montagu and its support of ex-servicemen · 2020. 8. 3. · nd world war; he was also involved with...

MONTAGU AND ITS SUPPORT OF EX-SERVICEMEN

Introduction

This article was triggered by Anelma Oosthuizen, who submitted an article about her family and their connection with the ex-servicemen organizations that existed in Montagu. Her article is featured in this document.

From what could be established at the time of compiling this document, Montagu had branches of both the SA Legion and The Memorable Order of the Tin Hats (M.O.T.H.s). It appears that the M.O.T.H.s were established before the SA Legion in Montagu. The M.O.T.H.s then disappeared and the Montagu Ex-Serviceman Association was created (see their constitution in Addendum 2). This organization took over a variety of functions pertaining to ex-servicepersons from all wars. They undertook welfare roles, arranged fundraising activities and organized Remembrance Day events in Montagu. The Ex-Servicemen Association came into being on the 3rd September 1964, the brainchild of Mr. Johannes Buirski. To date it has not been possible to determine when the Ex-Servicemen Organisation ceased to exist, but it appears that around the late sixties the SA Legion came to prominence in Montagu and the Ex-Servicemen’s Association was disbanded.

According to current M.O.T.H. Old Bill James Mulligan (2020), the M.O.T.H.s were revived in Montagu by Wessel Fourie in 2012. Wessel set up the local Shellhole on his private property.

Interaction with SA Legion

From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Tuesday, March 31, 2020 12:18 PM To: [email protected] Subject: RE: InformationGood afternoon Rudi,You are correct that there was a branch of the Legion in Montagu. Unfortunately I don’t have any detail on it but from memory I would say that it closed around 2005. I recall that there was a couple who I think had both served in the military who did their best to recruit new members and keep the branch open but unfortunately their efforts were unsuccessful.I have asked our national office if they have any further information but given the current situation I imagine that it will take some time to receive a reply.Best wishesDavidDavid HolmesManagerSA Legion (Cape Town Branch)Tel : +27 216899771 | Fax : +27 21 6856254 | E- Mail : [email protected] 368, Rondebosch 7701, Cape Town, South Africa | Rosedale, Lower Nursery Road, Rosebank, Cape Townhttp://www.salegion.co.za

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From: [email protected] Sent: Friday, 27 March 2020 08:49 To: [email protected] Subject: InformationGood Morning SA Legion,I collect information for a web page called Montagu Stories. I also live in the town of Montagu. I am busy compiling material on ex–servicemen organisations that existed in Montagu. This idea was triggered by a website viewer who submitted a letter which I have attached for easy reference.Questions referring to attached letter:1. Do you have any information on the SA Legion branch that existed in Montagu? There definitely was a branch in Montagu. If yes for how long was it in existence? Why did it cease to function?2. Do you have any knowledge of an Ex Volunteers’ Association of Montagu?From what I can figure out Montagu members from both the SA Legion and M.O.T.H.s seemed to have gravitated to the Ex Volunteers’ Association which was then the main ex-servicemen organisation organising all manner of fund raisers and Remembrance Day functions. This organisation also admitted home guard members as per attached letter. This organisation also died and the M.O.T.H.s reappeared. (I have already approached the M.O.T.H.s)Should you not be able to help could you perhaps refer me to somebody who has done some investigating/research into the history of ex-servicemen organizations in the Western Cape/South Africa? Any help or guidance you could offer would really be appreciated.Thank you,Rudi AllmayerLandline: 0236143388Mobile: 0833544311

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Interaction with M.O.T.H.s

From: Philip McLachlan [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Thursday, March 19, 2020 5:03 PM To: [email protected] Cc: ‘M.O.T.H. OFFICE’ Subject: RE: Montagu Shell HoleGood afternoon RudiReceived a similar request about 5 years ago on the same subject. Research via the M.O.T.H. Office could unfortunately not shed any light on the matter as no reference could be picked up in the old Home Front Magazines.Apparently it was customary for returning soldiers to form Shellholes on board ships when travelling back to South Africa from up north. In all cases these Shellholes then disbanded when they arrived back home. Our best guess is that HMS Ajax Shellhole fell into this category and that one of the Montagu blokes might have been a member. We could however establish that No 9 Shellhole was active in Robertson during the 1950s.Attached please see incomplete concise history about Western Cape M.O.T.H.-dom that I have compiled by using formal publications.Question 2 negativeQuestion 3: No political differences; the SA Legion is more of a charity organisation whereas the M.O.T.H. is a benevolent organisation.Kind regards,Philip McLachlan

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From: [email protected] To: [email protected] Subject: Montagu Shell HoleGood Morning M.O.T.H.s,I collect information for a web page called Montagu Stories. I also live in the town of Montagu. I am busy compiling material on The M.O.T.H.s of Montagu. This idea was triggered by a website viewer whole submitted a letter which I have attached for easy reference. I met with the Montagu Old Bill yesterday and he suggested I contact you as my questions were well before his time. Should you not be able to help could you perhaps refer me to a M.O.T.H. member who has an interest in the history of the South African M.O.T.H.s (ex-servicemen organizations) with special interest in the Western Cape?Questions referring to attached letter:1. Did Montagu Have a Shellhole called HMS Ajax? If yes for how long was it in existence for? Why did it cease to function?2. Do you have any knowledge of an Ex Volunteers’ Association of Montagu?3. Montagu also had a branch of the SA Legion which seems to have died through lack of support. Were there political differences between the SA Legion and the M.O.T.H.s?From what I can figure out in Montagu members from both the SA Legion and M.O.T.H.s seemed to have gravitated to the Ex Volunteers’ Association which was then the main ex-servicemen organisation organising all manner of fund raisers and Remembrance Day functions. This organisation also admitted home guard members as per attached letter. This organisation also died and the M.O.T.H.s reappeared. Any help or guidance you could offer would really be appreciated.Thank you,Rudi AllmayerLandline: 0236143388Mobile: 0833544311

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First Office Bearers of Montagu Ex-Servicemen Association

Newspaper Clipping: Cape Times Nov. 21 1964 supplied by Anelma Oosthuizen

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Newspaper Clippings: Cape Times Nov. 21 1964 supplied by Anelma Oosthuizen

See speech delivered by Piet Jordaan in Addendum 1.

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The Jordaan Family of Montagu

Piet Jordaan’s family was one of the Montagu families who had a passion for helping ex-soldiers where they could. They were absolute supporters of the SA Legion (“Nie vir ons self nie, maar vir andere”) and what it stood for as well as the Montagu Ex-Servicemen’s Association (The principles of both these organizations are to be found in this document).

Irma Jordaan (daughter) explains (2020) that her father’s interest was not limited to the 2nd World War; he was also involved with issues from the 1st World War and the Boer War when they arose. She relates a story of her father towing a caravan from Montagu to Tulbagh to accommodate a soldier’s widow after her house was destroyed by the earthquake.

Father Piet, mother Rina and daughter Carina belonged to the SA Legion and the Ex-Servicemen Association where they volunteered their services in different roles over the years.

L/R: Mrs. Hannah Buirski (wife of Johannes Buirski), Mrs. Rina Jordaan (wife of Piet Jordaan), Mrs. Bee Jordaan and Mrs. Katie Smith

Picture: Irma Jordaan

Piet had a particular interest in championing the cause of men who served in the Home Guard. This was probably fuelled by the fact that his brother Captain Abrie Jordaan was the officer in charge of the Montagu Home Guard. Men who served in the Home Guard were not permitted to join The SA Legion or the M.O.T.H.s at the time. Piet’s speech delivered at the 45th annual congress of the SA Legion, held in the Hotel Elizabeth, Port Elizabeth, on 18th May, 1966 (Addendum1), is but one example of him fighting

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a cause close to his heart. After presentation of the speech the Legion decided to admit Home Guard soldiers.

Daughter Carina carrying on with her father’s work. Examples of her work are included in this document.

Daughter Carina Jordaan (16/04/1946 – 26/12/2015)

CARINA JORDAAN 12 May 1981The National SecretaryS.A. LegionP.O. Box 8751JOHANNESBURG2000Dear SirPayment of Danger Pay of Private J.R. van der Merwe no. 7651366.I acknowledge receipt of your letter with regards to the salary of Private W.C. de Kock. It has been brought to my attention that a similar situation has occurred at Robertson.Private J.R.van der Merwe no 7651366 is stationed at Grahamstown.He is part of A company of 6 S A I Battalion.From September 1980 to January 1981 he had served on the border.Up to now no extra money, known as Danger Pay, has been paid into his savings account at the Standard Bank Robertson.After several phone calls to Pretoria his M.O.T.H.er had not been able to make contact with the official concerned. As the distance between Robertson and Pretoria is very big, this is a very expensive and unsatisfactory method.We feel very alarmed, seeing that this is the second case in less than a month that has been reported to us.I would appreciate it if you will advise me at your earliest possible convenience what I must do about this matter.Yours faithfullyCARINA JORDAAN (miss)

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Die Suid-Afrikaanse Legioen

“Nie vir onsself nie, maar vir andere”

Die Suid-Afrikaanse Legioen is by baie lesers nog onbekend. Hierdie organisasie beywer hom vir die welsyn van dienspligtiges, Burgermaglede en veterane uit alle oorloë. Ander welsynsorganisasies samel ook fondse in wat aangewend word ten bate van die hedendaagse soldaat, wat dan meer publisiteit as die Legioen verkry. Een van die doelstellinge van die Legioen is om ten alle tye hulp en raad te verleen aan vrouens en kinders van persone wat miIitêre diens doen. Persone wat op militêre pensioen geregtig is as gevolg van beserings wat opgedoen is gedurende hulIe miIitêre diens of geregtig is op ‘n oudstryderspensioen, sal waardevolle raad en hulp van die Legioen verkry.

Aansoek vir studiehuIp kan ook gedoen word uit trusts wat nagelaat is vir kinders van hulpbehoewende oud gediendes.

Op 13 November 1983 organiseer die Montagu Tak van die S.A. Legioen in samewerking met die Montagu Munisipaliteit die jaarlikse Herdenkingsdiens. Hierdie diens word jaarIiks so na as moontlik aan WapenstiIstanddag, wat op 11 November is, dwarsoor die wêreld gehou.

Die oggenddiens van die N. G. Kerk sal bygewoon word deur offisiere en manskappe van Regiment Boland, Die Swellendam Kommando, Die 110 Eskader van S.A. Lugmag, die Suid Afrikaanse Polisie en verteenwoordigers van die Hoërskole van Montagu en Robertson.

Om 10h30 vind die kranslegging by die oorlogsmonument in Badstraat plaas. Daar word ook ‘n paar kranse gelê deur ouers wie reeds seuns in die hedendaagse konflikte verloor het. Almai is baie welkom om hierdie plegtige seremonie by te woon.

Daar word wêreldwyd op hierdie Sondag gebruik gemaak van die internasionale blom van herdenking, die rooi papawer, wat ook die simbool van herinnering geword het vir die gesneuwelde jong Suid-Afrikaner.

Op 19 November vind die jaarlikse dans van die Montagu Tak van die S.A. Legioen plaas in die Hotel Avalon. Daar word jaarliks gesorg dat hierdie funksie die spoggeleentheid van die jaar is. Dit is die eerste optrede van die gewilde Penny Weight orkes op Montagu.

Indien u verdere inligting verIang in verband met lidmaatskap, werksaamhede of bogenoemde funksies, kan u die sekretaresse, mej. Carina Jordaan, kontak by Posbus 37, Tel. 42219, Montagu.

SIuit aan en help ons die Ieuse van die Legioen uitleef:

“Nie vir onsself nie, maar vir andere”

Article: Dorpse Dinge Nov. 1983

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Picture: Jaco De Kock collection


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The Memorable Order of Tin Hats

Anelma Oosthuizen (b Kriel) remembers the M.O.T.H.s of MontaguWhen I was a child about 6 or 7 years old, 1951 or 1952, my sister ,4 or 5 years old, and I attended a Christmas party organized by the HMS AJAX Shellhole at Montagu. It was not held at the St. Mildred’s church. The Christmas tree party was held in the outbuilding of the old double storey building at the corner of Long Street and Kohler Street. At that time the building was a boarding house, called Lindella.

Lindella

At the party my sister and I received a doll each. These dolls were at my mother’s house until she died in 2004.

My father, Eduard Christiaan le Roux Kriel was a member of the aforementioned Shellhole.

E.C. le Roux Kriel - Montagu Home Guard, 1943

Picture: Anelma Oosthuizen

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His brother, Mr. Lourens Matthys Kriel, was also a member; as well as two of my uncles: Mr. Will Conradie and Mr. Michiel Josias de Kock.

Lourens Kriel - 2nd world war Egypt


In my possession are the M.O.T.H. badges of my father, Eduard Kriel, as well as the badge of my uncle, Lourens Kriel. I also have four medals belonging to my father and grandfather, Mr. Pieter Barend Botha, who served in German East Africa (now Tanzania) in the medical corps during 1914 to 1918.

M.O.T.H. Lapel Badge


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I was too young in the 1950s to know much about the meetings and work done by the Shellhole. I am sure the Ex-Volunteers’ Association of Montagu took over from the Shellhole.

Montagu M.O.T.H. Dance 3 July 1947

Right in front sitting Mrs. Mynie Joubert and blind man Benno Burger. Left corner sitting, bow tie and moustache, Mr. P.J.Joubert, Mynie’s husband. Next to Peterken (P.J. Joubert), black suit and bow tie, Mr Martiens Kriel. Next to Martiens, woman with necklace,

Mrs. Richard du Toit, her husband 4th from her to the right.

In front, bending towards Mynie Joubert, is Mr. Idelson, Montagu Hotel and Bath Hotel owner. His wife behind him in black with white brooch. Constable Timmerman and wife in middle of photo at the back. Also a Miss. Ravenscroft.

Front row right end: Commander of the Ajax Shellhole, Mr Wileman. His wife floral dress with broad satin waist band.

Back in the middle: Mr Eduard Kriel marked with cross. My father. Brother of Lourens Kriel.

Right at the back: Mr Bierman with spectacles. Mr. Latelle, also with spectacles, under the stem of the guitar. Mrs. Latelle in front with embroidered dress and strap shoes.


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A soldier’s sleeping quarters Egypt 2nd World War


I give the names of ex-soldiers of Montagu who became members of the Ex-Volunteers’ Association. I am not sure where and in what capacity they served.

• Mr. Dorus Augustyn (Theodorus). The Koo, Montagu - attended more than one Remembrance Day service in France, Dellville Bosch memorial.

• Mr. J.L. Buirski served in Egypt. One of the great organizers of Remembrance Days at Montagu. Electrician at Montagu.

Remembrance Day 1964: Wreaths of remembrance at a special church service, organized by the recently formed Ex-Volunteers Association of Montagu, in the NGK church Montagu, conducted by the Rev. J.A.C. Weideman. The wreath bearers were (left to

right) Major C.R. Wolhuter, Mr. J.L. Buirski, Mr. J.F. Nel, and Mr. R. Bartlett.

Picture: Cape Times, Nov.21, 1964

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• Mr. Will Conradie Home Guard, (my uncle) water bailiff municipality. Lived in Long Street.• Mr. R. Bartlett served in Egypt I believe.• Mr. Michiel Josias de Kock (my uncle) served in Egypt. Farmer in the Keisie, Montagu.


• Mr. Isak Ellis (served where?) Electrician, Montagu Municipality.• Mr. Fritz Joubert served in Egypt. Not sure of his occupation, perhaps SAR & H.• Mr. Piet Jordaan served in Egypt. A great figure dedicated to serving ex-servicepersons and

their families in Montagu. Farmer, Bordeaux (Drie Berge wine).• Mr. Eduard Christiaan Le Roux Kriel (my father), Home Guard. 6 Joubert Street, Montagu.• Mr. Lourens Matthys Kriel (my uncle), served in Egypt. Electrician and radiographer, Montagu

Municipality. Before Eskom electricity he worked at the Montagu power station as engineer on generators. He was also the projectionist at the Alwyn bioscope.

Lourens Kriel Tank Service, North Africa


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• Mr. Bresler Knipe. Farmer, The Koo.• Mr. Walter Knipe served in Italy I believe. Pilot. Farmer, The Koo, Montagu.• Mr. Kosie la Grange. Farmer, pianist, composer.• Mr. J. F. Nel. Served in Egypt or France (not sure), Farmer.• Mr. Pat Rossouw. Deputy Commander of the aforementioned Shellhole. He lost a leg during

WWII. According to a family member he was instructor. A young recruit shot him through the leg by accident.

• Mr. Eduard Stemmet. M.O.T.H. member’s card No. 13242 HMS AJAX 1952.• Mr. Kosie van Zyl. Served in Italy; not sure of his occupation, farmer.• Mr. E Wileman. Commander of the shell hole. Electrician. Mr. Wileman lived in Piet Retief

Street in a house which was part of the old English barracks (Anglo Boer War). The building stretched around the corner into Bloem Street.

I wonder if there are still people left in Montagu who remember the old English barracks or if any photos of it exist. I can make you a sketch because I know exactly how it was. My parents had a house built in 1948 just opposite the border wall of the barracks.

Old English Barracks cnr Bloem and Joubert Streets.

There were three small houses for officers and the rest single rooms. Mr. Wileman lived in one house, Mr. Jan Swart in one and Mr. Gert Mellet and family in the third. In the courtyard was a stable for horses, a reservoir with a crypt around it for horses and 4 or 6 old bucket-system toilets. Sometimes unpleasant smells wafted into our back yard.

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Sketches and notes: Anelma Oosthuizen

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For years after the Boer War the single rooms were used by farmers who came into town for “Nagmaal” (Communion). The Dutch Reformed Church had the barracks demolished to build a parsonage. Later the parsonage was sold.

Something about Mr. Pat Rossouw and Mr. Lourens Kriel.

They were both keen amateur actors. Mrs. Mynie Joubert (Nee Piek) was the founder of the Montagu Drama Club. She was married to Mr. Peterkin (P.J.) Joubert, son of the then famous P.J. Joubert, winemaker of Montagu. (Mynie died at a young age and Peterkin remarried.) Her drama company staged, amongst many other plays, Die Roos van Saron. Kriel and Rossouw had major roles in the play. Both Mr. Pat Rossouw and Mr. Lourens Kriel, together with Mr. Peterkin Joubert, were organizers of the Montagu Spring festivals, later wine festivals. Once Mr. Kriel was driver of a float with a bevy of Montagu beauties. At another festival Mr. Rossouw appeared on a float as Neptune with his trident. Mr. Kriel was the big fish.

Mr. Lourens Matthys Kriel (my uncle) passed away in 1968 aged 55 years. He was buried with full military honours in the graveyard next to Bath Street. His coffin was draped in the flag of South Africa. His full bar medals (5 including 2 stars) was on top of the coffin.

The Last Post was sounded by a bugler from Robertson.

A number of the Coloured community of Montagu also served in WWII. They were present at Remembrance Day services, wearing their medals. Unfortunately I do not know their surnames.

Montagu Remembers The Dead Of Two World Wars

There was an impressive turn out for Montagu’s Remembrance Day Service and Parade, which was organized by the recently formed Ex Volunteers’ Association of Montagu

Picture: Cape Times Nov. 21 1964

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Pipe Band of the Cape Town Caledonian Society

Picture: Jaco de Kock collection

Signed: Mrs. Anelma Oosthuizen (Nee Kriel)

36 Convention Street Reitz

9810 Or Box 554, Reitz, 9810

E mail: [email protected]

Cellphone: 0723237676

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Addendum 1

Speech delivered by Montagu delegates at the 45th annual congress of the S.A. Legion, held in the Hotel Elizabeth, Port Elizabeth, on 18th May, 1966, at 9 a.m.Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen,

In introducing this motion, we are aware that it has been a contentious matter for many years, and perhaps the Montagu Branch being one of the youngest and smallest branches may be the fools rushing in where angels fear to tread, but, Mr. President, if that be so, let me warn this Congress, that we are very persistent fools.

On this matter of the recognition of part time soldiers, Montagu wants to put to this Congress the views of the smaller country branches, because Montagu is a small place and a small community. Some people may even call it a “one horse town”, but, Mr. President, one horse can also pull a cart, if that horse be willing, and I can assure you, that Montagu’s horse is a very willing one, because collectively speaking, it consists for the greater part of that selfsame element which the legion has been denying recognition for more than twenty years.

There were several units who served in World War II, which are affected by this resolution, but I intend to deal with the one unit of which I have firsthand knowledge, namely the National Volunteer Reserve. They were the men behind the men, behind the guns.

Mr. President, when the last war started, we on the “platteland” could not close all the shops, the Post Offices, the Banks and similar institutions, as well as leave the farms untenanted, because the people concerned were keen and eager to go forward to serve their Country. Because all these services had to be maintained and because these people were eager to serve in some way, there was created the category of what has since been called, sometimes derisively, “the part time soldiers”.

The official statistics, and these were obtained direct from the Adjudant-General, indicate that in the National Volunteer Reserve alone 44,402 Officers and other ranks served. Of this number 1,194 were officers who received the same training as the Officers of any full time unit.

These people had to take the same oath for service anywhere on the African Continent. They were issued with rifles and ammunition and received training in the regular way. I know of cases where people came for distances of 40 miles to attend parades, and to help patrol the streets at night and guard vulnerable points. For their services they asked or received no pay, and by their Oath of Service, they were bound to be sent far from their homes, should an emergency arise. The job they did was thankless and unglamorous, but Mr. President, to my mind they have proved their loyalty in helping where they could and in doing so, freeing thousands of full time soldiers to go to the Front. The fact that they were not actually involved in fighting, was no fault of their own.

The mere fact, that the services of these men were recognised by the Government by the issue of the self-same Africa Service Medal with their names engraved on the Medals,

similar to those of full time soldiers, should serve to show how highly their services were valued officially.

Mr. President, I want to draw the attention of Congress, to one fact that is easily overlooked, namely this; During the War there were many members of the Permanent Force who refused to take the Oath for Service anywhere in Africa, and ironically enough, up to now they are eligible as members of the Legion, whereas, these other loyal fellows are being excluded from the Brotherhood of Servicemen to which they are entitled.

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These people from the National Volunteer Reserve were to a large measure instrumental in helping the SAWAS to collect funds, some of which have grown into what is now the National War Fund.

Mr. President, yesterday it was decided unanimously to organise a drive for more members. The report states clearly that during the last few years 1,500 members have been lost to the Legion. Well, Mr. President, after twenty one years since the last War, I reckon the chances of recruiting members from full time Ex – Servicemen must be fairly slim, so why not give, these men who were so keen then, and who have since developed quite an inferiority complex through the treatment they have received, or rather the neglect, a chance, and the results especially in the country areas, may be surprising.

Mr. President, Montagu has anticipated this by forming, besides our small Legion Branch, what we call the Montagu Ex-Volunteers Association. In this we have incorporated full time and part time Ex-Volunteers, as well as members of the Wartime SAWAS. This set-up is working very well indeed, because here all the Ex-Servicemen are of equal status. Our Annual Dinners are attended by about 170 members and their wives, and for two years now our Remembrance Day Services have been attended by about seven hundred people in the Dutch Reformed Church. The Wreaths are brought into the Church and dedicated by the Dutch Reformed Ministers, both of them who officiate there in Afrikaans, not because they are so keen, on the contrary like all Dutch’ Reformed Ministers, they are not keen, but because our Association is so representative that they have not the heart to refuse. ,

At the Monument the Service is conducted in English by the Anglican Parson from a neighbouring village. Our Association, which operates in parallel with the Legion Branch is very representative of the Community and thus our public relations are excellent. We have been able to raise quite substantial sums for local charities.

Meneer, die President, ten slotte wil ek net sê dat hierdie manne van die N.R.V. nooit die Verdedigingsmag onteer het nie, inteendeel hulle het op hulle stille manier gehelp om die roem van die Suid Afrikaanse Soldaat hoog te hou.

‘n Oudgediende is altyd trots en ook jaloers op sy voltydse diens op die Slagveld en die Oud-Gediendes van die 1914-18 Oorlog miskien nog meer so, en tereg ook, maar Meneer die President, ek dink dis tyd dat ons Voltydse Oudgediendes grootmoedig hierdie saak benader en ook aan hierdie manne van die N.R.V. en ander eenhede die hand van broederskap ryk en hulle inbring in ons grootse en edele Organisasie en hulle daar tuis laat voel. Dit kan net tot wedersydse voordeel wees.

Document: Irma Jordaan

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Addendum 2

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Document: Montagu Museum

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montagu and its support of ex-servicemen · 2020. 8. 3. · nd world war; he was also involved with...

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