The 23rd Annual General Meeting of the Society which was held on Thursday 13th April 1989 was well attended by members. It was reported that the financial affairs of the Society are sound. It was however necessary to increase subscriptions to R20 - single membership, R25 - family membership, R200 - life membership and R250 - family life membership. The number of members remained constant at 587.
Mr. Stewart Stiles was re-elected Chairman. One member of the committee, Mr. Ian Uys, was regrettably not available for re-election owing to other pressing commitments. The remainder of the Committee were unanimously re-elected. The Committee therefore comprises:
The Annual General Meeting was followed by a series of short reminiscences on the Second World War by Dr. George Christidis, Cmdt Ossie Baker and Mr. Richard Dey. Dr. Christidis told of his activities with 112 Squadron R.A.F., including its evacuation to Crete. He served as Adjutant in 13 squadron of the Royal Hellenic Airforce and provided some interesting insight into the merits of certain aircraft. Cmdt. Baker was involved in the formation of South Africa's first paratroop unit. This was a company of the S.A.A.F. Regiment. He gave a vivid account of the rigorous training programme, including a mock invasion of Port Elizabeth. Mr. Richard Dey provided a most humorous account of his tribulations on joining the Army and his transfers between the Artillery and Engineers.
Future Meetings
Johannesburg - May 11th - Museum Evening. This meeting will comprise a guided tour of selected exhibits at the S.A. National Museum of Military History.
Durban - May 11th - Colonel Louis Heap will deliver an introductory talk followed by a video on "The Undeclared War" (the war in the townships).
Cape Town - May 11th "The Peace Process in South-West Africa/Namibia". An illustrated talk by Mr. Willem Steenkamp, well-known defence correspondent, journalist and author.
The Johannesburg Meetings take place in the J.C. Lemmer Auditorium, S.A. National Museum of Military History, Saxonwold, Johannesburg at 20h00.
Early Warning = Battlefield Tour to Frederikstad 18th June 1989
A one day battlefield tour to the site of the Battle of Frederikstad (20 - 25 Oct 1900) has been arranged for Sunday 18th June 1989. The tour will comprise a "do it yourself" one day trip with members supplying their own transport and refreshments. We are fortunate in having Major Anthony Gordon, from the Society's Cape Town Branch, joining us. His father was present at the battle with the Royal Scots Fusiliers. He kept a most extensive diary of the events which will form the basis of the tour. Full details of the time and venue of the meeting place will be advised in the June newsletter.
Recent Publications
Dr. Andre Wessels of the University of the Orange Free State has recently advised us of the publication of Volume 7 of the CHRISTIAAN DE WET-ANNALE. This volume deals with "Die Oorlogsherinneringe van Kommandant Jacob Neser". Neser was a Cape Rebel during the Anglo-Boer War. He gives a vivid description of his war exploits, especially during the guerrilla phase of the war in the Cape Colony, The publication may be obtained from the Director, War Museum of the Boer Republics, Bloemfontein, 3000, at R17,00 a copy, postage and G.S.T. inclusive.
Greenhill Books have recently published "Scarlet into Khaki", This is a reprint of the 1899 publication that deals with, amongst others, the organisation, arms, tactics and training of the British Army on the eve of the Boer War.
STEWART STILES
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