DECEMBER 1987 NEWSLETTER

LAST MEETING - JOHANNESBURG - NOVEMBER 12TH 1987

Cmdt. Ossie Baker deviated from the normal lecture format in his lecture "Sidi Rezegh Memories" on 12th November 1987. He had present a very distinguished panel of veterans of the Battle of Sidi Rezegh. This panel included Generalmajor F.W. von Mellenthin, Col. Graham Comley, Col. Danie Opperman, Lt-Col. Frank Cochrane, Sapper Norman Nielson and Dick West and Jackie Schultz of the S.A. Irish.

The Battle of Sidi Rezegh appears to have been somewhat neglected in overseas histories of the WWII North Afican Campaign. This neglect did not however extend to the South African press who provided extensive coverage of this largely South African action. The lecture followed a question and answer type format with Ossie introducing various aspects of the battle for the panel's comment and discussion. This discussion was enhanced by a fine selection of interesting slides of photographs of the personalities involved - some of whom were members of the panel. The overall impression of the battle appears to have been one of great confusion.

As Dr. Christidis stated in his vote of thanks to the Speaker and his panel we were extremely privileged to be able to share in the personal experiences of these men during the battle.

Future Meetings

Johannesburg - December l0th - Major Darrell Hall - A series of 4 slide shows dealing with visits to Duxford R.A.F. Station, H.M.S. Belfast and the 25th Anniversary of the Commando Gunners. The 4th item comprises the story of WWI in songs and pictures.

- January 14th 1987 [sic] - Mr. Ian Uys - "Peter Raaff C.M.G. and Raaff's Rangers".

The venue for the Johannesburg meetings is the J.C. Lemmer Auditorium, S.A. National Museum of Military History, Saxonwold, Johannesburg at 20hOO. Please make a note of the January meeting as there will not be a January newsletter.

Durban

December - In recess.

- January 14th - Cmdt. "S.B." Bourquin - "Shaka's Heritage"

Cape Town

December - In recess.

Tour to Kimberley Balttlefields - Early Warning.

The S.A. National Museum of Military History is organising a tour to the battlefields in the Kimberley area from 25th to 27th March 1988. The cost of the tour, inclusive of the hire of a luxury bus is estimated to beR335 single and R270 sharing accommodation. Additional details will follow in future newsletters.

Mr. Norman Clothier, a member of the Society, has recently had his book "Black Valour: the South African Native Labour Contingent, 1916 - 1918 and the sinking of the Mendi" published by the University of Natal Press.

Journal

The Editors of the Military History Journal have requested that we draw your attention to the need for more contributions from members of the Society on the results of their research or other military history matters.

As you know the Journal is published by the South African National Museum of Military History in association with the South African Military History Society. It has appeared without a break on the basis of two issues per year since the first issue in December 1967, i.e., a period of 20 years, and the Editors would welcome more good quality contributions.

Seasons Greetings

The Chairman and Committee of the Society would like to take this opportunity to wish all members a very merry Christmas and everything of the best for 1988.

S T Stiles