PAST EVENTS
A massive collection of slides provided the basis of a talk this month by our Chairman 'SB' on "How to make a Riot: This was Cato Manor 1959". Made even more interesting by the fact that it was a personal experience and eye witness account by the speaker who had been deeply involved, this talk dealt with the turbulent times of late 1959 and early 1960 which began to change the pattern of life in South Africa. They saw the banning of the ANC and the PAC and the germination of acts of sabotage and terrorism. Public demonstrations, agitation, civil disobedience escalating into violence, arson, murder, and sabotage all had their place. It was of special interest to note how a small percentage of agitators could cow-tow the otherwise law abiding masses, terrorise them and force them to participate in unlawful and subversive activities. The speaker clearly outlined the respective functions of the police and the military in the case of internal unrest. The South African Police being the front-line force under such circumstances is the executive force which conducts searches, makes arrests, establishes road blocks and initiates all offensive and protective measures. The armed forces only appear on the scene in a state of emergency and at the specific request of the Police when the latter finds itself unable to handle a particular situation by itself. The armed forces will then provide a back-up service and provide protection to the police to enable the latter to concentrate unhindered on its basic tasks. The application of the principle of "minimum force" has the effect of restricting both the police and the military in their decision on what action and what weapons to employ. There is thus a vast difference between the methods employed in dealing with internal rioting and violence and those employed in warfare against a foreign enemy.
Philip Everitt proposed a formal vote of thanks to the speaker.
FUTURE EVENTS
A proposal has been made for a one day outing (preferably a Sunday) to the WILLOW GRANGE BATTLE FIELD. The dates that have been suggested are Sunday the 15th or 22nd July 1984. This matter will be offered for discussion for a final decision at our meeting on 10th May. Please keep these dates free if you intend joining this outing. Friends and interested people are most welcome to come along.
Programme of Monthly Get-togethers:
MAY 10TH GROUP-CAPTAIN RUPERT TAYLOR, OBE, will give a talk on "THE ROYAL AIR FORCE: THE TIME OF CHANGE IN THE 1930's".
June 7th (Please note that this meeting will be held on the FIRST Thursday in June and not the third as previously announced - the Secretary was typing in the dark!) Major Darrell Hall will give an illustrated slide talk entitled "Mafeking Revisited".
July 12th Fellow-member Barry Stephenson will talk on "George Rex of Knysna".
August 9th Fellow-member Brian Ness-Harvey will talk about his personal experiences in the 3rd Parachute Battalion and the first South African raid into Angola in April 1978.
September 13th Fellow-member Ken Gillings will present a slide talk entitled "A Helpmekaar Duel" (Anglo-Boer War).
The venue for meetings will be the Canteen, lower ground floor, 'SB' Bourquin Building, the Port Natal Development Board's head office, on the corner of Jan Smuts Highway and Buro Crescent, Mayville, 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 warm welcome is extended to new member Mr. M.T. Burns.
(Mrs) Tania van der Watt,
Secretary, Durban Branch,
S.A. Military History Society,
Box 870, HILLCREST, 3650.
Tel. (031) vvvvvv