Military Despatches Vol 18 December 2018

What’s the real story Unsolved mysteries of Nazi Germany It’s a tradition Some military Christmas traditions Daralago Sahasa The fearless courage of the Gurkha Nuts! General Anthony McAuliffe

Head-to-Head World War II paras

For the military enthusiast CONTENTS December 2018 Page 48 Click on any video below to view

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Hipe’s Wouter de The old South African Goede interviews former Defence Force used 28’s gang boss David a mixture of English, Williams. Afrikaans, slang and Battlefield techno-speak that few Pearl Harbour outside the military could hope to under- 26 stand. Some of the terms Features were humorous, some A matter of survival 6 This month we look at finding were clever, while others and gathering plants for food. were downright crude. Unsolved Nazi Mysteries Ten mysteries of Nazi Germany 30 that have never been solved or Remembrance Day Round-up Part of Hipe’s “On the explained. We look at some of the events couch” series, this is an 12 18 that commemorated Armistice interview with one of It’s a traditional thing Christmas and a world at war Day. author Herman Charles How did the British celebrate For anyone in the military, Quiz Bosman’s most famous spending Christmas on duty or Christmas during World War I? characters, Oom Schalk away from home is never great. 21 22 A taxi driver was shot Lourens. Hipe spent time in Yet there are some that at least The Sharp Edge try and make it easier. dead in an ongoing Hanover Park, an area Hitting the right notes This month we look at iconic war between rival taxi plagued with gang 16 When it comes to music, the knives and swords and you tell organisations. violence, to view first- military is not always all about us what they are. hand how Project Daralago Sahasa pomp and circumstance. Roughly translated, the Nepali Ceasefire is dealing with expression Daralago sahasa 24 the situation. means ‘fearless courage’. And Rank Structure Hipe TV brings you videos ranging from actuality to humour and every- for many Gurkha it is not mere- This month we look at the rank thing in between. Interviews, mini-documentaries and much more. ly an expression, but a way of structure of a rather strange life. army - The Salvation Army. Check out Hipe TV and remember to like, comment, share and subscribe. 00 3 CONTENTS

Page 44 Editor’s PUBLISHER Sitrep Hipe Media EDITOR Matt Tennyson

DEPUTY EDITOR kay, what the hell hap- John Verster pened to 2018. I looked away for only a few PHOTOGRAPHER O Regine Lord Forged in battle - Zero seconds and it was December again. CONTRIBUTORS Head-to-Head Gaming These days the year seems to Janine, Cassidy, Raymond This month in history consist of Should Old Acquaint- Fletcher, Regine Lord, Ryan 34 54 58 ance Be Forgot, Happy Birth- Murphy, Matt O’Brien, Matt day to You, and We Wish You World War II Paras Operation Hooper & Modular December Kime Tennyson, John Verster, Andy A Merry Christmas. Then the Ward. This month we compare the This month Matt O’ Brien gets Some of the events of military year is gone. most of you will at least be tak- weapons and equipment of the to grips with a game that feels importance that happened in I managed to attend two Re- ing a bit of a break this month. Military Despatches is pub- World War II paratroopers. just a little bit too close to home. December. membrance Day Parades last I want to try and get the Jan- lished on-line every month. month, both of which were uary edition of the magazine The articles used in Military Famous Figures Front Cover moving and well organised. done as early as possible. Then Despatches are copyrighted Movie Review November was a bit of a sad at least I can also take a bit of a and may not be used without 40 Bored US Marines on deploy- month for me. On 14 November 56 ment in Afghanistan obviously break over Christmas. prior permission from the edi- General Anthony McAuliffe my 16 year old cat passed away. On Christmas Eve I will have tor. Merry Christmas Mr Lawrence decided to get into the spirit of I had him since he was a kitten When given an ultimatum by a couple of mates around (all The views stated in this mag- Released in 1983, and directed Christmas. and he would always keep me the Germans to surrender dur- military veterans) for Christmas azine do not necessary reflect by Nagisa Oshima, this war- company during the long nights ing the Battle of the Bulge, lunch. Being Irish, we have our the views of Hipe!, the editor, time drama is set in a Japanese I was busy editing magazines. General Anthony McAuliffe re- Christmas lunch on the evening the staff, or Hipe Media. prisoner of war camp and stars His name was Kime. It’s a plied with a single word. of Christmas Eve. the late David Bowie. Japanese word that means in- I trust that you will all have Hipe! tense or focused. He was the a good Christmas and that 2019 P.O. Box 31216, Tokai, 7966 most stubborn cat that you will be a peaceful and special South Africa. could imagine. one for you. Book Review Now I know some people will Until next month. email say, “Get over it. It was only a [email protected] 57 cat”, but you have to realise that I liked my cat more than I like Back Issues Dead Men Running most people. I will miss him. To view any back issues of An excellent account of Special So, it’s the festive season, Military Despatches, go to OPS-K, better known as Koev- or the silly season depending www.militarydespatches.co.za oet. on your view point. I trust that Matt or click here. 4 5 Top Ten Top Ten dead, aged just 23. She had proximately two months after what appeared to be a self-in- the order to surrender. Unsolved mysteries of flicted gunshot wound to the The captain, Oberleutnant chest. Immediately, rumours Otto Wermuth, offered no ex- Nazi Germany began to spread, accusing Hit- planation as to why it had tak- Ten mysteries of Nazi Germany that have never been solved or explained. ler of her death. en them so long to reach port, She had been killed with Hit- why no crew members carried ler’s personal pistol, a half-fin- any identification, why the azi Germany officially About The Wonder Weapon”, ished letter to a friend was on a ship’s log was missing, or even came to an end more which referenced a German se- nearby table, and she appeared how the deck gun had been de- Nthan 73 years ago when cret weapon called ‘Die Glocke’ to have suffered a broken nose. stroyed. Germany surrender on 7 May or ‘The Bell’. Curiously, the first policeman Even more intriguingly, a US 1945. The weapon was a giant, me- on the scene was Gestapo Chief C-4 intelligence report noted Yet to this day there remains tallic, bell-shaped device. It Heinrich Muller, who pocked the arrival of an unknown ship Heinrich Himmler a fascination with the Nazis and was three metres wide and ap- the letter and pistol before leav- in the Coronel Dorrego district their Third Reich. There are proximately four metres high, ing. of Buenos Aires during the mours about their more secre- still many unanswered ques- containing two counter-rotating A local journalist, Fritz Ger- U-503’s missing months, alleg- tive activities have persisted. tions about Nazi Germany and cylinders filled with ‘Xerum lich, investigated the matter edly landing with a high rank- Thule member Heinrich conspiracy theories abound. 525’, a violet, mercury-like and claimed that Hitler had ing officer and a civilian. Himmler would go on to form While many conspiracy theo- substance. Geli Raubal never left for Nuremberg at all, The report claims that these the SS, whose hierarchy and be- ries are absurd, there are some According to author Nick but had instead returned to the individuals bore a surprising re- lief in racial purity is believed that raise interesting questions. Cook, the effects of the bell in- 9. How did Geli Raubal die? apartment after dinner at a local semblance to Adolf Hitler and to have mimicked that of the Did Hitler die in the bunker, cluded a strong radiation field Angela Maria “Geli” Raubal restaurant. Eva Braun. Thule Society. This Thule ‘pu- or did he escape to Argentina? – one that supposedly killed a was the daughter of Hitler’s Geli’s death was eventually If this ship could be proved rity’ manifested itself in later What really happened to Hein- number of scientists working half-sister, Angela Raubal. This ruled as suicide, and both Ger- to be the U-530, it would add SS operations such as Lebens- rich Müller? What happened to on the project by breaking their made Geli Hitler’s half niece. lich and the owner of the restau- shockingly strong support to born, the selection of suitably the Nazis ‘Wonder Weapons’ organic tissue down into a gel From the age of 17 Raubal rant were killed during the 1934 the controversial theory that ‘Aryan’ children for kidnapping and did they even exist? like substance. lived in Hitler’s Munich apart- massacre known as the Night of Hitler did not commit suicide in from occupied territories. This month we will look at Historians and conspiracy ment, and he maintained strict the Long Knives. bunker, and instead escaped to The Thule Society has also ten unsolved mysteries of Nazi theorists alike have questioned control over her actions. She Argentina. been linked to satanic worship. Germany. where the location of such a was, in effect, a prisoner, but 8. What happened to the According to conspiracy theo- device could be. Cook states she planned to escape to Vienna U-530? 7. Who was the Thule rist and author Trevor Raven- 10. What was ‘Die Glocke’? that the bell was handed to the to continue her singing lessons. Following the death of Ad- Society? scroft, the group would also In 2000 Igor Witkowski pub- Americans in a deal with SS Her mother told interrogators olf Hitler on 30 April 1945, One of the most intriguing hold séances and sessions of lished a book called “The Truth General Hans Kammler, while after the war that her daugh- command of the disintegrating legends of the Nazi regime con- sexual magic, from which they Die Glocke Witkowski alleges that it end- ter was hoping to marry a man Third Reich passed to Admiral cerns the Thule Society, a Ger- would hope to gain wisdom. ed up in a “Nazi-friendly South from Linz, but that Hitler had Karl Dönitz. man occultist group formed in However, without solid evi- American country”. forbidden the relationship Eight days later Germany Munich during the dying days dence about the Thule Society One theorist, Joseph Farrell, Hitler doted on her, but his surrendered unconditionally of World War I. in Nazi Germany, it seems that said that the Nazis killed up to devotion was marked by ex- and Dönitz ordered that all re- According to the historian Ian the full extent of their influence 60 scientists connected to Die treme possession and jealousy. maining U-boats of the Kreig- Kershaw, the society’s mem- is destined to remain a mystery. Glocke in order to keep its lo- On the night of 18 Septem- smarine be surrendered to al- bership included a high number cation hidden. ber 1931, Hitler and Geli were lied ports. of leading figures in the Nazi 6. Rudlof Hess’ flight to Where the device is, and heard having a loud argument However, one ship – the party. The society was official- Scotland whether it even existed at all, before he left for a meeting in U-530 – didn’t arrive and sur- ly dissolved in the 1920s after Rudolf Hess, the Deputy remains a mystery. Nuremberg. render at Mar Del Plata in Ar- political altercations with the Fuhrer of Nazi Germany, was Later that night, Geli was gentina until 10 July 1945, ap- newly formed Nazis, but ru- reputed to be Hitler’s oldest, 6 7 Top Ten Top Ten mission from Hitler. POWs who were offered the have developed a turbine-pow- rumours persist about its true However, this is contrary to chance to join the Waffen-SS. ered flying disc, but was forced purpose. Many claim that it was contemporary reports that Hit- An estimated 54 men are be- to abandon the blueprints in actually a secret SS facility. ler was actually outraged by lieved to have joined the corps, 1945. In the 1960s a Soviet colonel, Hess’ betrayal – so what was but sometimes for only a few Others allege that the Thule Alexander Liskin, is believed really going on? days. Society was involved in build- to have led a brief investigation There is also an air of mystery This hypothesis is plausible ing flying discs to reach aliens of some of the tunnels and local around Hess’ death in 1987, given that the list was found involved in a supposed UFO testimonies of the area. when he hanged himself in pris- between the SS run Auschwitz crash in the Black Forest in The entire region was heavi- on. Hess’ own son claims that, and a nearby POW camp, but 1936. ly fortified. Mines were every- as a frail 93 year old, he was too it cannot be conclusively con- All these designs and assets where, and anti-tank traps were infirm to kill himself and was firmed. were believed to have been set up in strategic areas. instead murdered by the British handed to the Americans dur- According to legend, one So- Secret Service to prevent infor- 4. The disappearance of ing Operation Paperclip. It’s viet sergeant major bet that he mation about the flight leaking Heinrich Müller still unknown were these proto- could ride his motorcycle down to the public. In 1939 policeman Heinrich types are, or whether they even the tunnels. When he tried to do Heinrich Müller Müller was promoted to the existed. so he was never heard of again. 5. The British SS role of Chief of the Gestapo Despite investigations by the Many of the doorways in the Rudolf Hess In 2009 Polish historian (Geheime Staatspolizei), the KGB, MI5, and the CIA, he re- 2. The Riddle of the major tunnels were blocked off, Dominik Synowic was con- political secret police of Nazi mains the highest ranking Nazi Regenwurmlager sealing the secrets of the rooms most loyal follower. He was ducting routine preservation Germany. never to have been officially The Regenwurmlager (Camp behind them, and there were no the man Hitler dictated Mein work near the Auschwitz con- Under his leadership, the caught or identified as being Earthworm) was a vast under- records of the activities of the Kampf to while in prison. centration camp when he un- Gestapo eradicated many do- killed. ground fortress started by the fortress. It is therefore difficult to un- covered a list containing seven- mestic resistance movements Weimar government but con- Was it merely a military train- derstand why, in May 1941, he teen names. and was instrumental in the 3. Nazi UFOs tinued and expanded by the ing camp for training of fortifi- flew solo to Scotland and delib- Unlike anything else found logistical planning of the Hol- During World War II, Allied Nazis during the 1930s and 40s cation troops and a reserve stor- erately crash-landed his plane, at the camp before, the names ocaust. and Axis pilots reported seeing as part of the German Maginot age and rest area, or did it serve allowing himself to be arrested were all of English origin, such But in the dying days of the what they called ‘Foo Fighters’, Line. a more sinister purpose. Until and imprisoned by the British. as Osborne, Lawrence and war, with Berlin under fire, unexplained aerial objects that Today it is an abandoned ruin further expeditions are made, Hess had claimed that he Gardiner. On the back, in Ger- he was last seen in the Fuhr- would easily outmanoeuvre the in Western Poland, but – for we’re unlikely to ever know the was on a mission to negotiate man, are words that translate erbunker on the day following prop engine planes before dis- some reason – the ruin has nev- secrets of the Regenwurmlager. terms of peace with the United as “now”, “never” and “since Hitler’s death. appearing. er been properly explored and 1. Where is all the Nazi Kingdom, allegedly without the then”. The names also have According to Hans Baur, Hit- This has led to speculation knowledge of Hitler. checks by the side. ler’s pilot, Muller said that he from various conspiracy the- But then, according to histo- Synowic and fellow histori- knew “the Russian methods ex- orists and researchers that the rian Matthias Uhl, there is ev- an Piotr Setkiewicz have so far actly. I haven’t the faintest in- Nazis developed a UFO pro- idence that Hitler had known only managed to trace one of the tentions of being taken prison- gram that achieved some suc- about the flight and that Berlin men believed to be on the list. er.” After that he disappeared. cess. had indeed been negotiating James William Gardiner was a Historian Johannes Tuchel The first record of Nazi fly- with London for some time, in British POW who died during believes that he died in 1945 ing saucers come from Profes- order to pursue Hitler’s aims a US air raid and is buried in and was mistakenly buried in sor Giuseppe Belluzzo in 1950 against the Soviet Union unhin- Krakow, but little is known of a Jewish cemetery. However, who asserted that ‘flying discs’ dered. the other names on the list. an alternative theory by author were designed and studied by Some that knew Hess well Some suspect that they could Gregory Douglas suggests that Germany and Italy as early as claimed that he would never have been members of the Bri- Muller was interviewed and re- 1942. have undertaken a mission of tisches Freikorps (British Free cruited by the CIA in Switzer- In addition, Rudolf Schriever, this nature with the express per- Corp), British fascists and land in 1948. a German engineer, claimed to 8 9 treasure? border in Thuringia. During an mystery. During their march across evening curfew, two military The most recent suspected Europe, the Nazi hierarchy policemen stopped two women location was a bunker at the stole artistic, cultural, and valu- on a road outside Merkers. Mamerki Museum in Northern able treasures from their newly While escorting them back Poland, but – after lengthy in- conquered territories. Many of into the town, they passed the vestigations – this proved to be which have never been recov- entrance to the Kaiseroda salt a dead end. ered. mine in Merkers. The two wom- Similarly, another search by Nazi gold is gold allegedly en said that the mine contained treasure hunters for a suspected transferred by Nazi Germany gold stored by the Germans, Nazi gold train underneath the to overseas banks during World along with other treasures. Owl Mountains in Poland was War II. The regime is believed Later investigation revealed called off after a week of radar to have executed a policy of 3,682 bags and cartons of Ger- imagery and digging. looting the assets of its victims man currency, 80 bags of for- In Austria a belief that a hoard to finance the war, collecting eign currency, 8,307 gold bars, of Nazi gold in the depths of the looted assets in central de- 55 boxes of gold bullion, 3,326 Lake Toplitz in the Alps has led positories. bags of gold coins, 63 bags of to at least seven deaths as treas- The occasional transfer of silver, one bag of platinum bars, ure hunters continue to search gold in return for currency took eight bags of gold rings and 207 for the many millions of dollars place in collusion with many bags and containers of Nazi loot still missing. individual collaborative institu- that included valuable artwork. tions. The precise identities of Yet much of the looted Nazi These then are just some of those institutions, as well as the treasures remain undiscovered. the unsolved mysteries and con- exact extent of the transactions, The Amber Room was an 18th spiracy theories surrounding remain unclear. century room built for Tsar Pe- Nazi Germany. How many of Bush War Books has probably one of the finest Since they end of World War ter the Great near St Petersburg, these will eventually be solved, collections of military titles available. Especially II many treasure sites have been richly decorated with gold and and how many conspiracy theo- discovered. jewels worth over $313 million, ries will eventually be revealed on the South African Border War. On 4 April 1945 the US 90th before it was plundered by the as truth? Only time will tell. Infantry Division took Merk- Nazis. The current whereabouts ers, a few kilometres inside the of the art and gold remains a Click here to visit their website.

“War does not determine who is right - only who is left”

10 11 troops realise that there was a over Christmas. Yet those in op- (SADF) and spent a Christmas world war going on? erational areas usually have cer- in the operational area will have It’s a traditional thing Now days, however, there are tain traditions that are observed fond memories of the Southern For anyone in the military, spending Christmas on duty or away from home is never great. very few, if any, truces declared over the Christmas period. Cross Fund. Yet there are some that at least try and make it easier. Anyone that served in the Led by Elizabeth Albrecht, South African Defence Force this remarkable organisation am pretty sure that there Then the Germans began to morning troops began meeting was formed in 1968. They were are numerous readers that sing Stille Nacht. While the in no-man’s land again. Both nicknamed the Dankie Tanies spent at least one Christ- words may have been unfamil- sides took the opportunity to I (Thank you aunties). They mas on duty. While others were iar the British troops could rec- bury the many dead that lay raised funds to take care of the enjoying time with friends and ognise the tune of Silent Night. in no-man’s land. Proper buri- welfare of the South African family you may have been the The British troops responded als were held and in many in- armed forces. duty officer, duty NCO, or even by singing English carols. stances soldiers from both sides At Christmas every standing guard somewhere. The two sides began shout- mourned the dead together and member of the SADF Many others may have been ing Christmas greetings to each paid their respects. serving in an opera- on operational deployment. other. Many of the Germans had In more than one sector in- tional area would This is nothing new and has worked or studied in Britain formal football matches were receive a Christ- been around ever since Christ- and could speak English fluent- arranged in no-man’s land. mas parcel from mas was first celebrated and ly. There were calls for the two In many sectors, the truce the Southern wars were first waged. sides to meet in no-man’s land. lasted through Christmas night, Cross Fund. One of the things about war is Tentatively, in ones and twos, but in some areas, it continued Chris was that it doesn’t stop over week- troops began leaving the trench- until New Year’s Day. ends or on special days of the es on both sides. Normally if Naturally the top brass on year - including the traditional you showed the slightest part both sides were not all that day of ‘Peace and Goodwill’. of your body above a trench it amused about There have been occasions in would be hit by a bullet with- this. After all, history where those involved in in seconds. Now people were didn’t the the fighting took matters into climbing out of trenches, ex- their own hands and declared posing themselves to a Christmas truce. One of the the other side. most well-known of these occa- Early on sions was the Christmas Truce Christmas of 1914. On 24 December 1914, Christmas Eve, German troops in the region of Ypres, Bel- gium, began decorating the area around their trenches by plac- ing candles on trees. The British troops watched with a mixture of confusion and more than a little suspicion.

12 13 18 when he did his national ser- ent I asked him cific theaters easier and faster vice. He spent Christmas 1977 if I could sit on during World War II. on the border and still remem- his knee and Presents, including home- bers the Christmas gift he re- tell him what made food, reached troops in ceived from the Southern Cross I wanted for time to celebrate and help them Fund. Christmas. He feel a bit closer to home so far “It was the first Christmas I gave me this away. had ever spent away from my glare and said, In addition to getting pres- family,” he recalls. “All of us ‘Troop, ek sal vir ents, troops not stationed on the were given a gift from the Dank- jou so hard bliksem front were treated to holiday ie Tanies. It was a small black dat jou ma sal begin meals anywhere there was no writing bag with the Southern huil.’ (Troop I will hit active fighting. Cross Fund logo on it. Inside you so hard that your Many of the soldiers them- was a Parker pen, some writing mother will start to CHEERS: A troop is served ‘Gunfire’ by an officer on Christ- selves donated their home-sent paper, envelopes, a few Christ- cry). The whole thing mas morning. gifts to children in war zones mas cards, a packet of chewing really made our Christ- whose homes had been de- gum, and a pocket knife. There mas that year.” kilometre run for charity. travel was mostly by foot and stroyed in the bombing. was also a tee-shirt with an im- Some of the Christ- Participants and spectators horseback, it was hard for sol- The conflicts in Korea and age and the words ‘I was there’. mas lunches at the Here he was walking around alike sported festive costumes diers to return home for Christ- Vietnam continued the tradi- Most of us really appreciated larger base camps were pretty bare-arsed asking if we’d had for the event. mas and get back to the battle- tion of sending gifts and eating the gift.” elaborate affairs and the food enough to eat. I laughed so Lash Dash organiser Cap- field in a timely manner. They meals together but added one Douglas also spent a Christ- was of the highest quality. Cer- much that I nearly choked on tain Emma Wardall said: “We were forced to celebrate wher- new layer - phone calls back mas on the border and also re- tain units had traditions regard- my food. I think that it was an thought it would be a good ex- ever they were, including fight- home. ceived a gift from the South- ing the Christmas meal, as Da- excellent tradition and I wonder cuse to get out of the office on ing battles on Christmas Day. Thanks to advances in tele- ern Cross Fund. The manner in vid (18) explains. if they still do things like that Christmas morning and into George Washington crossed communications technology, which he received the gift was a “We had a tradition in our today?” the sunshine. All of the mon- the Delaware Rive on 25 De- soldiers in certain areas could little different. unit that on Christmas day the ey we’ve raised will go to the cember 1776. After the Battle make a quick phone call back “My company was stationed officers and senior NCOs had British traditions Black Rat brigade charity and of Trenton was over, General home and talk to loved ones at a place by the name of Oka- to serve the troops lunch. The British Armed Forces the Lashkar Gah orphanage.” Washington did his best to give rather than sending letters and longo,” he says. “Because my “We all sat down at these have traditions that stretch back During the Christmas Truce his soldiers a bit of rest and time waiting for weeks, sometimes platoon would be out on patrol long tables that were covered centuries. These include Christ- of 1914, British and German to celebrate among themselves. months for a reply. on Christmas Day, we had our with white table clothes and mas traditions. One of these is troops played a game of soccer The American Civil War was By the time Operation Desert Christmas brunch on 22 De- were decorated with Christmas ‘Gunfire’. in no-man’s land. unique because families were Storm started in 1991, overseas cember. crackers. Everyone got a lit- The drink is traditionally In 2014, on the 100th anni- split across both Union and calls to troops was common “Our chef went to a lot of tle paper hat to wear and there served to soldiers in their beds versary of the Christmas Truce, Confederate lines. It was not practice, and e-mail was start- trouble and it was actually a were bottles of wine on the ta- by their officers on Christmas British and German soldiers de- uncommon for brothers to cel- ing to take hold on a large scale. damn good meal. What really ble. Day. It is not, however, a drink ployed in Afghanistan gathered ebrate Christmas on opposite Today, soldiers on foreign made the whole thing special, “Then our OC and RSM led for the faint-hearted. It is a cup in a dusty field for a commemo- sides of the battlefield, often deployment can stay in regular however, was our company ser- in the officers and senior NCOs of hot, black tea laced with a rative game of football. within sight of each other, one touch with folks back home via geant major. to serve the food. They came healthy shot of rum. Brigadier James Stopford wearing blue, the other grey. Skype, FaceTime, and other in- “We all received a gift from around with trays and served us For troops away on deploy- said: “A hundred years on to On Christmas Day in 1862, stant connections. Most laptop the Southern Cross and it was individually. It was really great ment every attempt is made to see German soldiers and British President Abraham Lincoln computers have video cameras given to each of us personally fun. make the Christmas meal spe- soldiers again on operations do visited injured soldiers in vari- which allow face to face com- by the sergeant major. The best “Our company sergeant ma- cial. Troops will sit down to a this is just symbolic of progress ous hospitals to brighten their munication. was that he was wearing a full- jor was a scream. He came in festive lunch together and, as is and what can be achieved.” spirits. Santa even appeared to For all those that will be on de- on Santa suit complete with hat wearing his army boots, a pa- tradition, the officers will often Union troops one year. ployment away from home this and big white beard. We were per hat, and a white apron and serve the soldiers. American traditions Thanks to the growth of the year, we at Military Despatches rolling on the floor with laugh- nothing else. By the looks of In 2012, troops serving in During the American Revolu- aviation industry, air freight wish you a happy, peaceful, and ter. it, he had enjoyed a good bit of Lashkar Gah in Afghanistan or- tion, troops were not stationed made sending care packages to safe Christmas. “When he gave me my pres- Christmas cheer before lunch. ganised the Lash Dash, a five overseas, of course, but since troops in the European and Pa- 14 15 and initially pinned down by ner was raining down heavy fire machine gun and mortar fire. and doing a boatload of damage Daralagdo Sahasa* Because of their extreme close to the Gurkhas. Roughly translated, the Nepali expression Daralago sahasa means ‘fearless courage’. And proximity to the enemy troops, Nevertheless, Bhanbhagta for many Gurkha it is not merely an expression, but a way of life. support artillery from their own managed to get on top of the side wasn’t possible. They were roof of the bunker without be- am Manekshaw was the that can be awarded to British hours, calmly waiting for each pinned down. ing shot, and then, being out first Indian Army officer and Commonwealth forces. attack which he met with fire at While all of this was happen- of explosive grenades, hurled to be promoted to the Kulbir Thapa Magar VC was point blank range. ing, an enemy sniper from a tree two smoke grenades into the S approximately 75 meters to the opening from which the ma- rank of field marshal. the first Nepalese Gurkha recip- Afterwards, when the casual- Manekshaw once said, “If ient of the Victoria Cross. ties were counted, it is reported south began picking off Bhan- chine-gun was firing. a man says he is not afraid of During the Battle of Loos in that there were 31 dead Japa- bhagta’s comrades one by one. When two Japanese soldiers dying, he is either lying or is a September 1915, Kulbir Thapa nese around his position which Realising that he couldn’t emerged, Bhanbhagta pounced Gurkha.” rescued three wounded soldiers he had killed, with only one get a clean shot if he was ly- on them with his kukri, dis- Gurkha is a name tradition- from behind the German lines. arm. ing down, Bhanbhagta stood up patching them both. He then ally given to soldiers recruited Even though he was wounded Despite losing the use of his while still being shot at from ran into the machine-gun nest, into the British or Indian mil- himself. hand and right eye during that several enemy positions and having to kill the machine-gun- itary from Nepal. The word Lalbahadur Thapa was the battle, among other injuries, FOR VALOUR: Havildar managed to take out the sniper. ner with a rock instead of his Gurkha is taken from an area first Gurkha to be awarded the Gurung lived until 12 Decem- Bhanbhagta Gurung VC. Bhanbhagta then signalled kukri, because of the extreme once known as the “Gorkha VC in World War II. Ten Gur- ber 2010, dying at the ripe old to his men to follow him as he close quarters. kingdom” which was folded kaha won the VC during World age of 92. Apparently it took wrong area and then refused sprinted up the hill in the face Bhanbhagta and his men then into, and became part of, Nepal War II. the man with the scythe a while to admit he’d made a mistake, of the enemy fire raining down. took possession of the machine around the turn of the 20th cen- Then there was Lachhiman to build up the courage to pay instead putting the blame on Several Gurkha were killed in gun and managed to hold the tury. Gurung, a rifleman with the 8th Gurung a visit. Bhanbhagta. the dash and they were again position from the counter attack The Gurkha were originally Gurkha Rifles. On 12/13 May If anyone demonstrated the On 5 March he single-hand- pinned down. by the enemy soldiers. formed after British soldiers 1945 at Taungdaw, Burma, Ri- fighting spirit of the Gurkha, it edly took out five entrenched Apparently not one to just His regiment gained the battle fighting in Nepal were simulta- fleman Lachhiman Gurung was was Bhanbhagta Gurung. Japanese positions under heavy sit around while being shot at, honour “Tamandu” as a result neously impressed and terrified manning the most forward post He was born in the small fire and out of ammunition for Bhanbhagta sprinted the re- of the engagement and he re- by the soldiers they encoun- of his platoon which bore the Nepalese village of Phalpu in his gun. maining 20 meters or so to ceived his Victoria Cross from tered during the Anglo–Nepa- brunt of an attack by at least September of 1921. In 1940, Bhanbhagta was part of a pla- the nearest enemy trench and King George VI at Buckingham lese War of 1814. 200 Japanese. at just 18 years of age, Bhan- toon of men given the singular quickly dispatched those inside Palace. After the war ended in 1816, Part of his citation for the bhagta joined the British army goal of taking a hill colloquially with a couple of well thrown Soon after the war ended, the British, spying an opportu- Victoria Cross reads: a few months after World War known as “Snowdon East”. The grenades. Gurung’s company commander nity to bolster their ranks, of- Gurung was manning the II began, at which point he was hill was a strategic foothold that He then ran towards a sec- tried to persuade him to contin- fered these fearless Nepalese most forward post of his pla- drafted to the “third battalion had been overrun by the Japa- ond enemy position, killing ue serving, but he declined as soldiers a chance to volunteer toon which bore the brunt of of the 2nd King Edward VII’s nese who, in the process, killed the armed soldiers inside with he had a frail widowed moth- to serve in the British army, re- an attack by at least 200 of the Own Gurkha Rifles.” about half the Gurkha company his bayonet. Bhanbhagta then er as well as a young wife and ferring to them collectively as Japanese enemy. He didn’t get his first taste after the Gurkhas had run out rushed two other positions, children to take care of in Ne- Gurkha, a name that is still used Twice he hurled back gre- of combat until 1943 when he of ammunition and been forced taking them out with his now pal. today regardless of which area nades which had fallen on his fought alongside several thou- to fight their way through the trademark combo of grenades When he left the regiment in of Nepal a given soldier hap- trench, but the third exploded in sand other men behind enemy enemy lines with nothing but and furious rifle-stabs. January 1946 he had regained pens to hail from. his right hand, blowing off his lines in Burma. During this their kukri (knives) while un- All of this happened while his former rank of Naik and had And Manekshaw wasn’t jok- fingers, shattering his arm and time, Bhanbhagta was promot- der heavy fire. Bhanbhagta’s Bhanbhagta was being “sub- been given the rank of Honorary ing when he spoke about the severely wounding him in the ed from rifleman to the rank of platoon was told to take the jected to almost continuous and Havildar. In addition to his VC courage of the Gurkha. Since face, body and right leg. Naik (the equivalent of a corpo- hill back “regardless of cost.” point-blank machine-gun fire,” he was also awarded the Star of World War I, no fewer than 13 His two comrades were also ral). Bhanbhagta apparently took particularly from a fifth posi- Nepal, 3rd Class, in 1945. Gurkha have been awarded the badly wounded but the rifleman, However, he would later be this command quite literally. tion slightly further up the hill. In 2000 the Gurkha training Victoria Cross, the highest and now alone and disregarding his demoted back to rifleman in While Bhanbhagta and his Bhanbhagta then headed to- company block at Catterick most prestigious award for gal- wounds, loaded and fired his 1944 when his commanding men were sneaking up on the wards the final position, a small (England) was named after him. lantry in the face of the enemy rifle with his left hand for four officer told him to patrol the position, they were spotted bunker where a machine gun- 16 17 Shopping at home The ‘Con Amore’ brand of- forces on land: after a religious Christmas and a world at war As the war went on, shortages fered cigarettes with a regimen- service on the ship, the men meant that it became more diffi- tal crest embossed, for the ulti- would assemble in their mess- Peace on Earth and goodwill to all men is a wonderful concept. But it’s not all that easy cult to shop for Christmas gifts. mate personal touch for absent es, with tables decorated for when the world is at war. So how did the British celebrate Christmas during World War I? Shopping for children sweethearts. Its slogan was: “In Christmas. Trench, Mess, Billet or on Ship- Here they were visited by the he human race is no Christmas on the front lines weather, flooded dug-outs and was much easier. Any mili- tary-themed toys - soldiers, board, every smoke will remind captain and officers, who would stranger to conflict and Perhaps the most legendary constant danger took a toll on guns, uniforms - and they were him of you – the giver.” take a seat at each table in turn, war. It has been around moment of festive goodwill the Christmas spirit. T happy. sampling the food they had pre- for as long as history records. took place during the Christmas Christmas in hospital pared. Yet the war of 1914 - 1918 was Sending messages and gifts Adults were just as enthusias- truce of 1914. The number of wounded dur- Many were serving on ships different. It was the first war During World War I there tic about giving and receiving The impromptu ceasefire al- ing World War I was horrif- in the North Sea, where the fought on a global scale. Which was no such thing as e-mails, gifts, but the moral consensus lowed soldiers along the west- ic. Both in Britain and in war stormy winter weather and was probably why it would go mobile phones and Skype. The was to avoid frivolity. Practical ern front to emerge from the zones, many servicemen and rough seas could make for a on to become known as World only means of sending letters presents were the way to go. trenches, meet enemy combat- women spent their Christmas in lively Christmas celebration. War I. or parcels to and from the front Shoppers were encouraged to ants, exchange gifts and even military hospitals. Most countries around the was via the postal service. give useful, sensible items, par- play games. A bright, cheerful, healing Travelling home on leave world celebrate 25 December During the Christmas period ticularly to their male relatives Yet the ceasefire was an unof- environment was central to Some troops were lucky as Christmas Day, celebrat- the demand became even great- at the front. ficial one and many in authority medical ethos, and at Christmas enough to be given leave over ing the Birth of Christ. It is er. Over the entire course of the Suggested gifts included sol- regarded it as verging on muti- hospital staff went to particular Christmas. Naturally this could regarded as a day of Peace on war, the army postal service diers’ work cases and wallets; ny. They were determined that effort to decorate the wards and not be granted to everyone. In Earth and goodwill to all men. sent 114 million parcels from warm gloves; pipe sets; corre- there would be no repeat of the entertain the wounded. Hospi- many cases it was determined Yet the prospects of the British Britain to conflict zones, and spondence cases; safety razors; ceasefire in subsequent years. tals often threw parties and con- by drawing lots. celebrating Christmas in 1914 two billion letters. tinder lighters and watches. Shortly before Christmas certs for their patients. Getting leave over Christmas looked glum to say the least. Dubbed ‘Santa Claus in kha- Cigarettes, ‘the fuel of the Brit- troops were rotated to different was one thing. Getting home And it was not just the troops ki’, army postmen struggled ish Army’, were particularly in positions and artillery barrages Christmas in the navy for that leave was another. at the front line that had to deal to deliver care packages to the demand. were ordered on Christmas Eve The Senior Service is known Various wartime charities with the grim realities of war. front line and bring letters back that would continue on Christ- NOT TO BE REPEATED: for doing things differently. made it their duty to ensure Those back home felt the ef- home in time for Christmas. mas Day. British and German soldiers Christmas at sea came with its that troops returning home for fects of the war as well. Throughout the year fami- But soldiers still marked each get together in no-man’s land own traditions, as those serving Christmas were relatively well Shortages began to appear in lies were sending letters, food, Christmas as it arrived in the during the Christmas truce of in the Royal Navy during the looked after on their journey. essential items like sugar, bread, clothing, cigarettes and tobac- trenches with Christmas parcels 1914. The higher authorities war (some 380,000 people by Women volunteered to serve petrol and paper, and Christmas co to their loved ones. During and extra rations. ensured that this did not hap- 1918) discovered. Their Christ- tea at railway stations to anyone cooking ingredients were diffi- Christmas this increased dra- The British press, keen to pen in subsequent years. mas was formal and highly in uniform, and special army cult to come by. matically. present an official, positive regulated in comparison with club rooms and YMCA huts The British government view of war, published pho- Charities also rallied the Brit- considered the celebration of tographs and illustrations of ish public to show their support Christmas a national priority. soldiers opening parcels from for the troops, sending Christ- It was vital that morale be kept home, or cheerfully cooking mas gifts en masse. Footballs, high. their Christmas pudding in a pot harmonicas, books, cigarettes Britain continued to embrace made from a German helmet. and even Christmas puddings the Christmas spirit. Songs, It was important for the mo- were sent in bulk. useful gifts, charitable acts and rale of those back home to be- Even the royal family be- ingenious cookery were all en- lieve that, even though there came involved. In Christmas couraged. was a war going on, their hus- 1914, Princess Mary, daughter The celebration of Christ- bands, sons, brothers or sweet- of George V, launched her own mas was a deliberate moment hearts were still enjoying the charitable Christmas initia- of defiance against the death, spirit of Christmas. tive. Every soldier in the army destruction and deprivation of The realities, however, were received a metal case of ciga- war. somewhat different. Foul rettes. 18 19 gave soldiers shelter en route. They threw cheerful Christmas Quiz celebrations for soldiers who could not make it home in time. The sharp edge Refugee shelters his month we’re looking at bladed weapons. We show you a few knives and swords, you tell The war in Europe saw the us what they are. You’ll find the answers to the quiz on page 72. mass displacement of civilian T populations. During the war there were about 250,000 refu- gees from Belgium being shel- 2 3 tered in Britain. With Belgians receiving sym- pathetic treatment in the press, British support for their plight was considerable in the first NEWS FROM HOME: The press played an important role in 1 years of the war. Thousands keeping morale up. Especially over Christmas. of charitable enterprises were launched to help them, from wartime gift. The Christmas of trenches aimed to integrate the 5 6 large committees and organi- 1915 was one of particularly experience of war with the spir- sations to newspaper subscrip- happy surprises: delays in the it of Christmas. tions. post meant that some families In 1914 The Bystander did not get warning of their The Theatre loved one’s arrival until they Pantomimes were a major launched an appeal for Christ- 4 mas presents from their read- appeared at the door. Christmas tradition before the ers: “Over one thousand toys war, and continued throughout have been personally distribut- The Press the conflict. During the war, 7 8 9 ed among the Belgian refugee You must take into consider- they adapted to popular inter- children now being looked after ation that back in the days of ests, incorporating favourite in English homes and hostels.” World War I newspapers were war sing-alongs such as ‘It’s A the main source of public infor- Long Way To Tipperary’ and Christmas at home mation about the progression ‘Keep The Home Fires Burn- Spending Christmas at home of war and the welfare of those ing’. was often a bitter-sweet expe- fighting. With their expensive scenery rience. It may have been more At Christmas, as in pre-war and raucous antics, much about 10 comfortable and preferable to years, weekly papers like The them seemed at odds with the sitting in a trench on the front, Illustrated London News and war effort, while soldiers risked but civilians were still feeling The Tatler produced their annu- their lives at the front. But they the impact of the war. al Christmas issues. were also utterly British, and a Many of them considered it cultural emblem of Christmas On 16 December 1914 three 11 12 east coast towns came under their patriotic duty to present cheer and communal good will. German naval bombardment. the war in a positive light and This wasn’t merely escapism, this was especially true during but a concerted effort to lift Five days later the south coast 13 14 15 suffered the first attacks from Christmas. spirits. As one theatre review German aircraft. With beautiful images and said in 1914: “Before you have Apart from the shock of such short stories, they were careful been long at the Drury Lane direct attacks, absent loved ones to present a cheerful image of pantomime you feel with even made for a difficult Christmas the wartime festivities. Senti- more certainty that when you during the war. Having them mental images of soldiers re- entered the building that we are home on leave was a special turning home, or robins in the going to win this war.” 20 21 This time it’s the Belgian Navy that do their very own Hitting the right notes rendition of the song. When it comes to music, the military is not always all about pomp and circumstance. Tik Tok (Link) his year we looked at a Centre in Cardiff by the Band Lawrence Fishburne. Tik Tok was a song released number of articles that of the Prince of Wale’s Divi- Charlie Sheen is a misfit by Ke$ha in 2010. Tshowed the link between sion and the Band of the Royal soldier who gets sent to the This was a video done in the the military and music. Welsh in 2013. stockade (US military deten- same year by cadets at the US We looked at numerous mil- A flash mob is a group of at tion barracks). He is the only Air Force Academy on their itary, corps and regimental least 10 people who assemble white soldier serving time in 23rd day of training. marches and we also looked at suddenly in a public place, per- the stockade. music that was popular during form an unusual and seemingly When they prisoners march, Thriller (Link) various wars. pointless act for a brief time, they do so while singing Sam FLASH MOB: Shoppers in Cardiff, Wales, were surprised by a flash mob performance of the Colonel Bogey March. The changing of the guard This month we’re doing then quickly disperse, often for Cooke’s song, Chain Gang. ceremony is normally a solemn something slightly different. the purposes of entertainment, watch this same group perform Even More Gangnam Style occasion. This is the military doing music satire, and artistic expression. Call Me Maybe (Link) at the Castle in Cape Town. (Link) Yet in 2010 the Norwegian with a twist. When most of us did our mil- They did the drill without their The U.S. Military Academy Army Band and the guard of Click on the blue links next to Beat It (Link) itary service there were no cell weapons however - the weap- Corps of Cadets at West Point honour added a twist to it. the titles to watch the video of The late Michael Jackson was phones or digital video camer- ons had been impounded by our showed everyone how Gang- After taking the salute the the song. known as ‘The Prince of Pop’. as. intrepid customs officials. nam Style should be done. band broke into a rendition of during his career he had 13 These days, however, most Not only did they do their Michael Jackson’s The Way You Despacito (Link) number one hits. troops have a smart phone that We Will Rock You (Link) own version of the song, they Make Me Feel and followed Despacito (Slowly) is a song Beat It was released in 1981 can take high resolution video. The Swiss are renowned for even arranged for Psy (the orig- this with Thriller. All while the by Puerto Rican singer Luis and was a number one hit. It And they make full use of it. banking, chocolate, cuckoo inal artist of the song) to appear honour guard put on a display Fonsi featuring Puerto Rican also featured guitarist Eddie Videos are usually posted clocks, and remaining neutral. in the video. of precision drill. reggaeton rapper Daddy Yan- van Halen. onto websites such as YouTube Yet they do have an army. kee. It was released in 2016. Here is a parody of a Chinese and Facebook. Here some of them do a ver- Is This The Way To Amarillo All I Want For Christmas This is a live version done military band performing Jack- These US Army troops serv- sion of the Queen hit, We Will (Link) (Link) by the US Navy Band of the son’s hit single. ing in Afghanistan posted a vid- Rock You. Tony Christie had a hit in Mariah Carey’s All I Want Southwest. eo of themselves using the Car- 1971 with Is This The Way To For Christmas gets lot of air- Bad Romance (Link) ly Rae song Call Me Maybe. Gangnam Style (Link) Amarillo. Some 34 years lat- time every Christmas. Colonel Bogey (Link) Bad Romance is a 2009 song Gangnam Style was a 2012 er the British Army Dragoons Here some of the crew on the The Colonel Bogey March is by American singer Lady Gaga That Don’t Impress Me Much hit for South Korean pop star serving in Iraq did their own amphibious assault ship HMS a British march that was com- (real name Stefani Germanot- (Link) Psy. version of the song. Ocean present their own ver- posed in 1914 by Lieutenant ta). When the women serving on The music video for the song sion of the popular Christmas F. J. Ricketts, a British Army This is a version of the song board the aircraft carrier USS has more than 3,2 billion views Grease Lightning (Link) tune. bandmaster who later became performed by the Khabarovsk Ronald Reagan shot a video of on YouTube. The Gangnam Many of our readers will the director of music for the National Guard Band. And who them lip syncing to the Shania Style dance become a world- have watched the movie Grease We Are The World (Link) Royal Marines at Plymouth. says the Russian’s don’t have a Twain song That Don’t Impress wide phenomenal and everyone at some stage. One of the pop- Released in 1985 to raise English composer Malcolm sense of humour. Me Much, it was supposedly was doing it. ular songs from the movie was money for charities, We Are The Arnold added a counter-march, banned by the US Navy. In 2013 US Navy and US Ma- Grease Lightning. World was performed by USA which he titled “The River Chain Gang (Link) rines serving in Afghanistan did In this video a group of Swed- for Africa, a group made up of Kwai March,” for the 1957 dra- Chain Gang is a song by the RAF Flash Mob (Link) their own version of the dance. ish Marines serving in Afghan- some of America’s top sing- matic film The Bridge on the American singer-songwriter As part of the celebrations istan do a very good version of ers and musicians. In 2014 the River Kwai, set during World Sam Cooke, released on 26 July for the Queen’s 90th birthday More Gangnam Style (Link) the song. Norwegian Army did their own War II. 1960. in 2016, the Royal Air Force Not to be outdone, cadets at cover version of the song. This is a flash mob version of Cadence was a 1990 film that performed a flash mob drill at the United States Naval Acad- Don’t Stop Me Now (Link) It was clear that none of them the Colonel Bogey March per- starred Charlie Sheen, his re- Liverpool Station. emy did their own version of Don’t Stop Me Now was an- should give up their military ca- formed at the Capitol Shopping al-life father Martin Sheen, and I was fortunate enough to Gangnam Style. other hit for British band Queen. reers. 22 23 Sergeant Captain Rank Structure - Salvation Army A non-commissioned officer After five years of exemplary who works for the Salvation service, the officer is eligible to Over the next few months we will be running a series of articles looking at the rank structure of Army in a ministry position in be promoted to the rank of cap- various armed forces. This month we look at the Salvation Army. the USA Southern territory. tain.

s it’s Christmas, this meetings and ministry work. Envoy Major month we’re do- He became the “General” and A non-commissioned officer After 15 years of exemplary Aing something differ- his other ministers were given who works for the Salvation service, the officer is eligible to ent. Although it has the name appropriate ranks as “officers”. Army in a ministry position. be promoted to the rank of ma- ‘Army’ in its title, it is not re- Other members became “sol- jor. ally a military force. The army diers”. in question is none other than Besides wearing uniforms Lieutenant Colonel the Salvation Army. and having ranks, they also have Appointed to Salvation Army The Salvation Army (TSA) a unique form of salute which officers on merit by the Gener- is a Protestant Christian church involves raising the right hand al. and an international charitable above shoulder-height with the organisation. Their motto is index finger pointing upwards. Colonel “Blood and Fire.” The Salvation Army is pres- Cadet Reserved for territorial and Brian Peddle has been the The Salvation Army was ent in 131 countries, running Cadet international leaders. founded in London’s East End charity shops, operating shel- General of the Salvation Army A Salvation Army soldier since 3 August 2018. in 1865 by one-time Methodist ters for the homeless and disas- located around the world. who is undertaking training to Reform Church minister Wil- ter relief and humanitarian aid Officers hold ranks through- become an officer at a Salvation most senior Salvation Army of- liam Booth and his wife Cath- to developing countries. Cur- out their service and into retire- Army college for officer train- ficers in the world. erine as the East London Chris- rently they have more than 1,65 ment, and their rank is reflected ing. tian Mission, and this name was million members. in their uniform. The uniform Other non-officer ranks used until 1878. An officer in The Salvation of an officer is much like that of Cadet-Lieutenant Corps Sergeant Major The name “The Salvation Army is a Salvationist who is an a soldier and, like a soldier’s, is This rank is rare. It is given to The lead local officer po- Army” developed from an inci- ordained minister of the Chris- defined by the region in which a cadet who is sent into the field Commissioner sition, somewhat similar to a dent on 19 and 20 May. William tian faith, but who fulfills many the person is serving. as an officer before graduating Commissioner chief deacon or elder. Booth was dictating a letter to other roles not usually filled by The consistent difference be- training. The Chief of the Staff of The his secretary George Scott Rail- clergy of other denominations. tween the two uniforms is that Salvation Army, the leader of a Young People’s Sergeant Major ton and said, “We are a volun- They do so having been the officer’s uniform has red Lieutenant territory, or international secre- Young People’s Sergeant Ma- teer army.” trained, ordained and commis- epaulettes, while a soldier’s Following a successful term taries are also usually given the jor - responsible for the youth Bramwell Booth heard his fa- sioned to serve and lead and epaulettes are black or blue. at a college for officer training, rank. programs of the corps. ther and said, “Volunteer! I’m given a title which uses the Officers’ epaulettes feature the the cadet is commissioned with no volunteer, I’m a regular!” terms of typical military rank. Salvation “S” in silver, as well the rank of lieutenant. General Bandmaster Railton was instructed to While attending a college as another insignia to designate The worldwide leader of The In charge of the corps band. cross out the word “volunteer” for officer training, the training rank. Auxiliary Captain Salvation Army, elected by the and substitute the word “salva- participants are referred to as These insignias may be sewn Serve as officers but are be- tion”. “cadets”. The length of training into the epaulette, or be sepa- yond the minimum age for The Salvation Army was is normally twenty-two months, rate metal pins attached to the training. Auxiliary Captains modelled after the military, with but a special dispensation may epaulettes. never hold the ranks of Lieuten- its own flag and its own hymns, allow cadets to be commis- ant and Cadet, and they may be often with words set to popular sioned after a shorter period, Salvation Army Ranks promoted to Captain after five and folkloric tunes sung in the based on prior experience or Candidate years. This rank is used in cer- pubs. training. Once this training is A person undergoing assess- tain territories only, most no- Booth and the other soldiers complete, the cadets are com- ment for Salvation Army of- tably the Southern Territory of in “God’s Army” would wear missioned. ficership or envoyship. the USA. the Army’s own uniform, for Officer training centres are 24 25 they will irritate the mouth Peppermint-scented pelargo- as a poultice for sores and A matter of survival - Finding Food II and digestive tract. nium wounds, and a rolled-up fresh • Avoid old or wilted leaves. The leaves can be used in a leaf inserted in the ear (not too Over the next few months we will be running a series of articles looking at survival, something that has always been important for those in the military. This month we look at finding and gath- The leaves of some plants salad. They can also be crushed deep) can also help earache. ering plants for food. and trees develop deadly and used as a poultice to soothe The leaves have a very strong hydrocyanic acid when they bruises. flavour so use sparingly, but it wilt, including blackberry, makes a great addition to iced f you’re in the right area it’s Many fruits, especially in the Plants to avoid raspberry, cherry, peach and Confetti bush tea and herbal drinks. easy to pick plants here and tropics, have tough, bitter skins. There are two fairly common plum. All may be safely eat- This aromatic herb can be Ithere, but it’s far better and So peel them and eat only the poisons in the plant world. The en when young, fresh and used in sweet or savoury dish- Num-num safer to gather them systemati- fruit. good news is that both are fairly dry. es. Just strip the little leaves off The beautiful berries of the cally. Keep an eye on what fruit lo- easy to detect. the stems as one would do with num-num can be eaten as a fruit If you’re heading out on a for- cal animals and birds eat. Identifying plants thyme. as they are very high in vitamin aging trip, take something with Nuts lying at the base of a Hydrocyanic Acid: Also There are thousands of differ- C and pectin. to carry your harvest. An empty tree are a good sign that they known as prussic acid, it has ent plants and only a specialist Wild sorrel bag, piece of cloth folded into a are ready to eat. Others can be the taste and smell of bitter al- botanist could identify more The whole plant is edible Wild garlic sack or anything similar. shaken down in the tree is a monds or peaches. Crush the than a handful. and it has a nice sharp taste. The whole plant This will stop the plants be- small one. leaves and discard all plants The trick is to learn to identi- It is sour due to the oxalic is edible. The flow- ing crushed, which will make You may also be able to knock that have the above smell. fy a few plants that can be found acid content so don’t eat ers can be used in them go off quickly. others down by throwing a stick in most conditions and at most too much. The stalks salads and as gar- at them. Oxalic Acid: Salts, or oxa- times during the year. and roots can nish. The leaves Leaves and stems lates) occur naturally in some Close familiarity with even be eaten raw can be used like Look for young growth, Seeds and grains plants, for instance the wild one or two could make all the or cooked in chives or as an which will usually be paler Be careful. Some seeds and rhubarb. You can recognise difference between survival and milk. Tradi- insect repellent. green. It will be more tasty and grains contain deadly poisons. them by the sharp, dry, sting- starvation. tionally ox- The roots have more tender. Tasting will not harm you, but ing or burning sensation when Here are some plants com- a very pungent gar- Older plants have tougher do not swallow. applied to the skin or tongue. mon to Southern Africa lic flavour (so use them leaves and will be more bitter. Carry out the edibility test Discard any plants which fit the that are edible or use- sparingly) and can be used like Nip off leaves near the stem. (see the October issue) and re- above description. ful. normal garlic. They are par- Leaves that are simply torn off ject any seed that is unpalata- ticularly great in stews and are easily damaged. ble, bitter or with a hot, burning • Avoid any Wild malva (Pel- roasts. A tea made They will probably wilt and taste, unless you can positively plant with a argonium cu- from the roots loose goodness before you can identify it as a pepper or spice. milky sap, unless lallatum) or leaves are cook them. positively identi- The leaves of good for Fungi fied as being safe (such as a this plant dif- coughs and Roots and tubers These can be tasty and nutri- dandelion). fused into tea can colds, and it has Always try and choose larger tious. The wrong ones can be • Red signals danger. Avoid similar medicinal properties to plants. The problem with his, deadly. any red plants unless posi- normal garlic. however, is that some are diffi- Again, it is a good idea to tively identified, especially cult to pull up. have some knowledge of the in the tropics. Many-petalled jasmine You don’t want to break the fungi that grows in the area you • Avoid fruit which is divided alis is used as an ingredient in Use the flowers in salads or, root, so dig around the plant to will be operating. up into five segments unless ‘waterblommetjie stew’ and as in teas or as a flavouring. loosen, then prise them out with Pick the whole fungus. If the positively identified as be- a salt substitute. a sharpened stick. stem is left behind it will be ing safe. be used to treat stomach dis- Sour figs harder to identify. • Avoid grasses and other orders. Bruised leaves can be African wormwood The succulent leaves are ex- Fruit and nuts Keep the fungi separate from plants with tiny barbs on used as a poultice for sores and The wormwood is used me- cellent for skin problems like Pick only ripe, fully colour- the rest of your harvest. If a poi- their stems or leaves. With wounds, and a rolled-up fresh dicinally to treat fever, colds, sunburn, bee and blue bottle ed fruits. Hard, greenish ber- sonous type has been picked it a magnifying glass you can leaf inserted in the ear (not too flu, sore throats, coughs, asth- stings, rashes, cold sores and ries are indigestible, even after could contaminate the rest of see them as hooks rather deep) can help earache. ma, pneumonia and headaches. insect bites. Chew on the leaves cooking for a long time. your food. than straight hairs. If eaten The bruised leaves can be used for sore throat relief. The fruits 26 27 have a tamarind-tasting juicy • Papaya. AUTUMN (Mar, Apr, May) seed centre and are used to • Pear. Fruits make jams, chutneys and sauc- • Pineapples. • Apples. Our Christmas gift to you es. • Plums. • Avocadoes. • Prunes. • Figs. Get a free copy of ‘Service Rendered’. Balderjan • Sweet Melons. • Lemons. Send an e-mail to [email protected] Use medicinally as a tea for • Strawberries. • Naartjies. and use Service Rendered in the subject line stomach disorders as this plant • Watermelons. • Oranges. and we will send you a free copy of this e-book. has calming properties similar Vegetables • Pawpaw. to exotic mint. Good for fla- • Artichokes. • Pears. vouring in salads. Can be used • Asparagus. • Pomegranates. as a substitute for normal mint. • Aubergines. Vegetables • Baby marrows. • Aubergines. Aromatic sage • Beetroot. • Baby marrows. This sage can be used medic- • Brussel sprouts. • Beetroot. inally as a tea for coughs, colds • Kale. • Broad beans. and stomach ailments. It can be • Maize. • Butter beans. used in cooking. Add a sprig • Red onions. • Hubbard squash. and fish it out later as it imparts • Radishes. a delicious flavour but is bitter SUMMER (Dec, Jan, Feb) • Sweet peppers. to eat. Fruits • Turnips. • Apricots. Garlic buchu • Bananas. WINTER (Jun, Jul, Aug) Possesses a strong garlic scent • Blackberries. Fruits and high in essential oils. Adds • Figs. • Apples. a garlic flavour to cooking. • Lemons. • Avocadoes. • Mangoes. • Dates. Seasonal fruit & vegetables • Pawpaw. • Lemons. Service Rendered Depending on the season and • Peaches. • Naartjies. Between 1968 and 1992 most where you are, the following • Pineapples. • Oranges. white South African males were fruit and vegetables may be Vegetables • Pawpaw. conscripted into the South African found in Southern Africa. • Artichokes. • Pears. Defence Force for compulsory military • Asparagus. • Pineapples. training. It was known as National Service. SPRING (Sept, Oct, Nov) • Aubergines. Vegetables Fruits • Baby marrows. • Asparagus. After completing basic training they were then • Apples. • Beetroot. • Beetroot. trained in specific fields before being posted out • Apricots. • Green beans. • Broad beans. to serve in units around South Africa. Many would • Avocados. • Maize. • Brussel sprouts. be sent as support or combat troops to what was • Bananas. • Radishes. • Fennel. then known as South West Africa to fight in what • Blackberries. • Rhubarb. • Jerusalem artichokes. • Cape Gooseberries. • Radishes. has now become known as the ‘Border War’. • Cherries. • Turnips. This e-book tells the story of what it was like • Coconuts. • Watercress. to be a national serviceman. It takes readers • Dates. through basic and individual training, postings • Grapefruit. Next month we will look at to various units, and to the border war. • Guavas. animals as a source of food. • Lemons. With over 300 pages and more than 200 pho- • Naartjies. tographs, this e-book is a must for anyone that • Nectarines. served. • Oranges. 28 00 2 Remembrance Day Round-up 1 Various parades, functions and events were held on or before 11 November to commemo- rate the 100th anniversary of the signing of the Armistice. Article:Matt Tennyson and John Verster. Photographs: Regine Lord and Andy Ward.

emembrance Day this that this should be a ‘living’ one and this was followed by two year marked the 100th that served the community, not minutes silence and the sound- Ranniversary of the sign- merely a monumental structure. ing of Reveille. ing of the Armistice, which After various proposals, the Wreaths were then laid by brought World War I to an end. decision was that it should take various individuals and organ- To mark the occasion, pa- the form of a top-class chil- isations. rades, functions and events dren’s hospital. Provisional Old Bill of the were held around the world. In The servicemen, in over- MOTH, Deon van Rensburg, South Africa most of the major whelming numbers, volun- then read out the MOTH Credo 1. A piper plays a lament while cities observed this momentous teered to donate two days’ pay and Prayer. the wreaths are laid at the event. towards what was to become The event came to an end Red Cross War Memorial 3 Children’s Hospital. The first event we attended the Red Cross War Memorial with the singing of the national 2. A wreath is laid at the Ceno- was on 7 November at the Red Children’s Hospital at Ronde- anthem. taph in Cape Town. Cross War Memorial Children’s bosch in Cape Town. Music was provided by the 3. The Rev. Ralph Thornley Hospital in Cape Town. So it is only fitting that the Isivunguvungu Youth Band and delivers the service at the Besides doing incredible Red Cross War Memorial Chil- the Cape Field Artillery Pipes SA Legion. work, the hospital has an inter- dren’s Hospital holds a Remem- and Drums. 4. Peter Horsburgh lays a esting history. brance Day event every year. wreath on behalf of the In 1941 the Western Cape The MC for the event was ohn Verster attended the Rhodesian Army and the Branch of the Medical Associ- Kevin Ashton and CEO of the Remembrance Day Parade Rhodesian African Rifles. ation of South Africa proposed Red Cross War Memorial Chil- at the Cenotaph in Cape 5. MOTH Servaas van Breda, J Commander of Admiral Hal- the building of a children’s hos- dren’s Hospital, Dr Matodzi Town, both as a MOTH and as pital. Mukosi delivered the main ad- a member of the Cape Welsh ifax MOTH Shellhole, lays a In 1945 the Cape Region of dress. Choir. wreath. the South African Red Cross Paediatric Intensive Care He reports that from the in- Society requested that the chil- Unit Consultant and Nephrolo- clusion of Municipal Law En- dren’s hospital should serve as a gist Mignon McCulloch paid a forcement, attachments from 5 living memory to soldiers who moving tribute to the late Pro- all four arms of the SANDF, contributed to the allied victory fessor Beatty. Ambassadors, Consulate Gen- 4 in World War II. There was a religious obser- erals and Guards of Honour Discussions took place vance by various religious lead- from across the globe, thought among the South African sol- ers, followed by a blessing and provoking addresses by the diers who, in 1945 after the prayers. Deputy Mayor of Cape Town war, were waiting in Italy to be Then there was a recording Alderman Ian Neilson as well repatriated back to South Africa of an interview with Richard as Chaplain (Rev) PW Vass, to be demobilised. Lawrenson, a survivor of World to the totally professional ren- One issue was whether a war War II. Sadly, Mr. Lawrenson ditions by the Army Band and memorial should be built in passed away on 17 November, the Cape Welsh Choir it was South Africa, and if so, what ten days after the event. He was all slick, assured and extremely form it should take. 95 years old. impressive. The dominant view was that The Last Post was sounded there should be a memorial, but by Bombardier Regan Daniels 30 31 att attended the pa- Wreaths were then laid by in- from the water twice. rade held at the South dividuals and on behalf of vari- Sadly, it was to be Richard’s MAfrican Legion (Cape ous organisations. last parade. He passed away The myths of alcohol Town Branch) at Rosedale. One of those that attended the four days later on 15 Novem- There was a good turn out parade was Richard Lawren- ber. He was 95 years old. With many years of practical experience and in-depth research,Ryan Murphy for the parade and most of the son, a member of Admiral Hal- Now that the 100th anniver- debunks some of the popular myths about alcohol. members of Admiral Halifax ifax Shellhole. sary of this solemn occasion MOTH Shellhole, which meets During World War II he has passed, let us hope that this Myth One Myth Four – False Myth Six – False at Rosedale, attended the pa- served with the Royal Navy and day will be continued to be re- The more you drink, the more All alcohol will do is low- If you normally drink those rade. was aboard the HMS Carnarvon membered every year. attractive women become. er your inhibitions and af- fruit-flavoured wine cooler The Cape Town Rifles Castle when she had a five-hour Let us never forget those, on fect your judgement so you types of drinks, then stick to (Dukes) Band provided the mu- running battle with the German all sides, that paid the ultimate Myth One – False will be more likely to have them. sic. auxiliary cruiser Thor. sacrifice. If she looked ugly before you unprotected sex. After the guests were wel- The Carnarvon Castle suf- started drinking she will contin- And no, it is not a natural con- VETERANS: Peter Horsburgh Myth Seven traceptive. comed, Rev Ralph Thornley, fered heavily in the battle, sus- and Syd Ireland attending the ue to look ugly no matter how Alcohol makes you brave SA Navy (retired) delivered a taining 27 hits causing four parade at the Red Cross War much you drink. and strengthens your resolve. moving service. dead and 27 wounded. Memorial Children’s Hospital. What will change, however, is Myth Five There’s nothing wrong with a The Last Post was played, Richard also went through 96 year old Syd is a World your perception of her. At just Your driving skills improve. bit of ‘Dutch Courage’ before two minutes of silence were ob- the entire Siege of Malta. Twice War II veteran and an Hon- 0.02% your visual senses start The more you have to drink, the facing a challenging situation. served, followed by the sound- he was on ships that were torpe- orary member of the South to become impaired. better you drive. ing of the Reveille. doed and he had to be rescued African Signals Association. Myth Seven – False Myth Two Myth Five – False Brave, no. Stupid, probably. The more you drink, the better You’re an accident look- All alcohol will do is lower looking you become. ing for a place to hap- your inhibitions and impair pen. Just pray that you get your judgement. The mission Myth Two – False arrested before you kill your- you volunteered for after a few No, you will still be ugly no mat- self or someone else. drinks was called a ‘Suicide ter what or how much you drink. Mission’ for good reason. Myth Six The term ‘Dutch Courage’ Myth Three You can handle any drink originated when English sol- Your IQ level becomes elevat- in the bar. So what if you diers noted the bravery-induc- ed. All it takes is a few strong normally only drink wine ing effects of Jenever’s liquor shots of alcohol and you be- coolers? Suddenly you can on Dutch soldiers and dubbed it come Socrates, Plato and Ein- handle any spirits or skull-pop ‘Dutch Courage’. stein all rolled into one. behind the counter. Bring it on! Myth Eight Myth Three – False You can take on anybody. Your Quite the opposite in fact. If pugilistic skills are phenomenal you were not the sharpest pen- and you’re a combination of cil in the box before you had a Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan, and all few drinks, alcohol is not going the WWE stars combined. Any- to improve the situation. one looks sideways at you, take them outside and sort them out. Myth Four Alcohol protects you from Myth Eight – False Sexually Transmitted Diseases. If you’re drunk and your op- And, if you’re female, there’s ponent is sober the chances are no chance of you falling preg- that you’re going to get a hid- nant. Alcohol is a natural con- ing. If you’re an aggressive traceptive. drunk it’s time to stop drinking. 00 33 head to head head to head United States achute school at Fort Benning, Paratrooper Equipment Weapons & Equipment: Paras The first U.S. airborne unit in west-central Georgia. A - Jump boots. The first U.S. combat jump This month we compare the weapons and equipment of the World War II paratroop- began as a test platoon formed B - M1C Helmet. was near Oran, Algeria, in North C -M1A1 carbine. ers. from part of the 29th Infantry Regiment, in July 1940. The pla- Africa on November 8, 1942, D - M1A1 Thompson. Germany and some grenades on his per- round magazine and a small bi- toon leader was 1st Lieutenant conducted by elements of the E - M1918A2 Browning Auto- The German Fallschirmjäger son. Therefore, many weapons pod. William T. Ryder, who made the 2nd Battalion, 509th Parachute matic Rifle. can trace their history back to containers, called Waffenhalter, first jump on August 16, 1940 Infantry Regiment. F - M1911A1 Colt pistol. April 1935. had to be carried and dropped. Paratrooper Equipment at Lawson Field, Fort Benning, The 82nd Airborne Division, G - M3 fighting knife. They were part of the Luft- The Fallschirmjäger had a A - Jump boots. Georgia from a B-18 Bomber. known as the All American, H - Trenching tool. waffe (Air Force) and not the wide variety of special clothing. B - M38 Helmet. Although airborne units were and the 101st Airborne Division I - Mess kit. army. As they were Luftwaffe person- C -K98 Mauser. not popular with the top U.S. (Screaming Eagles) made a to- J - M1 carbine ammo pouch. While they were successful nel, the basic uniform was that D - MP-40. Armed Forces commanders, tal of 13 combat jumps during K - Mk II hand grenade. at the start of the war, they took of the flying units and in blue E - Walther P-38. President Franklin D. Roosevelt World War II, including during L - Canteen. heavy casualties during the in- rather than the field grey of the F - FG-42. sponsored the concept, and Ma- Operation Overlord as well as M - Parachute wings. vasion of Crete. Army. G - Gravity knife. jor General William C. Lee or- Operation Market Garden. N - 82nd Airborne patch. The worst parachutes used by While most were armed with H - M24 Stielhandgranate. ganized the first paratroop pla- A folding butt version of the O - 101st Airborne patch. a major power were those of the either the standard K98 bolt-ac- I - Canteen. toon. This led to the Provisional M1A1 carbine was produced es- P - M1936 Musette bag. Germans which were based on tion rifle or the MP-40 subma- J - Göffel (Fork and spoon). Parachute Group, and then the pecially for the paratroopers. It the Italian Salvatore design. chine gun, some of them were K - Trenching tool. United States Army Airborne was stored in a special rifle bag Because of the rather athletic armed with the FG-42. L - Mess kit. Command. General Lee was the while jumping. forward landing roll necessitat- The FG-42 was a gas operated M - MP-40 ammo pouches. first commander at the new par- ed by their parachute harness, semi-automatic rifle made only N - Parachute badge. the German paratrooper could for the Airborne. Only about O - Jump gloves. carry little more than a pistol 10,000 were made. It had a 20 P - Knee pads. Other Airborne Forces Japan first regular paratrooper units in Other countries also had their The Teishin Shudan was a Jap- the world. During World War II, anese special forces/airborne unit they formed ten Airborne Corps Teufel (the Red Devils). ten PIAT anti tank weapons. own airborne forces. Britain during World War II. plus numerous Independent Air- The Paras were not issued The Parachute Regiment was borne Brigades, with most or all with any special weapons and Paratrooper Equipment France formed on 22 June 1940 when Poland achieving Guards status. their small arms were the same A - Combat boots. Following the Battle of France, No. 2 Commando was turned The 1st (Polish) Independent as the rest of the army. B - Mk II helmet. General Charles de Gaulle formed over to parachute duties Parachute Brigade was a para- They used the standard bolt C - Lee Enfield No.4 Mk.I. the 1ère Compagnie d’Infanterie Index During World War II they chute brigade under the command A - Russian paratrooper. action Lee–Enfield rifle and the D - Sten gun. de l’Air in September 1940 from won no fewer than 23 battle of Major General Stanisław Sos- B - Italian paratrooper. Enfield or Webley revolver or E - Bren gun. members of the Free French forc- honours, including Pegasus abowski, created in the Second C - Japanese paratrooper. the M1911 pistol. F - Webley revolver. es who had escaped to Britain. It Bridge and Arnhem. World War Scotland in Septem- D - Russian para helmet. For a submachine gun, they G - Fairbairn-Sykes knife. was transformed into the Com- They wore the distinctive ber 1941, with the exclusive mis- E - Japanese para helmet. used the British Sten in North- H - Trenching tool. pagnie de Chasseurs Parachut- maroon beret and the Deni- sion to drop into occupied Poland F - French para helmet. west Europe, which was issued I - Mess kit. istes in October 1941. son smock was the first cam- in order to help liberate the coun- G - Italian para helmet. in higher numbers than to a nor- J - Canteen. ouflaged uniform issued to the try. H - Japanese Type 100 SMG. mal infantry battalion. K - Mills bomb. Italy British Army. I - Japanese Type 2 rifle. Each section had a Bren light L - Back pack. The Paracadutisti was a par- On landing from a parachute Russia J - Italian fighting knife. machine gun and the platoon M - Sten ammo pouch. achute division formed in 1941 jump, many paras would re- The Russian Airborne Troops K - Italian Beretta M938A. had a 2-inch mortar. The only N - Parachute Regiment beret. and was designated the 185th move their steel helmet and re- or VDV (Vozdushno-desantnye L - Russian PPsH-41. battalion heavy weapons were O - Parachute wings. Parachute Division Folgore. place it with their maroon beret. voyska Rossii) were first formed M - Free French parachute wings. eight 3-inch mortars, four Vick- P - Toggle rope. This led to the Germans giving in the Soviet Union during the N - Italian parachute wings. ers machine guns and after 1943, Q- Scarf. them the nickname Die Roten mid-1930s and arguably were the O - Polish parachute wings 34 35 B B A Germany Britain

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E F F H G G H K I J I J

L K L

M M

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36 37 Other Countries B A A B America C

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38 39 Famous figures in military history Famous figures in military history

cember 1944 they launched bat Command B of the 10th the river Our near Ortheuville, Unternehmen Wacht am Rhein Armored Division. Conditions have taken Marche and reached Anthony McAuliffe (“Operation Watch on the inside the perimeter were tough St. Hubert by passing through When given an ultimatum by the Germans to surrender during the Battle of the Rhine”). The Allies designated - most of the medical supplies Hompre-Sibret-Tillet. Libra- Bulge, General Anthony McAuliffe replied with a single word. it the Ardennes Counter-offen- and medical personnel had been mont is in German hands. sive. captured. There is only one possibili- eneral Anthony Clem- ments. cember 1941, he was promoted Food was scarce, and by 22 ty to save the encircled U.S.A. ent McAuliffe was a By 1935, he had been pro- again, temporarily becoming a Battle of the Bulge December artillery ammuni- troops from total annihilation: senior United States moted to the rank of Captain. lieutenant colonel with the Sup- The operation was launched tion was restricted to 10 rounds that is the honourable surren- G through the densely forested per gun per day. The weather der of the encircled town. In Army officer who earned fame Later, he was chosen to attend ply Division of the War Depart- as the acting commander of the the United States Army Com- ment General Staff. While in Ardennes region of Wallonia cleared the next day and sup- order to think it over a term of U.S. 101st Airborne Division mand and General Staff Col- this position, McAuliffe super- in eastern Belgium, northeast plies (primarily ammunition) two hours will be granted be- troops defending Bastogne, lege at Fort Leavenworth. In vised the development of such France, and Luxembourg. were dropped over four of the ginning with the presentation of Belgium, during the Battle of June 1940, McAuliffe graduat- new technology as the bazooka The German offensive was next five days. this note. the Bulge in World War II. ed from the United States Army and the jeep. intended to stop Allied use of Major General Maxwell D. If this proposal should be re- War College. the Belgian port of Antwerp Taylor, commander of the 101st jected one German Artillery Early life Just before the Japanese at- World War II and to split the Allied lines, al- Airborne Division, was attend- Corps and six heavy A. A. Bat- McAuliffe was born in Wash- tacked Pearl Harbour in De- In June 1944, now promoted lowing the Germans to encircle ing a staff conference in the talions are ready to annihilate ington, D.C., on 2 July 1898. to the rank of Brigadier Gener- and destroy four Allied armies United States at the time. Dur- the U.S.A. troops in and near He attended West Virginia Uni- al, McAuliffe commanded the and force the Western Allies to ing Taylor’s absence, McAu- Bastogne. The order for firing versity from 1916 to 1917. division artillery of the 101st negotiate a peace treaty in the liffe commanded the 101st and will be given immediately after He was a member of the West Airborne Division when he Axis powers’ favor. Once that its attached troops. this two hours term. Virginia Beta Chapter of Sigma parachuted into Normandy on was accomplished, the German The 101st was besieged by All the serious civilian loss- Phi Epsilon Fraternity during D-Day. dictator Adolf Hitler believed a far larger force of Germans es caused by this artillery fire his time at West Virginia Uni- He became deputy division he could fully concentrate on under the command of General would not correspond with the versity. He enrolled at West commander of the 101st Air- the Soviets on the Eastern Front. Heinrich Freiherr von Lüttwitz. well-known American humani- Point in 1917. borne, following the death of The surprise attack caught ty. McAuliffe was part of an ac- Brigadier General Don Pratt on the Allied forces completely off “NUTS!” The German Commander. celerated program and grad- 6 June 1944. guard. American forces bore On December 22, 1944, von According to those present uated shortly after the end In September 1944 the brunt of the attack and in- Lüttwitz dispatched a party, when McAuliffe received the of World War I, in No- he landed by glid- curred their highest casualties consisting of a major, a lieuten- German message, he read it, vember 1918. During er in the Neth- of any operation during the war. ant, and two enlisted men under crumpled it into a ball, threw this time, he visited erlands during The phrase “Battle of the a flag of truce to deliver an ulti- it in a waste paper basket, and Europe for a short Operation Bulge” was coined by contem- matum. Entering the American muttered, “Aw, nuts”. time and toured sev- Market Gar- porary press to describe the lines southeast of Bastogne (oc- The officers in McAuliffe’s eral battlefields. den. bulge in German front lines cupied by Company F, 2nd Bat- command post were trying to Assigned to By Decem- on wartime news maps, and it talion, 327th Glider Infantry), find suitable language for an of- field artillery, ber 1944 the became the most widely used the German party delivered the ficial reply when Lt. Col. Harry he graduated situation was name for the battle. following to Gen. McAuliffe: Kinnard suggested that McAu- from the Artil- not looking To the U.S.A. Commander of liffe’s first response summed lery School in good for the Siege of Bastogne the encircled town of Bastogne. up the situation pretty well, and 1920. For the Germans. By 21 December the Ger- The fortune of war is chang- the others agreed. next 16 years, They decid- mans had surrounded Bas- ing. This time the U.S.A. forces The official reply was typed McAuliffe ed on one last togne, which was defended by in and near Bastogne have been and delivered by Colonel Jo- carried out throw of the the 101st Airborne Division, encircled by strong German ar- seph Harper, commanding the typical peace- dice. the all African American 969th moured units. More German 327th Glider Infantry, to the time assign- On 16 De- Artillery Battalion, and Com- armoured units have crossed German delegation. It was as 40 41 follows: he resided in Chevy Chase, Decorations To the German Commander. Maryland, until his death on 11 NUTS! August 1975, at the age of 77. The American Commander. He is buried in Arlington Na- American Campaign Medal The German major appeared tional Cemetery with his wife, confused and asked Harper son, and daughter. Distinguished Service Cross what the message meant. Harp- er said, “In plain English? Go Memorials to hell.” The central square of Bas- European-African-Middle The choice of “Nuts!” rath- togne, Belgium, is named Place Army Distinguished Service Eastern Campaign Medal er than something earthier was Général McAuliffe. A Sherman Medal with bronze typical for McAuliffe. Vincent tank, pierced by a German 88 oak leaf cluster Vicari, his personal aide at the mm shell, stands in one corner. time, recalled that “General A southern extension of FORWARD: German troops advance during the Battle of the World War II Victory Medal Mac was the only general I ever Bulge in December 1944. Route 33 in eastern Northamp- knew who did not use profane ton County, Pennsylvania, com- language. ‘Nuts’ was part of his west of the Rhine River. er-in-Chief of the United States pleted in 2002, was named the Silver Star normal vocabulary.” In April 1945, the division Army Europe in 1955.He was Gen. Anthony Clement McAu- The artillery fire did not ma- was assigned to occupational also promoted to four-star gen- liffe 101st Airborne Memorial Army of Occupation Medal terialize, although several in- duties until 20 April, when it re- eral in 1955. Highway. fantry and tank assaults were sumed the offensive. Pursuing a While still in the service, The new headquarters build- Legion of Merit directed at the positions of the fleeing enemy through Stuttgart McAuliffe attended the pre- ing for the 101st Airborne Di- 327th Glider Infantry. In ad- and taking Münsingen on 24 miere of Battleground in Wash- vision, which opened in 2009 dition, the German Luftwaffe April. ington D.C. on 9 November at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, is National Defense Service Medal attacked the town, bombing it On 27 April elements of the 1949. The film did not depict named McAuliffe Hall. Foreign Awards nightly. division entered Landsberg, McAuliffe directly, but did A room at the Thayer Hotel at Bronze Star with bronze The 101st held off the Ger- where Kaufering concentration show a scene of the Germans West Point has been dedicated oak leaf cluster mans until the 4th Armoured camp, a sub-camp of Dachau, presenting their surrender de- to General McAuliffe. Unit Award Division arrived on 26 Decem- was liberated. mands and their confusion on ber to provide reinforcement. The 103rd crossed the Dan- receiving McAuliffe’s reply. Awards Legion of Honour (Chevalier) ube River near Ulm on 26 April. Post-Bastogne On 3 May 3, the 103rd cap- Retirement For his actions at Bastogne, tured Innsbruck, Austria, with In 1956, he retired from the McAuliffe was awarded the little to no fighting. It then Army. He worked for American Army Presidential French Croix de guerre Distinguished Service Cross by seized the Brenner Pass and Cyanamid Corporation from Unit Citation with Palm General Patton on 30 Decem- met the 88th Infantry Division 1956 to 1963 as Vice President Airborne Glider Badge ber 1944, followed later by the of the U.S. Fifth Army at Vip- for Personnel. Service Medals Distinguished Service Medal. iteno, Italy, thereby joining the He began a program to teach Immediately after Bastogne, Italian and Western European employees to maintain contact McAuliffe was promoted to fronts. with local politicians. The com- Belgian Croix de guerre pany subsequently required all with Palm Major General and given com- World War I Victory Medal mand of the 103rd Infantry Post-war branch managers to at least in- Division on 15 January 1945, Following the war, McAuliffe troduce themselves to local pol- his first divisional command held many positions, includ- iticians. assignment, which he retained ing Chief Chemical Officer of McAuliffe also served as Basic Parachutist Badge Netherlands Bronze Lion until July 1945. the Army Chemical Corps, and chairman of the New York State with three combat jumps American Defense Medal Under McAuliffe, the 103rd G-1, Head of Army Personnel. Civil Defence Commission Service Medal reached the Rhine Valley, 23 He returned to Europe as from 1960 to 1963. March, and engaged in mop- Commander of the Seventh After his retirement from ping up operations in the plain Army in 1953, and Command- American Cyanamid in 1963, 42 43 Forged in was to consist of two 20 mm can- appearance remarkably close to tered by the Americans. Its tre- nons, two 7.7 mm machine guns the Zero. mendous range of over 2,600 battle and two 30 kg or 60 kg bombs. Gloster had a relationship with kilometres allowed it to range A complete radio set was to the Japanese between the wars, farther from its carrier than ex- be mounted in all aircraft, along with Nakajima building the car- pected, appearing over distant with a radio direction finder for rier-based plane, the Gloster battlefronts and giving Allied Zero long-range navigation. Gambet, under license. However commanders the impression that No armour protection was allegations about the Zero there were several times as many Mitsubishi A6M provided for the pilot, engine being a copy have been Zeros as actually existed. or other critical points of the discredited by some au- The Zero quickly gained a The Zero was considered the most capable carrier-based fighter in the world when it was intro- aircraft, and self-sealing fuel thors. fearsome reputation. Thanks to duced early in World War II and it proved a weapon that was forged in battle. tanks, which were becoming a combination of unsurpassed common at the time, were Operational history manoeuvrability - even when he Zero was considered “A6M”, the “A” signified a car- 32 variant was initially called not used. The first Zeros went compared to other contempo- the most capable carri- rier-based fighter, “6” meant that “Hap”. into operation with the rary Axis fighters - and excellent er-based fighter in the it was the sixth such model built General “Hap” Arnold, com- 12th Rengo Kōkūtai firepower, it easily disposed the T motley collection of Allied air- world when it was introduced for the Imperial Navy, and “M” mander of the USAAF, objected early in World War II, combining indicated Mitsubishi as the man- to that name, however, so it was craft sent against it in the Pa- excellent maneuvera- ufacturer. changed to “Hamp”. cific in 1941. bility and very long Captured examples were It proved a difficult oppo- range. nent even for the Superma- The Imperial Japa- rine Spitfire. “The RAF pilots nese Navy Air Service were trained in methods that (IJNAS) also frequent- were excellent against German ly used it as a land-based The and Italian equipment but sui- fighter. official Al- In early combat operations, the lied code name was Zero gained a legendary reputa- “Zeke”, in keeping with the tion as a dogfighter, achieving an practice of giving male names to outstanding kill ratio of 12 to 1, Japanese fighters, female names to bombers, bird names to glid- examined in but by mid-1942 a combination This made the Zero lighter, in July 1940. On 13 Septem- cide against the acrobatic Japs”, ers, and tree names to trainers. New Guinea of new tactics and the introduc- more manoeuvrable, and the ber 1940, the Zeros scored their Lt. Gen. Claire Lee Chennault “Zeke” was part of the first and the Allies tion of better equipment enabled longest-ranged single-engine first air-to-air victories when 13 wrote. batch of “hillbilly” code names realized that it was Allied pilots to engage the Zero fighter of World War II, which A6M2s led by Lieutenant Saburo Although not as fast as the assigned by Captain Frank T. a variant of the Zero, so it on generally equal terms. made it capable of searching Shindo attacked 27 Soviet-built British fighter, the Mitsubishi McCoy of Nashville, Tennessee was finally renamed “Zeke 32”. The A6M is usually known as out an enemy hundreds of kilo- Polikarpov I-15s and I-16s of the fighter could out-turn the Spitfire (assigned to the Allied Technical the “Zero” from its Japanese metres away, bringing them to Chinese Nationalist Air Force, with ease, sustain a climb at a Air Intelligence Unit (ATAIU) at Development Navy type designation, Type 0 battle, then returning to its base shooting down all the fighters very steep angle, and stay in the Eagle Farm Airport in Austral- The Mitsubishi A5M fighter carrier fighter (Rei shiki Kanjō or aircraft carrier. without loss to themselves. air for three times as long. ia), who wanted quick, distinc- was just entering service in early sentōki), taken from the last digit However, that trade-off in By the time they were rede- Many highly experienced Jap- tive, easy-to-remember names. 1937, when the Imperial Japa- of the Imperial year 2600 (1940) weight and construction also ployed a year later, the Zeros had anese aviators were lost in com- The Allied code for Japanese nese Navy (IJN) started looking when it entered service. made it prone to catching fire shot down 99 Chinese aircraft bat, resulting in a progressive aircraft was introduced in 1942, for its eventual replacement. On In Japan, it was unofficially and exploding when struck by (although some sources claim it decline in quality, which became and McCoy chose “Zeke” for October 5, 1937, they issued referred to as both Rei-sen and enemy rounds. was as high as 266). a significant factor in Allied suc- the “Zero”. Later, two variants “Planning Requirements for the Zero-sen. Japanese pilots most The Zero resembled the 1937 At the time of the attack on cesses. Unexpected heavy loss- of the fighter received their own Prototype 12-shi Carrier-based commonly called it Zero-sen, British Gloster F.5/34. Perfor- Pearl Harbour, 521 Zeros were es of pilots at the Battles of the code names. Fighter”, sending it to Nakajima where sen is the first syllable mance of the Gloster F.5/34 was active in the Pacific, 328 in first- Coral Sea and Midway dealt the The Nakajima A6M2-N float- and Mitsubishi. of sentōki, Japanese for “fighter comparable to that of early mod- line units. The carrier-borne Japanese carrier air force a blow plane version of the Zero was Drop tanks would give the plane”. fighter long range. Armament el Zeros, with its dimensions and Model 21 was the type encoun- from which it never fully recov- In the official designation called “Rufe”, and the A6M3- 44 45 ered. When the powerfully armed Lockheed P-38 Lightning, armed with four “light barrel” AN/M2 .50 cal. Browning machine guns and one 20 mm auto-cannon, and the Grumman F6F Hellcat and Vought F4U Corsair, each with six AN/M2 heavy calibre A6M2 Type 0 Model 21 Browning guns, appeared in the Pacific theatre, the A6M, with its General characteristics low-powered engine and lighter • Crew: one armament, was hard-pressed to • Length: 9.06 m remain competitive. FINAL PREPARATIONS: Mitsubishi A6M2’s on carrier Shuka- • Wingspan: 12.0 m In combat with an F6F or ke’s flight deck, prior to the Pearl Harbour attack, 7 December • Height: 3.05 m 1941. F4U, the only positive thing that SLEEK ZEKE: Nicknamed ‘Zeke’ by the Americans, the Zero • Wing area: 22.44 m² was one of the most capable carrier-based aircraft at the start could be said of the Zero at this perts was that the Zero’s fuse- Zero Aces • Empty weight: 1,680 kg of the war. • Loaded weight: 2,796 kg stage of the war was that, in the lage and wings were constructed Japan had a number of pilots • Aspect ratio: 6.4 hands of a skilful pilot, it could Allied counter tactics Another important manoeu- in one piece, unlike the Ameri- that would become aces during • Powerplant: 1 × Naka- manoeuvre as well as most of its Allied pilots soon developed vre was Lieutenant Commander can method that built them sepa- the war. Most of them flew Ze- jima NK1C Sakae-12 14 opponents. Nonetheless, in com- tactics to cope with the Zero. John S. “Jimmy” Thach’s “Thach rately and joined the two parts ros. cylinder air-cooled radial petent hands, the Zero could still Due to its extreme agility, en- Weave”, in which two fighters together. In total 13 of their aces engine, 700 kW (940 hp) be deadly. gaging a Zero in a traditional, would fly about 60 m apart. If a American test pilots found that achieved 20 or more kills, four By 1943, due to inherent de- turning dogfight was likely to be Zero latched onto the tail of one the Zero’s controls were “very were killed in action. Performance sign weaknesses, such as a lack fatal. of the fighters, the two aircraft light” at 320 km/h, but stiff- Tetsuzo Iwamoto (80 kills) • Never exceed speed: 660 of hydraulic flaps and rudder It was better to swoop down would turn toward each other. ened at faster speeds (above 348 He survived the war only to km/h rendering it extremely unma- from above in a high-speed pass, If the Zero followed his original km/h) to safeguard against wing die from septicemia at the young • Maximum speed: 534 noeuvrable at high speeds, and fire a quick burst, then climb target through the turn, he would failure. age of 38. km/h) at 4,550 m an inability to equip it with a quickly back up to altitude. (A come into a position to be fired The Zero could not keep up Shigeo Fukumoto (72 kills) • Range: 3,104 km more powerful aircraft engine, short burst of fire from heavy on by the target’s wingman. with Allied aircraft in high-speed While he did survive the war, • Service ceiling: 10,000 m the Zero gradually became less machine guns or cannon was This tactic was first used to maneuvers. While stable on the there are no records as to what • Rate of climb: 15.7 m/s effective against newer Allied often enough to bring down the good effect during the Battle of ground despite its light weight, happened to him afterwards. • Wing loading: 107.4 kg/ fighters. fragile Zero.) Midway and later over the Solo- the aircraft was designed purely Shoichi Sugita (70 kills) m² By 1944, with opposing Allied Such “boom-and-zoom” tac- mon Islands. for the attack role, emphasizing He was killed in action on 15 • Power/mass: 294 W/kg fighters approaching its levels tics were used successfully in long range, maneuverability, and April 1945. of manoeuvrability and consist- the China Burma India Theatre Allied analysis of the Zero firepower at the expense of pro- Hiromichi Shinohara (58 kills) Performance ently exceeding its firepower, (CBI) by the “Flying Tigers” of American experts who evalu- tection of its pilot. Most lacked On his first day in combat he Guns: armour, and speed, the A6M the American Volunteer Group ated a captured Zero found that self-sealing tanks and armor recorded 10 kills. He would also • 2× 7.7 mm Type 97 air- had largely become outdated as (AVG) against similarly ma- the plane weighed about 2,360 plating. go on to claim a Japanese record craft machine guns in the a fighter aircraft. However, due noeuvrable Japanese Army air- kg fully loaded, some 1,260 kg Captain Eric Brown, the Chief by shooting down 11 enemy engine cowling, with 500 to design delays and production craft such as the Nakajima Ki-27 lighter than the F4F Wildcat, Naval Test Pilot of the Royal aircraft in a single day. He was rounds per gun. difficulties, which hampered the Nate and Nakajima Ki-43 Oscar. the standard United States Navy Navy, recalled being impressed killed in action on 27 August • 2× 20 mm Type 99-1 can- introduction of newer Japanese AVG pilots were trained by fighter of the time. by the Zero during tests of cap- 1939 during the undeclared So- non in the wings, with 60 aircraft models, the Zero contin- their commander Claire Chen- The A6M’s airframe was “built tured aircraft. “I don’t think I viet–Japanese border conflicts in rounds per gun. ued to serve in a front line role nault to exploit the advantages like a fine watch”; the Zero was have ever flown a fighter that 1939. Bombs: until the end of the war in the of their P-40s, which were very constructed with flush rivets, and could match the rate of turn of Takeo Okumura (54 kills) • 2× 60 kg bombs or Pacific. During the final phases, sturdy, heavily armed, generally even the guns were flush with the the Zero. The Zero had ruled the He was killed in action on 22 • 1× fixed 250 kg bomb for it was also adapted for use in ka- faster in a dive and level flight at wings. The instrument panel was roost totally and was the finest September 1943. kamikaze attacks mikaze operations. low altitude, with a good rate of a “marvel of simplicity”. fighter in the world until mid- roll. What most impressed the ex- 1943.” 46 47 At 07h48 on 7 December 1941, the US Pacific Fleet at Fleet and prevent it from inter- Pearl Harbour in Hawaii came under attack from Japa- fering with Japanese conquest nese carrier-based aircraft. The attack resulted in Ameri- of the Dutch East Indies and battlefield ca entering World War II. Malaya and to enable Japan to conquer Southeast Asia without interference. merican President Franklin D. Roo- that the Japanese captured Nan- Secondly, it was hoped that sevelt proclaimed 7 December 1941, “a king. During this period, sol- the attack would buy time for date which will live in infamy”. With- diers of the Imperial Japanese Japan to consolidate its position A and increase its naval strength. out a declaration of war and without any warn- Army murdered Chinese civil- ing, Japan had launched a devastating attack ians and disarmed combatants Thirdly, it was hoped that the against the US Pacific Fleet in Hawaii. who numbered an estimated attack would undermine Amer- P The attack on Pearl Harbour was later judged 40,000 to over 300,000, and ican morale such that the U.S. in the Tokyo Trials to be a war crime. perpetrated widespread rape government would drop its de- Yet what led Japan to take this action? Why and looting. mands contrary to Japanese in- e were the Americans taken by surprise? How On 26 January 1938, dur- terests, and would seek a com- successful was the attack? ing the period of the Nanking HAVOC: Photograph of Battleship Row taken from a Japanese promise peace with Japan. Massacre, John M. Allison, at plane at the beginning of the attack. The explosion in the cen- Many believe that the prime ter is a torpedo strike on USS West Virginia. a Prelude to War the time consul at the Ameri- Japanese objective was to sink War between Japan and the United States had can embassy in Nanking, was and aviation gasoline to Japan, Planning begins the American aircraft carriers. been on the cards since the 1920s. The rela- struck in the face by a Japanese which the latter perceived as Yet the Japanese knew full r Full-scale planning was un- well that the three carriers - the tionship between the two countries was cordial soldier. an unfriendly act. The United derway by early spring 1941, enough that they remained trading partners. This incident is commonly States did not stop oil exports, USS Enterprise, USS Lexing- primarily by Rear Admiral ton, and USS Saratoga - would l Tensions did not seriously grow until Japan’s known as the Allison incident. however, partly because of the Ryūnosuke Kusaka, with as- invasion of Manchuria in 1931. Over the next Japanese Consul-General Kat- prevailing sentiment in Wash- not be in Pearl Harbour when sistance from Captain Minoru the attack was launched. decade, Japan expanded into China, leading to suo Okazaki apologized for- ington: given Japanese depend- Genda and Admiral Isoroku the Second Sino-Japanese War in 1937. mally on 30 January (after the ence on American oil, such an The American battleships Yamamoto’s Deputy Chief of were chosen as the main targets, Starting in December 1937, events such as Americans demanded they do action was likely to be consid- Staff, Captain Kameto Kuro- the Japanese attack on USS Panay, the Alli- so). ered an extreme provocation. since these were the prestige shima. The planners studied the ships of any navy at the time. H son incident, and the Nanking Massacre swung This incident, together with In mid-1940, President 1940 British air attack on the Western public opinion sharply against Japan. the looting of American proper- Franklin D. Roosevelt moved Striking Pearl Harbour did, Italian fleet at Taranto inten- however, have a disadvantage. The USS Panay incident was a Japanese at- ty in Nanking that took place at the Pacific Fleet from San Die- sively. a tack on the American gunboat Panay while it the same time, further strained go to Hawaii. He also ordered a The targeted ships would be in Over the next several months, very shallow water, so it would was anchored in the Yangtze River outside relations between Japan and military build-up in the Philip- pilots were trained, equipment Nanking, China on 12 December 1937. Three the United States, which had pines, taking both actions in the be relatively easy to salvage and r was adapted, and intelligence possibly repair them; and most Americans were killed and 43 wounded. already been damaged by the hope of discouraging Japanese was collected. Despite these Japan and the United States were not at war Panay incident less than two aggression in the Far East. of the crews would survive the preparations, Emperor Hirohi- attack, since many would be on b at the time. The Japanese claimed that they did months earlier. Because the Japanese high to did not approve the attack not see the American flags painted on the deck Fearing Japanese expansion, command was (mistakenly) shore leave or would be rescued plan until 5 November, after from the harbour. of the gunboat, apologized, and paid an indem- the United States, United King- certain any attack on the Unit- the third of four Imperial Con- o nity. dom, and France assisted Chi- ed Kingdom’s Southeast Asian Admiral Yamamoto decided ferences called to consider the to launch the attack anyway. The Nanking Massacre, also known as the na with its loans for war supply colonies, including Singapore, matter. Final authorisation was u Rape of Nanking, was an episode of mass contracts. would bring the U.S. into the not given by the emperor until The attack murder and mass rape committed by Japanese In 1940, Japan invaded war, a devastating preventive 1 December. troops against the residents of Nanking, then French Indochina, attempting strike appeared to be the only On November 26, 1941, a r the capital of the Republic of China, during the to stop the flow of supplies way to prevent American na- Objectives Japanese task force (the Strik- Second Sino-Japanese War. reaching China. The United val interference. From that mo- ing Force) of six aircraft car- The planned Japanese attack riers - Akagi, Kaga, Sōryū, The massacre occurred over a period of six States halted shipments of air- ment, war was inevitable. It was had several major aims. The weeks starting on 13 December 1937, the day planes, parts, machine tools, just a matter of time. Hiryū, Shōkaku, and Zuikaku first was to cripple the Pacific - departed Hittokapu Bay on 48 49 Kasatka (now Iterup) Island in two attack waves and 48 would Harbour on 6 December on her ing the attack. All five of these A total of 353 Japanese planes the Kurile Islands, en route to a remain on defensive combat air way back from Wake Island, but submarines were destroyed in two waves reached Oahu. position north-west of Hawaii. patrol (CAP). was delayed by bad weather. and one Japanese sailor, Kazuo Slow, vulnerable torpedo Isoroku Yamamoto The task force was under strict The first wave was to be the If there were no carriers in Sakamaki, was captured. bombers led the first wave, ex- radio silence. primary attack, while the sec- port, as Japanese intelligence As the first wave approached ploiting the first moments of On 2 December 1941 Vice ond wave was to attack carriers suspected, they would then go Oahu, it was detected by the surprise to attack the most im- Admiral Chūichi Nagumo re- as its first objective and cruisers after other high value ships U.S. Army SCR-270 radar at portant ships present (the bat- ceived a message from Admi- as its second, with battleships such as cruisers and destroyers. Opana Point near the island’s tleships), while dive bombers ral Yamamoto, ordering him to as the third target. First wave dive bombers were northern tip. attacked U.S. air bases across open a top secret envelope that The first wave carried most to attack ground targets. Fight- This post had been in training Oahu, starting with Hickam had been given to him prior to of the weapons to attack capital ers were ordered to strafe and mode for months, but was not Field, the largest, and Wheeler departure. ships, mainly specially adapted destroy as many parked aircraft yet operational. The operators, Field, the main U.S. Army Air The coded message contained Type 91 aerial torpedoes which as possible to ensure they did Privates George Elliot Jr. and Forces fighter base. just three words, “Niitaka yama were designed with an anti-roll not get into the air to intercept Joseph Lockard, reported a tar- The 171 planes in the second nobore” (Climb Mount Niitaka). mechanism and a rudder ex- the bombers, especially in the get, but Lieutenant Kermit A. wave attacked the Army Air The message told Nagumo tension that let them operate in first wave. Tyler, a newly assigned officer Forces’ Bellows Field near Ka- that the Japanese Empire had shallow water. When the fighters’ fuel got at the thinly manned Intercept neohe on the windward side of decided to go to war with the The aircrews were ordered to low they were to refuel at the Centre, presumed it was the the island, and Ford Island. The United States, Britain and Hol- select the highest value targets, aircraft carriers and return to scheduled arrival of six B-17 only aerial opposition came land. with the battleships being top of combat. Fighters were to serve bombers from California. from a handful of P-36 Hawks, Japanese Marshal Admi- Once in position, the task the list. Then they would go after CAP duties where needed, es- The Japanese planes were P-40 Warhawks, and some SBD ral of the Navy and the com- force intended to launch its 408 any aircraft carriers that might pecially over U.S. airfields. approaching from a direction Dauntless dive bombers from mander-in-chief of the Com- aircraft to attack Pearl Harbour. be in port. The USS Enterprise The Japanese also made use very close (only a few degrees the carrier Enterprise. bined Fleet during World War 360 aircraft would be used in was scheduled to be in Pearl of five midget submarines dur- difference) to the bombers, and In the first wave attack, II until his death. while the operators had never about eight of the forty-nine seen a formation as large on ra- 800 kg armour-piercing bombs Born: 4 April 1884 dar, they neglected to tell Tyler dropped hit their intended bat- Died: 18 April 1943 of its size. Tyler, for security tleship targets. At least two of reasons, could not tell the oper- those bombs broke up on im- Yamamoto decided to make ators of the six B-17s that were pact, another detonated before an inspection tour through- due (even though it was widely penetrating an unarmoured out the South Pacific to boost known). deck, and one was a dud. Thir- morale following the defeat As the first wave planes ap- teen of the forty torpedoes hit at Guadalcanal. proached Oahu, they encoun- battleships, and four torpedoes US naval intelligence inter- tered and shot down several hit other ships. cepted and decrypted a mes- U.S. aircraft. At least one of Men aboard U.S. ships awoke sage containing specifics of these radioed a somewhat in- to the sounds of alarms, bombs Yamamoto’s tour, including coherent warning. Other warn- exploding, and gunfire, prompt- arrival and departure times ings from ships off the harbour ing bleary-eyed men to dress as and locations, as well as the entrance were still being pro- they ran to General Quarters number and types of aircraft cessed or awaiting confirma- stations. (The famous message, that would transport and ac- tion when the attacking planes “Air raid Pearl Harbour. This company him on the journey. began bombing and strafing. is not drill.”, was sent from the Sixteen P-38 Lightnings in- Nevertheless, it is not clear any headquarters of Patrol Wing tercepted the flight over Bou- warnings would have had much Two, the first senior Hawaiian gainville and a dogfight en- effect even if they had been in- command to respond.) sued between them and the six terpreted correctly and much The defenders were very un- escorting Mitsubishi A6M Ze- more promptly. prepared. Ammunition lockers roes. Yamamoto’s plane was The air portion of the attack were locked, aircraft parked shot down and he was killed. began at 07h48 Hawaiian Time. wingtip to wingtip in the open 50 51 to prevent sabotage, guns un- 429 dead. burned; returned to service Medals of Honour, 51 Navy war against Germany and Italy it turned out to be largely un- manned (none of the Navy’s • West Virginia: hit by two November 1943. Crosses, 53 Silver Stars, four later that same day. necessary. Unbeknownst to 5”/38s, only a quarter of its ma- bombs, seven torpedoes, • Helm: underway to West Navy and Marine Corps Med- The UK actually declared war Yamamoto, who conceived the chine guns, and only four of 31 sunk; returned to service Loch, damaged by two near- als, one Distinguished Fly- on Japan nine hours before the original plan, the U.S. Navy Army batteries got in action). July 1944. 106 dead. miss bombs; continued pa- ing Cross, four Distinguished U.S. did, partially due to Japa- had decided as far back as 1935 Despite this low alert status, • California: hit by two trol; dry-docked 15 January Service Crosses, one Distin- nese attacks on Malaya, Singa- to abandon ‘charging’ across many American military per- bombs, two torpedoes, sunk; 1942 and sailed 20 January guished Service Medal, and pore and Hong Kong, and par- the Pacific towards the Philip- sonnel responded effectively returned to service January 1942. three Bronze Star Medals were tially due to Winston Churchill’s pines in response to an outbreak during the attack. 1944. 100 dead. • Shaw: hit by three bombs; awarded to the American ser- promise to declare war “within of war. • Nevada: hit by six bombs, returned to service June vicemen who distinguished the hour” of a Japanese attack The U.S. instead adopted US Casualties and damage one torpedo, beached; re- 1942. themselves in combat at Pearl on the United States. “Plan Dog” in 1940, which em- Ninety minutes after it be- turned to service October Auxiliaries Harbour. Additionally, a special The biggest mistake the Jap- phasized keeping the IJN out gan, the attack was over. Two 1942. 60 dead. • Oglala (minelayer): Dam- military award, the Pearl Har- anese made at Pearl Harbour of the eastern Pacific and away thousand and eight sailors were • Pennsylvania (ADM Kim- aged by torpedo hit on Hele- bour Commemorative Medal, was that they didn’t attack the from the shipping lanes to Aus- killed, and 710 others wounded; mel’s flagship of the Unit- na, capsized; returned to ser- was later authorized for all mil- important base installations. tralia, while the U.S. concen- 218 soldiers and airmen (who ed States Pacific Fleet): in vice (as engine-repair ship) itary veterans of the attack. The power station, dry docks, trated on defeating Nazi Ger- were part of the Army until the drydock with Cassin and February 1944. The day after the attack, Roo- shipyard maintenance, fuel and many. independent U.S. Air Force was Downes, hit by one bomb • Vestal (repair ship): hit by sevelt delivered his famous In- torpedo storage facilities, sub- Admiral Hara Tadaichi formed in 1947) were killed and debris from USS Cas- two bombs, blast and fire famy Speech to a Joint Session marine pens and headquarters summed up the Japanese result and 364 wounded; 109 marines sin; remained in service. from Arizona, beached; re- of Congress, calling for a formal building, which also housed the by saying, “We won a great tac- were killed and 69 wounded; Nine dead. turned to service by August declaration of war on the Em- intelligence section, were not tical victory at Pearl Harbor and and 68 civilians were killed and • Tennessee: hit by two 1942. pire of Japan. Congress obliged attacked. thereby lost the war.” 35 wounded. bombs; returned to service • Curtiss (seaplane tender): hit his request less than an hour lat- Had they been attacked and Perhaps it is best summed In total, 2,335 American ser- February 1942. Five dead. by one bomb, one crashed er. On December 11, Germany damaged or destroyed, the up by Admiral Yamamoto who vicemen were killed and 1,143 • Maryland: hit by two bombs; Japanese aircraft; returned and Italy declared war on the Americans would have been said, directly after the attack, “I were wounded. Eighteen ships returned to service February to service January 1942. 19 United States, even though the denied Pearl Harbour as a base. fear all I have done is awakened were sunk or run aground, in- 1942. Four dead (including dead. Tripartite Pact did not require it. While the attack accom- a sleeping giant and filled him cluding five battleships. One floatplane pilot shot down). • Sotoyomo (harbor tug): Congress issued a declaration of plished its intended objective, with terrible resolve.” hundred eighty-eight U.S. air- Ex-battleship (training ship) damaged by explosion and craft were destroyed • Utah: hit by two torpedoes, fires in Shaw; sunk; returned All of the Americans killed or capsized; total loss. 64 dead. to service August 1942. Click on the photograph below to take a virtual tour of Warrior’s Gate wounded during the attack were Cruisers • YFD-2 (yard floating dock): and find out more about the MOTH Order. non-combatants, given the fact • Helena: hit by one torpedo; damaged by 250 kg bombs; there was no state of war when returned to service January sunk; returned to service 25 the attack occurred. 1942. 20 dead. January 1942 • Raleigh: hit by one torpedo; US ships lost or damaged returned to service February Japanese casualties Twenty-one ships were dam- 1942. Fifty-five Japanese airmen aged or lost in the attack, of • Honolulu: Near miss, light and nine submariners were which all but three were re- damage; remained in ser- killed in the attack, and one was paired and returned to service. vice. captured. Battleships Destroyers Of Japan’s 414 available • Arizona (RADM Kidd’s • Cassin: in drydock with planes, 29 were lost during the flagship of Battleship Di- Downes and Pennsylvania, battle (nine in the first attack vision One): hit by four ar- hit by one bomb, burned; wave, 20 in the second), with mour-piercing bombs, ex- returned to service February another 74 damaged by antiair- ploded; total loss. 1,177 1944. craft fire from the ground. dead. • Downes: in drydock with • Oklahoma: hit by five tor- Cassin and Pennsylvania, Aftermath pedoes, capsized; total loss. caught fire from Cassin, In the wake of the attack, 15 52 53 Gaming This month Matt O’ Brien gets to grips Operations with a game that feels just a little bit too hooper and close to home. modular

ver the years I’ve and then released on Steam in out of the water was the map. played a lot of war sim- 2014. You will need to buy this It is a precisely recreated area Oulation games. Some game from Steam and install confluence of Cuzizi and Lom- have been good, others not so it on your computer. It will set ba rivers and is 144 square good. you back in the region of R200. kilometres. One again it has I’ve played games that fo- Make no mistake, Operation been created using topographi- cused on World War II as well Star is not a bad game to play. It cal maps, satellite imagery and as more modern wars. What focuses on the Battle of Khark- photographs. I’ve never really found, howev- ov in 1942/43. All of the weapons, equip- er, was a game that dealt with The game features eight oper- ment, vehicles and aircraft that our war - the Border War. Now, ations for the Red Army and the took part in the battle are there. at long last, I’ve found such a Wehrmacht and there are more It is a historical organisational game. than 60 detailed units. These in- structure of units at the time of These two games focus on clude the Panzer IV, Tiger tank, the operations Saludando a Oc- tics are spot on and bullets and can’t see them. You will see and destroy them. They must Operations Hooper and Modu- MkII Matilda and the KV-1. tubre (FAPLA) and Moduler projectiles follow accurate tra- incoming tracer rounds but not have had an artillery spotter lar in 1987/88. The games have It features a realistic battle- (SADF). jectories. have the enemy in direct sight. somewhere, because I came un- been developed by Graviteam, field over 260 sq. km and was Another thing that really im- There is a comprehensive The game also comes with a der very heavy and accurate fire an independent studio based in reconstructed by the use of pressed me was the AI (Artifi- vehicle damage system - en- full encyclopedia with 3D mod- from G5’s and Valkiri MRL. Kharkov, Ukraine. topographic maps and photo- cial Intelligence). In most simu- gine, suspension, weapons, and el viewer and detailed data on Then, before I knew it, I was Besides developing tactical graphs. lation games the AI is based on aiming mechanisms can all be all units, describing their his- being hit in the flank by Ratel wargames with a strong sense Once you have purchased and a script and can become very damaged separately, affecting torical and in-game character- 90s. My force was quickly cut of realism, they also design installed Operation Star, you’re predictable. If this happens, do the combat capabilities of the istics. to pieces and what was left took tank simulators and simulation good to go and can then get Op- that or do this. vehicle. The game is detailed and not to their heels. software for the Russian mili- eration Hooper and Operation In this game, however, the In many games when troops something that you can just These are two great games tary. So they gave a good idea Modular. Each of these cost just AI chooses the best strategy are killed or vehicles destroyed, pick up and, with a few clicks and you will not need a super of what they are doing. over R90. based on behaviour rather than the disappear from the map af- of the mouse, achieve victo- computer to run them. They are Now before you dig your Operation Hooper features a script. Scenarios can be re- ter a short while. In this game, ry. There is a decent learning both games that I really recom- browns out of the cupboard and three operations that took place played using different tactics, all traces of previous battles re- curve. If you use stupid tactics mend. rush off to buy the game, there in February 1988. There is one as though playing against a hu- main on the battlefield. Bodies then you’re going to get slaugh- is a slight catch. each for the SADF, Unita, and man opponent. will lie where they have fallen tered. Both Operation Hooper and FAPLA. This DLC was first re- The AI is based on real sol- and vehicles will burn out. During one of my first at- Operation Modular are DLC leased in 2013. dier behaviour. Every soldier There is a dynamic day/night tempts at the game I took the (Downloadable content). So Operation Modular is set in has several basic parameters, cycle as well as weather effects. side of FAPLA. I was going up you need to have the original October 1987. There are two such as experience level, fa- All of which affect combat against a much smaller group of game installed on your com- operations, with one being for tigue, and morale, which affect through terrain, battlefield visi- SADF opposition. puter before you can play either FAPLA and the Cubans and the their behaviour and effective- bility, hidden force capabilities, I had a decent force accompa- Publisher - Graviteam Hooper or Modular. other being for the SADF and ness. and more. nied by some T55/62 tanks and Genre - Simulation The original game is called Unita forces. The DLC was re- The weapons are accurately Line of sight plays an impor- plenty of armoured personnel Score - 8.5/10 Graviteam Tactics Operation leased in 2018. recreated and they sound like tant role in the game. Often you carriers. I send them rushing Star. It was released in 2010 The first thing that blew me they do in real life. The ballis- can hear the enemy, but you forward to seek out the enemy Price - Check on Steam 54 55 Movie Merry Christmas Book Review Review Mr Lawrence Released: 1983 Dead Men Running Running time: 123 minutes Directed by: Nagisa Oshima magine the most tenacious the Koevoet operators earned eleased in 1983, Merry ing Young Officers” of Japan’s The film ends in 1946 when and skilled soldiers in the them the reputation of the best Christmas Mr Lawrence 26 February Incident, a 1936 Lawrence visits Sergeant Hara, Ibusiness fighting in the counter-insurgency and track- is a British-Japanese military coup d’état. When the who has now been imprisoned most brutal of bush wars, Gavin ing unit that Africa and the R Manning was there, from 1982 world had ever see. wartime drama film directed coup failed, the young army by the Allied forces. Hara has by Nagisa Oshima, produced officers were executed. Yonoi learned to speak English while - 88, on the border of northern Dead Men Running is a vi- by Jeremy Thomas and star- regrets not being able to share in captivity and reveals that Namibia and southern Angola - tal book about the Angolan ring David Bowie, Tom Conti, their patriotic sacrifice. he is going to be executed the right in the thick of it. bush war that finally tells the Ryuichi Sakamoto, Takeshi Ki- Jack Celliers had betrayed his next day for war crimes, stat- The ultra-covert South Afri- truth. But it is also Manning’s tano and Jack Thompson. younger brother while the two ing that he is not afraid to die, can special forces unit known own story - how he realized his The screenplay by Oshima of them were attending board- but doesn’t understand how his as Koevoet (or Special OPS-K) dream of becoming part of Ko- with Paul Mayersberg was ing school in South Africa. actions were any different from has been shrouded in mystery evoet, the brotherhood he in- based on Sir Laurens van der Although Celliers confesses those of any other soldier. for three decades. This book herited, and the friends he made Post’s experiences as a Japa- this only to Lawrence, Captain When the two bid each oth- will blow the lid off the box who lost their lives. nese prisoner of war during Yonoi senses in Celliers a kin- er farewell for the last time; and set all the misconceptions Manning is a skillful writer World War II as depicted in his dred spirit. Lawrence says, with his voice straight. who will sweep you up into the works The Seed and the Sower He wants to replace British breaking, ‘there are times when Manning gives a gripping ac- action with the precision of ac- (1963) and The Night of the RAAF Group Captain Hicksley victory is very hard to take’, and count of tracking the Soviet- curate gunfire. New Moon (1970). (the ranking Allied officer and just before Lawrence leaves, backed terrorists, often right on The film deals with the rela- prisoner representative) with Hara calls out again, “Merry their heels, using elite skills and Cost: R400 tionships among four men in a Celliers as the spokesman for Christmas! Merry Christmas, technology. The finely honed Japanese prisoner of war camp the prisoners. Mr. Lawrence!” instincts and supreme ability of during the Second World War - When a transmission radio Major Jack Celliers (Bowie), a is discovered in the possession rebellious British officer with of the POWs by the Japanese, a guilty secret from his youth; Yonoi has Celliers and Law- Captain Yonoi (Sakamoto), rence forced to take the blame. the young camp commandant; Thrown into nearby holding Lieutenant Colonel John Law- cells, the two men reminiscence rence (Conti), another British about their pasts before their officer who has lived in Japan planned execution. and speaks Japanese fluently; During Christmas Eve, a and Sergeant Hara (Kitano), drunken Sergeant Hara orders who is seemingly brutal and yet both Celliers and Lawrence to humane in some ways and with be brought to him. Hara then whom Lawrence develops an tells them that he is playing unlikely friendship. “Father Christmas” and orders Just as Celliers is tormented for their release due to another with guilt, Yonoi is haunted prisoner confessing to having with shame. Having been post- been responsible for the radio. 1 Recce: The Night belongs to us As The Crow Flies Rooiplaas: 1 Valskermbataljon ed to Manchuria previously, he As the men leave, he then calls R285 R280 R240 was unable to be in Tokyo with out for the first time in English, Click on the box cover to his Army comrades, the “Shin- “Merry Christmas, Lawrence!” watch a trailer of the film. All books are available from Bush War Books 56 57 This month in military history ... December This month in military history ... December Some of the significant military events that happened in December. the efficiency of the coun- calls upon all States “to • 1839 - George Armstrong try’s Defence Department, cease forthwith the sale Custer, who made his last 1 December ty-four injured in a bomb at Goede Hoop, between the Defence Production and shipment of equipment stand at the Battle of Little • 1914 - Col. J.F. Jordaan of explosion in a market in Al- Smithfield and Bethulie in Board and the Defence Or- and materials for the man- Big Horn, was born on this the SA force captures Gen. giers. the OFS. De Wet takes off on ganisation. Consequently ufacture and maintenance day. Christiaan de Wet, on his • 2012 - The world’s first the arrival of reinforcements Lieutenant-General C.A. of arms and ammunition in • 1861 - Richard Gatling ap- way to German South West nuclear carrier, USS ‘En- sent by General Knox. Fraser, at present Chief of South Africa”. plies for a patent on a clever Africa at Waterbury, near terprise’ (CVN 65), is in- • 1914 - Adolf Hitler is award- the Army, becomes Joint • 1971 - The Defence Minis- device - the machine gun. Vryburg, Northern Cape activated after 51 years of ed the Iron Cross, Second Commander, Combat Forc- ter denies that South Africa • 1911 - Italian forces at Trip- (now North West Province). commissioned service. Class. “The happiest day of es, in which capacity he has sent troops to Malawi oli defeat Turks. • 1933 - Rudolf Hess & Ernst my life,” he says. will take command in times to quell the security threat • 1934 - Italian and Ethiopi- Rohm become ministers in 2 December • 1914 - Austrians capture of war or emergency of the on Malawi’s southern bor- an troops clash at the Ualu- Hitler’s government. • 1805 - Napoleon defeated Belgrade, Serbia, after sev- fighting formations of Army der, but admits that military al (Welwel) on the disputed • 1939 - SS-Fuhrer Himmler Russia and Austria in the eral tries. and Air Force elements. equipment is being supplied. Somali-Ethiopian border. begins deportation of Pol- Battle of Austerlitz. • 1935 - Abyssinian gov- • 1982 - SA Minister of For- • 1983 - US airstrikes on Syr- • 1941 - Japanese First Air ish Jews to concentration • 1836 - Commandant An- ernment orders troops out eign Affairs Pik Botha warns ian anti-aircraft positions in Fleet at 40 North 178 East, camps. dries Hendrik Potgieter is of Harar on humanitarian that SA will not tolerate Lebanon. 2,655 kilometres from Pearl • 1992 - Cabinet decides to re- elected chief commandant grounds. the introduction of Cuban • 1986 - Defence Amendment Harbour. place the SAAF trainer Har- of the Voortrekkers. • 1941 - HMS ‘Prince of troops and will not hesitate Act, dealing mainly with • 1941 - US military com- vards by the Swiss-made Pi- • 1856 - The Battle of Tuge- Wales’ & ‘Repulse’ (“Force to launch counter-measures various ways of combating manders in the Pacific are latus PC-7 MK2. The joint la (also Battle of Ndonda- Z”) arrive at Singapore. against Mozambique, if it terrorism, commences. informed that Japanese em- venture will include twelve kusuka) takes place in the • 1942 - The Allies repels a allows nationalist guerrillas • 1992 - President George bassies & consulates have SA companies. war between Cetewayo, strong Axis attack in Tuni- to operate against SA from Bush orders about 28,000 been ordered to destroy their • 1995 - Prosecutors in South eldest son of the Zulu chief sia, North Africa. its territory. US troops to Somalia to codes & code machines. Africa formally charge for- Mpande, and his father’s • 1987 - Angola claims South block warring Somali gangs • 1941 - Moscow Coun- mer Defence Minister Gen. younger brother, Umbola- 3 December African troops and planes from intercepting food ship- ter-offensive: Under pres- Magnus Malan and nine- zi (also Mbulazi). In one of • 1810 - Britain seizes the is- have launched attacks deep ments. sure from Zhukov’s Soviet teen others with the murders the bloodiest battles fought lands of Reunion and Mau- inside Angola. troops, the Germans call off of thirteen people in 1987. on the southern tip of Afri- ritius from French control. • 1993 - Angola’s government 5 December their drive on Moscow. They were all later acquit- ca, more than 5,000 warri- • 1902 - Mitsuo Fuchi- and its rebel foes agree to • 1812 - Napoleon deserts his • 1943 - Japanese air raid on ted. ors are killed and thousands da, the Japanese pilot who a cease-fire in their eight- army during the retreat from port facilities at Calcutta. • 1998 - At least fourteen drown in the Tugela River. would one day transmit the een-year war. The final Moscow. • 1943 - USAAF intro- people are killed and twen- • 1877 - The Battle of code “Tora, Tora, Tora” (in- cease-fire agreement was duces drop-tanks, allow- Umzimtsani takes place dur- dicating that the attack on only signed in April 2002. ing the Ninth Border War. Pearl Harbour had been suc- Seventy men of the Prince cessful) was born on this 4 December Alfred’s Guard unit are at- day. • 1941 - US Navy Department PW Botha tacked by the Galekas, but • 1915 - British 6th Indi- orders Guam to destroy all ward the attack off. an Division falls back on codes and secret documents. • 1900 - The Battle of Goede Kut-el-Amara, Iraq. • 1943 - During World War Hoop takes place during the • 1942 - Guadalcanal: Japa- II, the second Cairo Con- Second Anglo-Boer War. nese destroyers land rein- ference took place, attended Chief Commandant De forcements. by Prime Minister Church- Wet engages Col. Herbert • 1963 - The Minister of De- ill, President Roosevelt and fence, P.W. Botha, announc- President Inonu of Turkey. Heinrich Himmler es a reshuffle of senior de- • 1963 - The Security Coun- fence force posts to increase cil, in resolution 182 (1963), 58 59 This month in military history ... December This month in military history ... December ing P-47s & P-51s to escort submarine torpedo attack: 7 December drowns in the Vaal River. Kruger’s pleas for official convicted of war crimes in bombers from Britain into Greek submarine ‘Def- • 1891 - In German South • 1914 - Battle of the Falk- aid in South Africa against Israel. Germany lin’ misses Turkish cruiser West Africa Captain Kurt land Islands: British battlec- the British. Many Russians • 1967 - The United States • 1950 - Korean War. UN ‘Medjidije’ at 500m. von François moves his ad- ruisers annihilate von Spee’s fought as volunteers on the withdraws the last of three forces abandon Pyongyang • 1914 - The Germans capture ministrative headquarters to German cruiser squadron. Boer side. C-130 transport planes sent under heavy Chinese pres- Lodz. Windhoek, seven months af- • 1940 - During the Blitz, the • 1917 - General Sir Edmund to Congo in July to help the sure. • 1917 - Two ships collided ter erecting a fort there. House of Commons and Allenby enters Jerusalem, Kinshasa government airlift • 1979 - The Prime Minister at Halifax, Nova Scotia, re- • 1895 - At the Battle at Amba Tower of London were se- on foot. troops to suppress a rebel- announces the appointment sulting in an explosion that Alagi, Abissynia, the Ethio- riously damaged amid an • 1931 - Japanese army at- lion of White mercenaries of a Commission of Inquiry killed more than 1,500 per- pians beat Italian armies. overnight air raid by Ger- tacks Chinese province of and Katangese soldiers. into the reporting of defence sons and injured 8,000. The • 1914 - Pope Benedict XIV man bombers on London. Jehol. • 1974 - Portuguese and Rho- matters, to be headed by Jus- Norwegian ship Imo collid- calls on all powers to de- • 1941 - Japanese troops land • 1939 - Russian air raid on desian soldiers are accused tice M.T. Steyn. The Com- ed with the French muni- clare a Christmas truce. in Malaya, attack Hong Helsinki. in a UN report of torturing mission is to inquire into tions ship Mont Blanc which • 1917 - US declares war on Kong, invade Siam and the • 1940 - British 8th Army and killing over 1,000 Afri- and make recommendations was loaded with supplies for Austria-Hungary. Dutch East Indies, bomb the opens offensive in North cans in Mozambique during on the dividing line between the war in Europe, including • 1940 - The British attack Philippines, and capture the Africa by attacking Sidi the war of independence. the rights of the media to 5,000 tons of TNT. A tidal larger Italian forces in Lib- USS Wake in Shanghai. Barrani in Egypt. They seize • 1982 - South African De- inform and the right of the wave caused by the explo- ya by surprise, capturing • 1941 - WWII: The Union 1,000 Italians in a sudden fence Force commandos public to be informed on the sion destroyed much of the 40,000 prisoners in three of SA, Australia and the US thrust. crossed the border into one hand, and the interests city. days. declare war on Japan. • 1940 - The Greeks begin a Lesotho. Their target was of the security of the state • 1935 - Dessye palace, Ethi- • 1941 - The U.S. Naval base • 1943 - Japanese air raids on counter offensive against a cluster of houses on the on the other. opia, is destroyed by an Ital- at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, was British airfields in Assam. the Italians in Albania outskirts of Maseru where • 1992 - Aid agencies are ian air raid. attacked by nearly 200 Jap- • 1944 - Iwo Jima: U.S. bomb- • 1941 - South African ar- members of the African stripped by gunmen in So- • 1941 - Admiral Husband anese aircraft in a raid that ers and carrier aircraft begin moured cars take part in malia on the eve of US troop Kimmel says, “No young lasted just over one hour and a 72 day pre-invasion bom- the pursuit of Field arrival. man, I don’t think they’d be left nearly 3,000 Americans bardment. Marshal Erwin such damned fools,” when dead. • 1952 - French troops fire on Rommel’s Afrika 6 December a journalist asks if the Japa- • 1981 - Spain becomes a demonstrators at Casablan- Korps as it re- • 1865 - The Battle of Platberg nese might initiate war. member of NATO. ca, 50 die. treats towards El is fought during the Orange • 1942 The Royal Air Force • 1987 - The US state depart- Agheila in North Free Sate-Basotho War. bombs Philips factory in the ment says it hopes South 9 December Africa. • 1912 - First underwater Netherlands, 150 die. Africa’s withdrawal from • 1838 - The Voortrekker • 1941 - China de- • 1943 - Burma: Allies Angola will be followed by commando under Andries clares war on Ja- cancel major amphibious the withdrawal of all foreign Pretorius and Sarel Celliers pan, Germany and operation. forces from the country. make a solemn promise to Italy. • 1961 - Heavy God. Should they be victori- • 1946 - The Nuremberg fighting erupts 8 December ous, they undertake that they “Doctors’ trial” begins, in Congo’s Ka- • 1895 - Battle at Amba Alagi: and their descendants will against physicians and tanga Province Ethiopian emperor Mene- annually dedicate the day officers who conduced between United lik II drives Italian general of the conquest to the glory Nazi human experimen- Nations and Katangan Baratieri’s forces out. of God alone. This promise tation, euthanasia, and forces. • 1914 - General Christiaan was repeated nightly until mass murder. Beyers, former Speaker of the Battle of Blood River on • 1961 - SS Colonel the Transvaal Parliament the 16th was fought. Adolf Eichmann is and Commandant-General • 1900 - During the Second Somali gunman of the Union Defence Force, Anglo-Boer War the Russian Adolf Eichmann czar rejects President Paul 60 61 This month in military history ... December This month in military history ... December National Congress (ANC) serious British setbacks War in India began as the 90 percent of U.S. military of the Potomac under Gen- • 1916 - French chief of staff were believed to be in hid- known as Black Week. Sikhs attacked British colo- resources to the war in Eu- eral Burnside suffered a Josef Joffre replaced by ing. • 1941 - During World War II, nial forces. The Sikhs were rope. costly defeat, losing 12,653 Robert Nivelle. • 1992 - American forces land British Battleships Repulse defeated after four battles. • 1960 - Black Sunday: An- men after 14 frontal assaults • 1918 - The first US occupa- in Somalia to begin human- and Prince of Wales were Part of the Punjab region of ti-French Riot in Algiers, on well entrenched Rebels tion troops cross the Rhine itarian operation in fam- sunk by Japanese warplanes northwestern India was then 114 die. on Marye’s Heights. “We to enter Germany. ine-stricken country. in the South China Sea, kill- annexed by the British. • 1994 - Russia sent tanks and might as well have tried to • 1937 - The beginning of ing nearly 800 crewmen. • 1878 - Sir Bartle Frere, new troops into Chechnya to end take hell,” a Union soldier one of the worst atrocities 10 December • 1941 - Guam surrenders to a British High Commission- the rebel territory’s three- remarked. Confederate loss- of World War II as the Chi- • 1665 - The Royal Nether- Japanese landing force after er, delivers an ultimatum year drive for independence. es were 5,309. “It is well nese city of Nanking (Nan- lands Marine Corps, found- a two day battle. to Cetewayo, Zulu chief, to that war is so terrible - we jing) was captured by the ed by Michiel de Ruyter, • 1992 - Troops open fire on disband his army, hand over 12 December should grow too fond of it,” Japanese. Over the next six was founded on this day. a truckload of Somalis who certain offenders and re- • 1899 - The Battle of Magers- stated Confederate Gener- weeks, the Rape of Nanking • 1898 - The Treaty of Paris barrel through a French ceive a British resident. This fontein continues. At about al Robert E. Lee during the occurred in which Japanese was signed between Amer- checkpoint, killing two and led to the war between Brit- midday the British retire to fighting. soldiers randomly attacked, ican and Spanish represent- injuring seven in the first ain and Zululand. their camp at Modder River. • 1880 - The First Anglo-Boer raped and indiscriminately atives following Spain’s bloodshed of the U.S.-led • 1899 - The British under • 1899 - Winston Churchill War (Transvaal War of Inde- killed an estimated 200,000 defeat in the Spanish-Amer- military mission in Somalia. Methuen attempt to ad- climbs over the yard wall of pendence) begins. Chinese persons. ican War. Under the treaty, • 2010 - For the first time since vance and are defeated by the State Model School in • 1899 - On this night a be- the U.S. gained the Philip- World War II, a German in- the Boers under Cronje as Pretoria where he has been draggled Winston Churchill pine Islands, the islands of fantry battalion paraded in a the Battle of Magersfontein, imprisoned and walks to the knocks on the door of the Guam and Puerto Rico, and French city, at Strasbourg, one of the most decisive bat- Eastern railway line where manager of Delagoa Bay an agreement by Spain to to mark the formation of a tles of the war, starts. Apart he jumps a train to Lourenço Collier, pleading for some- withdraw from Cuba. Franco-German combat bri- from the dead and wound- Marques. thing to eat after his escape • 1899 - British General Gat- gade. ed, many hundreds, espe- • 1900 - During the Second from Pretoria the night be- acre is defeated in the Bat- • 2011 - Henry Lafont, last cially the kilted Scots, are Anglo-Boer War Britain fore. The manager, John tle at Stormberg Junction by French veteran pilot of the rendered medical casualties announces in London that Howard, hides him in the Republican forces under Battle of Britain, dies aged through exposure and seri- more than 11,000 British the underground sta- Chief Commandant J.H. Ol- 91. ous sunburn. soldiers have already been bles of the mine, ivier. This is the first of three • 1937 - Italy withdraws killed. and slips him into 11 December from League of Nations. • 1917 - French troop train de- a goods truck des- • 1845 - The first Anglo-Sikh • 1940 - British capture Sidi rails in the Alps, killing 543. tined for Lorenço Barrani, Egypt, from Ital- • 1940 - British troops capture Marques six days Henry Lafont ians. Sidi el-Barrani. later, from where • 1941 - US submarines com- • 1941 - British decide to he sails to Dur- mence war patrols against abandon northern Malaya. ban to enjoy a Japanese shipping • 1941 - Germans begin rousing welcome • 1941 - A major turning point house-by-house search for as hero. in World War II occurred as Jews in Paris. • 1916 - Avalanches Japan’s Axis partners, Italy • 1941 - Japanese invade Bur- kill 10,000 Aus- and Germany, both declared ma. trian & Italian war on the United States. troops in 24 hrs The U.S. Congress immedi- 13 December in the Tyrol. ately declared war on them. • 1862 - During the Ameri- President Roosevelt then can Civil War, the Battle of made the defeat of Hitler the Fredericksburg occurred in top priority, devoting nearly Virginia as the Union Army Irma Grese 62 63 This month in military history ... December This month in military history ... December • 1939 - Battle of the Rio de Dictator Saddam Hussein in • 1970 - Field Marshal Vis- • 1938 - General Jan Kemp, ver Cromwell, leader of the en’s Memorial is unveiled La Plata: three British cruis- a hole in the ground. count Slim, Defender of acting SA minister of de- Parliamentary forces, was in Bloemfontein, to com- ers defeat the German pock- India, Liberator of Burma, fence, announces during declared Lord Protector of memorate 26,251 women et battleship ‘Graf Spee’. 14 December dies at the age of 79. the Voortrekkereeufees fes- England. and children who died dur- • 1941 - British and Canadian • 1799 - George Washington • 1995 - A Bosnian peace tivities that Robertshoogte • 1773 - The Boston Tea Par- ing the Second Anglo-Boer troops abandon the main- died at Mount Vernon. treaty was signed in Paris in Pretoria will in future ty occurred as colonial ac- War, mainly in British con- land portions of Hong Kong. • 1896 - World War II Gener- by leaders from the former be known as Voortrekker- tivists disguised as Mohawk centration camps. • 1945 - The “Beast of Bels- al James Doolittle was born Yugoslavia. The treaty end- hoogte. Indians boarded British • 1914 - German battlecruis- en” Josef Kramer (39), the in Alameda, California. On ed Europe’s worst conflict • 1941 - USS ‘Swordfish’ (SS- ships anchored in Boston ers shell the British resort “Bitch of Belsen” Irma April 18, 1942, he led a since World War II. 193) becomes 1st US sub to Harbor and dumped 342 towns of Scarborough and Grese (22), and six oth- squadron of B-25 bombers sink a Japanese ship. containers of expensive tea Hartlepool. er Belsen war criminals, launched from the aircraft 15 December • 1943 - The Battle of San Pi- into the water. • 1941 - Dan Pienaar gains hanged on this day. carrier Hornet to conduct • 1815 - The Slagtersnek re- etro took place during World • 1838 - In the Battle of Blood distinction in an attack on • 1969 - Britain announces the first American air raid bels are tried in the Uithen- War II as a German panzer River, a Voortrekker com- the Italian outpost of El agreement to withdraw all of the war against mainland hage landdros court. One is battalion devastated Ameri- mando of 470 men, under Wak and is awarded the Dis- its forces from Libya within Japan. He also headed the reprieved by Lord Charles can forces trying to take the leadership of Andries Pre- tinguished Service Order next few months. Eighth Air Force during the Somerset, the other, Corne- 700-year-old Italian village. torius, is attacked at Ncome (DSO). • 1988 - Angola, Cuba, and Normandy invasion and was lis Faber (43), Stefanus Cor- • 1961 - Nazi SS-Colonel Ad- River (later called Blood • 1944 - American big-band South Africa end eight awarded the Medal of Hon- nelis Botma (43), his brother olf Eichmann was sentenced River) by an army of Zulu leader Glenn Miller disap- months of negotiations un- our. Abraham Carel Botma (29), to death in Jerusalem for his King Dingane. About 3,000 peared in a small plane over der US mediation for a set- • 1901 - Reports reach Lon- Hendrik Frederik Prinsloo role in the Holocaust. Eich- Zulus are killed. This day the English Channel and tlement in South West Af- don of the large number of (32) and Theunis de Klerk, mann had organized the de- was first commemorated by was presumably killed. Best rica by signing a protocol deaths in South African con- are sentenced to death. portation of Jews from all the Afrikaner community as remembered for Moonlight in Brazzaville, the Congo, centration camps during the • 1890 - Sioux leader Sitting over occupied Europe to Dingaan’s Day and later as Serenade and In the Mood. thereby ensuring independ- Second Anglo-Boer War. Bull (native name Tatan- Nazi death camps. Day of the Covenant. • 1944 - During World War II ence for the territory. The fi- • 1939 - The Soviet Union ka-yatanka) was killed in a • 1989 - Mercenary coup in • 1880 - The first shots in the in Europe, the Battle of the nal signing took place at UN (Population 181 million) skirmish with U.S. soldiers Comoros gives up pow- First Anglo-Boer War are Bulge began as the Germans headquarters in New York “defends” itself by attacking along the Grand River in er after twenty-one days. fired in Potchefstroom. The launched a big counter-of- on 22 December. Finland (2 million). South Dakota as his warriors The mercenary leader and war ended with the defeat fensive in the Ardennes For- • 1991 - North and South Ko- • 1939 - The League of Na- tried to prevent his arrest. ex-presidential bodyguard, of the British in the battle est along a 75-mile front, rea signed a treaty of recon- tions expelled Soviet Rus- • 1899 - The British under Bob Denard, attempted to of Amajuba, on 27 February taking American troops by ciliation and nonaggression sia for its aggression against General Redvers Buller create a ‘pirate kingdom’ af- 1881. surprise. Aided which also formally ended Finland. make a frontal attack in the ter the assassination of pres- • 1900 - The sec- by foggy, the Korean War, although • 1939 - Norwegian politician Battle of Colenso aimed at ident Ahmed Abderrahman ond Republi- snowy actual fighting had ceased in Vidkun Quisling meets Hit- relieving the besieged town Abdallah. can invasion weath- 1953. ler for the first time, in Ber- of Ladysmith. The action • 1989 - The dictatorship of of the Cape er, the • 2003 - US troops find Iraqi lin, and offers to betray his fails and the British lose over General Augusto Pinochet Colony starts Germans country to the Nazis. 1,100 men, including Lieu- ended in Chile. Pinochet had under Com- penetrat- • 1941 - Japanese forces in tenant Freddy Roberts, only come to power in 1973 after mandant P.H. Graf Spee Malaya occupy Gurun & son of Field-Marshal Lord a military overthrow of the Kritzinger and Kroh. Frederick Roberts. Eight Bo- democratically elected gov- General J.B.M. ers die and thirty are wound- ernment. Hertzog. ed. This third straight defeat • 1913 - The Wom- of British troops, which be- 16 December gan at Stormberg on Decem- • 1653 - Following the de- ber 10, brings “Black Week” feat of King Charles I in to an end. the English Civil War, Oli- Glenn Miller 64 65 This month in military history ... December This month in military history ... December ed 104 kilometres into Allied kistani War of 1971. Soviet Russia. pending the completion of orandum concerning the im- test of the US Titan ICBM. lines by the end of Decem- • 1972 - Operation Lineback- the probe. plementation of concentra- • 1965 - A re-organisation of ber. The German advance 17 December er: US begins “Christmas tion camps for Boer women the South African Defence was eventually halted by • 1920 - South Africa receives bombing” of North Vietnam. 20 December and children is issued. Be- Force replaces the General Montgomery on the Meuse the League of Nations man- • 1852 - Sir George Cathcart, tween 1900-1902 27,827 Staff with a body to be known and Patton at Bastogne. As date over South West Africa. 19 December governor and command- people, mostly women and as the ‘Supreme Command’ the weather cleared, Allied • 1963 - President Christo- • 1941 - Italian divers sink er-in-chief at the Cape (31 children, were to die in these with the Commandant-Gen- aircraft attacked German phe Soglo is overthrown in British BBs ‘Queen Eliza- March 1852-26 May 1854), camps. eral as Chairman and the ground forces and supply a military coup in Dahomey, beth’ & ‘Valiant’ at Alexan- is defeated when he attack • 1914 - Josef Johannes (Jop- Executive Commanders as lines and the counter-offen- now Benin. dria. Moshesh at Berea Mountain, ie) Fourie, rebel commando members. sive failed. There were an • 1968 - The first rocket to be • 1942 - General Dan Pien- Basutoland, with his force leader during the 1914 Re- • 1985 - Six South Africans estimated 77,000 Allied and wholly developed and man- aar is killed as his aircraft of 2 500 regular troops. He bellion, is executed by a fir- and three Lesotho nationals 130,000 German casualties. ufactured in South Africa is crashes into Lake Victoria concluded peace in accord- ing squad after being found are killed in an attack for • 1944 - German V-2 rocket successfully launched from at Kisumu while returning ance with instructions from guilty of high treason. His which the renegade Lesotho strikes Antwerp theatre. 638 the new rocket launching to South Africa. The sub- the British Colonial Office death caused an outrage in Liberation Army claims re- are killed. range at St. Lucia Bay on urbs Danville (Pretoria) and and returned to the Cape Afrikaans-speaking circles, sponsibility, while the Leso- • 1956 - UN troops occupy the east coast. The Minister Dan Pienaar (Bloemfontein) Colony. and was a potent factor in tho government blames SA. Port Said, Suez Canal Zone, of Defence asserts that the have been named after him. • 1860 - South Carolina be- the rise of the National Par- • 1989 - The U.S. invaded following the abortive Tri- rockets are defensive not of- • 1942 - Guadalcanal: Malar- came the first state to secede ty. Panama attempting to cap- partite Invasion. fensive weapons. ia rate reaches 972 cases per from the Union in a prelude • 1924 - Adolf Hitler is ture Manuel Noriega on • 1961 - Umkhonto we Si- • 1993 - American troops are 1,000 US troops. to the American Civil War. freed from prison, having charges of narcotics traffick- zwe (MK), formed since pulled out of Somalia fol- • 1943 - Military coup in Bo- Within two months Mis- served only part of his sen- ing. Operation Just Cause June 1961 under leadership lowing a series of gun bat- livia. sissippi, Florida, Alabama, tence for the “Beer Hall occurred seven months after of Nelson Man- tles with Somali troops un- • 1946 - War broke out in Georgia, Louisiana and Tex- Putsch”. Noriega had declared unfa- dela, performs der the command of General French Indochina as Ho Chi as seceded. In April 1861, • 1935 - Italians are driv- vorable election results in its first acts of Mohammed Farah Aidid. Minh attacked the French Virginia seceded, followed en back to the Dembegui- his country to be null and sabotage by seeking to oust them from within five weeks by Arkan- na Pass when Abyssinian void. The invasion toppled attacking post 18 December Vietnam. This marked the sas, Tennessee, and North troops cross the River Tak- the Noriega government and offices and • 1899 - Field Marshal Lord beginning of a thirty-year Carolina, thus forming an kaze. resulted in the installation of other build- Roberts is appointed Brit- conflict which eventually eleven state Confederacy • 1939 - Captain Hans Wil- Guillermo Endara as pres- ings in Jo- ish supreme commander in led to heavy U.S. involve- with a population of nine helm Langsdorff , com- ident. Noriega temporarily hannesburg, South Africa. ment and ended with a Com- million, including nearly mander of the ‘Graf Spee,’ eluded capture, but surren- Port Eliz- • 1916 - During World War munist victory in April 1975 four million slaves. The Un- commits suicide at the age dered a few weeks later to abeth and I, the Battle of Verdun con- after U.S. withdrawal from ion had 21 states and a pop- of 45. U.S. troops. He was then Durban. cluded after ten months of South Vietnam. ulation of over 20 million. • 1942 - First Japanese bomb- tried, convicted, and impris- • 1971 - Paki- fighting in which 543,000 • 1992 - President F. W. de • 1880 - The Battle of Bronk- ing of Calcutta. oned in the U.S. stan accepts French and 434,000 German Klerk announces that he is horstspruit takes place, four • 1944 - Battle of Bastogne: an armistice, soldiers were killed. either suspending or forci- days after the Transvaal War Germans surround the ending the • 1939 - Air Battle of Heligo- bly retiring 23 officers of of Independence started, in American defenders, initiat- Bangladesh land Bight: RAF bombers the South African Defence which a detachment under ing a siege. Liberation attempting to raid German Force, including two gen- British officer Col. P.R. An- • 1958 - First successful War and naval bases suffer heavily a erals and four brigadiers struter is cut to pieces by a Indo-Pa- the hands of the Luftwaffe. for illegal or unauthorised commando led by Comdt. Manuel activities and malpractice. V2 • 1940 - Adolf Hitler ordered Frans Joubert: half of the Noriega the German General Staff He says further disciplinary force is killed and wounded rocket to begin planning Operation action and possible crimi- and the rest taken prisoner. Barbarossa, the invasion of nal prosecution will follow • 1900 - The Kitchener mem- 66 67 This month in military history ... December This month in military history ... December

21 December • 1945 - World War II Gen- • 1894 - A French court • 1948 - Hideki Tojo was • 1941 - Manila is heavily • 1941 - British-Canadian • 1832 - Egyptian forces rout eral George Patton died in martial convicts Alfred hanged for war crimes. He bombed by Japanese air- garrison of Hong Kong sur- Turkish army at Battle of Germany following a car Dreyfus of treason on had been Japanese prime craft. renders to the Japanese 38th Konieh. accident. He had been in- trumped up charges, trigger- minister from 1941-44. Fol- • 1942 - The first sur- Division. • 1879 - Soviet Russia leader jured on 9 December near ing “The Dreyfus Affair”. lowing Japan’s defeat in face-to-surface guided mis- • 1985 - The Six-day War be- Josef Stalin was born in the Mannheim and was taken • 1944 - Battle of the Bulge. World War II, he was arrest- sile, later known as the V-1 tween Mali and Algeria over village of Gori in Georgia, to a hospital in Heidelberg General Anthony McAu- ed as a war criminal, tried Flying Bomb, was launched the disputed Agacher strip Russia. His original name where he died. He was bur- liffe to a German ultimatum by a military tribunal and by German rocket engineer starts. was Iosif Vissarionovich ied in Luxembourg. to surrender with the reply, sentenced to death. He was Wernher von Braun. Called • 2016 - Airplane crash in the Dzhugashvili. • 1964 - SA signs treaty with “Nuts!”. (See this months hanged along with six other “Buzz Bombs” for the loud Black Sea kills 92, including • 1900 - The inaugural meet- Great Britain on the supply Famous Figures in Military Japanese wartime military buzzing sound of their mo- the Russian Army Chorus. ing of the Burgher Peace of military equipment to History). leaders at Sugamo Prison tor, they were used by Nazi Committee is held in Pre- South Africa. • 1944 - Vietnamese Libera- in Tokyo, with the sentence Germany against Britain be- 26 December toria. Lord Kitchener dis- • 1979 - Peace agreement tion Army is formed by Vo carried out by the U.S. 8th ginning in September 1944. • 1862 - The first US navy cusses his concentration signed, ending seven-year Nguyen Giap. Army. • 1943 - General Dwight D. hospital ship, ‘Red Rover’ camp policies with this Rhodesian guerrilla war and • 1956 - Last British and • 1968 - North Korea releas- Eisenhower was appointed commissioned, with four group, mentioning that 15-year rebellion against the French troops leave Egypt. es 82 crewmen of the USS Supreme Commander of the Catholic nuns serving as stock and Blacks would also British crown. • 1965 - Second military coup ‘Pueblo’ (AGER-2), held Allied Expeditionary Force nurses. be brought in. An estimated • 1988 - Pan American Flight in Dahomey (now Benin) is since January. preparing for D-Day. • 1893 - Mao Tse-Tung was 14,100 Blacks were to die in 103 exploded in midair as led by Colonel Christophe • 1985 - Five civilians were • 1980 - German admiral & born in Hunan Province, these camps. the result of a terrorist bomb Soglo. killed and forty injured in führer Karl Dönitz dies at China. • 1941 - Japanese renew and crashed into Locker- • 1988 - South Africa signs an a bomb explosion in the the age of 89. • 1900 - The Battle of Grey- their attempt to capture bie, Scotland. All 259 pas- accord granting independ- Sanlam shopping centre in lingstad takes place when Wake Island. sengers and crew members ence to South-West Africa. Amanzimtoti, Natal South 25 December Commandant Buys attacks along with 11 persons on the Angola, Cuba, and South Coast. Umkhonto we Siswe • 1901 - During the Battle of the South Rand mine, near ground were killed. Africa end eight months of (MK) cadre Andrew Sibu- Tweefontein, (also Groen- Greylingstad. Part of the • 2003 - The Sudanese gov- negotiations under US me- siso Zondo, who detonated kop or Krismiskop) Gener- guard is cut off and has to ernment and rebel group diation for a settlement in the explosive in a rubbish al De Wet surprises British surrender, but the burghers Sudan People’s Liberation South-Western Africa by bin, was executed by hang- soldiers. At least fifty-seven are forced to retreat when Army reach a tentative deal signing a formal treaty at ing in 1986. of them are killed. De Wet the main column arrives. to evenly divide the coun- UN headquarters in New • 2013 - Mikhail Timofeyevich takes the unwounded sol- • 1915 - The German gunboat, try’s oil wealth as part of ne- York, after signing a proto- Kalashnikov, the man that diers (about 120) with him the Kingani, is captured by gotiations to end its 20-year- col earlier in December. designed the AK-47, dies at to put them across the Basu- the British on Lake Tanga- old civil war. the age of 94. toland border a few days lat- nyika. It is removed by por- 23 December er. tage through the jungle of 22 December • 1910 - German SS General 24 December the Belgian Congo. • 1880 - Dur- Kurt “Panzer” Meyer was • 1914 - The first-ever Ger- V1 ing the First born on this day. man air raid against Britain rocket Anglo-Boer • 1941 - British troops capture took place when a German War a three- monoplane dropped a single Benghazi, Libya. month siege bomb on Dover, England, • 1943 - General Montgom- of Pretoria be- during World War I. ery, commander of the Al- gins. • 1914 - World War I. Along lied forces in North Africa, sections of the Western is advised that he will be Front, British and German appointed commandant for George troops declare an unofficial D-day. Patton Jr Christmas truce. 68 69 This month in military history ... December This month in military history ... December • 1916 - Joseph Joffre is made among others, is killed in waged a campaign of “eth- don, causing the worst fire 30 December 31 December a Marshal of France. the running fight. nic cleansing” against the damage since the great fire • 1900 - Battleships are sent • 1967 - Prime Minister B.J. • 1943 - Battle of North • 1922 - The Imperial Jap- Tutsi population. of 1666. St. Paul’s Cathe- to Tangiers by the Spanish Vorster warns that the gov- Cape: The Scharnhorst is anese Navy commissions • 2012 - General H. Norman dral survived but eight other government as the first part ernment would re-assess sunk by the Royal Navy. the ‘Hôshô’, the first pur- Schwarzkopf, Commander Wren churches along with of its intended invasion of the Simonstown agreement • 1944 - Battle of the Bulge: pose-built carrier to enter of the US Army during “Op- the Guildhall and Old Bai- Morocco. during 1968. This reaction US 4th Armored Div re- service in any navy. eration Desert Shield/Desert ley were badly damaged. • 1935 - Italian bombers de- follows the British govern- lieves Bastogne. • 1941 - British Commandos Storm”, dies at the age of 78. • 1941 - First Japanese air raid stroy a Swedish Red Cross ment’s decision to maintain • 1944 - The Red Army sur- raid Vaagso, Norway. on Corregidor. unit in Ethiopia. the South African arms em- rounds Budapest. • 1944 - B-29s from Saipan 28 December • 1965 - During the Vietnam • 1959 - USS ‘George Wash- bargo. • 1972 Former US President make their fifth major raid • 1901 - Commandant Gideon War, North Vietnamese ington’ (SSBN-598) is com- • 1981 - In his second mili- Harry S Truman dies at the on Tokyo. Scheepers is found guilty on President Ho Chi Minh re- missioned, the first ballistic tary coup, Jerry Rawlings age of 88. • 1956 - 5,580 Egyptian pris- several charges by a British jected unconditional peace missile sub. overthrows the government • 1975 - Cariango, Angola is oners of war are exchanged court martial and sentenced talks offered by the U.S. • 1972 - US President Rich- of President Hilla Limann in taken by Movimento Popu- for four Israelis held by to death. He professes his • 1983 - Commodore Diet- ard Nixon halts bombing of Ghana. lar de Libertação de Angola, Egypt. innocence to the end. er Gerhardt, former com- North Vietnam & announces • 1983 - The Nigerian civ- (MPLA, Popular Liberation • 1960 - France detonates its • 1921 - The Rand Revolt be- manding officer of the Si- peace talks il government of President Movement of Angola) guer- third atomic device in the gins with a strike by min- monstown naval base, and • 1987 - The Transkei mili- Shehu Shagari is overthrown rillas. Sahara. ers after announcements his wife Ruth Gerhardt, are tary, under General Bantu in a fourth, bloodless, mili- • 2006 - Former naval officer • 1979 - Soviets invade Af- of wage reductions on the sentenced to life imprison- Holomisa, overthrows the tary coup led by Major-Gen- and US President Gerald R. ghanistan, initiating a dis- gold-mines necessitated by ment and ten years’ impris- administration of Stella Sig- eral Muhammadu Buhari. Ford dies at the age of 93. astrous nine-year war that the depression following onment respectively, being cau of the Transkei. He was declared Head of opens the country to a Talib- WWI. found guilty of high treason • 2006 - Saddam Hussein is State on 2 January 1984. 27 December an takeover. • 1950 - Korea: Chinese on charges of spying for the hanged at the age of 69. • 1838 - In the Battle of the • 1996 - A genocide trial be- troops cross 38th Parallel. Soviet Union. White Umfolozi, the Voor- gan concerning the killing • 1962 - UN troops occupy trekker commando is am- of an estimated 800,000 Elizabethstad, Katanga. bushed and nearly over- Tutsis in Rwanda. In 1994, a powered by a Zulu impi. bloody civil war had broken 29 December Alexander Harvey Biggar, out between the two main • 1895 - Leander Starr ethnic groups, the Hutu and Jameson crosses the bor- the Tutsi. After the Hutu der into Transvaal, leading army seized power it had about five hundred hand- picked policemen of the H. Norman Chartered Company on their way to Johannesburg. Schwarzkopf • 1900 - The Battle of Helve- tia near Machadodorp takes place, with the British under Major Cotton surrendering to General Ben Viljoen. Ma- jor Cotton is fatally wound- ed. • 1940 - During the Blitz, German aircraft dropped thousands of incendiary bombs on the centre of Lon- USS George Washington 70 71 quiz The Sharp Edge answers Military Despatches 1. Gurkha kukri 7. Filipino balisong 12. Okinawan sai Used by the Gurkhas of India Also known as a fan knife, Traditional piercing melee and Nepal. butterfly knife or Batangas weapon used in Okinawa. 2. Bowie knife knife 13. Scottish claymore Made famous by Jim Bowie 8. Yemen jambiyas Claymore is a term derived of The Alamo fame. Jambiya are found in every from the Gaelic claidheamohm- 3. Filipino bolo knife country that has been inhabited or, meaning “great sword. To all our readers from Similar to the machete. by the Arabs. 14. Egyptian khopesh 4. Viking Ulfberht sword 9. Japanese katana Egyptian sickle-sword that all of us at Military Made famous by the Vikings. Japanese swords that were evolved from battle axes. Despatches. 5. Fairbairn Sykes used by the samurai of ancient 15. Roman gladius Fighting knife developed and feudal Japan. Gladius was one Latin word by William Fairbairn and Eric 10. Falcata for sword, and is used to repre- Sykes. Became popular with Used by the Celtiberian war- sent the primary sword of An- Thanks for your World War II British Comman- riors in ancient Spain. cient Roman foot soldiers. support during dos. 11. AK-47 bayonet 6. Indonesian kris This Russian bayonet could the year. Here’s Most strongly associated be combined with the sheath with the culture of Indonesia. and used for cutting wire. wishing you everything of Useful links the best for Every month we will be featuring a few useful links to military websites, newsletters and on- Christmas and line magazines. Stuff that we think our readers will appreciate. Here are two of our favourites. The first one is Nongqai, the unofficial police newsletter for a peaceful and veterans of the former South African Police Force and for those interested in Police History. The second is Jimmy’s Own, the official newsletter of the South African Signals Association. Click prosperous New on the magazine covers to go to the respective websites. Year.

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