Newsletter No. 546
March 2024
NOTICE OF MONTHLY MEETING
THIS SATURDAY 9th March, 2024
The meeting on the 9th March will be a “blockbuster” event with NO DDH short talk and only the main talk as below. There will be an interval to allow for a comfort break and refreshment restocking!
The presentation will be delivered by Law Researcher/previously lecturer David Hulme. His presentation will be an epic account of THE BERLIN AIRLIFT(1948-49)
This well researched and illustrated talk is an account of the forced emergency air supply to the Western portion of Berlin. The topic is of especial interest in view of the unfortunate re-emergence of the Cold War Scenario in Europe and the Western support for Ukraine.
David will introduce the topic by discussing the political, and boundary developments in Europe at the end of World War II and the subsequent physical isolation of Berlin by the USSR. This led directly to the massive successful airlift effort by the western allies to keep their potions of West Berlin supplied with food and all other requirements until the USSR abandoned the blockade almost a year later. A few of our member have been privileged to see the talk and it is EXCELLENT and NOT TO BE MISSED.
Some background on the speaker:
David Hulme was born and raised in Glenwood, Durban. Apart from two years of national service in the South African Air Force and subsequent camps during which he served as a military legal advisor, he has lived in Durban all his life.
<>He studied at the University of Natal and read history for his undergraduate degree, followed by Law at post-graduate level. He holds the degrees of BA LLB LLM.
He practised as an attorney, for six years and then joined the School of Law at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, as a lecturer. On retirement at the end of 2022 he was made an honorary research fellow in the School of Law, and he still occasionally lectures.
Since 2005 his focus has been on Constitutional Law which links extremely well with his lifelong interest in history and he learned a great deal whilst sharing the tuition in a Master’s module called the ‘History and Philosophy of Constitutionalism’, from which the current presentation emerged.
The starting time is 1.30 for 2.00pm sharp due to load shedding at 4.00pm on THIS Saturday 9th March.
The venue remains the St Cyprians Church Hall off Umbilo Rd, with secure parking and liquid refreshments available for cash from The Vicar's Alms.
Entry is free but donations of R10 for each of a raffle and car guard are requested from all attendees.
NEWSLETTER
Call for Volunteers
The Branch AGM will be held before the talk at the meeting on the 13th April.
Regrettably TWO long standing members of the committee have indicated that they will not be standing for re-election: Roy Bowman due to changes in his life will be relocating to Johannesburg in the near future. Ulrich Duebi due to personal circumstances has indicated he will not be able to continue although he will remain an enthusiastic member of the Branch.
THUS, WE ARE IN DESPERATE NEED OF VOLUNTEERS FOR THE COMMITTEE.
Note that it is not an onerous task. We normally only have committee meetings when required usually not more than twice a year, and the tasks will generally only relate to assistance at meetings. (Doorman/petty cash, barman, raffle etc). If you can be available please contact me!Please consider volunteering for the committee or to undertake one of these tasks.
Past (February) Meeting
Our Meeting for last month comprised 2 presentations.
The format here was our new concept of a short PowerPoint introductory talk on a topic followed by a video. The introduction here dealt with the start of the Anglo-Boer War and lead up to the disastrous British attack at Magersfontein. The video was an excellent personal account of a junior subaltern, Lt. Christian Malise Hore Ruthven of the 2nd Bn the Black Watch and described the trials and heart-breaking experiences of the men on the ground where no orders had been given of what to do in the event of a failure of the expected conditions. This in spite of the fact that reconnaissance carried out beforehand for Gen Methuen was limited and poor. No further orders were received by the troops on the ground during the whole day and although individuals tried to act on their own initiative the battle became chaotic and large numbers of troops merely abandoned the battlefield. The requirements for good and adequate orders was discussed after the video.
The main presentation was delivered by fellow member Charles Whiteing on the topic of:
The respective seaborne invasions were 878 years apart, but both had similar challenges.
Both battles are depicted on two tapestries; the Bayeux Tapestry in France, and the Overlord “Tapestry” which is displayed in the D Day Museum in Portsmouth, England.
The talk introduced the manufacture of the tapestries. Both of which are actually embroideries and not tapestries and made a comparison of the two invasions through the medium of these wall hangings. In both cases,the wall hangings were produced by teams of women skilled in needlework. Both provide details of the preparations for invasion, assembly of the invasion fleets and the seaborne invasion and subsequent land battle. Similarly, the weather influenced the start of the both operations, with William’s 1066 fleet being delayed by northerly winds for a month. By 1944 weather prediction had come a long way and D-day was postponed by only a day from the 5th to the 6th June and then proceeded during the window of slightly better weather while moon and tide conditions were favourable!
We all know the ultimate results of the two invasions, which were both major undertakings for their day and in both cases changed the course of world history irrevocably. Charles’ talk was well received by the somewhat disappointingly small audience. Those who did not manage to attend missed a captivating unique and fascinating afternoon.
COMING ATTRACTION.
Advance Notice of 13th April Meeting
The meeting will be the AGM of our Branch and will consequently have a main talk only.
OTHER NEWS
Mendi Remembrance
The South African Legion Durban organised a Remembrance Service for the accidental WWI sinking of the troopship SS Mendi on 21 February, 1917. She was carrying 628 members of the South African Native Labour Corps for duty in France. The service was at the SS Mendi Memorial, Bay End of Samora Machel Street, Durban at 10:00 on Sunday, 25 February 2024. There was an excellent attendance from Military units, consular staff, MOTHS and civilian organisations. From SAMHS KZN, Phil Everitt, Charles Whiteing and Ulrich Duebi were present as well as Graeme Fuller, in his capacity as Chieftain of the Caledonian society. A wreath (cross) was laid on behalf of SAMHS. Unfortunately, the City did not provide their usual snacks afterwards although cool drinks were provided at the nearby Maritime Museum.
Appeal for support
We have had a request (below) to please consider supporting the SAA Museum at Rand Airport Germiston (NB SAA not SAAF!). Ronnie Glass reports that this Museum now has 10 complete aircraft on display.The Museum is totally non-profit and they have produced a booklet which provides funds forits ongoing restoration projects.The 36-page colour booklet retails for R 150 and is available from the Museum. Alternately contact John Austin-Williams at home john@austinwilliams.co.za to purchase the booklet.
That’s all for now folks see you THIS Saturday at St Cyps!
Regards
Phil
Phil Everitt
Chair KZN Branch SA Military History Society
Cell: 0844371636
Email: everitt@iafrica.com
South African Military History Society / scribe@samilitaryhistory.org