KWAZULU-NATAL BRANCH

Newsletter No. 534
MARCH 2022

FEBRUARY 2022 MEETING OF THE KZN BRANCH HELD AT ST CYPRIANS CHURCH HALL, UMBILO AT 14H30 ON 12TH FEBRUARY 2022.

The Chairman welcomed members & guests to the February meeting

He extended his thanks to fellow committee member Dr Graeme Fuller and Professor Phil Everitt for their efforts in buying a new sound system. The new head mounted radio microphone was used by some for the first time and has improved the overall audio communications within the facility. It was stated that anyone delivering an address or lecture will without any exceptions use the system.

The DDH talk today was presented by fellow committee member Professor Phil Everitt titled "Traditions of the British Army and the Regimental System."

The talk took the format of a video dating from 1969 which supported his presentation which was enjoyed by all.

The talk highlighted the regimental system of the British Army whose troops are dedicated to but the Sovereign too. These regiments have their own badges, uniform insignia, respective battle honours and some of their own quirky traditions which ranged from remaining seated during the playing of the National Anthem, drinking a toast from Joseph Bonaparte`s chamber pot that had been captured during the Peninsular War; and a toast to the King of Sweden instead of the British Monarch. Other colourful anecdotes were those of the playing of "Regimental Hymns" in penance of looting a winery, and the sacking of a local monastery including the raping on the nuns; also perpetrated during the Peninsular War. New member joining a Welsh regiment had to eat raw Leeks as part of their induction. Members were pleased to hear that the video was part 1 of a series of six which will be "screened" in the future.

During the ten-minute interval, the Raffle was held with the "Father`s Alms" open for refreshments.

The Main Talk titled "Churchills in Africa" was delivered by fellow member Robin Smith. The talk detailed the various members of the Churchill dynasty who had a t one time, or another had connections with Africa. This included Lord Randolph Churchill, Lady Sarah Wilson, Jack & Charles Churchill - the 9th Duke of Marlborough. Winston Churchill`s Boer War experiences were also addressed. Robin`s talk was supported a Power Point presentation illustrating the respective personalities.

The Chairman thanked both speakers for their respective professionally researched, well-illustrated talks. He announced the details of the next meeting to be held in the same venue at 14h00 for 14h30 on Saturday 12 March 2022.

Charles Whiteing
Chairman