PAST EVENTS
Commandant Mick McKenna drew a larger than normal audience when he addressed our April get-together on "The Grey's Scouts". A number of visitors had obviously some nostalgic or otherwise Rhodesian connections. The original "Grey's Scouts" (presumably named after the then Administrator of Rhodesia, Earl Grey) were raised during the Matabele Rebellion of 1896, and had an initial strength of only 30 men. They played a notable part in the defence of Bulawayo and gained a subsequent V.C. through the gallant deed of Tpr Frank Wm Baxter. As he did not survive the action he could not be awarded the decoration in terms of then existing regulations; but he gained it posthumously when the rules were changed many years later. (A similar situation existed in the case of Lts Melvill and Coghill, of Fugitive's Drift fame, in 1879).
In 1974 a unit, which was to develop into a new "Grey's Scouts" was developed along infantry lines, using mules as pack animals. As mules proved unsatisfactory horses were introduced notwithstanding the difficulty of securing enough animals and the requisite saddlery. However, it proved a good move and in 1976 the unit began to take shape as a Mounted regiment and became finally known as the Grey's Scouts M.I. Regiment. The badge consisted of an infantry bugle surmounted by a horse's head. The unit naturally now also had to find men with special skills as farriers and saddlers; but of greatest interest were its men the troopers. They were all volunteers. The unit had developed a policy of getting rid of unwanted men, men who did not come up to expectation or did not "fit in". The unit was multiracial, but there were few Blacks, simply because Blacks did not seem to have a great affinity to horses, yet a love for and a way with horses was most important. The regiment attracted many foreigners. All were hardy young men, cocky, enterprising, aggressive, confident in their own ability and, above all, cheerful. On account of all this they required strict control and firm direction; without it they could easily have got out of hand.
Horses had to be sturdy, hardy and enduring; there was no room for thoroughbreds. White or very light coloured horses were dyed with permanganate of potash. Mick McKenna expanded on the qualities and almost phenomenal achievements of horses in the bush war and then devoted much time on the tactical rôle and deployment of the mounted men, the organisation, battle equipment and achievements of the regiment which made it one of the more glamorous, yet effective units of its time. He was obviously, but modestly proud to haye been one of its commanding officers.
He had planned to talk to us on the Rhodesian African Rifles as well; but time ran out and we were promised the second part of his talk, on the Rhodesian African Rifles, later in the year.
Our guest speaker was warmly thanked for a most interesting and unusual talk.
The main talk had been preceded by another of Darrell's excellent MGH Military Magazes which evoked much interest.
FUTURE EVENTS
MAY 16TH TOUR OF SAS INKONKONI commencing at 19H45. Members will be personally conducted around the HQ and shown special points of interest by the OC, Cdr Alan Pembroke. Refreshments may be obtained in the Wardroom after the tour. Copies of the unit's history book, ie "The First Hundred Years" will also be available on sale at R24,00 a copy, should any members be interested in acquiring a copy.
Directions are as follows: Turn off Victoria Embankment (Esplanade) opposite John Ross House (right) and drive through Customs towards the Ocean Terminal building. Proceed up the ramp and three quarters of the way around the circle, and down the ramp. Drive along the wharfside as though you were driving back towards John Ross House. SAS Inkonkoni is at the end of the wharfside road, next to the Tug Basin. (If you are in any doubt be at the Customs gate early so as to follow other members).
June 13th "Why Communisim Failed in Eastern Europe" - Talk by Mr Vic Conrad.
July 11th Visit to the Highway Commando Headquarters in Pinetown arranged by fellow-member Lt Co1 Joe Williams who is Hon Colonel of the unit. Our chairman, 'SB' will give an illsutrated slide talk on "The Cato Manor Riots of 1959" with emphasis on the military participation.
August 8th The Rhodesian Af'rican Rifles - Talk by Cmdt Mick McKenna.
September 12th Cmdt Daanie Laäs will talk on "Operation Modular" (With special emphasis on 61 Mechanised Battalion Group's attack on the Angolan 47th Brigade).
(Mrs)Tania van der Watt
Secretary: Durban Branch
S.A. Military History Society
Box 870 Hillcrest 3650
Tel. 74mmmm