South African Military History Society

Bedford Cenotaph


Photo: Ronnie Lovemore

Location
Bedford, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
At the intersection of Jan van Riebeeck and Donkin Streets

GPS: 32 deg 40 min 40.63 sec S, 26 deg 5 min 16.1 sec E


The Cenotaph was destroyed in a traffic accident and has not been rebuilt
Photo: Google Maps

The plaques have been taken by a local farmer for safe keeping


Photo: Ronnie Lovemore


Photo: Ronnie Lovemore


Photo: Ronnie Lovemore


Photo: Ronnie Lovemore

Stones in the base of the Cenotaph are inscribed in Latin

AUSPICANDO ADEUNT
DOUGLAS HAIG
BRITANNOPIA DUX
MENSE APRILI
MC MXXI

Which translates as

Under favourable auspices came
Douglas Haig
British commander
in the month of April
1921

This is consistent with Haig's 1921 tour of South Africa, during which he unveiled or visited several Great War Memorials. The inscription likely marks his ceremonial presence at the site


Photo: Ronnie Lovemore

and
PATEFACIENDO ADVENIT
HENRICUS LUKIN 
LEGIONUM AFRICANORUM PRINCEP
MENSE AUGUSTI MCMXXII

Which translates as

Unveiled by Henry Lukin
Leader of the African Legions
in the month of August 

South African Military History Society / scribe@samilitaryhistory.org