Signallers reunite at Edenvale’s Dickie Fritz Shellhole
“The association includes members who fought on both sides during the border war in Angola.”
The South African Veteran Signallers’ Association recently hosted its annual reunion and remembrance day.
Also read: Moths – it is about camaraderie
The event was held at the Dickie Fritz Memorable Order of Tin Hats (MOTH) Shellhole on July 28.
Chief Jimmy of the association Jose De Oliveira said the event was one of the numerous family days hosted by the association throughout the year.
“Events like these are held with the hopes of strengthening relationships between the former servicemen,” said Jose.
At the event, members of the association and former servicemen relaxed, exchanged stories and braaied.
Jose said a couple of years ago him and another former signaller realised there were very few support groups for veteran signallers.
He believes the high level of secrecy deterred many from starting support groups.
Jose said as signallers in the former South African Defence Force, the work the men did was often highly confidential and important.
Some of the general work signallers did include maintaining signals for the various units, counterinsurgency work and monitoring the enemy’s radio stations.
“The association includes members who fought on both sides during the border war in Angola,” said Jose.
“Everyone in the association gets on with each other, there is no animosity.”
Jose said at first people were hesitant to join the association but as it became more established more people joined.
Contact Jose on SAVSA@mweb.co.za to join the association.
For more news and interesting articles, like Bedfordview and Edenvale NEWS on Facebook or follow us on Twitter
