KWAZULU-NATAL BRANCH

Newsletter No. 539
May 2023

Are you one of the many Durban residents whose father, grandfather, uncle or other relative was taken prisoner at Tobruk, in what has been called South Africa’s greatest military disaster?
Find out what really happened, at the SAMHS talk by Philip Everitt on the 10 June 2023 (full details below).
Phil, whose own father was one of those captured,will present an illustrated talk on

“What happened at Tobruk” which will cover:

1. An introduction to the desert war from 1941 with special reference to the South African contribution.
2. The stand at the Gazala line.
3. Rommel’s breakthrough and the “Gazala Gallop” retreat of the Allied forces.
4. The isolation of Tobruk.
5. The German break through, allied collapse and subsequent surrender of Tobruk within 24 hours.
6. The recently revealed role of both allied and axis intelligence in the disaster.
7. The role of Churchill and leadership problems in the allied forces.
8. The aftermath and effect on South Africa’s image amongst the allies.

In keeping with the desert war theme, the above main talk will be preceded by an illustrated curtain raiser where Roy Bowman, will tell the enthralling story of "Max and Moritz", the two British Armoured Command Vehicles captured by Rommel during his campaign in the Western Desert and some of the adventures that these vehicles went through during their possession by the “Desert Fox”.

Date/time: Saturday 10thJune 2023 at 1.30 for 2.00 pm

Venue: St Cyprians Church Hall, Umbilo Road, Umbilo

Visitors welcome.

There is no charge but donations of R10 for the car guard and purchase of a raffle ticket is requested.
Liquid refreshments are available for cash from the “Vicar's Alms”.
Secure parking.

Regards
Phil Everitt
Chair SAMHS KZN Branch
0844371636