CAPE TOWN BRANCH
NEWSLETTER NO 461 – FEBRUARY 2018

The summary of Mr Jim Harwood’s lecture on Cassinga, presented on 18 January 2018, is unfortunately not ready for inclusion and will have to stand over until the next newsletter. It will therefore be published together with the March 2018 newsletter.

FORTHCOMING MEETINGS

THURSDAY, 8 FEBRUARY 2018: THE EVOLUTION OF SUBMARINES -PT 1: FROM ANCIENT TIMES TO THE AMERICAN CIVIL WAR by Marius van der Merwe

Beginning in ancient times, humans sought to operate under the water. From simple submersibles to nuclear-powered underwater behemoths, humans have searched for a means to remain safely underwater to gain the advantage in warfare, resulting in the development of the submarine.

Our speaker will explain the principles of submersibles and how it differ from surface ships, as well as the difference between a simple submersible and a fully-fledged submarine of modern times. By way of a well-illustrated presentation, he will progressively take us through the timeline of the earliest submersibles in ancient times, to the submersible acquiring a definite military role in naval warfare during the American Civil War.

THURSDAY, 8 MARCH 2018: THE TRAFALGAR CAMPAIGN by Ian van Oordt

The Battle of Trafalgar needs no introduction, but the events leading up to this battle and the reasons why it was fought are, perhaps, not as widely known. The campaign starts in March 1805 and culminates on the day of the battle on 21 October 1805. We will examine some of the ships and the impact of the battle on the proposed French invasion of Britain.

The campaign will be illustrated with maps, and where possible, copies of some of the original orders. The speaker will explain the thoughts behind the French strategy and the application of Britain’s “Blue Water War Policy” to counter this strategy.

The presentation will end with a short discussion, on the question of, should the Battle of Trafalgar not have being fought, would the planned French invasion threat have been feasible, or not……?