The August meeting of the Society commenced with a short but fascinating talk, entitled "South African Military Firsts" and presented by Cmdt. Ossie Baker. Before presenting the main speaker for the evening, the Chairman announced Cmdt. and Mrs Baker's imminent retirement to the coast. Professor Copley also expressed the Society's gratitude to Cmdt. Baker for his invaluable contribution to the Society over the years and conveyed the Society's best wishes for a long and happy retirement.

The main speaker of the evening was Dr Stanley Manick, who addressed the Society on the subject of "The Boxer Rebellion 1900." Dr Monick examined the geographical and political situations in China prior to the rebellion and provided a useful insight into the origins of the so-called "Boxers." The Boxers were members of a nationalist movement with a strongly anti-foreign sentiment directed against those foreign powers who held in China, concession lands which were basically small colonies. Dr Monick discussed the role in the rebellion played by Tz'u-Hsi, the Empress Dawager of China.

An interesting point made (in view of the present Gulf situation) was that the attempt to crush the rebellion resulted in one of the few occasions in history where international naval forces have combined in a joint operation.

Dr Manick's analysis of the taking of the Taku forts and the capture of Tientsin was effectively illustrated by means of maps. Various other engagements were also discussed in detail as the landing force attempted to advance on Peking, hampered by ambushes and severed rail and telegraph links. The international force finally captured Peking on August 14, 1900 as the Empress Dowager and her court fled.

Several points were emphasised in Dr Manick's skilful conclusion, amongst which was the fact that a weakening of European hegemony had begun.

Dr Peter Rush thanked Dr Monick for his extremely informative talk.

Members of the Society might be interested in the undermentioned two books which have been published recently:-

"INSIDE STORY" by Sgt. Ike Rosmarin, gives an interesting account of the fall of Tobruk, and tells of his experiences as a P.o.W. both in Italy and in Germany, and the way in which he made the most of his predicament. The book contains a very comprehensive, though incomplete Tobruk casualty list and royalties from the sale of the book will go to the Red Cross. The book is obtainable from branches of the C.N.A. at R29,95 (plus G.S.T.).

"BRAVE MEN'S BLOOD" by Ian Knight is a well documented and profusely illustrated précis of the Zulu War of 1879. The book is published by Media House Publications, Sandton, 2148 and costs R59,95 (plus G.S.T.).

Future talks:

September 13th - Mr Archilles Kallos - "In the steps of Alexander the Great"

October 18th - Professor W.D. Maxwell-Mahan - "The Gallipoli Campaign"

JENNY COPLEY