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world war ii
Memory That Unites Nations: 80 Years Since the Great Victory
Reflecting on the 80th anniversary of Victory Day is a powerful reminder of courage and unity against tyranny. How do we honour the sacrifices of the past while shaping a more just future?
A tank regiment rolls out its history
The book Rough but Ready is an updated history of the Natal Mounted Rifles. Picture: Mark Levin
Kerry Washington delivers a magnum opus performance in Tyler Perry’s ‘The Six Triple Eight’
Perry's newest war drama has broken records on Netflix, becoming his most-watched movie within a month of release, according to the streaming service.
Tyler Perry reveals his dedication to telling the story of WWII’s unsung all-female battalion in 'The Six Triple Eight’
The war drama, written and directed by Perry, unpacks the lesser-known story of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, an all-black and all-female battalion, in World War II.
Not for ourselves, but for others
Around the world, people are encouraged to wear poppies for the first fortnight in November to remember all those who have been affected by war and conflict.
KZN airman honoured at Delhi War Memorial
A South African family travels to India to honour Pilot Officer Dharamraj Aheer Goordeen, highlighting the sacrifices of Indian-origin South Africans during World War II.
The Cultural Cold War in South Africa – Marching to the CIA’S Pied Piper
During the apartheid era, the country stood as a frontline state in the Cold War, with the US and its allies supporting the apartheid regime under the pretext of containing communism.
On this day in history, September 18
Some of the more interesting things that happened on this day.
Remembering one of the greats: Okey, the Bok prop who could kick the ball a mile
If the Springboks beat the All Blacks on Saturday, they will emulate the team of 1949, who won four Tests in a row against their great rivals.
Indian soldiers who died during World Wars I and II remembered
The South African Indian Legion of Military Veterans held its annual Women’s Day High Tea followed by a lecture on Women and War. The Wall of Remembrance was unveiled and the Last Post was played.
Tribute to South African Indians who fell in both World Wars
The South African Indian Legion (SAIL) of Military Veterans erected a plaque commemorating Indian soldiers who died in service during World Wars I and II at the Ditsong National Museum of Military History in Parktown, Johannesburg.
Nik Rabinowitz’s ‘Pension Killer’ promises a riotous ride for theatregoers
Having been in the industry long enough to belong to the seasoned league, he weighed in on how the comedy landscape has changed.
Triumph of Bagration: the 80th Anniversary of the liberation of Belarus
In the post-war USSR there was an ideologeme in use: ‘Stalin’s Ten Strikes’ standing for 10 major operations carried out by the Red Army against the Wehrmacht (unified armed forces of the Nazi Germany) in 1944, which altogether led to the collapse of the Third Reich.
Durban medal parade for SAAF staff
Medals and certificates were awarded to members of the South African Air Force during a medal parade. The awards recognised those who provided long-term service and commitment; and also recognised bravery.
On this day, June 5
1752 An expedition of August Beutler, who left the Castle in Cape Town in February, reaches the Keiskamma in the Eastern Cape. 1873 The name of De Beer’s New Rush is changed to Kimberley. 1873 Under pressure from Britain, Sultan Barghash bin Said of Zanzibar closes the island’s great slave market. 1883 The first regularly scheduled run of the fabled Orient Express train leaves Paris.
Military memories of warriors
The Memorable Order of Tin Hats’ (Moth) Warrior Gate Museum on the corner of Durban’s KE Masinga and Masabalala Yengwa Avenue is home to a wide array of war-time exhibits, including collector’s items.
On this day, April 22
Deadly mistake for amaXhosa in the Battle of Grahamstown, first use of poison gas in warfare, Wild West land rush, record Covid numbers
On this day, April 20
A tyrant is born, the Red Baron bags his last kills, a deadly attack becomes a byword for school mass shootings, Swaziland gets a name change, and George Floyd’s killer convicted
On this day, April 19
A cruel mother, Cook first sights Australia, a psychedelic trip home on a bicycle, and the Waco siege ends
On this day, April 18
The Cape and South Africa’s first school, San Francisco devastated, the audacious Doolittle raiders bomb Japan and South Africa’s first Test match against a non-white team
On this day, April 16
The first recorded battle, famous gunfighter’s last duel, Great Train Robbers locked up, rapper wins literary prize
On this day, April 15
Peace talks begin, Mickey Mouse pops up, a record trip to South Africa, ‘Baby Jake’ makes us proud, and International Day of Families
On this day, April 12
The Union Jack flies over Church Square in Pretoria, the first Space Shuttle mission blasts off, Yuri Gagarin becomes the first person to orbit Earth, and Captain Phillips is freed
On this day, April 10
Work starts on Cape Town’s fort, the first 1820 settlers arrive, the ‘unsinkable’ Titanic sets sail, South African aces rack up kills in the air, and remains of 3ft-tall people discovered.
On this day, April 9
Apartheid mastermind escapes death, looting follows Baghdad’s occupation, the wolves return, and masses line the streets for a funeral