PAST EVENTS
The first meeting of the year began in a most enjoyable fashion and took the form of a visit to the headquarters of the Nata1 Mounted Rifles with the primary objective of viewing the Regimental Museum. There was an exceptionally good turnout of members who were graciuosly and hospitab1y received by the O.C., Commandant Johan Reynecke. In his brief talk about the Regiment and the subsequent visit to the most interesting museum he was ably supported by some of his officere and in particular by the R.S.M., W.O.1. Clayton Marsland and the immediate past R.S.M., "Nunky" Alexander.
The Regiment, still in existence under the same title, was formed in 1888 by an amalgamation of four coastal mounted units - the Victoria, Alexandra, Durban and Umzimkulu Mounted Rifles. In addition to many battle honours the Regiment possesses a King's Colour. The badge in 1888 was a horse rampant with the motto "Just and Frank"; in 1913 changed to that of the Border Mounted Rifles, a top-boot and spur with the motto "Rough but Ready".
During its long and distinguished career the Regiment collected enough trophies, relics and souvenirs to fill a sizeable museum. But as good as its museum was the hospitality which the O.C. heaped on his visitors, so good in fact, that only long after our Chairman 'SB' had pesonal1y thanked the O.C. and his officers present, and long after the normal closing time did the bittereinders manage to tear themselves away. Qobolwayo! Ji! W-a-a-a-a-h!
FUTURE EVENTS
Programme of Monthly Meetings
FEBRUARY 8TH COMMANDANT H. SMIT will talk on "SELECTED ITEMS OF RARE MILITARY BADGES". At the recent Mi1itaria Expo Cmdt Smitte exhibit was judged "Best on Show".
March 8th The Burma Campaign. Video with introductory talk by Major Denis Sheil-Small M.C.
April 19th "Military History in Miniature". Mr Chris Bartlett will exhibit and talk about his collection of die cast models. (Please note that this meeting will take place on the third Thursday in April).
The venue for all meetings will be the Activities Room of the Westville North Library, 167 Blair Atholl Road commencing at 19H45. Please bring your own refreshments. Ice will be supplied. FRIENDS AND INTERESTED PERSONS ARE MOST WELCOME TO COME ALONG.
REMINDER SUBS ARE DUE and should be sent to the Hon Treasurer SAMHS Box 52090 Saxonwold 2132. We do not receive our per capita grant until ALL Durban Branch members have made their payments.
Tania van der Watt
Secretary: Durban Branch
S.A. Military History Society
Box 870 Hillcrest 3650
Tel. 74mmmm