Next year 2012, will mark the 50th anniversary of the inception of Active Citizen Force training as it was then known. It would be for many 18 / 19 year olds, the start of 9 months full time military training. The first contingent of Durban boys left Durban Station probably just after New Year’s Day, 1962. Although not the only training base, 1SSB or 1st Special Services Battalion at Tempe, Bloemfontein would be the base where the ballotees from all over South Africa would gather to start a sojourn no one knew very much about.
Durban at the time had two regiments based in the city. The Durban Light Infantry ( the Royal had been dropped) and a relatively new regiment, the Durban Regiment. I was allocated to the Durban Regiment and called up for the second contingent which left Durban Station on 1st April 1962. Every three months thereafter another contingent would be leaving the City.
At the time that I knew very little about the Durban Regiment. Initially during the 9 month period, one’s regiment was irrelevant to an extent as we were all designated as South African Infantry. There were those who were allocated to the Technical Services Corp, the Admin Section, the Medics, the Navy, Air Force, Tank and Artillery units etc. who did their basic training at their respective bases but the majority were drafted into the Infantry.
Although I served with the Durban Regiment for 4 years, 1962 to 1966, I never did find out about its history. I have found the following on the internet:
“Established in 1923 as the Durban Volunteer Guides, the unit was disbanded after World War Two but reformed on paper in 1959 as an armoured infantry unit.
The unit hastily formed and deployed to Cato Manor for Operation Duiker in March 1960 to help “restore order”. The DR provided troops for the Namibian war from 1972 to 1982 and did service along the Natal border from 1982 to 1984. From 1985 to 1991 the unit was involved in counterinsurgency operations in various townships between Margate and Stanger.”
Perhaps those whose interests are facts military could add more about the two regiments in the city, the DLI and the DR.
Below is the Durban Regiment’s insignia, an eagle against a sea shell background and the motto Pugna Celeriter which translates to Strike Swiftly.
Gerald Buttigieg
For what its worth, here is a list of all the Durban Regiment Citizen Force Ballotees who were discharged from Ladysmith Camp, 5SAI between 24th and 29th Dec 1962. The names are taken from a Movement Order document which I kept as a memento. The * denotes known deceased.
Basson JF
Buttigieg GG
Davis FC
Gordge BC
Green E
Hadenham LM
Hollins JD
Hubbard BA
Hughes JK
Jensen SD
Kitto LA*
Kruger SH
Loots PCJ
Momsen M
Nortje JD
Paddy JH
Palmer RW
Pelser JS
Pilkington RJ
Poupard NRJ
Renault C
Rosseau RP*
Stapelberg ML
Stoffberg HF
Stoltz JTL
van der Linde AN
van der Vyver WE
van Heerden WL
van Jaarsveld JH
van Schalkwyk GB
van Staden CJ
van Staden FJ
van Vuuren WAJ
Venter JA
Viljoen DS
Vosloo ND
Weeda KA
Ben
I am not sure if van Schalkwyk G B is my grand father.I know he was in the air force at around that time. George Benjamin van Schalkwyk?
Gerald Buttigieg
Hi Ben,
5SAI Ladysmith at the time, 1962, was purely Infantry and had no affiliation to the Air Force. I doubt it would have been the GB van Schalkwyk you refer to if he was in the Air Force. Ladysmith Camp had been dormant since after the Second World War and had just been reopened to accommodate the ACF troops who had just completed their basic training. This would have been the first contingent of ACF troops who started training in January 1962. Facilities at Ladysmith Camp were shocking thinking back. There was a rudimentary ablution block and the toilets were a bucket system of which I have a photo.
Gerald.
Allan Hannah
Durban Regiment
Hi Gerald
I found the DR stories very interesting and informative! I was lucky enough to spend some time with one of the “oldtimers of the Regiment” and, as we chatted, old memories of the Regiment and the guys that were in service at the same time came flooding back! Mostly fond memeories but there were the odd unhappy occasions!
However, there was one item of interest, of which Ihad no knowledge at all! Not sure whether you are aware of this but the initial striking of the Durban Reg. badge had easgle in gold with the background and insignia in silver! Apparently there is some value attached to this badge and I wonder whether this is common knowledge to the guys who own these!!!
I have one of the thes badges!
Regards
Allan Hannah
Gerald Buttigieg
Further to the list of Durban Regiment ballotees, here is the list of Durban Light Infantry Regiment ballotees who where discharged from 5 SAI Ladysmith between the 24th and 29th December 1962 on completion of their 9 months ACF training. * signifies deceased.
Akal EG*
Ambler NM
Boorman GEG
Burton JW
Carter RH
Coleman KI*
de la Cornillere PE
Francis AK
Gillespie DP
Haskins D
Hortop WAF
Meyers KF
Moe DI
Patterson-Roberts DA
Price HS
Russell-Rockliff MA
Simonsen BC
Smith MW
Tivers CL
van der Walt W
Williams GW
Officer Commanding at 5SAI was Captain B Redlinghuys, Adjutant, Field Cornet J. McAdam.
Hugh Brown
I was posted to the Durban Regiment after 9 months “basics” in 1966 and started attending mid-week parades, held on Wednesday nights, in 1967.I had been on the 3 month Officers course at the Army Gym, Pretoria, during the 9 months basics and was promoted to Sergeant soon after starting at the Durban Regiment. I was still only 17 and I think I was the youngest Sergeant in the Regiment. I ended up in the Regiment for close to 15 years as some time was spent overseas and went to SWA on two 3 months camps, plus the usual week-end and month long camps mainly in northern Zululand and the Mocambique border. Good friends from those days include Sgt Major Trevor Scheepers and Sgt Norman Brown.
Best wishes, Hugh Brown ex Durban and now Brisbane.
deon
I’m currentky inDbn Regt and would appreciate all old members to join the facebook version of Durban Regiment for history purpose.
Ehanks
antonius smink
i was with the regiment from 1972 until sometime after 1975 then transferred to secunda commando in 1982 whilst i was working at sasol 111.until recently i still had contact with sgt maj p smith who is still with the regiment
T.J.Knoesen
73247249 BA Rfn T.J.Knoesen 5 SAI Ladysmith 1975 June to 1976 June
Operation Savannah 1975/1976 plus a trip to Eenhana.
1976 to 1987 with Durban Regiment on various camps to SWA and Jozini.
Antonius Smink
Did my last stint in SWA 1975
John
‘Tony’ Smink — who could ever forget you ?. You were the barber. Not sure if you remember me – JJ
antonius smink
yes jj
Andre Strydom
I, was drafted into the ACF and served the last 6 of my 9 months from 1/4/63 to 30/9/63 in 5 SAI as a member of Durban Regt. When reporting for CF duties in Snell Parade, the late Veld Cornet Lester Kitto was my platoon commander.
I was a (3″) mortarman, in HQ Coy and CSM Calmayer was our Coy S/M. I was discharged from the Army in early 1965 after only 2 3-week camps in July 1964. The reason given was the expense of re-equipping us in the new style uniforms, helmets and canvas equipment. We still all looked like WW2 soldiers with a “funny” rifle – the FN, 7,62mm wooden butt job. We were all given a green beret (1st issue that year, 1964) as a booby prize.
I wonder if any-one would have a movement order of discharged members for 30 September 1963.
Andre Strydom
In October 1963 when I attended my 1st monthly Saturday “parade” at Snell Parade, we had no cap badge and the the “bokkop” for a while until a bit later when we received the “Pugna Celeriter” badge – I still have both. Lt Col Lloyd was the OC.
Dbn Regt at that time consisted of one company. I can’t recall the RSM’s name. Who can help? The returning Parabats where fairly pissed off when they discovered that they would not be allowed to use the maroon berets, but the green one with the regimental cap badge. Lol.
Ladysmith in my time April to September was still fairly “rough” and everything was prefab laid over the pitted and neglected WW2 concrete floors which defied all attempts at keeping clean. There was some grass in the lines, but the elephant grass had to regularly be cut away from the grit parade ground. The “weapons store” was a sandbagged tent containing just enough ammo (7, 62mm, 303, 6 pounder, 3″ mortar and flares to keep the Commies at bay for about 0,02 seconds.
We had Bedfords and Marmon Herringtton troop carriers and some Centiweights to drag the 6 pounders; plus still a few Bren carriers. Digging weapons pits was our main objective during so-called manouevers. Drilling school cadets and appearing at “landbouskoue” was a favourite pastime. We went on a “show of strength” once. Driven to the outskirts of towns and villages, we then marched thru these places with rifles at highport and looked threatening. To the amusement of piccaninies who pelted us with oranges from the roadbanks.
Other “manouevers” took place at Windsor Dam and next to the Tugela, somewhere. These consisted mainly of setting up camp and breaking it down and setting it up again, etc. – for practice, see!
The rifle range was a sad place, dust and mud. Not many sharp shooters or “snipers” in those days. There were shooting competitions at De Brug, but I don’t think many DR boys made it!
We once were treated to a fully kitted climb aboard a Hercules; climb out, climb back, climb out, climb back. Very exciting. Hurry up an wait.
Andre Strydom
T20486 Rfn A M Strydom
Others I recall are Steven Greene, Soane, Callie Burger, Zurick and Robson-Garth.
Andre Strydom
The Regiment proudly received its colours on 10 October 1964 (I was there). In 1969, Durban Regiment was instructed to transfer all Afrikaans speaking unit members to a newly formed unit, Regiment Port Natal. Of course, Afrikaans-speaking members were not informed of this. Right from the word go 1960, Afrikaans-speaking members were automatically not sellected for officer (junior leader) training. I was delighted to note that fact in 1974 when I obtained access to my file (at Army HQ and by pure chance) Heheh.
Richard Lyon
seconded to Durban Regiment from 1973 after basics. no. 71310973 – amazing, still remember my army ID number! varous camps @ Jozini & two 3 month camps in Ovamboland – 1977 & 1978. would love to catch up with guys i served with, especially my “buddy”, Don Zabora. Other names that spring to mind are Dave Wiseman, Dave Riddle, Harry van Buuren & Dave Joseph. Keith (surname i forget), our trusty radio operator & of course, Sarge – Ricky Pattison! would love to know how the regiment has deveolped. best regards, Ricky Lyon.
Dave Wheeler
Only just found this site & what a gas. Hiya to Rick Lyon, Hugh Brown, Norm Brown, Trev Scheepers, Rick Patterson & all the others. The real reason for trying to find a contact with DR boys is because I’m looking for a beret badge – left SA for England in 2003 & brought my step outs with me (for whatever reason), but somewhere along the line my berets gone walk about. Berets are easy to come by, but our Fish Eagle seems to be another story. I’d really appreciate it if someone could help me find one.
Brian Mason
Hi Dave
Have you tried E Bay. Have seen them come up occasionally. I got one that was advertised as something totally different to DR.
Have also seen them on Bid and Buy
Brian Mason
Neville Rochfort
Hi Dave,
Neville Rochfort here.
DR 1971 to 1981…too many camps to remember !!!
But have photoes of Sibiya, Josini, Ovambo etc !!
Regards to all.
Neville.
Mervyn Larry Clements
Hi Neville. I was called Larry in the army… would you have any pictures for me of camps etc … possibly scan them in. From about 1970 to 1979. Thanks Larry
dave wheeler
My Lord, how the hell are you?? As can be seen I haven’t frequented the site for a while so apologies for the delayed reply & when you talk of Sibiya/Josini, the first thing that comes to mind is a certain few chaps inadvertantly crossing over a certain line!! What a giggle.
Hope you’re well chap & best regards
Colin Hughes
Hi Dave
Not sure if you remember me but just to let you know I was in a similar situation and live in Holland.
I found and bought the Fish Eagle Beret Badge as well as the flashes from Bid or Buy for R150.00 about 3 months ago.
Another option is SAMVOA on Google.
They are also offering a very nice Medal .I recommend checking it out
Cheers
dave wheeler
Col, I do indeed & apologies for the seriously delayed reply, just haven’t been on the site for ages, still might be a chance of abtaining a badge so will do as you suggested, cheers for the help pal.
Tony Lishman
Tony Lishman A/Wo2 – B Company, Durban Regiment. 1976
I served with Maj. Rob Grice and was stationed at Ombalantu, also in my Company was S/Sgt ‘Gus’ Hilson, Sgt Phil Pass and Sgt Garth Hall. Our medic at the time was, if my memory serves me correctly was ‘Screwy’ Klusner. Does any one know what’s happend to them?
Interested to know.
Cheers
Hugh Duffield
Would love to hear from old friends
Michael Leonard Dua
I served in Durban Regiment from 1972 until 1981. I was the local medic with Maj Dalziel and used to be known as Doc… My first camp was three weeks in Madimbo did 3 months in ’76 at started at Okatape then to Okolonga and names which have slipped into memory.
Worked a lot with C company with wo2 Niel Burger – wo1 Theo Aaron Capt Papanicalo the Adj.. and many more guys whose names slipped my mind.Still look back on those years with fond memories –
Mervyn Larry Clements
Hi Doc.. I cant remember your name… I do remember Niel Burger. Would you remember me and would you have any pictures/photo’s. My grandson is wanting for a Project at school. I would also like to leave them with any information of my days in the army that I can get hold of. Thanks Larry
Leon Lombaard
Hi all my buddies from the DR. What a pleasant surprise to read about the website!
I did my basic training at Tempe in 1966/1967.Those of you will probably know our then OC.Cmdt. Jack Dutton and OC Freestate Command, Brig. Stapelberg.Our CO.Sgt. Maj. was Freddie Crumpton, one of the greatest gentlemen I was ever privelaged to be aquainted with, as I had become an instructor during my basics.During a visit to Pretoria in 1973 I again met him where he was in charge of the military cemeteries.
After my basic Iwas posted to the DR.where Cmdt. Mike Williams was OC,Maj. Al Pettit 2IC and Co. commanders were Jan Steenkamp,Eddie Paul,and? Do you recall Nolan Goldstone,Rob Grice,Errol greenslade Leon Strydom and Hente Theunessen? Took Commission in 1969 and shortly after that, being Afrikaans speaking was transferred and became a founder member of Regiment Port Natal.Please keep in touch.Regards. Leon Lombaard
dave wheeler
Doc!!!!! What an absolute pleasure, haven’t been on this site for ages & had nothing to do so thought I’d have a peep & “lo & behold” – “our Doc” … Still vividly remember Okatopi & a few mullets sat in a square playing with a mortar bomb & you running to attaend after we heard the bang. Hope you’re all well mate.
Cheers
antonius smink
i also served under niel burger and goldstone
Lew Thomas
You poor bugger! I had the misfortune of goldstone a number of times!
Gerald Buttigieg
Allan Hannah has submitted a group photo of the Durban Regiment intake in 1962 taken at 1SSB Training Regiment Bloemfontein. Here it is with the names.
1st Row: BH Clifton, JR Horn, CV Williams, MP de Jager, ARI Pearce, PAJ Cronje, RAR McDonald, DJ Pieterse, BB Comber.
2nd Row: JC Englebrecht, DUB Evans, CJ Moolman, AD Hannah, BP de Winnaar, GP de Beer, LS Lawson, HS Delport, JB Coombes.
3rd Row: ALG Letard, MC Cronje, MI Light, P Morton, JW Jonker, BB Green, WPG Ackerman, JP de Jager, AH Wolfaard.
4th Row: LG Heslop, MS Snyman, PA McMullen, BH Puller, HJG Dedekind, MD McLean, J Clark, JL Botha, CD Voigt.
Bruce Robinson
5 sai c company stationed on the Bluff 1966/1967. Camp was above the whaling station, what a lovely smell when they cooked the blubber. Durban Reg. parades once a month. First intake to do 10 years with a 3 week camp every 3 years. First camp was North Eastern Transvaal border.
Ronald Clive Belloughet-Lousteau
Hi
I did my basic in 1965, in Tempe. April to December. Ended the 9 months in Ladysmith. From the beginning knew that I was posted to the DR. Goodness knows why as I grew up and went to school in Port Shepstone. I guess the regiment needed some good French blood. The PF’s had trouble pronoucing my surname and being in the DR and my surname beginning with the initial B, I was always the first to be called out, when paraded or for roll call. There was always this silence and then ” Wie is hierdie troop met die lielike naam”plus a few good Afrikaans swear words . Never failed, as I knew it was me. Yes the regiment was designated as an “Engelse” regiment. The PF’s did not particulaly like us Durban boys.
Anyway, a great regiment. Proud to have been one of you. Also attended the Wednesday night parades until I moved away from Durban where I lived at the time. Did a number of camps and border duty. Ended as a Sargeant. Had I stayed on in Durban I would have been quite happy to spend more time with the Regiment, at Natal Command. Names fail me at this time, but remeber RSM Buss. OC was Lt Col Pettit. Then the title was Commandant and Lieut was Feld Cornet.
Gerald Buttigieg
Hi Ronald,
Also DR and also difficult surname name. I recall the PF guys trying to get their tongues around mine and ending up with “Boetiegreek” . The hesitancy and the drawing of the letter closer to their eyeballs, when reading out names at mail call always signalled that there was a letter for me. Everytime a coconut.
I recall a Lousteau at St Henry’s late 50s; we mostly knew guys by surname only. Thin, tallish and lanky. He did not have the double barrel surname.
Was Crumpton still RSM at Tempe during your spell?
greg ellis
Anyone remember the Delville Wood parades in the early 80s? Sgt maj Aaron in charge! We were asked to hand in our step-outs and years later I realised I must have carelessly forgotten to take off my pro-patria (or left in tunic pocket). I contacted Medals and Decorations in Pretoria to try and get the number at least, but got no response. Do records still exist? Did anyone perhaps retrieve it? Any advice or help appreciated. My rank was cpl and force no 75277756BG
Rodney Corbett
I was the SACS signals officer at DR in around 1966 and went on camps to Ladysmith.
I remember cleaning the train out of anything with alcohol in it while travelling to Ladysmith. Touring the Boer war battle sights was a highlight.
Hi to anyone who remembers me.
Regards, Rodney Corbett.
Frank Beeton
Hi Rod, Greetings, you may remember that I was in the same intake as you at 1 Signal Regiment, Voortrekkerhoogte in 1964. After 3 months at 5SAI Ladysmith and returning to 1 Sig Sqn in Durban, I was posted to DR as an attached signaller, and must have done one of those Ladysmith camps with you in about 1966/7. I was commissioned in 1968 and finished off my 10 years CF back at 1 Sig Sqn and its successor 203 Sig Sqn as an officer reporting to Major MacDonald. Kind Regards!
Gerald Grove
Hi all ex DLI guys, my no 64025752 called to Bloem camp April intake ( 1965 0r 66) then to Lenz after that did 2 x 3 week camps ( one outside Potch and the other on the Limpopo river somewhere where we went on border patrol, got a bit lost and all we saw was some huge crocs. ) While at Lenz we were bundled into Bedfords with our vickers mmg”s and encircled some township outside Jo’burg as Pres Verword had been attacked I think. Any one got memories? Some guys I remember were Neville Faulds, Gary Thompson, Paddy ( Karate dude), Les Sullivan and either “chicken” Price or Stan Maullin or both.
Colin Peacock
I was with Durban Regiment from 1971 to 2001 when I moved to Jhb and joined East Rand Regiment. I am now a Moth. I live back in Durban.
dawn
Hi there. Came across this page – very interesting – need to earmark it to read properly. My father was Mike Williams – Comdt and later Honorary Colonel. My growing up years were very intertwined with The Durban Regiment and the various activities and functions there. Dawn Oosthuizen(nee Williams|)
Jeff
Dawn, I saw your post and wanted to ask if you had any photos of the officers form the period your father was OC? I’m doing research on Kmdt Jan Steenkamp and thought you may be able to assist. If anyone can assist I would greatly appreciate it. Jeff
Howie Munro
also just came across this , very interesting to hear some of the comments, I was one of those guys that left Durban Station on the 3rd of January 1962 , heading off to the unknown for Bloemfontein ,spent 3 months there and was sent to Ladysmith , we were herded into a dilapidated camp that not been used since WW2,
served out the balance of 6 months and reported to Durban Reg October 1962. Dawn your father was our O.C. with Maj Petit 2IC , Maj Paul , Cpt Lotter ,Cpt Steenkamp and RSM was George Hatting, WO2 was Bosse , Tops Fourie was my sergeant who later become O.C after Al Petit and Bosse became RSM after Hatting, I and Nolen Goldstone became WO2’s , he continued on to become OC after Tops Fourie , My last camp was in 1967 back at Ladysmith where was acting RSM [unpaid] Hope I shared a bit of the regiments history with you .
If anybody is interested I still have my original beret and collar badges with gold eagle and silver shell , my WO2 badges and original regimental tie. let me know.
Howie Munro Jan 1962 to Dec 1967
Gerald Buttigieg
Hi Howie,
Not sure if you remember me but I arrived at Ladysmith June 1962 from Tempe. You were then into your last three months finishing off in September. I was there with Mally Ambler, Eddie Akal, Lester Kitto and Derek Moe amongst others. Yes Ladysmith was in a bad way when we were there. I have writtemn my memories of “Going to the Army”. Here is the link on this site. https://www.fad.co.za/2012/04/02/going-to-the-army-1st-april-1962/ I visited the camp last year after 50 odd years and could not recognise it one bit although I found it easily enough as it is still situated where it was. Why do I remember my cousin Elizabeth Chiassaro telling me she worked with you?
Howie Munro
Hi Gerald,
I remember Eddie and Lister very well , they were in the DR .I grew up with Mally Amber so we are long time mates together, he and Derek Moe were in the DLI and if my memory serves me correct Derek ended up as OC .
I can not place you and would like you to mention a few other names to connect. I was transport corporal in the last 3 months ,what was your mustering ?
Great to chat and would like to place you although it’s a helluva long time ago.
Gerald Buttigieg
Hi Howie,
Yes over 50 years ago now. No doubt you know both Eddie and Lester have sadly passed on some years ago. I have posted the 5 SAI movement order on FAD which discharged the second intake in December 1962. A lot of the names listed there should ring a bell with you. I am big mates with Don Cambier (Ambie) and also with the late Bruce Smith (tragically murdered) of Freemantle Road. I seem to recall I used to see you at the Shell Garage in Blair Atholl Rd when I lived down that way. There is a picture of me on FAD. Do a search on FAD for me. I was not a Hillary boy but through Don and Bruce, Howard Ash and others got to know some of the crew there. Did you read my Going to the Army ” post on FAD ? I was an Infantry Signaller with the DR. Were you a Tiffy then?
Mike Evered-hall
Dear Gerald Buttigieg —– I was called up in 1960 and was allocated to the Royal Durban Light Infantry which became the Durban light Infantry in 1961. My call up in 1960 entailed an initial full service training period of two months. Both you and I worked for the South African Post Office engineering division which eventually became Telkom. I woul love to hear from you. I stumbled on this Web site by accident.
Regards
Mike Evered-Hall
072 877 4030
6 May 2017
Gerald Buttigieg
Hi Mike
Good to hear from an old work colleague. I worked with Mike for about a year (1966) at the Durban Trunk Exchange in Pine Street directly opposite Payne Brothers back entrance and now Game. This was Durban’s first automatic trunk exchange based on the British motor uniselector system and if I remember correctly was opened in 1947.
re your Army Call up. If I am not wrong you were called up via the ballot system where names were “drawn from a hat” rather than later when everyone had to register. Your training period was also far shorter. Was training done in Durban?
Michélle
Does anyone know if Cmdt Jan Steenkamp of Regiment Port Natal is still alive? I doubt it actually. He must be quite aged now. We adored him and his wife when we were little. My father, Lt Col AH (Braam) Cronjé has pased away in 2004 already. If anyone has photos or stories to share, I’d love to hear from you.
john jones
Just a petty little correction to the heading. The DR was on the Natal / Moz border from at least 1975 when I did a ‘camp’ in the Ndumo game reserve alongside the river That was my first of many encounters with tick bite fever LOL.
Glen Sanders
Great to hear everyone talking about DR
It was a second home for me from 1972 until 1995 or thereabouts. The mind wonders. I now live in Malta with my family and believe it or not my Blues are hanging up outside my cupboard. Great site
john jones
Sad day to remember Louis Delport. Killed in a stupid live fire training accident 7//7/1976 at Oshivelo . 44 years ago today. Love and God’s blessings to his family. Will never forget you “Manne”
Dan Dekker
Hi John
I remember Manne very well as my section was the next in line to go through the fire and movement drill after his sad ending. Understandably, we were terrified of continuing with the drill. Always remember his smily face and recall someone teasing him about being a “body builder” as he was a panel beater in ciyyy street. It was sad to return without him.
Dan Dekker
5AS1 1967, Durban until 1977
john jones
Edit : His name was Leon Delport . Not ‘Louis’. 7/7/2023
John Jones
Hi Dan
We were in the section behind you then. We were next to move up the dirt road to that bushy area where the drill was taking place. I remember the shock and the looks on some of Manne’s section when they came back. A lot of people cried , including me. I really thought that they would call off the exercise at least as a mark of respect to Manne. But after a ‘coffee break’ the exercise carried on. I remember taking as many rounds out of my magazine as I could and then just shot into the tree tops like most guys in our section. At Durban station most guys were saying goodbye to wives or girlfriends. I had neither so I just looked out the window and I was directly opposite Manne and his wife sitting on the bench with two small girls. That picture of them has been with me for over 45 years. But what a beautiful person he was. He was a really gentle soul with a smile for everyone. But I would never have wanted to tangle with him lol !!. He used to read his Bible every night by gas light..R.I.P Manne
Joan Mills
Dan Dekker
Do or did you have 2 brothers?
1 older & 1 younger?
Your Father’s nickname was Torie ( Tory ) & Mom was Ethel ??
My Dad was Chummy ( Lawrie/Lawrence ) Brown & my Mother Freda.
I have just seen this post & wondered if it was the Dan I knew as a child through my parents.
Daniel Dekker
Hi Joan. Yes I remember your parents very well . Our fathers were schoolboy friends and If I remember correctly they remade contact in the early 60s when we were living in Northdene. I remember meeting youre family and we visited you a few times while you were living in Westville and your family also visited us several times. If my memory serves me, I think youre sister was Ann? I do have an older brother Mike and unfortunately my younger brother Peter died young at 41 from a heart attack. both my parents died quite young, neither reaching the age of 62.
Thanks for your e mail – a real blast from the past !