In his talk on 10th March, Dr. Dan Sleigh gave us an Eagle's Eye view of a small but most interesting segment of history that happened more than 2 500 years ago. He had chosen Xenophon's "forced march/retreat of the 10 000" in 401 BC, captivating his audience with a modern style of reporting by using current military terms and expressions to great effect, adding humorous and ironic comments. He showed us historical maps and illustrations of warriors and their equipment, built up a complete scenario of the political/military situation of the times, and ended by vividly portraying the blood and guts of fighting, suffering and dying of the Greek mercenaries. He finished with a description of their long march back to the Black Sea, all the while being menaced by the enemy and hostile weather. Dan had the audience spellbound. This was shown especially by interjections and add-ons as he brought the heroic adventures to life. Thank you very much indeed, Dan.
Your Committee had very much hoped to include a fitting tribute for the late Colonel "Ossie" Baker in this newsletter by enlisting the help of members who knew him well. But the more we tried to collect facts about his long and distinguished military career, the more we discovered that it would require time and research to do justice to his many achievements. We therefore invite members who are in a position to contribute to such a collection, to contact either Cdr Mac Bisset or Maj Tony Gordon who have kindly agreed to undertake this important work. In time we hope to publish their notes in our Newsletter. Once again we extend our sympathy to Helen and her family for their sad loss.
Members are asked to continue supporting FINE MUSIC RADIO since they regularly broadcast announcements of our forthcoming lectures. This, to a certain extent, has resulted in the number of visitors increasing.
Future Lectures:
| 14th April | 1) ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 2) AN UPDATE ON THE MILITARY/POLITICAL SITUATION ON THE AFRICAN CONTINENT Speaker: Major Helmoed Roemer-Heitman |
| 12th May | I WAS WINSTON CHURCHILL'S SECRETARY DURING WWII FROM MAY 1941 TO THE END OF 1945. Speaker: Mrs. Elizabeth Nel. Mrs. Nel will also touch upon her visit to the War Rooms in London during the renaming of these rooms to the "Churchill Museum". Our grateful thanks to the SA Legion's Cape Town Branch for their help in arranging this talk. |
| 9th June | NAPOLEON IN EGYPT An in-depth illustrated talk by John E. Feitelberg M.I.M.M. |
| 14th July | MY FLYING CAREER IN THE SAAF FROM 1972 TO 1994 by Brigadier-General R.S. "Dick" Lord |
Meetings are held on the 2nd Thursday of each month, except December, at 20h00 in the Recreation Room of the SA LEGION'S ROSEDALE COMPLEX, Guildford Road* (off Liesbeek Parkway/Alma Road - Traffic Light), opposite Rosebank Railway Station. Secure Parking inside the premises. All visitors welcome. Tea and biscuits will be served.
* Also known as Lower Nursery Road, which is incorrect.
CHAIRMAN'S REPORT FOR THE YEAR 2004
The striking characteristics of the Cape Town Branch of the Society in 2004/2005 were the constancy of number of members and the soundness of the finances - neither of which, when satisfactory, attracts much attention - and the high quality of talks given at Rosedale - these are remarked upon and appreciated.
The topics show a bias towards the Anglo-Boer War and the Second World War. The first is local and has an immediate interest, the second is known generally to all of us but often our speakers are able to impart stories seldom heard before. Our Scribe is preserving these for the future.
Recent and current events in Africa have also been presented and amplified for us. Last month we were reminded (or introduced to) the campaigns of Xenophon which, unless the writer is mistaken, is unique in being the most ancient history ever to provoke our interest.
Our range could not have been larger.
The task of finding the speakers on various intriguing subjects has been capably undertaken by your Committee to each member of which I express my gratitude and congratulations.
D.A.N. O'Riley, Chairman.
Jochen (John) O.E.O. Mahncke, Vice-Chairman/Scribe, 021-797-5167 or 072-528-0987