Hermanus War Memorial
Photo: Ian Pringle
Location
Situated in the Western Cape Province of South Africa
The Hermanus War Memorial is on Marine Drive
34 deg 25 min 19.94 sec S, 19 deg 14 min 35.86 sec E
Significance
Plaques on the memorial record the names of Hermanus residents who died on both World Wars and on active service to the Republic of South Africa
Photo: Ian Pringle
Comment by Nick Cowley:
An interesting name on the War Memorial is Squadron Leader Roger Bushell. He was the 'Big X' who led the Great Escape and was one of the 50 escaping airmen shot by the SS or Gestapo. Though very English, he was born in Springs on the East Rand - his father was a mining engineer who emigrated to South Africa. His parents retired from Springs to Hermanus and they asked for him to be included on the Memorial.
Photo: Ian Pringle
Comment by Pat Irwin
The guns on the Hermanus War Memorial are both 12-pdr 12 cwt Mk IX (High Angle) guns. Of UK origin, the type was initially designed for close harbour defence against small fast warships but was adapted for use in multiple roles. Besides their initially intended role, they were mounted on armed merchant ships and on SAN small warships such as SAS Somerset. They had a range of 10 000 yards and a firing rate of 15 rpm. These two guns were both manufactured in 1942. Identifiable numbers on them are ADM 2818 and ADM 2822. Although these two guns are not in good condition, there are 11 others of this type in South Africa, some in excellent condition.
References
Military History Journal Vol 12 No 5 - June 2003
"Oral sources and their importance
in the study of military history" by Alan Sinclair