The curtain-raiser at the meeting of 8th August 1991 was presented by Mr Martin Ayres. His short talk, entitled "the 24th Regiment of Foot at Chillianwallah", dealt with a little-known but fascinating battle during the Second Sikh War involving the Regiment which was later to win immortality at Isandlhwana and Rorke's Drift.

The main talk of the evening - "The Third Battle of Ypres - Passchendaele" was presented by Mrs J M Copley and covered largely unsuccessful attempts by the Allies to break out of the Ypres salient in 1917.

The campaign which lasted from July to November of 1917 cost Britain and her Colonies over 448,000 casualties. The talk will not be summarised due to the number of other news items of importance. Mr Ian Uys thanked the speaker.

Collection of Objects from Battlefields

Members are reminded that it is an offence to remove relics from battlefields. Military objects should also not be purchased unless the buyer is satisfied that the objects were procured legally in the first place.

August One-day Tour

The tour, conducted by Mr David Panagos on Sunday 25th August, of the forts in the Diamond Hill area was enjoyed by some 45 members and guests. Our thanks to David Panagos for another well-organised and highly informative outing!

Working Tour

As a result of the enthusiastic response to the foregoing tour, another day tour is planned to the forts in the Commando Nek area. Part of the day will be spent restoring segments of the original mule-track up to the fort on the western buttress. Strong shoes and gardening gloves are recommended for all participants.

Date: Sunday 6th October 1991 at 09h00.
Meeting Place: Rietfontein Cemetery, Ifafi.

Directions: Take the R511 (Johannesburg to Brits). After descending the long hill towards Hartbeespoortdam, take the left turn to Ifafi. At the first stop street turn left and proceed to the dead end at the top of the hill. (Lunch will be eaten at the top of the Commando Nek mule-track).

Future talks

September 12th: Prof Maxwell-Mahon - "Lawrence of Arabia: The Damascus Campaign"

October 17th: Prof D B Seddington - "Roman Frontier Defences in Britain".

Society Braai

The Braai will be held on Friday 18th October at 19hOO at the Museum of Military History. Tickets are available at R20-00 (drinks included).

Members wishing to attend are requested to send cheques, made payable to the Society, together with the return slips at the end of this newsletter, to:
The Secretary/Treasurer
OBSERVATORY
2198

Jennifer Copley