NEWSLETTER NO.6.

Undated but filed in Johannesburg Reference Library before June 1968 newsletter.

1. Col. F. Looringh-von Beeck (Retd.), of the Royal Netherlands Grenadier Guards writes: - My daughter is married to an ex officer of the Regiment Botha. He was a lieutenant and was wounded and taken prisoner at Sidi Rezegh. His name is H.B.K. Opperman. We would like to buy a badge of the regiment to act as a centre-piece to framed photographs of the Second World War." Members who can asslst please write to the Director, S.A. National War Museum, P.O. Box 90, Saxonwold, Traansvaal, using the following reference number:- 5532/67.

2. Another request for badges:- The Director of the S.A. National War Museum as had correspondence from a Mr. A. Hampson who is interested in Air Force insignia and is prepared to exchange items of the R.C.A.F. for items of the S.A.A.F. and S.A. Aviation Corps. Use the same address as in 1, quoting reference number:- 5573/67.

3. Mr. A. Crabtree, "Aigsgarth", Birchcliffe Road, Hebden Bridge, Yorkshire, England: writes: - "I specialise in the study of and collect items relating to the Anglo-Boer War. Please bring my name to the attention of your members with a view to an exchange of relevant ideas and information. "How about it members?

4. Mr. M. P. Conniford, Caversham, Reading, Berks., England - is a military vehicle historian. He has offered to assist members of the Society with queries regarding military vehicles and has photographs for sale. Mr. Conniford is now looking for information on "the Bofors LAA Tractor built by Morris on a 6 x 4 chassis (CD/W 30 cwt)" or photographs. Dig out those old photos chaps and see what can be done to assist Mr. Conniford!

5. Die kantoor van die Hoof van die Lugmag sê dat slegs die volgende rang- en kentekens, van lap vervaardig, deur vlieëniers van die Suid-Afrikaanse Lugmag op hulle vliegoorpakke gedra mag word. (a) Rangkentekens op die skouer; (b) vlieënierskenteken op die linkerbors; en (c) die betrokke eskader se wapen op die regter mou twee duim onderkant die skouernaat.

6. The Johannesburg Mounted Rifles was raised during the Anglo-Boer War, 1899-1902 and disbanded in 1907. In an effort to trace the regimental diaries of the J.M.R., letters were written to the following with negative results:- The Chief of Defence Force Administration S.A.D.F.; The Director of Government Archives, Pretoria; The Director, Johannesburg Public Library and Africana Museum; and several other persons. Should any member be able to give the whereabouts of these diaries, please contact the secretary at the Society's address: P.O. Box 90, Saxonwold, Transvaal.

7. The Ladysmith Round Table has completed the necessary spade work for the establishment of a local society of a military historical nature. They propose holding their inaugural meeting on Saturday 18th May, 1968, at 11 a.m. On Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning there will be conducted tours of the Ladysmith battlefields. It has been suggested that if a party of our society members could attend this meeting it would add interest and make it so much more interesting. Private or hotel accomodation can be arranged. To date two members - Dr. Hillman and Mr. Thomas - have indicated that they are prepared to go. Mr. Thomas says he is prepared to take a few others in his car. Here is a golden opportunity for those members who would like to visit some battlefields. Interested? Contact the secretary for further details - phone ......