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.