PAST EVENTS

Our first meeting of the new year was addressed by Mr. Brian Chilvers, old soldier, veteran newsman and well-known broadcaster. As an ex-gunner (1st S.A.H.A. and T.H.A.) he was particularly welcome to some members present and was forgiven that during the latter part of WWII he transferred to the Royal Marines. By way of an introduction to his talk on "The Stone Age Warriors" - the Bushmen - he mentioned that he had been to Vietnam and Mozambique, as a newsman and observer, during the times of conflict in those countries. While the Americans and Portuguese were more than holding their own militarily they lost in the end because they failed to win the hearts and minds of the people. A similar problem was facing South Africa in its border war in South West Africa. There was consolation in the fact that with their background knowledge both Prime Minister Botha and Minister of Defence Malan know what problems face them in this regard.

The Turnhalle Alliance tried to achieve a national commitment by the people of S.W.A. to contribute to fight terrorism and not to rely only on the S.A. Defence Force. In this context attention was also focussed on the Bushmen of whom 35 000, out of a total of an estimated 55 000, live in S.W.A. They have been found to be exceptionally good soldiers. A phenomenal eyesight and hearing make them trackers, observers and guides par excellence. Mr. Chilvers mentioned a few interesting examples of their capacity in this regard, one of them being an ability to track from a helicopter flying at treetop height. He hastened to add, however, that owing to the danger involved this was not normal practice. When it was found that the S. A. Army bush-hat, with its floppy brim, half-covering the ears, impaired the hearing of Bushmen soldiers, a Glengarry type headgear was evolved for them on which they also proudly display their black crow badge, emblem of 201 Battalion.

This unit started with some 30 to 40 Bushmen volunteers and has since become so popular that there is no shortage of volunteers. Kitting them out constituted a problem at the beginning. Proverbially a quartermaster's store carried only two sizes of clothing: large and small - "and you takes your choice"; but even the "small" was too big for these little men. Stores intended for school cadet corps had to be diverted to meet the situation. Bushmen soldiers easily switched over from their traditional bows and arrows to automatic weapons and are exceptionally good marksmen.

One of their outstanding characteristics is their loyalty and devotion. It has happened that when an officer was due to be transferred, on the day of his departure, his whole platoon or company would fall in, packed up and ready to accompany him. Much attention is given by the military authorities to take care of the wives and children of serving Bushmen and there are visible signs that at least their hearts and minds are being won.

Our speaker related much more of interest than can be accommodated in this brief review, giving an insight into Bushman mentality, his ways and habits and the impact westernisation is making on them. After a brief question time Mr. Chilvers was heartily thanked and applauded for his interesting talk.

NEW PUBLICATION

"From Hell to the Himalayas". Colonel C. F. Hodgson announced at this meeting that his book had finally seen the light of day and was now available. A small number of copies he had brought along were avidly snapped up by members. Further copies will be available at our next meeting. The cost is R14,95 plus GST = R15,85. (There will be a small cash refund to anyone managing to find the mouse in the reproduction of Terence Cuneo's famous painting: "Saving the guns at Le Cateau" which appears on the dust cover!)

FUTURE EVENTS

February 3rd
Major Darrell Hall will present a lecture on "The Soviet Navy and the East/West Naval Confrontation". (Please note that this meeting will take place on the FIRST Thursday in February and the subject does not deal with historical events.)

March 10th
Major M. Shiel-Small author of the recently published book "Green Shadows: A Gurkha story" will give a talk on The Gurkhas. Maj Shiel-Small has been interviewed by S.A.T.V. and will shortly be appearing on the program "Midweek".)

The venue for all meetings will be the Lecture Room, 'SB' Bourquin Building, the Port Natal Administration Board's head office, on the corner of Jan Smuts Highway and Buro Crescent, Hayville, on the second Thursday in the month (unless otherwise announced) commencing at 8 p.m. There is ample parking, under guard, in the grounds. Glasses and ice will be supplied so please bring your own canned or bottled refreshments. FRIENDS AND INTERESTED PERSONS ARE WELCOME TO COME ALONG.

WELCOME

A hearty welcome is extended to new members Dr. B.N. Keal and Mr. Brian Ness Harvey.

SUBSCRIPTIONS

This is a gentle reminder, if you have not already paid, that subscriptions for 1983 were due as from 1st January and should be sent to the secretary/Treasurer, P.O. Box 52090, Saxonwold, 2132. The rates are: Ordinary Membership R10,00 Family " R12,50 Life " R100,00 Family Life " R125,00 Prompt payment eases the job of the Secretary/Treasurer. (Mrs) Tania van der ~att Secretar· Durnan Br£nch . • A. I·ILL t.ary f11story ~oclety. Box 870 Hillcrest 3650 •. At our get-together in November Colonel C.F. Hodgson completed the second stage of his march from Hell to the Himalayas. Picking up the threads of his first talk in June he explained how he avoided demobilisation and unemployment during the Post-war years by accepting a posting to the Indian Army. Leaving the green fields of Ireland and England behind he and his newly-acquired wife now really headed for the "Himalayas". Pay was determined by rank and appointment and not by marital status and young officers were not supposed to get married and if they did take such a "rash" step had to see how to come out on a meagre lieutenant's pay. On the other hand as a married officer in India he had to keep his own house and according to then prevailing customs and traditions "umpteen" servants - fifteen to be exact. How he managed all this and found time for all sorts of other exciting undertakings only Col. Hodgson could tell in his inimitable, humorous way. The bad news is now that no more will be said about this most entertaining talk. The good news is that Col. Hodgson's book "From Hell to the Himalayas" has been completed and is available to the public. It may be obtained either from the publishers direct, Messrs. King & Wilks (Pty) Ltd., P.O. Box ppp, Westville 3630 (Telephone .........) or from Adams & Co., or in due course any other bookseller. The cost is R14,95 plus GST.

FUTURE EVENTS

Programme of Monthly Meetings:
1983
January 13th MR. BRIAN CHILVERS, the well-known S.A.B.C. broadcaster, will give a talk on the Bushmen in the operational area entitled "The Stone Age Warriors".

February 3rd Major Darrell Hall will present a lecture on "The Soviet Navy and the East/West Naval Confrontation". (Please note that this meeting will take place on the FIRST Thursday in February and the subject does not deal with historical events.)

SEASONAL GREETINGS

As this is the last news-sheet for 1982 and the festive season is upon us, seasonal greetings and best wishes for health, wealth, and happiness for the New Year are conveyed to all members.

(Mrs) Tania van der Watt,
Secretary, Durban Branch,
S.A. Military History Society,
Box 870, HILLCREST, 3650.
Tel. (031) vvvvvv