Part II of Metro Goldwyn Hall's "Regimental Heritage" opened the evening's proceedings. A superb selection of slides illustrating the silver and paintings of the Royal Artillery was shown. It was interesting to hear of the two horses, Jones and Joubert. They served throughout the First World War, and on their return to their barracks were released, only to walk into their own stalls.

Doctor Roy Macnab then presented the main lecture for the evening, "The Defence of the French Cavalry School at Saumur in June, 1940".

Marshal Petain's radio broadcast on Monday June 17th, 1940 announcing to the remnants of the French Army his intention of obtaining an armistice was met with disbelief by the cadets and staff of the Cavalry School at Saumur - to surrender without a fight was unthinkable! It was totally contrary to the training and traditions of the school which was founded in 1768. The displays of the school's equestrian team, the cadre noir, rivalled those of the Spanish Riding School in Vienna. Recent graduates of the school at that time included Generals de Gaulle, Leclerc, de Lattre de Tassigny and Patton. Colonel Michon, the commandant of the school therefore decided to prepare for the defence of his establishment.

Colonel Michon had 780 cadets from the Ecole d'Cavalerie and cadets from other training academies and elements of French army units - a total foce of some 2,000 men. Their only equipment consisted of their training weapons: some vintage armoured vehicles and guns and their smallarms. Prior to battle a convoy containing 800 of the School's horses was sent to safety. One of the training exercises carried out by the school was a wargame based on a threat to the Cavalry School. Theory now became reality. Michon divided his cadets into 28 brigades (platoons) of 25 to 30 men each, commanded by an officer-instructor. Strongpoints were established to defend the bridges and islands of the Loire.

At midnight on 18th June motorcyclists of the German 1st Cavalry Division arrived north of the Loire. The mayor of Saumur had tried without success to save his town from battle by attempting to have Saumur declared an open city. The bridges across the Loire were blown with the arrival of the Germans. An unfortunate incident occurred when a vehicle, flying the white flag, containing one German and one French officer, approached the French lines. They carried a demand for the town's surrender. The car was destroyed by machine gun and artillery fire, and both occupants killed. The Germans then opened a heavy artillery bombardment and began their attack.

The cadets displayed extraordinary courage in their defence, and at midnight on 19th June Colonel Michon was able to report that his line was holding. The following exthange illustrates the something of the spirit of the defence:

Cadet: "But Lieutenant, you are sending me to my death."
Instructor: "I do that honour, Sir."

The instructor, Lieutenant de Galbert, is now Governor of Les Invalides.

Lieutenant Desplat's brigade fought desperately to hold their position at the bridge of Gennes, eventually being overwhelmed only after hand-to-hand fighting.

Eventually, the efforts of a full German division proved too much, and after a heroic two day defence, General Pichon ordered Colonel Michon to concede defeat. 300 cadets were eventually captured, but, many, including their commander, made good their escape.

Professor Barnard thanked Doctor Macnab for his extremely well presented and fascinating lecture.

Future Meetings

Johannesburg - April 10th - Annual General Meeting and film "Trooping the Colour".

- May 15th - Mr. Peter Fox - "Air Crew Briefing".

Durban -

- April 10th - Commandant Justin Hulme - "50 Years Ago".(SADF 1929-1933)

Other Matters.

(1.) Day Tour to Colenso Battlefield.

The Durban Branch of our Society will hold a one day tour of the Colenso Battlefield on 25th May. The tour will specifically study the role of Colonel Long and the loss of the guns of 14th and 66th Batteries R.F.A. in detail. Members from Johannesburg wishing to participate should make their own transport arrangements.

(2.) 150 Years ago - March/ April 1836.

The Texas War of Independence from Mexico reaches it's climax with the fall of the Texan forts of The Alamo and Goliad, followed by General Sam Houston's decisive victory over Santa Anna's Mexicans at San Jacinto.

STEWART STILES

Agenda for the Twentieth Annual General Meeting of the South African Military History Society to be held at 20h00 on the 10th April, 1986.

1. Notice of meeting
2. Confirmation of the minutes of Nineteenth Annual General Meeting.
3. Chairman's report
4. Secretary/Treasurer's report.
5. Election of Chairman
6. Election of Executive Committee.
7. Election of Honorary auditor.
8. General.

MJCM.