BATTLEDRESS SHELLHOLE CENTRAL CIRCLE, FISH HOEK

PO BOX 22033 FISH HOEK 7974 Email battledress.shellhole@gmail.com

BATTLECRY! JUNE 2021

WE WILL REMEMBER THEM

Hello Everyone, Welcome to the June 2021 D Day Battlecry! Newsletter. What a busy month it has been for Moth and FOFR members of Battledress Shellhole. It is a strange phenomenon that whilst busy with Moth and social events, the Covid-19 virus still determines how much of what can, or cannot be do at the Shellhole, and elsewhere of course* Family get togethers, going out for dinner or simply meeting friends, the virus and the repercussions of not adhering to safety protocols is frankly, scary. Virtual meetings have become the new normal. In the past, you often had to decide which parade or service to attend in person. Today, most events are cancelled or postponed. Last

month, we wondered if the 3rd Coronavirus Wave would actually reach our shores (no pun intended!). It most definitely has. Stay healthy and stay safe. June is also one of the most important months of the year when the 6th June 1944, D Day the Second World War, is remembered. Battledress Shellhole remembered the Anniversary on Saturday, 12 June with a parade and service evening. More of the evening later in this newsletter.

*Alert Level 4 as at 28 June.

Sunset Call Good fortune again has smiled on Battledress Shellhole this month. No one has passed to Higher Service and we give thanks for such blessings. Many people are however very ill and they are constantly in our thoughts.

Sick Parade More than ever during this pandemic we have Moths and FOFR of Battledress Shellhole who are unwell. They are in our daily thoughts and prayers, and send them wishes for a speedy recovery and return to good health: Moth Craig Cruikshank Moth Phillip Venter Moth Les Smith Moth Eric Staine Moth Phil De Villiers Moth Richard Evans Moth Dirk Slingerland Moth Andy Howie FOFR Alan Godsiff* Mothwa Pat Scott Thanks as always to Padre Moth Errol Sadler and Welfare Officer Moth Ian Scott for contacting and visiting those on the Sick Parade. Moth Widows & “Friends” Another busy month it has been the usual busy month for Helen (the Goose) De Wet who has been in contact with various Moth Widows and Friends: Carol Parish is on the road to recovery after falling and fracturing her pelvis. Thanks to Moth Ricky De Wet and the Goose who provided Carol with an egg-shaped pillow, she is likely to start practicing for “Strictly Come Dancing” routine soon!

Moth Ena Burnett is doing very well as reported by some members of the Butterflies who visited her recently. Since moving to Kleinmond, and the change to a beautiful new home and garden, Ena’s spirits have lifted no end. (See the photograph in the Butterflies article). Winnie McArthur (right with Rag Bill Vanessa Chambers) contacted The Goose regarding a collection of old Rhodesian newspapers from the ‘70’s and ‘80’s and wondered if anyone was interested in having them. The Goose put the Battledress Rag Bill in contact with Winnie and the two met up in Muizenberg recently, with Winnie’s 7-year-old Jack Russell. Any Rhodesians wishing to read the newspapers can find them in the Battledress Shellhole’s Library. Avrille Venter has recently undergone eye surgery and is recovering well. Ros Barnett finally had her long-awaited foot surgery and is now recovering at home with partner FOFR John Lewis. With enough rest and time, she will be foot loose and fancy free. Thoughts and prayers for braving the difficult times in which they find themselves, the Goose is also in contact with Diane Potgieter, Adrienne Godsiff, Bergs De Villiers and Karen Bassill, Eileen Cruywagen, as well as Wendy Kent, Marilyn Maloney, Lyn Laver and DeeDee Taylor, Pat Smith and Cheryl Howie.. Helen has asked to be advised if anyone needs a lift to get their vaccinations. She and her band of helpers will make sure you get there. BIRTHDAYS June 03 Moth Mike Fields (Milestone 70th) 17 Moth Lucas Nel (Milestone 50th) 18 FOFR Michelle Slingerland 18 Moth Adrian Dutton 19 FOFR Joan Farmer July 01 FOFR Kate Parr 05 Moth Albert Massyn 10 Moth Alan Hopfeldt 22 Moth Vanessa Chambers 27 Moth Warren Cowan (Milestone 50th) 28 FOFR John Lewis 29 Moth Julie Denham Many happy returns to you all and have a wonderful year ahead.

Uckers Championship - Congratulations! At the June Moth monthly meeting, Ursula Haine of the Ganges Association presented the Ucker’s ‘Floating Certificate” to Battledress Shellhole There are Winner’s and there are Loser’s in every game and when a challenge was thrown down by the Ganges Association to

Battledress Shellhole to play a game of Ucker’s, (the best of 3 games) it was obvious to everyone that Battledress would thrash the opposition – even if TB (Team Battledress) did not know it at the time! In the true spirit of the game, Ganges player, Ursula Haine presented TB with the Floating Certificate, leaving the door open to further challenges for Ganges to win it back. Ursula proudly designed the Certificate herself. (Thanks to Paul Daykin and Peter Turton of Ganges for the reprinting of photographs of the Ucker’s event) Battledress Shellhole Passes Muster! Commander Moth Ricky De Wet and Pay Bill Moth Warren Cowan presented a Pick and Pay voucher and Certificate of Appreciation to Mack (right) in appreciation of the work he has been carrying out at Battledress Shellhole. Mack has been responsible for the painting and varnishing throughout the Moth Shellhole and what a difference he has made. Well done, Mack! Family Favourites After seeing the congratulatory anniversary photograph of Welfare Officer Moth Ian Scott and wife Mothwa Pat Scott celebrating their 23rd wedding anniversary in last month’s Battlecry!, other Moths also said they and their wives had celebrated their respective anniversaries, namely Padre Moth Errol Sadler and Moth Glynn Murrell. If you would like to add your celebrations, send a photograph to battledressragbill@gmail.com with a brief account of the celebration concerned. Joshua Smith (right) grandson of Moth Smudge and Pat Smith, has successfully been chosen to be part of the Africa Canoe Marathon Team, which will compete in Romania between 30 Sept - 05 Oct 2021. Congratulations, Joshua.

Iron Man – Durban 2021 David McCallum, (left centre) son of Helen “The Goose” De Wet, completed the Iron Man competition in Durban recently, finishing the race in 5 hours 23 minutes and 01 second.

Congratulations! Andy and Cheryl Howie have been blessed with a second granddaughter. Congratulations to Mothwa Lady Billy Western Cape – Tracey O’Reilly

Many congratulations to Mothwa Tracey O’Reilly who has been appointed as the Western Cape’s Lady Billy. Tracey is the wife of Moth Pat O’Reilly and together with their daughters, is also a well-known supporter of Battledress Shellhole. Well done, Tracey and best wishes in your role of Lady Billy.

REMEMBERING D DAY 06 JUNE 1944 Last year and continuing into this year, many war veterans have watched in abject horror as statues of many well known statues across the world have been reviled, desecrated and pulled down. In America, statues of Confederate Generals, in the UK, statues of slave traders and Cecil John Rhodes have recently been the attention of #BLM protesters. In South Africa, Wits University students as well as Cape Town University students have continued to protest against the statue of wartime heroes, and Cecil John Rhodes. Amazing how little time these students have to study – especially having received a CJR bursary. The mind boggles! Thankfully, people who experienced war-time events, either by fighting for one’s country on battle fields, or defending it on the home fronts (farmer’s wives come to mind in both the Rhodesian and South African bush wars)

statues symbolise not only heroes and heroines of past wars, but for what they stood for. After 77 years since the DDay landings in Normandy, the British finally have a memorial (below right) to

commemorate the 22 442 British service personnel who took part in the Normandy landings on 06 June 1944. As luck would have it, the unveiling of the British Normandy Memorial, which includes the names of those who died during the landings, took place above Gold Beach at Ver-sur-Mer, via a video link in the UK. A new enemy, Covid-19, kept WW II veterans who would normally have attended the anniversary in France*, were forced to remain back on the ‘home’ front

his year. The new memorial cost approximately £30 million, largely funded by taxpayers, the government and with Sir Captain Tom Moore as an inspiration, veterans like Harry Billinge (above left), 96, who raised more than £50 000 himself towards the memorial.

*During D Day landings only 177 French soldiers took part in the D Day landings. There was such an intense level of mistrust between the Allied Command and that of France’s Général Charles de Gaulle that Churchill did not trust de Gaulle to keep the invasion plans secret; and de Gaulle did not trust America or Britain to not govern areas in France, which he would not be able to control. Mon dieu! South Africans in D Day’s Invasion Like most British, Commonwealth and Allied defence forces which took part alongside each other in the D Day landings in Normandy, South African and Rhodesians were no exception, such as Lieutenant D.C.”Tommy” Thomas MC from the Transkei who served with the Royal Marine (RM) Commandos; Lieutenant Louis Fouche of East London (whose brother was killed in Italy whilst serving with the 6th South African Armoured Division). Fouche’s landing craft was hit by enemy fire. He was thrown into the waves amidst the dead, dying and those trying to reach the beach, whilst vomiting and being shot at. The Royal Marines reportedly ditched their steel helmets and donned their green berets when their boots hit the beaches. *South Africans, past and present can be rightly proud of their links to the British Commandos, so named after the Boer Kommandos’ from the Anglo Boer wars.

We Will Remember Them

Battledress Shellhole: D Day Commemoration Service & Dinner

In Photographs

What a wonderful evening we all had remembering DDay: a delicious sausages, mash and peas meal with the tastiest onion gravy; a tri-colour salad made by Shannon Bright, followed by two desserts of malva and/or bread and butter pudding (or most likely both!) with custard and ice cream. Well done Helen De Wet on her organisation of the meal and thanks too to the ‘Kitchen Krew’ of: John Lamont (who also had the flag duties with Keith Galvin during the Service), Veronica Scott, and Yours Truly. Who thought washing up can be such fun!

Thanks also to FOFR Bar Manager, Denise Thompson and QM Herbst Visser who kept the thirsts at bay. Thanks also to Moth Julie Denham for the music of the evening and the opening film clip of D Day landings from the movie “Saving Private Ryan”. Events are always about teamwork and Battledress Shellhole is never short of people who are prepared to help make an evening memorable and successful, especially one as important to Moths as D Day is. Thank you to everyone who made the evening a special one. Snippet: Champagne & The Treaty of Versailles “Yes, a whole generation of young Frenchmen lay mangled in the mud, several hundred thousand of civilians had been killed …France still found time to worry about wine labels.” Article 275 (out of 440) of the Treaty of Versailles which ended the First World War ensured that the use of the word “Champagne” was included in the Treat thereby protecting French wine interests. (Thanks to Moth Smudge Smith for the loan of ‘1000 Years of Annoying the French.” Snippet: “Unsinkable Sam”

Following up on last month’s snippet of Rin Tin Tin, the German Shepard, which lost out on winning an Oscar for his starring role in “Where The North Begins”, is the photo and “cat-tion” of a cat originally named Oscar, but who was re-named “Unsinkable Sam” after surviving the sinking of three warships – one German and two British. He managed to survive by staying afloat on a piece of wooden plank before being rescued.

JOKER There was no winner of the Joker Draw on Friday, 11 June so the jackpot has been rolled over to a date TBA in August, when one lucky ticket holder could walk away with the jackpot. Alongside the Joker FOFR John Lewis, Bar Manager Denise Thompson and Sergeant Major Moth Neil Bright (right) enjoyed the fun of the Joker evening. Remember, you “have to be in it to win it”, so come along to the Shellhole, buy a R5 ticket and who knows, your photograph could be here as the next winner of the Joker Jackpot! Butterflies Butterfly News. The dreaded lurgy has struck again.

Our trip this month to the Irma Stern Museum has been cancelled. Retirement villages are in some form of lock down, and we are all being extra careful again. Last month’s painting attempts have been very successful as you can see. (left) But even though we are again adapting to glorious isolation, rushed visits to the shops, we are still supporting each other in the true Moth way.

Roz is recovering in good spirts and much pain from her foot op. John is being “an absolute gem” (her words) in his new role as Butler Extradinair. Well done John. The Butterflies are lining you up for other such tasks!! We keep in contact every day and Chief Butterfly tries every morning to find something cheery and encouraging. Barbara has got up early, many a morning, and in the cold to send us stunning pics of the sunrise. 4 of us went to visit Ena again. The visit was great for us too, in that the drive must be on one of the most beautiful roads in the country. (Ena, Bridget, Barbara, Marilyn and Wendy) It was so good to see her so happy. Till next time. “To V or not to V” That’s the question!

There is more than just talk about vaccines today. Many of us have registered and/or received the first vaccine and are eagerly

awaiting our second; the vaccine is not a cure for Covid-19 but is a protection for you. Thank you to Moths and FOFR who have sent in photographs or feedback when they had their vaccination. Each vaccine site, from Ocean View, False Bay, Bellville, Blue Route, Retreat or Claremont. Take a look at the photographs of those who have been vaccinated and send yours in to join the gallery. Protect yourself and your loved ones.

The MMA held a meeting on Sunday 20 June. It has been reported that a member of the MMA has subsequently been tested Covid Positive. Three of our Shellhole members were in attendance and have responsibly confined themselves to self-isolation as a precaution. THE 3RD WAVE OF INFECTIONS IS REAL, and we therefore have to strictly comply with the required protocols to ensure the safety of our members. Social distancing will be enforced in the Shellhole, face-masks must be worn on arrival and departure and if possible, when in the Shellhole, kissing and hugging as well as shaking hands must cease for your own good. Members! This is not to be taken lightly and your display of True Comradeship will be appreciated. With immediate effect, Battledress Shellhole is closed! Please note: Alert Level 3 was changed to Alert Level 4 as of 28 June. The monthly Shellhole meeting, normal opening times plus all social events in July will roll over/be postponed pending Covid Level 4 restrictions being lifted. We will keep you up to date via email!

Snippet: Confucius (Never) Said: “War does not determine who is right, but who is left.” (Thanks to Robbie Reel/Sue Bell) Until we meet again good people,

Vanessa Moth Vanessa Chambers Rag Bill Battledress Shellhole Email: battledressragbill@gmail.com Website: ww.moth.org.za

FOUNDERS ROOM OPENING TIMES Subject to Covid-19 Restrictions CLOSED under lockdown Level 4

Wednesday 16h00 -20h00

Friday 17h00-22h00 Saturday 13h00 to 20h00

Sunday and Public Holidays 14h00-19h00 Closed Good Friday and Christmas Day

Monthly Quiz on the first Friday of the month

(General Knowledge and Music Quiz is held on alternate months)

Joker Draw on the second Friday of the month Darts on the last Friday of the month

Weekend braais The above are normally held every month except in the month of January when the Shellhole functions are on a break but

may change as and when needs be.

SPORT VIEWING TIMES ARE ON THE SHELLHOLE NOTICE BOARD

Approved opening times will be adjusted for certain events,

functions and televised sporting events as per the Shellhole Notice Board.