South African Military History Society’s Zoom Library Third Anniversary!
SAMHS’ Zoom library dates from 11 May 2020 and currently contains 90 lecture recordings by 50 speakers, see https://www.samilitaryhistory.org/zoomlib.html
Thank you to our speakers and especially to librarian, Mike Marsh.
An Excel index of the Zoom library posts is available from me on request by e- mail to culturev@lantic.net.
Third Generation Parade and Wreath Laying Ceremony
The annual Third Generation Parade and Wreath Laying Ceremony is at 1030 for 1100 on 14 May 2023 at the MOTH Memorial Centre, 52 King Edward Street, Newton Park, Port Elizabeth.
From the SA Legion Port Elizabeth Branch May 2023 newsletter
A plastic-free, recyclable Remembrance Poppy partly made from coffee cup waste has been launched by the Royal British Legion for this year's Poppy Appeal from October.
SAMHSEC RPC 27 March 2023
In Session 2, Anne Irwin gave a resumé of the book by Lucy Adlington entitled The Dressmakers of Auschwitz: the true story of the women who sewed to survive, see SAMHSEC Newsletter 223 April 2023.
The recording of Anne’s presentation is in SAMHS’ Zoom library.
SAMHSEC 10 April 2023 meeting
The insights shared during SAMHSEC’s field trip on 12 March 2023 to the Bain Memorial at summit of the Ecca Pass on the Queen’s Road between Grahamstown and Fort Beaufort, Fort Brown and Fort Double Drift were presented to the SAMHSEC zoomeeting on 10 April by Anne and Pat Irwin. The recording of Anne and Pat’s presentation is in the SAMHS’ Zoom library.
SAMHSEC RPC 24 April 2023
In session 1, Dylan Fourie told us about “The Attack of the Dead Men”, or the Battle of Osowiec Fortress in what is now north eastern Poland on 6 August 1915. The battle got its name from the zombie-like appearance of the Russian combatants after they had been gassed by the Germans.
The recording of Dylan’s presentation is in SAMHS’ Zoom library.
In Session 2, Peter Duffell-Canham gave an overview of three books dealing with the conflict in Angola and the South West African border.
In Search of Enemies by John Stockwell deals with the involvement of the CIA in the north of Angola in support of FNLA. Stockwell, having returned to Langley, Virginia after two years in Vietnam, found Henry Kissinger and the CIA discussing how to get involved in the Angolan independence struggle. It was decided to support the FNLA as they had a base in Kinshasa, Zaire, and there was a tribal affiliation with their supporters and a marriage relationship between President Mobuto and Holden Roberto. The USA had a large embassy and CIA presence in Kinshasa and had been supporting Zaire with weapons, so arms deliveries to FNLA through Kinshasa would not attract attention.
Stockwell flew via Kinshasa to Ambriz, where Holden Roberto’s headquarters was located. After an inconclusive battle with the Cuban supported MPLA at Barra do Dondo, hopes of capturing Luanda faded. The small South African Army contingent in Ambriz was evacuated by sea. The book lists the assistance flown to Ambriz, one can only imagine at what cost.
The War for Africa by Fred Bridgland fast forwards ten years to the mid-1980s and gives a detailed history up to that stage of the conflict as an introduction. He then details the build-up of Angolan FAPLA forces in 1987, with the objective of eliminating Jonas Savimbi and Unita.
The book is well illustrated with sketches of the battles and one can see how it escalated from a “bush” to a conventional war, with the use of G5 artillery, Olifant tanks in the first tank battle involving South African forces since WW2, and SAAF Mirages against FAPA MIGS.
He also details behind the scenes negotiations in various locations leading to a peace agreement, with the final battle taking place in June 1988.
Nine Days of War by Peter Stiff gives a detailed history of the South African/South West African relationship after WW1, involving United Nations Resolutions and international involvement. He also gives insight into the rise of SWAPO and its various international allies.
The title refers to the nine days from Friday 31 March to Sunday 9 April 1989, when groups of around 50 each of heavily armed SWAPO insurgents crossed the border from Angola. By this time, the SA Army were confined to their bases, the SAAF had a small force of disarmed helicopters and the SWA Police were patrolling the border. During this period there were 63 contacts, including RPG 7 rocket launchers being used against the Police Casspirs. He details the frustration of helicopter pilots wanting to give air support, but having to wait for permission.
The author attaches various documents dealing with agreements between the parties involved in the peace agreement.
A worthwhile book dealing with a little known operation that could have derailed the settlement process with far reaching consequences.
SAMHSEC 8 May 2023 meeting
Arnold van Dyk is to tell us about the capture of General Pieter Hendrik Kritzinger on 16 December 1901.
SAMHSEC Requests the Pleasure of your Company to talk about military history on 29 May 2023.
Session 1 is available to share a subject of general military interest and session 2 is available to review a military history related book. If you are interested in using one of these opportunities, please contact André at andrecrozier@gmail.com.
SAMHSEC