This is the Afrikaans text version of the landmark WW1 poem “In Flanders Fields” written by Lt Col John McCrae as translated into Afrikaans for the 100 year anniversary of The Battle of Delville Wood and the Somme Offensive in July 2016.
As the Battle of Delville Wood involved South Africans of both British and Afrikaner origin, and it was the battle which forged the young Union of South Africa’s identity, it was felt that it would be appropriate to translate ‘In Flanders Fields’ into Afrikaans and read it at the centenary ceremony. The poem up to that point had already been translated into a variety of languages, but not Afrikaans.
This Afrikaans translation is the result of a dedicated collaborative effort.
In Vlaandere se Velde – Deur Lt. Kol John McCrae
In Vlaand’re wieg papawers sag Tussen kruise, grag op grag, As bakens; en deur dit alles deur Die lewerikke tjilpend in dapper vlug, Skaars hoorbaar bo die grofgeskut van kanonne.
Ons is die Dooies. Dae gelede het ons geleef die dagbreek en sonsondergloed beleef. Was bemind en was verlief, nou lê ons in Vlaandere se velde.
Veg voort my Kind met alle mag; neem uit my hand die lig, met krag moet jul die fakkel dra, met eer. Wie durf Ons dood verloën, onteer – ons sal steeds dwaal, ons sal nie slaap, solank papawers groei in Vlaandere se velde.
The original English version, composed by Colonel McCrae after he buried Alexis Helmer, a close friend, who was killed during the battle of Ypres. McCrae performed the burial service himself, at which time he noted how poppies quickly grew around the graves of those who died. The next day, he composed the poem while sitting in the back of an ambulance at an Advanced Dressing Station just outside the town of Ypres. This location is today known as the John McCrae Memorial Site.
Here’s what he wrote:
In Flanders fields the poppies blow Between the crosses, row on row, That mark our place; and in the sky The larks, still bravely singing, fly Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow, Loved and were loved, and now we lie In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe: To you from failing hands we throw The torch; be yours to hold it high. If ye break faith with us who die We shall not sleep, though poppies grow In Flanders fields.
The poem was kindly translated into Afrikaans by Hendrik Neethling and Walter E. Vice as a collaboration on behalf of the South African Legion and The Royal British Legion. It was arranged and read by Karen Dickens at the Legion’s Centenary Service of the South African sacrifice on the Somme and the Battle of Delville Wood. This landmark occasion was held at the Thiepval Memorial to the missing in France on 10th July 2016.
Posted in memory of the co-author of this translation – Hendrik Neethling, may he Rest in Peace.
Written by Peter Dickens
My thanks to Theo Fernandes for the image and my wife Karen Dickens for her dedication in translating ‘In Flanders Field’ into her Mother Tongue.
Related Links and Work
Springbok Valour Some 100 dedication – Thiepval Memorial
There are occasions when I do something I will always treasure, an honouring Sailor Malan is one of them. On the 60th anniversary of his death due to rapid onset Parkinson’s Disease, caused in all likelihood by combat stress, this ‘freedom fighter’ was not only a Battle of Britain and D Day hero and fighter ace – he also led South Africa’s first anti Apartheid mass protest movement. A patriot and military hero in every way. A short report to the SA Legion on it:
On the 16th and 17th September 2023, Peter Dickens from the South African Legion was invited to attend the 60th anniversary of Sailor Malan’s passing in Kimberley by the Malan family. Two events were held, a memorial lecture by Dr Yvonne Malan (a distant relative of Sailor’s) at Sol Plaatjie University (SPU) was held on the 16th September and was hosted by the McGregor Museum and Sol Plaatjie University.
All present at the memorial speech were welcomed by the SPU Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Prof Andrew Crouch who stated “Sailor truly feared no man in the cause of justice. His legacy endures, and still, it inspires us. We should thank God that such men lived. Our lives are their legacy, and their lives are our duty.” (SPU release).
Dr Yvonne Malan, photo Sol Plaatjie University
Dr Yvonne Malan’s lecture called ‘I Fear No Man’ shred light on Sailor Malan’s personal life, his journey to adulthood as a naval cadet and officer cadet and his World War 2 wartime experiences and sheer acts of bravery as the Squadron Leader of 74 Squadron during the Battle of Britain and as a RAF Group Captain during D-Day. Her speech also focussed on Sailor Malan’s moral and political convictions and his anti-Apartheid stance as the President of the Torch Commando after the war. Dr Yvonne Malan concluded the insights on Sailor Malan with a reflection of bravery, sacrifice and moral conviction that only a very few demonstrate when circumstances compel them to do so.
In her speech, Dr Malan explained that the words ‘I Fear No Man’ are not only words, but were the motto that Sailor Malan conquered the war by. “I fear no man is not a declaration, it is a call to courage that requires us to be brave. A call to be better, a reminder that the act of courage is upon all of us, but yet we don’t act on it.”
Joining Dr Yvonne Malan on a discussion panel after her lecture were Lgr Peter Dickens, essentially to discuss Sailor Malan’s political and anti-Apartheid stance, Captain Tony Nicholas of the SATS ‘General Botha’ Old Boys Association to discuss Sailor’s time as cadet and Ms Sunet Swanepoel, the CEO of the McGregor Museum.
Left to right: Sunet Swanepoel, Yvonne Malan, Tony Nicholas and Peter Dickens – photo Sol Plaatjie University
The US Ambassador to South Africa, Reuben E Brigety II was the esteemed invited speaker, he highlighted Sailor Malan’s American connections as a merchantman, the involvement of the USA in the war and the presence American uniformed representation at Sailor Malan’s funeral in defiance of the Apartheid government wishes. He outlined the importance of Sailor Malan’s politics at a time when both the South African nation and the United States of America where crippled by legalised segregation and racial bigotry.
Dr Kobus Rademeyer, the acting Head of Humanities SPU concluded the lecture with thanks.
Peter Dickens, Captain M Lowe, the US Defence Attache and the US Ambassador Reuben E Brigety II. Photo Karen Dickens
The following day, 17th September 2023, a de-dedication was held at Sailor Malan’s gravesite in commemoration of the 60th year of his funeral. A wreath was laid the day before by the US Ambassador Reuben E Brigety II on behalf of the Embassy of United States of America. The American Military Attache’ to South Africa Captain M Lowe was present in his place on the 17th. Wreaths were laid in memory of A.G. ‘Sailor’ Malan, The Spitfire Society and Hornchuch Aerodrome Historical Trust and the National Spitfire Memorial by Dr Yvonne Malan, Mr Riel Malan laid a wreath on behalf of the Malan family.
Photo SATS Botha Old Boys Association .
Also of importance was a wreath laid by Lt. Col C. du Toit (retired) of The South African Air Force Association, in acknowledgement of Sailor but also to correct a past wrong, the South African Air Force’s was specifically forbidden from laying a wreath at Sailor Malan’s funeral in 1963 by a vindictive Nationalist government.
Wreaths were laid by the MOTH R Harding on behalf of the MOTH Northern Cape District Dugout, the MOTH Seige Shellhole also laid a wreath. The wreath on behalf of the South African Legion was laid by Lgr. Peter Dickens. Wreaths were also laid by for RAF 72 Squadron, the RAF Officers Association and the Scouts.
The Scout movement acted as honour guard and flag bearers, the last post and reveille, the Dean of St Cyprian’s Cathedral in Kimberley, Reginald Leeuw, led the service.
Photo Karen Dickens
Quick summary on why Sailor Malan is important to us as provided by Sol Plaatjie University:
The life and legacy of Sailor Malan
“A born leader and natural pilot, Adolph Gysbert “Sailor” Malan is one of the most highly regarded fighter pilots of the Second World War and one of the best fighter pilots South Africa has ever produced. During his exceptional career, he was awarded the and Distinguished Flying Cross and received the Distinguished Service Order.
He returned to South Africa after the war and became the personal and political assistant to Harry Oppenheimer, Head of the De Beers and the Anglo-American Corporation, who facilitated Sailor Malan’s move to farming on the Benfontein farm outside Kimberley where he worked at the Oppenheimer racehorse stud farm Mauritzfontein. It was the leasing of Benfontein to Sailor Malan that saw dramatic improvement in the quality of life for those who lived there. Electricity was installed at the farm from Kimberley, and major renovations and rebuilding of places of the Homestead were made with costs covered by the De Beers Company.
A political fighter, anti-apartheid campaigner and champion for racial equality, Sailor Malan became president of the Torch Commando: a protest group of ex-servicemen in the early 1950s. This was a liberal anti-authoritarian organisation that opposed the introduction of the apartheid system and the National Party’s plans to remove Cape Coloured voters from the common voter’s roll.
The Torch Commando at its zenith had 250 000 members, and in landmark protests across South Africa it brought of tens of thousands of protestors carrying torches of light and freedom into physical defiance of the Nationalist government. The Torch Rally in Cape Town attracted 50 000 and in Johannesburg nearly 75 000 people protested the National Party governments and its apartheid ideologies.
At age 52, Sailor Malan succumbed to Parkinson’s Disease on 17 September 1963. Due to his prominent role in opposing apartheid, the then South African government sought to sideline the event of his passing to further erase any legacy of the Torch Commando. The Apartheid government banned members of the South African military from attending in uniform, censored newspaper obituaries and eventually wrote him out of the country’s history over the decades. The South African Air Force was also instructed not to give any tribute to his passing. The United States Air Force, Britain’s Royal Air Force and the Royal Rhodesian Air Force – decided to send representatives in uniform to Sailor’s funeral to honour his service and to protest the Apartheid regime’s prohibition on giving Sailor the military honours he deserved.
Apart from his aerial combat skills, Sailor Malan can also be counted as one of the very first anti-apartheid struggle heroes. Although he has received little recognition for his work as leader of the Torch Commando, he continues to remain an activist and front-runner for equality in the history books.” (SPU release – Persome Oliphant).
Quotes, and Sailor Malan summary courtesy Sol Plaatjie University press release.
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:
A lot has been written on the extreme sacrifice at the Battle of Delville Wood during the Somme offensive of 1916, and lets also remember the extreme courage of these South Africans, a young country, the Union of South Africa formed just 6 years prior in 1910 after the devastation of the South African War (1899-1902) i.e. Boer War 2 … and here Afrikaner and English heritage South Africans were fighting shoulder to shoulder in one of the most most desperate engagements in the history of World War 1, and the most heroic and desperate battle in South African’s entire military history – then and even now, and that’s saying something as there have been quite a few notable actions in between.
If there was courage to be rewarded from this desperate South African action on the Somme, the Battle of Delville Wood saw one South African individual rise above to an unprecedented level of gallantry and was awarded The Victoria Cross (VC) – the highest award for valour in the British and Imperial Forces (later Commonwealth) – that was Cpl William Faulds serving in the 1st South African Infantry Brigade. For his full story follow the link to this Observation Post Delville Wood’s Victoria Cross – William Faulds
Cpl William Faulds and an artists impression of his heroic deed at Delville Wood 18th July 1916
However, there is a missing South African Victoria Cross from the Somme Offensive and Battle of Delville Wood, one not usually recognised or known about in South Africa, and one that is not often referenced in the narrative of Delville Wood, his name is Lt. Alexander Young VC of the 4th South African Infantry Brigade (South African Scottish).
The ‘missing’ story of Lt. Alexander Young VC – 4th South African Infantry
Lieutenant Alexander Young VC is ‘missing’ in more ways than one, not only from our general conciseness as South Africans, but he is also literally missing too – his body has never been found.
You can however find him today on the ‘Thiepval Memorial to the Missing in the Somme’ in France – his name is on Pier 4, Face C, alongside all the other missing South Africans from the Somme Offensive and Battle of Delville Wood who have no known grave.
Thiepval Memorial – Pier 4, Face C – South African section names – my photo, Peter Dickens copyright
So, why don’t we as South Africans know much about this missing South African Victoria Cross? Well, the first reason is that the Irish regard it as their Victoria Cross as Alexander Young was born in Ireland, the second reason is his Victoria Cross was awarded to him for actions, as a Cape Colony colonialist serving in the Cape Colony Police, during The South African War (1899-1902) i.e. Boer War 2 – and not World War 1 (1914-1918) which took place after the Union of South Africa was formed in 1910.
All that aside, Alexander Young VC was a South African to his bones and an incredibly brave one at that – not only fighting for the British Army, but also fighting as Cape Colony Mounted Policeman as their Regimental Sergeant Major and then ultimately fighting as a Commissioned Officer in the Union of South Africa’s forces during World War 1. He saw action and served in India, Egypt, Sudan, Zululand, South Africa, German South West Africa, East Africa and France – his impressive array of decorations and medals include: The Victoria Cross, The Queen’s South Africa medal, The King’s South Africa medal, The Zulu Rebellion medal and then his three WW1 medals – The 1914-1915 Star, British War Medal, and the Victory Medal.
That he was a very remarkable South African is beyond doubt, and this is his story and the story of his Victoria Cross (large extracts courtesy The South African War Graves Project):
Ireland and British Army (early years)
Alexander Young was the son of William and Annie Young, of Ballinamana, Co. Galway. He was born in Ballinona, Galway, Ireland on the 27th January 1873. Educated at the Model School in Galway, Young showed great prowess as a horse rider in his youth and when he was only seventeen, he joined the Queen’s Bays at Renmore. He soon gained the attention of his superiors, was sent to India as a riding instructor, and then served as a sergeant major with Lord Kitchener during the 2nd Sudan War (1896-1898).
South African War (1899-1902)
Sgt Maj Alexander Young became recognised as one of the best horseman in the British Army and as a rough rider was unexcelled. It was after he had been injured by a horse that he retired from the British Army and came to the Cape Colony in August 1899 when The South African War (1899-1902) i.e. Boer War 2 broke out, here he joined colonial forces, attesting in the Cape Mounted Police, and as a skilled horseman he was soon picked to form one of a mounted bodyguard for Lord Milner on an official visit to the Transkei.
Now this is an interesting photograph of these Cape Mounted Policeman escorting Lord Milner from Grahamstown to King Williamstown in 1899 – in just this single tiny detachment of Policemen there are three future recipients of the Victoria Cross. It says a lot for the calibre of soldier South Africa has bred (The three men are: Colonel J. Sherwood-Kelly VC, CMG DSO, received his VC during the First World War, Lieutenant W. Bloomfield VC, also First World War and finally our man, Sergeant Major Alexander Young VC, who received his during the South African War).
Now stationed at King William’s Town, Sgt Maj. Young saw action whilst serving with General W. F. Gatacre at Stormberg Junction (December 1899) which was routed by Boers, he escaped and was mentioned in dispatches for his coolness in saving Bethulie bridge in March 1900.
Alexander Young’s day in the military history annuals for the highest valour would come on the 31st August 1901 when he took part in the engagement at Ruiterskraal and led a small body of men against a hill held by Republican forces under Commandant J.L.P. Erasmus.
When the Boers tried to escape, he closed in on them, succeeded in taking prisoner Erasmus (who had fired at him point-blank three times) and was awarded the Victoria Cross for his heroic deed. His Citation in the London Gazette on 8thNovember 1901 reads:
“Towards the close of the action at Ruiter’s Kraal on the 13th August, 1901, Sergeant-Major Young, with a handful of men, rushed some kopjes which were being; held by Commandant Erasmus and about 20 Boers. On reaching these kopjes the enemy were seen galloping back to another kopje held by the Boers. Sergeant-Major Young then galloped on some 50 yards ahead of his party and closing with the enemy shot one of them and captured Commandant Erasmus, the latter firing at him three times at point blank range before being taken prisoner.”
German South West Africa and Bambatha Rebellion
Young remained with the Cape Mounted Police until 1906, when he joined the German forces in German South-West Africa and saw service during the Herero uprising (January 1904 to March 1907). For this he was decorated by Kaiser Wilhelm II. During the last phase of the Bambatha Rebellion (February-June 1906) he served in Natal and Zululand, after which he turned to farming.
1st World War
When the First World War (1914-1918) broke out he took up his old position of Regimental Sergeant-Major in the Cape Mounted Police, and served under General Louis Botha in German South-West Africa campaign, thereafter he was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant and was subsequently active again during the East Africa campaign under General Jan Smuts, joining the Natal Light Horse.
He was amongst the first to respond to the call for South African troops to head to Europe and he transferred his commission to the 4th South African Infantry (the South African Scottish), he would however first see action against the Senussi in Egypt, he was again in the thick of it with the 4th South African Infantry in France during the Somme Offensive of 1916 and was later wounded in the crucible which was the Battle of Deville Wood in July 1916.
On recovering, he returned to take part in the later stages of the Somme Offensive under Captain T. H. Ross, he was tragically Killed in Action just before the battle of Warlencourt by German bombs and flame-throwers during an attack on his ‘Snag Trench’ on the 19th October 1916.
His body has never been identified and his mortal remains are known only to his God. Thiepval Memorial is unique in that it is both a British and South African monument, recorded on its walls are all the ‘missing’ during all the battles of the Somme offensive – a staggering: United Kingdom 71,341, South Africa 832. Total 72,173.
The Thiepval Memorial is one of the most visited Commonwealth War Graves Commission sites in the world. On the first day of the Battle of the Somme (1 July 1916) almost 20,000 men under British command died. By the time the battle was over, 141 days later, more than a million people on all sides were killed, wounded, or went missing.
For the British and South Africans with no known grave, the Thiepval Memorial stands in their honour.
In Conclusion
I had the privilege of officiating and commanding the remembrance parade at Thiepval Memorial to mark the centenary of the Battle of Delville Wood. During my speech I referenced Lt. Alexander Young VC and pointed out the panel on which his name is recorded.
It is with deep appreciation and honour, that on the 10th July 2016, South African military veterans of The South African Legion, Memorable Order of Tin Hats, The Royal British Legion – South African Branch and just about every single CMVO Registered South African Veterans Association, with Rhodesian veterans in addition could ‘stand-to’ on top of Thiepval Memorial 100 years later – with banners flying and heads bowed – whilst we remembered the sheer sacrifice and the many brave South African men, men like Alexander Young VC.
References and extracts from The South African War Graves Project
Commonwealth War Graves Commission
Thank you to Brigadier Hennie Heymans for this remarkable photograph artefact of the Cape Mounted Police.
The artist`s impression of the action at Deville Wood for which William Faulds was awarded the Victoria Cross. From the book “Deeds that thrill the Empire” Vol 5
In modern South Africa, very few official traditions or accolades to personalities linked to our Imperialist past endure – but there are exceptions, one such figure that has endured is that of Jan Christiaan Smuts.
Other than Jan Smuts and Louis Botha as South African heads of state, just about every other ‘white’ historic leader from South Africa’s Imperialist and Colonial epoch has been scolded, removed, defaced and villainized by the ANC government and its cabal – Jan van Riebeeck, President Paul Kruger, Prime Minister Cecil Rhodes, President Marthinus Steyn, Prime Minister Barry Hertzog – the list under each of them is almost endless, and we are not even getting to the proponents of the Apartheid era, Prime Ministers Malan, Verwoerd onwards – as they are simply irreconcilable – on just about anyone’s terms in our modern epoch.
Jan Smuts is still however honoured by our ANC led government and our defence force, he manages to still stand above – and not just recognised by official organs of the South African state, but also by governments, associations, orders, corporations, societies and foundations all over South Africa and even worldwide – still to this day. Surprising considering the weight of critique and scorn sometimes levelled at him by misinformed and inconsiderable zealots – far left and far right of the political spectrum.
Nothing demonstrates this better than his annual birthday tribute, when the newly re-designated South African National Defence Force – General Jan Smuts Regiment joined hands with The Memorable Order of Tins and other military veteran associations – the South African Air Force Association, the South African Legion and more – in a time-honoured military ‘toast’ to the ‘Oubaas’ on the occasion of his birthday.
Images: Jan Smuts’ humble beginnings, the house he grew up in Riebeeck West, Western Cape (near Malmesbury).
In August 2019 the South African National Defence Force’s Reserve Forces units had their names changed to reflect diversity in our shared military history, the old Regiment Westelike Provincie was re-designated as the General Jan Smuts Regiment in honour of its Colonel-in-Chief, Smuts served in this capacity until his death in 1950.
Smuts served in the South African War (1899-1902) a.k.a. The Boer War as a Republican Boer General and again in World War 1 (1914-1918) as a General in the Union of South Africa Defence Force, he served again in World War 2 (1939-1945) and was promoted to the highest Commonwealth rank of Field Marshal in 1941, however he preferred to be referenced as simply “General”. The General Jan Smuts Regiment has honoured his preference as to rank accolades. Other SANDF Regiments that still carry Boer Republican General honours after the 2019 re-naming include The General Louis Botha Regiment and The General de la Rey Regiment.
Annual ‘Birthday’ parades on the occasion of Jan Smuts birthday have been running since his death in 1950, and today his birthday is celebrated at his birthplace in Riebeeck West (his father’s rudimentary cottage now preserved as a museum at the PPC Cement plant) in the Western Cape and at his rudimentary ‘iron sheet’ house in Irene near Pretoria (also a designated museum).
Images: Jan Smuts’ birthday parade at Smuts House in Irene, in Gauteng, near Pretoria.
Smuts’ Birthday Parade at his birth-place is particularly special. The General Jan Smuts Regiment (previously Regiment Westelike Province) in conjunction with PPC Cement and the Memorable Order of Tin Hats host the parade. In a time honoured military tradition, a toast is given, when Smuts died the Regiment’s officers each brought a bottle of brandy for the purpose of a toast – these brandy bottles were blended in a small barrel, this was later topped up with a designated brandy. Every year the ‘R.W.P.’ barrel is tapped for the annual toast and shot glasses filled for honoured guests.
A toast is not merely the lifting of a glass and to drink. Proposing a toast is a revered and honourable occasion.The highest honour that The General Jan Smuts Regiment can bestow on any person is to drink a toast to him or her with traditional R.W.P brandy. This is a once-off occasion, and in recognition and honour of Jan Smuts no lips can pass the glass again, so it is drunk and then smashed in an empty vat.
Images: The toast to Jan Smuts
The Memorable Order of Tin Hats (MOTH), South Africa’s second oldest veterans association, established in 1927 by C .A. Evenden (known as MOTH O) co-ordinates proceedings and invitations, included are representations from The Jan Smuts Regiment and its associations, the Jan Smuts Regiment provides a flag party, honour guard and their military band. The MOTH provide for various veteran associations wreaths and colour/banner party and military veterans on parade – including The South African Air Force Association, the South African Legion (South Africa’s oldest veterans association established by Jan Smuts) and a large variety of other military veteran bodies, civic associations and regiment associations.
What follows is a speech by MOTH Deon van den Berg which is annually read as a tribute to Jan Smuts and it says just about everything you need to know about Smuts and this occasion at his birthplace (posted with sincere thanks to Deon and the MOTH Order):
Tribute to Jan Christiaan Smuts
We are gathered here today to honour the memory of Field Marshal, the Right Honourable, Jan Christiaan Smuts, P.C., O.M., C.H., D.T.D., E.D., K.C., F.R.S.
Images: Speakers from the MOTH in Tribute of Jan Smuts and MOTH O.
A prominent M.O.T.H. and the Colonel-in-Chief of Regiment Westelike Provincie. ( Now General Jan Smuts Regiment) In spite of being South Africa’s only Field Marshal, he modestly preferred to be addressed only as General. He held many campaign and other military medals from various countries and was the Freeman of seventeen great cities. Honorary degrees from eighteen famous universities across the Globe were bestowed on him.
He was an honorary member of nine long standing Guilds. Smuts was appointed as Chancellor of Cambridge University in 1948 when he broke a long line of Dukes and Lords, to be elected as its Chancellor, a position he held until his death in 1950. He is the only foreigner to have held this historic and prestigious position whose first incumbent was elected in 1215. He was the Chancellor of University of Cape Town and was the second, non-British, Lord Rector of St Andrews University in Scotland.
In 1970, Lord Todd, Master of Christ College, declared that in the previous 500 years of history of the College, there have been only three truly outstanding students : John Milton, Charles Darwin and Jan Smuts.
Still in his early thirties, he was placed first, with distinction, in the Law Tripos at Cambridge, acclaimed by his tutors and examiners as the finest scholar they ever had. The University immediately offered a professorship. He declined the offer as he came back to South Africa to participate in the Boer War, fighting against the British.
Albert Einstein counted Smuts as one of approximately ten people all over the world that truly understood his Theory of Relativity.
Yet, when he died, on 11 Sept. 1950 at the age of 80 years, Clement Atlee, Prime Minister of Great Britain, said of him:
“He had the true simplicity of heart that everywhere marks great men for what they are and with his passing a light has gone out in the world of free men.”
Clement Atlee – British Prime Minister
When we ponder on this man’s life we must conclude that he was a most remarkable man for all seasons (especially during turbulent times), in many countries and across different frontiers.
He had a subtle and sophisticated mind, was impatient, could not tolerate mediocrity, was immensely hard working, and had no time for the sociability’s that make for popularity.
Hy was ‘n uitstaande student, hoog geagte regsgeleerde, puik administrateur, gerekende soldaat, erkende staatsman, welbekende wetenskaplike en filosoof met sy Holisme en Evolusie teorieë
Smuts was by twee geleenthede die Eerste Minister van Suid-Afrika en by twee geleenthede die Leier van die Opposisie.
Smuts formed the Union Defence Force in 1912. During World War 1, he was in the field in German South West Africa and thereafter Commander of Allied Field Forces in German East Africa. For the last two years of the war, he joined the Imperial War Cabinet in London under Premier Lloyd George. The only non-British person ever to achieve this. This was a sterling and exceptional honour and he served his term in this Cabinet with great distinction.
He successfully organised London’s air defences against the German Zeppelin air raids. This directly led to the formation of the Royal Air Force in 1918, the oldest air force in the world. The architecture of the Royal Air Force, modelled by Smuts, remains essentially unchanged to this day. He used this experience to form the second oldest air force in the world, the South African Air Force, on 1 April 1920.
After World War 1 Smuts had the vision to start the Electriciteits Voorsienings Kommissie (ESCOM ) and the steel manufacturer ISCOR.
Image: Field Marshal Jan Smuts
During the Second World War, while he was the Prime Minister of South Africa and the Commander in Chief of the Union Defence Force, he also served as a member of the British War Cabinet, under Winston Churchill. It was during this period that Smuts took charge of the British War Cabinet during Winston Churchill’s absence, effectively being the Prime Minister of Britain and South Africa simultaneously.
On 28 May 1941, Smuts was appointed as a Field Marshall of the British Army, becoming the first South African to hold that rank.
General Smuts was a leading guest at the 1947 wedding of Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh.
M.O.T.H “O” said:
“General Smuts knew that comradeship and morale were greater than rank. He sat with kings and conferred with world leaders, and they appreciated him the more because he was the natural companion of privates, and gunners, sappers, and cooks.He spoke their language and joined in their laughter. Here you saw right through the solemn Statesman, the world–renowned military leader and discovered a man after your own heart.General Smuts made you proud you were a South African without ever resorting to cheap patriotism.”
MOTH C.A. Evenden (EVO)
Images: Accolades and tributes to Jan Smuts in Riebeeck West.
Hy het toegesien dat die Staat pensioen aan weduwees betaal wat mans en seuns verloor het tydens die twee Wêreldoorloë.
Smuts was instrumental in establishing the League of Nations, the forerunner of the United Nations and the author of the wording of the preamble to its charter. He came up with the idea of transforming the British Empire into the British Commonwealth of Nations.
By die vrede van Versailles het hy gewaarsku dat die terme wat opgedwing is aan Duitsland die oorsaak sal wees van nog ‘n wêreld-oorlog. Hy was reg.
After Smuts’ death in 1950 Winston Churchill wrote;
“There must be comfort in the proofs of admiration and gratitude that have been evoked all over the world for a warrior, statesman and philosopher who was probably more fitted to guide struggling and blundering humanity through its suffering and perils than anyone who ever lived in any country during his epoch”
Sir Winston Churchill
Images: SANDF Jan Smuts Regiment on parade in Riebeeck West.
King George VI said;
“In peace or in war his council and his friendship were of inestimable value to my father and to me, while his intellect has enriched the wisdom of the whole human race.”
King George VI
Images: South African military veteran associations laying accolades and respect.
Smuts, a kindly, homely family man who loved children and hated showmanship had also a most forceful personality, which never failed to impress – even in the halls of fame anywhere in the world. He was an exceptional servant of the State. His life was one of service both in peace and in war. There was never a hint of self-enrichment, corruption or shirking of difficult decisions.
Be it bright or dim, rain or sunshine, but as the years pass there will always be engraved on the solid rock of time the name of Jan Christiaan Smuts.
We Salute Him.
Image: The leader element of The General Jan Smuts Regiment – 2023, the OC Lt. Col Lieutenant Colonel. Ndimphiwe Harrison Fikizolo left.
Editors Note: On saluting the Oubass I’ve attended a number of Smuts parade in both of my capacities as Deputy Old Bill of the MOTH Seagull Shellhole, and as a founding President of the The South African Legion. – UK and EU – here in South Africa and in the United Kingdom.
On his Birthday parade in 2023 , I elected to give the ‘Oubass’ the highest officer’s honour by way of saluting with a SANDF officers sword and used my officers sword to do it, the sword was then laid it in honour and thanks on behalf of The South African Legion. I was joined by Lt. Colonel Fikizolo, the Officer Commanding The General Jan Smuts Regiment who was given the primary honour of laying a wreath to Jan Smuts on behalf of the South African National Defence Force.
Written by Peter Dickens, with sincere thanks to The General Jan Smuts Regiment and the Memorable Oder of Tin Hats.
There is a great old black and white portrait photograph of a young Winston Churchill when he was appointed as First Lord of the Admiralty at the beginning of World War 1. It’s a rare instance were Churchill is displaying his medal set for the purposes of underpinning his appointment to the senior service – the Royal Navy, and for a young appointment he has at this stage an incredible and very remarkable set of medals and combat experience – having been in action in Cuba, India, Sudan and South Africa – and this is before he spent time as a Colonel in the bloody trenches of the western front in World War 1, in all, by way of medals Winston Churchill experienced first hand no fewer than 6 wars, including the two world wars.
The medals and clasps displayed in the banner image are:
King George V Coronation Medal, UK, (1911)
The India Medal, UK, (1898) with (Clasp: Punjab Frontier).
The Queen’s Sudan Medal UK, (1899).
The Queen’s South Africa Medal, UK,(1901) with (6 clasps: Diamond Hill, Johannesburg, Relief of Ladysmith, Orange Free State, Tugela Heights, Cape Colony).
Cross of the Order of Military Merit, Red Ribbon (War Service), Spain (1895).
Khedive’s Sudan Medal (clap: Khartoum), Egypt 1899.
What many people miss from this photograph is the ‘colour’ and especially the colourful array of medal ribbons as they would have looked. So, let’s get this picture colourised, and a challenge to Jenny Bosch was laid down – Jenny B Colourised Photos is particularly good at capturing Boer War era photographs and colourising them – so the ideal candidate for the job. I sent her the medals he achieved and their ribbon colours and voila!
Winston Churchill pictured here in his late 30’s.
What a lot of people who colourise historic photographs miss, and they miss it by a mile in the case of Churchill, are things like hair and eye colour. They tend to depict Churchill with either dark or greying hair and moody dark eyes. Most people don’t know that Churchill was very unique in his looks – he had a mop of red hair which lasted well into his middle age, and the easiest way to see this ‘copper’ top is in fine art portraits of him commissioned at the time. His crop of red hair even earned him the nickname “Copperknob” at school.
Also, what is unique and incredibly striking about Churchill is that in addition to his red hair he had piercing blue eyes – another trick lost to any modern colouriser of his photographs – not so Jenny, she got the brief and got it right.
On this portrait, some queried how come Winston Churchill has as many a 6 Boer War ‘battle’ clasps on his Queen’s South Africa Medal – he was just a journalist right? Wrong, after his famous escape from Boer captivity, he joined Buller’s forces in Natal, re-instating his commission as a subaltern in the South African Light Horse, a mounted infantry regiment – his role as a agreed would be scouting and reconnaissance and at the same time he would act as an embedded journalist. If you think he stood back from danger think again, on one occasion his horse was shot out from under him – he took part in the Battle at Spionkop, was in the column that liberated Ladysmith and thereafter was involved in just about everything right up to the fall of Pretoria, were he is one of the first British officers to enter the city.
What I like about Churchill whenever a portrait like this is taken is his supreme sense of invincibility and arrogance, and it tends to show – to give you an idea of what he was like as a younger man, in 1898 whilst campaigning in India, he rode up to the skirmish line in full sight whilst everyone else took cover. As arrogant as ever, and there is no doubt he actually enjoyed the danger, he said of it in a letter to Lady Randolph (his American Mother) “Bullets are not worth considering. Besides I am so conceited I do not believe the Gods would create so potent a being as myself for so prosaic an ending.” To say he was a narcissist would be an understatement .. like he cared.
On Churchill’s decorations – he would go on to becoming one of the most decorated people in history, earning no more than 37 – yup 37 medals and decorations. One of the few occasions were he is seen with his more fuller rack of medals is the Victory celebration parade in London after WW2 where he takes the salute on the podium alongside his old friend Field Marshal Jan Smuts (whose medal array is no slouch either – as he is the most decorated South African in history).
Victory Day Parade 1946 – left to right: Clement Attlee (the new Prime Minister of Great Britain in 1946), Sir Winston Churchill, MacKenzie King the Prime Minister of Canada and Field Marshal Jan Smuts taking the salute, in the background the Duchess of Kent with her two children.
In all Sir Winston Churchill held the following decorations and medals: in the ‘Order of Precedence’:
Knight Companion of the Most Noble Order of the Garter, UK, appointed 24 Apr 53, installed 14 Jun 54.
Order of Merit, UK, appointed 1 Jan 46, installed 8 Jan 46.
Order of the Companions of Honour, UK, appointed 19 Oct 22, invested 16 Jun 23.
India Medal, 1895 (clasp: Punjab Frontier 1897-98), UK, authorised 10 Dec 1898.
Queen’s Sudan Medal 1896-98, UK, authorised 27 Mar 1899.
Queen’s South Africa Medal 1899-1902 (clasps: Diamond Hill, Johannesburg, Relief of Ladysmith, Orange Free State, Tugela Heights, Cape Colony), UK, authorised 15 Jul 1901.
1914-1915 Star, UK, authorised 10 Oct19.
British War Medal 1914-1918, UK, authorised 13 Oct19.
Victory Medal, UK, authorised 4 Jun 20.
1939-1945 Star, UK, authorised 9 Oct 45.
Africa Star, UK, authorised 9 Oct 45.
Italy Star, UK, authorised 2 Aug 45.
France and Germany Star, UK, authorised 9 Oct 45.
Defence Medal 1939-45, UK, authorised 9 Oct 45.
War Medal 1939-45, UK, authorised 11 Dec 46.
King George V Coronation Medal, UK, 1911.
King George V Silver Jubilee Medal, UK, 1935.
King George VI Coronation Medal, UK, 1937.
Queen Elizabeth II Coronation Medal, UK, 1953.
Territorial Decoration (King George V), UK, 31 Oct 24.
Cross of the Order of Military Merit, Red Ribbon, First Class, Spain, granted 6 Dec 1895, ratified 25 Jan 1896.
Grand Cordon of the Order of Leopold with Palm, Belgium, 15 Nov 45.
Knight Grand Cross, Order of the Lion of the Netherlands, Holland, May 1946.
Grand Cross, Order of the Oaken Crown, Luxembourg, 14 Jul 46.
Grand Cross with Chain, Royal Norwegian Order of St. Olav, Norway, 11 May 48.
Order of the Elephant, Denmark, 9 Oct 50.
Order of Liberation, France, awarded 6 Nov 58.
Most Refulgent Order of the Star of Nepal, First Class, Nepal, 29 Jun 61.
Grand Sash of the High Order of Sayyid Mohammed bin Ali el Senoussi, Kingdom of Libya, awarded 14 Apr 62.
Army Distinguished Service Medal, United States, authorised 10 May 19, awarded 16 Jul 19.
Khedive’s Sudan Medal (clasp: Khartoum), Egypt, 1899.
King Christian X’s Liberty Medal, Denmark, 10 Sep 46.
Now, I’m sure that someone, somewhere is going to point out that Churchill suffered depression, was nocturnal, drank a lot of alcohol, a man who spoke to ghosts, used a sword to slay combatants, shelled the French fleet sleeping in peace, called Gandhi a “half naked fakir” and took a rather heavy hand to dealing with rebellious marxist Irish Republicans .. and they could be right. But seriously, not many historic figures in the 20th century can hold a candle to him – unlike many of his contemporaries he held a deep and on-going respect for the Boer nation and let’s face it, without him, and him alone, the current European Union would be modelled on Hitler’s ideals of a Nazi 3rd Reich.
For some more great colourised images of ‘young’ Winston Churchill by Jenny B, have a look at the following:
SAS President Kruger Remembrance Parade – Hermanus 18 Feb 2023
Finally, in 2022 post Covid, some ‘official’ parades to remember the SAS President Kruger stated to re-appear in South Africa, and in my hometown the TS Birkenhead Sea Cadets based in Hawston along with their SA Navy oversight took the initiative, and again in 2023 with the Covid restrictions dropped they stepped up a gear.
Their annual parade in Hermanus is cleared with the municipality and the site (the Cenotaph at the Old Harbour) prepared and made ready – an appropriate location with its two naval defensive guns facing landward as a symbol of peace. The TS Birkenhead Sea Cadets also working in conjunction with the South African Navy Veterans Association, and with the assistance of the South African Legion and the Memorable Order of Tin Hats – Seagull Shellhole, Hermanus.
The Parade was run by Lt Noel Dreyer with Cmdr Glenn Von Zeil in attendance. Lt Dreyer was himself a survivor of the sinking of the PK and two other survivors of the sinking were also in attendance.
The religious services were handled by MOTH Seagull Shellhole’s Padre – MOTH Craig Hounsom. After the PK wreath, and naval association wreaths were laid, I laid the wreath on behalf of the SA Legion and MOTH Stephan Loubser – Seagull Adjutant – laid the MOTH wreath on behalf of our shell-hole in Hermanus.
I was asked to speak, and here’s my speech for those interested:
Three Ships – By Peter Dickens
Thank you for the honour of allowing me to speak today.
The month of February is particularly significant one for The South African Navy, in some circles it’s known as ‘the three ships’ months. Reason being is that three significant ships were lost in South Africa’s military history, in three wars – one in the 1st World War, the SS Mendi, one in the 2nd World War, the HMSAS Southern Floe and one in the Cold War, the SAS President Kruger.
So, allow me to talk a little about all three.
On the 21st February 1917, the SS Mendi, carrying 811, 5th Battalion South African Labour Corps personnel – men and officers to the Western Front sank in the English Channel when it was struck mid-ships by a larger freight ship – the SS Darro – in poor sea conditions ignoring the fog condition regulations and travelling at speed. It sank in 20 minutes. Whilst sinking the South African troops assembled on the deck knowing that there not enough life-boats for them all and the water was at freezing point (it was after all mid-winter) – they bravely faced their fate by performing a ‘death dance’ in their traditional way. The sinking took the lives of 616 South African soldiers and 30 British along with it, black and white but mainly black.
Why the colour differentiation, because the Hertzog Nationalist government refused to write it into their remembrance history as they were ‘black’, and it was only in 1994 that this ship and the men who perished with her were officially and appropriately recognised again – the date now marks our National Forces Day.
The Second ship, the HMSAS Southern Floe was a South African whaler converted into a mine-sweeper and was undergoing mine-sweeping operations in the Mediterranean, as part of the North African theatre of operations near Alexander in Egypt during World War 2. Late at night on the 10th/11th February 1941 – it inadvertently struck a sea-mine. The ship sank and all lives were lost, except for one person Leading Stoker C J Jones who was found in the middle of the sea clutching onto debris, the ships emblem floated ashore later as its only token of existence – the ship’s emblem is now in the national war museum. In all 25 South Africans lost their lives in the sinking.
The fate and remembrance of this ship too was lost to politics, the Nationalist government under Malan and others refused to recognise it, as they regarded the Second World War as ‘Jan Smuts’ war and a ‘British war’ and those participating in it as ‘traitors’ to the Afrikaner Nationalist cause.
The third ship lost, was the SAS President Kruger during what is now regarded as the Cold War. It was lost on the 18th February 1982 during a submarine defence exercise when it was inadvertently struck by its supply vessel, the SAS Tafelberg – mess 12, the Petty Officers mess took the hit and the PK also sank quickly into freezing cold seas in poor conditions with the loss of 16 souls – mostly Petty Officers. Had it not been for discipline and quick reactions of support vessels to pull the survivors out the freezing water and high seas so quickly the toll may well have been higher – a startling testament to the South African Navy.
But it was also to suffer the same political fates as the SS Mendi and the HMSAS Southern Floe, the Nationalist government was extremely embarrassed by the loss of the PK, this was the first and only time in history a Navy had sunk its own flagship, as the President Kruger was – it’s Force 3 Frigates now reduced to only 2. As a result, the SA navy under the Nationalists never really commemorated the loss officially.
More political fate was to befall the SAS President Kruger – and even the HMSAS Southern Floe again – as the new African Nationalists only wanted to recognise the loss of ‘Black’ service personnel and the SS Mendi – the other sinkings not recognised – with literally no regard given to the men who actively served their country – South Africa, who had no regard for politics whatsoever – so what about them?
Image: SAS President Kruger by Derrick Dickens (copyright)
Thankfully the task of remembrance is with the veterans and very thankfully it’s not the responsibility of politicians. Politicians as we have seen, can and will readily politicise the war dead for their own aims and rhetoric – and completely miss the point and dishonour the fallen.
I am proud to stand with men, who in their service to their country recognise and remember all who were lost serving for their country, regardless of colour, culture or politics. I know of three PK survivors personally – Cameron Kinnear, a fellow Legionnaire and Lt Noel Dreyer standing here and Chris Lochner also standing here today, and is with them that the memory of not only their colleagues lost trapped in the ship, but they also carry the trauma of that night with them – it is within them as military veterans that the flame of remembrance is carried, and it with us as their comrades in arms with whom the solum act of remembrance lies.
I thank Lt Noel Dreyer for allowing me the privilege of reading the Honour Roll.
The 16 souls we remember today who were lost on the SAS President Kruger as follows:
Chief Petty Officer Johannes Petrus Booysen Chief Petty Officer Hartmut Wilfried Smit Chief Petty Officer Willem Marthinus Gerhardus Van Tonder Chief Petty Officer Donald Webb Petty Officer Stephanus Petrus Bothma Petty Officer Graham Alexander Frank Brind Petty Officer Robin Centlivre Bulterman Petty Officer Granville Williams De Villiers Petty Officer Evert Koen Petty Officer Hjalmar Lotter Petty Officer Roy Anthony McMaster Petty Officer Roy Frederick Skeates Petty Officer William Russel Smith Petty Officer Michael Richard Bruce Whiteley Petty Officer Coenraad Johannes Wium Able Seaman Gilbert Timothy Benjamin
To the TS Birkenhead Sea Cadets under your South African Navy oversight on officially commemorating the SAS President Kruger – as an army officer I can only give you the highest naval praise, and it’s a signal used to tell other ships the fleet that a particular ship has performed a noble, exceptional or brave deed … the signal is Bravo Zulu … BZ.
I thank you young men and women and boys and girls for an excellent parade and commemoration on behalf of The South African Legion and the Memorable Order of Tin Hats.
Captain Peter Dickens (Retired)
For more reading on ‘the three ships’ follow these links
The ritual to add a new Memorable Order of Tin Hats (MOTH) member to the Order is a countdown by all MOTH present with an unanimous “You’re In”. And with that you’re a MOTH and it’s something special. So, what’s this Order all about and why Jan Smuts?
In essence it’s a British, South African, Namibian (South West African) and Zimbabwean (Rhodesian) veteran’s association, however it’s more than just a Veteran’s Association because it carries ‘ritual’ found only in Orders, and that makes the MOTH special. It’s also a special association as it’s only for ‘combat veterans’ – it was formed after World War 1, it continued through World War 2 and it continues to the present day.
The MOTH is not the oldest military veteran association, that honour belongs to The South African Legion, but it is the second oldest and pretty old at that – it was established on the 7th May 1927, as at 2022 (at the time of writing this) it celebrated its 95th birthday (and I’m honoured to have this commemoration on my blazer too). The Legion on the other hand is now over 100 years old (and I’m again a proud Legionnaire). That makes the MOTH and S.A. Legion two of a handful of surviving institutions and brands in South Africa which such longevity. Both organisations originated almost hand in glove, and they still thrive together and you can fully expect the MOTH to still be around when it turns 100. For more on the South African Legion and the roots of Remembrance in South Africa follow this link Legions and Poppies … and their South African root
So, how did the MOTH come about? It was established by returning veterans of the 1st World War 1914-18. Charles Evenden was the driving force, and sought to create an Order of combat veterans only, men who had been in the trenches and had the shared bond of combat and the harsh conditions which come with it. Of it he said the MOTH sought to sustain that “personal intimate comradeship that the front line had generated and venerated” and core ideal was to be a ‘flame of remembrance’ for those comrades killed in action – a “light” in effect which would govern three principles – True Comradeship, Sound Memory and Mutual Help.
Field Marshal Jan Smuts attending a MOTH meeting, note the Brodie Helmet ‘Tin Hat’ with the candle of remembrance on top of it. Also note, MOTH Jan Smuts’ Old Tin Hat lapel pin on his left lapel just to the right of his ribbons.
By way of ritual, a candle is placed on a 1st (and 2nd) World War Brodie Helmet as a symbol of the ‘light of remembrance’, it is lit at the opening of meetings and snuffed out by hand at the closing. The Brodie Helmet is significant to the Order, during both World Wars is was often called a ‘battle bowler’ by the British, a ‘doughboy helmet’ by the Americans and a ‘salad bowl’ by the Germans – but the name which stuck to it the most, used by both British, British Empire (WW1) and Commonwealth (WW2) troops was .. “Tin Hat”. Hence, the name of the Order – Memorable Order of Tin Hats. A small token of this helmet is worn on the left lapel by MOTH members and identifies them as such to others.
As the originator of the Order, Charles Evenden was designated the – MOTH O. Each MOTH has a designated number stemming from the beginning. Mine is 23774, there’s been a lot of MOTH influencing South African society over many years.
Now, to Jan Smuts, it would not be long before the Oubaas would find himself a MOTH, and here he is as Prime Minister receiving his countdown and Old Tin Hat label pin from none other than MOTH O. Smuts qualified as a MOTH on multiple levels, he had participated in multiple wars (3 in total) and been in multiple operational circumstances qualifying as a combat veteran on a number of levels. Not only was Smuts a MOTH, he also founded the South African Legion – and along with Winston Churchill received a gold membership status – for more on this click here Two fellow members of The South African Legion – Churchill and Smuts
MOTH O inducts MOTH Jan Smuts
By 1928, ‘Shellholes’ (MOTH Branches) named for regiments, battles, personalities and other memories of wartime service, had sprung up in Natal and the Rand, such as Majube (at Volksrust), Somme (Jeppe, Johannesburg), ‘Wizz Bangs’ (Bellvue, Johannesburg), Nurse Cavell Shell Hole in Pietermaritzburg.
Post World War 2, MOTH expanded dramatically with new ‘shellholes’, such as Winston Churchill (Cape), ‘Hellfire Corner’ (Durban), Up North (Pietermaritzburg), Tobruk (Danneshauser), Desert Rats (Johannesburg), Dan Pienaar (Johannesburg), Sidi Rezegh (Johannesburg), Steel Helmet (Johannesburg) – and many more.
Whilst some Shellholes have closed down over time, post the Angolan Border War, new Shellholes have arisen, such as Cuca (Western Cape), Pro Patria (Western Cape), Savanna (Gauteng) and many others started to spring up as old SADF Conscripts and Permanent Force members stated joining the Order.
Each Shellhole has a ‘Old Bill’ as chairman – Old Bill was a cartoon character created by Bruce Bairnfather; the archetypal British private soldier in the trenches, bemoaning his fate, with the sly and dry humour linked with the common-sense of the ‘Old Sweat Tommy.’ There is a Deputy Old Bill (sometimes known as a ‘Wee Bill’), a Paybill (the Treasurer), an Adjutant (the Secretary) and a Sergeant Major (responsible for ceremonies and bearing). Bigger Shellholes also have a Quarter Master (responsible for kit and MOTH items), some have their own Padres in addition.
Images: The Old Bill by Bruce Bairnfather – an image of him is found in nearly all MOTH Shellholes and a modern MOTH take on him.
All ‘shellholes’ were intended to be self sufficient, and expected to choose an objective or cause ‘in the interests of the wider community’. One such fine example is the Mills Bomb Shellhole, in Durban, always full of English speaking South Africans, ex-British servicemen, and Germans, from both World Wars and other conflicts.
Warriors’ Gate MOTH Shellhole, within the Old Fort in Durban, was completed in 1937, a superb building in the Cape Dutch style on a design of a Norman Keep modelled from a photograph given to Evenden by Admiral E.R.G.R.Evans “Evans of the Broke”, built by its Shellhole members, the Gate is both the spiritual HQ, and executive HQ of the MOTH movement. It also has a high quality museum and in it inner circle you will find a prized bronze bust of none other than Field Marshal Jan Smuts.
Whilst purely a South African institution, over the years ‘Shellholes’ sprung up in Southern Rhodesia (Zimbabwe) and Northern Rhodesia (Zambia), Nyasaland (Malawi), South West Africa (Namibia), Swaziland and England, the scattering of the modern South African military veteran diaspora since 1994 now sees Shellholes in Ireland and New Zealand. A Cyber Shellhole (keeping with modern-times) sees MOTH members in places as far flung as Australia, Canada, Belgium, Dubai, Indonesia, Portugal, remote areas of South Africa and the United Kingdom.
Back to MOTH Jan Smuts, its important to note that the MOTH has always stressed the lack of ‘rank and swank’ within the ‘Shellholes’, to consolidate its membership across classes, ranks, generations and language. So, in the Order, Jan Smuts would not have been addressed as ‘Field Marshal’ or ‘General’, he would simply have been a MOTH, and having researched Smuts I would say he probably have enjoyed the anonymousness and plain equality – he certainly cracked a wide smile receiving his tin hat lapel pin.
Jan Smuts is important to the MOTH Order, a Shellhole, the ‘Field Marshal’ exists at his home, Smuts House in Irene (now a museum), the ‘Ouma’ Shellhole existed in honour Jan Smuts’ wife Isie who played a key role in running the wartime comforts fund for serving personnel during WW2 and even visited the combat zones. The ‘Marshal Smuts’ Shellhole exists in Somerset West (Western Cape) and annually his birthday is hosted by the ‘Majozi’ Shellhole at his birthplace in Riebeek Kasteel (Western Cape). MOTH members and veterans attending this parade drink a toast to the General from a special vat of brandy and smash the glass as a token of devotion to his memory.
Myself (representing the Legion) and fellow MOTH at the Riebeek Kasteel parade.
A further parade is hosted at the Smuts House Museum in Irene (near Pretoria) by the MOTH Shellhole there to commemorate his birthday, and the ‘Savanna’ Shellhole also hosts a Jannie Smuts parade in Johannesburg. If you visit many Shellholes there will be this or that portrait, cornerstone, plaque, statue or artefact devoted to MOTH Jan Smuts.
So important is Smuts to the MOTH, that Smuts’ letter to Charles Evenden MOTH 0 appears on the back of the dust cover of his book ‘Old Soldiers Never Die – The Story of MOTH 0’ and the quote “you built better than you knew..” General J.C.Smuts appears on the front cover.
MOTH O’s book and the Jan Smuts reference in his almost illegible handwriting on the dust cover – courtesy Stef Coetzee, whose father was a MOTH having served in WW2 and this was his.
A big contribution of the MOTH Order and Smuts’ policy of integration in the armed of forces is the bringing together of English and Afrikaans speakers. The veterans of WW2 were unique in that of the combatant veterans the ratio of English and Afrikaans speakers was almost equal. These men displayed a need for ‘respectability, and to this end the original ideal ‘Mutual Help’ was of great relevance, the post-1946 ‘Home Front’ (MOTH long standing journal) stressed constantly the need to support ex-servicemen before looking at other charities. The financial support, material contributions (food and clothing), funding for schooling and university, and the networking to find unemployed Returned Men employment were of the greatest import. The 1950’s-60’s were the great hey-day’s of the MOTH.
I just love this picture from Steyn Fourie of a MOTH Shellhole in its heyday, it just smacks of a time gone past, when everything in the ‘white culture’ in South Africa was so much more balanced and revered – the old Hertzog inspired OBB in its correct senior position (left) making the old Transvaal and Free State Afrikaans boys happy, the Union Jack making the Natal and Cape English boys happy in its correct position (right) … flags of all the Allied Nations of WW2 (USA, France, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and even the old Russian Federation the USSR) with whom these veterans fought alongside left and right .. and presiding over it all .. the Oubaas – Jan Smuts.
By the ‘white culture’ of this old photograph, please note that this was the majority demographic of the construct of combat veterans at the time, the MOTH is open to all races, culture and sexual orientations, it does not discriminate and will accept any operationally qualified veteran regardless.
MOTH Smuts with MOTH O
However, with the dying off of the 1st World War (1914-1918) and almost all of the 2nd World War (1939-45) populace, the MOTH are a shadow of its former glory, however with the Border War (1966-1989), Operations 1990-1994 and subsequent Peacekeeping Operations, the ranks are slowly growing. Auxiliary components of the MOTH, such as the MOTHWA (MOTH Woman’s Association) are now been joined by the MOTH Motorcycle Association and the recently formed ‘Friends of the MOTH’, the strict regulations for joining are also slowly been loosened to invite more veterans to join.
Comradeship remains central to the MOTH, and long may it remain, with Shellholes regularly ‘raiding’ one another and the mirth, friendship, mischief and comradeship that comes with them – and long may raiding continue.
To the songs that are sung in MOTH Shellholes, there are two, one British from the 1st World War “Pack up your Troubles” and one American from the 2nd World War “Old Soldiers Never Die”.
To listen to Pack Up Your Troubles – click this link:
To listen to Old Soldiers Never Die – click this link:
In conclusion
I remain proud to be a MOTH and am currently the Wee Bill (Deputy Old Bill) of the Seagull Shellhole in Hermanus, I also own a brewery and it was not long before I registered ‘Old Tin Hat’ in the Beer and Spirits categories as a trademark with each one celebrating a South Africa World War 2 hero in the ‘Commando Comic’ style – Sailor Malan, Quentin Smythe VC, Lucas Majozi, Perla Gibson, Roger Bushell, Zulu Lewis and Job Maseko all get a beer expression and a nod to their wartime valour and contributions. I also remain a devout Legionnaire – something Smuts was in addition to been a MOTH, and I’m equally proud of that. The order is healthy and if you served in the old SADF or the new SANDF (or both) – as a National Serviceman, Volunteer or Permanent Force member and have a General Service Medal or Pro Patria we’d love to hear from you.
Written and Researched by Peter Dickens, with large extracts from Gordon Mackinlay’s account of the MOTH, and my deep gratitude and thanks to him for allowing me to use it.
So here’s to the second million Dad! Thank you all who support this education website and blog, the past year has been tough, I was hospitalised with Covid 19 for 8 months (yup – read that again, eight friggin months and given a 1% chance of survival), so I am deeply appreciated that despite the inactivity for nearly a year the site continued to grow and continued to receive substantial support. The good news, I survived Covid (a little bent, but not broken) against all odds and I’m back on it like a bonnet.
I started this blog in November 2015 after my father’s death in Hermanus, South Africa – fondly known as ‘Professor Dickens’ to many locals (he was a visiting Prof at UCT), in a way it is a homage to the library of military history books he left to me to reference, his passion for the subject and it was really set up in his memory.
In my small way I wanted to capture the joint passion for the subject we both felt, debated and endlessly discussed over a glass of whiskey – very often overlooking Schulphoek bay from his art gallery surrounded by all his military aviation and maritime artworks.
The work in essence was a cathartic experience for me at the difficult time of my Dad’s death as it gave vent to all the knowledge and nuggets of South Africa’s military history imparted to me or inspired by my Dad, and I’m extremely happy to share all his legacy, he would have been pleased as punch with it – there are now 358 stories published, 58 stories currently been ‘polished’ waiting, and in my noggin there are at least 200 more stories waiting to out.
It has been an experiment to use this type of media for blogging history, much to the horror of some historians, as by nature social media lends itself to social interaction and opinion, so no, there are no stuffy footnotes and cross reference numbering you would expect in a history treatise, such an approach defeats the type of media used. What this form of modern communication and media does is drive interest into a subject normally discarded as boring, it rejuvenates dull date driven historical humdrum and creates conversation through sharing and interaction.
I’ve been taken aside by some historians and criticised – too much ‘factor analysis’, too much ‘causal history’, too heavy on ‘opinion’, too ‘open ended’, too much individualistic ‘writing style’, too many spelling errors etc etc, my response often is that their traditional papers and publications have reached a couple of thousand people at best, mine have reached a couple of million .. that is the power of modern internet based social media and that is the future, like it or not, and this is how it works – bite sized content drivers using enticing thought and conversation triggers. Other historian friends of mine are loving it, in fact many are a little envious, and thankfully I am now getting some serious support in key circles – academic departments at leading universities and recognised national history societies in South Africa have started to give this site (and me) a nod. I’m also getting a large dollop of encouragement from some heavy weight history academics now, especially those specialising in military history.
Funnily, the approach I use I learned whilst majoring in History at Rhodes University, basically taking ‘political’ history (which most of us learn at school) and challenging it using ‘economic history’ (and its internalised disruptor – ‘feakonomics’) and ‘social’ history in addition to draw new understanding and interesting insight. Sometimes it can make for a really fun read as it can take an old dusty ‘fact’ which everyone thinks is fully concluded and suddenly it’s on its head.
Both my Dad and I were Marketing people in our time and The Observation Post can now be found in multimedia, it has a blog with an e-mail subscription, a linked Facebook ‘Page’ (just click like and click the prompts to follow it), a linked Twitter account and even a Facebook ‘Group’ discussion forum were you can interact with me directly and share your own interesting historical nuggets with like-minded people.
Aside from my Dad, ‘Thanks a Million’ … again …. to you, all the avid followers of the blog, the readers of the material, it’s your support which keeps it going and it’s your feedback that motivates me to bring more historical nuggets so often gleaned over, written out of the school history books and ignored for political expediency in South Africa.
Join me for the launch of Dr. David Brock Katz’s new book, ‘General Jan Smuts and his First World War in Africa 1914 -1917′. David will be spending a little time in my hometown, Hermanus to launch this new look at Jan Smuts’ military campaign and leadership during WW1.
We will do the launch at Romantiques in Hermanus, in their cosy little theatre. David and I have agreed to do a joint talk on Jan Smuts, David will focus on Smuts in the context of his book and I will focus on Smuts – the man and his flawed genius. In all it should be a great evening for anyone who is either a student of history or has a fascination for one of Africa’s greatest sons.
We will follow up the talk with a book signing ceremony with complimentary Beer, Wine and Canapés. As a brewery owner my Company ‘The Spirit of Hermanus’ and our beer brand ‘Old Tin Hat’ will be sponsoring, along with Jonathan Ball Publishes and the venue – Romantiques. Book Mark, the appointed retailer of the book in Hermnaus will also be on hand.
For a small fee of R40 you can also stay on for a screening of Peter Jackson’s world renowned documentary on World War 1, ‘They Shall Not Grow Old’.
For those in area who wish to attend here are the details:
Date: Friday 16th September 2022
Timings:
Arrive from 17:00 for 17:30
Talk and Q&A from 17:30 to 18:30
Book Signing, Beer and Wine Evening from 18:30 to 19:30
Movie Screening ‘They Shall Not Grow Old’ from 19:30 to 21:00
Venue:
Romantiques, 18A Aberdeen Street, Hermanus, South Africa
Please note spaces are very limited, so be sure to book early.
Outline of the book
As to this new book and exciting look at Smuts’ Generalship during WW1 it has been described a ‘an engaging, well-written and meticulously researchedmilitary biography …’ – Tim Stapleton, Professor, Department of History, University of Calgary.
Jan Smuts grabbed the opportunity to realise his ambition of a Greater South Africa when the First World War ushered in a final scramble for Africa. He set his sights firmly northward upon the German colonies of South West Africa and East Africa. Smuts’s abilities as a general have been much denigrated by his contemporaries and later historians, but he was no armchair soldier. He first learned his soldier’s craft under General Koos de la Rey and General Louis Botha during the South African War (1899−1902). He emerged from that conflict immersed in Boer manoeuvre doctrine.
Jan Smuts grabbed the opportunity to realise his ambition of a Greater South Africa when the First World War ushered in a final scramble for Africa. He set his sights firmly northward upon the German colonies of South West Africa and East Africa. Smuts’s abilities as a general have been much denigrated by his contemporaries and later historians, but he was no armchair soldier. He first learned his soldier’s craft under General Koos de la Rey and General Louis Botha during the South African War (1899−1902). He emerged from that conflict immersed in Boer manoeuvre doctrine.
After forming the Union Defence Force in 1912, Smuts played an integral part in the German South West African campaign in 1915. Placed in command of the Allied forces in East Africa in 1916, he led a mixed bag of South Africans and imperial troops against the legendary Paul von Lettow-Vorbeck and his Schutztruppen. His penchant for manoeuvre warfare and mounted infantry freed most of the vast German territory from Lettow-Vorbeck’s grip.
General Jan Smuts and his First World War in Africa provides a long-overdue reassessment of Smuts’s generalship and his role in furthering the strategic aims of South Africa and the British Empire during this era.
A little on the Author
DAVID BROCK KATZ is an author and historian, wholectures at the Army and Defence Colleges of the South African National Defence Force.
He completed his MMil in Military History (cum laude) and a PhD in Military Science in the Department of Military History at the Faculty of Military Science of Stellenbosch University. He is also research fellow at the Faculty of Military Science and an active member of the Andrew Mlangeni Regiment (formerly the South African Irish Regiment). Katz is the author of South Africans vs Rommel (2019).
On-Line Orders
If you are unable to attend the launch and want this book you can obtain it on-line from amazon, takealot, Loot to Exclusive Books and more. Shop and just click on the appropriate book seller than can provide it to you.
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