Reliving the memories of war
Caprivi Bomgat a place to relive the memories of fallen heroes.
The Herald was reminded of the fallen war heroes of World War I and II when visiting one of Randfontein’s iconic landmarks, the Caprivi Bomgat recently.
It is home to the Randfontein branch of the Memorable Order of the Tin Hats (MOTH) and boasts historical weaponry and a war veterans memorial.
Jimmy Pappas, owner of Uncle Harry’s Roadhouse – which is adjacent to the Caprivi Bomgat – and Gary Venton, member of the MOTH club in Randfontein, explained to the Herald the importance of this memorial and weaponry museum.
The memorial is in honour of the heroes of World War I and II who lost their lives fighting for their country.
These veterans were part of the very core of the Randfontein community and the survivors are believed to have been bankers, engineers and even friends of Jimmy’s father.
The museum has the following on display:
• A 3,7 inch anti-aircraft gun
• QF 4,5 inch Field Howitzer gun
• An Atlas Impala / Aermacchi MB-326 jet
• Universal Carrier Mk 1 tankette
• A 3,7 inch Howitzer
These weapons come from all over, and the Field Howitzer used to stand in front of the Randfontein Local Municipality building. Most of these weapons were moved with the help of Sibanye Gold – to which the land belongs – to a safer place where a watchful eye could be kept on them.
Corrie van der Merwe, Chris Steyn and Jimmy, to name a few, have played a significant role in the maintenance and conservation of the weaponry. Jimmy started maintaining the grounds, building walls and painting. With the help of Sibanye Gold a palisade fence was put up around the grounds. He also bought benches for the community to come and relax while they relive their memories of these fallen heroes.
One day Jimmy started a conversation with a stranger about the Impala jet. He introduced himself and the visitor replied, “I am General Rudi Niewenhuizen from the South African Air force Association (SAAFA), and I am here to take the Impala”. In turn Jimmy said, “This is my Jet, you cannot take it”.
The Air Force normally retrieve these jets and repossess them, but luckily Rudi agreed to leaving the Impala where it was because he was satisfied that it was safe.
Jimmy recalled his late father’s friends maintaining these grounds, cutting grass and watering plants. These grounds were extremely precious to them.
He laughed when he remembered how these elderly men used to play around and turned the hose on each other. He also told the Herald even children visit the grounds where they play war games. Elderly people go there with their tea and sometimes guitars and make a day out of walking down memory lane in remembrance of their loved ones.
Jimmy and the MOTH Club are extremely grateful to Sibanye Gold for all the years of dedication and help to preserve a very important Randfontein landmark.
