Latest news with #SouthAfricanLegion
The Citizen
16-05-2025
- General
- The Citizen
Durban North residents called to honour animal veterans this Remembrance Day
THE South African Legion North Coast Branch invites the public to attend its annual Purple Poppy Parade on Saturday, May 17, at 10:30 at the Queen Nandi Mounted Rifles base at 101 Isaiah Ntshangase Road (formerly Walter Gilbert Road). Also read: Durban North babies and carers need temporary shelter This unique and poignant event pays tribute to the often-overlooked animal veterans of war — dogs, horses, donkeys, camels, pigeons, and even falcons — who served with bravery and loyalty alongside human soldiers in conflicts past and present. The purple poppy, worn internationally, symbolises remembrance for these unsung animal heroes. The ceremony will feature a formal wreath-laying, a dog display on the parade ground, and a social bring-and-braai following the service. Fires will be provided, and a cash bar will be available. Members of the public are encouraged to attend and take part in this special moment of reflection and gratitude. 'Service animals played a vital role in many theatres of war,' said Legionnaire Rupert Meyer, media liaison for the North Coast Branch. 'From horses carrying troops in the Anglo-Boer War to dogs detecting landmines in modern peacekeeping missions, their contribution is undeniable. This parade is an opportunity to honour their bravery and sacrifice.' History offers no shortage of remarkable stories. Among them is Sergeant Stubby, a dog who served in World War I, credited with saving an entire unit by warning them of a gas attack and even capturing a German spy. In another tale of valour, a homing pigeon named Cher Ami, gravely wounded during World War I, delivered a critical message that saved over 190 American soldiers from friendly fire. 'We may not all wear medals or uniforms,' added Meyer, 'but remembering these silent veterans reminds us of the broader cost of war and offers a meaningful way to teach younger generations about sacrifice and courage.' Wreath layers are asked to report at 09:00 with clearly labelled wreaths. Military participants should attend in Dress Code 1A, military spectators in Dress Code 1B, and civic representatives in official robes of office. For more from Northglen News, follow us on Facebook , X or Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok. Click to subscribe to our newsletter – here At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
IOL News
10-05-2025
- General
- IOL News
From sacrifice to celebration: South African Legion marks 80 years of VE Day
Teenager Lucas Johannes Wolmarans (far right) Fourie (centre) and Cowley (left) from Langlaage Minesweeper at Ismailia (Egypt) rest camp during WWII. Image: Supplied The South African Legion will paid tribute to the brave men and women who served during World War II, with a special three-day commemoration marking the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day. Hosted at the Castle of Good Hope from 8–10 May, the exhibition and memorial service aimed to honour those whose contributions have long gone unrecognised. VE Day, which marked the formal end of WWII in Europe on 8 May 1945, may feel like a distant memory to many, but for thousands of South African families, its significance remains deeply personal. Over 334,000 South Africans volunteered for service during the war—many of them young, idealistic, and eager to serve, despite the odds stacked against them. Among these were more than 123,000 men of colour who served in non-combat and support roles, often under challenging and discriminatory conditions. 'This soldier did the most magnificent and brave things. With a number of bullets in his body he returned time after time into a veritable hell of machine-gun fire to pull out wounded men. He is a credit to his country,' said Major-General Dan Pienaar, speaking of Lance-Corporal Lucas Majozi, a Black stretcher-bearer who was later awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal for his heroism at El Alamein. WAAF Sergeant fitting gas mask Image: Supplied Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ The event at the Castle was more than just a history lesson. It was a space to reflect, remember, and reconnect with stories of resilience and sacrifice—stories often left out of mainstream narratives. The exhibition included rare archival photos, first-hand testimonies, and displays dedicated to the Native Military Corps, the Cape Corps, and the thousands of women who played vital roles through the Women's Auxiliary Defence Corps and the South African Women's Auxiliary Services (SAWAS). These women served in the air force, navy, medical units and even the military police, often unpaid and unrecognised. 'We did everything we could, the best we could… and that's it,' recalled naval veteran Lucas Wolmarans—a sentiment echoed by many veterans whose service was quiet but steadfast. Cape Corps Strecher bearers before Monte Caprara battle (Italy) Image: Supplied The commemoration will culminate in a non-denominational memorial service at 11am on Saturday, 10 May. Ian Neilson, former Deputy Mayor of Cape Town, will deliver a keynote on behalf of the Mayor. The service will feature performances by Christel House South Africa's Brass Ensemble and Jazz Band—young musicians from one of the city's most inspiring no-fee schools—as well as the sounding of the Last Post by five trumpeters from South African College High School (SACS), a school known for its longstanding tradition of military remembrance. 'The importance of continuing to mark the anniversary of this global event that had such a profound effect on modern history, is to remind us of the horrors of war and to value the sanctity of peace, lest we forget the former,' said Kevin P. Ashton JCD, Chairman of the SA Legion Cape Town Branch. Benghazi - Lt Hymie Markman_Lt Hymie Markman with 16 Squadron, SAAF, drivers and local Arabic man on donkey Image: Supplied Today will also feature a WWII re-enactment field kitchen, run by The Heritage Group in period dress, sales tables with military-themed books, and a public engagement booth hosted by Commander Mac Bisset (retired) of the Western Cape Military History Society. Members of the public can bring family medals for identification, learn how to access veterans' records, or simply share in a moment of reflection. Visitors are also invited to add a personal message to the Peace Wall—a tribute to the enduring hope for a more peaceful future. South Africa's contribution to the war effort was vast. Besides full-time volunteers, there were more than 63,000 part-time military volunteers across defence, engineering, naval, and home guard units. A further 60,000 unpaid volunteers—many of them women—supported wartime operations through knitting circles, fundraising, and local war effort campaigns. The Cape Coloured Women War Workers (CWWW) and Native Women War Workers (NWWW) were instrumental in this, with 123 active branches and over 6,000 members nationally. Today, close to 12,000 South Africans who died during WWII are commemorated by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, including some 2,000 with no known graves. The Military Museum at the Castle, one of South Africa's oldest heritage sites, will house the exhibition—a fitting location to honour those who helped shape the modern world, often at great personal cost. Tickets to the Castle are R50 for adults and R25 for children and pensioners, available at the ticket office. Exhibition hours run from 9am to 4pm daily. The South African Legion, formed in 1921 by war veterans including Field Marshall Earl Haig and General Jan Smuts, continues its work today—supporting former servicemen and women, advocating for war pensions, and preserving military heritage for future generations. Weekend Argus
IOL News
06-05-2025
- General
- IOL News
Discover the unsung heroes of World War II at South Africa's VE Day exhibition
The South African Legion, in conjunction with the Castle of Good Hope, the City of Cape Town, and various partners, is hosting a 3-day exhibition that culminates in a Memorial Service and wreath-laying ceremony on the 10th May to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day. Image: Supplied This May, South Africa takes a moment to reflect on the often-overlooked stories of its World War II veterans, paying homage to the courage and sacrifice of those who served. From 8 to 10 May, the South African Legion, in partnership with the Castle of Good Hope, is set to host a three-day exhibition marking the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day (VE Day). Featuring a range of engaging exhibits, this event offers more than just a military memorial; it will celebrate resilience, courage, and the unsung contributions of many who served. Major-General Dan Pienaar, Commander of the 1st South African Division, hailed Stretcher-Bearer Lance-Corporal Lucas Majozi for his bravery during the Battle of El Alamein, highlighting the extraordinary character of soldiers like him who rescued wounded men under intense fire. The exhibition will shine a light on stories of both ordinary and extraordinary individuals who played pivotal roles in the war effort. From teenagers who falsified their ages to join the fight, to women who assumed wartime responsibilities in military and munitions roles, this event showcases the unrecognised dedication of those who served under the South African Union flag despite facing systemic discrimination. The contributions of the Cape Corps and Native Military Corps, honouring Coloured and Black South African soldiers in non-combat and support capacities, will also be underscored. Women's roles will not go unrecognised; the valiant efforts of the Women's Auxiliary Defence Corps (WADC), along with the various service wings dedicated to women in the armed forces, will be highlighted throughout the exhibition. The stories of these heroes, rich in quiet heroism, will be told through a wealth of archival material, personal testimonies, and interactive installations aimed at deepening public understanding of the war's lasting impact. A solemn non-denominational memorial service will cap off this significant weekend on 10 May at 11 am at the Castle of Good Hope. The ceremony will be graced by the presence of Ian Neilson, the ex-Deputy Mayor of Cape Town, as the guest speaker. The South African College High School's brass ensemble will perform the Last Post, a poignant tribute to those who paid the ultimate sacrifice. The service, open to the public, will allow attendees to pay their respects during a moment of silence, ensuring that the sacrifices of both the fallen and the living are remembered. 'The importance of continuing to mark the anniversary of this global event that had such a profound effect on modern history, is to remind us of the horrors of war and to value the sanctity of peace, lest we forget the former,' said Kevin P. Ashton JCD, Chairman of the SA Legion (Cape Town Branch). For those wishing to engage further with South Africa's military history, the exhibition will feature a field kitchen operated by members of The Heritage Group dressed in WWII-era uniforms. Visitors can participate in discussions with historians about family medal collections or learn how to access military veterans' records. Moreover, the public is encouraged to share messages of peace on the Peace Wall, emphasising the message of hope that accompanies such commemorations.
The Citizen
03-05-2025
- Politics
- The Citizen
SA Legion North Coast Branch executive re-elected
IN A show of great trust and confidence in the leadership skills of the executive committee, members of the South African Legion's North Coast Branch recently voted for the re-election of all incumbent office bearers for the year ahead. At the AGM held on Saturday, April 26, at the Queen Nandi Mounted Rifles (formerly the Natal Mounted Rifles) in Durban, the Legionnaires voted for Clifton Ingle to retain his position as chairperson. He will be seconded by Stephen Schuster, who will continue his role of vice chairperson. Appointed to the newly-created position of communications and liaison is Legionnaire Rupert Meyer who said the role of treasurer will remain with Nicholas Skipworth-Michell, while Lana Skipworth-Michell will act as secretary of the South African Legion's North Coast Branch. He said, 'KwaZulu-Natal regional chairman, Legionnaire Steve Leahy, was in attendance to oversee the official voting-in process and lend his support to the North Coast branch's ongoing efforts. Several civilian guests were also present, and as is tradition, the AGM was followed by a relaxed bring-and-braai social — a staple of the branch's monthly gatherings and a reflection of the camaraderie and community spirit that define the North Coast Legion.' Also Read: SA Legion highlights the significance of Poppy Day The SA Legion, which is the oldest military veterans' organisation in Africa, was established to serve the community in 1921. Through the Royal Commonwealth Ex-services League (RCEL), it is linked with 54 member organisations in 49 countries, 18 of which are in Africa. Meyer said the SA Legion primarily serves the interests of military veterans and their families. 'The South African Legion admits as members those who have served in the forces of the Union/Republic of South Africa, MK, APLA, AZANLA or those of the former TBVC states. Commonwealth veterans, as well as persons sympathetic to the cause of the Legion, are also welcomed in the Legion's ranks,' added Meyer. The Legion believes in giving back to the community and engaging in meaningful projects that benefit society at large. They undertake initiatives such as fundraising for charitable causes, and volunteering. People can help the SA Legion by volunteering their time and skills to support veterans through activities such as mentorship, fundraising, organising events, or joining them. People can also make donations or participate in fundraising initiatives by providing resources and support for the Legion's programmes. For more information on the organisation or to volunteer, contact Rupert Meyer on email: salnc@ For more from Berea Mail, follow us on Facebook, X and Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok. Click to subscribe to our newsletter – here At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
