sabrigade

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Detail of beautiful cross belt badge

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Complete SAMR Officer's cross belt attributed to Major Gordon-Gray.

I spent time in December rearranging my SAMR display and collection as well as adding some items.

I apologise if there are any repetitions of my previous posts regarding the SAMR.

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OFFICER'S GROUP PHOTOGRAPH

Unfortunately, not the best photograph but still in the original frame.

A South African Memorial Plaque to a member of the SSB.

Plaques to the unit are relatively scarce and do not often "surface".

They were given to the next of kin of personnel who lost their lives on active service and the name and the cause of death is inscribed on them.

This plaque was gicen to the family of an Afrikaans serving member and is therefore inscribed to the "SDB", tha Afrikaans translation for "SSB".

Hi Gavin,

This book will focus on all aspects of militaria during the 80 years of the unit's existence and less on the history which Otto covered very comprehensively.

The Armour Association in South Africa is in the process of commissioning a comprehensive book on the history of all the Armour Regiments in South Africa.

The SSB book will be a limited edition and the author showed me a copy of the draft which I think is of a very high standard and is very well illustrated with minute detail.

Regards,

Will

Mervyn,

A very interesting, thought provoking but possibly controversial question.

I saw many years of service in the South African army and had the opportunity to visit, train and operate in many countries and their armies all over the world.

I also had the privilege of visiting the Algerian Military on a exchange visit.

The bottom-line is that the military support the government of the day and then become an extension of the political approach of that specific country.

I am not convinced that Rhodesia did not focus on recruiting "African" members and I am of the opinion that we are simplifying this statement.

Tribalism played a major role in these efforts as it still does on the continent.

There were many "Africans" serving in units such as the Selous Scouts, IA and the BSAP and not only the RAR.

When it comes to Africa, we should not forget the Berlin Conference where Africa was divided into countries within the sphere of influence and requirements of the european countries involved.

I am back in South Sudan and the repercussions of the Anglo-Egyptian rule and approach are still being felt here today.

I strongly recommend Thomas Packenham's excellent book "THE SCRAMBLE FOR AFRICA"

Regards,

Will

Thank you for the input, this unit deserves recognition and the book on its history and militaria is eagerly awaited.

The author has promised some copies of the photographs that he has found during his research and I will add them to this thread.

Many items from my collection regarding the unit will feature in the book including aspects such as swagger stick variations, headdress, uniforms, death plaques, webbing and photographs.

Lieutenant-Colonel Klopper was one of the commanders of the SSB.

He is well-known for the surrender of Tobruk to Rommel.

The SSB regalia and his appointment is very clear as part of the saddle blanket on the horse in this photograph.

"Leg" attachments varied from "puttees", 4 buckle leggings to three buckle leggings.

These items are very rare and this specific pair was made in Johannesburg in 1940.

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SSB UNIFORM AND EQUIPMENT ITALIAN CAMPAIGN: WW2

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CLOSE-UP OF THE UNIFORM DETAIL

PART OF MY SSB DISPLAY

MY GRANDFATHER'S ATTESTATION DOCUMENT: WW2

MY GRANDFATHER'S ATTESTATION DOCUMENT: WW2

SSB INSPECTION LAYOUT

BADGE AND INSIGNIA VARIATIONS

MY GRANDFATHER WITH MY MOTHER WEARING HIS SSB UNIFORM

The Special Service Battalion was known as the SSB. It was formed on 1 May 1933 and it is therefore the 80^th anniversary of the unit this year. The main aim was to counter the effects of the 1929 depression and to give training to men between the ages of 17 and 23 who then would find gainful employment. Many of them joined the civil service in various departments. The SSB taught soldiers military discipline, fitness and various trades to enable them to be employed by the Department of Labour and Welfare and in the private sector.

They served in various units and also saw active service during the Italian campaign.

My grandfather was a member of the unit.

This is very unusual as the S.A.S.C. served in East Africa and the 1st SAI Brigade on the Western Front.

First time that I have seen this and I thought that I had medals to all the South African units that served in France!

This definitely warrants additional research.

The SSB was a unit reknown for their discipline and very high standards and amongst their instructors was the legendary colour-sergeant Brand from the Guards who was attached to them as a drill instructor.

They were regularly used for drill displays, official funerals and demonstrations due to their record and capabilities.

There is a book in process regarding their history and militaria and their dress varied dramatically depending on availability of the stock.

I have assisted with pre and WW2 militaria from my collection on the SSB.

This helmet in question was known as a "polo" helmet but they also wore caps and wolseley pattern helmets.

Webbing varied from the pattern 1908 to the braithwaight pattern before WW2 when the pattern 37 webbing set was used.

They are wearing the Braithwaight pattern in this photograph.

My grandfather was in the unit and I will start a seperate thread on their items/militaria.

Hi Ulsterman,

Is this the group you refererred too?

Regards,

Will

Hi Paul,

As you are aware, collecting is an on-going process and is never really complete.

I am gradually building up a collection of the various Victorian campaigns but that will stay take a long time.

During my time in Afghanistan, I collected a large variety of British India General Service medals which I will frame when I go on leave next month.

I was very fortunate to recently purchase a Sudan pair to a confirmed charger from the 21st Lancers at the Battle of Omdurman and so it continues into the various fields.

Regards,

Will

Fourth frame on the right hand side wall.

Another frame added a few months ago.

I intend re-arranging all the frames and adding at least another two next month.

Garth,

I may have a spare holster for this revolver with the Cape Markings.

Will have a look when I get back to South Africa.

Regards,

Will