NEWSLETTER No. 24.

P.O. Box 52090
SAXONWOLD, Transvaal.
Telephone: 41.4703

12th May, 1970

We had a number of unusual, but very welcome guests at our last meeting, Dr. Grindley the Director of the P.E. Museum, and also Miss Barbour and Dr. van Graan both from the Kirnberley Museum. Members will remember how helpful Miss Barbour was during our visit to the Kimberley Battlefields.

Our esteemed Chairman was away disporting himself in the wilds of Rhodesia (emulating Richard Burton) in the making of the film epic "The Shangani Patrol." If the bogeyman don't catch him Lobengula will! and in the absence of our Vice Chairman Pat Rice, Will Carr presided. Our guest speaker was our old friend Col. G.K. Roodt and his subject "The Quality of the Leadership of the Boer Generals 1899-1902".

Because of his long association with the P.F. Col. Roodt had an insight into the S.A. Military establishment which fitted him ideally to assess the quality of the Boer Generals.

Rather to the surprise of many present Col. Roodt did not associate himself with the almost universal condemnation of Gen. Buller. He felt that Buller had had a bad press lately and that within the limits of his time, upbringing, and training Buller proved a resourceful general.

Finally he dealt at some length with the personality of Gen. Coen Brits whose appetite for whisky was apparently only equalled by his love of action. When told by Gen. Louis Botha in 1914 that S.A. was at war, he is reputed to have replied: "Fine, who do we fight the Germans or the English?"

During the course of the interesting question and answer session which followed, Comdt. Geo. Duxbury made the fascinating revelation that the British High Command was so impressed with the work of Gen. Jaap van Deventer in S.W.A., that they offered him command of the Palestine Imperial Forces, before giving it to Gen. Allenby!

What an intriguing "if and but" vista for speculation this opens up. Just imagine the consequences if a S.A. General had been the liberator of the Holy Land and the conqueror of Jerusalem! Why, he would take his place with Vespasian, Titus and Saladin! Altogether a most worthwhile talk and evening.

Next Meeting

11^th June

1. INTENTION

To tour the battlefields of the Ladysmith/Colenso Area. All members of the S.A. Military History Society, Adult Education Committee, Ex-Service Organisations and interested members of the general public as well as their families and friends are welcome to attend.

2. MODE OF TRAVEL

Persons joining the tour are expected to make their own travelling arrangements except for those who have reserved seats on the bus being hired by the S.A. Military History Society. SEATS ON THE BUS ARE STILL AVAILABLE AT R11.00 PER PERSON. To reserve seats please phone 41-4703 and send the amount of Rl1.00 to Mr. T. Sole at P.O. Box 52090, Saxonwold, Transvaal.

Those travelling by bus are expected to rendezvous at the War Museum on Friday, 4th September, 1970 at 2.30 p.m. ready to move off at 3.0 p.m. sharp.

Cars may be left in the Museum grounds over the weekend or until such time as called for by the members concerned.

The Museum authorities do not hold themselves responsible for the safety or care of such vehicles and they wil be left in the grounds of the Museum solely at owners' risk. It should be stated, however, that during the daytime they will be under the care of the European Attendants and that at night the gates will be locked and two Nightwatchmen will be on duty.

The bus will arrive at Valley Inn, Ingogo, at 7.30 p.m. where a halt of 90 minutes will be observed for a braai and liquid refreshment. The cost of the braai is included in the bus fare (provided there are a minimum of 37 persons). It is hoped that those travelling by car will join the party at Valley Inn. These persons will be required to pay Rl.25 per head for the braai.

Liquid refreshment will be available from the Bar at normal prices.

There will be no further halts, unless in an emergency, until the bus reaches Ladysmith at 10.45 p.m.

On arrival at Ladysmith the bus will stop in the following order:

1. Royal Hotel 10.45 p.m.
2. Crown Hotel 10.55 p.m.
3. Andrews Motel 11.00 p.m.

3. ACCOMMODATION

Persons joining the tour are expected to reserve and pay for their accommodation. The following hotels have accommodation:-
Royal Hote1 Bed and Breakfast: R4.00 per person
Crown Hotel Bed and Breakfast: R4.00 per person
Andrews Mote1 Bed Only: R3.75 per person.

Note: These prices should be checked when reserving accornmodation.

4. CL0THING AND EQUIPMENT

Members wi1l know their requirements for a three day stay. There are, however, certain musts due to climate and field conditions.

IN THIS CONNECTION MEMBERS ARE REMINDED THAT LADYSMITH IS OFTEN COLD AS LATE AS
THE MIDDLE OF SEPTEMBER - PARTICULARLY IN THE EVENINGS AND EARLY MORNINGS.

Boots or Walking Shoes - Everyone will require good tough walking shoes
Hat - Preferably with large brim. Scarf - or other protection for neck.
Slacks - for ladies.
Jersey - In case of a cold spell of weather.
Sun-tan lotion - for those with tender skins
Bottle or preferably a thermos flask - for water or other liquid refreshment.
Jackets and Ties - Gentlemen- for evenings at hotels.
Sun-glasses - Will be useful if you have them.

5. COMMUNICATIONS

a) Telephone : Royal Hotel, 65/831/838 Ladysmith
Crown Hotel, 85 Ladysmith
Andrews Motel, 576 Ladysmith.

b) Loud Hailer: Will Comdt. B. G. Simpkins please provide one loud hailer.

c) Public Address System in bus: Will Comdt. Simpkins please ensure that this is included in bus.

6. MEDICAL: Will Mr. Felix Machanik and Dr. L. Hillman please liaise regarding medical equipment including snake bite outfit. (Snakes are not expected).

7. FIRST TOUR: SATURDAY, 5TH SEPTEMBER, 1970

(a) First phase: Ladysmith Town Museum

(i) Visit Ladysmith Town Museum at 09.00 a.m.
(ii) Bus will leave Andrews Motel at 08.50 a.m.
(iii) Those persons staying at the Royal and Crown Hotels will walk to Museum (75 and 175 yards respectively).
(iv) Visit concludes at 09.30 a.m.

(b) Second phase : R.E. Stevenson Museum, Colenso

(i) Visit R.E. Stevenson Museum at 10.00 a.m.
(ii) All vehicles leave Ladysmith Town Museum for Colenso at 09.35 a.m.
(iii) Arrive Colenso (R.E. Stevenson Museum) at 10.00 a.m.
(iv) Visit concludes at 10.30 a.m.
(iv) Group moves on foot to Colenso Hotel for morning tea and scones at 10.30 a.m.
(v) Group leaves Colenso Hotel for Clouston Koppie of Remembrance, 3.5 miles south of Colenso on main road to Escourt, at 11.00 a.m.

(i) Group arrives Clouston Koppie at 11.10 a.m.
(ii) Visit to cemetery.
(iii) Talk on battle of Colenso.
(iv) Group leaves for Colenso Hotel for lunch at 12.50 p.m.

(d) Fourth phase : Lunch consisting of Cold meats and salads, dessert, tea and coffee at Colenso Hotel.

(i) Group arrives at 13.00 hrs. (1.0 p.m.)
(ii) Group leaves at 14.15 hrs. (2.15 p.m.)

(e) Fifth phase: Battle of Colenso (continued)

(i) Visit interesting sites such as gun positions and Fort Wylie. Arrive at gun positions at 14.20 hrs. (2.20 p.m.)
(ii) Leave Colenso for Ladysmith at 15.45 hrs (3.45 p.m.)
(iii) Arrive Andrews Motel 16.05 hrs. (4.05 p.m.) Crown/Royal Hotels 16.15 hrs. (4.15 p.m.)

(f) Sixth phase: Slide and Film Show

(i) Mr. Felix Machanik will conduct a slide and firm show at the Royal Hotel (Venue to be confirmed on morning of 5th September). Slides are those taken at Majuba and Kimberley in 1969. Mr. Machanik will welcome additional slides of these two tours. In addition a World War II film will be shown.
(ii) Bus will leave Andrews Motel for Royal Hotel at 20.30 hrs (8.30 p.m.)
(iii) Film show commences at 20.45 hrs (8.45 p.m.) (iv) Film show ends at 22.00 hrs (10.0 p.m.)

(g) General:

(i) Mileage: 1st Tour: Vehicles: 55 miles
Walking : Half mile made up of short distances over flat grassland.
(ii) Dress and equipment: According to temperature and weather.
Hats
Comfortable walking shoes
Sun-glasses if you have a pair
Binoculars will be useful but net essential
Camera if you have one plus spare films
Shooting-stick will be useful
Sun tan lotion

8. SECOND TOUR: BATTLE OF SPIONKOP: SUNDAY 6TH SEPTEMBER 1970.

(a) First phase: Spionkop from Tugela River Area

(i) Bus will depart from Andrews Motel at 9.30 a.m.
(ii) Bus will arrive at Crown Hotel/Royal Hotel at 9.37 a.m.
(iii) Bus will depart Crown Hotel/Royal Hotel at 9.45 a.m.
(iv) Bus will arrive at site of Spionkop dam at 10.45 a.m.
(v) Group will move to first 'stand' for talk on battle of Spionkop.
(vi) Group will leave for Spionkop at 12.00 noon
(vii) Group will arrive at northern slopes of Spionkop at 12.30 p.m.

(b) Second phase : Lunch at foot of Spionkop
12.30 p.m. to 1.45 p.m. (13.45 hrs)

(i) Members are requested to bring picnic lunches.
(ii) Liquid re freshmen t will be on sale.

(c) Third phase.: Visit summit of Spionkop:)

(i) Climb to summit of Spionkop on foot. (It is possible for certain vehicles to travel to the summit on a track which is not unduly steep but which has in places a loose stony surface. The bus will not be able to negotiate this track)
Distance from foot to summit 1 mile
(ii)Talk on battle of Spionkop continued.
(iii) Rendezvous at bus at 4.0 p.m. (16.00 hrs)
(iv) Arrive Royal/Crown Hotels at 5.0 p.m. (17.00 hrs)
(v) Arrive at Motel at 5.10 p.m. (17.10 hrs)

(d) General:

(i) Mileage: Vehicles: Total distance for vehicles 90 miles.
Walking : Total of 2½ miles.
Note: The climb is not unduly steep. If members use the motel track the distance is 1 mile.

(ii) Dress: Suitable for walking and climbing up hills with boulders and rocks. Ladies may like to take scarves for their hair as it is often windy on top of koppie.
Hats.
Sun-glasses if you have a pair.
Camera if you have One plus spare films
Binoculars
Shooting-stick will be restful
Sun tan lotion.

(iii) Food: No morning tea provided. Suggest that members bring flasks.
Lunch: Bring your own picnic lunches.
Liquid refreshment: On sale. Good variety available.

9. THIRD TOUR: MONDAY, 7TH SEPTEMBER, 1970

(a) First phase : Visit All Saints Church
(i) Bus leaves Motel at 08h00 a.m.
(ii) Bus leaves Crown/Royal Hotels 08.30 a.m.
(iii) Bus arrives at All Saints Church 08.33 a.m.
(iv) Bus leaves All Saints Church at 08.45 a.m.

(b) Second phase: Visit Wagon Hill/Caesar's Camp Area

(i) Bus arrives at summit Hagan Hill at 09.15 a.m.
(ii) Talk on siege and relief of Ladysmith.
(iii) Bus moves to Caesar's Camp at 10.30 a.m.
(iv) Bus leaves Caesar's Camp at 11.00 a.m.
(v) Bus arrives ILH Cemetery at 11.07 a.m.
(vi) Bus leaves ILH Cemetery at 11.30 a.m.

(c) General:

(i) Mileage: Vehicles : 10 miles
Walking : Quarter-mile made up of short distances on flat hill-top.

(ii) Dress: Members will not get dirty on this tour of Wagon Hill and Caesar's Camp and should wear comfortable clothing which will also be suitable for return journey to Johannesburg.
Walking shoes. (Combat boots etc. not necessary.)
Hats
Camera if you have one, plus spare films
Binoculars will be useful
Sun-glasses if you have a pair
Shooting-stick will be restful.
Sun tan lotion.

(iii) Catering: No tea or other liquid refreshment will be provided on this morning tour. Members might wish to bring flasks, or cold drinks.

(iv) Return to Johannesburg: The bus will not return to hotels after this morning tour

10. MISCELLANEOUS NOTES AND REMINDERS

(a) Book hotel accommodation early - it is a long weekend and the hotels will be busy.
(b) Diarize the date and times of departure
(c) If you have not reserved a seat on the bus please do so now so that the Transport Officer can finalize the transport arrangements
(d) If you are to be met on your return to Johannesburg tell the person(s) the estimated time of return.
(e) If you intend using a private vehicle please do not forget to fill up with petrol each evening.
(f) Transport Officer to liaise with bus driver concerning:
(i) Accommodation
(ii) Fuel arrangements
(iii) Ensure that the bus is at the Museum to commence loading not later than 1.30 p.m.
(g) The tour is hot restricted to members of the Military History Society. Tell your friends about it - they are most welcome.
(h) DO NOT FORGET COMFORTABLE SHOES
(i) HEADACHE TABLETS/POWDERS, ETC. (j) CHECK TIMES OF ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE OF BUS FOR ALL OCCASIONS
WELL IN ADVANCE TO ENSURE THAT YOU ARE SEATED IN TIME TO ENSURE
THAT THE TOUR RUNS SMOOTHLY f\ND IS ENJOYED BY EVERYONE.

11. Precis of Battles: These will be on sale at a nominal amount of 20 cents each.

12. Officials:

Chairman, Comdt. B.G. Simpkins:
Telephone : 51-9411
Tour Director, Comdt. G.R. Duxbury:
Telephone : 41~4703
Tour Deputy Director, Major A.C.M. Tyrrell
Telephone : 836-5748
Medical Officers : Capt. Felix Machanik
Dr. L. Hillman
Projectionists: Capt. Felix Machanik
Mr. Charles Cohen
Transport Officer : Maj. A.C.M. Tyrrell
Catering Officer: Mr. Charles Cohen

Signed:
G. R. DUXBURY
TOUR DIRECTOR.