95-year anniversary

Gallery Update

MOSSEL BAY NEWS AND GALLERY - In 1927, former war servicemen met in Durban and decided to never forget the sacrifices made by those who died in the First World War.

Under the leadership of Charles Evenden, a brotherhood of South African former frontline soldiers was formed.

PHOTO GALLERY: MOTHS Celebrates 95th birthday

Today, the Memorable Order of Tin Hats (M.O.T.H.) is an international organisation with shell holes across Southern Africa and abroad.

On Saturday, 7 May, members of the Blaize Away Shell hole in Mossel Bay hosted a special dinner at the Oceans Hotel to mark this memorable birthday.

The organisation was formed to pursue three goals - true comradeship, mutual help and sound memory.

From the beginning, this translated into helping comrades in need, financially or physically, and remembering all servicemen.

At Saturday's event, MOTH Gottfried Wrede said the evening was a celebration, as well as a treat for the men's spouses on the eve of Mother's Day.

He lamented the fact that most of the veterans who served in the World Wars had passed away, leaving only a handful that had served in World War 2.

The mood was soon lightened by friendly chatter as the group reminisced and a surprise visit was made by former Mrs South Africa, Tereza Troskie-Herbst, who stayed at the same hotel last weekend. Troskie-Herbst was in town to promote her pageant, Dream Girl SA. Gladly, she posed for a photograph with the MOTHs.

This coming Sunday, 15 May, the Blaize Away Shell Hole is hosting the annual Border Boys Parade at the Cenotaph at 10:45. The ceremony will include wreath laying to remember those who died in the Bush War.

For more information, email blaizeaway.adj@gmail.com.

The local MOTH members congregated at the Oceans Hotel, with their spouses for a formal dinner on Saturday night to mark this milestone birthday. Photos: Cornelle Carstens