Allan Wilson Shellhole

1st.Sunday 1100.hrs Pietermaritzburg.

The History of Allan Wilson Shellhole

 

(Extracts as presented by Moth George Candy at the 50^th Anniversary)

The inaugural meeting of Allan Wilson Shellhole was held on the 27^th March 1928, in a storehouse at the back of John and Salter’s premises in Longmarket Street: a building that no longer exists. There were 16 foundation members.

In the constitution drawn up by AC Wearner on Warrington House Hotel notepaper the policy of the Shellhole is described as `National`,non-sectarian and non-political’ while the ‘objectives’ are to bring together for sociability all ex servicemen of any war, any service. Meetings were to be held on the first Tuesday of every month.

The choice of Allan Wilson name was an attempt to associate the new shellhole with an incident in the History of Southern Africa.

At this time the following shellholes existed in Pietermaritzburg: Edith Cavell, Inky, Plug Street, Chatty, Tim Lukin, Earl Haig, Gunga Din and Unknown Warrior.

The first Commander of Allan Wilson Shellhole was Wesley Mason. In May 1928 four committees were appointed for Finance, Entertainment, Sport and Visiting.

The Nominal roll rose to over 100 in 1935 but at the start of the Second World War was down to 50.

In the late 30`s Allan Wilson formed it’s own District Dugout and called it "NURSE CAVELL".In order that that the new Dugout should consist of more than 1 shellhole,Allan Wilson formerly divided itself into 2 sections: Allan Wilson 1 and Allan

Wilson 2.The schism, of course, did not last indefinitely and eventually Allan Wilson rejoined the Pietermaritzburg and District Dugout, though we do not know when this happened.

During the 2^nd Word War several members re-enlisted. The Shellhole undertook to send parcels to the boys up North and started a POW fund. At this stage, unfortunately, there is a gap in our records.

After the war, DJ MacDonald became the Commander, followed by Barry Boreham in 1951 and Dave Greenland in 1953..

The Nominal roll quadrupled itself in the early post war years. In 1953 a new shellhole banner was designed and on the 12 March 1953 the 25^th Anniversary of the Shellhole was celebrated. The occasion was marked by a bumper turnout of 120 members.

The possibility of building a Dugout was first mooted in 1930 and repeatedly raised during the ensuing years, but it was not until 1964 that a fund-raising scheme was launched under the direction of Doug Knight. A considerable sum was set aside, sufficient to establish a Trust Fund as well as maintain the Shellholes regular donations to Charity.

Building Operations commencened in May 1968, the first sod being turned by Albert Mason, our blind veteran. By that time 80% of the capital had been raised and by the following November, when the first meeting was held in the new quarters, the building was paid for. The Old Bill Chair was donated by gunners of the shellhole, the table and two side chairs by the Natal Carbineer members.

The formal opening ceremony was held on 13^th February 1969.The nominal Roll rose to 230 members..

In 1969 the Shellhole was granted a liquor licence, a development that necessitated the formation of a club. In this way the Allan Wilson Shellhole M.O.T.H club came into being. In 1974 extensions to the Dugout provided for a members bar and a storeroom.

The land that the Shellhole was built on was purchased from the Municipality on the 1 September 1995.

The Shellhole has created a climate in which the spirit of Allan Wilson feels most at home. All Shellholes belong to the same order and subscribe to the same principles, yet each has its own individuality.

Allan Wilson is fortunate in having in its ranks a large number of colorful personalities.

Starting eighty years ago with only 16 members ,it has grown to be the largest Shellhole in the Moth Order and as long as the Moth order endures, Allan Wilson will remain one of it`smost active and stalwart units.

It’s History has been chequered and even turbulent but it has never faltered in its constant Endeavour to abide by the three ideals of True Commradeship, Mutual Help and sound Memory.

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Allan Wilson Shellhole hosted a free lunch for the Moth widowers

And some  II WW  old toppies  last Friday the 7 Nov. 2008 . Members  of Allan Wilson did the catering and were waiters  at the lunch