PAST EVENTS
Commandant Justin Hulme presented a talk on The History of the Commando System, 1715-1922 to our November meeting. Delving deeply into the past he first gave an outline of the Dutch army organisation from about the year 1568 onwards. This was a necessary introduction to an understanding of the early organisation and development of a military presence at the Cape, after the Dutch had established a permanent settlement there. Proceeding then on the basis of an article by the late Major G. Tylden, our speaker then outlined the South African commando system as it existed and grew from 1715 to 1922. This latter year was chosen because it was in that year that the Commandos were called up and functioned for the last time in their traditional role of irregular mounted infantry, in order to assist in the quelling of the revolt on the Rand gold mines. So effective had been the system that once the Commandos had been called up, the miners knew that their rebellion would end in failure.
But, at the same time, changes in the means of locomotion, weaponry and armaments had made the traditional commando system obsolete, and although the name was retained, commandos are today simply infantry units of the South African army, to whom a special rôle has been assigned. - Dealing with the old system our speaker outlined organisation and discipline, training and tactics, the use of artillery, auxiliary services and auxiliary troops, officers and men. It was of interest to hear about the contribution the commando system had made to South African military hisyory. Although typically and exclusively South African in character the commando tactics had eventually turned international military thoughts into new directions and had made a contribution towards new developments in the science of war.
By way of two practical examples of commando warfare Justin dealt in some detail with the mobile fighting between the followers of Andries Waterboer, Adam Kok and Cornelius Kok against the MaNthatisi hordes between the Orange and Vaal in 1823, and the battle of Vegkop, from a laager, against the Matabele in 1836.
Fellow-member Ted Woodcock expressed the appreciation of the audience in warm terms.
CHANGE OF STARTING TIME
Following a popular request the starting time of our meetings will be advanced experimentally by half an hour to 19h30 (instead of 20h00) as from the January meeting.
NEW BOOKS (Stocking fillers)
1. A second edition of Col C.F. Hodgson's book "From Hell to the Himalayas" will become available early in December, with an additional illustrated chapter on 'Mons and La Cateau seventy years later'. Soft cover, about R12,00, obtainable from the author, nnn Musgrave Heights, Musgrave Road, Durban, 4001.
2. "Paulina Dlamini, Servant of two Kings", compiled by H. Filter, translated and edited by S. Bourquin, with over 120 historical and ethnological notes, contains the reminiscences of a Zulu woman who as a former teenage member of king Cetshwayo's isigodlo until the Zulu war, provides unique and fascinating glimpses of everyday life in the royal homestead. Expected early in December, soft cover, about R18, from booksellers or University of Natal Press, P.O. Box 373, Pietermaritzburg 3200.
FUTURE EVENTS
Next Meeting (Please remember to diarise).
1987
January 8th Group-Captain Rupert Taylor will give a talk on "MILITARY HISTORY IN HINDSIGHT".
The venue will be the Lecture Room, lower ground floor, 'SB' Bourquin Building, (Department of Community Services), on the corner of Jan Smuts Highway and Buro Crescent, Mayville, on the second Thursday in January, commencing at 7.30 p.m. Glasses and ice will be supplied so please bring your own bottled or canned refreshments. There is ample parking, under guard, in the grounds. FRIENDS AND INTERESTED PERSONS ARE WELC0ME TO COME ALONG.
SEASON'S GREETINGS
We extend to all members and friends best wishes for the festive season and a happy and peaceful new year.
(Mrs) Tania van der Watt,
Secretary, Durban Branch,
S.A. Military History Society,
Box 870, HILLCREST, 3650.
Tel. (031) vvvvvv