The Memorable Order of Tin Hats Suikerbosrand Shellhole hosted a solemn wreath-laying parade at the Old Jail in Heidelberg on June 28, bringing together military veterans, supporters and community members to honour the memory of Salmon Gerhardus Van As and fallen servicemen.

The annual ceremony served as a reminder of the sacrifices made during the Anglo-Boer War and other military conflicts while reinforcing the importance of preserving South Africa’s shared military history.

The programme began with a welcome by Iain Mac Kay, who thanked those in attendance and reflected on the significance of remembering those who gave their lives in service.

Quinten Schimper then led the gathering in scripture reading and prayer. One of the highlights of the ceremony was a historical presentation by Tony Burisch, who spoke about the British soldiers who died during the Anglo-Boer War and are buried at Heidelberg’s Kloof Cemetery.

“As white South Africans, many of us are descendants of either the British or the Boers, while others have roots in both.

“Regardless of our ancestry, this history belongs to all of us. Today I wanted to focus on the British soldiers who lost their lives during the Anglo-Boer War.

“There are 144 British soldiers buried in Heidelberg’s Kloof Cemetery, many of whom died from typhoid after drinking contaminated water rather than in battle. Their graves are a reminder that war brings immense suffering to everyone involved, and it is our responsibility to preserve their memory and the lessons their sacrifices continue to teach us,” he said.

The ceremony also featured a historical address by Evert Pistorius, who reflected on the life of Field Cornet Salmon Gerhardus Van As and the events surrounding his execution on June 23, 1902.

“On 23 June 1902, Field Cornet Salmon Gerhardus Van As was executed by firing squad behind the Old Jail in Heidelberg after being convicted by a British military court for the death of Captain Ronald Miers.
“Van As maintained that he acted in self-defence during a wartime encounter, and over the years questions have been raised about the fairness of his trial.

“Today we remember him not to reopen old divisions, but to honour his courage, reflect on our shared history and ensure that the sacrifices and stories of those who came before us are never forgotten,” he said.

Mac Kay then continued with the commemorative proceedings, paying tribute to deceased comrades before inviting those present to lay wreaths in their honour.

The ceremony continued with the sounding of the Last Post, followed by a minute’s silence as attendees reflected on the sacrifices of those who had fallen.

Mac Kay concluded the programme by acknowledging everyone who contributed to the event before the gathering united in singing the South African National Anthem.