KWAZULU-NATAL BRANCH

Newsletter No. 553
November 2024

There will be TWO presentations.
The DDH introductory talk will be by past Chairman Bill Brady who will give a presentation on:“The Mighty Hood”. The story of the famous British battle-cruiser which met with a tragic and untimely end at the hands of the German battleship Bismark.

The main talk will be by author and Parabat Steve Camp who will be using information collated for his upcoming book on the history of the South African Parabats.

The talk will delve into the 60-year history of the South African paratroopers, tracing their evolution from inception through the early years of training and rigorous selection. It will explore key operations, including the first major deployments at Ongulumbashe and Cassinga, and examine the development of the Fire Force tactic, integrating airborne, helicopter, and infantry operations. The presentation will also briefly cover the pivotal Battle of Bangui. Attendees will gain insights into the aircraft, weapons, and vehicles used over the decades, illustrating the technological advancements and strategic shifts that have shaped this elite military unit.

The starting time is 1.30 for 2.00pm on SATURDAY 9th November,2024.

Members should note that this is during Remembrance Weekend and are encouraged to WEAR THEIR POPPIES. WE will have some available from the SA Legion at the meeting for those who need!

The venue remains the St Cyprians Church Hall off Umbilo Rd, with secure parking and liquid refreshments available for cash.
Entry is free and open to all, but a donation of R10 for the raffle and R10 for the car guard are requested from all attendees.

NEWSLETTER PAST OCTOBER MEETING

The introductory DDH was by fellow member George Oliver our resident Cryptological expert, who gave a presentation on the German Lorentz cipher machine - more complex than the more portable Enigma. This cipher/code was used by Hitler for instructions and communications directly to his commanders in the field.

George described the breakthrough in decryption facilitated by a careless repeat message by a German signaller - who thus played a major part in the ultimate Allied victory!

The main talk by Phil Everitt covered the November 1941 Battle of Sidi Rezegh especially the Tottensondag (German “Day of the Dead”) disaster in which the South African 5th Infantry Brigade was virtually wiped out. The presentation was in two parts. The first a description of the events leading up to, and the battle itself. The disaster was caused primarily by lapses in generalship both by the British senior command and the South African Brigade commanders. At the macro level the Allied superiority in armour was to be used to defeat Rommel’s panzers in order to facilitate the relief of the garrison besieged in Tobruk.

However, there was no clear plan on how this would be done,and the 7th Armoured Division was quickly split into Brigades which were then defeated piecemeal sequentially by the combined panzer divisions. (Unfortunately, a forerunner to the similar situation later at Gazala). The South African Brigadier Armstrong of 5SAI Bde trailed a large B-echelon of support vehicles which confused the situation when they were surprised by the panzers, and the since debated reluctance of Brigadier Pienaar to move 1SAI Bde timeously in support. However, the SA Gunners at Sidi Rezegh, who fought to the last over 25pdr open sights,and with 2pdr A-Tk guns still on portees were responsible for the destruction of a large portion of Rommel’s Panzer Divisions and hence assisted in the defeat of Rommel’s “dash to the wire”.

The second part featured a written account by Phil’s uncle, also Phil Everitt, a journalist in peacetime. A private signaller with the 5th Brigade he and his colleague effected a daring escape by joining the final rush of 5 tanksof the defeated 22nd British Armoured Brigade through the German lines. Phil was killed later at Alamein.

The Raffle Draw was conducted during Interval and the bottle of wine was won by Greg McFarland.

Unfortunately, attendance was poor - although we had promised to finish in time for members to get home for the rugby! Members are encouraged to spread the word and invite visitors and potential members to future meetings.

ADVANCE NOTICE OF DECEMBER MEETING

The meeting will be held as usual on the afternoon of 14thDecember, 2024 and will feature onlya single talk as we will partake of our usual excellent year- end snacks with refreshments available from the Vicar’s Alms.

The speaker for the talk will be the redoubtable Col Steve Bekker who will regale us with his stories of the SAAF.

Full details will be provided in next months newsletter but remember to reserve the date!

OTHER EVENTS

For those interested; our meeting host, Fr Dane holds a Supper Club once a month in the Hall. Expect an interesting and well-illustrated talk this month by David Hulme on the administration of Pontius Pilate.
The event will be TOMORROW Tuesday 29th October in the church Hall at 6.00 for 6.30pm. The cost is R90 for an excellent supper of fish and chips followed by ice cream. The Vicar’s Alms will be open. Anyone wishing to attend should contactEdith at the church on 0312053710 for catering by NOON on TOMORROW Tuesday29th October.

REMEMBRANCE “We Shall Remember”

There are a number of important dates relating to Military History in the month of November.
1. The OC of Queen Nandi Mounted Rifles (Prev NMR) has invited members to their Remembrance and Wreath laying service in honour of all their fallen, includingAlamein,atthe Regt,followed by a guest evening in the Boot and Spur Combined Mess. The society will lay a wreath. Date Tuesday 5th November, time 17h30 dress appropriate (eg Blazer and Tie). RSVP before 1 November to Padre Dan Finlay QNMR 0731552563.
2. Many of the old schools in Durban have moving Remembrance wreath laying ceremonies for which they are to be congratulated. This includes Marists (St Henry’s), Clifton, Glenwood and DHS.

As SAMHS we will attempt to attend all and lay a wreath on behalf of the Society at all these events.
Any old boys who are also interested in attending should contact the respective school for details of date and times.
3. In addition, on Remembrance Sunday 10th November, our meeting venue host, Father Dane at St Cyprians, holds a special service at 9am with a piper and trumpeter in attendance and MOTH, MOTHWA’s and some military personnel present. Our Branch will be supporting and laying a wreath.
4. The main SA Legion Remembrance Day Ceremony will take place at the Cenotaph starting at 10:30.
SAMHS KZN Branch, will join the many other organisations, units at this event and will lay a wreath in memory of those who lost their lives. Members are encouraged to attend if possible – dress: jacket and tie (with medals where appropriate. Fathers and grandfathers’ medals may be worn on the RIGHT-hand side).  

REMEMBRANCE DAY - Monday, 11 November.  If possible, stand for a minute or two in silence at 11:00 in memory of those who gave up their lives for us.

OTHER ACTIVITIES OF INTEREST

The Rhumbelow film club will be screening the award-winning series “The World at War”, on the big screen, as in the poster shown.

Seating is at tables and picnic baskets may be broughtin, but no drinks. Food in the form of burgers, chips, boerewors rolls snackbaskets etc and full bar facilities and tea/cofee are available for cash/card at good prices. Interested persons please contact me for details. There is a possibility of waiving entrance charges for veterans/SAMHS.

The showings have been changed to the THIRD Tuesday of each month when 2 episodes will be shown consecutively on each evening on the big screen.
Remembering that I had seen the series on television when it was produced in 1974, jogging your memory and seeing it on the big screen (covering the entire theatre stage) is definitely worth making an effort for.The next 2 episodes should be Stalingrad and Wolf Packs. For info and re booking please WhatsApp me
NOTE This is an extremely safe venue. Both patrons and cars are secure behind locked gates for the duration of the show and contrary to popular belief this is NOT an unsafe area to drive to at night!

That’s all for now folks, see you onSaturday the 10thNovember!Please spread the news of the meetings and encourage others to come along.
Regards
Phil
P R Everitt
Chair KZN Branch SAMHS
Cell/WhatsApp 0844371636