The meeting commenced with a short talk by Dr Felix Machanik on the Crimean War as a sequel to the talk in May. Dr Machanik exhibited two items of headgear, one an original busby actually worn during the charge of the light brigade, as well as a collection of Crimean War medals.

The main address of the evening, entitled "Events at Bradfort, Karee and Glen during the Anglo-Boer War of 1899-1902" was presented by Professor J M Malloch-Brown.

The talk dealt in depth with events in the areas mentioned and highlighted diverse aspects of the war in the vicinity in a fascinating manner. Professor Malloch-Brown spent his childhood in this locality and imparted an added poignancy to his talk by recalling the residual bitterness evident amongst the area's inhabitants.

Professor Malloch-Brown provided an interesting insight into the Kommando System, in which volunteers provided their own horses, arms, ammunition and provisions without any form of remuneration. He also discussed the Krygsraad system whereby battle strategy was formulated by consultation along committee lines.

A vivid account of the battles followed, during which Professor Malloch-Brown examined the principle reasons for the Boers failure, namely the static defence tactics followed by the Boers rather than the offensive strategy approved by the Krygsrade, the level of desertion and disobedience amongst the Boers and their failure to commandeer sufficient guns and horses from the outset.

One of the least savoury aspects of the war covered during the talk, was the concentration camp policy followed by the British, whereby Boer families were removed from their homesteads and incarcerated. Professor Malloch-Brown's horrifying statistics included the almost 28,000 concentration camp inhabitants who died due to disease, malnutrition and unsanitary camp conditions.

The talk was well illustrated by means of maps and slides. Professor Malloch-Brown also provided the members present at the meeting with a detailed bibliography.

The vote of thanks was given by Mr David Panagos.

The next meeting will take place on 12th July 1990.
The speaker will be Maj-Gen Philip Pretorius on the subject of "The Reluctant Rebel - 1900".
9th August meeting - Dr Stanley Monick - "The Boxer Rebellion 1900."