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Message from the Chairman: Mike Bosazza
Greetings to you all
The Naval Heritage Trust committee has been busy (as usual) over the past two months getting books and Naval Digests ready for publication. These you can read about on page 2, 3 and 4 This is a continous task and they are all thanked for their efforts.
It can also be reported that the ASSEGAAI Submarine Museum is doing very well and drawing in the visitors each day, with more to read on the ASSEGAAI on pg 11.
The NHT AGM is upon once again and we would really like to see as many attending as possible, more info on pg 6.
The NHT cannot operate without members and we would love to see our established members bringing in new members who are interested in naval affairs and history. Im sure you will all agree that the books and Naval Digests you receive for your yearly subscriptions contain wonderful memories of the service and highlight naval historic events.
The Oral History project is vital in retaining the history of the Navy and its personnel. For those of you who have not yet had your Oral History recorded give Glen a call. More on pg 8.
One thing is very clear we are all part of the heritage of the SA Navy and there is so much on offer when visiting Simon`s Town. Pop and visit the NHT Office, the ASSEGAAI Submarine Museum and the Naval Museum.
Many thanks to you all for being part of the Naval Heritage.
Mike Bosazza
Naval Digests (ND) and Books in the pipeline
Naval Heritage publishes a minimum of two Naval Digests each year and one book. There are number of Naval Digests being worked on by the Trustees and other writers and they will be published as they are completed. The proposed digests below are an indication of what is being planned for the future:
Naval Digest 40. The Military Bands in SA from 1652 until 1972 by Cdr John Imrie.
This Naval Digest has been completed and is ready for printing. The original book was written by Cdr John Imrie for his musical thesis in 1972 when he was the OC Naval Band. The reproduction of the book has been authorised by his grandson, Andrew Imrie. This ND covers the early arrival of musicians on sailing ships and tells the stories of how many private and Military Bands developed and grew throughout South Africa over the years.
This ND will be published in July 2025
Naval Digest 41. The SA Navy Band
Andrew Imrie has been busy with this ND and it is due to enter the proofreading stage by end April. There will also be a QR link to the webpage for Navy Band music. For publication in July 2025.
Naval Digest 42. Tim Johnson
This Digest is in the proof reading stage at present and will be published in 2026. This Digest is made up of Tim`s Oral History recorded by Glen Knox a few years ago and also includes articles by other Naval officers and friends. Many of his paintings have also been included with kind permission of Joey Johnson.
A new book of South African submariners serving on Foreign submarines, not only in SA but also in RN and other nations’ boats, is nearing completion and is due for publication in the second half of 2025.
Naval Digest. Voyage to the Ice – SAS Outeniqua by Marga Ley and navalised by Arne Soderlund. This ND is almost complete. However, Heritage is awaiting approval from the original author as her notes were used to compile the Digest. Good quality photos of the voyage are still being sourced to match the content. This ND could be published in 2026.
Naval Digest. Top Sportsmen and Women of the SAN 1922 – 2025, By Capt Henriette Moller, Capt Knox and SWO Dave Harrison. This ND is still being researched and is presently 140 pages strong with interesting sporting stories being unearthed. The research team is trying to ensure no top sportsman or woman is omitted from the book. Do you remember any of these sports people? If you do please let us know. NHT would like to publish this ND in 2026.
Naval Digest. SAS Protea Although on the back burner this ND has not been forgotten.
Naval Digest. Operations Pullen and White Dove, Drakensberg and Outeniqua visits to the Congo – Arne Soderlund and Chris Dooner. This Naval Digest is progressing slowly and could be published in 2026.
Naval Digest. Oral History stories. The Trustees are considering publishing a Naval Digest with a few of the older recorded Oral Histories. There are some amazing stories that have been related re naval lives at sea during and after WWII and even the early Type Frigate 12 days. The stories will be published as they have been recorded through the Oral History project without changing the style or language and in this way the reader will fully understand the naval lives and times some of the older generation lived through. These stories willl emphasise the importance of the Oral History Program.
New Books available through Naval Heritage
Foreign Submarine Visits to South Africa and Associated Exercises 1933 – 2023.
This very interesting book on visiting submarines has now been completed and published The book costs R150 for NH Society members and R180 retail plus R60 for PAXI post if required
Journey of a Lifetime, by Nigel Peddie. This is a fascinating and extremely well written book on the life and times of a career naval officer in both the RN and SAN. The book is available through the Naval Heritage Office or postal delivery for an additional R60. The cost of the book is R300 for NHT Society members and R350 retail.
Dutch Colonisation: South Africa`s Naval and Maritime Heritage by Deon Brand
Book Review: Dutch Colonisation from 1652-1795
This fascinating book is a factual publication which covers from the setting down of a Dutch refreshment post by the Dutch East India Company (Vereenigde Oost-Indische Compagny, abbreviated as VOC) at the Cape of Good Hope in 1652, to an eventual colonisation, until the Cape was captured by the British First Occupation in 1795. It shows past travels by different nations around the Cape, which gave rise to the idea of the creation of the refreshment post. This book relates to the establishment of the Cape with the early arrivals and documents the growth of the colony around Cape Town and outlying areas. After a detailed introduction of the book, which includes pictures and a description of the size, crew and armament of the different vessels which served here, a well-explaned overview of the Dutch period at the Cape is given.
Then follows the Commanders, later Governors, who ruled at the Cape. Most of these were only merchants, but were entrusted with the responsibility to protect and defend the Dutch settlers against foreign powers and the indigenous people. After this, all the vessels and sites are dealt with alphabetically.
During the period of Dutch Colonisation, the winds of war blew continuously in Europe, nine wars impacted the Cape during this era. The fortifications built here or upgraded, or even neglected and allowed to go to ruin, were as a direct result thereof.
The book deals with the hundred odd vessels that served at the Cape. The vessels that sailed around with the outbound and return fleets to and from the East are not addressed. They only stopped here for water, provisions and recuperation or some additional crew. It also shows the defensive mechanisms put in place. Most of us know of the Castle in Cape Town, but not the dozens of other forts, redoubts, gun batteries, etc, that were built and erected.
Due to the need for medical treatment of the ships passengers and crews, some sickbays and hospitals were built. Various other support structures were also erected. Many outposts were created for non-defensive reasons, to provide fresh meat, fish and vegetables to the crews and local population, this is not addressed in this book. However, the outposts which were of a defensive nature are dealt with in great detail. Some outposts created outside the colony, but managed from here, are also addressed in detail.
Many images, pictures, prints, engravings, paintings, sketches, drawings, or even those prints on stamps, notes or coins, of the vessels or sites described, are given. Unfortunately, some grainy clips are shown, if nothing else could be found. On reading this book, one realises how many lives were lost and the suffering endured by the crews. It shows the defencelessness of the vessels to the mighty oceans, many a vessel was lost with its entire crew. It is considered that only about one in three men, who departed from the Netherlands, returned to their homeland.
The book contains shocking details of the slaving venture of the Dutch. Due to the acute shortage of personnel, slave labour was permitted in the colonies. Some vessels operating locally were fitted out as slaving vessels. Later, some purpose-built slavers were sent to the Cape. Some 40 slaving voyages from vessels operating from the Cape brought in about 4300 slaves. This is indeed a dark chapter in “our” history.
The book leaves us with much food for thought. It shows the invaluable contribution made by the Dutch to create a South African Naval and Maritime legacy. The dependants of the initial settlers can be extremely proud of what their efforts, under often harsh conditions, helped to shape. It shows how they erected and put in place the structures that we so easily accept as the norm. Without their dedication and extremely hard work, we would not have the successful country of today.
Book written by Captain (SA Navy) (Retired) Deon Brand, he can be contacted on deonbrand54@gmail.com.
Printed by Blitsdruk in Knysna.
Cost R379, postage R60 in South Africa via Pep to Pep Paxi service.
NHT 2025 AGM: 8 May at 1530
The NHT AGM will be held on Thursday 8 May 2025 at 1530. It is planned to have the formal side of the AGM at the FBYC conference room and then followed by drinks and snacks at the NHT office and submarine.
Whilst enjoying a drink and snacks the NHT office will be open for viewing, for book purchases and NHS Membership renewal. The Assegaai Submarine Museum will be open for viewing (Not Guided Tours). Donations to the continued refurbishment project may also be made.
Those members wanting to do the guided tour of the Assegaai submarine should book the 1345 or 1420 tour to be in time for the start of the AGM at 1530.
NHS Members attending are requested to confirm attendance, for catering purposes, by informing Andre on nhtmembership@gmail.com. before 2 May 2025.
NHT Office
The NHT office is operating from the SA Naval Museum Submarine Park on the left side of Cole Point Parking area. Over the wall from the NSRI Station 10. The office is open for members to visit on Mondays and Thursdays between 0930 and 1200. If you are in the area, you are most welcome to pop in for a chat. You will then be able to view the Heritage collection of books, paintings and Oral Histories in the Office. If you would like to confirm a visit, please message Glen on 0846861384 or Chris on 0845130617
The Assegaai Submarine museum is open for the public right alongside the NHT office
NHT Subs 2024/25
Although the yearly subs for Naval Heritage were increased as of 1 January 2024, to cover the climbing printing and postal costs, there is no envisaged increase during 2025.
Besides the ND`s and book projects the Trust is also involved in Oral History recordings, assistance to the Naval Museum and the Submarine Museum project. All these events cost, and funds need to be carefully allocated to ensure the Trust can meet its Heritage goals. The Chairman has been fortunate in being able to acquire additional funding to assist in the production of the Oral Histories which can prove very expensive to have recorded and typed up.
There will however be a saving for those wanting the electronic copy of a Naval Digest. Published Books will still need to be hard copies.
New Subs will be as follows.
• Electronic copy only, subs R180 (no hard copy posted)
• Hard copy, subs R280. This will include the cost of the Paxi Post with Pep Stores. Hand delivered publications in the Cape Town area will also fall into this category as the Trustees will be required to travel around their allocated areas delivering the publications personally. Each Trustee will then be given a small travel allowance for this duty.
- Overseas delivery, subs R380 this will include the standard overseas postage with the Post Office (appears to be working better than local postal services)
- Corporate membership will also be R280.
Any other postage will be on an individual basis through the Paxi system.
All members should let the Trust know,
- Which option they are choosing Electronic (via email) or Hard Copy,
- Which Pep Store is their desired delivery point and their correct cell number. Paxi Post will have the packages delivered within 7 days of posting. Their system is well controlled, and packages are tracked constantly.
- Hand deliveries will need correct street address, not a P.O. Box
Hand delivered publications in the Cape Town area can only be delivered to actual addresses no longer P.O. Boxes.
Notification of Pep Store delivery point or actual home address as applicable and correct Cell phone numbers should be sent to Andre Wessels at nhtmembership@gmail.com
Kindly note the the yearly subs are either R180 or R280 for local members and R380 for overseas members. There are no subs at R150 or R200. The membership sec becomes very perturbed when these odd amounts are paid in, as it then requires following the members payment up which takes up time.
NHT Library of Collected Books
The Trust continues to build its library of Nautical Books and magazines.
Heritage is always on the lookout for Nautical themed books and in particular those with a South African maritime theme which can be added to the Heritage reference library. Any books donated to the Trust that are found to be duplicates will be donated to the local Sea Cadet units and Lawhill Maritime school library.
Oral History Program
Every day of your life is a page of your history.
The Heritage Trusts Oral History program has continued strongly. There are now 351 completed Oral Histories
One-on-One recordings continue with both Glen and Eddie attempting to make inroads into the considerable backlog. Numerous Mini Oral Histories with the info being obtained from family members, old Navy News articles and other documents continues.
The oral histories presently being proofread include Capt Peter De Beer Strydom, Capt Chris Dooner, Capt Richard Loydell, RAdm Steve du Toit.
Oral Histories completed since the last report include Cdr Jimmy Schutte, Aubrey Staples, Dunbar, Mrs Lucy Edwards, Garth Sweet. Lt Cdr Van Blerk, WO1 Paul Daykin, WO2 Peter Hawkins, Harold Booth, Billy Nixon,Gene Copeland, WO1 Roland Brown, CPO Frans Malherbe, Esn Roger Withers
WO1 Roy Marks continues putting his book together and Capt Gerrit Rademeyer is also working on his book of his naval career.
A trip to both the South Coast and Durban areas for a recording session remains on the cards and will be programmed in once 10 candidates have been confirmed for each area. The next recording trip to the Pretoria region will be in 2026.
We would encourage Society members to start writing their own Oral Histories – an hour or two each week is all it takes. However, if you would prefer a recording to be conducted as part of this important Heritage project, please get in contact with Glen Knox on his email glenknox090@gmail.com or through WhatsApp on 084 686 1384.
Membership
New members to the NHT Society are warmly welcomed and we trust you will all enjoy the publications produced and interacting with the Trust and Society members.
The new member since February 2025 is:
A Breman
We would like to encourage all Society members to recruit amongst their own friends and other retired Naval and Defence personnel who are not yet members, to join up if they are interested in SA Navy and SA Naval Heritage. The Application form is on the SA Naval Heritage fb site and on the Heritage web page.
Paid up membership for the Naval Heritage Society now stands at 250. With 20 members arrears in payments.
Society members who do not respond to renewal emails and are non-paying for 6 months after renewal date are unfortunately removed from the Heritage data base.
If you are moving home or changing your email addresses, kindly update any new addresses with Andre Wessels. Confirmation of your Email, postal address and cell numbers may be sent to the membership secretary at nhtmembership@gmail.com.
Naval Heritage Website
The Naval Heritage web page continues to be maintained by the Web Master, Nicholas Dunn.
We encourage all our Society members to log on and see the additional items on display. The link for the site is navalheritagetrust.co.za Typing in SA Naval Heritage Trust will also link you to the page.
Additional books and Naval Digests can also be ordered through the web site.
The NHT web page has had 19132 Hits, Naval Digests and Books have received 1261 and 1384 visits respectively. Assegaai project 2949 visits. Have you visited the Naval Heritage webpage yet?
Where can you purchase Naval Heritage books and Digests?
All our published Naval Digests and books are available at the NHT Office in Simon`s Town at the Submarine Museum Park or through the Naval Heritage web page. Remember paid up members get a big discount on all purchases bought at the office or online. Payments can either be cash or card.
Other stockists include Enkosi Africa gift and souvenir shop in Simon`s Town and the SA Naval Museum. Both these venues only hold a selection of the inventory and sell the publications at the full retail price.
Special deals on Naval Digests
The Trust has made the full set of the Naval Digests number 1 to 39 available to members at just R2000. Normal retail price R3510 to non-members for this set. Postage of R150 with POSTNET and R110 with PAXI will need to be added in unless collected in person from the NHT office Simon’s Town or in Muizenberg.
To obtain this Heritage book bargain contact Glen Knox
Individual Naval Digests sell for R70 to members and R90 retail.
SA Naval Heritage Society Facebook Site
The NHT fb site has now grown to 7229 members.This site continues to be extremely popular with many positive interactions re historic memories of the SAN. The daily Shipwreck Heritage Report from SAHRA makes for fascinating reading each day.
Are you a member of this Facebook site yet? If not click on it and join in the daily discussions and also encourage your friends with naval interests to join this active fb site.
Naval Heritage Trust Banking details
Naval Heritage Trust Standard Bank code 051001
Account number 072 102 276
SUBMARINE MUSEUM UPDATE: April 2025
Reported by Arne Soderlund
After just on four months of trial operation to test and prove procedures as well as establish routines, the Museum is to be formally opened by Chief of the Navy. The ceremony will take place on Wednesday 30 April with all major donors invited to attend. This includes the Mayor of Cape Town who will also unveil the donor wall which acknowledges all of the major donors and the ‘bunk owners’ whose names will also be affixed to bunks in the two messes and the wardroom, with pride of place being the captain’s cabin for a donation of R50 000.
Until now the museum has not there has been no overt advertising of the museum other than the Assegaai Submarine Museum website and facebook but by Monday 14 April, 9 954 visitors had passed through the boat and the comment book confirms the success of the venture and the guides, all of whom are mentioned by name. Social media has also proven to be the source for many local visitors but the majority of international visitors as well as those from the outer regions of South Africa are apparently drawn by the gleaming Assegaai which towers over the outer wall of the Dockyard like a very attractive billboard.
There is little doubt that the Museum will soon be a major tourist attraction and is already attracting tourists from all corners of the world with Australians, Poles, Germans, Belgians as well as British amongst the many visiting daily. An interesting group earlier in April was a family of eleven from the DRC visiting the Cape for the graduation of a daughter at the Engineering faculty at UCT whose enjoyment was very obvious in spite of minor language limitations. They were not the first visitors from the DRC though.
Although not formally arranging school groups yet, the museum has taken a number through, including students from Lawhill Maritime Centre, the French School and one or two local schools and all were handled successfully and it is intended to concentrate on such visits during the winter months.
As the major limiting factor for large groups is the restriction of 10 visitors per group every 20 minutes (total of 170-180 visitors per day), it is assumed that there will be less walk-in visitors in the off season.
With a current average of 85 per day, the museum is already operating at 50% capacity.
The one problem being experience is the shortage of volunteer guides as at least four are needed every day to allow a short break between tours. Whilst coping at present, much pressure is being placed on a few guides and new volunteers are always welcome, no previous experience needed and even for half days. Current guides include an eminent surgeon, an airline pilot, an army lady officer and an architect, all retired!
All training is provided along with great company and rewarded by the gratitude and satisfaction of an international audience. If interested, the manager can be contacted on (021) 787 4215 and if in doubt, book a visit on (021) 787 4786 and see for yourself.
Naval Heritage Trust Board
Chairman: Mike Bosazza
Vice Chairman: Capt Glen Knox
Secretary: Capt Trunell Morom
Treasurer: Mrs Glynnis Hellemann
Trustee: RAdm (JG) Arne Soderlund
Member: Capt Chris Dooner
Trustee: Cdr Eddie Wesselo
Trustee: Cdr Mac Bisset
Member: WO1 David Harrison
Trustee: WO1 Andre Wessels
Web Master
Nicholas Dunn
Volunteer staff
WO1 Harry Croome
Next newsletter – June 2025
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Those that provided feedback on the last newsletter many thanks.