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Twilight Saints Raiders carried out a raid to Ubejane/Warriors Den Shellhole in Mtubatuba on 06 April and Ubejane Shellhole in KwaMbonambi on 07 April.

There were 22 Raiders on a 21 seater bus so yours truly opted to sit on the cooler box containing the essential rations.

Saturday

Upon arrival at Mtubatuba at 12h30 we were welcomed by the Old Bill (Karli Schulze) and the Shellhole members and their wives.

We were treated to a shooter called fire water (it really was) and then shown the Shellhole, which is truly magnificent, with an outstanding collection of memorabilia. We then went into the pub and proceeded to behave responsibly as all good Moths do.

We were later treated to Steak roles and a divine shooter called Melk Tert, which is a concoction of Vodka and Condensed Milk and then got even more responsible.

The Old Bill had organized us overnight accommodation at the local hostel and later when we returned to the Shellhole, everyone was there and we made merry.

The Twilight Saints Raiders ceremony was performed a bit later with the traditional “R” Sole Certificate being bestowed on the Executive, which was followed by the presentation to them of the “R” Soles by Moth Mookie Wantenaar. Moth Gerry Nell presented the coveted Saint, where after Moth Kenn Brown handed over a

Raiders Pennant. Moth Alan Henderson handed over a bottle of Hakkies Draad and an unapproved Liquor Act. Moth Stuart Hardie (Old Bill of Better ‘Ole Shellhole and new Raiders member) handed over a Pennant. Old Bill Karli Schulze, presented us with a Beer Mug.

We were then treated to a fantastic Potjie, followed by a hilarious rendition of Old Mc Donald had a farm, courtesy of Peter and Alan Harrison. Much Kariokie, dancing, melk tert, fire water and beverages followed until the wee hours, before we finally went back to the hostel, which proved to be a nightmare, courtesy of a Raider who shall remain anonymous who kept not only all of us awake but I suspect the whole of Mtubatuba as well.

To make matters worse, he decided to go to sleep when we all got up. (Thanks Pieter Kruger). Oh yes, we were all rudely awakened by the ringing of a bell in the passage (Thanks Kim Brown and all her lady cohorts)

Sunday

The next morning (08h00) we were once again treated to a wonderful breakfast accompanied by that liquid brown stuff. (Some of the weaker ones opted for Tea) Sadly, it had come time to say farewell. Sadly, because we had arrived as “strangers” but within a few minutes we were friends and it is always sad to say goodbye to them.

The Old Bill and members of Ubejane/Warriors Den Shellhole and not forgetting their womenfolk really treated us like royalty and made it a raid to remember. Off to KwaMbonambi in the bus, the occupants of which for some unknown reason were somewhat subdued.

There was quite a bit of nodding. Arrived at Mbonambi Shellhole, where we were greeted and welcomed by the Old Bill (Chris Rossouw) and the Shellhole members and their wives.

The ceremony went off very well, with presentations all as described above and with the Sergeant Major fining everyone and thing in sight, and double fining the Ubejane/Warriors Den Moths again for the fire water and melk tert episodes.

The Raiders were then treated to a delicious savory platter for lunch, and then once again it was the sad part of saying goodbye. Old Bill, Karli Schulze and Old Bill Chris Rossouw, on behalf of the Twilight Saints Raiders I thank you and all the Moths and people involved for your wonderful hospitality. It was a real pleasure to have been there.

To all the Raiders and supporters, I thank you, because without you, the raid would not have been possible and then we would not have met so many wonderful people Moth Thys Jansen (Twilight Shellhole and Twilight Raider), I especially thank you for driving the bus and taking and returning us safely. Thank You.

13 South African Parabats killed in action in the Central African Republic

"The first tribute and wreath laying in South Africa for the 13 South African Parabats killed in action in the Central African Republic, took place in Hermanus on the 26 March, 2013.

Overstrand Mayor Nicolette Botha-Guthrie, Seagull Shellhole Old Bill Harvey Saayman and Deputy Old Bill Charl Williams laid a wreath for our fallen soldiers at the Hermanus cenotaph.

Moth Manuel Ferreira - Seagull Shellhole"

I attach article and photo published in the Hermanus Times, 28 March 2013

Angolan War Vets

To Whom it May Concern...

My name is James Hutton and I am a fourth year historical studies post-graduate student at the University of Cape Town. I was told to contact you via one of your members, Patric Case.

In conjunction with my partner, Grace Garland, and under the supervision of lecturers Lauren Van Vuuren and Vivian Bickford-Smith, we are making, as our honors thesis, a documentary on the Angolan War, with specific focus on the last decade of the war.

The theme of our work is on heritage and remembrance and our focus is on the experience of SADF veterans who fought on the border as well as the experience of returning to South Africa at the peak of the political and racial conflict. Furthermore we are also interested in looking at how processes and sites of heritage have been established in the post-apartheid South Africa and what the implications of the Border War so often being labelled "the forgotten war" are for guys who were either voluntarily or conscripted to fight there, for the families of those veterans and of veterans who did not come home.

I am contacting your organization with the hope that you might help us in reaching out to SADF veterans who might be willing to participate in our documentary by sharing their stories, photographs, letters, experiences and memories of being on the border.

As this is a documentary being made in a University context it is unlikely that the end product will be broadcast commercially Thus we are unable to offer any kind of monetary compensation. However, any participation/contribution and time given would be massively appreciated and acknowledged. Grace and I both feel that this is a really worth while topic which can and should be explored as a part of our country's heritage and history.

I look forward to your response.

Kind Regards
James Hutton
email: jameshutton152@gmail.com

Crusaders Meeting 18 March 2013

Richard Smith visited the Crusaders meeting on 18 March 2013. There were four ministers there.

Left to right - Rabbi. Richard Newman, Rev. Errol Sadler Anglican. Craig Hounsom, Congregetional Union. Brett Garth Viviers, Messanic Jewish Movement

Pictured from left to right: Moths Daphne Foster-Sutherland, Frank Joubert, Harry Bent and Pierre Olivier

Members receive recognition at Marshal Smuts Shellhole

At the 669th General Meeting of Marshal Smuts Shellhole, the following members were honoured for commitment, duty and loyalty towards Mothdom: Moth Pierre Olivier – received the Excellent Service Badge from Provincial Old Bill Graham StuckMoth Daphne Foster-Sutherland – received Shellhole Life MembershipMoths Frank Joubert and Harry Bent – received their 60 year service ties (the ties were presented by Moth Malcolm Bouwer, who has been a serving Moth for 67 years)

Dickie Fritz donates to Warriors Gate

Dickie Fritz took very seriously to the recently circulated Warriors Gate Appeal Fund plea, to the extent that a motion was passed at their December meeting on Thursday 6th December, for the Dickie Fritz Shellhole to make a donation in the amount of R20 000.00, and a further R12 000.00 in March 2013.

Dickie Fritz challenge all Provincial Dugouts, District Dugout's and other Shellholes as well as Mothwa Units, to match or better this response, or at the very least, to make a donation befitting the finances of each entity. 

Photo taken at Pretoria District Dugout. Left, O/Bill Quintin Geyser; District O/Bill Dave Berry; Moth Harry van der Walt; O/Bill Eddie Penzhorn

Historical trip to Pretoria

In conjunction with the General Secretary of the Flame Lily Foundation (ex-Rhodesian), John Redfurn, a trip was undertaken visiting the old historical sites of Pretoria. Although this trip was widely advertised, only Moth Harry van der Walt, from Better'Ole Shellhole, was braveenough to undertake this most interesting tour with John, who is also a registered tour guide in Pretoria.

"I was first taken to the Pioneer Cemetary, where former Presidents were buried and Anglo-Boer war graves were, dating back to the 1900's.
We then past various historical buildings in Pretoria and the full details were discussed with me,including Paul Kruger House and Melrose House where various treaties were sighned.

We then went onto the grounds of the Voortrekker Monument and first visited Fort Klapperkop. This is a fort ontop of a hill with gun emplacements that served to protect Pretoria during the Boer war.

Afterwards we visited the Voortrekker Monument. Upon climbing the steps, I was left in awe at the beauty of the inner hall of the monument. The Hall of Heroes portrays historical scenes of the Great Trek. Four South African sculptors were responsable for the panels. The moulds were then shipped to Italy where they were then sculpted in marble and shipped back to South Africa. We stopped at the S.A.D.F. Wall of Rememberance as well as the Rhodesian Wall of Rememberance for persons who died on the two Viscounts downed by terrorists.

SADF Wall of Rememberance	Standing at the Rhodesian Wall of Rememberance
Fighter planes of the bush war era

After lunch we went to the Swarkops Airforce base to view military planes of the bush war era and see others that are still in use today.
We then went to Irene to see the house of General Jan Smuts, who served in the Boer war, First world war and the Second world war.

At 18h00 I was welcomed at the Pretoria District Dugout by the District Old Bill Dave Berry, Old Bill Eddie Penzhorn from Gorgeous Wrecks Shellhole, Old Bill Quintin Geyser from Field Marshal Shellhole and other Moths from the Pretoria district.

Border Parade

The 10th Annual Border Parade and memorial service was held at Dawn Patrol shellhole on Sunday 3rd February. Over 150 MOTHs drawn from all over the Cape Western shellholes attended along with families and friends.

The guest speaker was Lt Col S. Van Wyk, MMM (rtd), He was the OC of 31 SAI BATTALION during the Border war. His address centred on the formation, role played by the battalion, made up of mainly bushmen, and the subsequent disbandment and resettlement of the bushmen and their families.

Major Dick Hargrieves, MC, Legion de Honour (rtd) who was visiting South Africa from England also attended. He was one of the commanders at ARNHEM during the second world war.

Preparations started early in the morning and included egg and bacon sandwiches with tea or coffee for those who had travelled from afar. After the memorial service cooler refreshments were available, as well as hamburgers. MOTH regalia was also on sale throughout the day.

The Cape Town Caledonian Pipe Band led the Parade around the adjacent streets of Bergvliet. The Regimental band of the Cape Town Rifles provided the music for the memorial service and bugler for the wreath laying and remembrance act.

For more images click here

Guard of Honour

Norman Vietch 100 Years Young 01/01/2013

A celebration of this achievement was held at the vacant Chair Shellhole, Pretoria Sound Memory Cottages on Sunday 6th January 2013. Norman was honored by the MOTH order, The SA Legion and the Royal Airforce Association on the day. His shellhole mates formed a guard of honour to salute his achievements. Norman is apparently the oldest living MOTH member in South Africa. Norman served as an airman seconded to the Royal Airforce during WWII in North Africa and Italy. He is held in high regard by all who know him.

Moth Award	Norman & coke Norman Cake
Norman Still The Ladies Man

Bev handing birthday gifts to ellie	Ellie's birthday cake
New Recruit facing the meeting	OB pinning Comadeship pin onMoth Jan NEL

Latest news from Red Barn

Since our last posting we have enjoyed our Oct fete, celebrated out 69th birthday, Nov 2012, held our annual 'Behind the line' concert, attended
the annual carol service, and enjoyed am Xmas lunch.

2013 started off by helping Ellie Drayton celebrate her 68th birthday with a surprise braai, inducting a new moth, Chris le Roux, welcomed Alex Dunn who has transferred from Tommy Rendle and presented Jan Nel with the certificate of comradeship.

We have also made donations to the Salvation Army Band, who provided the music at the carol service and St Lukes' hospice.

Regiment Westetelike Province, who has the freedom of the Overstand Municipalty	Hermanus Cenotaph
Seagull Shellhole Old Bill Harvey Saayman	Overstrand Mayor Nicolette Botha-Guthrie
Moths	92 year old veteran George Dawson after laying his wreath

Seagull Shellhole annual Remembrance Day Parade (11.11.2012)

" The local Hermanus Moth, Seagull Shellhole has been organizing for many years the annual Overstrand Remembrance Day Service/Parade.
This year, fiftteen organisations and twenty odd members of the public participated in the wreath-laying ceremony, viz the Overstrand Mayor, Nicolette Botha-Guthrie, The South African Police, the junior Mayor, Regiment Westelike Provincie, Cape Town Highlanders, head boys and girls from all Hermanus Schools, the Rhodesian Light Infantry Association, the Flame Lily Foundation, the NSIR, the Hermanus Old Boys and the Hermanus Sea Scouts.

Mayor Botha -Guthrie in her address:

"This is what today is about: we must not forget those who laid down their lives in active service for our country and our nation, and we must think about them with pride because that is what comforts and consoles their relatives and their comrades who stayed behind. Ceremonies like this bring acceptance and reconcilliation."

After the service a lunch was held for all VIPs, guests, Moths and their families"

Moth Manny Ferreira - Seagull Shellhole