Military Despatches Vol 16 October 2018

Fame or shame Ten famous or notorious guns throughout history Taboo topics Subjects the military doesn’t like to talk about Terror of the skies ‘Stuka’

Stuka Ace Hans-Ulrich Rudel

Head-to-Head The Vietnam War

For the military enthusiast CONTENTS October 2018 Page 30 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 Head-to-Head techno-speak that few outside the military Vietnam Weapons & equipment could hope to under- 28 stand. Some of the terms Features were humorous, some We don’t talk about that were clever, while others 6 The military often likes to boast were downright crude. Famous or notorious guns and dazzle people with facts and Ten famous or notorious guns figures. Yet there are topics that throughout history. they would rather avoid. Like Part of Hipe’s “On the for instance how much money couch” series, this is an 12 20 they spend annually. interview with one of The call to arms Survival - Finding food author Herman Charles For 24 years white South Afri- This month we look at finding Quiz Bosman’s most famous can males were required to un- and preparing food. 23 characters, Oom Schalk dergo compulsory military ser- Military Sidearms A taxi driver was shot Lourens. Hipe spent time in vice. It was known as National 24 Hanover Park, an area Service. In South Africa this is Rank Structure - IDF This month we look at 15 side- dead in an ongoing now a thing of the past. Yet in arms that were or are still used This month we look at the rank war between rival taxi plagued with gang 63 countries military service is by the military. structure of the Israeli Defence organisations. violence, to view first- still compulsory. hand how Project Force (IDF). Ceasefire is dealing with 15 27 the situation. Thank you for the music General Jannie Geldenhuys Hipe TV brings you videos ranging from actuality to humour and every- The military and music have We pay tribute to one of the thing in between. Interviews, mini-documentaries and much more. always shared a close associa- leading military commanders tion. this country ever produced. Check out Hipe TV and remember to like, comment, share and subscribe. 00 3 CONTENTS Page 54

Editor’s PUBLISHER Sitrep Hipe Media EDITOR Matt Tennyson This month in military history PHOTOGRAPHER Regine Lord t’s kind of difficult to come A few years ago I was asked to grips with the fact that to give a talk to a church youth CONTRIBUTORS Inext month will see the group about the significance Janine, Cassidy, Raymond 100th anniversary of the sign- of Remembrance Day. When I Fletcher, Ryan Murphy, Matt ing of the Armistice. spoke to them I was mortified at O’Brien, Matt Tennyson. As a young boy we would just how little they knew about Famous Figures Battlefield Book Review travel across from Ireland to . Military Despatches is pub- 36 46 53 London for the Armistice Pa- One of the kids in the group lished on-line every month. rade. I still remember that there asked me if I had fought in The articles used in Military Hans-Ulrich Rudel Fall Weiss Mobility Conquers were many World War I veter- World War I. And it wasn’t a Despatches are copyrighted A famous ground-at- At 04h26 on 1 September 1939, The story of 61 Mechanised ans that would still march in the joke, it was a serious question. and may not be used without tack pilot and ’s most three Ju 87 B2 Stuka dive- Battalion Group 1978-2005. parade. Now I had already mentioned prior permission from the edi- decorated servicemen, He was bombers crossed the Polish bor- Of course they have all long to them that World War I took tor. also a committed and unrepent- der in the first mission of Case since answered the Sunset Call. place between 1914 and 1918. The views stated in this mag- ant Nazi until his death. White - the . Front Cover And there’s not that many World Naturally my wicked Irish azine do not necessary reflect War II vets around either. humour took over. I told them the views of Hipe!, the editor, Members of the SANDF pre- Forged in battle Gaming As I mentioned last month, that not only had I taken part the staff, or Hipe Media. pare to fire a 25-pound can- the November issue of Military in the Great War, but that I had 42 50 non during a demonstration at Despatches will be devoted en- shot down the Red Baron. I kept Hipe! a community fair on the Cape Stuka tirely to World War I. them going for at least five min- P.O. Box 31216, Tokai, 7966 SCUM Flats. Next month we are also plan- utes before I explained to them South Africa. With its wailing sirens and its Poor Matt O’ Brien is really ning on launching our very own that no, I had not taken part in pin-point accuracy, the Stuka deep in the dwang this time. He Military Despatches website. World War I, or World War Part email was the terror of the skies dur- is dumped on an island with one So do look our for that and try Two. [email protected] ing the early part of World War objective - survive. The only and support it. Maybe it should become one II. problem is that he is not alone One of the things that really of the responsibilities of vet- Back Issues on the island. saddens me is just how little eran’s groups to educate the To view any back issues of Movie Review the younger generation seems youth about the World Wars, Military Despatches, go to to know about the two World and even our own Border War. www.hipe.co.za or click here. 52 Wars. Who knows, there may even be While I’m sure that more at- some of them interested. Casualties of War tention is paid to more modern Until next month. Based on the real-life events of history, I feel that these two the incident on Hill 192 in 1966 wars were major events in hu- during the Vietnam War. man history. Matt 4 5 Top Ten Top Ten Mons Meg was fired only on ceremonial occasions from Edinburgh Cas- Famous or notorious guns tle. Ten famous or notorious guns throughout history. When it was fired on 3 July 1558, soldiers were paid to find and retrieve the shot from he first recorded use of services to the state, he named Commission, was established Wardie Muir, near the Firth of a firearm was back in that one Ol’ Betsy. by President Lyndon B. John- Forth, a distance of 3,2 kilo- 1364. Since then they In about 1834, Davy was son through Executive Order T . The salute marked the have developed into the mod- awarded a third firearm from 11130 on November 29, 1963 solemnisation of the marriage ern guns that are in use today. his friends who were members to investigate the assassination. of Mary, Queen of Scots, to the Millions, if not billions, of of the Whig Society of Phila- The commission concluded French Dauphin. guns have been produced since that the injuries According to the commis- The gun was fired in 1680 to then and this includes side that Kennedy sion, this rifle was the weapon Philip the Good, Duke of Bur- celebrate a visit by James, Duke arms, rifles, sub-ma- and Connally that had fired the three shots gundy and sent by him as a gift of Albany and York, later King chine guns, ma- sustained were that had killed Kennedy and Betsy to James II, King of Scots in James VII, but the barrel burst. chine guns and caused by wounded Connally. 1454, Mons Meg is a medieval delphia. “Pretty Betsy,” as he An English cannoneer had load- artillery pieces. Oswald’s three rifle shots. Photographs of Oswald hold- bombard that was employed in called it, cost $250 and was ed the charge and many Scots Some guns have become In March 1963, Lee Harvey ing the rifle, a palmprint found sieges until the middle of the paid for from donors each con- believed that the damage was either famous or notorious be- Oswald, using the alias “A. upon examination of the ri- 16th century. tributing 50 cents. done on purpose out of jeal- cause of the part they played in Hidell”, purchased by mail fle, and detective work tracing Mons Meg was construct- The name became so popular ousy, because the English had history. order a 6.5×52mm Carcano its sale, all eventually led to ed by Jehan Cambier, artillery among gun owners that it be- no cannon as big as this. The This month we will look at Model 91/38 infantry rifle (de- Oswald. maker to the Duke of Burgun- came a bit of a cliché. incident was also seen as a bad ten of them. scribed by the President’s Com- For the past 55 years the as- dy, and it was successfully test- omen for the future King. mission on the Assassination of sassination has spurred numer- 9. Mannlicher-Carcano rifle ed at Mons in the County of It was next taken, with other 10. Betsy President Kennedy as a “Man- ous conspiracy theories which Hainault on what is now Bel- On Friday 22 November 1963 disused ordnance, to the Tower American folk hero, fron- nlicher–Carcano”) rifle with a include accusations of involve- gium, in June 1449; however, at 12h30 in Dallas, Texas, US of London in 1754, as a result tiersman, soldier, storyteller, telescopic sight. ment of the CIA, the Mafia, sit- the Duke did not take delivery President John F. Kennedy was of the disarming acts against politician and defender of the ting Vice President Lyndon B. of the Mons Meg until 1453. assassinated. Texas Governor Jacobites aimed at removing Alamo, Davy Crockett was in a Johnson, Cuban Prime Minister Desiring to “interfere in Eng- John Connally was seriously weapons or spare cannon from position to make any name he , the KGB, or even lish affairs”, the Duke decided wounded in the same incident. the reach of rebellious folk. It gave to any of his personal pos- some combination thereof. to help the Scots against the Former U.S. Marine Lee Har- was returned to the Castle in sessions famous. Some conspiracy theories fur- English. It was given to James vey Oswald was arrested by 1829 by order of George IV af- In 1803 at the age of 17, he ther claim that the United States II in 1454. the Dallas Police Depart- ter a series of campaigns by Sir named his first firearm, a .45 federal government covered up Mons Meg was massive and ment 70 minutes after the Walter Scott and the Society of calibre flintlock rifle, Betsy af- crucial information in the after- weighed 6.6 tons. It had a diam- initial shooting. Antiquaries of Scotland. ter his favourite sister. math of the assassination. eter of 510 mm and fired balls Oswald was charged un- Following a restoration, it It was such a deluxe model Former Los Angeles District that weighed 175 kilograms. der Texas state law with the now sits outside St Margaret’s that by the standards of the time Attorney Vincent Bugliosi esti- This made it one of the largest murder of Kennedy as well Chapel. During the Edinburgh’s it cost him about three months’ mated that a total of 42 groups, cannons in the world. as that of Dallas policeman annual Hogmanay celebrations salary. 82 assassins, and 214 people In early years the gun, like the J. D. Tippit, who had been Mons Meg is fired at the start of Betsy was a name that Crock- had been accused at one time or other royal cannon, was paint- fatally shot a short time after the firework display, although ett decided to use for his fire- another in various conspiracy ed with red lead to keep it from the assassination. the effect is largely theatrical arms for the rest of his life. scenarios. rusting. The President’s Commis- and the gun is not discharged. When the Tennessee State This cost 30 shillings in June sion on the Assassination of Mons Meg is now mounted Assembly gave him the gift of 8. Mons Meg 1539. From the 1540s Meg was President Kennedy, known on a reproduction of the car- a .40 calibre rifle in 1822 for his Built in 1449 on the orders of retired from active service and unofficially as the Warren Lee Harvey riage depicted in a carving of 6 Oswald 7 Top Ten Top Ten circa 1500 on a wall of Edin- ment he slashed his own throat won by burgh Castle, built in 1934 at with a knife, severing his carot- killing 68 a cost of £178 and paid for by id artery. animals to Springfield Model 1866 the Lord Provost of Edinburgh. He died shortly after 04h00 Comstock’s Mons Meg attracts thousands on 8 May. His body was quick- 48. of visitors every year. ly buried at night without cere- Comstock, he started performing in shows weighed some 102 tonnes. mony in St. Nicholas Cemetery. part Cheyenne and a noted hunt- that displayed cowboy themes After conducting tests with 7. Ferdinand Cohen-Blind’s That, however, is not where er, scout, and interpreter, used and episodes from the frontier lead projectiles, this gun was revolver the story ends. Sometime after a fast-shooting Henry repeat- and Indian Wars. set up on a hillside at a 45 de- On the afternoon of 7 May the assassination attempt, Co- ing rifle, while Cody competed He founded Buffalo Bill’s gree angle. It was expected 1866, Ferdinand Cohen-Blind, hen-Blind’s confiscated posses- with a larger-caliber Springfield Wild West in 1883, taking his to achieve a range of 750 km. a Jewish German student, at- sions were auctioned off by the Model 1866, which he called large company on tours in the Although its mass was similar tempted to assassinate Otto von police. Lucretia Borgia, after the noto- United States and, beginning in to some World War II German Bismarck, then the Minister A friend of Bismarck, named rious beautiful, ruthless Italian 1887, in Great Britain and con- “super guns”, it was not de- President of Prussia. Delbrück, bought the gun at the noblewoman, the subject of a tinental Europe. He died on 10 signed to be a mobile weapon Cohen-Blind lay in wait for auction, and then presented it to popular contemporary Victor January 1917 at the age of 70. and therefore it was not consid- Bismarck, six shot revolver in the Prince as a gift. Hugo opera Lucrezia Borgia. ered a security risk by Israel. hand, in the Unter den Linden, As a matter of fact, Bismarck 6. Buffalo Bill’s rifle Cody explained that while 5. Project Babylon The second super gun, “Big a boulevard in central Berlin. eventually owned two such William “Buffalo Bill” Cody his formidable opponent, Com- By the late 1980s most coun- Babylon”, of which a pair were The Prime Minister had just guns, as there were two sepa- was an American scout, bison stock, chased after his buffalo, tries that wanted to target ene- planned (one to be mounted reported to King Wilhelm and rate assassination attempts on hunter, and showman. engaging from the rear of the my cities made use of their air horizontally, at least for test was now walking home. When him; he bought the second gun Buffalo Bill started working herd and leaving a trail of killed force or missiles. Iraqi Presi- purposes), was much larger. Bismarck was close to the Rus- from the government for a pit- at the age of eleven, after his fa- buffalo “scattered over a dis- dent Saddam Hussein had other The barrel was to be 156 metres sian Embassy, Cohen-Blind tance after the second attempt ther’s death, and became a rider tance of three miles”, ideas. long, with a bore of one . took aim and fired twice from on his life. for the Pony Express at age 14. Cody, likening his strategy to He was going to build a se- Originally intended to be sus- behind; Bismarck spun around Bismarck apparently kept During the American Civil a billiards player “nursing” his ries of “super guns” and there pended by cables from a steel and grabbed his attacker, who both guns on a side-table in War, he served the Union from billiard balls during “a big run”, were most likely four different framework, it would have been was able to fire three more his study - and also apparently 1863 to the end of the war in first rode his horse to the front devices in the program. over 100 metres high at the tip. shots before soldiers from the never really examined them too 1865. of the herd to target the lead- The design was based on re- The complete device weighed 1st Battalion of the 2nd Guards closely. Later he served as a civilian ers, forcing the followers to one search from the 1960s Project about 2,100 tonnes (the barrel rushed up and took him into One evening, eight years or scout for the US Army during side, eventually causing them HARP led by the Canadian alone weighed 1,655 tons). custody. so after Blind had attempted to the Indian Wars, receiving the to circle and create an easy tar- artillery expert Gerald Bull. If It was a space gun intended Later that night, Bismarck, shoot Bismarck, Blind’s firearm Medal of Honor in 1872. get, and dropping them close anyone was capable of building to shoot projectiles into orbit, also known as the “Iron Chan- fired again. Cody received the nickname together. these guns it was Gerald Bull. a theme of Bull’s work since cellor, allowed the King’s phy- Bismarack had members of “Buffalo Bill” after the Amer- One of the most colourful fig- The first of these super guns Project HARP. Neither of these sician, Gustav von Lauer, to ex- the parliament visiting that ican Civil War, when he had a ures of the American Old West, was “Baby devices could be elevated or amine him. evening, and a deputy named contract to supply Kansas Pa- Buffalo Bill’s legend began to Babylon”. It trained, making them useless The first two shots, fired Herr von Unrun-Bomst had cific Railroad workers with buf- spread when he was only twen- was a horizontal- for direct military purposes, from behind, had missed Bis- picked up Cohen-Blind’s gun falo (American bison) meat. ty-three. Shortly thereafter ly mounted device unless some form of terminal marck. The third shot grazed to look at it and the last bullet Cody is purported to have which was simply a pro- guidance could be used to di- his shoulder. The last two shots, in the gun fired somehow, graz- killed 4,282 buffalo in eighteen totype for test purposes. It rect the fired projectile onto its fired at point blank range, had ing the stomach of Jordan-Dei- months in 1867 and 1868. had a bore of 350 mm, and a intended target. ricocheted off the ribs and had desheim. Cody and another hunter, barrel length of 46 metres and Iraq already had Scud mis- caused no major injuries. It’s not often that an assassin ‘s Bill Comstock, competed in siles which would have been an eight-hour buffalo-shooting Cohen-Blind was taken to po- weapon gets two chances to kill Project Babylon far more effective than the out- lice headquarters for question- its intended victim. match over the exclusive right dated super gun technology. ing, but in an unguarded mo- to use the name, which Cody However, the gun would have 8 9 offered greater ranges than the guns were Paris Gun to the Allies, but they sa, where, Scud variants then used by the rushed to Bel- Big Bertha never complied with this. among oth- Iraqis, and its projectiles would gium and de- The gun was taken back to er things, it have been more difficult to in- stroyed Lon- Germany in August 1918 as destroyed a tercept. cin Fortress. Allied advances threatened its munitions The project began in 1988 but German sol- security. No guns were ever depot located came to a grinding halt in 1990. diers chris- captured by the Allies. It is be- roughly 30 Gerald Bull was assassinated in tened the guns lieved that near the end of the meters below what was described as a “very “Dicke Berta” war they were completely de- ground lev- professional job”. Fingers were in reference to stroyed by the . el. The gun pointed at Israel’s Mossad. Bertha Krupp, was moved Parts of the super guns were head of the 2. Schwerer Gustav to Leningrad, Scherer Gustav also seized in transit around Eu- Krupp family. Schwerer Gustav (Heavy and may rope. The components that re- After the Gustaf) was a German 80 cm have been intended to be used in frequently resorted to them be- mained in Iraq were destroyed Battle of Liège, the name “Big titude Zeppelin, as the sound of railway gun. It was developed the like oth- cause of its shortage of artillery. by the after the Bertha” spread to German neither an aeroplane nor a gun in the late 1930s by Krupp in er German heavy siege pieces, The wooden guns were painted 1991 Gulf War. newspapers and then to Allied could be heard. They were the Darłowo (then Rügenwalde) as but the rebellion was crushed black and positioned in fortifi- servicemen as slang for all largest pieces of artillery used siege artillery for the explicit before it could be prepared to cations to delay Union assaults. 4. Big Bertha heavy German artillery, though during the war by barrel length, purpose of destroying the main fire. Gustav was destroyed by Sometimes actual gun carriages During the early 1900s Krupp principally to the M-Gerät. and are considered to be super forts of the French Maginot the Germans near the end of the were used in the deception. began to develop a series of The gun weighed 47 tonnes, guns. Line, the strongest fortifications war in 1945 to avoid capture by The most famous use of a road-mobile heavy mortars and had a length of 5.88 metres and It weighed 256 tons and had a in existence at the time. the Red Army. Quaker gun was by Confeder- howitzers, ranging from 28 cm could fire a 820 kg high-explo- length of 34 metres. The calibre The fully assembled gun ate General Joseph E. Johnston, calibre to 30.5 cm. These built sive shell a distance of 12,5 km. of 211 mm was later rebored to weighed nearly 1,350 tonnes, 1. Quaker gun who placed them in his field upon Krupp’s experience with Only 12 were ever build and 238 mm. While it could fire a and could fire shells weighing The Quaker gun wasn’t really works around Centreville, Vir- building coastal defence mor- none of them survived until the 106 kg shell a distance of 130 seven tonnes to a range of 47 a gun at all. In fact it is a decep- ginia in March 1862, to give the tars (Küstenmörser), such as present. km the guns’ accuracy was kilometres. tion tactic that was commonly appearance that the works were the 30.5-cm Beta-Gerät, the good enough for only city-sized The gun was designed in used in warfare during the 18th still occupied, while his men first model of which had been 3. The Paris Gun targets. The German objective preparation for the Battle of and 19th centuries. Although were actually withdrawing to introduced in 1897. The Paris-Geschütz / Paris- was to build a psychological France, but was not ready for resembling an actual cannon, the Rappahannock River. Krupp then developed a su- er Kanone (Paris Gun) was the weapon to attack the morale of action when the battle began, the Quaker gun was simply a A similar idea was employed per-heavy siege gun with a name given to a type of German the Parisians, not to destroy the and in any case the ’s wooden log, usually painted during the Doolittle Raid, which barrel diameter calibre of 420 long-range siege gun, several city itself. offensive through black, used to deceive an ene- occurred in the early stages of mm. It was officially designat- of which were used to bombard Between 320 to 367 shells Belgium rapidly outflanked my. Misleading the enemy as to the of World War II, ed the L/12, Type M-Gerät 14 Paris during World War I. They were fired, at a maximum rate and isolated the Maginot Line’s the strength of an emplacement where Lieutenant Colonel Jim- (M-Equipment 1914) Kurze were in service from March to of around 20 per day. The shells static defences, eventually forc- was an effective delaying tac- my Doolittle led a squadron of Marine-Kanone (“short naval August 1918. killed 250 people and wounded ing the French to surrender and tic. The name derives from the B-25 Mitchells to bomb Tokyo. gun”, a name intended to con- When the guns were first em- 620, and caused considerable making their destruction unnec- Religious Society of Friends or The early model B-25B had no ceal the weapon’s real purpose). ployed, Parisians believed they damage to property. The worst essary. “Quakers”, who have tradition- guns installed in the tail section The first pair of the M-Gerät had been bombed by a high-al- incident was on 29 March 1918, Gustav was later deployed in ally held a religious opposition to help protect the planes from when a single shell hit the roof the Soviet Union during the to war and violence tail-end attacks. While modify- of the St-Gervais-et-St-Protais Battle of Sevastopol, in the Peace Testi- ing the bombers for the mission Church, collapsing the roof on part of Operation mony. at Eglin Field, Florida, Doolit- Paris Gun to the congregation then hear- Barbaros- Quaker guns tle had fake machine guns con- ing the Good Friday service. A were used by both sisting of a pair of broomsticks total of 91 people were killed the North and South in the painted black mounted at the and 68 were wounded. American Civil War. The tail end of the fuselage to simu- Under the terms of the Treaty Confederate States Army late tail guns. of Versailles, the Germans were required to turn over a complete 10 Quaker Gun 11 years. Yet compulsory military ser- The call to arms vice still currently exists in no fewer than 63 countries around For 24 years white South African males were required to undergo compulsory military service. It was known as National Service and it was not a request, it was a law. In South Africa this is now a the world. And 22 of those thing of the past. Yet in 63 countries military service is still compulsory. countries are in Africa. Let’s take a look at those ost people will re- pleting the questionnaire prop- itial conscription or ex-national countries where compulsory member the day when erly you are helping us to place servicemen (Citizen Force). military service still exists. that letter arrived. The you where you will fit in best”. National service began in • Algeria - One year. M • Angola - Two years. There one that had ‘Amptelik’ and ‘Of- Quite apart from the reality that 1968 when it was decided that ficial’ stamped all over it. the questionnaire apparently en- all white South African males is a civilian or non-combat- On the inconspicuous looking sured that you were helping the would be required to do a period ant option available. envelope would be your name, SADF to place you where you of compulsory military service. • Armenia - Two years for address, and your SADF serial would definitely NOT fit in, by Note carefully the use of the men and women. number. completing this questionnaire, word compulsory. It was not a • Azerbaijan - Between one Inside was a cunningly word- you were submitting yourself request, it was an instruction and two years. ed invitation to spend an all-ex- (and giving your passive okay) and it was backed up by an act • Benin - One year. DOUBLE TIME: Many of our readers know what it is like to do • Bolivia - One year. penses paid holiday with the to state control of your very life of parliament. Every white male compulsory military service. South African Defence Force. that would influence your opin- who was a South Africa citizen • Brazil - Between nine More commonly it was ions on a range of topics from or had permanent residence was Initial full-time service: This there is no formal service months and one year. It can known as your call-up papers or personal relationships, through required to register with the lasts for a maximum of 12 obligation, other than what be extended to a maximum ‘instructions to report South African Defence months (in 1978 this was in- may be imposed by the Min- of seven years. for national service.’ Force in the year that he creased to 24 months) and must ister of Defence in the light • Cambodia - One year. It usually arrived dur- turned sixteen. be performed by all medical- of SA Defence Force opera- • Cape Verde - Two years for ing the vacation shortly Once you had com- ly fit white male citizens from tional requirements. men and women. after you had complet- pleted your schooling the year in which they turn 18, • After five years in the active • Central African Republic ed your schooling and or decided to leave subject to exemptions or defer- citizen force reserve, these - Two year selective service. it really had the ability school, the South Af- ments described below. members are liable for ser- • .Chad - Two years for men to stuff up a perfectly rican Defence Force The intake dates for full-time vice in the commando force and one year for women. good day. required your services. service are at the beginning of until their 55th year, with a Civil service available only One wonders, how- The particular act went January and July every year, the maximum service obligation for women. ever, if any of you re- something like this: January intake being the larger of 12 days a year. • Colombia - One to two alized that the process All white male South of the two. It can clearly be seen that the years. actually started around African citizens be- The initial full-time service is SADF didn’t mess around. They • Côte d’Ivoire - One year. two years earlier, with an event your understanding of tolerance tween the ages of 17 and 55 followed by: wanted a fairly hefty chunk of • - Two years. that passed unnoticed and unre- of other opinions, to politics. years are liable for military ser- • Twelve years service in the your life and you were given no • Cyprus - 14 months. A civil- membered. Perhaps you only now realise vice in terms of the Defence Act citizen force, divided into choice in the matter. ian or non-combatant option The “National Service Ques- just how all encompassing na- (this would later include the De- six two-year cycles. You either reported for na- is available for 18 months. tionnaire” was a document dis- tional service was. fence Act Amendment, 1982). • In each cycle a maximum tional service at the time and • Egypt - Minimum obliga- tributed to all 16 year old white For over two decades nation- This includes immigrants under of 120 days service is per- place specified on your call up tion of 14 months service. males via all “white” schools in al service was a type of rite of the age of 25 who, in terms of formed, of which no more papers or you faced prosecu- • Equatorial Guinea - Two South Africa. The document had passage for white South African the Citizenship Act, automati- than 90 days may be im- tion and detention for up to 36 years. to be completed and returned to males. Many people do not re- cally become South African cit- posed during one year. A to- months. • Eritrea - Officially it is for the SADF and it was an offence alise that the South African De- izens after five years permanent tal, therefore, of 720 days. 18 months. In reality it can not to do so. fence Force was a citizen force. residence in South Africa unless • After completion of service Still going strong be indefinite. Women do 16 In the words of the accompa- Only 10% of the SADF were they specifically choose not to in the citizen force, there Compulsory military service, months of service. nying DD 1806 E (Important permanent force. The remaining do so and thus lose their perma- follows a further five years or national service, is a thing of • Estonia - Eight to 11 months. Information for Completing 90% was made up from national nent residence rights and work in the active citizen force the past in South Africa. And • France - Youth between the your questionnaire) “By com- servicemen busy doing their in- permit. reserve. During this period it’s been that way for the past 26 ages of 16 and 18 are re- 12 13 Thank you for the music Sometimes you will hear a song and it will immediately rekindle memories. For many of us a song has the ability to remind us of the days we spent in uniform. Matt O’Brien takes a look at the close relationship that the military and music have always shared. Click on any blue underlined link to listen to the actual song.

ou’ve probably heard American Civil War (Old Testament, Isaiah 63; New the quote “Music Dixie originated in the minstrel Testament, Rev. 19) with the Ysoothes the savage shows of the 1850s and quickly American Civil War. Since that beast” or “Musics tames the became popular throughout the time, it has become an extreme- savage beast.” United States. ly popular and well-known Unfortunately both of these In 1861, during the American American patriotic song. quotes are incorrect. The actu- Civil War, it was adopted as a The Battle Cry of Freedom, al quote is “Music has charms de facto national anthem of the also known as “Rally ‘Round to soothe the savage breast.” Confederate States of America. the Flag”, is a song written in The phrase was coined to Wil- Most sources credit Ohio- 1862 by American composer liam Congreve in his play The George Frederick Root dur- YOU WANT ME TO SERVE FOR HOW LONG? How would you feel if you had to serve for 11 born Daniel Decatur Emmett years? Mourning Bride, written way with the song’s composition. ing the American Civil War. A back in 1697. The song was a favourite of patriotic song advocating the quired to do one month of • North Korea - They don’t cial Social Service. But this article is not about President Abraham Lincoln; causes of Unionism and aboli- service. mess around. 11 years for • Sudan - One to two years misheard quotes. Rather it is he had it played at some of his tionism, it became so popular • Georgia - One year. men, seven years for wom- for both men and women. an article about music, and the political rallies and at the an- that composer H. L. Schreiner • Greece - Nine months. en. • Sweden - Nine to 11 months close association that music and nouncement of General Robert and lyricist W.H. Barnes adapt- • Guatemala - One to two • Paraguay - One year for for men. Eleven months se- the military have always had. E. Lee’s surrender. ed it for the Confederacy. years. Army and two years for lective service for women. Around the world many regi- John Brown’s Body is a Tramp! Tramp! Tramp! • Guinea - Two years selec- Navy. • Syria - Two years Army & ments and corps have their own United States marching song (The Prisoner’s Hope) was tive. • Qatar - Three to four Air force, 18 months in the band and many have their own about the abolitionist John one of the most popular songs • Guinea-Bissau - Two years months. Navy. dedicated march. In fact in the Brown. The song was popular of the American Civil War. selective. • Russia - One year. • Taiwan - One year selective. November 2017 issue of Mili- in the Union during the Amer- George F. Root wrote both the • Iran - Two years. • São Tomé and Príncipe - • Tajikistan - Two years. tary Despatches we had an arti- ican Civil War. words and music and published • Israel - Three years for men Two years. • Thailand - Two years for in- cle about it. Many other lyrics have been it in 1864 to give hope to the and two years for women. • Senegal - Two years. selec- voluntarily drafted men, six This article, however, looks written and set to the tune of Union prisoners of war. The • Kazakhstan - One year. tive. months for volunteers. more at music that was popu- John Brown’s Body, including song is written from the prison- • Kuwait - One year. • Singapore - 22 months, • Togo - Two years selective. lar with soldiers during certain Blood On The Risers, which er’s point of view. The chorus • Kyrgyzstan - Two years. without regard to Full-Time • Tunisia - One year. wars. Music that cheered them was sung by American para- tells his fellow prisoners that • Laos - One year. National Service in the Sin- • Turkey - Six months to one up or made them feel closer troopers during World War II. hope is coming. • Libya - Two years. gapore Civil Defence Force year. to home. Music that inspired The Battle Hymn of the Re- • Mali - Two years selective. or Singapore Police Force, • Turkmenistan - Two years. them or caused them to think public is a lyric by the Amer- World War I • Mauritania - Two years in under the Ministry of Home • UAE - 16 months for high of loved ones. It was music that ican writer Julia Ward Howe It’s a Long Way to Tipper- the Army. Navy & Air force Affairs. school diploma holders. had the ability to evoke strong using the music from the song ary is a British music hall song are voluntary. • Somalia - They have com- Three years for high school emotions. John Brown’s Body. Howe’s written by Henry James “Har- • Moldova - One year. pulsory military service, but drop outs. It may have been music that more famous lyrics were writ- ry” Williams and co-credited • Mongolia - One year. it is uncertain for how long. • Vietnam - Two years selec- was popular on the radio, or ten in November 1861, and to Jack Judge. It became pop- • Morocco - One year. • South Korea - 21 months tive. listened to on a vinyl record first published in The Atlantic ular among soldiers in the First • Mozambique - Two years. for Army and Marines, 23 • Uzbekistan - One year. or cassette tape. Sometimes it Monthly in February 1862. The World War and is remembered • Myanmar - Two years. months for Navy, two years • Yemen - Minimum obliga- was music that was performed song links the judgment of the as a song of that war. • Niger - Two years. selec- for Air Force and Social Ser- tion of two years. live, or even sung by the troops wicked at the end of the age During the First World War, tive. vice, and three years for spe- themselves. Daily Mail correspondent 14 15 George Curnock saw the Irish Adrian Cronauer was a Unit- regiment the Connaught Rang- ed States Air Force Sergeant ers singing this song as they and radio personality whose marched through Boulogne on experiences as an innovative 13 August 1914 and reported it disc jockey on American Forc- on 18 August 1914. The song es Network during the Viet- was quickly picked up by other nam War inspired the 1987 film units of the British Army. Good Morning, Vietnam which In November 1914, it was starred the late Robin Williams. recorded by Irish tenor John Popular songs including McCormack, which helped its the Rolling Stone’s Paint It worldwide popularity. Black, The Letter by the Four K-K-K-Katy was a popular Tops, and Fortunate Son by World War I-era song written BLOWING IN THE WIND: The Vietnam War had its own Creedence Clearwater Revival. by Canadian American com- unique music that defined a generation. African American troops poser Geoffrey O’Hara in 1917 WHAT’S THE USE OF WORRYING? Music and song kept the had their own favourite tunes and published in 1918. troops spirits up during the horrors of World War I. The song is about a Russian was a German chain of fortifi- and these included the likes The lyrics tell of a brave but woman called Katyusha. Stand- cations built during the 1930s of Chain Of Fools by Aretha awkward soldier called Jimmy The Tall” is a war song credited (There’ll Be Bluebirds ing on a steep riverbank, she opposite the French Maginot Franklin, Dock Of The Bay by who is lovesick over the beau- as being written by Fred God- Over) The White Cliffs of sends her song to her lover, a Line. Ottis Redding, and Tracks Of tiful Katy. He buys a wedding frey in 1917 to music composed Dover is a popular World War soldier serving far away. The This line stretched more than My Tears by Smokey Robin- ring before going to fight in by Robert Kewley. It was first II song composed in 1941 by theme of the song is that the sol- 630 km and featured more than son & the Miracles. France. recorded by George Formby, Jr. Walter Kent to lyrics by Nat dier will protect the Motherland 18,000 bunkers, tunnels and A member of the Green Be- Keep the Home-Fires Burn- in 1940. Burton. and its people while his grateful tank traps. The network of de- rets, Sergeant Barry Sadler, ing (‘Till the Boys Come Don’t Sit Under the Apple Made famous in Vera Lynn’s girl will remain true to him. fensive structures stretched wrote and sang his own song, Home) is a British patriotic Tree (With Anyone Else but 1942 version, it was one of The song was sung by female from Kleve on the border with The Ballad Of The Green Be- First World War song composed Me) is a popular song that was Lynn’s best-known recordings students from a Soviet industri- the Netherlands, along the rets. The song went on to be- in 1914 by Ivor Novello with made famous by Glenn Miller and among the most popular al school in Moscow, bidding western border of the old Ger- come a number one hit. words by Lena Guilbert Ford. and by the Andrews Sisters dur- World War II tunes. farewell to soldiers going to the man Empire, to the town of Pack Up Your Troubles in ing World War II. Its lyrics are Lili Marleen is a German battle front against Nazi Ger- Weil am Rhein on the border The Border War Your Old Kit-Bag is a World the words of two young lovers love song performed by Lale many. to Switzerland. It was planned The music of the 70s and 80s War I marching song, published who pledge their fidelity while Andersen. Marlene Dietrich re- The song is the source of the in 1936 and built between 1938 was the soundtrack to the Bor- in 1915 in London. It was writ- one of them is away serving in corded both a German and Eng- nickname of the BM-8, BM-13, and 1940. der War, and to national service ten by Welsh songwriter George the war. lish version of the song. and BM-31 “Katyusha” rocket We’re Going to Hang out in general. Henry Powell under the pseu- Kiss Me Goodnight, Ser- Erwin Rommel, commander launchers. the Washing on the Siegfried It must be remember that na- donym of “George Asaf”, and geant Major is a World War II of the , admired Erika is a marching song of Line is a popular song by Ulster tional servicemen came from a set to music by his brother Felix soldier’s song normally credit- the song and it became their the German military. The song songwriter Jimmy Kennedy, wide range of backgrounds, and Powell. ed to Art Noel and Don Pelosi theme song. The British 8th was composed by Herms Niel written whilst he was a Captain this was reflected in the music. It became very popular, in 1939. Army, the Desert Rats, who in the 1930s, and it soon came in the British Expeditionary There would be pop, rock, boosting British morale despite We’ll Meet Again is a 1939 fought against the Afrika Ko- into usage by the Wehrmacht, Force during the early stages country and western, disco, Af- the horrors of that war. It was British song made famous by rps, also adopted the English especially the Heer and, to a of the Second World War, with rikaans and even gospel music. one of a large number of music singer Vera Lynn with music version of the song. lesser extent, the . music by Michael Carr. Music played a major part in hall songs aimed at maintaining and lyrics composed and writ- Katyusha is a Russian folk It would go on to become the a serviceman’s life. It was one morale, recruiting for the forc- ten by Ross Parker and Hughie song. It was composed by Mat- marching song of the Waffen Vietnam War of his few contacts with real es, or defending Britain’s war Charles. vey Blanter in 1938, and gained SS. Erika is both a common The music of the Vietnam world. In any bungalow or tent aims. The song is one of the most fame during World War II as German female name and the War was the music of the late at least one person would have famous of the Second World a patriotic song, inspiring the German word for heather. 60s and early 70s. US Forces a transistor radio and it bright- World War II War era, and resonated with population to serve and defend Known in German as the in Vietnam even had their own ened up many a long night pre- Bless ‘Em All, also known as soldiers going off to fight and their land in the war effort. In Westwall but referred to by the radio station, American Forces paring for inspection. “The Long And The Short And their families and sweethearts. Russia, the song is still popular. Allies as the Siegfried Line, it Vietnam Network (AFVN). Harry did his national service 16 17 at the Army Gymnasium in 1977 and back to the Army “What I will never forget was For most troops though, the of them was nicknamed Junior Heidelberg in 1977. He relates Gym. Look, I’m not saying that there was this young singer who way they listened to music was and, if I remember correctly, some of his memories. I enjoyed my national service, sang about three or four songs. I on cassette tapes. the other guy’s name was Dave. “About three or four guys but it does make me nostalgic can’t remember what her name “I took my radio/cassette “Then there was Malcolm, our in our bungalow had radios. for those days.” was, or even what songs she player to the border with me,” chef. This guy had an incredible One of them had a real ‘Ghetto Springbok Radio had two sang. says Jeremy. “I only took about voice. Often in the evening the Blaster’ and it had fairly decent programmes dedicated to the “But if I close my eyes I can six cassettes with. So we had to three of them would sit in one speakers. troops serving in the military. still picture her as if it were yes- listen to the same songs over of the tents and entertain us. “At night we used to listen to These were programmes where terday. She had a good voice, and over again. “I was convinced that after his radio. Hell, there was some family, friends, and especially that I can remember. She had “The other big problem was they finished national service good music in those days. I re- girlfriends could write in and long blonde hair and she wore batteries for the player. Luckily all three of them would go on to member that one of the songs send a dedication to someone a pair of hot pants, a boob tube, we used these rechargeable ni- become big names in the music An LP com- they used to play often was serving in the SADF. It wasn’t SOLDIER BOY: and these knee-high boots. I fell cad (nickel–cadmium) batteries industry. piled by Par Kerr of some of Dancing Queen by Abba. a request programme, so you her favourite songs she played in love with her instantly. And I for our army radios. The signal- “Yet afterwards I lost contact “Sometimes the radio was couldn’t ask them to play a par- on her show. don’t think I was the only one.” ler gave us one of the battery’s with them and never heard any- tuned in to Radio Highveld but ticular song. and we connected it up to the thing about them again.” most of the time though it was Pat Kerr presented the show afternoon they would have the cassette player.” I spoke to a few of my mates on Radio 5 (now 5FM). They in English, while Esme Everard ‘Radio Ovambo Top Ten’, and For many troops, if they that had also spent time in the had some damn good deejays did a similar show in Afrikaans. it was in English. wanted music they had to old SADF. We racked our brains on Radio 5 in those days. I can Marie van Zyl presented “I remember that the very make their own. to come up with one song that still remember people like John Stand at ease/Op die plek rus first time I ever heard Paul Mc- was special to all those that did Berks, Peter de Nobrega, and on Radio 5. Cartney’s Mull Of Kintyre national service. And we did Harold West. On these programmes you was on the Radio Ovambo Top manage to find that one song. “The radio kept us company would normally hear dedica- Ten. Even though the announc- One day that was special to and at night we would be wash- tions such as “To my boyfriend er said that the song was called all national servicemen was ing and ironing our clothes, Corporal Joe Blogs somewhere ‘Mother of gentiles’.” when they had only 40 days of cleaning rifles and equipment, on the border, I love you and From time to time concerts their national service left. They and polishing the floors, all to miss you and can’t wait for you would be arrange to tour the would celebrate the event with the music on the radio. to be back home.” Border. These would usually Dale did border duty a ‘Forty Days’ party. “I can’t remember the name While this was very touching, consist of a few local artists or during the latter part I’m not sure where, when, or of the deejay who was on Ra- there was one slight problem. bands, a comedian, and other of 1978. how the tradition began. Maybe dio 5 on a Thursday night but There was a more than good entertainers. They would visit one of our readers could pro- I guess that he must have done chance that Corporal Joe Blogs the larger bases such as Groot- “I was with Delta Com- vide more information. national service at some stage would never hear the message. fontein, Oshakati, Rundu and pany, 4 SAI. We were The song that was always because he would always think Radio reception on the border Katima Mulilo. based at a place called played at any Forty Days cel- of us on a Thursday night. was virtually non existent. Steve served on the border in Okalongo in Ovam- ebration was Cliff Richard’s “And to all you guys out there Alan, who did national ser- 1978 and he remembers one of boland. Forty Days. getting ready for inspection to- vice in 1978, recalls. the concerts. “We had two guys It’s been a long time since morrow morning, vasbyt and “I was in Ovamboland and “I was at Rundu when they that were really bril- anyone celebrated their forty hope you pass inspection. This we couldn’t pick up Springbok had a concert. We really en- liant guitarists and both days. Maybe Sir Cliff should next song is just for you guys.” Radio or any other South Afri- joyed it. I remember that there of them had brought think of rewriting the song and “We would all cheer like cra- can radio stations. There was was this group of Spanish danc- their guitars with. One calling it ‘Forty Years’. zy. It felt good to know that even less of a chance of picking ers that we all really appreciat- Music and the military have someone out there was thinking up Radio 5 which still used to ed. always shared a close bond and about us. Those were good dee- broadcast on medium wave. “And I remember that Glenys I’m pretty convinced that as jays, not like some of the ones “The only station we could Lynne was there. She was with Cliff Richard long as there is a military they you get today. get was Radio Ovambo. I Four Jacks and a Jill. One of the will always have their songs. “It’s strange, but whenev- couldn’t speak Ovambo, so it songs that she sang was called er I hear ‘Dancing Queen’ I’m didn’t help me. The one good Ramaja and we all went mad instantly transported back to thing was that on a Saturday when she sang it. 18 19 fish, eggs, milk, nuts and some roles in body functions. found. Some plants, though edi- A matter of survival - Finding Food vegetables and fungi. ble, have very little food value. Trace elements So it’s important to learn which Over the next few months we will be running a series of articles looking at survival, something Proteins that has always been important for those in the military. This month we look at finding and pre- While we need trace elements, yield the most nourishment. Just paring food. Proteins are essential for the their exact function is not yet as important is to learn which growth and repair of the body. fully understood. are poisonous. They are the only food constit- Trace elements include stron- Plants contain essential vi- f you’re going to survive digest both flesh and plants. This sis - indigestion, vomiting and uent containing nitrogen and are tium, aluminium, arsenic, gold tamins and minerals, and are a then you will need to have means that we can eat almost an- nausea caused by the excessive made up of complex chemical and other chemicals in tiny rich source of protein and carbo- Isome understanding of your ything from the animal or plant breakdown of body fats during structures known as amino ac- amounts. hydrates. Some also contain fat body’s nutritional needs and kingdom. starvation. ids, combined in thousands of and all provide roughage essen- how you can meet them. They do, however, have two different ways. Vitamins tial to keep the body regular and In most circumstances plants Energy needs major disadvantages. They do If carbohydrates and fats are This are the big role players in good shape. will be readily available, but We need a wide range of el- not contain vitamin B, and they missing from your diet, protein when it comes to health. Not you need to know which ones ements which provide the right may cause constipation. is used to generate energy. This, only do they maintain the body, Warning to avoid. proportions of nutrients and suf- There are two types of carbo- however, comes at the expense they also protect against illness. Do not eat large Almost any animal can pro- ficient energy to get you through hydrates: of the body’s other needs, so that There are about 40 differ- quantities of any vide food and you will need to the day. • Sugars are found in sugar, in starvation the body burns it’s ent vitamins, of which about a one plant at a get used to eating unusual ones These must include proteins, syrup, honey, treacle and own tissues. dozen are essential for humans. time, especially if such as worms and insects. carbohydrates, fats, minerals, fruits. The main sources of protein A wide range of effective and other trace elements and vi- • Starches are found in cere- traps and snares will catch food tamins. als, roots and tubers. Starch while you gather plants, collect Without making any physical granules are insoluble in cold water, and carry out other sur- effort the body requires 70 cal- water but heat causes them vival tasks. ories per hour just to maintain to rupture. This is why you If you’re going to hunt food normal body functions such as should always cook roots you will first have to learn to im- breathing and blood circulation. and tubers. provise weapons, and practice The simplest activities will using them. burn up another 45 calories per Fats Meat needs preparation to hour. This makes a total of about Basically fats contain the make it convenient to handle 2,040 calories a day without same elements as carbohydrates and safe to cook. Learn how to any major effort. Put in a bit of except they are combined differ- are meat, fish, eggs and dairy These vitamins are found in you’re not used to it. preserve it when there is surplus. hard work and you’re looking at ently. products, and plants in the form minute amounts in many kinds Start nibbling a fresh spec- Fish also offers another burning 3,500 calories per day. They are also a concentrat- of nuts, grains and pulses. of food. Vitamin D can by syn- imen and add some to stews. source of food and you will Remember, it’s not only phys- ed source of energy, providing It is also found in small quan- thesized in the skin when it is This will allow you to build up need to know how to catch fish. ical activity that will burn up twice as many calories as carbs. tities in some other vegetables. exposed to the sun’s rays and your intake gradually. calories. Mental effort and anxi- They are stored in the body as vitamin K can be synthesized If you give your stomach a Food Values ety also use up calories. a layer of fat under the skin and Minerals by bacteria in the gut. Others, chance to get used to a new food Food supplies heat and energy If food is scarce, do not squan- around the organs. These include some which however, must be obtained from it will adjust and not reject it. and provides the materials with der energy. The problem is that they are we require in quantity, such as external sources. which the body can grow or re- insoluble in water and they re- calcium, phosphorus, sodium, Warning pair itself. Carbohydrates quire a length digestive process chlorine, potassium, sulphur and Plants as food Do not assume A healthy body can survive Carbs form the main bulk of before they can be absorbed by magnesium. The good news is that there that because birds, for a while on reserves stored in your diet and are the main source the body.. And this takes an ade- Other minerals, such as iron, are not many places in the world insects or mam- its tissues, but lack of food will of energy. They fuel the internal quate intake of water. flourine and iodine, are needed where you will be far from some mals eat a plant make it more difficult to keep functions and run the nervous Fats heat and insulate the in smaller amounts. kind of vegetation - bush, creep- that it is edible by humans. warm, to recover after hard work system. body, protect organs, lubricate Calcium is needed for bones er, flower, grass, lichen or vine Monkeys are some indication, or injury, and to fight off disease. Carbs are easily converted into the alimentary tract and build an and teeth, but has other roles - most of which can be eaten. but this is no guarantee that it Luckily, human beings are energy and do not require a large energy reserve. in muscular function and blood The trick is knowing which is suitable for human consump- omnivores, which means we can water intake. They prevent keto- They are found in animals, clotting. All minerals play vital is which and where they can be tion. 20 21 Testing new plants Skin irritation • Place a small portion under Get into the habit of always Rub a piece of the plant or the tongue. quiz testing out potential new food squeeze some of the juices onto • Chew a small portion. plants. Always complete the en- a tender part of the skin (under tire test and never take short cuts. the arm or on the inside of the Swallow Military sidearms Only allow one person to test arm between the armpit and el- Swallow a small amount. You his month we’re looking at military sidearms. Here are 15 sidearms that are currently or were each new plant. If in any doubt, bow). If you experience any dis- then need to wait for five hours. in use with the military. All you need to do is tell which sidearm it is. These are, or were, in do not eat the plant. comfort, rash or swelling, throw Do not eat or drink anything else Tuse with the SADF, SAP, Britain, US, Germany, Russia and Japan. Answers of page 49. Should stomach problems oc- the plant away. during this period. cur, drink plenty of hot water. This should bring relief. Lips, mouth, tongue Eating If the problems are severe then If there is no irritation to the If no reactions such as soreness induce vomiting by tickling the skin you’re ready to move onto to the mouth, repeated belching, back of the throat. Charcoal is a the next stage. nausea, sickness, stomach pains, 1 2 3 very useful emetic. Swallowing Do not move onto the next gripping pain to the lower ab- some will induce vomiting and stage of this process until you domen or any other distressing it may also absorb the poison. have waited for five minutes, symptoms are experienced, you Mixing some white wood ash checking that there is no un- may consider the plant safe. with water so it becomes a paste pleasant reaction. is also useful for relieving stom- • Place a small portion on the There will be no “Matter of ach pain. lips. survival” feature in the Novem- • Place a small portion in the ber issue as this issue will be en- Inspect corner of the mouth. tirely devoted to World War I. 4 5 6 If you have some local plant • Place a small portion on the In the December issue we will knowledge, try to identify which tip of the tongue. look at identifying and gathering plant it is. plants for food. If a plant is slimy or worm-eat- en then it is past its best. It will have no food value apart from 4 any grubs or 9 worms on 7 8 it. Some plants are edible if they are fresh. When they be- come old, how- ever, they change 10 11 12 their chemical content and become toxic. Smell Crush a small portion of the plant. If it smells of bitter almonds or peach- es do not even attempt to 13 14 15 taste it. Throw it away. 22 00 Rank Structure - IDF Over the next few months we will be running a series of articles looking at the rank structure of various armed forces. This month we look at the Israel Defence Force (IDF). Rav samal bakhír Rav nagad mishne Rav nagad he Israel Defense Forces no civilian jurisdiction within in the pre-state paramilitary *Command *Warrant Officer *Chief Warrant Officer (IDF), commonly known Israel. Haganah, which operated dur- Sergeant Major Tin Israel by the Hebrew The IDF has a unique rank ing the Mandate period in order acronym Tzahal, are the mili- structure. Because they are an to protect the Yishuv. This is re- Army Officers tary forces of the State of Isra- integrated force, ranks are the flected in the slightly compact- el. They consist of the ground same in all services (there is no ed rank structure: for instance, forces, air force, and navy. It differentiation between army, the Chief of Staff is seemingly is the sole military wing of the navy, air force, etc.) The ranks only equivalent to a lieutenant Israeli security forces, and has are derived from those used general in other militaries.

Segen mishne Segen Seren Rav seren Sgan aluf Israel Defence Force *Second Lieutenant *Lieutenant *Captain *Major *Lt Colonel (IDF)

Aluf mishne Tat aluf Aluf Rav aluf Non-commissioned and Warrant Officers *Colonel *Brigadier *Major *Lieutenant Army, Air Force, and Navy General General General

Air Force Officers

Rav turai Samal Samal rishon *Corporal *Sergeant *Staff Sergeant Segen mishne Segen Seren Rav seren Sgan aluf *Second Lieutenant *Lieutenant *Captain *Major *Lt Colonel

Rav samal Rav samal rishon Rav samal mitkadem *Sergeant First Class *Master Sergeant *Sergeant Major Aluf mishne Tat aluf Aluf Rav aluf *Colonel *Brigadier *Major *Lieutenant General General General 24 25 Navy Officers General Jannie Geldenhuys

Former Chief of the SADF, General Jannie Geldenhuys, passed away on 10 September 2018. We pay tribute to one of the leading military commanders this country ever produced. ormer Chief of the Army huys’ personal experiences and Segen mishne Segen Seren Rav seren Sgan aluf and Chief of the South insights. *Second Lieutenant *Lieutenant *Captain *Major *Lt Colonel FAfrican Defence Force These include facts unknown (SADF) General Johannes (Jan- to civilians and even to some nie) Jacobus Geldenhuys SSA, high-ranking military officials. SD, SOE, SM, MMM, GCIH, In particular, General Gelden- ORB, passed away on 10 Sep- huys sheds light on the final tember 2018 in George. He was years of the conflict and the ne- 83. gotiated settlement. Aluf mishne Tat aluf Aluf Rav aluf He was born in Kroonstad on General Geldenhuys also *Colonel *Brigadier *Major *Lieutenant 5 February 1935. He obtained a writes of his early years, as General General General B Mil degree from the Univer- he evolved from a rugby-mad sity of Pretoria before joining 1 young subaltern officer to a General Jannie Geldenhuys Special Service Battalion. deep-thinking, reflective man In 1977 he became com- with ever-sharpening insights mander of South West Africa into, war, peace, politics and, Military Merit Medal (MMM) Command, a post he held until most of all, himself. 1980, when he served in the po- In paying tribute to General sition of General Officer Com- Geldenhuys, I would like to Pro Patria Medal manding the South West Africa quote the Memorable Order of Territorial Force. Tin Hats (MOTH) credo. After this he became the Chief Good Service Medal, Gold of the Army before being pro- They shall grow not old, moted to the position of Chief as we who are left grow old. Good Service Medal, Silver of the South African Defence Age shall not weary them, Force on 31 October 1985. nor the years condemn. In this role, he took part in At the going down of the sun PF Good Service Medal negotiations that brought the and in the morning, Border War to an end in 1989, we will remember them. after 23 years of fighting. Order of Prince Henry (GCIH) General Geldenhuys was Medals and Decorations (Portugal) widely regarded as one of the leading military commanders Star of South Africa (SSA) Grand Cross of Order Military South Africa has ever produced. Merit (Paraguay) He was the author of the book, At The Front, A general’s Southern Cross Decoration (SD) account of South Africa’s Bor- Order of the Cloud and der War. Banner - with Grand Cordon At The Front covers the years South African Police Star for (2nd Grade) (ORB)(Taiwan) The Israel Defence Force is rated as the 16th most powerful military in the world. It has a total before and during the protract- Outstanding Service (SOE) military manpower of 615,000. It’s army has 2,760 tanks, 10,575 infantry fighting vehicles, and 650 ed Border War. But rather than self-propelled artillery. The air force has 252 fighter aircraft and 48 attack helicopter. The navy has a blow-by-blow official history, Grand Star of Military Merit three and six submarines. it consists of General Gelden- Southern Cross Medal (SM) (Chile) 26 27 It has also experienced a huge of its naval vessels, the structive. But what is surge in desertion. According to USS Ponce. the biggest nuclear We don’t talk about that reports, 4,000 men are desert- This laser can de- weapon ever ex- ing every month. The military often likes to boast and dazzle people with facts and figures, telling everyone just stroy small boats, ploded? how great they are. Yet there are topics that they would rather avoid. Like for instance how much Given that the starting sal- drones and slow That particu- money they spend annually, their mistakes and other topics that are taboo. ary of a soldier is just $130 moving aircraft. lar record be- (R1,860) a month and the fact Check out the longs to Rus- ost of our stories enough, they do all sorts of military has the first all-female that they’re fighting against August 2018 issue sia’s Tsar look at subjects such stressful training. But it’s one special forces unit? Surprising- people who don’t bother tak- of Military Des- as military history, exercise that really stands out. ly, it’s Norway. ing prisoners, it kind of makes patches for more M sense why so many leave and sci-fi weapons weapons, military technology, Spetsnaz are known to actual- Known as Hunter Troop this famous figures in military his- ly shoot each other with hand all-female force was created to never come back already being tory, battles and so on. guns – using live ammunition. respond to new challenges on tested and Yet what about those topics Sure they wear body armour – the battlefield. Nukes, nukes and more nukes used by the that the military doesn’t really but seriously. Specifically, the force came Okay, we all know that there military. like to talk about? From mili- about when all-male units re- are many nuclear weapons all tary faux pas to military spend- Gas guzzlers ported difficulty in interacting over the world and things could ing, from deception to deser- Today we are more environ- with female civilians in Muslim get really ugly, really quickly if tion. mentally aware than ever be- countries. The big question is, they are ever used. fore. We’ve become tree hug- are these ladies tough enough? But do you realise just how Big budgets gers par excellence. We use less Well the women who make many and how powerful these Many countries around the packaging, we recycle, we cut it in to Hunter Troop can do all weapons actually are? world spend billions upon bil- down on electricity usage, and the things their male counter- Latest figures put the number lions on their armed forces. And we conserve water as much as parts can do. of warheads at around 15,000. Listen, if it makes you feel any you may have guessed, correct- possible. Then we have the mil- The fact that only 4% of ap- Norway’s Hunter Troop ly, that the United States leads itary. plicants make it through the better that’s actually a lot less the way in military spending. All over the world, ships, selection and training suggests than there used to be. The US yearly spends about planes and tanks burn an in- that these ladies can probably On the other hand, almost Under the sea Bomb. With a blast equivalent $600 billion (R8,58 trillion) per credible amount of fuel. And kick some serious butt. every one of these weapons is at Would it surprise you to know to 50 million tons of TNT, when year on its military. who wins the prize for being the least several times more power- that the largest submarine fleet this thing was tested in 1961 China comes in at number worst culprit? You guessed it – Desertion ful than the bombs that levelled in the world isn’t American, people sat up and took notice. two with $129 billion. of course it’s the United States. If you’re a soldier who runs Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Russian or even Chinese? This The bomb created a fireball In fact even if you added up Various estimates and offi- away from your post or leaves honour actually goes to North eight kilometres in diameter. the budgets of the next sev- cial figures put the yearly petrol your unit without permission, Korea. The blast wave shattered win- en military forces in the world consumption of the US Military then you have just gone AWOL Sci-fi reality While definitely not the most dows five miles away. It was they still wouldn’t surpass that at upwards of three to four bil- (absent without leave). As kids, most of us watched power or capable force in the so bright that people could see of the United States. lion litres. If, however, you’re a soldier TV shows and movies where world, it is estimated that North the flash 965 kilometres away – In World War II the US Mili- who runs away from your post spaceships and people armed Korea operates over 70 die- even through thick clouds. Insane training with lasers blasted away at each sel-electric submarines. tary was using 3,7 litres of fuel or leaves your unit without per- A fair chunk of change Every nation prides itself on per soldier per day, in the 21st mission, and have no intention other. Most of them are pretty old the level of training its soldiers century that level has gone as of ever coming back, then you There were even rumours that and most likely very unsafe. Let’s face it, like the rest of and, especially, special forces high as 83 litres. have just deserted. the military had laser guns, but Nonetheless, some have been us, the military are concerned have to go through. Desertion happens in every hey, these were just rumours outfitted to fire ballistic mis- about soaring prices. Take the In fact, many of you will Female Special Forces military, but usually not on any weren’t they? The problem is siles, which could one day give F-35 Stealth fighter for exam- probably remember your own Over the past few decades the great scale. Well, unless you’re that the equipment needed to the isolated state a much greater ple. military training and try to role of women in the military the Afghan Army that is. shoot a laser is big and clunky. nuclear deterrent. This high-tech fighter will convince everyone that it was has expanded greatly. This in- Over the last few years this Or at least, it used to be. end up averaging out at $85 tougher than anywhere else. cludes roles in operational units force has taken on more respon- Today the US Military is ac- The Tsar Bomb million (R 1,216,082,250) per Then there is Spetsnaz, the and even special forces. sibility for fighting insurgents tively testing lasers and even Your probably know that nu- plane. That’s a lot of money in Russian Special Forces. Fair But can you guess which and groups such as the Taliban. has one deployed aboard one clear weapons are pretty de- anyone’s books. 28 29 head to head head to head Viet Cong was robust and easy to maintain. nade was the RGD-33. It was Weapons & Equipment: Vietnam The National Liberation Front Other troops would carry the nicknamed the ‘Chi Com’ by the of South Vietnam was a mass 7.62×39 mm SKS semi-auto- Americans. This month we compare the weapons and equipment of the major combatants in the matic carbine. Rice was the most common Vietnam War. political organization in South Vietnam and Cambodia with its It was common for at least ration carried by the Viet Cong US Army that fired a 40×46mm grenade. own army – the People’s Liber- one member of a squad to carry and they would have a small pot The Vietnam War was fought Other troops would be armed Infantry Equipment ation Armed Forces of South Vi- a RPG-7 (Ruchnoy Protivotank- to store the rice and to cook it. between 1 November 1955 and with a 12-gauge Winchester A - Combat boots. etnam (PLAF). They were more oviy Granatomyot) rocket 30 April 1975. Beginning in Model 1200 pump-action shot- B - Steel helmet. commonly known as the Viet launcher. Infantry Equipment 1950, American military advi- gun. The shotgun could hold C -M16A1. Cong. The knives they used were an A - Sandals. sors arrived in what was then six rounds. D - M26 Hand grenade. They were an irregular force odd assortment which could in- B - Floppy hat. French Indochina. Troops would carry at least E - M79 Grenade Launcher. and became known for the black clude various bayonet, kitchen C -AK-47. By 1969 there were 530,000 two M26 fragmentation gre- F - Winchester Model 1200. pyjama-type uniform they wore. knives, and even home-made D - RGD-33 grenade. US troops serving in Vietnam. nades with them. G - Colt M1911A1. They mostly wore home- blades. E - SKS carbine. The standard US rifle was the The standard side arm was the H - M7 Bayonet. made sandals made from tyres If they carried a side arm it F - RPG-7. 5.56 x 45 mm Colt M16A1. It .45 ACP Colt M1911A1. I - Poncho and sleeping bag. and strips of tyre tube. They be- could be a Tokarev TT-33 pis- G - Tokarev TT-33. used a 20 round box magazine. Most troops would carry J - Canteen. came popular with the American tol or various weapons captured H - Knife. Many troops did not like the something tucked into the band K - Mess kit. troops and were nicknamed ‘Ho from the Americans, or even I - Ammo bandolier. M16, claiming that it did not around their helmet. This was L - Trenching tool. Chi Minh’ sandals. weapons captured from the Jap- J - Canteen. have enough stopping power. usually a packet of cigarettes, M - Torch. The most common weapons anese during World War II or K - Backpack. Some troops in a squad would insect repellent, or rifle oil. N - Packback. was the 7.62×39 mm AK-47. It from the French during the In- L - Rice cooking pot. carry an M79 grenade launcher, Field rations consisted of O - MRE rations. took a 30 round magazine and do-China War. known as the ‘Thumper’.It was MRE’s (Meals Ready to Eat) P - Ammo bandolier. The most common hand gre- a single-shot, shoulder-fired, and these came in a variety of break-action grenade launcher meals. North Vietnamese Army I - Ammo bandolier. The People’s Army of Viet- J - Canteen. K - Rice cooking pot. US Special Forces hand grenades, they would also Infantry Equipment name (NVA - North Vietnamese Army) was the regular force of L - Backpack. Numerous US Special Forces carry M34 white phosphorus A - Jungle boots. North Vietnam. groups and units were deployed grenades. B - Boonie hat. They were far better trained during the Vietnam War. Some of them would carry a C -Colt CAR-15. and equipped than the Viet Cong These included Green Be- Starlight NVD (Night Vision D - Winchester Model 1200. and had their own air force and rets (Army), Army Rangers, Device) that allows images to E - Stoner 93. navy. SEALS (Navy), and Marine be produced in levels of light F - M34 WP grenade. The equipment they carried Force Recon. approaching total darkness. G - M26 Hand grenade. was similar to that of the Viet Most special force units pre- If they carried side arms it H - Machete. Cong, but usually much newer. ferred the 5.56 x 45 mm Cold would usually be a 9 x 19 mm I - Starlight night vision scope. Parabellum Browning Hi-Pow- J - K-Bar knife. Automatic Rifle (CAR-15), also Infantry Equipment known as the Colt Commando. er pistol or the Smith & Wesson K - Mess kit. A - Combat boots. It had a 30 round magazine and Mark 22 Mod.0 “Hush Puppy”. L - S&W Mk 22 Mod.0 “Hush B - Helmet. was shorter than the M16. This was a 9 x 19 mm Parabel- Puppy”. C -AK-47. The 5.56 x 45 mm Stoner 93 lum pistol that had a detachable M - MRE rations. D - RGD-33 grenade. could be configured as a rifle, a suppressor. N - Torch. E - SKS carbine. carbine, a top-fed light machine They made up their own util- O - Utility belt. F - RPG-7. gun, a belt-fed squad automatic ity belts that carried two can- P - ‘Alice’ pack. G - Tokarev TT-33. weapon. teens, four ammo pouches, and H - AK-47 bayonet. Besides carrying normal M26 other items. 30 31 B A B

US Army US Special Forces A

C C

D D E E

F G F

G H H

I I J J K L K N L M

M

O N O P P

32 33 A B A

Viet Cong North Vietnamese Army C

D C D E E F F

H G H G J J I I

K K

L L

34 35 Famous figures in military history Famous figures in military history

Marat of the Baltic out to the German lines on . final birthday, Rudel met with Hans-Ulrich Rudel Fleet. Marat was hit by a 1,000 The men attempted to swim Hitler in the Führerbunker at kilogram bomb near the for- across the Dniester River and the Reich Chancellery in Ber- A famous Luftwaffe ground-attack pilot and Germany’s most decorated servicemen, ward superstructure. Rudel’s gunner drowned in the lin. Hans-Ulrich Rudel was also a committed and unrepentant Nazi until his death. It caused the explosion of the attempt. On 8 May 1945, Rudel fled forward magazine which de- Upon his return, Ernst Gader- westward from an airfield near During World War II he was As a boy, Rudel was a poor Following the labour service, molished the superstructure and mann, previously the troop doc- Prague, landing in US con- a fighter ace and probably the scholar, but a very keen sports- Rudel joined the Luftwaffe in the forward part of the hull. 326 tor of III. Gruppe, joined Rudel trolled territory, and surren- Luftwaffe’s most successful man. Rudel attended the hu- the same year and began his men were killed and the ship as his new radio operator and dered. ground-attack fighter. manities oriented Gymnasium, military career as an air recon- gradually settled to the bottom air gunner. He was credited with the in Lauban. naissance pilot. in 11 meters of water. Rudel was awarded the Down South destruction of 519 tanks, as He joined the Hitler Youth Rudel is commonly credited Knight’s Cross of the While never charged with war well as a number of ships. He in 1933. After graduating with World War II with her sinking. Rudel’s unit with Oak Leaves, Swords and crimes, like many other Nazi’s claimed 51 aerial victories and Abitur in 1936, he participated When Germany invaded Po- then took part in Operation Ty- Diamonds on 29 March 1944, Rudel was interned after the war. the destruction of more than in the compulsory Reich La- land on 1 September 1939, the phoon, Army Group Center’s the tenth member of the Weh- He was released in April 1946 800 vehicles of all types. He bour Service (RAD). war in Europe began. attempt to capture the Soviet rmacht to receive this award. and went into private business. flew 2,530 ground-attack mis- Rudel flew long-range recon- capital. The presentation was made by In 1948, he emigrated to Ar- sions exclusively on the East- naissance missions over Poland While on leave in early 1942, Hitler personally. gentina via the ratlines, travel- ern Front, usually flying the as an air observer. During 1940, Rudel was married. Later in the Rudel was promoted to Ober- ling via the Austrian Zillertal to Junkers Ju 87 “Stuka” dive he served as a regimental ad- year, he took part in the Battle stleutnant on 1 September 1944, Italy. The Ratlines were a sys- bomber. jutant for the 43rd Aviators of Stalingrad. In February 1943, and appointed leader of SG 2, tem of escape routes for Nazis He was the most decorat- Training Regiment, based at Rudel flew his 1,000 th combat replacing Stepp, on 1 October and other fascists fleeing Eu- ed German serviceman of Vienna. mission. He then participated in 1944. On 22 December 1944, rope at the end of World War World War II receiving the In early 1941, he under- the experiments with using the Rudel completed his 2,400th II. These escape routes mainly Knight’s Cross of the Iron went training as a Stuka Ju 87 G in the anti-tank role. combat mission, and the next led toward havens in Latin Cross with Golden Oak pilot. He was posted to a The anti-tank unit took part in day, he reported his 463rd tank America, particularly Argenti- Leaves, Swords, and Dia- dive-bomber wing, Sturz- operations against the Soviet destroyed. na, Chile, Paraguay, Colombia, monds in January 1945, a dec- kampfgeschwader 2 (StG Kerch–Eltigen Operation. On 29 December 1944, Ru- Brazil, Uruguay, , Gua- oration created specifically for 2), which was moved to oc- In April 1943, Rudel was del was promoted to Oberst temala, Ecuador and Bolivia, as him. He was the only person cupied Poland in preparation awarded the Oak Leaves to the (colonel), and was awarded well as in Switzerland. Other ever to receive the award. for , Knight’s Cross, receiving them the Knight’s Cross of the Iron destinations included Australia, After the war he became a the invasion of the Soviet from Hitler personally in Ber- Cross with Golden Oak Leaves, Canada, and the Middle East. prominent neo-Nazi activist in Union, in June 1941 lin. Rudel participated in the Swords, and Diamonds, the In 1948, he emigrated to Ar- and West Ger- On 23 September 1941 Rudel with the same only person to receive this dec- gentina via the ratlines, travel- many. took part in an attack unit. oration. This award was pre- ling via the Austrian Zillertal to His name was Hans-Ulrich on the Soviet In October 1943, Rudel was sented to him by Hitler on 1 Italy. In Rome, with the help of Rudel. credited with the destruction of January 1945. South Tyrolean smugglers, and his 100th tank and was awarded On 8 February 1945, Rudel aided by the Austrian bishop Early life the Knight’s Cross of the Iron was badly wounded in the right Alois Hudal, he bought himself Rudel was born Cross with Oak Leaves and foot, and crash landed inside a fake Red Cross passport with on 2 July 1916, in Swords on 25 November. German lines. Rudel’s leg was the cover name “Emilio Meier”, Konradswaldau, Rudel was appointed Grup- amputated below the knee. and took a flight from Rome to in Prussia. He penkommandeur of III Grup- He returned to flying on 25 Buenos Aires, where he arrived was the third pe on 22 February 1944. On March 1945. He claimed 26 on 8 June 1948. child of Luther- 20 March, Rudel performed a more tanks destroyed by the After Rudel moved to Argen- an minister Jo- forced landing behind Soviet end of the war. On 19 April tina, he became a close friend hannes Rudel. line and he and his gunner set 1945, the day before Hitler’s and confidant of the President 36 37 of Argentina Juan Perón, and of Perón, Rudel was forced to Schmidt ordered that the meet- retirement as of 1 November Paraguay’s dictator Alfredo leave Argentina and move to ing could not be held at the 1976. Stroessner. In Argentina, he Paraguay. airbase. News of this decision Leber, a member of the Social founded the Kameradenwerk During the following years reached Generalleutnant Wal- Democratic Party of Germany (“comrades work” or “com- in , Rudel fre- ter Krupinski, at the time com- (SPD), was heavily criticized rades act”), a relief organiza- quently acted as a foreign rep- manding general of NATO’s for his actions by the Christian tion for Nazi war criminals. resentative for several German Second Allied Tactical Air Democratic Union (CDU) op- Prominent members of the companies, including Salzgitter Force, and a former World War position, and the scandal con- Kameradenwerk included SS AG, Dornier Flugzeugwerke, II fighter pilot. tributed to the minister’s subse- officer Ludwig Lienhardt, Focke-Wulf, Messerschmitt, Krupinski contacted Ger- quent retirement in early 1978. whose extradition from Sweden Siemens and Lahmeyer Inter- hard Limberg, Inspector of the On 3 February 1977, the Ger- had been demanded by the So- national, a German consulting Air Force, requesting that the man Bundestag debated the viet Union on charg- engineering firm. meeting be allowed to be held scandal and its consequences. es, Kurt Christmann, a member A scale model of Ulrich’s Ju 87 G-2 with its twin Bordkanone Rudel’s input was used dur- at the airbase. Limberg later The Rudel Scandal subsequent- of the Gestapo sentenced to 10 3.7 cm underwing gun pods. ing the development of the A-10 confirmed Krupinski’s request, ly triggered a military-tradition years for war crimes commit- Thunderbolt II, a United States and the meeting was held on discussion, which the Federal ted at Krasnodar, Austrian war In Argentina, Rudel lived in This book was later re-edited Air Force aircraft designed sole- Bundeswehr premises, a deci- Minister of Defense Hans Apel criminal Fridolin Guth, and the Villa Carlos Paz, roughly 36 and published in the United ly for close air support, includ- sion to which Schmidt still had ended with the introduction of German spy in Chile, August kilometers from the populous States, as the intensi- ing attacking ground targets as not agreed. Rudel attended the “Guidelines for Understanding Siebrecht. Córdoba City, where he rented fied, under the title,Stuka Pilot, tanks and armored vehicles. meeting, at which he signed his and Cultivating Tradition” on The group maintained close a house and operated a brick- which supported the German Rudel returned to West Ger- book and gave a few autographs 20 September 1982. contact with other internation- works. invasion of the Soviet Union. many in 1953 and became a but refrained from making any ally wanted fascists, such as There, Rudel wrote his war- Pierre Clostermann, a French leading member of the Neo-Na- political statements. Death and funeral Ante Pavelić, Carlo Scorza time memoirs Trotzdem (“Nev- fighter pilot, had befriended zi nationalist political party, the During a routine press event, Hans-Ulrich Rudel died af- and Konstantin von Neurath. ertheless” or “In Spite of Ev- Rudel and wrote the foreword German Reich Party (Deutsche journalists, who had been ter suffering another stroke in In addition to these war crimi- erything”).[39] The book was to the French edition of his Reichspartei or DRP). In the briefed by Schmidt, questioned Rosenheim on 18 December nals that fled to Argentina, the published in November 1949 book Stuka Pilot. West German federal election Krupinski and his deputy Karl 1982, and was buried in Dorn- Kameradenwerk also assisted by the Dürer-Verlag in Buenos In the 1950s, Rudel befriend- of 1953, Rudel was the top can- Heinz Franke about Rudel’s hausen on 22 December 1982. Nazi criminals imprisoned in Aires. ed Savitri Devi, a writer and didate for the DRP, but was not presence. During Rudel’s burial cer- Europe, including Rudolf Hess Dürer-Verlag (1947–1958) proponent of Hinduism and elected to the Bundestag. In this interview, the gener- emony, two Bundeswehr F-4 and Karl Dönitz, with food par- issued a variety of apologia by , and introduced her to als compared Rudel’s past as a Phantoms appeared to make cels from Argentina and some- former Nazis and their collabo- a number of Nazi fugitives in Public scandal Nazi and Neo-Nazi supporter to a low altitude flypast over his times by paying their legal fees. rators. Besides Rudel, among Spain and the Middle East. In October 1976, Rudel in- the career of prominent Social grave. In Argentina, Rudel became the early editors are Wilfred With the help of Perón, Rudel advertently triggered a chain Democrat leader Herbert Weh- Although Dornhausen was acquainted with notorious Nazi von Oven, the personal Press secured lucrative contracts with of events, which were later ner, who had been a member of situated in the middle of a concentration camp doctor and adjutant of Goebbels, and Nau- the Brazilian military. He was dubbed the Rudel-Affäre (Ru- the German Communist Party flightpath regularly flown by war criminal Josef Mengele. mann. Sassen convinced Adolf also active as a military adviser del Scandal). Aufklärungsge- in the 1930s, and who had lived military aircraft, Bundeswehr Rudel, together with Willem Eichmann to share his view on and arms dealer for the Boliv- schwader 51 (51st Reconnais- in Moscow during World War officers denied deliberately fly- Sassen, a former Waffen-SS and . Together with ian regime, Augusto Pinochet sance Wing), the latest unit to II, where he was allegedly in- ing aircraft over the funeral. war correspondent for the Weh- Eberhard Fritsch, a former Hit- in Chile and Stroessner in Para- hold the name “Immelmann”, volved in NKVD operations. Four mourners were photo- rmacht, who initially worked as ler Youth leader, Sassen began guay. held a reunion for members of Calling Wehner an extremist, graphed giving Nazi salutes at Rudel’s driver, helped to relo- interviewing Eichmann in 1956 He was in contact with Wer- the unit, including those from they described Rudel as an hon- the funeral, and were investi- cate Mengele to Brazil by intro- with the intent of publishing his ner Naumann, formerly a State World War II. The Secretary of orable man, who “hadn’t stolen gated under a law banning the ducing him to Nazi supporter views. The Dürer-Verlag went Secretary in Goebbels’ Ministry State in the Federal Ministry of the family silver or anything display of Nazi symbols. Wolfgang Gerhard. bankrupt in 1958. of Public Enlightenment and Defence, Hermann Schmidt au- else”. When these remarks be- The Federal Minister of De- In 1957, Rudel and Mengele Discussion ensued in Ger- Propaganda in . thorized the event. came public, the Federal Min- fence Manfred Wörner declared together travelled to Chile to many on Rudel being allowed Following the Revolución Fearing that Rudel would ister of Defense Georg Leber, that the flight of the aircraft had meet with Walter Rauff, the in- to publish the book, because he Libertadora in 1955, a military spread Nazi propaganda on complying with Act 50 of the been a normal training exercise. ventor of the mobile gas cham- was a known Nazi. In the book, and civilian uprising that ended the German Air Force airbase Soldatengesetz (Military law), ber. he supported Nazi policies. the second presidential term in Bremgarten near Freiburg, ordered the generals into early 38 39 Forged in second highest fighter ace of World War I. Only the famed battle Red Baron had more kills than Udet. In 1931 Udet was in the Unit- ed States to take part in a stunt Stuka flying display. He watched a Curtiss F8C Helldiver make a Junkers Ju 87 simulated dive bombing attack at an air show. Udet was really With its wailing sirens and its pin-point accuracy, the Stuka was the terror of the skies during the impressed. early part of World War II. In fact he was so im- pressed that he brought t was probably one of the Sturzkampfflugzeug. ground-attack aircraft. two US dive most feared, aircraft of The Stuka’s design included It could dive vertically and bombers IWorld War II. It was easily several innovative features, in- deliver a bomb with pin-point recognisable by its inverted gull cluding automatic pull-up dive accuracy. wings and fixed spatted under- brakes under both wings to en- carriage. sure that the aircraft recovered American idea Upon the leading edges of from its attack dive even if the With 62 kills, Er- its faired main gear legs were pilot blacked out from the high nst Udet was mounted the Jericho-Trompete g-forces. the (Jericho trumpet), and the wail- Designed by Hermann Pohl- dis- ing sirens were a sound that no- mann, it first flew in 1935. The carded one that heard them could ever Ju 87 made its combat debut in favour of forget. in 1937 with the Luftwaffe’s one of the Stuka’s It became the propaganda Condor Legion during distinctive features, its symbol of German air power the Spanish Civil fixed and “spatted” under- and the blitzkrieg victories of War as a dive carriage. 1939–1942. bomber back The design of the Ju 87 had Officially it was known as and to begun in 1933 as part of the the Junkers Ju 87, but everyone Germany. Sturzbomber-Programm. The called it by its nickname, Stuka. These would Ju 87 was to be powered by the The word came from eventually lead to the British Rolls-Royce Kestrel en- the German word for design and development gine. This was later replaced by dive bomber, of the Stuka. the Daimler-Benz DB 600 en- Udet would go on to become gine. a general in the Luftwaffe and Early prototypes of the Stuka a champion of the concept of featured stabilizing double-fin using dive bombing to tail-plane configurations yet support ground forces. weren’t fitted with dive brakes. In January 1936, one of Jun- Development kers’ most experienced test pi- The Ju 87’s principal design- lots was killed when his star- er, Hermann Pohlmann, held the board tail-fin broke away. The opinion that any dive-bomber pilot was unable to pull out of design needed to be simple and a dive and crashed. After this, robust. This led to many tech- Stukas were fitted with single nical innovations, such as the tail fins and brakes. retractable undercarriage being The Stuka carried a crew of 40 41 two - pilot and rear gunner. It of the Ju 87 as a dive-bomber France and the Low Countries bomb attacks. tumn of 1942, the Ju 87 became was armed with a 2× 7.92 mm from the deployment. The Stuka depended on air very vulnerable and losses were Specifications - Ju 87 B-2 The Ju 87 units had learned MG 17 machine gun in each lessons from the Polish and Nor- superiority, the very thing be- heavy. wing, while the rear gunner op- Poland wegian campaigns. When Fall ing contested over Britain. It erated a single rear-facing 1× On 1 September 1939, the General characteristics Gelb (Case yellow) began on was withdrawn from attacks Eastern Front 7.92 mm MG 15 machine gun. Wehrmacht invaded Poland, Crew: 2 10 May 1940, the Stuka helped on Britain in August after pro- Barbarossa 1941 Length: 11.00 m One of the unique features of triggering World War II. Gener- swiftly neutralise the fortress of hibitive losses, leaving the On 22 June 1941, the Wehr- Wingspan: 13.8 m early models of the Stuka were alquartiermeister der Luftwaffe Eben Emael, Belgium. Luftwaffe without precision macht commenced Operation Height: 4.23 m the Jericho-Trompete (Jericho records indicate a total force of The Ju 87 proved to be a use- ground-attack aircraft. Barbarossa, the invasion of the Wing area: 31.90 m² trumpet). 366 Ju 87 A and Bs were availa- ful asset to Army Group B in Soviet Union. The Luftwaffe Empty weight: 3,205 kg The two propeller-driven si- ble for operations on 31 August the Low Countries. In pitched North Africa and the order of battle of 22 June 1941 Loaded weight: 4,320 kg rens with a diameter of 0.7 m 1939. battles against French armoured Mediterranean contained four dive bomber Max. takeoff weight: 5,000 were fitted on the B-1 model of A Ju 87 achieved the first air forces at Hannut and Gembloux In response to the Italian de- wings. kg the Ju 87, which was the first victory during World War II Ju 87s effectively neutralised feats in Greece and North Af- As a result of the Luftwaffe’s Powerplant: 1 × Junkers version of Stuka that went into on the morning of 1 Septem- artillery and armour. rica, the Oberkommando der attention, the Soviet Air Force Jumo 211D liquid-cooled in- mass production. They were ei- ber 1939, when Rottenführer The Ju 87s also assisted Ger- Wehrmacht ordered the deploy- in the western Soviet Union verted V12 engine, 1200 PS ther mounted on the wing’s lead- Leutnant Frank Neubert of I./ man forces in the Battle of the ment of German forces to these was nearly destroyed. The offi- (1,184 hp (883 kW)) ing edge, or on the front edge of StG 2 “Immelmann” shot down Netherlands. The Ju 87 units theatres. Amongst the Luft- cial report claimed 1,489 Soviet Propellers: Three-blade the fixed main gear fairing. a Polish PZL P.11c fighter while were also instrumental in the waffe contingent deployed was aircraft destroyed. Junkers VS 5 propeller, 1 The Germans relied on the it was taking off from Balice . It was here the command unit StG 3, which Göring ordered this checked. per engine psychological effect of the noise airfield. that most of the Ju 87-equipped touched down in Sicily in De- After picking their way through Propeller diameter: 3.4 m to give them an edge against The Stukas also participated units were concentrated. They cember 1940. In the next few the wreckage across the front, their opponents. in the Battle of Bzura which re- assisted in the breakthrough days, two groups - 80 Stukas - Luftwaffe officers found that Performance After a while, the devastating sulted in the breaking of Polish at Sedan, the critical and first were deployed under X. Flieg- the tally exceeded 2,000. In the Never exceed speed: 600 effect of a screaming dive bomb- resistance. During the Siege of major land battle of the war erkorps. next two days, the Soviets re- km/h er was lost. Rather, it became a Warsaw and the Battle of Mod- on French territory. The Stuka- The first task of the Korps ported the loss of another 1,922 Maximum speed: 390 km/h warning sign attached directly to lin, the Ju 87 wings contributed waffe flew 300 sorties against was to attack British shipping aircraft. Cruise speed: 319 km/h the aircraft. Later versions were to the defeat of well-entrenched French positions, with StG 77 passing between Sicily and Af- Soviet aerial resistance con- Range: 500 km with 500 kg built without the Jericho Trum- and resolute Polish forces. alone flying 201 individual rica, in particular the convoys tinued but ceased to be effective bomb load pets, and instead, aerial bombs missions. aimed at re-supplying . and the Luftwaffe maintained Service ceiling: 8,200 m were fitted with a whistling de- Norway North Africa and the Mediter- air superiority until the end of with 500 kg bomb load vice for the same purpose. Operation Weserübung began ranean. the year. Rate of climb: 2.3 m/s on 9 April 1940 with the inva- As an anti-shipping weapon, The dive bomber wing sup- Operational history - Spain sions of Norway and Denmark. the Ju 87 proved a potent weap- ported Generalfeldmarschall Fall Blau to Stalingrad 1942 Stukas made their combat de- Denmark capitulated within the Armament on in the early stages of the Erwin Rommel’s Afrika Ko- In early 1942, the Ju 87s gave but as part of the German con- day; Norway continued to resist Guns: 2× 7.92 mm MG 17 battle. Yet the Battle of Britain rps in its two-year campaign the German Army yet more val- tingent to the with British and French help. machine gun forward, proved to be a turning point for in North Africa; its other main uable support. On 29 December — the Condor Legion. They The Ju 87s were given the role 1× 7.92 mm MG 15 machine the Stuka. task was attacking Allied ship- 1941, the Soviet 44th Army first flew in action in 1936 when of ground attack and anti-ship- gun to rear It proved for the first time ping. landed on the Kerch Peninsula. a single experimental Ju 87 was ping missions; they proved to Bombs: Normal load = 1× that the Junkers Ju 87 was vul- In 1941, Ju 87 operations in The Luftwaffe was only able to secretly deployed to fight along- be the most effective weapon in 250 kg bomb beneath the nerable in hostile skies against North Africa were dominated dispatch meager reinforcements side nationalist forces. More the Luftwaffe’s armoury carry- fuselage and 4× 50 kg, two well-organised and determined by the Siege of , which of four bomber groups (Kamp- would follow in the coming ing out the latter task. bombs underneath each fighter opposition. The Ju 87, lasted for over seven months. fgruppen) and two dive bomb- months. In fact, Stukas would The Stukas had numerous wing. like other dive bombers, was It served during the Battle of er groups belonging to StG 77. serve in limited numbers in sup- successes against Allied naval slow and possessed inadequate Gazala and the First Battle of El With air superiority, the Ju 87s port of until vessels and in particular the The Ju 87 G-series was de- defences. Furthermore, it could Alamein, as well as the decisive operated with impunity. In the early 1939. During that time, at which posed a for- ployed in an anti-tank role not be effectively protected Second Battle of El Alamein, first 10 days of the Battle of the least one was lost in action. Yet midable threat to German naval and had twin Bordkanone by fighters because of its low which drove Rommel back to Kerch Peninsula, half the land- the Luftwaffe learned valuable and coastal operations. 3.7 cm underwing gun pods. speed, and the very low alti- Tunisia. As the tide turned and ing force was destroyed, while lessons about the effectiveness tudes at which it ended its dive Allied air power grew in the au- 42 43 sea lanes were blocked by the Seidemann’s Fliegerkorps VIII. craft terminally declined. For Stukas inflicting heavy losses Hauptmann Rudel’s can- the Soviet summer offensive, on Soviet shipping. non-equipped Ju 87 Gs had a , 12 Ju 87 For the German summer of- devastating effect on Soviet ar- groups and five mixed groups fensive, Fall Blau (), mour at Orel and Belgorod. (including Fw 190s) were on the Luftwaffe had concentrated The Ju 87s participated in a the Luftwaffe’s order of battle 1,800 aircraft into huge aerial counter-offensive on 26 June 1944. making it the largest and most lasting from 16–31 July against Gefechtsverband Kuhlmey, a powerful air command in the a Soviet offensive at Khotynets mixed aircraft unit, which in- world. The Stukawaffe strength and saved two German armies cluded large numbers of Stuka stood at 151. from encirclement, reducing the dive bombers, was rushed to During the Battle of Stalin- attacking Soviet 11th Guards the Finnish front in the summer grad, Stukas flew thousands of Army to 33 tanks by 20 July. of 1944 and was instrumental in sorties against Soviet positions The Soviet offensive had halting the Soviet fourth strate- in the city. StG 1, 2 and 77 flew been completely halted from gic offensive. 320 sorties on 14 October 1942. the air although losses were The unit claimed 200 Soviet As the German Sixth Army considerable tanks and 150 Soviet aircraft pushed the Soviets into a 1,000 The Battle of Kiev also in- destroyed for 41 losses. By 31 metre enclave on the west bank cluded substantial use of the Ju January 1945, only 104 Ju 87s of the Volga River, 1,208 Stuka 87 units, although again, unsuc- remained operational with their sorties were flown against this cessful in stemming the advanc- units. The other mixed Schlacht small strip of land. es. Stuka units were with the units contained a further 70 Ju The intense air attack, though loss of air superiority, becom- 87s and Fw 190s between them. causing horrific losses on Soviet ing vulnerable on the ground Chronic fuel shortages kept the units, failed to destroy them. as well. Some Stuka aces were Stukas grounded and sorties de- Bush War Books has probably one of the finest The Luftwaffe’s Stuka force lost this way. creased until the end of the war made a maximum effort during In the aftermath of Kursk, in May 1945. collections of military titles available. Especially this phase of the war. They flew Stuka strength fell to 184 air- In the final months of the war on the South African Border War. an average of 500 sorties per day craft in total. This was well be- the ground attack groups were and caused heavy losses among low 50 percent of the required still able to impose operational Soviet forces, losing an average strength. constraints upon the enemy. of only one Stuka per day. On 18 October 1943, StG Most notably the aircraft par- Click here to visit their website. The 1, 2, 3, 5 and 77 were re- ticipated in the defence of Ber- marked the high point in the for- named Schlachtgeschwader lin. On 12 January 1945 the 1st tunes of the Junkers Ju 87 Stu- (SG) wings, reflecting their Belorussian Front initiated the ka. As the strength of the Soviet ground-attack role, as these Vistula–Oder Offensive. The Air Forces grew, they gradually combat wings were now also us- offensive made rapid progress. wrested control of the skies from ing ground-attack aircraft, such The Soviets eventually outran the Luftwaffe. From this point as the Fw 190F-series aircraft. their air support which was onward, Stuka losses increased. The Luftwaffe’s dive-bomber unable to use forward, quag- units had ceased to exist. mire-filled, airfields. The- Ger Kursk 1943 mans, who had fallen back on The Stuka was also heavily Bagration to Berlin 1944-45 air bases with good facilities involved in Operation Citadel, Towards the end of the war, as and concrete runways, were the Battle of Kursk. The Luft- the Allies gained air supremacy, able to mount uninterrupted at- waffe committed I, II, III./St.G the Stuka was being replaced tacks against Soviet army col- 1 and III./StG 3 under the com- by ground-attack versions of umns. Reminiscent of the early mand of Luftflotte 6. I., II, III. the Fw 190. years, the Luftwaffe was able to of StGs 2 and 3 were commit- By early 1944, the number of inflict high losses largely unop- “War does not determine who is right - only who is left” ted under the command of Hans Ju 87 units and operational air- posed. 44 00 At 04h26 on 1 September 1939, three Ju 87 B2 Stuka aircraft followed like a double dive-bombers crossed the Polish border in the first mis- shadow. sion of Case White - the invasion of Poland. Now they were hedge-hop- battlefield ping toward the low-lying val- ley of the Vistula. The naviga- tion had been spot on. s night fell on 31 August 1939, Preparing for War Dilley could see the river ly- ing diagonally in front of him. the long flat airfield was cov- At 03h30 on 1 September a long row ered with patches of fog, giving He banked sharply to get in line A of dimmed headlights headed through with it, turning north. it an eerie feel. the fog towards the airfield. Their mission was the twin Ghostly skeletal shapes of aircraft Before long Luftwaffe staff cars and stood around the hangars and adminis- bridges at Dirschau. Their mis- crew trucks were pulling in before a low sion was not to destroy the brig- tration buildings. flat building near the tarmac. The airbase was the scene of quiet un- es, but rather to save them. The six men that comprised the crews The Germans knew that once hurried activity. Black figures moved in of three dive-bombers of 3rd Gruppe INTO ACTION: Stukas take off from an airfield in Germany. and out of the beams of truck lights as the Panzers crossed the border, of Stukegeschwader 1 were among the Their destination is a target in Poland. the Poles would demolish the maintenance crews serviced the aircraft, first to enter the building. F arming them with fragmentation bombs Then Dilley received the sig- countryside was covered in Dirschau bridge and others in Under the leadership of Hauptmann an effort to buy time. fitted to racks on the sloping struts, and Bruno Dilley they had a cup of hot cof- nal and his plane jerked forward cloud. He looked at the stars, fuelled them from tankers. and began roll across the field tooka compass bearing, and slid An armoured train carry- a fee and listened to last minute orders ing units of the German shock Each of the planes had a black cross and weather reports. in the direction of the airstrip. the screen shut. on its fuselage and wings, and a rakish, Forty-five metres behind him The navigator opened his troops was due to cross the bor- More and more Stuka crews filled into der at 04h50, the moment when l fixed trouser-type undercarriage. They the briefing room. They came the second plane, with the microphone and spoke a few were ugly gull-winged Junkers Ju other further behind. words to Dilley, giving him a armoured groups from west 87 B2 of , under the They reached the end of the slight course adjustment. Germany, Czechoslovakia and l command runway and swung round to face Dilley acknowledged and would roll into Po- of General upwind. The engines roared to then switched over to the open land. hud- Dilleys mission was aimed Kesselring. dled in tight a crescendo and Dilley released radio network and spoke to the Along the broder his brakes. The Stuka began to other two pilots in the flight. at stopping the Poles from de- knots around their lead- stroying the bridges across the between Germany and Po- ers. The mood in the long pick up speed as it rushed down They checked in a altered land there was a tenseness in the runway. At short intervals, course with him. Vistula before the armoured W narrow room was confident. train could arrive. the air. Since sundown the night All briefings had taken place hours the second and third plane fol- Dilley pressed his stick for- had been filled with clanging of tank lowed. ward and throttled back. The The German High Command before and now they were checking knew that the Poles would have e tracks, the sound of vehicles moving changes to their flight plans because of Dilley cleared the trees and three Stukas sank slowly into place, and distant sounds of shunt- the low ridge of hills into the through the clouds. rigged the bridges with explo- the closed-in weather along the Eastern sives. These would have been ing trains. Front. darkness. The time was 04h26 Dilley turned the lighting i Despite rumours and intelligence re- and the first mission of Fall on his instrumentation down wired to charges fixed to the At 04h10, Dilley’s group fastened on bridge supports. It has been ports, few in Poland believed that Ger- their helmets, checked their parachute Weiss (Case White) had truly low to minimise distraction. At many would really attack Poland. After begun. 04h31 they crossed the border reasoned that the Stuka, armed s harnesses and left the building. On the with fragmentation bombs, all, Britain and France had said they tarmac they split into pairs and walked The sky above the clouds was into Poland. would come to Poland’s aid if Germany clear. There was no moon and would be the ideal weapon. to their aircraft. Ground crew mem- It was a hazardous mission s attacked. bers were waiting to give them a hand the whole of the eastern horizon Dawn attack The were convinced that Hitler was was lit by the dull pink glow of The ground seemed to slowly and the crews had been hand- aboard. picked. They had spent several mounting his greatest bluff ever and that The early morning stillness was shat- dawn. come up at Dilley as he brought he would not risk a European War. How- A cold blast of air swept into his plane down in a smooth weeks training at Insterburg air- tered by a deafening roar as one by one field. ever, during 31 August, Poland belated- the Jumo 211D engines burst into life. the cabin as Dilley’s naviga- sweep of controlled power. ly began to mobilise her troops. tor slid open the Stuka’s side The other two Stukas hung to Dilley and three other pilots The three Ju 87 Bs stood waiting for the had visited Dischau by train to go signal, held in place only by their air- screen. He looked down to get his tail. Dilley climbed to skim his bearings, but most of the over a low hill and the other two make a first-hand inspection of brakes. the bridges and the surround- 46 47 ing terrain, particularly the ap- The bombs exploded in a flat proach from the south. crackle of blasts. Flames illu- quiz The kette (chain) leader had minated the darkness, exposing realised at once that it was not the gaunt under-structures of a dive-bombing mission, some- the bridges into spectral relief Military sidearms answers thing for which the Stukas had against the sky. been built. Rather this had to be In a few seconds it was all 1. Star 9 mm Parabellum ginning of World War II. World Wars. a low-level bombing while fly- over, leaving the surrounding Used by the SADF as well as 6. Beretta M9 12. Vektor Z88 ing straight and level. countryside in silence. Then Spain’s Guardia Civil. The M9 was adopted by the South African copy of the Be- If the strike was to be effec- men began to cry out in alarm. 2. Webley Mk IV United States military as their retta Model 92 pistol. tive the Stukas would have to Somewhere a dog began to The Webley Revolver was service pistol in 1985. 13. SIG Sauer SP-2022 fly at the lowest possible lev- bark. A whistle sounded. There the service pistol for the armed 7. Nambu Type 14 The choice for many of the el and drop their bombs at the was the crackle of flames as forces of the United Kingdom Used by the Japanese in premier global military and law very last instant. It would re- some buildings on the shore from 1887 until 1963. World War II. enforcement agencies. 3. Glock 17 8. Luger P08 14. Makarov pistol quire precision flying. caught fire. Bruno Dilley was born on At 04h35 the three Stuka pi- The Stukas climbed above Used by the military, para- Used by the Germans in both Russian pistol in use from 29 August 1913. He joined military and police in 73 coun- World Wars. 1951 to the present. lots saw the twin bridges rush- the cloud base and turned for the Luftwaffe as a lieutenant ing towards them. The Jumo home. They were elated. They tries. 9. Browning Hi-Power 15. Colt M1911 in 1935 and on 1 June 1938 4. Tokarev TT-33 Belgian 9 mm that was popu- It served as the standard-issue engines throttled up to a wail- had just successfully completed he was promoted to squadron ing scream as the planes swept the first mission of the war. Russian World War II pistol lar with UK Special Forces. sidearm for the United States commander. that was used by 53 countries 10. CZ 75 Armed Forces from 1911 to towards the target, a mere nine While the Stukas had suc- During World War II he metres above the ground. ceeded in severing the leads to and is still in use. Czech designed and used by 1986. fought in Poland, Norway, 5. Walther P38 the military in 25 countries. They released their bombs to the detonators, what they didn’t France, the Battle of Britain, straddle the shelving river banks know was that, even now, the Developed as the service pis- 11. Mauser C96 broomhandle the Balkans, Africa, and the tol of the Wehrmacht at the be- Used by the Germans in both and the row of shacks that lay at Poles were putting in fresh lead Eastern Front. the foot of the bridges. This was with which they would destroy He was shot down four where the Polish troops that had one the bridges before the Ger- times, managing to escape Useful links the duty of blowing the bridges man armoured train arrived. each time. He flew nearly Every month we will be featuring a few useful links to military websites, newsletters and on- were stationed. German engineers were 700 combat missions and was line magazines. Stuff that we think our readers will appreciate. Once they had dropped their forced to build a pontoon bridge awarded the Knight’s Cross Here are two of our favourites. The first one is Nongqai, the unofficial police newsletter for bombs they zoomed up over the across the river. of the Iron Cross with oak bridges and away. veterans of the former South African Police Force and for those interested in Police History. The leaves. second is Jimmy’s Own, the official newsletter of the South African Signals Association. Click After the war he joined the on the magazine covers to go to the respective websites. Bundeswehr and finished his career as a Lt Colonel. He died on 31 August 1968.

HELD UP: One of the bridges across the Vistula was destroyed, the other damaged. German engineers had to build a pontoon bridge. 48 49 Gaming Gaming Poor Matt O’ Brien is really deep in the dwang this time. Taken from death row, he is dumped on an island with one objective - survive. The only problem is that he is not alone on the island. And just about everything there is hostile.

don’t often review FPS that will often follow you. All will have to carefully. (First person shooter) or you need to do is survive. And These are your health, stamina, I RPG (Role-playing game) believe me, this is not easy task. energy and hydration. If you for this magazine. But SCUM You start the game by creat- are hurt in any way your health is well worth taking a look at. ing your character. There are will deteriorate if the wound is SCUM is an open-world sur- for faces you can choose from not treated. When it reaches 0% vival game with unprecedented and you get to set your age, you die. levels of character customiza- build and weight. Then you As stamina decreased your tion, control, and progression. have points which you can use movements become slower and Knowledge and skill are your to upgrade certain skills such you are sluggish. If your energy ultimate weapons for long-term as boxing, survival, awareness, level gets to zero you will even- survival. camouflage and others. Then tually die. Your hydration is You can eat the meat raw, but This could include items of guns and will cut you down in Currently it is in early release, you are dumped in the game. also important unless you want this can make you ill. You can clothing or food, empty plastic seconds if spotted. in what they call the ‘Alpha’ You spawn on a random area to die of thirst. make a fire and then cook the bottles (you can now fill them SCUM is not easy game. stage. This means that they are of the map, which is currently You will need to eat to stay meat. with water), rope, bits of metal, If you are killed you lose still developing the game. 144 square kilometres in size. alive. Some bushes may have You will also need your spears can opener, knives and so on. everything you have and start Later they will released the When the full game is released fruit or berries. You may also for protection. The island is in- Something like a tactical from scratch. ‘Beta’ version, with the full the island will be 576 square find vegetables growing. But, habited by what are called ‘pup- jacket will allow you to carry You can play solo, where you release of the game expected kilometres. as already mentioned, this is pets’. These are dead prisoners four small items in the pockets. are on your own. Or you can some time in 2019. You have nothing except your a realistic survival game. You that have been reanimated as Some villages will have a play multi-player with up to 64 So basically by purchasing bright orange prison shirt and will need carbohydrates, pro- zombies. They are slow but pharmacy (good for medi- other players. the game now you’re acting as pants. The shirt can hold one teins, fat, vitamins and so on. very aggressive and will attack al supplies) or a police station This is a good game and it a tester. The good news is that item and the pants two. You You can use your improvised on sight. You can kill them with (you could find a pistol or a will continue to get better as the it only costs R130. When the also have a pair of sneakers. spears to try and hunt. There is a spear or fight them hand-to- shotgun). game is developed. full game is released it should The first thing you will need game such as rabbits, deer and hand. If you do find a firearm you cost between R600 and R800. to do is make a stone knife. For boars on the island. Once they are dead you can will also have to find a maga- The game sold an incredible this you will need to find two Just be warned, throw a spear search them and take whatever zine and ammo for it. 700,000 copies in the first week small rocks. Cut down a bush a at a wild boar and it tends to get they have. If you are wound- There are also military bun- that the Alpha game was re- use a long stick to craft an im- a bit aggressive with you. ed you will need to bandage it kers on the island. Get into a leased. provised spear. You can carry If you kill something such as with a clean strip of cloth. Cut bunker and it’s a treasure trove. The premise of the game is three spears - one in your hand a deer or a boar you can skin it up your shirt or pants to do this. You can find military uniforms, simple. You’re a condemned and two on your back. and butcher it. The skin can be As you explore the island you grenades, large backpacks, hel- prisoner taking part in a reali- Now set off and start explor- used to craft a water container will come across the odd farm mets, sidearms, rifles and a lot ty television show. You have a ing the island. You use your or item of clothing. The meat or house. There are also villag- more. Publisher - Devolver Digital tracking and monitoring device mouse wheel to control your can be cut into steaks and strips es and small towns. While they The problem is that bunkers Genre - FPS/RPG Survival implanted in the back of your speed and you can walk, jog or of fat. The bone can be used to are all deserted and run down, are guarded by not only pup- Score - 8/10 skull and you are dumped on an sprint. craft a club or an improvised you will often find useful items pets, but mechs as well. These island. There are camera drones There are four things that you sewing needle. by searching. robots are armed with chain Price - R130 (on Steam) 50 51 Movie Casualties of War Book Review Review Released: 1989 Running time: 113 minutes Directed by: Brian De Palma Mobility Conquers ore than two years in Led by some of the brightest asualties of War is a 1989 Brown is killed. His death has a depot and then orders Diaz to kill the writing, this book officers in the Army, 61 Mech American war drama film major impact on Meserve. The Than with a knife. Before Dìaz Mis the warts-and-all played a major role in the of- directed by Brian De Pal- platoon is sent back to their base. can kill her, Eriksson fires his ri- story of the birth, career and ten hard-fought incursions into C death of the South African De- Angola between 1978 and 1988 ma, with a screenplay by David Private First Class Antonio Dìaz fle into the air, exposing them to Rabe. It is based on the real-life (John Leguizamo) arrives as the the nearby Viet Cong. fence Force’s 61 Mechanised and won all its battles, even events of the incident on Hill 192 replacement radio operator. The girl tries to escape and Battalion Group (1979-2005), though the South Africans were in 1966 during the Vietnam War. Meserve is told that early the Eriksson tries to save her but is generally acknowledged as the always vastly outnumbered by An article written by Daniel next morning he will be leading stopped by Meserve, who knocks best fighting unit in Africa in its the armed forces of Angola with Lang for The New Yorker in 1969 a five-man reconnaissance team Eriksson down with the butt of time. their abundant Soviet weaponry and a subsequent book were the on a mission to observe a sec- his gun. Eriksson watches help- 61 Mech was structured as a and Russian and Cuban advi- movie’s primary sources. tion of river that the Viet Cong lessly as the entire squad shoots combined-arms unit with inte- sors, and usually with an unfa- The story is presented as a are believed to be using to ferry Than numerous times until she gral infantry, armoured and ar- vourable air situation. flashback of Max Eriksson (Mi- supplies. falls off of the bridge. tillery components the first in The book includes many per- chael J. Fox), a Vietnam veteran. When they set off the next Eriksson wakes up in hospital Africa and arduously trained in sonal accounts by 61 Mech’s of- While on a night patrol Eriks- morning Meserve informs his and reports the incident to his a fast-moving mobile warfare ficers and men, some of them in son’s platoon is attacked by the squad that they will be making company commander who wants doctrine which was not based harrowing detail. It is also salted and Helmoed-Römer Heitman, Viet Cong. While guarding the a short detour. He says that they to bury the matter. on adapted European tactics but with short snippets of informa- this 1,152 page book with 61 flank the ground under Eriksson are going to take some “R&R” Eriksson is transferred to an- was specifically designed for tion which help to make it an en- maps and 400+ photos is a must collapses. The top half of a VC with them. other unit. While getting drunk fighting modern bush wars in tertaining read for people from read. tunnel has given way and Eriks- They enter a small village and in a local bar Eriksson meets an the forbiddingly difficult Afri- anywhere in the world. sons body is trapped halfway in he kidnaps Than Thi Oanh (Thuy Army chaplain and tells him the can battle-space. Written by Willem Steenkamp the hole. Thu Le), a young Vietnamese story. Then the investigation be- Unbeknown to him, a VC girl. gins. armed with a knife is crawling Eriksson is not happy about it, towards the struggling Eriksson. and neither is the new replace- Just then his squad leader, Ser- ment, Diaz. They realise that geant Tony Meserve (Sean Penn) Meserve is planning on raping appears and pulls Eriksson out of the girl. the hole. After a trek through the moun- Eventually the platoon retreats tains the squad arrives near a rail- out of the jungle back to their road bridge overlooking a Viet base. Cong river supply depot. While taking a break outside a They set up a temporary base river village in the Central High- in an old abandoned hooch. lands the squad is relaxing and Meserve, along with Corporal joking. Clark and PFC Hatcher rape the Meserve is talking to his best girl. Diaz is pressurised into rap- friend, Specialist 4 “Brownie” ing her as well. Eriksson refuses Brown (Erik King). They are and it leads to a confrontation Team Secret We Fear Naught but God We conquer from above both “short timers” with just over with Meserve. R275 R395 R395 a month left to serve in Vietnam. Meserve has Dìaz order close Click on the box cover to There is another ambush and air support for an assault on the watch a trailer of the film. All books are available from Bush War Books 52 53 This month in military history ... October This month in military history ... October

Some of the significant military events that happened in October. contribute volunteers, pref- ital, in a fifteen-hour battle • 1950 - The UN consents to erably infantry. with supporters of Somali a US-backed invasion of 1 October nial government in Kenya Reserve is born. • 1904 - Indigenous races in warlord General Moham- North Korea. A squadron • 1756 - Battle of Lobositz: enact emergency measures • 1912 - Captain Eric Charles German South-West Africa med Farah Aidid. The in- of the SA Air Force formed Prussians defeat the Austri- to combat the growing threat Twelves Wilson, Somalil- rise against German troops. cident becomes known as part of the United Nations ans. from the Mau Mau. and Camel Corps, is born • 1904 - France and Spain sign ‘Black Hawk Down’ after forces. • 1880- John Philip Sousa be- • 1955 - The USS ‘Forrestal’ on this day. He was awarded a treaty to divide Morocco. two US Black Hawk heli- • 1992 - The Mozambique comes director of the Ma- (CVA-59), the first super- a VC “Posthumously” but • 1910 - Adolph Gysbert copters were shot down. government and RENAMO rine Corps Band. carrier, is commissioned. It was later discovered to be a (Sailor) Malan, SA fighter rebel leaders sign an historic • 1918 - British and Arab serves until 1993. . pilot during WWII and lat- 4 October peace accord, and a cease- forces liberate Damascus • 1957 - B-52 bombers begin • 1935 - Mussolini’s Italian er national president of the • 1836 - Pieter Arnoldus (Piet) fire to end the sixteen-year from the Turks. full-time flying alert in case troops invaded Abyssinia, Torch Commando, is born Cronjé, politician, military civil war in the southeast • 1936 - Francisco Franco of USSR attack, which con- beginning an occupation in Wellington. leader and general during African state. named leader of Spanish tinues until the early 1990s. lasting until 1941. • 1921 - The Unknown Sol- Second Anglo-Boer War, is • 1993 - Russian tank-soldiers Nationalists. • 1976 - France confirms that • 1941 - Operation Typhoon: dier sails from France aboard born in Colesberg. loyal to President Boris • 1938 - Hitler’s troops occu- it is selling two new combat Germans initiate an offen- USS ‘Olympia’. • 1903 - Ernst Kaltenbrunner, Yeltsin shelled the Russian pied the Sudetenland portion submarines to South Africa, sive to take Moscow. • 1928 - Accidental sinking of Nazi criminal, who was ex- White House, crushing a of Czechoslovakia. In an ef- to help SA to protect the oil • 1942 - Rabaul: U.S. air raid the French submarine ‘On- ecuted 1946, was born on hard-line Communist rebel- fort to avoid war, the leaders route round the Cape in the damages Japanese light dine’, 42 die. this day. lion. Yeltsin then fired Vice- of Britain and France had face of Soviet naval escala- cruiser ‘Yubari’ and other • 1952 - Britain explodes its • 1939 - Last Polish troops president Alexander Rutskoi agreed to cede the German- tion in the Indian Ocean. shipping. first atom bomb on the Mon- surrender to the Germans. and jailed other opposition speaking area to Hitler, who • 1987 - Transkei Defense • 1943 - Japanese sub ‘Ro- tebello Islands, Australia. • 1940 - Adolf Hitler and leaders. later broke the agreement Force topples Transkei 103’ sinks USS ‘Henley’ • 1955 - Soviet battleship Benito Mussolini meet at 2013 – Vietnamese general and and occupied all of Czecho- Bantustan leader George (DD-391) off Finschhafen, ‘Novorossiisk’ (ex-Italian Brenner Pass in the Alps, politician Võ Nguyên Giáp died slovakia. Matanzima, but denies coup. New Guinea. ‘Giulio Cesare’) mined in where the Nazi leader seeks on this day at the age of 102. • 1941 - The Royal New Zea- • 1992 - The USS ‘Saratoga’ • 1944 - Polish “Warsaw Up- the Baltic, many die. Italy’s help in fighting the land Navy is established. (CV-60) accidentally fires rising” suppressed by the • 1985 - 21st Space Shuttle British. 5 October • 1942 - Maiden flight of the missiles at a Turkish de- Nazis. Mission: ‘Atlantis’ makes • 1943 - The Island of Corsica • 1816 - Shawnee Indian Chief Bell P-59 Airacomet, the stroyer in the Aegean. Five • 1995 - Muziwendoda Mdluli the first all-military space became the first French ter- Tecumseh was defeated and first US jet fighter. people are killed. of the National Intelligence flight. ritory in Europe freed from killed during the War of • 1943 - Allied forces liberate Agency is found shot dead • 1986 - Soviet Yankee-class Nazi control as Free French 1812. Regarded as one of the Naples. 2 October in his car in Silverton, Pre- sub sinks off North Caroli- troops liberated the city of greatest American Indians, • 1946 - Twelve Nazi lead- • 1187 - Saladin captures Je- toria. He was investigating na, three die. Bastia. he was a powerful orator ers were sentenced to death rusalem, ending 88 years of the possible involvement of • 1987 - General Magnus Ma- • 1944 - Aircraft off who defended his at the International War Christian rule. fellow-agents in the failed lan acknowledges that South USS ‘Ranger’ people against Crimes Tribunal in Nurem- • 1851 - Marechel de France, Comoros Islands coup. Africa has troops in Angola. (CV-4) raid Ger- white settle- berg, Germany. Ferdinand Foch, is born. • 1988 - Large Turkish force • 1989 - Panamanian De- man bases in ment. When • 1952 - The Brit- • 1895 - Colonel Ruth Cheney raids Kurdish areas of Iraq. fense Force attempts a coup Norway, sink or the War of ish colo- Streeter, USMC, first direc- against Manuel Noriega. damage eight 1812 broke tor of the USMC Women’s 3 October • 1990 - After 45 years of ships. out, he joined • 1882 - German field mar- Cold War division, East and the British as shal Gunther von Kluge is were reunit- a brigadier born on this day. ed as the Federal Republic Boris Yeltsin gen • 1899 – During the Second of Germany. Anglo-Boer War the Brit- • 1993 - At least twelve US Bell P-59 Airacomet ish War Office informs the army soldiers are killed in White colonies that they can Mogadishu, the Somali cap- 54 55 This month in military history ... October This month in military history ... October

• eral and was killed at the Military History Society is tegic oil fields. mandant of the Free State not free 50 Palestinian pris- Balkan War. Battle of the Thames in On- formed. • 1943 - Himmler demands forces during Second An- oners. Leon Klinghoffer, an • 1916 - The German ‘U-53’ tario. • 1969 - Cuban defector flies acceleration of the “Final glo-Boer War, is born on the elderly wheelchair-bound sinks five ships off Nantuck- • 1863 - Torpedoboat CSS an MiG-17 undetected to Solution”. farm Leeuwkop, near Smith- American, was murdered. et. ‘David’ damages USS ‘New Homestead Air Force Base • 1944 - The 6th SA Armoured field, Orange Free State. • 1990 - Gulf War: Israel be- • 1918 - During World War Ironsides’ with a spar torpe- in America. Division, having reached the • 1899 - Tension continues gins handing out gas masks I in the Argonne Forest in do off Charleston. • 1971 - The Prime Minister, watershed of Castiglione dei between the British and the to its citizens. France, U.S. Sergeant Alvin • 1899 – During the Second B.J. Vorster, announces at Pepoli in Italy, pushes for- Boers in South Africa, and • 2001 - US invades Afghani- C. York single-handed- Anglo-Boer War Western the National Party Congress ward to take Monte Vigese the British Army is ordered stan. ly took out a German ma- Australia offers military as- incidences on the border and Monte Sanco during to mobilise. • 2003 - At least one-fifth of chine-gun battalion, killing sistance to Britain. of Zambia and the Caprivi World War II. • 1899 - Sir Redvers Buller is South Africa’s military is over a dozen and capturing • 1943 - US aircraft & ships Strip. He reminds the Con- • 1944 - Soviet troops enter appointed Commander-in- infected with the virus that 132. He was later awarded raid Japanese positions on gress of his previous warn- Hungary and Czechoslova- Chief in South Africa. causes AIDS, and Defence the Medal of Honour and Wake Is, leading to the exe- ings that South Africa will kia. • 1916 - Gefreiter Adolf Hit- Minister Mosiuoa Lekota the French Croix de Guerre. cution of American civilians not tolerate the incursion of • 1949 - “Tokyo Rose” (Iva ler is wounded on the inner states that ‘the South Afri- • 1967 - Ernesto “Che” held prisoner. communist trained terrorists Toguri d’Aquino) was sen- left thigh by a shell frag- can National Defence Force Guevara, 39, professional • 1966 - The South African into South African territory tenced in San Francisco to ment during the Battle of the is no longer accepting HIV revolutionary, is executed. and that they will be pursued 10 years imprisonment and Somme. positive people into their • 1998 - Taliban forces from to the land from where they fined $10,000 for treason. • 1923 - Irma Grese, the ranks’. Afghanistan raid Iranian came. She had broadcast music ´Witch of Belsen’, was born border posts. • 1986 - Former U.S. Marine and Japanese propaganda to on this day. 8 October Eugene Hasenfus was cap- American troops in the Pa- • 1935 - • 1890 - American fighter pi- 9 October tured by Nicaraguan Sand- cific during World War II. declares Italy the aggressor lot Ace Eddie Rickenbacker • 1899 - Francis William Re- inistas after a plane carry- She was pardoned by Presi- in Ethiopia. was born in Columbus, Ohio itz, former president of the ing arms for the Nicaraguan dent Gerald Ford in 1977. • 1940 - During World War II on this day. He command- OFS and now Secretary of rebels (Contras) was shot • 1951 - Stalin announces in Europe, German troops ed the first U.S. aero down over Nicaragua. Russia has the atom bomb. invaded Romania to take unit to take part • 1986 - The Lon- • 1973 - The Egyptians and seize strategic oil fields. in World War I don Times reports Syrians launch surprise at- • 1943 - U.S. carriers and and was credit- Israel is stocking tacks on Israel on Yom Kip- cruisers raid Wake Island. ed with 26 vic- nuclear arms. pur day, catching Israel al- • 1956 - Israeli foreign minis- tories, becom- most totally by surprise. ter Golda Meir says the UN ing America’s 6 October • 1981 - Egyptian President failure to resolve the Suez leading Ace. He • 1935 - Italian Anwar Sadat is shot to death Crisis means they must take was awarded the troops capture by extremists while review- military action. Medal of Honour. Adua, Abyssinia. ing a military parade, eleven • 1971 - SWAPO claims it • 1895 - Argentine • 1939 - Hitler an- years and one day after his was not responsible for plac- soldier, putschist, inauguration. At least eight ing landmines in the Caprivi nounces he had no president Juan Per- Adolf Hitler intention of making war other people are also killed Strip and that the guerril- on was born on this on Britain and France. in the attack. las were not operating from day. • 1940 - During World War • 1994 – South African Na- Zambia, but from inside Na- • 1912 - Montene- II in Europe, German tional Defence Force sol- mibia. gro declares troops invaded Roma- diers go on strike. • 1985 - Palestinian terrorists war on nia to take seize stra- seized the Italian passenger Turkey, 7 October ship Achille Lauro carrying initiat- • 1854 - Gen. Christiaan Ru- about 440 persons, threaten- ing the Irma Grese dolph de Wet, chief com- ing to blow it up if Israel did First 56 57 This month in military history ... October This month in military history ... October • State in the ZAR, hands the • 1950 - United Nations (UN) by supporting RENAMO. rying forty civilians in east- 12 October Guadalcanal. ultimatum, which result in forces, led by the First Cav- • 1985 - The hijackers of the ern Congo, claiming it was • 1851 - The Irish 69th Reg- • 1943 - Fifth Air Force be- the outbreak of the Second alry Division, cross the 38th Achille Lauro cruise liner ferrying government troops iment is accepted into the gins a series of air raids on Anglo-Boer War, to Sir Wil- parallel in South Korea and surrender after the ship ar- to the besieged town of Kin- New York State Militia. Rabaul. liam Conyngham Greene, begin attacking northward rives in Port Said, Egypt. du. • 1860 - British & French • 1944 - German army with- the British Agent in Preto- towards the North Korean • 1990 - Saddam Hussein • 2012 - Basil L. Plumley, troops capture Peking. draws from Athens. ria. capital of Pyongyang. A di- threatens to hit Israel with a Command Sgt Maj, US • 1870 – American Civil War • 1972 - Race riot aboard the • 1899 - Sir George White, vision of the SA Air Force new missile. Army, veteran of three wars General Robert E Lee dies at USS ‘Kitty Hawk’ (CV 63), who arrived in Cape Town participated in this war. • 1993 - Somali warlord Gen- and five combat jumps, hero the age of 63. results in 46 injured. on 3 October and in Durban • 1962 - Algerian-Moroccan eral Mohammed Farah Aid- of the Ia Drang Valley, dies • 1899 - The first shots of the • 1984 - Unsuccessful IRA on 7 October, proceeds to border fighting, 130 die. id offers a cease-fire with US at the age of 92. Second Anglo-Boer War are attempt to assassinate PM Ladysmith, where he takes • 1963 - French air force gets and UN forces in Somalia. fired at Kraaipan, about 50 Margaret Thatcher. Five command over the British nuclear weapons. 11 October kilometres south of Mafe- people are killed. forces in Natal. • 1968 - Defence Minister PW 10 October 1899 – The Anglo-Boer War, king, where Gen. De la Rey 2000 - Islamist suicide boat at- • 1914 - General Salomon Botha announces that a mis- • 1896 - An attack by Rhode- the war between the British Em- attacks the armoured train, tack on the USS ‘Cole’ (DDG- Gerhardus (Manie) Mar- sile base for experimental sian Colonial forces on the pire and the two Boer republics, 67) at Aden. 17 people are itz rebels against Gener- tests and launchings is to be major stronghold during the the Transvaal and Orange Free killed and 40 wounded. al Smuts’ order to invade established on the Zululand Mashona Rebellion, Mash- State, breaks out. German South-West Afri- coast about 150 miles north ayombe’s kraal, ends incon- 1939 - Albert Einstein warned 13 October ca, goes over to enemy side of Durban. clusive. Though the kraal President Franklin D. Roo- • 1307 - Simultaneous ar- and hands over as prisoners • 1974 - Oskar Schindler dies was destroyed and the rebels sevelt that his theories could rest of all Knights Tem- to the Germans those of his at the age of 66. scattered, they came togeth- lead to Nazi Germany’s de- plar in France - the men who remained loyal to • 1982 - Applications for pa- er again later. velopment of an atomic original “Friday the the SA government. role by the thirty-four mer- • 1918 - British Gen. Sir Ed- bomb. Einstein suggested Thirteenth”. • 1914 - Germans capture cenaries involved in the mund Allenby enters Jerusa- the U.S. develop its own • 1775 - The United Antwerp, as Belgians & Seychelles attempted coup lem, on foot. bomb. This resulted in the States Navy was born British withdraw. are refused. Most are due to • 1926 - Opening of SA War top secret “Manhattan Pro- after the Second Conti- • 1915 - Belgrade be released in January Memorial at Delville Wood. ject.” nental Congress author- surrenders 1983. • 1954 - Ho Chi Minh en- 1944 - Japan announces it will ized the acquisition of a to Aus- • 1985 - General tered Hanoi, Vietnam, after “fight to the last man, woman, fleet of ships. tro-Ger- Constand Viljoen, the withdrawal of French child, weapon, and piece of • 1914 - Pro-German Boer in- man Chief of South troops, in accordance with equipment.” Mosquito. Lieutenant Nes- surrection in South Africa. forces. Africa’s Armed armistice terms ending the 1945 - be- bit and thirty-four soldiers • 1918 - Gefreiter Adolf Hit- • 1942 Forces admits seven-year struggle between gins: Chiang Kai-Shek vs. Mao surrender the next morning. ler is temporarily blinded - Gua- on television Communist Vietnamese and Tse-Tung. • 1914 - First Battle of Ypres in a mustard gas attack near dal- that the military, the French. 1971 - Lewis “Chesty” Pull- begins. Ypres. canal: without govern- • 1985 - US jet fighters force er, iconic US Marine with five • 1914 - Off Easter Island, • 1943 - Italy declared war on Marines ment authority, an Egyptian airliner carry- awards of the Navy Cross, plus Graf von Spee concentrates its former Axis partner Ger- encircle has flaunted the ing hijackers of cruise ship a DSC, dies on this day at the the largest German naval many after the downfall of Japanese Nkomati Ac- Achille Lauro to land in It- age of 73. squadron ever seen outside Mussolini and collapse of 4th Inf cord aly, where the hijackers are 1988 - Former United States the North or Baltic Seas; his Fascist government. Regt. arrested. army analyst Thomas Dolce two armoured cruisers, sev- • 1944 - Red Army liberates • 1998 - Rebels use a missile pleads guilty before a US court en protected cruisers, and Riga from the Germans. to shoot down a jetliner car- to supplying a wide range of three colliers. • 1987 - First operational use defence secrets to South Africa • 1942 - US aircraft sink two of dolphins by the US Navy, Oskar Schindler between 1979 and 1983. Japanese near in the Persian Gulf. • 1992 - Minister of Foreign 58 59 This month in military history ... October This month in military history ... October

• Affairs Pik Botha warns Baden-Powell by the Boer research aircraft. moves by Libya. sanitation methods, saving • 1946 - Ten former Nazi Unita leader Jonas Savimbi forces. • 1987 - Thomas Sankara, many lives. leaders were hanged by the in Angola that South Africa • 1933 - Nazi Germany an- 15 October head of the Military Council • 1899 - Boer Gen. P.A. Cron- Allies following their con- will withdraw support for nounced its withdrawal • 1815 - Napoleon Bonaparte of the Revolution in Burki- je shells Mafeking, causing viction for war crimes at Unita if he decides to re- from the League of Nations arrived on the Island of St. na Faso, is assassinated in a only one casualty. After the Nuremberg, Germany. sume the Angolan civil war. and stated it would take no Helena beginning a Brit- military coup and replaced bombardment, Silas Mo- • 1962 - Missile Crisis: JFK further part in the Geneva ish-imposed exile following by Captain Blaise Com- lemo, a spokesman for the learns of Soviet missiles in 14 October Disarmament Conference. his defeat at the Battle of paoré. Barolong tribe, visits mag- Cuba. • 1066 - The Norman Con- • 1941 – US Navy Admiral Waterloo. • 1997 - Rebels, backed by istrate Bell, informing him: • 1964 - China detonated its quest began with the Battle Husband Kimmel warns of • 1899 - The siege of Kimber- foreign troops, enter Brazza- “Never mind this, we will first nuclear bomb at the Lop of Hastings in which King possible surprise attack on ley starts. ville in the Republic of Con- stick with you and see it Nor test site in Sinkiang. Harold II of England, the Pearl Harbour. • 1914 - Montenegro declares go, ending President Pas- through.” • 1981 – Israeli general and last of the Saxon kings, was • 1943 - Attempted mass es- war on Bulgaria. cal Lissouba’s four-month • 1900 - Republican forces former Minister of Defence defeated and killed by Wil- cape from Sobibor Concen- • 1917 - World War I spy struggle to remain in power. under Gen. J.B.M. Hertz- Moshe Dayan died at the liam of Normandy’s troops. tration Camp. Mata Hari was executed • 2002 - The Sudanese gov- og attack Jagersfontein and age of 66. • 1882 - Irish revolutionary • 1943 - US Army Air Force by a French firing squad at ernment signs a temporary release all prisoners in the • 1990 - US forces in the Per- Eamon De Valera was born bombs Schweinfurt. Vincennes Barracks, outside cease-fire with Sudan’s main gaol before they retire. sian Gulf reach 200,000. on this day. • 1944 - German Field Mar- Paris. rebel group, the Sudanese • 1916 - T. E. Lawrence • 1992 - The Goldstone Com- • 1890 - Dwight D. Eisen- shal Erwin Rommel, famous • 1917 - USS ‘Cassin’ (DD- People’s Liberation Army (Lawrence of Arabia) ar- mission reports the finding hower, US Army Five-star German commander of Ger- 43) torpedoed by German (SPLA), so that peace talks rives in Cairo with a British of a secret operational centre general and Supreme Com- man forces in North Africa, ‘U-61’ off Ireland. could resume. The agree- fact-finding mission whose run by Military Intelligence mander of the Allied Forces suspected of complicity in • 1942 - Japanese aircraft ment calls for both sides to purpose is to recommend and seizes plans to destabi- in Europe during World War the 20 July plot against Hit- off ‘Zuikaku’ sink the USS avoid impeding internation- ways of supporting the Arab lise the ANC. II, was born on this day. He ler, is visited at home by two ‘Meredith’ (DD 434) off San al relief efforts for civilians revolt against the Ottoman • 2005 - William Allan, last would go on to become Pres- of Hitler’s staff and given Cristobal. affected by the nineteen- Empire. Australian combat veteran ident of America. the choice of public trial • 1943 - British Adm. Sir An- year-old civil war. • 1916 - Oswald Boelcke, of WW I, dies at the age of • 1899 - Start of or suicide by poison. He drew Cunningham is ap- German air ace with 40 vic- 106. the siege of chooses suicide and pointed First Sea Lord of the 16 October tories, is killed in action at Mafeking dies on this day. Admiralty and Chief of the • 1853 - The Crimean War the age of 25. under Col. • 1947 - U.S. Air Naval Staff. began after the Turkish Ot- • 1926 - Chinese troop ship Robert Force Captain • 1945 - Pierre Laval, the toman Empire declared war sinks in the Yangtze. 1,200 Chuck Yeager former premier of Vichy on Russia, Britain, France die. became the first France, was executed for and portions of Italy al- • 1939 - First German air raid man to break collaborating with Nazi Ger- lied with the Turks against on the British Isles in WW the sound bar- many during World War II. Russia. It became the first II, against naval installations rier, flying in a • 1946 - Nazi leader Hermann war observed up close by at Rosyth, as the RAF downs rocket-powered Goering committed suicide newspaper reporters and one attacker. by swallowing poison in his photographers. One of the • 1940 - First black Ameri- Chuck Yeager Nuremberg prison cell just battles was immortalized can promoted to general: hours before his scheduled in Tennyson’s poem, The Benjamin Oliver Davis, hanging for war crimes. Charge of the Light Bri- Sr. • 1981 - Two US surveillance gade. Amid poor sanitary • 1940 - Nazis establish planes arrive over Egyp- conditions, disease killed the Warsaw Ghetto. tian airspace to demonstrate many wounded French and increased US support for British troops. British nurse Egyptian and Sudanese se- Florence Nightingale then Benjamin O. Davis Sr curity against any hostile pioneered modern-style 60 61 This month in military history ... October This month in military history ... October

17 October • 1948 - Thirty-one SA pilots 18 October Greece & Bulgaria. combined French and Span- refugees are fleeing into the • 1777 - During the American participates in the air-lift • 1912 - Italo-Turkish War • 1950 - UN forces enter ish fleets. The victorious hills to escape the conflict Revolutionary War, British to provide food and fuel to ends. Pyongyang, capital of North British ended the threat of between the Zaire military General John Burgoyne and West Berlin. The operation • 1941 - Russian spy Richard Korea. Napoleon’s invasion of Eng- and Tutsi . his entire army of 5,700 men continued for seven months. Sorge arrested in Tokyo. • 1951 - British troops seize land. British naval hero Ad- • 2003 - Veteran French war surrendered to American • 1973 - Egyptian and Israeli • 1945 - The Nuremberg War zone in a swift miral Horatio Nelson was journalist Jean Helene is General Horatio Gates after forces clash in the Sinai de- Crimes Trial began with dawn raid. mortally wounded aboard shot dead in cold blood in the Battle of Saratoga, the sert in fierce fights. indictments against 24 for- • 1954 - Britain and Egypt his ship Victory. Abidjan in the Ivory Coast first big American victory. • 1977 - West German com- mer Nazi leaders including sign Suez Canal agreement. • 1899 - The Boer forces are by a police officer. • 1781 - British General Lord mandos storm a hijacked Hermann Göring and Albert British will withdraw troops defeated by the British at the Cornwallis surrenders at Lufthansa jetliner in Mog- Speer. The trial lasted 10 over next twenty months. Battle of Elandslaagte. 22 October Yorktown. adishu, Somalia, freeing all months, with delivery of the • 1986 - President Samora • 1914 - Battle of Warsaw: • 1847 - Gen. Jacobus Her- • 1917 - First British air raid 86 hostages. Three Palestin- judgment completed on Oc- Machel of Mozambique is Germans defeat the Rus- cules (Koos) de la Rey, over Germany. ian hijackers are killed. tober 1, 1946. Twelve Nazis killed in an air crash in east- sians. also known as ‘The Lion of • 1933 - Albert Einstein ar- • 1983 - SA forces attack an were sentenced to death by ern South Africa shortly af- • 1942 - Eight American and Western Transvaal’ because rives in the United States as apartment block in Mapu- hanging, three to life impris- ter 21:00. Thirty-four people British officers land from a of his brave leadership dur- a refugee from Nazi Germa- to, Mozambique, close to onment, four to lesser prison die in the disaster. submarine on an Algerian ing the Anglo-Boer War, is ny. President Samora Machel’s terms, and three were ac- • 1987 - British Prime Minis- beach to take measure of Vi- born on the farm Doornfon- • 1944 - The Battle of Leyte suburban residence, injuring quitted. ter Margaret Thatcher criti- chy French to the Operation tein in the Winburg district, Gulf, the largest naval battle five people. The SA Defence • 1946 - The Special Service cises the ANC, calling it “a Torch landings. Orange Free State. in history, took place off the Force says the building Battalion of the defence terrorist organisation”. • 1952 - Jomo Kenyatta is ar- • 1859 - Spain declares war Philippine Islands, during housed offices from which force of the Union of South • 1987 - US warships destroy rested in Kenya when the on the Moors in Morocco. World War II in the Pacific. the ANC was planning a se- Africa is dissolved, and Iranian oil platforms in Per- British forces defeat the • 1944 - Japanese naval forces The battle involved 216 U.S. ries of attacks in South Af- gymnasiums for the army, sian Gulf. Mau-Mau. converge on Leyte. warships and 64 Japanese rica. air force and navy estab- • 1960 - HMS ‘Dread- • 1954 - West Germany joins ships and resulted in the • 1985 - Attempted military lished. 20 October nought’is launched, Brit- NATO. destruction of the Japanese coup in Guinea-Bissau. • 1978 – Rhodesian forces • 1899 - British forces dis- ain’s 1st nuclear submarine. • 1962 - President John F. Navy including the Japanese • 1992 - In Angola’s first mul- launch a raid against ZIPRA lodge the Boers at Talana • 1967 - The Egyptian navy Kennedy appeared on tele- Battleship Musashi, one of ti-party election, the MPLA guerrillas in a wide area Hill in Natal. sinks the Israeli vision to inform Americans the largest ever built. wins 53.74% of the vote for around Chimoio, Mozam- • 1944 - During World War Eilat off Sinai, of the existence of Russian the 233-seat parliament, and bique. II in the Pacific, General killing forty missiles in Cuba. The Presi- Unita 34.10%. Unita ac- • 2001 - Four Osama bin Lad- Douglas MacArthur set foot people. dent demanded their remov- cuses the MPLA of rigging en followers convicted in on Philippine soil for the • 1996 - The al and announced a naval the election results, with- the 1998 bombings of two first time since his escape in UN reports draws its troops from the US embassies in Africa are 1942, fulfilling his promise, that over joint army and threatens sentenced in New York to “I shall return.” 200,000 to return to civil life without parole. • 1944 - US se- Hutu war. cures Aachen. 19 October • 1952 - Emergency pro- • 1812 - Napoleon begins his claimed in Kenya due to retreat from Moscow. Mau Mau rebellion. • 1915 - Russia and Italy de- clare war on Bulgaria. 21 October Albert • 1925 - The War of the Dog: • 1805 - The Battle of Trafal- Einstein A stray dog initiates a ten gar took place between the day border incident between British Royal Navy and the Samora Machel

62 63 This month in military history ... October This month in military history ... October

• “quarantine” of Cuba. Six • 1942 - Guadalcanal: Battle troops were absent from tion zones by the U.S., Rus- • 1978 - Ugandan troops in- British and French forces, days later, the Russians an- of Edson’s Ridge - Japanese the streets of Londonderry, sia, Britain and France. vade Tanzania, occupying following Egypt’s seizure of nounced they would remove assault broken. Northern Ireland, follow- • 1956 - Egypt, Jordan and the Kagera salient. the Suez Canal from Euro- the weapons. In return, the • 1983 - Terrorists drove a ing cease-fires by Irish Re- Syria form a united military pean control. U.S. later removed missiles truck loaded with TNT into publican Army (IRA) and command. 28 October • 1962 - The Cuban Mis- from Turkey. the U.S. and French head- pro-British forces. • 1983 - Operation Just Cause: • 1918 - In the waning days of sile Crisis ended with the • 1968 - SA signs treaty with quarters in Beirut, Lebanon, • 1998 - A gas explosion dev- US and West Indian forces World War I, mutiny broke announcement by Sovi- Greece concerning the exploding it and killing 241 astates the officers’ club of invade Greneda. out in the German fleet at et Russia’s leader Nikita graves of members of the U.S. Marines and 58 French the SA National Defence Kiel. Ships in port ran up the Khrushchev that his Sovi- armed forces of the Com- paratroopers. Force, a national monument, 26 October red flag of revolution. The et government was halting monwealth in Greek territo- in Wynberg, Cape Town. • 1922 - Lt Cdr Godfrey uprising spread to Ham- construction of missile bases ry. 24 October Chevalier makes first under- burg, Bremen and Lubeck, in Cuba and would remove • 1899 - The Battle of Riet- 25 October way US carrier landing, on resulting in a general strike the offensive missiles. Pres- 23 October fontein, near Dundee, Natal, • 1854 - During the Crime- ‘Langley’ (CV-1). in Berlin which brought the ident Kennedy immediately • 1642 - Edgehill, first battle takes place, with the British an War, the Charge of the • 1997 - Angola promises to government of Kaiser Wil- accepted the offer then lifted of the English Civil War. falling back to Ladysmith. Light Brigade occurred as withdraw its troops from helm to a halt. the U.S. naval blockade of • 1901 - General Redvers • 1943 - Japanese destroyer Lord Cardigan led the Brit- Brazzaville, capital of the • 1933 - General Constand Cuba. Buller is dismissed as officer ‘Mochizuki’ is sunk by Ma- ish cavalry against the Rus- Republic of Congo, where Laubscher Viljoen, former • 1991 - President Sese Seko in command of the British rine aircraft southwest of sians at Balaclava. Of 673 they helped rebels oust head of the SADF and lead- Mobutu orders Belgium to forces, probably because of Rabaul. British cavalrymen taking elected President Pascal er of the Vryheidsfront, is withdraw all its troops from his defeat in the Battle of • 1945 - Vidkun , part in the charge, 272 were Lissouba. born in Standerton, Eastern Zaire. Spioenkop in 1900. 58, Norwegian politician, killed. The Charge was later Transvaal. • 1997 - Forces loyal to Zam- • 1942 - The Second Battle of executed, leaving us a new immortalized in the poem by 27 October • 1940 - Greece rejects an ul- bian president Frederick El Alamein, in which many word for “traitor”. Alfred Lord Tennyson. • 1941 - Nazis establish a timatum, and Italy declares Chiluba quash a coup by SA soldiers took part, com- • 1973 - Yom Kippur War • 1943 - Japanese open the gypsy ghetto in Belgrade. war and invades from Alba- disgruntled military officers, mences with a thousand-gun ends with Israeli troops Burma railroad (“The Bridge • 1942 - Battle of the Santa nia. arresting nine men including barrage. The opening attack 100 km from Cairo and 40 on the River Kwai”). Cruz Is: USS ‘Hornet’ (CV- • 1940 - ‘U-32’ sinks RMS the captain who said an an- by the British Eighth Army km from Damascus. Sever- • 1955 - Austria reassumed its 8) sinks. ‘Empress of Britain’, killing gel told him to overthrow starts at 9:30pm. Mont- al other dates are given for sovereignty with the depar- • 1948 - Negev: Israel recap- hundreds of children being the government. gomery eventually defeat- this event, e.g. 22, 26 or 28 ture of the last Allied forc- tures Nizzanim from the evacuated to Canada; Goe- ed Rommel. On 4 Novem- October, depending which es. The country had been Egyptians. bbles claims the British 29 October ber 1942, the British finally phase of the peace process is occupied by the Nazis from • 1973 - UN peacekeeping did it. • 1618 - Sir Walter Raleigh, broke through the German considered most decisive. 1938-45. After World War forces arrive in Cairo to at- • 1956 - Is- English admiral and explor- defences. • 1994 - For the first time II, it was divided into four tempt to set up a lasting raeli er, is beheaded, allegedly for in 25 years, British occupa- cease-fire be- troops in- treason, at the age of 66. tween Israeli vade Si- • 1897 - Nazi propaganda and Arab nai Pen- minister Paul Joseph Goe- forces. insula, bbels was born in Rheydt, later to be near Dusseldorf, Germany. joined by • 1914 - Russia declares war on Turkey. • 1914 - Ottoman Empire en- ters the war with a naval at

El Alamein Constand Viljoen 64 65 This month in military history ... October

• tack on Russian Black Sea • 1956 - France and Britain in the Pacific Marshall Is- 1918 - 2018 ports. instruct Egypt and Israel to lands. • 1914 - Serbia declares war withdraw from the Suez Ca- • 1956 - Following a twelve- At 11:00 on 11 November 2018 it will mark the 100th anniversary of the signing of the on the Ottoman Empire. nal. hour ultimatum to Egypt and • 1941 - Germans massacre • 1961 - Congolese army be- Israel, British and French Armistice and the end of World War I. 10,000 Jews in , gins an offensive against forces bombard military air- Lithuania. Katangan rebels. fields near Cairo in the Suez To commemorate this momentous occasion, Military Despatches will be devoting the entire • 1942 - Nazis murder 16,000 • 1961 - Soviet Union tests a Canal Zone. November 2018 edition of the magazine solely to World War I. Jews, Pinsk, USSR. 58 megaton hydrogen bomb. • 1968 - During the Viet- • 1956 - Israel invades the • 1963 - Morocco and Algeria nam War, President Lyndon Sinai Peninsula and troops sign a ceasefire. Johnson ordered a halt of We will also have a page or two with any comments or tributes that our readers wish to male. push on towards the Suez • 1978 - Reports of fighting American bombing of North So please e-mail any comments or tributes that you would like to make to [email protected] Canal, just 32 km away. Is- between Ugandan and Tan- Vietnam. on or before 25 October. raeli paratroopers drop into zanian troops in Uganda. • 1992 - More than 300 peo- the Sinai to open the Straits • 1992 - Heavy fighting breaks ple are killed in renewed of Tiran. out in Luanda, Angola, be- fighting as Angola slides tween the government and back into civil war. 30 October Unita. The conflict rages for • 2006 - The Star reports • 1270 - The Eighth Crusade three days, claiming at least that poor management of begins, and accomplishes 1,000 lives. SANDF equipment and the nothing. theft of weapons that ended • 1799 - William Balch be- 31 October up in rebels’ hands are fuel- When you go home comes the US Navy’s first • 1917 - Third Battle of Beer- ling the conflict in Burundi commissioned Chaplain. sheba: Australian, New Zea- where SA troops had been • 1899 - “Mournful Monday”: land, & British mounted sent to keep the peace. It Tell them of us and say, the British lose 106 killed, troops capture the city from says sources confirmed that 374 wounded and 1 284 cap- the Turks. millions of rands worth of tured in two battles. • 1940 - The Battle of Brit- vehicles, guns, ammunition • 1899 - General Christiaan ain concluded. Beginning and bombs vanished from For your tomorrow de Wet and 300 Boers cap- on July 10, 1940, German the SANDF army base in ture Nicholson’s Nek and bombers and fighters had Burundi over the last four take 800 British soldiers attacked coastal targets, air- years. The South African de- We gave our today. prisoner. fields, London and other cit- partment of defence indicat- • 1899 - In the Battle of Mod- ies, as a prelude to a Nazi ed it would be able to com- derspruit, Commandant invasion of England. British ment only later this week General Piet Joubert caus- pilots in Spitfires and Hurri- “after conducting the proper es the British to fall back. canes shot down over 1,700 research,” report says. He is urged to order a pur- German aircraft while losing • 2006 – Former South Afri- suit, but refuses on religious 915 fighters. “Never in the can Minister of Defence and grounds, one of the fatal field of human conflict was President PW Botha dies at mistakes during the war. so much owed by so many the age of 90. • 1952 - Troops round up 500 to so few,” declared Prime Mau Mau suspects in Ken- Minister Winston Churchill. ya. • 1952 - The U.S. detonat- • 1956 - Israel captures the ed its first hydrogen bomb Egyptian military post at at the Elugelab Atoll in the We will remember them El-Thamad. Eniwetok Proving Grounds 66 67 E-mail [email protected]

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