Remembering the fallen heroes

Members of the Memorable Order of Tin Hat (MOTH) gathered at the Monte Stanco MOTH Shellhole last Friday to celebrate the 73rd anniversary of the Battle of El Alamein.

The raging battle took place on 23 October 1942 and is considered by some as the turning point in World War II, when Allied Forces started gaining victory over Nazi Germany and its allies.

With 150 000 rounds of ammunition fired on a 400 yard front over four-and-a-half hours, the desert battle proved to be evidence of soldiers’ bravery and determination in the fight against tyranny.

While MOTH members paid homage to the fallen heroes, Friday night’s event was also focused on those who are still alive and well.

Over the years, Gert van der Merwe and Dawie Grobler have helped MOTH through donations, maintenance and general assistance, although they were not members of the organisation.

However, the two men’s good deeds did not go unnoticed and they were awarded MOTH certificates of Good Comradeship on Friday evening, after the El Alamein parade.