SPRINGBOK CYBER NEWSLETTER
August 2013 edition
As we’ve observed several times in the past, Gibraltar today occupies a very similar position in the affections of the British people around the globe as Rhodesia did during the 1960s and 70s. The renewed aggression being displayed by the Spanish Government against Gibraltar and its people is therefore a matter of great concern to all of us.
Gibraltar has been British sovereign territory for far longer than it was ever Spanish, and the Gibraltarian people have confirmed in referendum after referendum that they wish to remain British by overwhelming numbers. The Spanish Government’s present tantrums are allegedly based upon opposition to a new environmentally-friendly artificial reef being laid under Gibraltarian territorial waters in order to protect fish stocks, but few can doubt that Madrid’s latest sabre-rattling antics are in reality just another pathetic attempt to claim sovereignty. So much for the EU being a vehicle for brotherhood and co-operation between fellow European states!
Spain’s illegal and unjustifiable claims on Gibraltar are of course based upon only one argument – geographic proximity. If geography was the only criteria for international boundaries then of course Alaska would be handed over to Canada, Corsica to Italy, Bornholm to Sweden and about a dozen or so other unwarranted and trouble-stirring territorial transfers around the world. More specifically, however, what about the Spanish enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla in north Africa, both of which are claimed by Morocco? The Spanish Government’s utter hypocrisy in claiming Gibraltar whilst refusing to handover Ceuta and Melilla is breath-taking! Our position is consistent however. We believe that on the grounds of history and the will of the people Gibraltar should remain British for all time, and that on the grounds of history and the will of the host population Ceuta and Melilla should remain Spanish for all time.
Be this as it may, the continuing defiance of the Gibraltarian people in their determination to remain British – just like the similar defiance of the people of the Falkland Islands – is an inspiration to all British people around the globe, and is something which therefore only increases British patriotism and greatness. We therefore salute the people of Gibraltar, and pledge that we will continue to stand four-square behind them during their present difficulties.
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SPRINGBOK CLUB NEWS
The Springbok Club held a most captivating and inspiring meeting last month which was addressed by Mr. Andrew Hope-Hall LlB (Hons). Mr. Hope-Hall is the son of Richard Hope-Hall who served as a Rhodesian Front MP from 1965 until 1976 before crossing the floor to join the Rhodesian Action Party, for whom he served as an MP from 1976 until 1977. On his mother's side of the family Andrew Hope-Hall’s great-great-uncle was E.C.“Teddy” Tyndale-Biscoe, who was the Lieutenant who raised the BSAC flag at Fort Salisbury in Rhodesia on 13th September 1890.
In his masterful and mesmerizing address Mr. Hope-Hall not only told something about his ancestral history on both sides of his family and his father’s political objectives and achievements, but also told something about his own personal career, including his service with the BSAP Support Unit (the “Black Boots”) in Rhodesia and his subsequent move to South Africa where he was an active supporter of the Conservative Party of SA, for whom he worked tirelessly in order to try to achieve a “No” vote in the vital 1992 Constitutional Referendum. He finished, however, by telling something about his life and career in the UK since relocating to the country, where he is still actively involved with the patriotic cause – activities which we expect the Springbok Club to work increasingly closely with in the days ahead.
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This month’s Springbok Club event will entail a visit to a beautiful 5-acre garden in Surrey with strong Rhodesian connections, the details of which are as follows :-
Date : Saturday 10th August 2013
Rendezvous arrangements : Meet-up prior to the visit at "The Royal Oak" pub, Chart Lane South, Dorking, Surrey, RH5 4DJ, between 12.30 hrs and 13.45 hrs. The nearest railway stations are Dorking Deepdene and Dorking Main, which are approximately three-quarters of a mile and a mile respectively from "The Royal Oak", on a direct route (from the stations turn into Deepdene Avenue going south, the A24, then turn slightly to the left into Chart Lane South).
The gardens themselves, which are part of the National Gardens Scheme, are situated at "The Old Croft", Mill Bottom, South Holmwood, Dorking, RH5 4NT, and will be open on Saturday between 14.00 hrs and 18.00 hrs. There will be an admission charge of £5.00 per head, though children are admitted free. If anyone wishes to journey straight there then the nearest railway station is Holmwood, which is only about a mile and a half away. "The Old Croft" is owned by David and Virginia Lardner-Burke. David ran the Anglo-Rhodesian Society during the 1970s, and is the son of the former Rhodesian Cabinet Minister the Rt.Hon. Desmond Lardner-Burke.
It would help if those intending to attend could inform us beforehand either by e-mail on: springbk@netcomuk.co.uk or preferably by 'phone on: 07711188430.
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On Sunday 15th September the Springbok Club will be participating in the annual Rhodesian “Hoisting of the Flag Ceremony” in Norfolk. More precise details will be given in next moth’s SCN.
On Saturday 5th October the Springbok Club will be making a trip to Oxford in order to attend a special musical concert involving some of the works of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. The highlight of this concert will be the world premier of the work “O Calpe” in praise of Gibraltar, which was begun by Mozart but only completed in recent years by Mr. Robin Willow – who will be performing the work himself.
In November the Springbok Club will be staging its annual UDI Day Dinner, at which a prominent ex-Rhodesian will be guest of honour, and in December the Springbok Club will hold its annual Day of the Vow commemoration which will be addressed by a leading campaigner for Afrikaner rights in Europe. Full details about both these events will be given in future editions of the SCN
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SWINTON CIRCLE NEWS
July’s Swinton Circle meeting, which was addressed by Mr. Rory Broomfield MA, MSc, BA, the Deputy Director of The Freedom Association and the Director of the Better Off Out campaign, proved to be a great success. There was a good turnout and a really enthusiastic atmosphere at this event, and Mr. Broomfield certainly didn’t disappoint. In his riveting and well-argued address Mr. Broomfield demonstrated not only the many problems which continuing membership of the EU were causing Britain, but also showed the many advantages which would result if the UK was to withdraw from the EU structure, particularly if similar trading arrangements could be agreed to those of Norway and Switzerland, and if closer economic links could be established with Commonwealth countries.
As well as establishing closer links between the Swinton Circle and the Freedom Association and the Better Off Out campaign as a result of this meeting, it was also good to welcome officials from the Get Britain Out campaign to this event, one of whom will be addressing a Swinton Circle meeting early in 2014.
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Unfortunately New Britain’s planned trip to pay homage at the graves of Sir Winston Churchill and John Enoch Powell, which the Swinton Circle had pledged its full support to, had to be postponed until later during the year. The Swinton Circle will however be joining New Britain in their annual Gibraltar Day celebrations on Monday 9th September. Later during September the Swinton Circle will be staging a meeting to be addressed by a sitting MEP, and also has some very interesting meetings planned for October, November and December. Full details will of course be given in future editions of the SCN.
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Membership fees and donations to the Swinton Circle can be paid via PayPal on the organisation’s web-site home page at:-
www.swintoncircle.co.uk
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NEW BRITAIN NEWS
As stated above, New Britain’s planned trip to pay homage at the graves of Sir Winston Churchill and John Enoch Powell unfortunately had to be postponed until later during the year. New Britain is however planning the following events during the next few months :-
Monday 7th September : Gibraltar Day reception. Central London.
Monday 21st October : Trafalgar Day commemorations. St.Paul’s Cathedral.
Saturday 2nd November : Keep the United Kingdom United Rally. Central London.
Saturday 30th November : St.Andrew’s Day celebrations. Edinburgh.
Saturday 7th December : Falkland Islands Battle Day ceremony. The Cenotaph.
More precise details about all these events will of course be given in future editions of the SCN.
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RECENT REPORT FROM THE ZIMBABWE CONSERVATION TASK FORCE
Last month, 3 people were killed by lions in Kariba. The problem in Kariba is that the smaller plains game is almost non existent due to poaching. This means it is very difficult for the predators to find food. A lioness recently attacked and killed 2 Africans in a township near Kariba town. She and her 2 eighteen-month-old cubs fed on one of the victims. A few days later, a young African man and his girlfriend went off into the bush to partake in some afternoon delights and were attacked by the lioness whilst doing so. The girlfriend was killed and the man ran-off in terror wearing nothing but a condom. The police and National Parks, fearing the consequences of the lions having tasted human blood, killed the 3 lions.
There were apparently another 4 fully grown male lions in the pride who are still roaming the area. We are now very concerned that these remaining 4 lions will also be killed by National Parks and we would like to try and move them to a less populated area like Matusadona or Mana Pools. In order to do this we need to raise in the region of US$7,000.
In order to assist with this fundraising project, we are doing a silent auction of a painting entitled "Young Warrior", an original oil on canvas painting by Cheryl Rodrigues which measures 77cm x 90cm. There is a reserve price of US$2,000. If anyone can offer more than this, please contact the Zimbabwe Conservation Task Force at any of the addresses quoted below with your offer. [Any shipping charges will be for the account of the buyer.]
Landline: +263 4 339065
Mobile: +263 712 603 213
Email: galorand@mweb.co.zw
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/ZCTF-Zimbabwe-Conservation-Task-Force/246013052094585
Website : www.zctfofficialsite.org.
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ANOTHER BARMY IDEA FROM THE E.U.
We have recently been informed about a highly controversial idea proposed by the Dutch MEP Toine Manders that all national soccer sides within the EU should be abolished and that only one single “European” team should play in international competitions in future. Happily this lunatic idea seems to have had few takers thanks to its exposure by the Scottish edition of The Sun, and by strong opposition from the SFA.
We ourselves have staunchly advocated the establishment of a “British Lions”-style united soccer team of course, as well as similar united British sides for other sports run in the same manner as the British Lions Rugby teams. Such a development would not involve the abolition of the existing Scottish, Northern Irish, Welsh and English soccer teams however – quite the reverse in fact, as we would see such a development as being complimentary to the existing structure, and indeed enhancing it, as it would give all players an ever higher honour to aim for.
The structure which we would advocate would be for the existing four home nations to continue competing individually in the World and European Nations Cups, as well as in regular friendly matches. The united British team would however compete in the Olympic Games and also in “British Lions”-style tours every alternative year (when no World Cup or Olympics are taking place) to such places as South America, Central America and eastern Asia. After all, united British teams, both men’s and women’s, competed successfully in the 2012 London Olympics and this never infringed upon the existing four independent home FAs in any way.
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FALKLAND ISLANDS CRICKET TOUR OF ENGLAND
During September this year a Falkland Islands Representative Cricket XI will play two 40-over matches in England.
The first of these will be against Locks Heath at Warsash Road, Titchfield Common, Fareham, Hampshire, PO14 4JX on Saturday 7th September, starting at 13.00 hrs., and the second will be against Falkland (West Berkshire) Cricket Club at Enborne Street, Newbury, West Berkshire, RG14 6TW starting at 14.00 hrs. on Sunday 8th September.
Team members representing the Falkland Islands include: David Pickup, Jamie Punter, Paul Barsby, Stephen Fowmes, Craig Clark, Martin Collins (Captain), Kalon Jaffray, Roger Diggle, Barry Punter, Billy Allan, Henry David, Ric Nye and Ciaran Nye.
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MORE NEWS OF COLLAPSING HEALTH SERVICE IN SOUTH AFRICA
Following the most revealing SAPA article illustrating yet more evidence of the collapsing health service in the “new” South Africa which we included in last month’s SCN, we have subsequently received the following further highly revealing SAPA report via Mr. Boris Grig of Russia :-
“Police sprayed water cannons at a group of protesters who had started a fire at a side entrance of the Helen Joseph Hospital in Hurst Hill, Johannesburg on Friday.
“A group of about 50 protesters broke away from a larger group protesting at the hospital's main entrance and blockaded a side entrance with rubbish, then set it alight.
“Police tried to remove them and clear the rubbish, but they threw garbage bins at the entrance and
tried to set the trash alight again.
“Police responded by soaking them with jets of water which also doused the flames.
“Hospital staff entering and leaving through the side entrance were taunted by the strikers, dressed
mainly in red t-shirts bearing the Congress of SA Trade Unions' logo.
“The front gate of the busy public hospital was closed with police officials on foot and in an armoured car keeping watch.
“At Chris Hani Baragwanath hospital, where police fired rubber bullets at protesters on Thursday, all was calm on Friday morning.
“The public service strike entered its third day on Friday.”
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GRAHAM DOWNES OBITUARY – A CORRECTION
In the obituary to Graham Downes which we carried in the May 2013 Edition of the SCN we stated that he was educated at Glenwood Boys High School. We have subsequently been informed that this was not true, and that Graham was actually educated at Durban High School. We apologise to all concerned for this inadvertent error.
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SEARCH SERVICES FOR THOSE SEEKING LOST RELATIVES
Find any South African, even those who have emigrated. We also search Botswana, Namibia and ex-Rhodesia/Zimbabwe.
Please use the search request form at :-
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BOOK OFFERS
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"LIEUTENANT COLONEL ALFRED JAMES TOMLINSON: MEMOIRS OF AN AFRICAN PIONEER AND BSAP OFFICER" is now available at Amazon.com, and can be shipped to anywhere in the world. This book contains excerpts from Lieut. Tomlinson's writings detailing his experiences as a member of the B.S.A. Police in Southern Rhodesia, where he rose from the rank of an ordinary trooper to retire as the commanding officer. It also includes the personal story of Majaqaba Ncube, a man who was enslaved by Lobengula when his entire village was massacred by the chief's soldiers. After he escaped, Lieut. Tomlinson saved him from certain death and gave him a job. They lost contact and were reunited after 45 years, when Majaqaba presented Lieut. Tomlinson with an earthenware jar.
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"P.K. VAN DER BYL - AFRICAN STATESMAN" by Hannes Wessels
ISBN: 978-1-920143-49-7 / paperback / illustrated
Retail price: R250.00, Web-site price: R200.00 + postage
The narrative gives the reader an overview of the history of the White man in southern Africa with detailed emphasis on the Rhodesian story through the life and times of PK van der Byl, one of the major players in a political drama that ended in the accession to power of Robert Mugabe under the auspices of the British government. By his very nature PK was controversial and confrontational. This account is likely to give offence to some because it portrays him as bluntly as he was in real life. Much can be contested about PK van der Byl but few will dispute he was an extremely colourful character with a devilish sense of humour. This memoir covers his life with a full flourish while doing nothing to detract from the seriousness of the international political and military conflict in which he was engaged. The reader will glean new information on a highly controversial subject and emerge with a more sympathetic understanding of what PK van der Byl and his colleagues did and strove for. The human tragedy that has followed the removal from power of Ian Smith and his Rhodesian Front party will almost certainly force the reader to deal with some uncomfortable conclusions, of value to anyone sincere about grappling with the volatile and deeply troubling challenges that confront all Africans today.
This book and others of interest can be purchased from 30 Degrees South via their web-site: www.30degreessouth.co.za
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"BLUE WATCH" by Gwyn Fford-Osborne
Rhodesia, in 1975 and a bloody vicious civil war is at its height. A war between the White minority supported by the Black majority and the ZAPU and ZANU terrorist groups, supported by Zambia and Mozambique. Kensington, a small town in the farming belt has been the subject of several terrorist attacks but with only a small police force for defence, the local T.A. unit having been called up for service on the Zambia border the situation appears grim. Until Iffor Meredith turns up on a pilgrimage to meet up with his wife and son of his old army buddy, recently murdered by terrorists. A deadly ambush on the "Dix" family and his escape from a land mine attack makes Iffor determined to offer resistance of some form or other to the terrorists. His application to join the Rhodesian Army has been accepted and he sets about forming a small militia. With all the fit men already on call up, who can he recruit from. Then he's invited to a darts match at the Moth Club and meets up with the remnants of the town's Fire Brigade, the men considered too old for call up. Blue Watch.
Available from: www.diadembooks.com
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"THE SEVEN WATCHMEN" by David Ruppert
A new fascinating novel titled "The Seven Watchmen" by David Ruppert should appeal to South Africans and ex-Rhodesians. It can be ordered from Crest Publishing in South Africa at www.crestpublishing.co.za - or those abroad can buy it directly from David at rupedf72@comcast.net. It's also available on www.Amazon.com
Glenn MacAskill and Michael Bowery of Crest Publishing have also written three books each. Glenn MacAskill is ex-BSAP Special Branch and still working (as Mugabe has denied him any pension) and Michael Bowery is ex-South African Special Forces. Due to the difficulties confronting White writers in the "new" South Africa they launched Crest Publishing to self-publish their own books, and have been doing this since October 2006. Michael Bowery is author of: "Canham's Run", "The Sligo Piper" and "Kill the President", whilst Glenn MacAskill is author of: "King's Gold", "Crime Lords" and "Of Royal Blood". Special discounts to ex-servicemen, Rhodies and Springboks!
For more information, or to make an order, please contact Crest Publishing at: P.O.Box, 97910, Petervale, Transvaal, 2151, South Africa, e-mail: crestbooks@mweb.co.za, or visit the Crest Publishing web-site at: www.crestpublishing.co.za
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"THE SAINTS" - DVD versions of the book about the history of the RLI
Now available from Msasa Enterprises. Contact: msasasa@iafrica.com or UK tel.: 07732 685400.
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WHERE ARE THEY NOW ?
No.177: Mr. ROBERT CAMPBELL McALLISTER of Glasgow.
Robert McAllister contacted us a few years ago expressing great support for our movement. Alas recent editions of the SCN sent to him have been returned as evidently his e-mail address is no longer recognized. Unfortunately we know very little about him apart from the fact that he came from Glasgow and that his “handle” was “Big Rab”. If anyone can inform us of his current e-mail address then we would of course be most grateful.
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RECOMMENDED WEB-SITE OF THE MONTH
Jan Lamprecht has recently re-vamped his excellent web-sites which provide a constant flow of hard news from both “Zimbabwe” and South Africa. They can be accessed at :-
http://www.zimbabwenews.info
and
http://www.southafricatoday.info
.
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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
THREE CHEERS FOR THE ORANGE, WHITE AND BLUE
Sir,
There is only one flag for South Africa. I have one at home a friend managed to get me. I still remember my school lesson on the flag " blue sea, white land, orange sky. That dagga-rookers rag doesn't mean anything to me. I am not that old, but my flag will be on my coffin when I go.
Yours etc.,
John H., Erith, U.K..
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WONDER
Sir,
Awesome obituary on Baroness Thatcher (SCN, April 2013 – Ed.), I loved it and sent it on to a few correspondents. Well done!
Sickening how the leftist media lovingly wallowed in the anti-Thatcher protests and celebrations, giving those vermin far more publicity than they deserved. One does understand their need for “balance” but in this case it was a 5% minority gleefully enjoying this great lady’s passing, which was so well covered by the scum at the BBC, Sky etc. that an uninformed viewer would have gained the impression it was the majority of people who hated her.
I was stunned by the viciousness and bloody-minded hatred coming from these so-called “anti-hate” groups, alas not surprised but amazed that their hypocrisy can reach such dizzying heights.
Yours etc.,
Bert Oosthuizen, Lancashire, U.K.
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WRITE ON
Sir,
Britain has been changed beyond recognition by mass immigration. We just aren't Britain any more - and we were never asked if we wanted it that way by politicians and the rest of the establishment who spent their time talking among themselves, too terrified of the scream "racist" to do anything.
We should restrict immigration to people able to read, write and speak fluent English and offer us something. We should also quit the EU and repudiate all pro-immigrant and pro-refugee conventions. Multiculturalism should be ended, the whole anti-discrimination and race relations industry abolished. Illegal immigrants should be detected and deported whatever it takes, as should all immigrant scroungers, criminals and anti-British terrorist supporters. We should make it clear that these pests have no right to a family life in Britain and that all future labour shortages will be solved by contract workers, not permanent immigrants.
All screams from the pro-immigrant lobby should be ignored, giving them the treatment they've dealt out to the rest of us. Immigration is bad for wildlife, the environment and the quality of life.
Yours etc.,
M. Taylor, London, U.K..
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VEXING VEXILLOLOGY
Sir,
Flags originated as symbols of recognition, as they still are throughout the world today. "Rally around the flag" meant identifying with and protecting the symbol, usually on the battlefield. Capturing the enemy's flag (or Colours, in military terminology) usually meant the surrender or defeat of a force or nation. Regimental Colours are the sacred symbol of a military unit to this day, and are given special place of honour on parade or in a unit's quarters. When units were disbanded in days gone by, their Colours were traditionally draped in a cathedral. Today they are more likely to be lodged in a museum..
National flags must - or should - reflect a country's history. The British "Union Jack" is a good example of a national flag that has evolved over the centuries and incorporates most of the nation states within Great Britain today. It is wonderful to see the old national flags at international tournaments in the UK, when the "nations" within the Union do battle on the rugby field.
Let's face it. The "real South African flag" (SCN April 2013 – Ed.) - which incidentally was despised for a long time by much of the White community in South Africa - is no longer the national flag of South Africa. It was very symbolic to most white South Africans as representing their nation, but it did not have the same symbolism for the majority of black South Africans. It was inevitable that the flag would change with the radical political change that took place in South Africa in 1994. The present official national flag of South Africa was designed by the (White) State Herald as a compromise. Unlike the flag of Zimbabwe, which is the ZANU flag with a white triangle in the hoist, the South African flag is not a reproduction of the ANC flag, although it includes the ANC's colours in the hoist. The other colours found in the official flag of South Africa reflect the county's heritage as they are the colours which make up the flags of both the Netherlands and Britain. (It is not generally known that the red horizontal stripe is as close to orange as one can get.)
To me, the "real" South African flag, containing in the centre the flags of the three nations that were to form the Union of South Africa, is the symbol of a bygone era. Like the Colours of a disbanded regiment, the old national flag should be revered as part of our heritage but not carried into battle as a national symbol of present-day South Africa.
Yours etc.,
Jan Geelvink, Pretoria, Transvaal, South Africa
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ELEPHANTINE ALTERNATIVE
Sir,
The true South African flag (SCN April 2013 – Ed.) is also one of the most beautiful flags in the world.
Re: elephants exported to China. Why doesn't China rather import a few thousand of Blacks from Africa?
Yours etc.,
H.W.Koch, Pretoria, Transvaal, South Africa.
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OBITUARIES
GROUP CAPTAIN PETER PETTER-BOWYER
It was with great sadness that we recently learnt of the death of Group Captain Peter Petter-Bowyer.
“PB”, as he was invariably known, was born at Lady Chancellor Hospital, Salisbury, Rhodesia, in 1936, a first generation Rhodesian. He was educated at David Livingstone School, and then at Eagle and Umtali High Schools. His original ambition was to go into medicine and to specialize in orthopaedics, but unfortunately due to the interference of his step-mother (his parents had sadly separated during his childhood) he was unable to do this. Instead he took up an apprenticeship with Keystone Construction, which entailed cabinet-making, machinery, joinery and site-construction. It was at this time that he decided that he wanted to join the Royal Rhodesian Air Force (RRAF) but again due to family complications his entry into the RRAF did not prove simple. Eventually, however, his desire to join the RRAF became reality on 3rd January 1957.
PB married Beryl Roe (for what was to prove a long and happy marriage) at Bulawayo in 1958, they having eloped whilst he was still a cadet officer, and thereby was officially barred from marrying during this time! Fortunately one of his instructors realized his great abilities and potential, so waived the usual regulations! PB and Beryl had two children, a daughter Deborah (Debbie) and a son Paul, born during January and December 1960 respectively.
PB enjoyed a distinguished career with the RRAF (latterly the RhAF) during the Bush War, being renowned for his technical innovations which contributed immeasurably to the effectiveness of the RhAF’s weapons systems. He retired from the Air Force whilst holding the rank of Group Captain almost immediately after the handover to the ZANU-PF terrorist regime, and subsequently wrote an acclaimed autobiography entitled “Wings of Destruction”..
After a brief but difficult period in South Africa PB and his family moved to the UK, the land of his ancestral roots, settling in Norfolk. It was at this time, however, that he embarked upon probably his greatest achievement, the formation and running of the Rhodesian Air Force Association (RhAFA). For many years he communicated with former members of the RRAF/RhAF from all over the world, and dedicated a significant amount of his time to helping and answering queries from these members. He was furthermore instrumental in ensuring that Rhodesian history, particularly the story of the RRAF/RhAF, was preserved and safely stored in the UK.
In spite of his many great achievements PB was actually a rather humble man, and did a great amount of good which people were not aware of. He often helped people in their hours of need, visiting ill friends both in and out of hospital, supporting their partners, arranging for necessary hospital aids for their homes, and transporting partners to and from hospitals.
PB was also a good friend of the Springbok Club, speaking for the organization on two separate occasions when he told of his many exploits in the RRAF/RhAF and gave his opinions about Rhodesian history and his predictions – invariably optimistic – for the future. The response from the audience was the same on both occasions – prolonged applause followed by positive and glowing comments afterwards.
PB was not only a great Rhodesian. He was also a great human being. All the time that our people are able to produce heroes like him then we have nothing to worry about for the future.
Our sincerest condolences are extended to his widow Beryl and to his children Debbie and Paul.
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EDWARD ERNEST “TED” DAVEY
Edward Ernest “Ted” Davey, who sadly died last month, was a long-standing supporter and subsequent member of the Springbok Club.
Ted Davey was born in London on 19 April 1927, but later moved to Bournemouth where he worked as a bus driver for many years. Following his divorce he moved to Southampton and became a Security Officer on the newly constructed Container Terminal, where he gained an extremely high reputation for diligence, loyalty, cheerfulness and communication skills. Unfortunately when the company restructured in 1986, replacing their in-house security with contract security, he was forced to take early retirement, and thereafter set about travelling around the world, an experience which he enjoyed greatly.
Ted first made contact with the Springbok Club shortly after the organization was established in the 1990s. It is not certain how he initially made heard about the organization as his connections to southern Africa were very scant, apparently based only upon a couple of visits to the country. Even more strangely he seemed to have very little interest in sport! Alas his knowledge of South Africa and its current situation proved very superficial – and in some cases downright wrong. In spite of this, however, he was a good and enthusiastic attendee of Springbok Club meetings in London during the 1990s before his deteriorating health made it difficult for him to travel, but even after this he still attended Hampshire Branch gatherings during the 2000s. Even more praiseworthy however were his constant letters of support and encouragement, which were inevitably both friendly and chatty.
He will be sorely missed.
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