July 2012 Volume 3, Number 2 FLYING SPIRIT The Official National Newsletter of the SAAF Association

NPO 083-072 SAAFA Congress 2012 – AFB Ysterplaat PBO: 18/11/13/4374 The 67th National Annual General Meeting was held over the period 10 to 12 May 2012 at the Air Force Base Ysterplaat, Contents Cape Town. Congress was hosted by the Cape Town and Weskus Branches and what a great Congress this was! SAAFA Congress 2012 1 Colonel Rod Douglas? 2 The OC AFB Ysterplaat, Col Bill Cowan and his personnel Puma 164 3 went “overboard” to keep the delegates and observers Take over of Equinox Mall 4 Congratulations 5 happy and comfortable. Congress was relaxed with enough Do you remember? 4 time to be able to interact with friends and colleagues Heroes Remembered 6 without neglecting the important business side of Congress. Our Readers say…… 7 Nismuur 7 Delegates and Observers arrived on Thursday afternoon Affiliation of Aviators 9 and were greeted by the friendly and very willing Personality of note 10 members of the host branches. Registration went The Great Escape Relived 10 smoothly and delegates were handed goodie bags – too heavy to carry for some! Refreshments were offered to those who had to skip lunch while travelling to the fairest Contact Us Cape. The Editors Due to a “water problem” at AFB Ysterplaat, it was SAAFA NHQ decided to accommodate all the delegates and P.O. Box 21223 observers, where possible, at the Aquarius Luxury Flats in Valhalla Blouberg Strand and after dinner a bus transported the 0137 weary travellers to their “resting places”. What a As per true SAAFA tradition the National Tel: 012 651 5921 or welcoming sight! President, Patrons and Officer 012 351 2116 Commanding in this case, were piped in Fax: 086 218 4657 Friday morning saw the traditional SAAFA Opening before the start of the Opening Email: [email protected] Ceremony and the AFB Ysterplaat Memorial Service Ceremony. Website: www.saafa.co.za being combined. A great way to introduce SAAFA to the public. This arrangement had the public and uniformed members, not so informed about SAAFA,

NOTE impressed and attendees kept many SAAFA members busy answering questions afterwards. We The editors extend their hope that this encouraged a few to join thanks for all the Cape Town Branch! contributions received. Opinions expressed in this After the Opening Ceremony and

newsletter do not Memorial Service, lunch was served at necessarily reflect those the NCO’s mess after which the serious of the Editors or SAAFA business of Congress commenced. National Executive. The Editors reserves the Maj General Tsoku Khumalo officially right to amend or reject opened Congress on behalf of the CAF. any editorial matter General Khumalo, at the same time, submitted for publication. delivered a very informative State of the No part of this newsletter Air Force presentation; a very well may be copied or received permanent agenda point at reproduced in any form SAAFA Congresses. The table where crosses have been planted for each SAAFA without the consent of Branch to Remember the Members called to Higher Service the editors or in the past year. management of SAAFA.

Page 1 of 12

Branches were reminded and almost reprimanded, by the Chairman of the Branch, Wally Vandermeulen, that in the past, capitation fees was also not enough to keep NEC’s head above water and at every Congress a few years ago, Branches voluntarily donated money to NEC to assist with the expenses. He reinstated this gesture at this Congress by handing over a cheque to the National Secretary and encouraged other Branches to do the same. Thank you Port Alfred! The table decorations clearly indicating that although in Cape Town, fishing is not Friday evening’s entertainment was provided by the allowed everywhere! Cape Field Artillery Pipes and Drums Band. It seems Wally Vandermeulen that they have all the entertainers living in Cape Town – except for those that they import from showing his “acting” talent. other provinces for the duration of Congress. Wally Vandermeulen decided that the band needed a dancer and volunteered. He definitely missed his vocation. He had the Congress attendees and the band in stitches almost causing the pipers to loose their cue to play and the drummers out of sync with each other! Saturday morning was a short get together to give all Branch Chairmen the opportunity to report on their Branch activities for the past year. That evening Congress was concluded with the National Banquet and Awards ceremony. All seated at the National Banquet held at the Thank you, Cape Town and Weskus, for a very Officer’s Mess, AFB Ysterplaat. enjoyable Congress. A special thank you goes to Wally trying his very best to Col Bill Cowan and the personnel of AFB Ysterplaat for hosting this year’s Congress. qualify as the dancer for the Congress in 2013 will be hosted by the Pretoria Branch and we wish them good luck with the Pipes and Drums Band. arrangements. After midnight the moon set and I was alone with the stars. I have often said that the lure of flying is the lure of beauty, and I need no other flight to convince me that the reason flyers fly, whether they know it or not, is the esthetic appeal of flying. - Amelia Earhart, 1897 – 1937 Who was Colonel Rod Douglas?

The following was published in the July 1958 issue of “Wings” after Colonel Rod Douglas, CBE, AFC, was awarded the Paul Tissandier Award for distinguished services to aviation. “THERE can surely be no one more deserving of the honour conferred by the Federation Aeronautique Internationale, than Col. Rod Douelas, C.B.E., A.P.C., who has been awarded the Paul Tissandier Trophy for distinguished services to aviation. The third South African to receive the trophy—also held by Captain Len Inggs and Colonel Stan Halse—this well known and "grand old man" of South African aviation, so essentially young in heart, has played a leading part in the air history of the country. His interest in flying goes back to World War I, when in 1917 he joined the Royal Flying Corps, as one of "Miller's boys" in company with "Carlie" Ross, "Chris" Venter and "Tommy" Thompson and many others serving with No. 111 Squadron in Palestine, until 1918, when he became a member of No. 1 Survey Party, surveying aerodromes from Cairo to Cape Town. Refusing a permanent commission in the R.A.F. for family reasons, after some time spent in the army of occupation in Palestine, Col. Douglas returned to to carry on his farming career after completing a Diploma Course at Potchefstroom Agricultural College. Page 2 of 12

Unable to keep out of the air for long, in 1926 with nothing more than a ten shilling P.O. Box No., "and a few old stalwarts" he founded the Johannesburg Light Plane Club, and in a year had raised enough money for the club's first plane, a de Havilland Cirrus Moth. Becoming the Club's first Captain in 1927, three years later he took part in the King's Cup Air Race in the U.K. flying a Metal Moth. When the de Havilland Aircraft Company of S.A. was formed in 1930, Colonel Douglas became its Managing Director, and his association with the famous company which began in 1917 when he served under Major Hereward de Havilland in No. 111 Squadron, completed its full cycle when in 1946 he was appointed chairman to the South African Company. President of the Aero Club of South Africa, of which he was one of the founders in 1927, Col. Rod was also responsible for the founding of the South African Air Force Association, becoming its first President. Called up at the outbreak of World War II, Colonel Douglas remained on Service with the South African Air Force from 1939 until November 1944, serving on the staff of the Director General of Air Services in Pretoria as Director of Air Personnel. The title "Sir" was bestowed on Colonel Rod Douglas after he was knighted by King George VI of England. Not confining his activities to aviation, he is well known as a Jersey breeder and served on the Council of that Society for 12 years. Characteristic of this great-hearted airman-cum-farmer is his consideration for his "old ladies" who have their own particular bovine "Queens-haven" at Blair Atholl—Col. and Mrs. Douglas' beautiful Jersey farm—as lush and sweet a meadow as any "old lady" could wish.” Indeed a remarkable man! Thank you Colonel Rod for our SAAF Association! Ed

Boesmans - ingestuur deur Sydney Fryer Dit is April en die Boesmans in die Kalahari vra hulle nuwe stamhoof "Spaarwater Kruiper" of dit hierdie winter matig of koud gaan wees. Omdat hy stamhoof is in meer moderne tye, het hy nooit die ou geheime geleer nie. Hy besluit om dit veilig te speel en hy verklaar dat dit 'n koue winter gaan wees ...en hulle moet begin brandhout bymekaar. Hy is egter 'n praktiese man en na 'n paar dae kry hy 'n plan. Hy stap na 'n publieke telefoon by die nasionale pad, skakel die weerburo en vra, "Gaan die komende winter koud wees in die Kalahari?" "Ja dit lyk so." bevestig die een wat geantwoord het. Hy gaan terug na die stam en gee instruksie dat hulle nog meer hout bymekaar moet maak. 'n Week later skakel hy weer die weerburo. "Lyk dit nog steeds na 'n baie koue winter?" vra hy. "Ja, dit gaan baie koud wees." Kom die antwoord. Hy gaan terug en beveel hulle om elke stukkie hout wat hulle kan vind, op te tel. Na twee weke skakel hy weer. "Is julle heeltemal seker dat dit baie koud gaan wees?" vra hy. "Absoluut" kom die antwoord, "dit lyk al hoe meer of dit een van die koudste winters ooit gaan wees." "Wat maak julle so seker?" "Ons satelliet fotos wys die Boesmans maak verwoed hout bymekaar, en hulle is nooit verkeerd nie!" By all means marry. If you get a good wife, you'll be happy. If you get a bad one, you'll become a philosopher. – Socrates South African Air Force Puma 164 - 6 September 1979

On 6 September 1979, South African Air Force Puma 164, with crew Capt. Paul Velleman, Lt. Nigel Osborne and F/Sgt Dick Retief and carrying 14 pax from the Rhodesian Light Infantry and 2 Engineer Squadron was struck by ground fire in the region of Mapai, Mozambique, resulting in the aircraft going down with the loss of all seventeen on board. Years later, on 13 April 2009, a discovery mission was undertaken by Rick van Malsen, Neill Jackson and other colleagues of the Rhodesians on board, to establish the site of the crash and ensure that suitable honour was paid to those lost. The site was duly discovered, and it was found that the local inhabitants had buried the SAAF crew in one grave, and the Rhodesian pax in another. Handover of the Puma 164 Cross Ola Grinaker HC, Chairman of SAAFA Outeniqua, heard from Neill that he was L to R: Philip Weyers – IPP SAAFA, Neill Jackson – ex RLI, planning another trip to Mapai accompanied by the families of the SAAF crew, Brig Gen Neville Greyling – National President SAAFA, Maj Gen Hugh Paine – Vice Chairman Pretoria Branch Page 3 of 12 SAAFA.

and between them they decided that it would be appropriate and correct were a cross to be erected on the SAAF grave site. Ola decided that the cross should be erected on behalf of the SAAF Association, and cleared protocols on this basis before proceeding to have a magnificent metal cross, bearing the names of the SAAF crew, fabricated. On 28 June 2012 on Bays Hill and at the SAAF Wall of Remembrance, Neville Greyling, National President of the SAAF Association, officially handed the cross to Neill Jackson, who very kindly agreed to plant the cross on the grave site near Mapai.

Retired SA Air Force members “take over Equinox Mall” as written by Monique Basson of the KOUGA EXPRESS in on 15 May 2012 General, Lieutenant Generals, Brigadier Generals and Colonels all descended on the Equinox Mall last Tuesday. Leading the “troops” to “combat” was the Chief of the South African Air Force and RSA Ambassador in Chile, Lieutenant General Mike Muller, with the assistance of Colonel Faan Louw. His, however, was not fierce battle to the end on the combat field, but much rather a trip down memory lane – remembering the good old days when they stood proud in uniforms with their ranks shining flamboyantly and serving their country. Former Colonel Faan Louw, from the SA Air Force, and his wife, Maxie, have taken it upon themselves to arrange a special event on a regular basis where all the retired SA Air Force members, who are now residing in Jeffreys Bay, can get together and share stories of days gone by. This time round, this elite group had the honour of Muller and his wife joining them for a luncheon at The Wild Olive in the Equinox Mall. “This elite group of Air Force retirees frequently get together to keep up and maintain the well earned camaraderie and esprit de corps they have enjoyed so many years before”, said the ever-willing Louw who is the convenor of the Kouga Region of the SA Air Force Association’s Branch. Members who attended the event were: Lt Gen Mike Muller and wife Katie, Maj Gen Oliver Holmes and Cecile, Brig Gen Fritz Maritz and Dorothy, Brig Gen At Grobbelaar and Joey, Brig Gen Ernie Schmidt and Elaine, Colonel Faan Louw and Maxie, Col Johan Oosthuizen and Freda, Col John van Rooyen, Lt Col Bernie Sharp, WO Rina Roberts and F Sgt Chris Roberts. Also attending were Christo de Klerk, John Corrigan and Rina, and Mike Harvey and Wamey. Later, I realized that the mission had to end in a let-down because the real barrier wasn't in the sky but in our knowledge and experience of supersonic flight. - Chuck Yeager Do you remember? During 2010 the SA Korean War Veterans Association had a national raffle of these two paintings. They had great success in selling the tickets and our Port Alfred Branch Chairman, Wally Vandermeulen, was one of the lucky winners, if you recall. We still have a copy of each of these paintings available at the National Office. They are sold at R850 a piece. Please contact the office at 012 651 5921 if you wish to purchase one or both of these.

My own wife! A little boy, after being shouted at by his mom (sitting sadly). Dad asked : “What happened son?” Kid : “Dad, I can't handle your wife anymore! I want my own wife!” A government big enough to give you everything you want, is strong enough to take everything you have. -Thomas Jefferson

Page 4 of 12

Anagrams

ASTRONOMER: When you rearrange the letters: MOON STARER THE EYES: When you rearrange the letters: THEY SEE SNOOZE ALARMS: When you rearrange the letters: ALAS! NO MORE Z 'S Congratulations

Congratulations to the following members on receiving SAAFA Awards: Presidential Merit Award  Hector du Preez – Bloemfontein Branch  Louis Nel – Bloemfontein Branch  Piet Oosthuizen – Bloemfontein Branch  Maureen Goff – Port Alfred Branch  Michael Beaumont – Port Alfred  Maureen Andrews – Johannesburg Branch  Patricia Austin – Johannesburg Branch  Peter Metcalf – Port Alfred  Rosemary Barratt – Johannesburg Branch  Heather Erasmus – Johannesburg Branch  Gordon Rivas – Outeniqua Branch  Gwyneth Slade – Johannesburg Branch  Robert Taylor – Port Alfred Branch Presidential Merit Award Bar  Carol van Rensburg – Johannesburg Branch OSAAFA Bronze  Di Johnston – Johannesburg Branch  Dee Palmer – Johannesburg Branch  Jean Urry – Johannesburg Branch  Gordon Goff – Port Alfred Branch  Koos van Rensburg – Pretoria Branch OSAAFA Silver  Hester Neary – Bloemfontein Branch  Tom Borrill – Johannesburg Branch OSAAFA Gold  Lt Gen Carlo Gagiano – CAF and a Member of the Pretoria Branch  Sydney Fryer – Pretoria Branch  Wynand Coetzee – Pretoria Branch  Alan Nelson – Cape Town Branch  Wally Vandermeulen – Port Alfred Branch  Daan Badenhorst – Cape Town Branch Congratulations to the following members on appointments: Office Bearers  National President – Neville Greyling  Vice President – Sydney Fryer Philip Weyers, Immediate Past President, announcing  Country Vice President – Bart Hauptfleisch the Office Bearers and Patrons for the 2012/2013 year.  National Treasurer – Tom Borrill  National Secretary – Marianne Fryer

Page 5 of 12

Patrons  Lt Gen Mike Muller  Lt Gen Denis Earp  Lt Gen Jan van Loggerenberg  Lt Gen James Kriel  Lt Gen Willem Hechter  Mr Ron Haywood  Lt Gen Roelf Beukes  Mr Basil Hersov  Lt Gen Carlo Gagiano (To commence after retirement) If you don't read the newspaper you are uninformed, if you do read the newspaper you are misinformed." - Mark Twain

Grandpa and the computer submitted by Wally Vandermeulen, Port Alfred

This is a tribute to all the Grandmas and Grandpas who have been fearless and learned to use the Computer.... They are the greatest!!! The computer swallowed grandpa. Yes, honestly it’s true! He pressed 'control and 'enter' And disappeared from view. It devoured him completely, The thought just makes me squirm. He must have caught a virus Or been eaten by a worm. I've searched through the recycle bin And files of every kind; I've even used the Internet, But nothing did I find. In desperation, I asked Jeeves My searches to refine. The reply from him was negative, Not a thing was found 'online.' So, if inside your 'Inbox,' My Grandpa you should see, Please 'Copy, Scan' and 'Paste' him And send him back to me.

Heroes Remembered As published in “Cross of Honour” by Ian Uys MAJ JOHN CHURCH, 19 SQUADRON AND MAJOR ANDRIES LOUWRENS MARAIS, 24 SQUADRON Major Dries Marais flew a Buccaneer in Operation Reindeer, the attack on Target Alpha, which was Cassinga, the main SWAPO base in southern Angola. After he had blasted the camp on 4 May 1978 the paratroopers came floating down. Major John Church commanded the Puma and Frelon helicopters that would take out the troops after the battle. Marais left to refuel and rearm his Buccaneer, then returned to bomb and strafe targets. He saw that most of the camp appeared to have been taken. Maj Dries Marais A large Cuban armoured column was approaching the camp and its tanks Brig Gen John Church began firing from less than a kilometre away. Major Marais' Buccaneer had been ordered to attack another position; but when he heard of the predicament at Cassinga, he got permission to attack the Cubans. After knocking out two tanks he ran out of rockets, so made mock low-level attacks, which caused the remaining tanks to take cover instead of attacking the retiring paratroopers.

Page 6 of 12

Church's helicopters were meanwhile ferrying the hard-pressed parabats out. While constantly under mortar, shell and rifle fire they succeeded. Church then returned with another helicopter accompanying his, over the enemy-occupied camp to ensure that no stragglers remained. Without regard to their own safety they combed the area twice, checking all areas where troops might still have been. For this successful operation Majors Marais and Church were awarded the Honoris Crux medal. Nismuur vir Oud-lede en Burgerlike Werknemers van die Weermag

Die Erfenisstigting en die Voortrekkermonument stel 280 spesiale nisse by die Voortrekkermonument beskikbaar vir gebruik deur alle oud-lede en burgerlike werknemers van die Weermag. Hierdie nuwe, losstaande nismuur is noord van die SAW se Muur van Herinnering geleë. Elke nis kan vir een of twee gebruikers dien. Persone wat reeds ‘n nis in die Gedenktuin gekoop het, kan kosteloos verskuif, indien so verkies. Bouwerk sal einde Mei 2012 voltooi wees. Koste: R4600, gravering: R150. Navrae: Lidia Hendriks – 082 564 4840

Fighter Pilots by Sarah Robinson, age 14 (Britain 1940)

Onward and upward Roaring through the skies, The light of adventure Gleaming in their eyes. Our gallant pilots, nothing they rue Banking and diving, up there in the blue. A plane in the gun sight, the burst of a gun, The plane swiftly falling, the end of a Hun. And still it remains so perfectly true What Churchill said of those men in blue, Never before was so much owed, Propaganda material used By so many, to so few. during WWII Our Readers say…… Veterane benodig Ons benodig Veterane wat as agente in hulle onderskeie areas bemarking vir advertensies kan doen. Die stelsel, snuffelgids.co.za is geskep om entrepreneurs en klein besighede 'n forum te gee om hulle produkte en dienste te adverteer. Vir elke advertensie wat 'n agent inbring kry hy 40% kommissie van die advertensie koste wat R20.00 is. Dit is dalk nie veel per advertensie nie, maar met al die klein besighede in die land kan elke agent vir hom 'n redelike inkomste genereer sonder om te hard te werk. Na die advertensie geplaas is moet die agent net toesien dat dit maandeliks hernu word. Terloops 'n advertensie bestaan uit 'n besigheidskaartjie wat op die Internet by snuffelgids.co.za geplaas word. Belangstellendes moet 'n e-posberig na [email protected] stuur of my, Riana Venter van Zyl, by 074 367 6634 of op 022-719 1590 kontak. Hier is 'n geleentheid waar ons Veterane met bykans geen insetkoste 'n inkomste kan genereer en is beperk tot ons Veterane of hulle gades. 12 Sqn Canberra veterans' help - book research Dear Flying Spirit readers I'm working on a book, entitled 'The Canberra Experience'. The book will focus on the experiences of people that flew or serviced this well-loved aircraft in various air forces around the world. It will be told in an 'in their own words' format, so at this point I am building up contacts with former air and ground crews from various countries that operated the Canberra. As part of this research I would like to get in touch with former 12 Sqn air and ground crews who were involved with the B(I).12 and T.4 variants over the years. I understand it can be hard to instantly 'dredge up' something of interest to the wider public, and so this is the format I am using to get the ball rolling: Basic details:  Your rank upon leaving the SAAF. Page 7 of 12

 Squadron(s) and Stations served on.  Dates of service. Your experiences with the Canberra:  When did you first encounter the Canberra, and what was your general thoughts when you first saw the aircraft? Excitement? Disappointment? Just a job?  After getting familiar with the type, what were you initial likes/dislikes with the aircraft?  Could you share some stories or anecdotes about either yours or colleagues' experiences with the Canberra? For example, an amusing (or sad) experience involving servicing or flying the type or description of a combat sortie.  Were you involved with equipment introductions or modifications?  Were you involved with the refurbishment and hand-off of Canberras for the Peruvian Air Force sale?  Do you remember, or were involved with training Chilean Air Force aircrews at Waterkloof? If you have anything else you feel would be of interest that is not covered above, I’d love to hear about it. Similarly, if you have any Canberra or squadron-related photos you’d like to contribute to the book that would be fantastic. All material, whether it be written material or photos, will be fully credited. This book is to be made up of related accounts, as told in your own words. The main point is, you don’t have to be an essay-writing genius to tell a good story. If you have any other friends or colleagues who were involved with the Canberra and you think would be interested in contributing, please let them know. Please respond by email me at: [email protected] or by post to: Steven Beeny, 25 Hermosa, Irvine, CA, 92620, USA WWII SAAF Pilots I've been researching SA pilots of the World Wars for almost 3 years now with the goal of writing several books on the subject. Well - it started off as ONE book, but I've found so much fascinating info that it has grown to three different books! These are the names that I need info about - as mentioned, my goal isn't any "paparazzi" type nonsense, I just need a few details to complete the story:  Brian JL Boyle  Servaas van Breda Theron  Johan DW Human  Vernon ML Lindsay  Melville Duff-Richardson  Charles James Laubscher Do you have any information at all about these six men? Or possibly contact information for relatives? Please contact Yuri Maree on his email address [email protected]. Cmdt Gert (Gerrie) Botha I would be pleased if you could assist me. I am looking for the contact details of Cmdt Gert (Gerrie) Botha he may have been the OC of 44 Squadron of "From Fledgling to Eagle" by by Gen Dick Lord. He would now be approximately 67 years of age. I will appreciate it if his details could be sent to Gerhard Smit at [email protected]. Whatever any other organism has been able to do man should surely be able to do also, though he may go a different way about it. - Samuel Butler, 1835 – 1902 Days gone by

Tuesday 28 June 1988. Taken after the Farewell parade for Lt From Left to Right: Bill Lees-Smith, Frank Eksteen and Denis Gen Denis Earp the then CAF. From Left to Right: Lt Gen Jan Scott in earlier days van Loggerenberg, Lt Gen Bob Rogers, Brig Bronkhorst, Lt Gen Viljoen, Lt Gen Kalfie Martin, Lt Gen Denis Earp and Brig Durrant. Page 8 of 12

Oud Vlieënier vier 90ste soos in die Rekord Centurion van Vrydag 13 Julie 2012 gepubliseer

Met 'n leeftyd van geluk, liefde en kennis agter die rug, het Joe Meiring, beter bekend as Oom Joe, steeds baie lewenslus. Meiring het op 6 Julie sy 90e verjaarsdag saam vriende en familie by die Alcaricare-privaat-losieshuis in Clubview gevier, waar hy ook 'n inwoner is. Nadat hy in die Suid Afrikaanse Lugmag as vlieënier gedien het, het hy as 'n lieutenant kolonel uitgetree. In sy laaste jare in die lugmag was hy in 21 Eskader en was een van die vlieëniers wat belangrike persone, insluitend presidente, moes rondvlieg. Verder was hy ook 'n opleidingsvlieënier. Meiring het verskeie medaljes, wat onder andere insluit, die American Distinguish Flyers Cross, South African Southern Cross medalje, African Service medaljes, Tweede Wereldoorlog medaljes asook lang dienstydperk medaljes, ontvang. Volgens sy dogter, Cathrine Vivier, was hy vir 42 jaar 'n vlieënier. "Toe my pa 'n tiener was, moes hy tydens die oorlogjare begin vlieg het. My pa het 36 000 vliegure. As mens dit verwerk beteken dit hy het omtrent vir vier jaar, dag en nag, aaneen gevlieg," het Viviers gesê. Sy het bygevoeg dat haar pa in die Koreaanse oorlog asook die Tweede “Oom Joe” Meiring (regs) saam met Wêreldoorlog gevlieg het, en was selfs 'n paar keer af-geskiet, maar het elke keer oorleef. Henry van Reenen, sy getroue vriend "My pa se valskerm het sy lewe gered toe hy tydens die oorlog afgeskiet was en sy en omgeëer. valskerm die patrone gekeer het". Na soveel lewenservaring het Meiring interessante stories wat hy aan sy geliefdes vertel. Affiliation of the Royal Air Force Officers’ Club Johannesburg and the Guild of Air Pilots and Air Navigators.

The Guild of Air Pilots and Air Navigators (GAPAN) and the Royal Air Force Officers’ Club Johannesburg have become affiliated, providing GAPAN members worldwide with a friendly welcome in South Africa and fellow aviators in the country with a link to one of the world’s leading aviation organisations.The Guild, a livery company of the City of London was established in 1929, by a small group of commercial pilots ensuring that their successors enjoyed a professional status and to foster and improve that standing. It additionally has active Regional Committees in Australia, Hong Kong, New Zealand and North America, all supporting the education and training of pilots and navigators from the initial training of the young pilot to the specialist training of the highest levels. The Royal Air Force Officers’ Club in South Africa was formed in Cape Town in 1947, by a group of Officers who had served in the Second World War and who wanted to perpetuate the camaraderie and spirit of the Forces in which they had served. The Royal Air Force Officers’ Club, Johannesburg, was established in 1963 and is based in The Wanderers Club in the Johannesburg suburb of Illovo. In the nature and conduct of their functions, the Club maintains as much as possible of the atmosphere and traditions of an RAF Officers’ Mess. A private dinner to mark the Affiliation of RAFOC to the Guild of Air Pilots and Air Navigators (GAPAN) in South Africa, took place on the evening of Tuesday 8 May 2012 at the Smuts House Museum in Doornkloof, Irene, Pretoria. Permission to hold this auspicious function at the “Big House”, General Jan Smuts’ home for 40 years, and now preserved as a Museum, was kindly granted by the General Smuts Foundation. The significance of the venue is that General Smuts submitted a War Cabinet Report in 1917 which led to the formation of the Royal Air Force in 1918, and thereafter the South African Air Force in 1920. These are the two oldest independent Air Forces in the world. The invited guests were given a talk on the historic background to the Smuts House in the authentically furnished From Left at General Smuts desk in his traditionally restored lounge, below a portrait of the “Oubaas” (General Smuts), and library: Wing Commander Bruce Harrison, Chairman RAFOC; Philip Weyers, Smuts Foundation and Great-Grandson of General who no doubt was present in spirit on this particular occasion. Smuts; Lieutenant General Carlo Gagiano, Chief of the South The house itself started life as a prefabricated British Officers’ African Air Force; Air Commodore Rick Peacock-Edwards, Past Mess in India, was brought to South Africa and erected in Master GAPAN; Air Marshal Cliff Spink, Master GAPAN and Jon Middleburg during the Anglo-Boer War, and was bought by Adams, Vice Chairman RAFOC General Smuts as “war surplus”. It was transported from Middleburg to its present site by Ox wagon. Page 9 of 12

The Certificate of Affiliation signed by the Grand Master of GAPAN, Prince Andrew, Duke of York, and Air Marshal Cliff Spink RAF (Retd), Master of GAPAN, was presented to Wing Commander Bruce Harrison, Chairman of RAFOC, and the Articles of Affiliation signed by them at General Smuts’ desk in his library, which is maintained just as it was in his lifetime. The event was attended by members of GAPAN, RAFOC and the Smuts Foundation together with serving and retired Officers of the RAF, SAAF, and Fleet Air Arm. The dinner which followed was in the traditional format observed in an Officers’ Mess, including the Loyal Toasts, toasts to, and responses from, each Air Force and Organisation represented.

More background on GAPAN, RAFOC and the Smuts Foundation can The Dining Room in the “Big House.” be accessed on their respective websites. www.gapan.org ; www.rafoc.org ; www.smutshouse.co.za. You define a good flight by negatives: you didn't get hijacked, you didn't crash, you didn't throw up, you weren't late, you weren't nauseated by the food. So you are grateful. - Paul Theroux

Personality of note: Winks Stening submitted by Arrie de Klerk

Winsome Buckley was born on 11 April 1926 in Pearston in the and went to school at St Dominique Priory in Port Elizabeth. After school she joined Manly and James, manufacturing pharmacists in Port Elizabeth. On 9 June 1941 she joined the SAAF and resided in the WAAF Mess, Valhalla. She travelled daily to AFB Waterkloof to join her father who was stationed at the Radio/Comms centre. She left the force on 13 September 1945. During these years she also proved to be a very talented poet. (In this issue we include a poem she wrote about a beloved). She decided to study Accountancy while working for Alan English and Company. After obtaining her FIBA qualification, she was employed by Sussman and Lange in Johannesburg. Winks married Les Payne, an ex RAF and RAFA members. Together they ventured into the Hotel Business and they owned and managed the Royal Hotel in Pietermaritzburg for 25 years. Sadly Les passed away in 1994. Winks married Mr Stening who also passed away shortly afterwards, in 1998. Winks joined SAAFA in the early 1990’s. She was quickly appointed as the Pietermaritzburg Branch Treasurer and handled the Finances of the PMB Branch expertly - as the ex Chairman, Eddie Coombs reports: "with an Iron fist!"

During the AGM of the Branch earlier this year, she was elected as the Vice Chairperson on the Pietermaritzburg. A first for SAAFA - a lady at the helm of things! Well done Winks! Today, Winks stays active with keeping the Books of various societies & clubs, enjoys a card game or two (high stakes) and drives her own car. She lives in a Retirement complex in Pietermaritzburg. Truly an Amazing LADY!

The Great Escape Relived submitted by Arrie de Klerk

Untouched for almost seven decades, the tunnel used in the Great Escape has finally been unearthed. The 111-yard passage nicknamed ‘Harry’ by Allied prisoners was sealed by the Germans after the audacious break-out from the POW camp Stalag Luft III in western Poland. Despite huge interest in the subject, the tunnel remained undisturbed over the decades because it was behind the Iron Curtain and the Soviet authorities had no interest in its significance.

Page 10 of 12

But at last British archaeologists have excavated it, and discovered its remarkable secrets. Many of the bed boards which had been joined together to stop it collapsing were still in position. And the ventilation shaft, ingeniously crafted from used powdered milk containers known as Klim Tins, remained in working order. Scattered throughout the tunnel, which is 30ft below ground, were bits of old metal buckets, hammers and crowbars which were used to hollow out the route. A total of 600 prisoners worked on three tunnels at the same time. They were nicknamed Tom, Dick and Harry and were just 2ft square for most of their length. It was on the night of March 24 and 25, 1944, that 76 Allied airmen escaped through Harry. Barely a third of the 200 prisoners – many in fake Unearthed: The entrance to the tunnel, which lay German uniforms and civilian outfits and carrying false identity papers – untouched for almost seven decades who were meant to slip away managed to leave before the alarm was raised when escapee number 77 was spotted. Only three made it back to Britain. Another 50 were executed by firing squad on the orders of Adolf Hitler, who was furious after learning of the breach of security. In all, 90 boards from bunk beds, 62 tables, 34 chairs and 76 benches, as well as thousands of items including knives, spoons, forks, towels and Gordie King, 91, made an emotional blankets, were squirreled Discoveries: The site of the tunnel, recently excavated by return to Stalag Luft III away by the Allied prisoners to British archaeologists aid the escape plan under the noses of their captors. No Americans were involved in the actual operation. Most were British and the others were from countries including Canada, Poland and Australia. The latest dig, over three weeks in August, located the entrance to Harry, which was originally concealed under a stove in Hut 104. The team also found another tunnel, called George, whose exact position had not been charted. It was never used as the 2,000 prisoners were forced to march to other camps as the Red Army approached in January 1945. Watching the excavation was Gordie King, 91, a RAF radio operator, who was 140th in line to use Harry and therefore missed out. ‘This brings back such bitter-sweet memories,’ he said as he wiped away tears. ‘I’m amazed by what they’ve found.’ Shirley and Marcy

A mother was concerned about her kindergarten son walking to school. He didn't want his mother to walk with him. She wanted to give him the feeling that he had some independence but yet know that he was safe. So she had an idea of how to handle it. She asked a neighbour if she would please follow him to school in the mornings, staying at a distance, so he probably wouldn't notice her. She said that since she was up early with her toddler anyway, it would be a good way for them to get some exercise as well, so she agreed. The next school day, the neighbour and her little girl set out following behind Timmy as he walked to school with another neighbour girl he knew. She did this for the whole week. As the two walked and chatted, kicking stones and twigs, Timmy 's little friend noticed the same lady was following them as she seemed to do every day all week. Finally she said to Timmy, 'Have you noticed that lady following us to school all week? Do you know her?' Timmy nonchalantly replied, 'Yeah, I know who she is.' The little girl said, 'Well, who is she?' 'That's just Shirley Goodnest,' Timmy replied, 'and her daughter Marcy.' 'Shirley Goodnest? Who the heck is she and why is she following us?

Page 11 of 12

'Well,' Timmy explained, 'every night my Mum makes me say the 23rd Psalm with my prayers, 'cuz she worries about me so much. And in the Psalm, it says, ' Shirley Goodnest (surely goodness) and Marcy (mercy) shall follow me all the days of my life', so I guess I'll just have to get used to it!' I contend that for a nation to try to tax itself into prosperity is like a man, standing in a bucket and trying to lift himself up by the handle. - Winston Churchill

Just Another Guy by Winks Stening (Winsome Buckley)

In Memory of Stephen Boag Tuff (Royal Air Force) (Died 24 July 1944)

To others he was just another guy One of a million who learnt to fly England so proud of her "Lords of the Air" I even more proud, because to me, he was so very dear.

People would not even notice him, walking down the street There were so many like him. handsome and neat Boys in blue, with a smile on their face Never letting anyone know, the danger they so often had to face.

My Steve was tall, with eyes of tender blue Eyes that shone with everything, you'd call good and true He was a lad, anyone could love No wonder I loved him right from the start. He could truthfully say he'd stolen my heart But, to others, he was just another guy.

Came the day we had to part And Steve flew away with my heart Flew where I did not know But, somewhere where they needed him most Somewhere, where England was always the toast.

It was some time before, his first letter came I was so happy, I’d not waited in vain. A second followed a few days after And every line was filled with laughter He'd be back soon We'd be married in June.

And then, that dreaded letter came A few short words, that turned my sunshine into rain. Steve had breathed his last breath in the sky That English sky, in which he loved to fly A lad aged twenty, a blossom nipped in the bud But, to others, he was just another guy.

Planes soar above me, up in the blue No one ever knows, just what they do To this heart of mine I see him again, the way he used to be Before he flew away across the sea Thank God I still have this memory Of someone who meant all the world to me But, to others, he was just another guy In general, the art of government consists of taking as much money as possible from one party of the citizens to give to the other. -Voltaire (1764) And that is all for this edition folks! Ed.

Page 12 of 12