Remembering fallen soldiers

The bitter cold and persistent rain, recently, did not stop the Witwatersrand Rifles Regiment from commemorating those of the regiment who have died in the line of duty.

The Witwatersrand Rifles’ Wits Week Parade and Commemoration Service 110th anniversary took place at the regiments headquarters, Fort Bear.

In his keynote address, honorary colonel Col John Job, who commanded the regiment in the 1980s, expressed his appreciation to those who attended the parade.

He also said he was proud of the regiments shooting team, for recently bringing home the Gold Cup.

Another thought he expressed was that the regiment, along with all the other units, must review their names and consider changing these.

This regiment has, from time to time, made changes to its name and addressand I do not think it fears changes, Job said.

He added that the Witwatersrand Rifles regiment leads a busy life.

You must continue to volunteer your services and give your support to your commanding officer, he said.

Job also handed over the Jack Bester Trophy, the highest award presented by the Witwatersrand Rifles, to Cpl Deon Kirsten, and he conducted the handing over of command ceremony between Col Jacobus Valentine and Lieut-Col Leubane Malakoane.

It is always a time of sadness when you say farewell to a commanding officer, and Col Valentine did a good job, he said.

I wish Lieut-Col Malakoane well and hope he sails the ship well into the future.

The days proceedings ended with the wreath-laying ceremony at the cenotaph, where those who died in battle were remembered.