Fidler in the Hood: Old soldiers never die – we will remember them
Proudly South African to the core, these ex-servicemen, their wives and families brought it home how special it is to be a South African.
REMEMBRANCE greetings, friends. It’s been a week of reflection, don’t you think? Maybe time to take stock of where our lives have taken us, before settling down on the Hibiscus Coast. A fair reward for a lifetime’s slog through blood, sweat and tears. However, two events (make one a non-event) brought home, yet again, how special local people who live here – in this wonderful place we call home – are.
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Remembrance Day
Your scribe attended the special commemoration of 100 years since the end of The Great War at last Sunday’s annual Remembrance Day service at Mbango Valley Association retirement village, organised and conducted by Moths (Memorable Order of Tin Hats) and the South African Legion. If anyone wondered whether anyone would be there (after all, time has moved on, people have moved on and was there any interest in the ‘new’ South Africa?), concerns were unfounded as hundreds arrived to attend the service. Veterans and members of their families were there to pay tribute to those South Africans who had served and sacrificed their lives for their country.
Old comrades
The military parade commenced with the pipes and drums of the Margate ‘Scottish Highlanders’ pipe band, led by David Alderson-Smith. An impressive sight, old South African comrades proudly marching, heads held high, showing that they still ‘had it in them’ – soldier-wise. It was a page from the ‘old’ South Africa, and nothing to be ashamed about. These old soldiers, including one Mike Hoyer, formerly of the Durban Light Infantry, honourably served their country in over 70 years of conflict. A Second World War veteran, Mike fought in Egypt, North Africa and Italy and is the last surviving member of the DLI. Proudly wearing his medals, Mike told me he is a resident at Mbango Valley and is from Norwegian descent.
Proudly South African
South African Defence Force ‘vets’ who served in the Korean war, Angola and Mozambique were present, smartly attired in their black Moth blazers, resplendent with medals. Ex-servicemen who served in the Rhodesian security forces in the bush war were well represented. It was, without doubt, a tear-jerking occasion. Lyall Lloyd-Evans led the service with a sincere plea for ‘peace in the world’. The Mbango Valley choir sang a medley of World War songs and Kay Knowles’s rendition of ‘Lili Marlene’ was excellent – with a nod to Marlene Dietrich and her deep, German-accented voice. Proudly South African to the core, these ex-servicemen, their wives and families brought it home how special it is to be a South African. Old soldiers never die – they just fade away. However, not yet, anyway – please.
Disappointing no-show
Last weekend had its disappointments: The eagerly-awaited visit of the KZN Philharmonic Orchestra at Azalea Hall became the biggest non-event of the year. The concert had been sold out for weeks and there was a full house – with high expectations. Everything looked fine, the music stands were in place and music sheets were laid out. Liz Curran called me aside to say “They’re not coming, the bus broke down and they can’t make it.
This is terrible. I will have to make an announcement.” Your scribe assured her the audience would understand.
Breaking the news
Warm applause greeted an embarrassed Liz, who announced that the orchestra would not be appearing. Many seemed amused. “It’s Liz doing an April Fool’s prank.” said the woman next to me and many others thought it was a joke, too. Slowly the news set in and Liz announced that everyone would be refunded, which seemed to alleviate some disappointment. With understanding smiles, the audience headed for the exit. A great pity – the orchestra will have to ‘make it up’, hopefully, in the near future. To Liz and her committee – do not fret, hen, you did your best to bring us the best. It’s been a great year for entertainment and you have brought us some super shows, so, no worries. At least, Liz, you didn’t have to ‘break a leg’ or have your leg broken by the mob – we still loves ya, baby!
See you, Rob.
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