LAST MEETING - JOHANNESBURG - 10TH JULY 1986.
The main lecture for the evening was "Redoubts of the South African War of 1899/1902" presented by Mr. David Panagos.
After the fall of Pretoria it became apparent that the British lines of communication were extremely vulnerable. By the end of 1900 the Boer attacks on these lines were becoming increasingly frequent, and, it became obvious that some form of protective defence work was required. The first blockhouses were therefore affected at important points such as bridges. In June 1900 Lord Kitchener embarked on the policy of constructing cross-country blockhouse lines in an attempt to hem in the mobile Boer commandos and to provide baselines for the great "drives". This system eventually included over 8,000 blockhouses and covered some 3,700 miles. The purpose of the construction of the blockhouses can be summarised as:
Mr. Panagos provided details of the construction methods for the various types of blockhouse. Major S. R. Rice of the Royal Engineers developed the cost effective corrugated iron blockhouse. Initially, these were of rectangular design, but, after experience proved that this type was prone to bulging at the base, the circular type was designed. At the end of the war most of the blockhouses were destroyed in terms of the Treaty of Vereeniging.
Mr. Panagos's lecture was superbly illustrated with numerous slides of surviving blockhouses, including aerial photographs, which were particularly interesting. It is to be hoped that the surviving units can be protected from the neglect and vandalism that threatens these very visible relics of our turbulent history.
Mr. Kinsey proposed the vote of thanks on behalf of the Society.
Future Meetings.
Johannesburg - August 14th - Cmdt. O.E.F. BaKer - "The Greek Campaign 1944/1945".
- September 11th - Dr. Felix Machanik "The British Occupation of Canada."
The venue for the Johannesburg meetings is the J.C. Lemmer Auditorium, S.A. National Museum of Military History, Saxonwold, Johannesburg at 20h00.
Durban
- August 14th - Midge Carter - "The Battle of Tarawa: Birth of a Legend".
Cape Town
- August 14th - Dr. Ryno Greenwall - "Soldier Artists of the Boer War".
TOURS.
ULUNDI/VRYHEID AREA.
The S.A. National Museum of Military History is organising a battlefield tour to this area during the long weekend of 9th to 12th October 1986.
COLENSO - COLONEL LONG'S GUNS.
A one day tour to Colenso will be held on 31st August. This tour will specifically cover the role of the British artillery in this battle and the loss of Colonel Long's guns. Circumstances have made it possible to repeat this recent tour, which, in my opinion, provides additional insight into this battle. This is a "do it yourself tour", i.e., you should arrange your own transport and accommodation. Please contact Major Darrell Hall if you are interested in attending.
MILITARY HISTORY RESEARCH PROJECTS.
RORKE'S DRIFT.
Members of the Society will undoubtedly be pleased to learn that, with the agreement of all the parties concerned, the Rorke's Drift site is now being developed to portray all aspects of its history. The aspect which is of particular interest to members is that of the events which took place during the Anglo-Zulu War of 1879. If anyone would like to participate in the research, or make a contribution towards the store of knowledge that already exists, the Rorke's Drift Liaison Ccmmittee would be very pleased to hear from them. In addition any information concerning James Rorke or the Rorke family would be gratefully received. Mr. George Chadwick is the secretary of the Rorke's Drift liaison Committee, and the address is: Rorke's Drift Liaison Committee, Private Bag n, Berea Road, nnnn. Telephone: 031-nnnnnn
MEMORIES OF SCANDINAVIANS OF THE SOUTH AFRICAN WAR .
Dr. C. de Jong of Unisa, who previously published "Skandinawiers in die Tweede Anglo-Boere Oorlog" volumes I and II, is currently preparing volume III for the press. These works tell the story of the Scandinavian involvement in the Boer War, including, accounts of the battles of Magersfontein and Paardeberg, and the guerrilla war in the western Transvaal. Dr. de Jong's address is: Van Wouwstraat nn, Groenkloof, Pretoria, 0181.
STEWART STILES.
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