ISSN: 221-9854 AUGUST 2020

The residents from the Bronberrick suburb of Centurion that held a Battle of Delville Wood Memorial Serice on a busy street corner in the suburb on Thursday 16 July 2020.

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INDEX Page

FROM THE EDITORS DESK 3 ROYAL COMMONWEALTH EX-SERVICES LEAGUE 3 NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS 4 National Secretary 4 National Office Bearers 7 Port Folio Reports 8 BRANCH NEWS 9 COMMEMORATIONS 13 104th Virtual Battle of Delville Wood Memorial Service 13 Battle of Delville Wood Memorial Service – Johannesburg 17 Battle of Delville Wood Memorial Service – Bronberrick 17 Places of the Ashes of the Late General Viljoen 19 Arques La Battaille 19 OTHER STORIES 19 Time to Remmember by Bob Smith 21 Midget Submarines at D-Day 24 In Service First – Royal Australian Navy member awarded the VC 25 SA Bible Society and SA Armed Forces 26 OBITUARIES 28

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FROM THE EDITORS DESK

Five months later, and we have finally arrived at Level Two of the Lockdown. This means new “freedom” and a “new normal” for us. It also means that some industries, such as tourism, can finally start working again and many people can return to work. For some of us, it is also the opportunity to get out and travel across provincial borders to places we want to visit. However, this new “freedom” has brought with it renewed responsibilities. Branches can also commence with certain branch activities, provided that they abide by the various regulations. With Level Two the Government has “transferred” the responsibility to us, the citizens of South Africa. More than ever before the onus is on us to abide by the various regulations of which the wearing of a cloth mask, sanitizing, regular washing our hands and maintaining social distance is of paramount importance.

Sadly the past five months have also brought with it hardships and even in some cases the loss of someone close. There were some of our fellow veterans experienced hardships, but true to the motto “Not for Ourselves, But for Others” the various branch rose to the occasion by assisting. Many of these are ongoing and branches continue assisting.

Let us keep our eyes on the horizon, remain positive, be thankful for the small blessings of every day and abide by the regulations.

ROYAL COMMONWEALTH EX-SERVICES LEAGUE (RCEL)

MESSAGE FROM CONTROLLER COMPLIANCE & VJ DAY 75 LEAD

Dear Member Organisations,

The 75th Anniversary of VJ Day takes place on 15th August 2020, when the nation will commemorate this historic moment in time. You will appreciate that there are many organisations involved in this act of remembrance and RCEL has been working with many of them to ensure that the contribution made by our Commonwealth veterans receives the recognition it deserves. We, of course, want to achieve the widest distribution for our key message, which is:

 Remembering the exceptional contribution made by all Commonwealth troops who served with British Army units of the Fourteenth Army, Royal Navy ships and Royal Air Force squadrons and all Services fighting throughout the Pacific.  Highlighting the diversity and multi-cultural nature of those who fought against tyranny and for democracy and freedom.

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 Ensuring that those who served with the ‘Forgotten Army’ are not forgotten and are marked in history as an inspiration to future generations.

Our Grand President, General Lord Richards, has reinforced this message in a specially commissioned video which also includes an interview with Pte Joseph Hammond who served with the 82nd (West African) Division in Burma and wreath-laying ceremonies across the Commonwealth in Rangoon (Burma), Kohima (Nagaland India), Accra (Ghana) and Kingston (Jamaica). This poignant tribute to our Commonwealth veterans can be viewed through this link: https://vimeo.com/446399367/f751aba57e

In addition to this VJ Day 75 commemorative video montage, there have been numerous interviews with veterans that have been arranged with the BBC, ABF The Soldiers Charity and the National Army Museum and have been pre-recorded, and there are planned events taking place during the week building up to and including the 15th August; a full list of interviews/events and links can be found on our website http://www.commonwealthveterans.org.uk/v-j-day.php and includes:

 Grand President Crowdcast with the National Army Museum on the 14th August 2020 - https://www.nam.ac.uk/whats-on/commonwealth-contribution-far-east  Captain Tom Moore and Pte Joseph Hammond in conversation with the National Army Museum - https://www.nam.ac.uk/series/vj-day-75  Grand President and veteran interviews with ABF The Soldiers Charity - https://soldierscharity.org/podcasts/  The commemorative event at the National Memorial Arboretum on the 15th August 2020 – Sir Malcolm Rifkind (Chairman of the Commonwealth Veterans Review Committee) and long- time supporter and Friend of The League has kindly agreed to represent RCEL at this vent. https://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/latestnews/2020/vj-day

Please enable the widest distribution for this email and the interview/event links thus ensuring that our veterans receive the recognition they deserve at this historic moment in time.

I cannot sign off without recognising and thanking the numerous people and organisations that have made all these events possible, The Royal British Legion, ABF The Soldiers Charity, Commonwealth War Graves Commission, National Army Museum, H4FA, BBC, British Embassy Rangoon, DA Accra Ghana, Charles Chasie (KES Nagaland), Jamaica Defence Force, Johanna Lewin (RCEL Project Officer Caribbean), Veterans Administration Ghana and Derrick Cobbinah (RCEL Project Officer Africa). Thank you all.

NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS

NATIONAL SECRETARY

Covid 19 and its effect on NHQ

SA Legion NHQ would like to thank you for your understanding and patience during these difficult and uncertain Covid-19 times.

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SA Legion NHQ, like many other companies, has been greatly affected by the Covid-19 pandemic and the lockdown implemented by our Government. There were periods the office was closed, and staff had to work from home, often with limited resources. This had a detrimental effect on the normal operating hours and the services that we usually offer.

Regulations only allowed the shipping of essential items which, unfortunately, excluded the entire SA Legion inventory as it was not considered as essential. This includes the routine shipping of official documentation Nationwide. Aramex Couriers too had to close numerous time due to staff testing positive for Covid-19.

Due to the persisting spread of the C-19 virus, NHQ will continue adhering to social distancing, regular sanitizing of the office and in this regard, except for the National Office Bearers, will not allow visits to the office.

Therefore, SAL NHQ will continue utilizing electronic communication channels and distribution of orders, including official documentation, will only be via Aramex courier.

Kindly bear with us as we strive to provide the best service possible for our Veterans during this time. SA Legion NHQ trusts that you and your loved ones continue to remain safe during these uncertain and unpredictable times.

Important Comms Forwarded to all SA Legion Branches

New Legion Shirt Pocket Badge. 1. SA LEGION DIRECTIVE 9 OF 2020 - POPI ACT DIRECTIVE SUMMARY AND POPI ACT, ACT 4 OF 2013 2. DEPARTMENT PUBLIC WORKS - REQUEST FOR DATABASE OF UNEMPLOYED PROFESSIONALS, GRADUATES AND WORK INTEGRATED LEARNERS IN THE INFRASTRUCTURE SECTOR 3. DMV APPLICATIONS & ADMINISTRATION BASIC & TERTIARY EDUCATION - 2020/07/28 4. INFORMATION SRD APPLICATION PROCESS: SRD – DEPT SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT & DEPT MILITARY VETERANS

Stock Items

Due to C-19, SAL NHQ could not order normal for SAL ties yet. Poppy ties & cravats are on special @ R100.00 incl each excluding courier cost.

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Legion song

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New Stock Items

1. SA Legion branded masks, medium to extra-large @R55.00 incl each excluding courier cost 2. SAL Shirt Pocket Badge @R35.00 incl each excluding courier cost

NHQ has a copy of the SA Legion song New Legion Mask. lyrics. NP suggested that singing the song would foster solidarity amongst the members though we need to determine the musical score of the song. Lgr. Enrique Forbes suggested that the song could be sung at the 87th Congress. NLM indicated that the song was performed by the Simons Town Naval Band. NS to copy and forward the lyrics to NP.

NATIONAL OFFICE BEARERS

The National Office Bearers (NOB) met at the National Headquarters on Saturday 18 July. The National President travelled to Johannesburg to attend the meeting. Having received the resignation of the National Treasurer, Legionnaire Marina Seabrook, the meeting appointed Legionnaire George Booth as the National Treasurer until the Legion Congress 2021. The National President thanked Legionnaire Seabrook for her service and recommended that a Certificate of Merit be awarded to her.

The Centenary Congress of the Royal Commonwealth Ex-services League (RCEL), scheduled for September 2021 in Cape Town, was discussed. The dates are not yet known. A “goody bag” for each delegate was discussed which includes items such as a challenge coin, a medallion and two small bottles of South African wine (one white and one red).

Due to the uncertainty of the dates of the RCEL centenary congress, the dates of the Centenary Legionnaiire George Booth, new National Congress of the SA Legion, could not yet be confirmed. Treasurer. Several memorabilia which includes a silk tie for the congress was discussed. It was further agreed that those branches who also celebrate their centenary in 2021 be requested to delay the event till after the Legion’s centenary congress. It was further proposed that a special Centenary Springbok edition be published.

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At the meeting of 18 July, the Code of Conduct was signed by those present. Each member will receive a copy of the Code of Conduct. The Code of Conduct was included in the new Member’s Handbook which is being finalised. The option to have these printed in A6, ie pocket size, is been investigated. It was further agreed to recruit non-serving members for the Legion. Membership of the Council of Military Veterans Organisation of South Africa will be discussed during the 2021 congress.

NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

The next meeting of the National Executive Committee (NEC) will take place via “Zoom” on Tuesday 15 September 2020.

CEREMONIAL AND DISCIPLINE

NCD explained that the SAL Constitutional By-Laws only contains brief guidelines concerning the disciplinary action, expulsion and conduct which amounts to an infringement. It does not specify in detail the exact procedures to follow should disciplinary action be required etc. NCD has prepared a comprehensive document which outlines which conduct is subjected to disciplinary action, the type of action to be taken and the procedures to be followed should the need arise. NCD, therefore, proposed the amendment to be tabled for discussion at the 87th SAL Congress. NCD requested that NOB members peruse the document and provide feedback before the document is presented to the NEC and SAL Congress. NCD confirmed that disciplinary action will be instituted at branch level, and should the need arise, be escalated to the Regional Chairman if necessary. Should a branch not form part of a Region the matter must be directly reported to him.

COMMUNICATION

The social media remained fairly active during the review period with members posting a variety of articles ranging from World War One to the Border War. Current membership is South African page 5 866, United Kingdom and Europe 303 and Canada 132. The highlight of July was certainly the virtual Battle of Delville Wood Memorial Service that was streamed on Sunday 12 July 2020. Several Legion branches participated in the compilation of the event. The virtual service has been viewed by more than 1 000 people. See more at the end of the report.

The June edition of the Springbok was distributed by 5 July. Due to technical challenges, it was not posted on the ISSUU website. As a result of this, the link could not be sent to the “Military Despatches” for inclusion in the July and August editions. The advert for the South African Legion remained in the August edition of “Military Despatches” with the link to the April edition of Springbok.

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. From 12 to 31 July a report reflecting the casualties on each day during the period in 1916, the period of the Battle of Delville Wood. This was very well received.

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COUNCIL OF MILITARY VETERANS ORGANISATION OF SOUTH AFRICA

The National President send a communication congratulating Colonel (Retired) Jaco Van As with his appointment as the Secretary-General.

BRANCH NEWS

CAPE TOWN

There is no doubt that winter is has arrived it’s raining and the temperature is around 11° which by Cape Town standards is cold. Covid-19 and the lockdown continue to impact on the activities of the branch with meetings and social events on hold. Just as lockdown regulations are eased and we think that life may return to some form of “normal” they are changed again. With second waves predicted and reoccurrences of the virus in regions that had been identified as being clear, it is apparent that our lives are going to be different for some time to come. Add to that load shedding, which most of us thought (or hoped) was a thing of the past, and life in SA is never dull!

Branch By-laws. Attached to this newsletter is the proposed Branch By-laws. Usually, a Special general meeting would be called to consider the By-laws but given the lockdown and the restrictions on meetings, this is not possible. Members are therefore being called on to vote on the proposed Branch By-laws as set out in the attached document. Please follow the procedure as set out in the document and adhere to the deadline.

New Members. Welcome to the new members. The list of members to be inducted continues to grow and we look forward to the day when lockdown permits us to gather again.

Dame Vera Lynn. I am sure that most members are aware that the Forces Sweetheart passed away on 18 June 2020 age 103. Vera Welch was born to working-class parents and began performing in public when she was seven. She adopted her maternal grandmother’s maiden surname as her stage name when she was eleven. She was active in the music industry for 96 years and is remembered for songs like “We’ll Meet Again” and “There’ll Be Bluebirds Over the White Cliffs of Dover”. In 2017 three days before her 100th birthday, a new LP entitled Vera Lynn 100 was released. The album set her original vocals to new re-orchestrated versions of her songs, and by October 2017, she was the best- selling female artist of the year in the UK.

Member Ian Campbell remembers: I have just been watching TV tributes for Dame Vera Lynn – the Forces Favourite – who has died at 103! One of the tributes was from The Royal British Legion. My tribute dates to my flight by Dakota in March 1945, a five-stop flight to Cairo via Bulawayo, Malakal, Juba and Khartoum. At Khartoum, we were entertained with an open-air film of Vera Lynn which I have never forgotten. No flying was allowed in those days after 15h00 in central and east Africa!

Rosedale News. Rosedale has not been untouched by Covid-19 with six residents contracting the virus and Gill McLaren sadly succumbing to it. We extend our condolences to Gill’s husband, Andrew. Early evening on Thursday 11 June there was a fire in the staff quarters leaving two rooms and a bathroom

9 severely damaged. Thanks to the quick response of several residents, the fire was extinguished before it could spread, and the arrival of the fire department. Fortunately, no residents or staff were injured.

Welfare. Our welfare efforts have continued during lockdown albeit on a reduced scale. If you know of a veteran who is battling, they are welcome to contact the Branch for possible assistance. While funds are limited, we do our best to assist.

Poppy Day. Normally Poppy Day planning is in full swing by this stage but given the lockdown and the uncertainty around the situation, this important aspect of our welfare work is currently on hold. Key to the success of Poppy Day is our collectors. On the assumption that the Covid19 pandemic is still with us in November would you be prepared to assist with collecting on the day? Please let me know [email protected]

DURBAN

Our AGM remains delayed due to a lockdown period of admin inactivity. If the restriction on meetings is not lifted within the next month or so, then we will have to consider arranging a virtual meeting of sorts. Our Secretary, Johann will need to investigate the media available.

The Delville Wood virtual Commemoration sponsored by the Delville Wood Foundation was a great success and showcased a capability which we might need to consider for our Annual Civic Memorial Service in November.

Food support to Legionnaire families has been operating for many weeks through the provision of Friday meals prepared by volunteer residents from Legion & donated supplies. A radio station has also supported with bread & family food hampers. We seem to have had very little feedback from yourselves regarding destitute Veterans?

Accommodation rentals have not been increased, neither have staff salaries. The situation will be reviewed in September. With anticipated increasing hardship and reduced affordability, we are reviewing opportunities to assist by creating shared accommodation in two-bedroomed flats, and by making a small dormitory/bunkroom available for male veterans with minimal income. We are considering that subsidised rental for Veterans will only apply to one-bedroom flats and smaller. Two- bedroom subsidies will then start phasing out, or reducing whilst still occupied by Veterans. These will then become increasingly available for commercial rental to support subsidies for Veterans in smaller accommodation.

The above, and the need for a meeting and social facility for Legionnaires, means that we remain on the lookout for a Shellhole or similar facility to move our HQ too. Please let us have any ideas in this regard. We really would like to increase the social and interest group interaction of our organisation, which has much to offer with its international affiliations and strong overseas branches.

Future of Commemorations and Youth involvement: I was invited by the Headmaster of Kearsney College and associates to join a Zoom discussion with Lgr Col. (Retd) Pat Acutt and MOTH Old Bill Paul Millar. Following discussion, the school will plan a virtual November Commemoration with our

10 participation - likely similar to the Gunners and Legion. He gave us a 'sitrep' coming from their Private Schools’ younger Old Boys’ groups – viz. that WW1 and 2 Commemorations and similar were supported. There was strong objection to Border War names being read from the Roll of Honour; the reason being that this war potentially had their relatives or ancestors losing their lives to names readout. This was a refreshing indicator that top boys’ schools educating leaders and Influencers of the present and future are engaged with and respectful of what our organisations represent! Real food for thought with a very open invitation to you many Warhorses who annually loyally support our Poppy Collection call but might otherwise think we're shuffling towards the end of the memory escalator!

Feedback: We have recently communicated about CMVO call for standby - fantastic response, thank you!! But comms about shirt badges, assistance requirements and subs relief raised scarcely a murmur? Tell us your thoughts and opinions please, guys – and some ladies. You are people who have made a difference in many spheres and have much insight and experience – and we need to refresh a culture and memorialisation values that are important too, and deeply respected by you. I can anticipate a few gentlemanly lashings and one very pithy comment – in anticipation!

Here’s hoping that we soon get to meet Lgrs Steve Stead and Dean Morrison who recently joined our Branch (maybe at our 2020 AGM?) and trust that they will truly enjoy being part of this their new family.

KIMBERLEY

Please be advised that in terms of the lockdown recommendations by the Covid-19 National Command Council, the Kimberley Branch office remains closed until 31 August 2020. All meetings, including the AGM, diarised for Tuesday 07 July 2020, have been cancelled until further notice. The Secretary is available via email for any urgent matters.

NORTH COAST

It was a great gathering of the North Coast Legionnaires on Sat 1st August at the Masonic Lodge with all present (12) great braai and super refreshments thanks to North Coast making it available. The branch Charter which still needs to be presented to the branch. Steve Hornby, “Skippy” Mitchel and Lana Mitchel with the North Coast Branch Charter. PORT ELIZABETH

The Delville Wood Trust held a Virtual Commemorative Service for the 104th commemorations of the Battle of Delville Wood, on Sunday 12th July at 11:00 AM. It was an exceptionally well-documented compilation of various SA Legion Branches laying a wreath at a suitable memorial. It was aired on

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PHOTOS FROM 104th VIRTUAL COMMEMORATION OF THE BATTLE OF DELVILLE WOOD (1)

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Facebook. If you missed it you can view it on the PE Branch Website, salegionpe.co.za and follow the link. It is about 19 minutes long.

PRETORIA

Thanks to the Communication Officer of the branch members remained informed. This included the availability of the new Legion mask and pocket badge. Members were also informed of the virtual Battle of Delville Wood Memorial Service that was streamed on Sunday 12 July 2020. The branch is also very proud of Legionnaire Terence Milne, Chairman of the Delville Wood Memorial Trust, who was the mastermind behind the concept of the virtual service.

On the welfare front, the branch was able to continue its support to a member of the branch. It is assisting the member to get registered on the database of the Department of Military Veterans which will enable her to apply for the medical benefit. The branch has been able to get the “Christelike Maatskalikeraad (CMR)” to make contact with the members and they are also assisting.

The Executive Committee of the branch met on Tuesday 25 August and decided to initiate branch activities again. The International Day of Peace church service scheduled for Sunday 13 September will be postponed to later in September or early October. This include includes the Annual General Meeting which is scheduled for 10 October 2020. Other activities include the Battle of El Alamein Memorial Service 18 October, Veterans Day on 31 October and Remembrance Day on Sunday 8 November 2020.

COMMEMORATIONS

104th VIRTUAL COMMEMORATION OF THE BATTLE OF DELVILLE WOOD

Given the restriction on International travel imposed by the Level Three lockdown restrictions of South Africa the Delville Wood Memorial Trust embarked on a new venture, to hold a virtual memorial service commemorating the Battle of Delville Wood 104 years ago. Planning for the event started middle of June 2020 and the Communication Officer of the South African Legion, Legionnaire Charles Ross, being invited to attend the Zoom meeting. The meeting was chaired by the Chairman of the Delville Wood Memorial Trust, Major (Retired) Terence Milne, a member of the Pretoria Branch of the South African Legion.

At the meeting, it was agreed to record a service which would be streamed in Youtube on Sunday 12 July 2020 at 11:00. It would amongst others include a religious message, a message by the Charman of the Trust, a Call to Remembrance, Last Post, Reveille and a wreath-laying. The Communications Officer was requested to arrange for several Legion branches to videotape a member of the branch laying a wreath. Branches invited to participate were Bloemfontein, Cape Town, Durban, Port Elizabeth, Kimberley and the United Kingdom.

On 21 June 2020 the National Secretary, Legionnaire Riana Van Zyl Venter, issued South African Legion Ceremonial Tasking Instruction No 01 of 2020: Virtual Battle of Delville Wood Memorial Service Sunday 12 July 2020 on behalf of Legionnaire Shaun Booth, Ceremonial and Discipline. In terms of the

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PHOTOS FROM 104th VIRTUAL COMMEMORATION OF THE BATTLE OF DELVILLE WOOD (2)

14 instruction, branches had to submit their videos to Legionnaire Charles Ross by 27 June 2020 for onward transmission to Me Tracy Royal, the responsible member of the Trust.

Cape Town was first to submit their video in “portrait” format which was submitted to the Trust Committee. Tracy Royal, the responsible person was very impressed with the video but requested that it be re-done in “landscape” format. Branches involved were then requested to submit their videos in this format. All the videos were submitted in time to Tracy Royal, the responsible person of the Trust. Legionnaire Johann Kruger from the Durban Branch was able to provide additional still photos which were used in the final video.

The committee met via Zoom to view the final service on 9 July 2020. During this meeting, it was discovered that there was a misunderstanding about the Cape Town video. A member of the trust submitted a Cape Town video which was accepted by the Tracy Royal as the “official” Cape Town video. Sadly the Cape Town Branch video did not feature in the final video streamed on Sunday 12 July 2020.

The video, 104th Commemoration of the Battle of Delville Wood, was streamed on Youtube at 11:00 on Sunday 12 July 2020. By 19 August 2020, it had been watched 1 027 times. If you have not yet watched it click on this link http://delvillewoodtrust.org.za/virtual-memorial-service-2020/

The South African Legion got great exposure in the video and the Chairman of the Delville Wood Memorial Trust, Major (Retired) (Legionnaire) Terence Milne thanked the South African Legion for its participation in making this a memorable event. Here are some of the comment posted on the various Facebook pages of the Legion or sent to the editor:

E-Mails Received

Hi Mark. I would just like to commend you and the organisers on a very well organised and produced virtual service. I enjoyed it, and I’m glad I took the time to watch.

Greetings Charles. I trust you and your family are keeping well. I just want to thank you and the team for a good memorial this morning. I enjoyed it and we should continue to remember them.

Thank you, Charles. Well done. It was a great Video. Thanx to everybody that was involved bringing everything together and made it a great Virtual Delville Wood Service   We will Remember them ✝️

Groete. Baie dankie.

Good Morning Charles. Having just watched the "virtual" Parade for Delville Wood 104 please pass on Bravo Zulu compliments to all concerned in the production from all of us in the Eastern Cape. A job very well done, thank you.

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PHOTOS FROM 104th VIRTUAL COMMEMORATION OF THE BATTLE OF DELVILLE WOOD (3)

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WOW, Charles what a wonderful story. Thank you for the feedback. Please tell Terrance Milne that down south ol Robbie Roberts is most impressed with his suggestion. I think he needs to get a medal for initiating this wonderful idea. You need to be complimented on a job well done as it certainly places the SA Legion as one of the forefront leaders of such technology.

Postings On The Various Facebook Pages

Well done. It was a great Video. Thanx to everybody that was involved bringing everything together and made it a great Virtual Delville Wood Service

Thank you for a great memorial service. We will remember them.

Excellent well done and well presented.

Thank you for allowing us to witness, one privilege of lockdown.

Salute respect.

RIP-SALUTE-RESPECT

My grandfather Ernest Warren took part in the battle, he was captured there and survived the war.

Reactions Of The Various Facebook Pages.

South African Legion – South Africa. 37 likes.

South African Legion – International Page. 3 595 people reached. 66 likes, 162 engagements and 10 shares.

Friends of the Transvaal Scottish. 20 Likes and 4 shares.

South Africans in WW 1, WW 2 and the Korean War. 27 likes and 2 shares.

BATTLE OF DELVILLE WOOD MEMORIAL SERVICE - JOHANNESBURG.

Under the auspice of the Central Witwatersrand Branch, a small memorial service was held at the Scottish memorial outside The View in Johannesburg on Sunday 12 July 2020. A small number of wreaths were laid by amongst other the Speaker of the City of Johannesburg, South African Legion, Memorable Order of Tin Hats and the Transvaal Scottish Association.

BATTLE OF DELVILLE WOOD MEMORIAL SERVICE – BRONBERRICK, CENTURION

In the absence of a Battle of Delville Wood memorial service in Pretoria, a group of residents from the Bronberik suburb of Centurion got together and under the auspices of Legionnaire Kevin Bolton and Councilor Sakkie Du Plooy decided to hold a small early morning service on a street corner on Thursday

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Delville Wood Service at The Scottish Memorial in Johannesburg.

Attendees to the Delville Wood Memorial Service in Bronberrick enjoying refreshments.

Wreath Laying Service at the Arques La Bataille Cemetery in France.

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16 July 2020. Complete with Last Post and Reville the service attracted the attention of many early morning commuters with many stopping to watch the service.

PLACING OF THE ASHES: LATE GENERAL CONSTAND VILJOEN

During a dignified and solemn occasion, the ashes of the Late General Constand Viljoen was placed in the Defence Force Niche Wall at the Voortrekker Monument Heritage Site on 4 July 2020. The Late General Viljoen was a former Trustee with the South African Legion.

Standard bearers carry standards of the various member organisations of the Council of Military Veterans Organisations of South Africa was in attendance. Legionnaire André Le Grange (Jnr) carried the Pretoria Branch standard.

You can watch the service at https://livestream.com/baruchmedia/samilvets

ARQUES LA BATAILLE – FRANCE

A smaller than usual, social distance compliant ceremony has been held this afternoon, Saturday 4 July 2020, at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission Arques la Bataille British Cemetery with the South African Ambassador to France, to commemorate all South African soldiers who laid their life down for our freedom. There are 270 members of the South African Native Labour Corps are buried in the cemetery. We will remember them. Photo by Puppinck Xavier of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.

OTHER STORIES

SOUTH AFRICAN FEMALE CASUALTIES FROM WORLD WAR TWO

August is Woman’s month and is therefore fitting that we pay homage to South African female casualties of World War Two. According to the Casualty Database of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, there were 110 female casualties. 53 served with the Woman’s Auxiliary Army Serice, 39 with the Woman’s Auxiliary Air Force (SAAF) and 18 with the South African Military Nursing Service.

The most senior female casualty is Lieutenant Colonel Charlotte Bekker, Woman’s Auxiliary Army Service, who died on 10 January 1944 and is buried in the Rebecca Street Cemetery in Pretoria. Seven of the casualties are buried outside South Africa. Two are buried in the Florence War Cemetery in Italy with one each in the Tel El Kebir War Memorial Cemetery in Egypt, Caserta War Cemetery in Italy, Heliopolis War Cemetery in Maala Cemetery in Yemen. One member has no known grave and is commemorated on the Cassino Memorial in Italy.

The rest of the casualties are buried or commemorated in South Africa with 17 in the Thaba Tshwane New Military Cemetery in Thaba Tshwane, 15 in the Maitland Cemetery in Cape Town and 12 in the West Park Cemetery in Johannesburg.

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Photos from the Placing of the Ashes of the Late General Constand Viljoen at the Wall of Remembrance at the Voortrekker Monument.

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A TIME TO REMEMBER by Bob Smith.

On Saturday, 17th August 2019, a Memorial Service was held to commemorate the Siege of Elands River, 4th to 16th August 1900 during the South African War, often referred to as the Anglo Boer War. Almost 120 years ago..... but not forgotten. The focus of this year’s service was the unveiling of a monument to the memory of the many animals that died as a result of warfare. Major John Pennefather (Ret) of the Magaliesberg Military History Society, was the driving force behind the Swartruggens Project.

On arrival, we were presented with a Purple Poppy, instead of the traditional Red Poppy that is worn during every November to commemorate Remembrance Day to remember the fallen men and women, during Two World Wars. During 2006, in the U.K., a charity known as Animal Aid, launched the “Purple Poppy” in remembrance of the animals that had died as a result of war, or of human exploitation. [Please refer to the excellent article on the Purple Poppy by Captain Charles Ross, (SAN) Retd, on page 162 of the June 2019 edition of the Military History Journal (On which a notice advertising the Service also appeared]. It is not generally known that the Elands River action was probably the greatest deliberate slaughter of horses and draught animals during the second Anglo- Boer War. About two-thirds of the 1,500 horses, oxen and mules were killed by artillery and rifle fire during the 12-day siege by a Boer force of about 3 000 men.

Master of Ceremonies, Mike Benn, Chairman of the Magaliesberg Association for Culture and Heritage, presiding, welcomed the 200-plus guests attending, and thanked Maarten Stols, the owner of the farm on which the Memorial and Museum now stand, near the main tactical feature defended by Capt. Butters and 80 Southern Rhodesia Volunteers. Colonel John Redfern (retd.) was instrumental

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in the building of the original Centenary Memorial to honour the names of the Rhodesians killed in action at Elands River and to record their valiant stand under extreme conditions together with their Australian and British comrades, and the opposing Boer Commandos. Maarten financed the museum and the archaeological excavation of the trenches himself, and the removal of artefacts from the Military section of the Swartruggens Cemetery, sadly now vandalised.

Ds. Stephan Botha, of Groot Marico, gave the introductory talk on the Siege and led the Dedication Service in prayer for both monuments. Prof. Jan Myburgh of Onderstepoort gave an insightful talk on the effects of warfare on animals. Mounted riders on horseback took up The Author of the “The Siege of Elands River”. positions on both flanks of the Memorial and “The Last Parade”, a poem by Banjo Patterson, was read by historian Vincent Carruthers.

Major John Pennefather and his wife, Irma, were called forward to unveil the impressive Animal Monument and the Wall of Remembrance. A mission fulfilled! In his brief comments, John referred to the animal casualties as the greatest deliberate slaughter of draught animals during the conflict, and the tremendous attrition of animals throughout the war, including the farm clearances of the “Scorched Earth” policy. He said that he was fully supported in this endeavour and encouraged by his wife, Irma, (to whom John referred as his own “Commander-in-Chief”!). John expressed his sincere gratitude to the many people and organisations who had made generous contributions towards the funding and erection of this animal monument, including the Heritage Foundation. They then performed the unveiling.

The audience stood to attention, while “The Last Post” was played, and that touched all of our hearts, with many a tear being fought back, at the memory of the brave men and so many, many animals that had died during this battle, and many other wars since.

After the meaningful wreath-laying ceremony which followed, Mike Benn introduced Peet Coetzee, Curator of the Museum. During his term as Curator, Peet had spent many years in research and had

22 also excavated many trenches with a pick and shovel. Peet's grandfather was among the Boer commandos who had besieged the Elands River Post, as was John Redfern’s grandfather, serving with the SRV. Peet paid a warm tribute to Maarten Stols as he introduced his new book on “The Siege of Eland's River”, and presented complimentary copies to John Pennefather and Maarten Stols. This drew the formal proceedings to a close.

We were then hosted to a delightful lunch of snacks, prepared and served by Mrs Stols and team. After lunch, Peet described the terrain of the battle site on an illuminated topographic model in the museum. There was a great interest in his book and many copies were signed and sold. Guided tours to Butter's Kopje and the Cemetery were available for those who wished.

Herewith a summary of some events related to this Siege:-

The British Forces had established a Supply and Remount Post on the farm, Brakfontein, near to the town of Swartruggens, on the road between Mafeking and Pretoria, under command of Col HL Hore. The Rhodesian Field Force, of about 550 men, together with several Australians and British troops and African labourers, formed the Garrison. At first light, around 06h00hrs, on Saturday, 4th August 1900, the Boers under command of General J.H. de la Rey, bombarded the Site with heavy shells and rifle fire from all directions. For some, the wagons and stores provided the only protection from shrapnel and a hail of bullets. The little effort to dig trenches in the rock-hard ground was useless. The position occupied by Captain Butters and the brave men of the Southern Rhodesia Volunteers on the rocky hillside was soon covered with the blood of the men and many animals. Destruction of the draught animals immobilised the defending force. At nightfall, the Boers ceased fire and the defenders did not have to be asked twice to improve their positions. Throughout the night they dug shell-proof shelters in the rocky koppie on which their camp was sited.

General de la Rey believed that the Supply Post was of tactical importance. An offer of Honourable Surrender was refused by Col. Hore. Relieving Columns from the East (Baden-Powell) and West (Carrington) both turned back prematurely and no reinforcements arrived in time to be of any significant help to the defenders. Relief from Lord Roberts’ Column arrived after the Boers had moved on. The attack resulted in 5 combatants and 8 non-combatants killed, while 7 combatants died from their wounds, another 66 men were wounded. Apparently, only four Boers were killed. The dreadful death toll on the animals, recorded that out of 1,540 animals - Horses, Mules and Oxen, only 211 were left, some 1,329 either killed or missing! An excellent account of the siege and its consequences by the late Lionel Wulfsohn of Rustenburg was published in the June 1984 Military History Journal.

We dispersed homewards in a sombre and reflective mood but pleased that the men and the animals of the Siege of Elands River are being commemorated and will always be remembered in the Memorials and Museum dedicated to their memory.

Bob Smith. Past National Chairman, South African Military History Society.

With acknowledgements to the late Lionel Wulfsohn, Major John Pennefather, Colonel John Redfern, Maarten Stols & Peet Coetzee, assistance from Bruce Harrison, and thanks to all our Speakers, and the Organisers of a Perfect, Historic Day in the Country!

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MIDGET SUBMARINES AT D-DAY

On 6 June 1944 around 150 000 men stormed ashore on the D-Day beaches of Normandy, but a handful of men had been waiting there for a few days already. Midget submarines X20 and X23 had been towed in close to Normandy on Sunday, June 4th and they positioned themselves off the landing beaches called Sword and Juno. Late that night each sub heard a coded message that meant the landings had been postponed 24 hours until June 6th, so they had no option other than to sit on the bottom and wait. Normally they would surface and ventilate every five hours, but fortunately, they both carried extra tanks of oxygen so that this could be avoided. Around 05:00 on 6th they came up to near the surface and each raised the periscope and a telescopic mast. Bright lights that shone out to sea had been fitted and they also activated radio beacons to guide the invasion landing craft into the Normandy beaches.

A COIN ON THE GRAVESTONE

Following Eric Hoy’s statement on the Internet that he had visited a cemetery in Belgium where he came across the grave of Pvt Rogers Carroll who died in WW1 at the age of 23. He left a penny on Pvt Carroll’s grave and a lady watching him asked me why he did that. He told her that when he was in the US Army they had a tradition of leaving a coin on a soldier’s headstone. They left it there out of respect. A coin left lets the soldier's family know that somebody stopped by to pay their respects. Leaving a penny (cent) meant you visited and that they were not forgotten. A nickel (five cents) meant that you and the deceased soldier did basics together. If you served with the soldier, you leave a dime (ten cents). A quarter (25c) is very significant because it meant that you were there when that soldier was killed. So, if you ever see change on top of a grave-stone, please leave it alone.

MILITARY COMMUNICATION – THE REAL STORY by Colonel Tom Moncur

For thousands of years, military communications remained unchanged from the very earliest days of conflict. Messengers, signal fires, drums, flags, semaphore, trumpets and the human voice remained the go-to techniques for ensuring that Commanders’ orders and instructions were passed effectively. How effective was debatable.

With the invention in the 1840s of the electric telegraph, the Morse code and the heliograph, all was changed. The British Army had to adapt, as did all armies, to the new technologies on offer. From being a niche discipline in the fighting formation, signalling became a major factor in every conflict thereafter.

For the first time, Commanders were able to exercise close control of operations, communicate with other formations and liaise directly with ministries of defence, thousands of miles distant. For the British Army, the numerous wars, skirmishes and engagements in which it became involved allowed it full opportunity to practice and perfect its use of the new inventions.

Sadly, the actions and exploits of the early practitioners of the communicators’ art have been largely forgotten and neglected – until now. Lieutenant Colonel David Mullineaux, formerly Royal Signals, has undertaken painstaking research and exposition of the astonishing travails and feats of the early signallers in overcoming the huge tactical, technical, logistical and geographical challenges confronting them.

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His book “Tales of the Telegraph” covers the actions of the Royal Engineers young officers who planned and implemented the communications support needed by our expeditions to Abyssinia, South Africa, India, the Middle East and elsewhere. The result is a fascinating, absorbing and revelatory series of accounts of signals involvement in actions such as the Zulu wars, the expeditions to the Nile, Bechuanaland and Sudan, as well as the two Ashanti expeditions and the Boer War. As such, the book leads neatly into the period of “Roger So Far” just published.

The investigation uses primary sources, personal accounts and original documents as well as visits on the ground to key locations to produce a comprehensive and highly readable account which must rank as a significant milestone in the history of military communications, and especially that of the Royal Engineers and the Royal Corps of Signals. As such, it has a place on the bookshelf of the military historian and general reader alike, as well as everyone who has been involved in the practice of military communications.

We are anxious to establish the likely take-up of this ground-breaking account, and would, therefore, be very grateful for an indication of how many copies your organisation would like to acquire. A reply by 31 August to Alison Brennan at [email protected] would be ideal. This does not put you under any obligation whatever but is an important step for us in deciding how we decide on a publisher, and what the eventual price will be. As an indication, we would not expect a price above £10 (plus postage). We await your reply!

IN SERVICE FIRST, ROYAL AUSTRALIAN NAVY MEMBER AWARDED VICTORIA CROSS

During a special media event held at Government House on 12 August, it was announced that the Queen had approved a posthumous Victoria Cross for Ordinary Seaman Edward “Teddy” Sheean after his family fought for more than 30 years to get recognition of his brave actions during World War II. This makes Sheean the first RAN member to be awarded a VC.

The Victoria Cross for Australia is the pre-eminent award for acts of bravery in wartime and Australia's highest honour. According to Defence, the medal is made out to individuals "who, in the presence of the enemy, display the most conspicuous gallantry, or daring or pre-eminent act of valour or self- sacrifice or extreme devotion to duty".

In 1942, Sheean was the youngest crewman on the Australian minesweeper HMAS Armidale as a loader for the ship’s Oerlikon anti-aircraft guns. Less than six months later in the vicinity of Timor, HMAS Armidale came under co-ordinated torpedo and bomb attack by enemy Japanese aircraft.

Returning to his station while wounded, the 18-year-old Sheean strapped himself to the anti-aircraft gun and opened fire at the enemy. He tried to defend his shipmates who had abandoned ship and were being strafed by gunfire from the enemy aircraft. Witnesses described how he hit at least two enemy aircraft before he went down with the ship.

Attending the announcement, Chief of Navy Vice Admiral Mike Noonan said Sheean’s heroism was a standard for sailors of the modern Navy to aspire to. “It is indeed a great day for our Navy, our nation

25 and for a young Australian sailor who paid the highest price to save his shipmates from certain death,” VAdm Noonan said.

“His spirit of courage, sacrifice and service is an enduring part of our Navy, living on through our fleet and our people. “This is a proud moment for his family who have fought for many decades for this outcome and I congratulate them on their perseverance. “The Victoria Cross for Australia is a great honour for the late Teddy Sheean, for his shipmates, for the RAN, for the ADF and our nation.”

HMAS Sheean, a Collins Class submarine, is the first and only ship in the RAN to bear the name of an ordinary seaman.

The Australian VC has equal standing with the original cross introduced under Queen Victoria. AGS Maritime News 14 August 2020

BIBLE SOCIETY OF SOUTH AFRICA AND SOUTH AFRICAN ARMED FORCES

The Bible Society of South Africa was established on 23 August 1820 in the Cape of Good Hope. The society celebrates its 200th birthday this year. Over the past 200 years, the society has been involved in translating Bibles into the various indigenous languages of South Africa. Bibles and parts of thereof have also been distributed throughout South Africa.

What is less known is that this year, 2020, the society also celebrates 80 years of association with the Armed Forces of South Africa which began in 1940, soon after the start of the Second World War. When the war started on 1 September 1939 the German ship, SS Watussi was at sea with destination Cape Town. Apart from the crew and passengers, the ship was also carrying 1 000 Afrikaans Bible for the society. These were special Bibles with a wooden cover. On 2 December 1939, she was some 100 nautical miles south-east of Cape Point when she was spotted by a Maritime Patrol aircraft of the South African Air Force. Realising that South Africa was on the side of the Allied Forces the crew decided to scuttle the ship with the loss of the 1 000 Bibles.

Sine 1940 all members of the Union Defence Force received a Bible from the society. In 1943 all members received a special Bible with a wooden cover. On the inside of the cover was a message from King George VI and General Smuts, Prime Minister at the time. The message by General Smuts was handwritten and in both Afrikaans and English.

This association between the Armed Forces and the Society continued after the war and those of us that did Border Duty will recall the New Testament that we received on deployment. Some of these New Testaments were later donated by the Gideons. On the inside was a message from the then Minister of Defence P. W. Botha.

The association was renewed in 1994 with the new South African National Defence Force (SANDF). During the Goodwill Parcels sponsors evening in 2008 the Chief Executive Officer of the society, Reverend Kritzinger, handed a camouflaged Bible to the Minister of Defence and the Chief of the SANDF. On the outside of the cover was the emblem of the Chaplain Services and in the front a message from the Chaplain General, Brigadier General Marius Cornelissen. All members of the SANDF

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BIBLE SOCIETY OF SOUTH AFRICA AND SOUTH AFRICAN ARMED FORCES

Left is the New Testament with the wooden cover and below the messages from King George VI and Jan Smuts.

27 that were deployed on Peacekeeping missions in Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo and Sudan received such a Bible during the Goodwill Parcel visit of 2008.

OBITUARIES

Lower South Coast

Lgr Stuart Holmes

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SOUTH AFRICAN LEGION

Springbok, the Journal of the South African Legion of Military Veterans, ISSN number 2221-9854, is the responsibility of the Communication Officer Lgr Charles Ross. Body text was set in Calibri 11 and headers, Calibri 12 pt.

SOUTH AFRICAN LEGION STRUCTURE

Branches: • Kagiso-West Rand Patron in Chief: • Alexandria • Kimberley President of the Republic of South Africa • Atteridgeville • King Williams Town • Benoni • Kroonstad Past Presidents for Life: • Bloemfontein • Lower South Coast • Lgr Jurie Van der Merwe • Botshabelo • North Coast • Lgr Chris PC de B Venter • Brakpan • Pietermaritzburg • Cape Canopy • Port Alfred Honorary Life Vice Presidents: • Cape Town • Port Elizabeth • Lgr Jurie van der Merwe • Central Wits • Pretoria • Lgr Peter Swindell • Durban • Rooiplaas • Lgr Arthur Blake • East London • Scotland • Lgr Bazil Kriel • England • Soweto • Lgr Rick Andriès • Europe • Strand • Lgr Quentin Gibson • Grahamstown

National President: Lgr Brian Klopper. National V/President: Lgr Brian Smith. Regional Chairmen: National Treasurer: Lgr George Booth. • Eastern Cape: Vacant. National Secretary: Lgr Riana Venter van Zyl. • Free State: Lgr Jurie Van National Liaison/Membership: Lgr Mark Louw. Der Merwe. National Wellbeing: Lgr Rees Davies. • Gauteng: Lgr Mark Louw National Ceremonial/Discipline: Lgr Shaun Booth. • Kwa-Zulu Natal: Lgr Rick National Communication: Lgr Charles Ross. Andriés • UK & Europe: Lgr Cameron Kinnear

SOUTH AFRICAN LEGION, PO Box 1936, Houghton, 2041 Tel: 010 595 4222 [email protected]

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