PAST EVENTS
Commandant Justin Hulme lived up to his reputation of being a specialist and authority on the military history of the Eastern Cape, more specifically the frontier wars, when he addressed our June gathering on the subject of "The irregular units of the 8th Kaffir War, 1850-1853". The term "irregular" denoted levies and volunteer units, which were not part of any regular, standing army or the Imperial forces, but were raised locally for service on special occasions or for predetermined periods of time on a temporary basis, say, for 6 months. In addition to monthly pay they would receive 6d. per day and rations for themselves and their families. Levies, volunteer units and corps were composed of blacks, particularly Fingos, Hottentots and Burghers. There was a bewildering number of units, often with very similar names, usually referring to their place of origin such as Albany, Alice, Beaufort West, Burgersdorp, Graaff-Reinet, etc, but also as far afield as Cape Town and Clan William.
Fingos were always ready and available to serve as levies because most of the time they were oppressed and at loggerheads with other black clans, but received a measure of protection from Whites. These irregulars very satisfactorily supplemented the hard core of the disciplined, albeit somewhat dour, regular British soldiers. For instance, when regular soldiers set out to round up cattle for booty or punitive reasons they were invariably ambushed. The Fingo Volunteers on the other hand would pick up the cattle in next to no time and bring them in.
Our speaker then dealt extensively with the major engagements of the 8th Frontier war, also known as Umlanjeni's war. He pointed out that the numbering of these wars was somewhat arbitrary and that if one were to count all the lesser armed conflicts which happened in between, there might be more than the nine frontier wars normally counted. In this particular war the conflict extended over an area almost as big as Natal and Zululand. The military problems were considerable. Sir Harry Smith, the Governor of the Cape, experienced the mortification of having been trapped and surrounded by the enemy at Fort Cox, with no obvious means of escape. We learnt about men like the Hon J. Montagu, Secretary to the Government, Col McKinnon, Chief Commissioner, British Kaffraria, Maj Gen Somerset, Capt Tylden, R.E., and others. In his concluding remarks our speaker considered the motivation and reasons for the participation of black levies on the side of Government and left the audience with much food for thought.
The Chairman proposed a well earned vote of thanks for a most enlightening and interesting lecture.
FUTURE EVENTS
LADYSMITH HISTORICAL SOCIETY: A.G.M. AND WEEKEND OUTING
An invitation has been received from the Chairman, Ladysmith Historical Society, to members of this branch who may wish to participate in the above weekend's activities. The Society will be holding its AGM at the Royal Hotel Buttery on Friday 23rd August at 6 p.m.. Because of Mahatma Gandhi's connection with Natal and in particular Ladysmith, there will be a talk on this subject after supper.
Over this weekend Mr Bob Wallace, the Australian author of the book on the Imperial Light Horse Regiment which the Ladysmith Historical Society is publishing, will be visiting Ladysmith. It is hoped he will be giving a talk at a social function to be arranged on Saturday evening.
Saturday 24th August Leave the Car Park behind the Town Hall at 2 p.m. for Mount Alice where Mr Gilbert Torlage, a Committee member of the Ladysmith Historical Society and the Natal Parks Board Ranger Historian at Spionkop,will give a talk on the Battle of Spionkop from Buller's point of view.
Sunday 25th August Depart same Car Park at 9.30 a.m. for Vaalkranz where Gilbert Torlage will describe the battle. Please take your own picnic lunch and comfortable walking shoes.
As both these battlefields are near Spionkop Resort members may like to stay there. Bookings must be done through Queen Elizabeth Park, Pietermaritzburg, Telephone (0331) 51mmm.
Please inform the Secretary, Ladysmith Historical Society if you are planning to attend the A.G.M. This is necessary for the catering arrangements. Telephone (0361) 22___ or 27___526. Address: Box 380 Ladysmith 3370.
PROGRAMME OF MONTHLY GET-TOGETHERS
AUGUST 15th Our National Chairman MAJOR DARRELL HALL will address us on "THE SECRET WAR 1939-1945".
This is a story of code-breaking, double agents, and political intrigue. (PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS MEETING WILL BE HELD ON THE THIRD THURSDAY IN AUGUST).
September 12th Dr. Frank Mitchell will present a slide talk on Andrew Beauchamp-Proctor, V.C., D.S.O., M.C. Bar, D.F.C., 84 Sqn. R.F.C., South Africa's most decorated hero. October 17th Commodore A.S. Davis will present a slide talk on "Forty Years with the S.A. Navy".
(Mrs) Tania van der Watt,
Secretary, Durban Branch,
S.A. Military History Society,
Box 870, HILLCREST, 3650.
Tel. (031) vvvvvv