumberland. On 2 November 1918, Andrew was awarded Distinguished Service Order (DSO).

Andrew was

Captain Beauchamp Proctor’s work in attacking enemy troops on the ground and in reconnaissance during the withdrawal following the Battle of St. Quentin from March 21st, 1918, and during the victorious 53

SPRINGBOK DECEMBER 20 SPRINGBOK DECEMBER 2018

advance of our Armies commencing on August 8th, has been almost unsurpassed in its brilliance, and has made such an impression on those serving in his squadron and those around him that they will not be easily forgotten.

Apart from his Victoria Cross, Military Cross and Bar, Distinguished Service Order and Distinguished Flying Cross Andrew was awarded the 1914-15 Star, British War Medal 1914-20 and the Victory Medal 1914-19.

Lieutenant Andrew Weatherby Beauchamp Proctor VC DSO MC AND BAR DFC is buried in the Mafikeng (Mafeking) Old Cemetery with another headstone at Upavon. His name appears on the Royal Air Force Memorial, St Clement Dane’s, Strand, London. There is a portrait at the new College House residence, University of Cape Town.

A POSTER OF CAPT BEAUCHAMP PROCTOR

Following his discharge from the hospital Andrew with a group of war heroes travelled on an official visit to the United States to help raise money for United States Liberty Loan.

In July 1919 Andrew was posted to Seaplane Station, Lee-on-Solent, Hampshire and then to the Cadet College, Cranwell, Lincolnshire. On 1 November 1919, Andrew received a permanent commission in Royal Air Force (RAF) as Flight Lieutenant. Andrew then took 1 year’s leave from Royal Air Force (RAF) to visit his family in South Africa and complete studies. He received a hero’s welcome at Cape Town, Cape Province; and late in 1920 graduated with a BSc degree in Mechanical Engineering.

Andrew returned to No 24 Squadron, Royal Air Force and in 1921 was selected for the Royal Air Force aerobatics team for first Royal Air Force Pageant but was killed on 21 June 1921 while practising.

T HE GRAVE OF CAPT B EAUCHAMP P ROCTOR IN THE MAHIKENG O LD C EMETERY .

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.

Additional detail: Due to his short stature (5ft 2”) special adjustments were made to his rudder bar and seat to compensate for his lack of reach. This may have contributed to his fatal crash. Shortly after his Investiture, he was mistakenly arrested by two constables for wearing medals they could not believe he was entitled to.

His VC Investiture was on 27 November 1919 together with the DSO and DFC by King George V, Buckingham Palace.

54

SPRINGBOK DECEMBER 20 SPRINGBOK DECEMBER 2018

OBITUARIES

Australian, I figured I would take Albie to the Gecko Bar for his beer on me in Matt’s beamer. Driving there I realised Albie, as a pilot would still harbour in him that basic truth to all pilots – THE NEED – THE NEED FOR SPEED.

Brakpan Lgr Colin McCann.

Cape Town Lgr Lionel Crook.

Durban Lgr Terence Vincer Lgr George Nel Lgr Billy Uren.

East London Lgr Helen Bosworth-Smith Lower South Coast Lgr Fred Brown.

L GR PETER DICKENS AND L GR G OTZ WITH A PAINTING OF AN AIRCRAFT OF WHICH LGR G OTZ WAS A PILOT .

Lgr Graham Nyet Soweto

On the backroads, with Albie's permission and a very tempting massive engine we decided to give the BMW a full wheelie and put the boot to it - I opened up the BMW's 4.5 Lt engine to full throttle, maximum torque, pushed back in the seats I noticed Albie's right hand push an imaginary aircraft throttle to full tilt, and instead of scaring the heck out him all I saw was a massive smile on his face and sheer joy – in Albie's mind he was back in one of the most powerful single engine war-birds ever built.

Lgr Ntate Solomon Maisela.

United Kingdom Lgr Albie Gotz.

TRIBUTE TO GENERAL ALBIE GOTZE

by Lgr Peter Dickens.

I first met Albie in my role of Chairman of the South African Legion of Military Veterans in the United Kingdom. Along with Tinus Le Roux, we obtained a mobile-chair for him from the Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund – it was the start of a friendship and a bond that is central and very specific to all military veterans.

There’s a lot to be said for a person like Albie, but in his heart was an extremely courageous man, completely unafraid of danger – a fighter pilot – the bravest of the brave, and even in his twilight years a man still built of stronger stuff than most mortals would ever aspire to.

I have a personal pledge to any veteran I meet who fought in World War 2 - I buy them a beer – it’s a simple gesture and a fellow warrior’s thanks to another who has sacrificed so much in what was the greatest bloodletting war mankind has ever seen – before or since.

We got talking over that beer, and one story stands out – it's one which demonstrates just what a man he was and his wry sense of ‘dark humour' – a humour military veterans share as it comes from an extreme adversary.

Like Albie, I am also a pilot and we connected with our joint love of flying. I had borrowed a very powerful 745 BMW from my buddy ‘Aussie Matt’ – you guessed, he’s 55

SPRINGBOK DECEMBER 20 SPRINGBOK DECEMBER 2018

always operated at low altitude (“on the deck”) mainly employed to attack targets such as armour, anti-aircraft installations, specific buildings, transports and enemy personnel. For this reason alone, flying in the Typhoon squadron was dangerous and high risk.

During the Second World War, Alibe had transferred from flying Spitfires during DDay – the liberation of France, to flying the extremely fearful all rocket firing firebreathing Typhoon – in his quest to liberate Belgium and Holland as part of Operation Market Garden.

Please excuse the language in the house of God, but this comes from a warrior fighting a war extreme speaking to military truisms. According to Albie, flying the Typhoon at this time was regarded by Allied officers as – and I quote; “the most dangerous job that these buggers could ever have volunteered for”.

The losses and dangers were extreme. To illustrate just how dangerous this was, Albie said "We lost 151 pilots flying this thing (Typhoons), on Operation Market Garden alone, in just one single day we lost 21 pilots on Typhoons".

Combat was brutal in its simplicity, according to Albie it was as simple as; “That guys gotta be shot down (the enemy), not me!”

A PHOTO OF THE FUNERAL OF THE LATE LGR A LBIE GOTZ.

The Typhoon missions, although very dangerous was also very formidable. Albie describes that aside from the rocket firing capability it could also deliver a wall of lead, consider his own words

Both the Typhoon and Operation Market Garden were BEASTS in the extreme, the Typhoon was unforgiving on pilots, its massive engine, body frame and incredible amounts of power and torque took special pilots, and the Typhoon on its own claimed some of them. But the biggest claim on Typhoon pilots was Operation Market Garden, it was one of the bloodiest encounters of the war, the toll on Typhoon pilots was extreme. Albie would later say that the fact he did not die he put down to a basic human dichotomy experienced by all men who have seen war;

“Can you imagine yourself flying over there, in Typhoons you have two 20mm guns, each one has 4 bloody spouts .. now, the 20mm shoots 600 shots a minute, can you imagine 600, 4 of them, that’s 2400, and there’s not just that one, there’s another Typhoon behind him (the wingman), that is 4800 bullets you have coming at the enemy” Albie’s aircraft was hit on many occasions and he made a few crash landings with damaged aircraft. He recalled on such incident as if they were yesterday, this is a very brave account of combat flying,

… I survived because of sheer luck alone … with God’s grace.

During Operation Market Garden Albie served with RAF 137 Squadron and almost 56

SPRINGBOK DECEMBER 20 SPRINGBOK DECEMBER 2018

honest, harrowing and even a little funny (in the darkest manner of ‘military humour’). "I got shot one day, as a matter of fact, I was watching this guy shooting at me, with an 88 mm, he shot at me and I looked and I said to myself ‘this bastard is going to kill me' … he shot me at the back of the fuselage, but, the 88mm did not explode for some unknown reason, God must have said ‘I not gonna put this fuse on', But it did cut my trim-wire to my rudder and all it does is that your aircraft just rolls over and you go straight in, but fortunately I was able to ‘catch it' (arrest the aircraft roll with opposite ailerons);

MEMBERS THAT ATTENDED THE FUNERAL OF THE LATE LGR ALBIE G OTZ .

Albie was one of the last of the ‘few' as Winston Churchill called the brave pilots who saved Britain and liberated Europe and the world of Nazi tyranny, he was also one of a small number of South Africans to take part in D-Day and he's one of only three South Africans to receive France's highest award – the Legion de Honour in recognition and grateful thanks from the entire country of France for the freedom they enjoy today. This was a very special man and as a Legionnaire, I was extremely proud to be involved in the granting of the Legion de Honour to him.

… but I could only fly at an angle a friend radioed and said ‘Albie are you in trouble?’, I said to him ‘yes’, I can’t see out, at this time as I got down into the cockpit and grabbed hold of the rudder bar in order to keep on flying, otherwise I would go down.

He said “I will fly on top of you”, been down there you can’t see out of the cockpit, all I could see was up, he brought me home like that, him flying on top (as a visual marker), me underneath. When I did the crash landing, that scoop on ‘the typhoon’ is full of oil and it sparked and catches fire quickly, I was so scared, before the plane came to a stop, I was out of the cockpit and I ran so fast that the ambulance could not catch me”.

It is always appropriate when a pilot passes on, for a fellow pilot to recite a poem written by a Royal Air Force pilot – John Gillespie during World War 2 It’s called High Flight and he penned just before he was tragically killed in combat over France in his Spitfire … and I am honoured to read it for Albie today;

Wow, there's everything in that story, drama, bravery, camaraderie, action and comedy … and this was one of many many similar stories Albie could relate, not just from WW2, but the Berlin Airlift, the Korean War and the Angolan Border War … this was a man who had truly seen life and death, he had endured some of the greatest blows in history and survived. His testimony is the testimony of true Christian soldier, one of God's most fearsome and most benevolent of men.

"Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of Earth And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings; Sunward I've climbed and joined the tumbling mirth of sun-split clouds, — and done a hundred things You have not dreamed of — wheeled and soared and swung High in the sunlit silence. Hov’ring there, I've chased the shouting wind along

57

SPRINGBOK DECEMBER 20 SPRINGBOK DECEMBER 2018

and flung My eager craft through footless halls of air...

signify to another warrior that you do not have your sword in right hand, its empty you honour a fellow warrior by recognising him, you mean no harm to him and you come in peace. You are a friend.

Up, up the long, delirious, burning blue I’ve topped the wind-swept heights with easy grace.Where never lark or even eagle flew —And, while with the silent, lifting mind I've trod The high untrespassed sanctity of space, – Put out my hand, and touched the face of God."

Brigadier General Albie Gotze Legion de Honour. May you rest in Peace, your memory will not be forgotten as long as the bond of brotherhood and friendship exists between military personnel. It is in this peace - and with this honour mind, that I as a fellow officer wish you well in your final flight to touch the face of God …. And I salute you.

You would have witnessed today military people saluting Albie – but what is the salute? The British style of salute - long way up and short way down with open palm has an ancient medieval root – it was used to

58

SPRINGBOK DECEMBE SPRINGBOK DECEMBER 2018

SOUTH AFRICAN LEGION OF MILITARY VETERANS Springbok, the Journal of the South African Legion of Military Veterans, ISSN number 22219854, is the responsibility of the PR Portfolio. Editing by Lgr Charles Ross. Layout and typesetting by Lgr Godfrey Giles. Body text was set in Arial, 10 pt, and headers, Arial Bold 12 pt. Printed using Nashua Photocopier, thanks to Nashua Central. National LOTTO Distribution Fund supported.

SA LEGION STRUCTURE Patron in Chief: President, Hon.Cyril Ramaphosa Past Presidents for Life: • Lgr Lawrie Poorter • Lgr Jurie Van der Merwe • Lgr Chris PC de B Venter Honorary Life Vice Presidents: • Lgr Arthur Blake • Lgr CJJ Jooste • Lgr Bazil Kriel 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: Vacant.

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

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

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

• • • • • • • • • • • • • •

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