The School of Artillery unveiled a Memorial Dome at their Klipdrift base on Friday, 10 September to honour members that passed on in service. The School of Artillery also celebrated their 87th birthday on the same day to add to the historic occasion.
See the video of the event here: (Video – Wouter Pienaar)
This beautiful Memorial Dome structure was planned with the approval of Acting Officer Commanding School of Artillery Lt Col W.M. Botha last year. The terrain for the Memorial Dome was identified next to Ogilvies Oak and with the structure facing north. This brand new structure is sure to be a fitting tribute in years to come to those who have given their lives and battle and will be a special point of remembrance at the School.
The construction of the Memorial Dome started on 1 October 2020 with preparation of the terrain and all mountings being made possible due to the perseverance and dedication of WO1 J.F. Fourie and the MSDS unit members of 2020.
Photos: Wouter Pienaar
The Memorial Dome includes four pillars each identifying different unit members on the memorial roll of honour. They are Pro-Patria – members who sacrifice(d) the highest price outside the borders of South Africa, Internal Deployed – members who sacrifice(d) the highest price during operations within the borders of South Africa, Active Service – members who passed on during service at the School of Artillery and PSAPS – members who passed on during service at the School of Artillery.
Commanding Officer of the School of Artillery, Col. Tiger Johnson was the chief dignitary at the event and laid the first wreath at the new Memorial Dome.
There were several unit members who participated in the unveiling of the Memorial Dome:
- Chaplain: Dr V.E. Mtshayisa
- Parade Sergeant-Major: WO2 K. Mqhaba
- Sentries: SSgt J.M. Mokhethi and SSgt M.I. Obos
- Flagman: Sgt R.T. Seleke
A memorial service will be held every year on the Friday that is closest to the 7 September, which is the unit’s birthday.
The wreath layers were:
- Colonel Tiger Johnson
- Lieutenant Noah Matau
- Warrant Officer Class 2 Louise Theart
- Bombardier Lawrence Sout
- Gunner Ntshembo Sithole
