On the Day of Smuts’ Funeral
While my husband had to go to work because public holidays can’t always apply to the airline business, I spent hours following the commentary as the funeral train carrying the body of ‘Jannie Smuts’ (upon whose reputation I now rely) to its final resting place was broadcast on our crackly old radio. Strangely, I recall that as I played the piano by ear, I learned to play Liszt's Liebestraum later that day!
An Unexpected Development Has Brought Hope
If I am happier now it is because of a Canadian Member of Parliament who, having read the article, sent it to the Minster of Veterans' affairs, requesting that the situation be put right, for him to write to me, and to send her a copy of his letter! I can hardly wait!
My life has changed because, after 20 years of agonizing about this, there is hope that now that the few SA vets who are still alive and able, here in Canada, will be eligible to march with pride, along with the rest on Remembrance Day. I've not done this only for my husband, but for others like my brother-in- law who, while doubled-up with appendicitis was ordered, in Poland, to march 100 miles to a different German prisoner-of war camp; it was a blessing when he finally collapsed and was put on the back of a truck! And for another, who was sent away to the North African Desert when his new baby was only six weeks old. I recall how three years later, when he emerged from the plane that had brought him home, and we pointed him out to his child, her scornful response was, "That's not my daddy! My Daddy is on the piano!"
South Africans definitely were in that war!
Article comments
1 - Not the liberal actor
And, Marie, be proud of the fact that South Africa was the ONLY country to fully repay the US for "Lend-Lease" receipts. ANY WWII historian is well aware of the role of Field Marshall Jan Christiaan Smuts and all South Africans. I, too, lament what has recently happened to SA. They used to hold one of the greatest F1 races at Kyalami, just outside of Johanasberg, back when there was still a country. And I have a daughter who recently married a man from SA. They bought a home in Franskraal. I hope they soon fill it with children.
2 - Dr Dreadful
be proud of the fact that South Africa was the ONLY country to fully repay the US for "Lend-Lease" receipts.
Not entirely true, Warren. The United Kingdom also settled its lend-lease account in 2006.
3 - Not the liberal actor
Re: comment # 2, thank you, Doc, for correcting me, and for providing the source. Now, if only more countries would settle thir debts ...
4 - Di Witherspoon
As a proud South African: Can anyone tell me why Jan Christiaan Smuts was never knighted?
5 - Dr Dreadful
Well, the honours process isn't quick, no matter how distinguished the career. Even Churchill wasn't knighted until 1953. Also, knighthoods traditionally aren't granted to political leaders while they're still in office, to avoid any appearance of favoritism. Smuts served as prime minister until 1948 and died only two years later, which didn't leave much time for the system to catch up with him.
6 - Marie Warder
Thank you -- all of you -- for posting a comment.
7 - Di Witherspoon
Thank you Dr Dreadful. Yours is the best and most logical explanation I have heard.