PAST EVENTS
Our guest speaker last month was our own Ken Gillings, RSM of the Natal Field Artillery, who presented to his audience an insight into "Artillery Traditions". In opening his talk he drew attention to the fact that this year represents not only the 125th anniversary of the NFA but also the 75th anniversary of the South African Defence Force. We all know, of course, the modern meaning of "artillery"; but Ken pointed out that in olden days it meant "engines for discharging missiles, formerly catapults, slings, arbalests, bows &c."(1476). It is also "the science and practice of gunnery, formerly archery"(1545). Thus in 13th century England and France the word artillery meant bows and arrows. Henry VIII in 1537 granted a charter to a fraternity which later became the Honourable Artillery Company "to be overseers of the science of artillery, that is to witt, long bowes, cross bowes and handgonnes". The invention of gunpowder in the 13th century led to the development of artillery as we know it today.
In the past, gunners were little loved by fellow soldiers in other branches of the army on account of their independent ways and rough language. Gunpowder also smacked too much of magic, and because gunners had to move about the field of battle with this unstable explosive powder - and with lighted matches to boot; they became men apart, feared and shunned by all and sundry! All that has changed, of course, and as no real battle can be fought effectively without artillery support, artillery is ever present; hence the universal artillery motto "Ubique" - everywhere. Thus, as a result of their traditions, gunners have over the ages developed a feeling of superiority over other soldiers, for they serve the Guns! Guns are known by the proud title "Ultima Ratio Regnum", which is often found embossed on their barrels, - meaning "the ultimate argument of Kings !", that which provides firepower above and beyond the capacity of all other weapons. - The respect and awe which this appellation inspired may have contributed to the fact that traditionally artillery units do not carry standards or regimental colours, but the guns themselves become their rallying points and the symbols they salute.
Among the many detailed aspects to which Ken referred were St Barbara, the Patron Saint of Gunners, the naming and spiking of guns, the bombardier, the No.1 and his rammer, the wearing of flashes, lanyards and blackened badges, the right of the line etc. He finally dealt with the South African artillery units and their order of precedence and was warmly thanked, on behalf of the audience, by the most senior gunner present, Colonel Freddy Hodgson.
FUTURE EVENTS
APRIL MEETING
9TH APRIL Our own Chairman, Cmdt 'SB' Bourquin will talk on "Boys in Battle".
May and June meetings - To be announced.
July 16th Please note that this meeting will be held on the THIRD and not the second Thursday in July. Major Darrell Hall will talk on research he is presently conducting into 1820 Settler Families of the Eastern Cape.
August 13th Cmdt. 'SB' Bourquin "Shaka's Heritage".
The venue for all meetings will be the Lecture Room, lower ground floor, 'SB' Bourquin Building, (Department of Community services, NPA) on the corner of Jan Smuts Highway and Buro Crescent, Mayville, COMMENCING AT 7.30 P.M. (19h30). Glasses and ice will be supplied so please bring your own bottled or canned refreshments. FRIENDS AND INTERESTED PERSONS ARE WELCOME TO COME ALONG.
OUTING TO SPIONKOP RESERVE - WEEKEND 16TH AND 17TH MAY 1987
An invitation has been received from The LADYSMITH HISTORICAL SOCIETY to join its members on this outing. Interested persons should make their own reservations with the Natal Parks Board Reservations Office Telephone 0331 - 51514 (PMB).
Saturday 16th - To explore Nthabamnyama. Meet at turn off to Spionkop Battlefield on Bergville Road at 14h00. Speaker - Mr Gilbert Torlage
Saturday evening Braaivleis at Torlages' Home 18h30.
Sunday 17th Walk to Vaalkrantz. Meet at detour for new National Road on Spionkop/Winterton Road. Please remember to take your own picnic lunch. For further enquiries: R. Human (0361)26053 or M. Heron (0361) 27841
LIST OF PUBLICATIONS - LADYSMITH HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Price lists of the above are available, on request, from the undersigned.
(Mrs) Tania van der Watt,
Secretary, Durban Branch,
S.A. Military History Society,
Box 870, HILLCREST, 3650.
Tel. (031) vvvvvv