PAST EVENTS
Through the courtesy of fellow-member 'Midge' Carter a video film from the series "World at War" was presented at our March get-together. The programme consisted of two episodes: "Home Fires" and "Inside the Reich", which, through their contrast made a very effective combination. The first episode showed how the British people, early in the war, passed through the depths of hopelessness and despair to dogged resolution and determination not to give in until eventually final victory was won. The German people, on the other hand, lived through the early part of the War in a heady atmosphere of triumph and success until the inexorable downward slide began which ended in utter humiliation and defeat.
At the same time this video outlined in stark reality the suffering, devastation and horror experienced by both sides and the utter senselessness of war as such.
PREVENTING WAR
"War is a terrible fact! As a counter-fact, only one principle has ever been known. Just as disease is best prevented by sanitation or the organization of society in physical health and strength against the attack of disease, so is war prevented only by the sound and healthy organization of society to withstand the attacks of war". (The Cavalry Journal, July 1923).
FELICITATIONS on having his book "Green Shadows: A Gurkha Story" selected for filming are extended to fellow-member Major Denis Sheil-Small, MC, a former Gurkha officer. Denis has been invited by the film-company to become a "consultant and technical adviser" in the filming of what is, virtually his own military career! For this purpose he is leaving shortly for England and possibly India and Thailand. The film, which has a £12 million budget, is to star Sean Connery (007)! Our best wishes accompany him and his good lady, Mary.
FUTURE EVENTS
Programme of Monthly Get-togethers
APRIL 12TH
Our Chairman, Commandant 'SB' Eourauin, will present an illustrated slide talk on "THE CATO MANOR RIOTS OF 1959".
May 10th
To be announced.
June 21st (Please note that this meeting will be held on the THIRD Thursday in June). Our National Chairman, Major Darrell Hall, will be coming from Johannesburg to give an illustrated slide talk entitled "Mafeking Revisited".
July 12th Fellow-member Barry Stephenson will give a talk on "George Rex of Knysna".
August 9th Fellow-member Brian Ness-Harvey will talk about his 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).
(Mrs) Tania van der Watt,
Secretary, Durban Branch,
S.A. Military History Society,
Box 870, HILLCREST, 3650.
Tel. (031) vvvvvv