PAST EVENTS
At our July Get-together we had the pleasure of welcoming our own fellow and foundation member, Major Darrell Hall, in our midst. Although his main function was that of being our guest-speaker, he took the opportunity of performing an unexpected, but pleasant, task. On behalf of the Society's Editorial Committee, which is responsible for publishing the 'Journal', he presented the 1987 Roderick Hurchison Memorial Prize, in the form of an inscribed plaque, for the best military history article written in that year, to our fellow-member Steve Watt (Deelfontein: A Hospital in the Karoo). Congratulations, Steve!
Concerning his talk, Darrell had obviously taken to heart the reference in the last news-letter to the predominance of artillery subjects in recent months. He did not confine himself to "the guns", but compromised by presenting a most enjoyable "mixed bag". Metro-Goldwyn Hall presented a colourful programme in four parts. First came a visit to the Royal Airforce Station Museum at Duxford with an interesting commentary on its history and its exhibits, which are not confined to aircraft - even though the large variety is interesting enough - but also include weapons and wheeled machines of war of every description.
Then followed a pictorial view of the 25th Anniversary celebration by Commando Gunners of 29 Commando regiment, R.A. This was not just an impersonal presentation of a documentary, but a colourful personal experience, tinged with a touch of pride and nostalgia, for "Darrell had been there", not only at the anniversary but as a former serving member.
The next story was that of HMS Belfast, a fascinating saga of a brave ship, which Darrell had researched with care and in great detail throughout its colourful history until she had come to a well-deserved and honourable rest as a floating Museum next to Tower Bridge on the Thames.
The grand finale came in the form of a military pot-pourri - scenes and songs of World War I; military types on the western front, marching men, men in mud and fox-holes and trenches, or struck down never to rise again, shell-pocked landscapes and the wreckage of war - all linked together and softened by the songs of the time. There were the martial, defiant and taunting songs of the early war years, then one could detect a touch of sentimentality and yearning for home and the cherished memories soldiers had left behind; but true to their calling, even where these tunes betrayed a degree of weariness, there was always a measure of strength and determination. Indeed, an unforgettable experience.
A warm word of sincere appreciation for the presentation of this enjoyable programme was expressed on behalf of the audience by fellow-member Cmdt Justin Hulme.
FUTURE EVENTS
Programe of Monthly Meetings :
AUGUST 11TH Fellow-member DR. GERRY BRERETON-STILES will present an illustrated slide talk on BATTLES OF THE MIDDLE AGES in Britain.
September 8th Fellow-member Ken Gillings - Illustrated talk on "The Battle of Mome Gorge" (Bambata Rebellion 1906)
October 13th Fellow-member Ian Sutherland - "The Escape of HMS Amethyst" (Yangtse River, China).
November 10th Major Keith Archibald will show a video film of the first border duty of the Natal Carbineers.
December In Recess.
The venue for meetings will be either the Lecture Room or the 'Bourq Inn' on the lower ground floor, 'SB' Bourquin Building (Department of Community Services, NPA), on the corner of Jan Smuts Highway and Buro Crescent, Mayville, commencing at 19h30. Ice and water jugs will be provided, but please bring your own GLASS and bottled or canned refreshments. FRIENDS AND INTERESTED PERSONS ARE WELCOME TO COME ALONG.
(Mrs) Tania van der Watt,
Secretary, Durban Branch,
S.A. Military History Society,
Box 870, HILLCREST, 3650.
Tel. (031) vvvvvv