Armed forces pay tribute to the fallen

Louis Trichardt residents, together with members of the South African National Defence Force and military veterans from the Bush War (1966 – 1989) took a moment to remember the sacrifices made by war veterans in service of their country as part of Remembrance Day.

At 05:00 on Monday, 11 November, 1918, an armistice was signed by Germany and the alliance nations, ending hostilities during the First World War (1914 – 1918). At the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of that year, the guns fell silent. The war that was supposed to end all wars had come to an end, but not before an estimated nine million people had lost their lives.

In remembering those who died in the war and subsequent wars, Remembrance Day is commemorated annually. The Memorable Order of Tin Hats (MOTHs) of Louis Trichardt held their service this past Sunday at their Turbi Hills Shellhole. As part of the ceremony, two minutes of silence was observed to remember those who paid the ultimate price for their country.

Following this moment of silence, soldiers and military personnel laid wreaths at the Turbi Hills’ remembrance wall, while members of the Air Force Base Makhado formed an honorary guard.

The Turbi Hills Shellhole was named after the place where the first South African was killed in North Africa during the Second World War. Tim Kleinenberg was killed on January 25, 1941, when he was shot by a German sniper. He also hailed from Louis Trichardt.

It is worth mentioning that the Turbi Hills Shellhole has some of the largest private military memorabilia to be held at a South African shellhole. A private viewing can be organised by phoning their Old Bill Alan Odendal at 083 660 2472.

Date:13 November 2015

By: Isabel Venter

Isabel joined the Zoutpansberger and Limpopo Mirror in 2009 as a reporter. She holds a BA Degree in Communication Sciences from the University of South Africa. Her beat is mainly crime and court reporting.

Read: 1365