They might be gone but they are never forgotten. Crater Moth Shellhole hosted a memorial service at the military graves at Old Witbank Cemetery on Sunday, March 5.
This was done in memory of the men that died during the Second World War and one soldier on the Angolan Border.
These graves are of former members of the South African Defence Force and two members of the Royal Air Force who were stationed at the Paxton Aerodrome during World War 2.
Family members of the fallen heroes were present at the service.
How the planning of this day came about was when these graves were found to be in poor conditions, they were restored by MOTH Crater (1928) Shellhole and the Sound Memory Cottages Witbank in August and September 2016 with the assistance of Ophrey, an employee from the Sound Memory Cottages.
Crater (1928) MOTH held a memorial service at the Old Cemetery on Sunday, March 5
The service commenced with a parade of Crater Shellhole MOTH’s and friends of the MOTH led by the Piper Ken Faduk from the entrance of the cemetery to the military graves where the members joined the public in the seating provided.
Crater Shellhole Old Bill Moth Chris Sonnekus welcomed the Moths and guests to the first World War 2 the fallen veterans’ parade.
Moth Len Bowker the Coalfields District Old Bill spoke briefly of the intensity of World War 2 which involved over 100 million people from 32 countries, the largest war known to mankind and that the Moths were here to pay tribute to those soldiers who paid the ultimate price.
Private Thomas Henry Cane (G.S.G)’s died at age 45 on July 21 1944, standing next to his grave is his family Moth Raymond Cane (Grandson), Marie Cane, Myrtle van Jaarsveld (Daughter in law), Lorraine Hatch (granddaughter), Clive Hatch and Orphrey Mabaso. The memorial service was held at the Old Cemetery on Sunday, March 5.
Mr Clive Hatch sent his sincerest appreciation to the United Kingdom High Commission in Pretoria as well as the Royal Air Force Association of South Africa for their assistance in supplying them with information on the deceased servicemen. “A big thank you as well to the municipality which ensured the cemetery is kept clean and neat at all times.” He said we must continuing remembering theses fallen heroes.
This was followed by wreaths being read and the flowers were laid in the respective graves by family members.
Friends of the MOTH stood to attention and saluting as the quiet air was pierced with notes of ‘The Last Post’ as the flags were lowered to half mast followed by ‘the Reivielie’ as the flags were again hoisted.
The service ended with those in attendance returning to MOTH Dugout at the Sound Memory Cottages for lunch.
The following graves are in the cemetery:
Bombardier G.L. Rack (S.A.A.F) died at 29 on May 8, 1943; Private G.R. Desfountain (T.S.C) died at 26 on May 29, 1943; Lieutenant G. Shuttleworth died at 20 on August 12, 1943; Pilot G.L. Malley (Royal Air Force) died at 21 on September 10, 1943; Private T.H. Cane (G.S.G) died at 45 on July 21, 1944; Corporal S. Wardley (S.A.E.C) died at 48 on July 24, 1944; Flight Sergeant J.M. Ronaldson (Royal Air Force) died on February 1, 1945; Private T.A. Adkins (E.S.P.C) died at 47 on November 1, 1940; Private J.A. Ripley (T.S.C) died on March 15, 1942; Corporal B.J. van Wyk (A.D.K.V.) died at 49 on May 9, 1946; 2nd Lieutenant J. Donaldson (S.A.A.F) died at 21 on December 9, 1941; Pupil Pilot C.L. Beukes (S.A.A.F) died at 19 on February 25, 1942; Corporal W.L Mathews (S.A.R. & H. Btl.) died at 25 on March 25, 1943 AND Corporal N. Beechey (SA Armoured Cars) died at 19 on October 29, 1975.
