Scientia Militaria, South African Journal of Military Studies, Vol 25, Nr 2, 1995. http://scientiamilitaria.journals.ac.za

• • IClor In UfO e "The mission of this Allied Force was fulfilled at 3 a.m., local time, 7 May 1945. Eisenhower." Telegram from General Eisenhower to the Combined Chiefs of Staff.

By Major I.J. van der Waag and 7 May. The instrument of surre Noelle van der Waag-Cowling der was signed by General JodI, t German Chief of Staff, at Gene IFTY YEARS AGO, ON 8 Dwaight Eisenhower's (the Supr May 1945, World War II me Commander of the Allied forc ended in Europe. The out- in Europe) headquarters at Rhei come was much as Adolf in France. F The following day, Field M Hitler had predicted it would be : Western Europe was un- shall Keitel surrendered the G der the occupation of Anglo-Saxon man forces in Eastern Europe to t troops and fell within the American outstanding Russian command sphere of influence, while Eastern Field Marshall Zhukov and the w Europe was occupiedand dominated in Europe was over. by the Soviets. The prewar Euro- And so it was that South Afl pean powers of France, Britain and ca's war came to an end. The I Germany lay broken and a new bi- South African servicemen on ov polar global political system, domi- seas duty, with the exeption of s nated by two new superpowers - the ors seconded to the Royal Navy, w United States and the Soviet Union the members of 6 South African - had emerged. moured Division in Italy, where t German armies had in fact capi lated five days before. Surrender When the announcement w made that the German armies h After five years of bitter and ar- finally surrendered, 6 SA Armo duous combat, the Allies had even- ed Division was somewhere in t tually managed a laborious advance vicinity ofMilan. For the war-we across the prewar German frontier Springboks, May was to be a mo early in February 1945.Twomonths of general rest and recuperation later, on 28 April, they linked up ter the most intense and widespre General Mark Clark (U.S. Army), Com- with the Russians on the Elbe. The global conflict in the history ofm mander 15th Army Group presenting Germans Army, surrounded on all kind. The Springboks had endu Major General W.H.E. Poole with the sides and exhausted and starving, a particularly savage and gruelli Legion of Merit. accepted unconditional surrender on campaign in Italy which had las

80 Militaria 25/2 1995 Scientia Militaria, South African Journal of Military Studies, Vol 25, Nr 2, 1995. http://scientiamilitaria.journals.ac.za

for almost two years, having com- In Rome a church parade for ing trips were arranged - and the menced in July 1943. members of the Womens' Auxiliary fortunate members ofPrince Alfred's Army Service, officers and other Guard became acquainted with Revelry ranks of the South Mrican Head- Lake Como and district - cocktail quarters was held on 8 May in the parties were held for the officers, Villa Borghese Park to give thanks At home, in South Mrica, news regimental parades were reviewed, of the end of the war was greeted for the end of the hostilities and the and photograph sessions were held. somewhat less sedately. Large Allied victory.The Permanent Force The war was over and with relief, crowdsgathered to celebrate Victory Band also attended the service and the men looked forward to return- in Europe (VE) Day by congregat- played anthems and hymns. For the ing home to their families. ing and partying in the streets ofthe next couple of days, the headquar- country's towns and cities. In ters was manned by a skeleton staff 6 Division Parade only as the victory fever grabbed Adderley Street, a massive crowd of civilians and servicemen gathered to hold ofeven the most serious ofsouls The Sixth South African Ar- hear a radio broadcast of Winston at Divisional Headquarters .. moured Division concentrated as a Churchill informing the Common- However, 6 SA Armoured Divi- formation for the last time on 14 sion's work in Italy was not yet com- wealth that the enemy had finally May for a victory parade at the laid down arms. Reaction to the plete. On 7 May, the Imperial Light Monza Motor Racing Circuit under news was ecstatic as the dancing Horse/Kimberley Regiment in the watchful eye of the Allied top crowds brought traffic to a stand- Honey tanks, carriers and half- brass. The dignitaries present in- still... tracked vehicles, paraded through cluded General Mark W.Clark, Gen- Milan in a show of force. This was eral L. Truscott, Lieutenant General aimed specifically to discourage an- Sir Pierre van Ryneveld, and Major Relief archy. During the same period sev- General W.H.E. Poole. General eral incidents of Allied soldiers be- Clark used the opportunity to For the South Mrican troops on ing doused with petrol and set alight present American medals and deco- the front in Italy, the news was occurred. rations to the officers and men ofthe greeted with an immense sense of Notwithstanding the uncer- Division. General Poole was relief rather than rejoicing. The war- tainty of the times, the South Mri- awarded the Legion of Merit (Com- weary troops were given the day off can troops in the theatre still man- mander), the highest award any to celebrate. aged to enjoy themselves. Sight-see- non-American can earn.

ory parade of the 6 SA Armoured Division at Monza.

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