Lecture by Dr. Yvonne Malan with Peter Dickens from The Observation Post as a co-panelist.
If you are in Kimberley – don’t miss this! As many who follow the Observation Post know, I am currently researching The Torch Commando and Sailor Malan. I will be joining up with Dr. Yvonne Malan (a relation of Sailors’) for her “I fear no Man” The Life and Legacy of Sailor Malan memorial lecture. Details as follows:
Date: Saturday, 16 September 2023
Time: 11:00 am
Venue: Sol Plaatjie University – Auditorium 1, Humanities Building, Kimberley
RSVP
It is important to RSVP for this event: RSVP details as follows:
RSVP before 13th September 2023 with Felicity Msuthu – e-mail: felicity@museumsnc.co.za
Images: Sailor Malan the WW2 Battle of Britain Squadron Leader and Fighter Ace and Sailor Malan The Torch Commando Political Activist (colourising by Photo Redux)
Bio’s
Yvonne Malan DPhil (Oxon):
Yvonne Malan was born in South Africa and educated at New College, University of Oxford. Her research interests include post-conflict reconstruction and transitional justice. She is the founder of the prestigious Bram Fischer Memorial Lecture at the University of Oxford. A former Oxford ‘Blue’, she is a keen runner, cricketer and boxer.
Yvonne is active raising the profile of her relative, the late Group Captain Adolph Gysbert ‘Sailor’ Malan, DSO & Bar, DFC & Bar. ‘Sailor’ Malan was one of the most outstanding Spitfire pilots and leaders within the Royal Air Force during the Second World War (1939-1945) and a leading anti-apartheid campaigner and political activist as leader of The Torch Commando during the 1950’s.
Peter Dickens B SocSc, H Dip:
Peter Dickens works closely in South African military veterans affairs, in the United Kingdom he is the President of the South African Legion of Military Veterans – United Kingdom and Europe Branch and he is also the founding Chairman of the Royal British Legion – South African Branch. In South Africa he is the Old Bill of the Memorable Order of Tin Hats – Seagull Shellhole.
In terms of military experience, Peter served in the South African Army as an Operations Officer, a Convoy Commander and finally as a SSO3 in 15RCD – Gauteng Command, he holds the rank of Captain.
Peter has a B Soc Sc from Rhodes University in South Africa majoring in Economic History and Economics and a H Dip Marketing from UNISA. He has three broad passions – underwater wreck diving, flying light aircraft and military history.
Related links:
Sailor Malan is an exceptional South African, to learn a little more on this Military hero and Patriot – here are some links on the Observation Post to previous work:
Sailor Malan: Sailor Malan; Fighter Ace & Freedom Fighter!
Sailor Malan’s medals: Sailor’s medals
Sailor Malan’s rules: ‘Ten of my rules for air fighting’ – Sailor Malan
Sailor Malan, in his own words: Sailor Malan; in his own words!
Sailor Malan’s Friday Story: FRIDAY STORY #7: Sailor Malan: Fighter Pilot. Defender of human rights. Legend.
The Observation Post 
I salute this man. My dad served with his brother Piet in Pretoria and told me wonderful things about Sailor. I have I fear no man and it is a prized possession. I really feel than his history needs to be told as he was one of the many people in our country who stood up against the policies of the previous government. Wish I could attend this matter with all my heart. I have his ten flying rules framed in my study. What a remarkable South African who never got the honor he deserved and that is a real shame.
I dream is to find somebody to do a documentary of Sailor to be broadcasted here.
Keep me posted.
Jacques Mostert
Cape Town
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Hi everyone,
This is such an important piece of history about the illustrious career of a man, which was unfortunately kept out of history books and stifled for many of us, for so many years, because he stood against the administration which represented fascism and oppression he had resisted in Europe! I would like to ask that – as the organizers and hosts of the Memorial Lecture – that you consider rolling-it out onto an online platform as well such as Ms Teams so that those who are far and could not attend in person can participate virtually. I was telling my children about him after hearing that his documentary would be aired on S3 (SABC) this month.
Mfanelo Ngwenya
Kloof, KwaZulu-Natal
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