1946 SA Victory Contingent

[Brian Conyngham]

Hi All

Just thought I would post these 2 blazer badges, were there any other badges released for this occasion?

Brian

[sabrigade]

Hi Brian,

I think I may have one similar to the green badge.

I have a MM to a Pte Masemula who escaped from Tobruk in my collection.

This is some of the research I have done on the contingent which I used for a lable:

THE SOUTH AFRICAN VICTORY PARADE CONTINGENT

To celebrate the British and Commonwealth victory over the Axis Powers, a contingent was formed to attend the parade and festivities in London.

The Contingent was commanded by Major-General Evered Poole, CB, CBE, DSO, and former GOC of the 6TH South African Armoured Division who had led his division with distinction during the Italian campaign as part of the American 5th Army.

The Contingent consisted of 222 men and 19 women and represented all the services and corps of the Union Defence Force.

Private Masemula was one of the 9 decorated members of the Non-European Army Contingent that were selected to participate as official members of the Contingent. He was duly re-attested for the Contingent in Durban on 19 April 1946.

The Contingent left Durban on 27 April 1946 and arrived in London on 24 May 1946. The NMC carried their issue spears on parade. After attending the festivities and after marching in the Victory Parade on 8 June, the Contingent returned to South Africa and landed in Durban on 6 July 1946.

Masemula was discharged on 7 July 1946 at the age of 29. On his Discharge Certificate, Masemula was described as being “SLIM “of build, 6 Foot and 1 inch tall and his conduct was rated as “GOOD” during his service with this Contingent.

Regards,

Will

[sabrigade]

Masemula Showcase 13.jpg

Masemula Showcase 16.jpg

Some of the members of the SA contingent during the march and Private Masemula M.M. receiving his MM medal ribbon in North Africa.

[Brian Conyngham]

William

Thanks for this info.

To revive this post, I have a SA Nurse whose records show she was part of the SA Contingent, do you know if there is a roll available?

Brian

[Raymondvan]

Originally Posted by sabrigade

Attachment 81307

Attachment 81308

Some of the members of the SA contingent during the march and Private Masemula M.M. receiving his MM medal ribbon in North Africa.

How do I purchase a copy of this historic picture?

Kind regards

Raymond van Diemel
raymond@ma2.sun.ac.za
083 357 5421

[Brian Conyngham]

Hi Raymond

Sorry for "super late" reply here! I do not get email notifications to postings?

I will try and get hold of William, he does not often come onto the site as he works far to the north in a battle zone.

Regards
Brian