It was a day of remembrance for the fallen gunners who laid their lives on the line in service of South Africa at the Potchefstroom Gunners’ Memorial site on Sunday, 7 May.
The Gunners Association, with the support of the SA Army Artillery Formation and SA Army Air Defence Artillery Formation, hosted the Memorial Service with various dignitaries and family members present.

It was a truly special service, where wreaths were laid in honour of the gunners who lost their lives on duty. The first memorial commemoration service happened on 10 May 1953 and has been held annually, with this year being a memorable 71st commemoration.
Shots were also fired from the G1 gun by the gun troop from the South African Army Artillery in memory of the fallen gunners.

Video: Wouter Pienaar

The troops on parade and the gun troop were provided by the Regular and Reserve units including from School of Artillery, 4 Artillery Regiment and Sandfontein Artillery Regiment.

Photos: Wouter Pienaar

The general of the Gunners, Lt Gen (Ret) Roy Anderson, stated during his welcome address that this memorial site was a fitting tribute to the fallen gunners. He also praised all and sundry for their dedication to maintaining the memorial site.

“The gunners made the supreme sacrifice for their country. The gunners wanted to ensure the liberty of South Africa and freedom from tyranny,” added Lt Gen Anderson.

A new memorial wall was also unveiled, where the names of the servicemen who died while on normal service will be posted for remembrance.

Col. A.W.W. Prevost is the first name on this memorial wall that was revealed by his family last Sunday.