B. O. N. magazine - May 1943

B. O. N. magazine - May 1943

Magazine of 48 Air School, South Africa. On the front cover is written: '1801494 LAC ROYALL G.L. 27/6/43'. The magazine contains articles of local and war news, a description of what life is currently like in Britain, photographs of key personnel at the air school, several humorous poems and stories of life in general and at RAF Woodbridge, an obituary for F/Lt Parry, an article about and letter from Field Marshall J. C. Smutts, a short history of East London, officers' and sergeants' mess news, sports news and results, entertainment news and 'what's on'. There are also numerous adverts for local shops and suppliers.

1943-06

1943-06-27

52 page printed magazine

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MRoyallGL1801494-220420-02

MAY, 1943 Special Edition including June, 1943 PRICE 9D.

1801494 L.A.C ROYALL G.L. 27/6/43

B.O.N.

[boxed] This issue includes a special message from Field Marshal SMUTS [/boxed]

[logo]

THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF 48 AIR SCHOOL

[page break]

B.O.N. May, 1943 Special Edition including June, 1943

[advertisement for MICHAUDS’]

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B.O.N.

THE BOMB-AIMERS’, OBSERVERS’ AND NAVIGATORS’ UNION

Editorial.

In this issue we have the great privilege of publishing a message to B.O.N. from Field Marshal Smuts. Despite his many varied and arduous duties, the Prime Minister has found time to send us these words of welcome and goodwill – an action which is typical of one who has achieved so much in strengthening the close bonds of friendship between our two great countries.

The message arrived just as the May issue was going to press and we decided to wait and publish a special edition covering May and June.

A few weeks ago, a meeting of the magazine representatives was held and many interesting points of view were put forward about B.O.N. Because Woodbrook differs in many aspects from other Air Schools, B.O.N. pursues a policy that is distinctive from those of our contemporaries.

We are pleased to say that the opinions voiced at this meeting coincided with our policy which is:

[symbol] A comprehensive sports report and review
[symbol] Articles and news about Woodbrook.
[symbol] Gossip about the permanent staff.
[symbol] The encouragement of those with ability to write good prose and poetry.
[symbol] General news about the Air Forces.

In stating this policy, the committee welcomes any suggestions which will help our aim of making B.O.N. the best Air School magazine in the Union.

All Profits from this Magazine are donated to War Charities.

EDITOR: Flying Officer R. MAXWELL. SPORT: Major G.A. CHETTLE.
COMMITTEE: F/Lt LOCKERBIE; F/O WILLIAMS; Sgt. PETRIE; Sgt. B. VLOK (W.A.A.F.)

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2 B.O.N. May/June. 1943

Within Woodbrook

WING COMMANDER P. W. BALE

After a lot of persuasion the M.O. finally managed to get the C.O. to go into hospital for his operation. All ranks, from the humblest A.C.2 to the most senior officer on the Station offered their sympathy and heartfelt wishes for a speedy recovery. Even though the C.O. is now on sick leave, his enthusiasm is such that most days he spends more time on the Station than off.

During his absence, the command of 48 Air School is in the capable hands of Wing Commander “Hughie” Wardrop, the noted ex-Springbok player. We extend a hearty welcome to him and to Major Sharwood, S.A.A.F., who is deputising for S/Ldr. J. Rolston, also away on sick leave.

B.O.N. GIVES £100 TO CHARITY

At a Station Parade a vote was taken as to whom should be the recipients of the first £100 profit made by the Magazine.

As the Station has made donations in the past to the Border Prisoner of War Fund and Kaffrarian Rifles Association, it was decided to send £50 to each of two towns in Great Britain to aid the relief of any persons who lost their homes during the blitz.

The whole Station voted, and the two towns which were chosen unanimously were London and Coventry. The cheques have been despatched by the Commanding Officer.

ORDERS ARE ORDERS!

We record with profound regard that our contemporary D.R.O.'s appear to be losing some of their popularity, if one can judge by a recent order that D.R.O.'s are to be read on Parades! We understand that a certain F/Sgt. is making good use of this opportunity to train as a B.B.C. – or failing that – S.A.B.C. – announcer.

[cartoon]
“This is D.R.O.’s and F/Sgt. H – reading them.”

B.O.N. RUGGER TROPHY

Through the courtesy of Mr. Erich Koehler, B.O.N. has been able to present to the Station a floating trophy for inter-Squadron Rugger Championships.

Rules and regulations governing this competition have been drawn up by the Selection Committee, under the Chairmanship of F/O. Williams.

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3

WITHIN WOODBROOK – Continued

THE STATION COUNCIL

In the May issue of 42 Air School's Magazine “The Woodpecker,” the question is asked whether the Station Council, which has just been formed at 47 Air School, Queenstown, is a new idea?

Our own body was formed over three months ago and we believe that it has the honour of being the first of its kind in any Air School in the union.

B.O.N. decided to wait awhile before commenting on it in these pages. We are very pleased to say that the Council is an unqualified success. On another page we publish a report on the Council’s work which has been submitted by a member.

THE DEMAND INCREASES

The demand for B.O.N. increases each month so we advise you to get hold of your copy immediately they are distributed to your squadron.

The requests for copies from people in town have been so great that we are placing a [italic] very limited [/italic] number at the disposal of the public. These will be on sale at the Strand News Agency, in Oxford Street, and as all of our profits are donated to charities, they have very kindly offered to make no charge for their services.

SOCCER TROPHY

Inter-Squadron Soccer is also in full swing and many exciting games have been witnessed. Major Chettle has kindly presented the Station with the trophy for the winning Squadron.

STATION ENTERTAINMENT

After a lull of practically five months, the Station Cinema has again come into its own. Through the courtesy of the Y.M.C.A. the Cinema shows will be held on Mondays and Wednesdays of each week – with a complete change of programme.

In the very near future it is hoped that concerts by the station personnel will be a regular feature on the Camp. In the past, organised entertainment at Woodbrook has waned, and we trust that as many people as possible will take an active part in this essential side of Service life on the Station.

THE PUPILS GIVE A DANCE

Instead of holding the customary passing out dinner, the present No. 3 Squadron hit upon the bright idea of organising a dance. which took place at Kings Hotel, on Wednesday, 9th June. The dance attracted a record crowd of pupils and their friends and was exceptionally well organised. Not only did all those who attended have a most enjoyable evening, but as a result of the effort, the R.A.F. Benevolent Fund is to benefit by approximately £70.

Amongst the many present were the Mayor and Mayoress and Wing Commander and Mrs. Bale.

The music was provided by the new Station dance band and included in the evening's entertainment were interludes by the Helen Walker School of Dancing and the Sunshine Girls. An American auction for a bottle of whisky succeeding in augmenting the funds by £21.

His Worship the Mayor, in a short speech, expressed his personal pleasure at being present that evening amongst the pupils of 48 Air School. He stressed the hope that many of the R.A.F. would return to the Union after the War.

Our profound gratitude is due to Mrs. Cook and the Sunshine Girls who organised the catering and supplied all the refreshments. The Committee is also indebted to the Management of the King's Hotel, Colosseum and Twentieth Century Theatres and to all others who kindly contributed towards the success of the evening.

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4

[advertisement for Colosseum]

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5

WITHIN WOODBROOK – Continued

THE WOTNOTS

Unlike the curate's egg, this U.D.F. concert party maintained it very high standard of entertainment from the word go. It is not often that one can look back on a U.D.F. show and fail to find any flaws in it – but the “Wotnots" seemed to please every member of their packed audiences during their two days stay at Woodbrook.

The talent of the individual artists was exceptionally high and without wishing to detract from the merits of the other performers, the high light of the show undoubtedly was the band. To the many lads of the R.A.F., this was the nearest approach to the standard of playing of bands at home yet heard in this country. Composed of peacetime professional musicians, the band stopped the show whenever they appeared. From the technical point of view, the playing of each member of the band left nothing to be desired; at the piano was Vic Ray, a musician to the finger tips, who spent 10 years studying classical music before he turned to swing. Issy Resel, South Africa's ace on the electrical guitar, drew spontaneous applause for his outstanding phrasing in his solo passages. Tommy Busa gave an exhibition of how the trumpet should be played, whilst Joe Jaffe at the drums displayed his versality [sic] as well as ability to keep strict tempo. And last, but by no means least of this five-piece combination, was Ivor Davis, whose playing of the saxophone, clarinet, and whose singing delighted us all, as it did his radio and gramophone fans when he was at the Grosvenor House, with Sidney Lipton's orchestra.

Of the dancers in the show, bouquets to blonde Georgina Lawrence, and pert Doris Johnston, who showed sufficient promise to find a permanent nitch [sic] on the South African stage after the war. At times one becomes tired at seeing dancers who dwell under the misguided illusion that their art ends with a mechanical evolution of intricate patterns of movement. It was refreshing to witness the performance of these two who evidently realised that as an art dancing must be interprative [sic] , Doris Johnston, who a one time was a member of the Cape Town Ballet, showed in her Spanish dance that she has acting ability – a talent which is as important to a dancer as water is to a fish. Georgina Lawrence, who was a dancing teacher, displayed grace and beauty of movement in her "Indian Dream Song." Later on in the programme she gave a display of acrobatics which had none of the awkwardness one often sees with this type of dance.

“Baby-eyed" Angela Pretorius was the "oomph" girl in the show, and if her dancing was not of the same standard as the others, her personality more than compensated for it.

Songstress Thelma Sturgeon, who incidentally is an East Londoner, sang delightfully in Afrikaans and English. Her voice has been well trained and her rendering of "Een Alleen" and duets with Ivor Davis and Ralph Clive got a big hand.

The Sketches – often a particularly weak link of U.D.F. shows – were all good. Ralph and Mona Clive proved that they have the ability to tackle more serious material, whilst Jose Ressel turned in a superb performance as the "tough egg at school," "Grandpa," "The Waiter," and with his monologue "Mandalay."

And then, of course, there was our old friend “Tonsils Suspenders” in the person of Lt. Raymond Berman, who manages the show. He also featured in his own sketch and in “Harlem Harmony” with the band.

We hope that the Watnots will be together for many a day to give us as much pleasure to other audiences as they gave us. We look forward to the time when they will pay us a return visit.

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6

[italic] During his victorious campaign in Tunisia. General Montgomery executed many of his attacks during full moon.
This poem is written by a pupil, more of whose work will be found on page 22 of this issue of B.O.N. [/italic]

"MONTY'S MOON"

[italic] There's a low, dull, rumbling tremor in the streets of Tripoli,
For the pride of Nazi Germany has sailed across the sea
To where Rommel stands and watches us as the armour rumbles by,
With defiance in the glances of his cold, determined eye . . .
But before the daylight's ended and the sunset's embers die
The clouds are laced with silver and the moon rides in the sky.

Monty's moon glides over Alamein, above the cannon's roar
And the Armoured Corps is rolling back along the arid shore.
While Rommel stands and watches, with still unbroken will
As he thinks of vain ambitions he believes he can fulfill . . .
And he scans the broken wadis where the battle rages still,
While the desert moon cuts shadows on each sandy cove and hill.

The low, dull, rumbling tremor is in Tripoli again
With the Panzers streaming westward to seek safety in the plain.
Their eyes are red with watching, and they're worn out in the flight,
While, still resolute yet haggard, and tortured with the sight,
Rommel sees their hurried passing under cover of the night . . .
And the desert moon shines down on him and mocks him with its light.

The echo of the barrage roar has died and silence falls
As the smoke and fumes of battle drift along the harbour walls
And crown the weary armies with an everlasting wreath,
As Monty lifts the sword of war and drives it in the sheath . . .
For the desert moon has smiled on him and watched him far beneath
As he took the Nazis' challenge, and dashed it in their teeth.

G. C. W. [/italic]

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7

[boxes] Let Joe Dim Solve your Problems!

Are you troubled about your future?
Do you want any Gen on Postings?
What are your chances of getting leave?

Apply in person to Hut 105 Fees moderate [/boxed]

A short while ago, it was suggested that B.O.N. should accept small personal advertisements from pupils and the staff. Accompanying this request was the above advertisement from L.A.C. Dim.

There is often a human story behind a lot of the “personal” ads. to be found in magazines and we were greatly intrigued by this comprehensive service.

This pupil has only been on the Station for a short time but already he has become a much talked about person. He is a cousin to P. O. Prune and feels so certain of getting a commission that already he has had his uniform made. We understand that he wears it – sans eagles or props – when he visits the New Moon Club. Unfortunately for him, his social activities will be curtailed during the next seven days as he is confined to camp owing to a marked disinclination to get up at reveille in the mornings.

At the week ends he is fond of travel and often journeys out to Stutterheim, whilst during the week his is a very familiar face at Deal’s Hotel. He also manages to fit in a dance each week as well as a visit to the cinema.

L.A.C. Dim has promised B.O.N. a statement after he has failed his exams.

[cartoon]
Introducing L.A.C. Dim

STOP PRESS

We have pleasure in announcing that a Smoking Concert will be held in the Airmens' Recreation Hall in the near future.

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8

[italic] What are the conditions in Britain? This short pen-picture is written by an airman who recently left England. [/italic]

IN BRITAIN – NOW

The large scale, prolonged bombing raids have been over for some time and the towns have returned to a sort of normality. Not like pre-war days, but like a soldier off duty. The streets are not so crowded. The daily scene is made up to a large extent of housewives and a few servicemen on leave. Every large town has odd gaps in its streets, like teeth pulled out. Some have large destroyed areas amounting to acres, all now neatly cleared and levelled off, showing a sand, mortar and brick surface. Only a stranger would notice this. The resident has accepted the changes now and they seem a natural part of life. Many shop windows are destroyed and the space is boarded up and used for advertising, or neatly filled in with wallboard, leaving a small central window. White lines mark the center of all streets and curbs are brightly checked in black and white. Notices appear every¬where, to First Aid points, shelters, fire stations and wardens. Long earthen humps of shelters break the even park lawns and cubic brick shelters with concrete roofs appear down side streets. In the residential areas odd round patches appear, sometimes in the roads while windows filled with roofing felt look blankly at spaces that once were houses. Some towns have been able to evacuate the remaining people in badly damaged streets. Here no trim patchwork or clearance is effected. The empty shells of soulless homes point [sic] gaunt sombre pictures in evening light. In the factory districts no obvious signs show the terrific industry being used at night and day. Only the continuous roar of powerful machines or the small hum of little ones which comes from every hut or shed, massive works or garage.

In the country, lone farmhouses and tiny villages have shared the bombs of cowards who dared not find their real target. Even fields have received their quota. But in the country you can see more clearly how the civilians are working. Everywhere new ground is tilled and sown; downs and scrubland, corners and hillsides, gardens and commons all under new cultivation. The southern farming counties are a joy to see, never have they looked so hopeful and prolific. The land is clear, fresh and clean, breathing fertility and cared for like a garden. All this has been done by the agricultural community with small extra help. There has been no large scale transfer of labour. At harvest, schools and troops help garner the crop and youths wield useful axes in the woodlands. No signs of workers in their hundreds here, the roads and fields are empty ... just the usual few farm hands.

Today it is very true to say that every civilian in Britain works at something connected with the war or the life of their community. This unprecedented war demands service beyond any before in history. Dunkirk, the raids, the parting with family and friends is passed. The only thing to do is to keep on and on, harder and harder until the war is won. That is the feeling one has of the thought of the people. The new world we must build is fully accepted but the “how” part is premature. The present is the essential. The strength of this present continual endeavour can be really felt in every part of our islands.

D. J. C.

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9

[italic] It is more than two years ago, since the news flashed round the world of the Italian Navy's great defeat at Matapan. Now after the passage of time, it is possible to lift the veil slightly on the splendid work done by the Air Forces in the initial stages of that campaign. The following eye-witness account is written by a member of the R.A.F., now at 48 Air School, who took part in this offensive, In order to comply with defence regulations. all reference to actual dates, numbers of aircraft operating, types of bombs used and bomb loads, have been deleted. [/italic]

PRELUDE
TO A HEADLINE

A B.O.N. SPECIAL

Crews belonging to a ‘drome in Egypt, had been noticing with increasing curiosity, the arrival of long, oblong packing cases, each of which was carefully dispersed a safe distance from the hangars. Finally, the news leaked out – "mines" were arriving. For several days the cases kept coming in and although everybody was asking where we were going to “sow" them, even the "gen" merchants were at a loss for once.

At last things started moving. About two o'clock one afternoon, all crews were called up to the "Ops." room . . . Then the lid was off – secret documents were read, the gist of the matter being that the Navy wanted the Corinth Canal blocked.

This canal, a most important back passage for Italian convoys and warships, was providing an easy run to Piraeus, port of Athens. The Meditteranean [sic] Fleet, whilst effectively cramping Musso’s style out at sea, found that to venture near the coast in order to seek out the Italians would mean being within range of enemy land-based planes and so run the risk of shipping losses, that could be ill-afforded.

To close the canal would be very effective in drawing the Italian supply ships out into the open sea. Their only route lay round the Greek Peninsular – past Cape Matapan, then due North through the blue waters of the Aegean Sea to Piraeus.

And so that afternoon the lucky crews were chosen to complete this task. The "cucumbers" were to be sown on the small harbour at the eastern entrance to the canal. As low-level flying was essential in order to do the job successfully, it was necessary to provide some protection for the machines detailed. The scheme was finally hatched, a certain number of aircraft were to go first as "decoys," some to take the western entrance and occupy the attention of all Ack-Ack defences, the others to take up a position to the south of the eastern entrance and harass the enemy from there. The object was to get the enemy gunners concentrating on us, whilst the "minelayers" came in from another direction at low level and accomplished their task, flying approximately straight up the canal.

As navigator of one of the "decoy ducks" on the eastern end, I thoroughly enjoyed myself. In typical German manner, their gunners let us make our approach unmolested right up to the harbour – then the fireworks started. Whites, greens, reds, orange and yellows flashed passed us as tracer came up. They made a pretty pattern in the dark, but I'm afraid we didn't stay long to admire the pyrotechnics.

Our job was at hand. Having got them interested, we had to hold their attention and at the same time keep clear of the canal. Firstly, we tried

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10

PRELUDE TO A HEADLINE – Continued

giving them a good lesson in English by flashing "V for Victory” on the downward identification light. Then I went one better with the Aldis lamp through the bombing panel; to add to the "party" spirit, we threw in flares, Verey [sic] cartridges, etc., for good measure – in fact we did everything except land and pick an argument. Of course, as we had a load of bombs, we made the aerial alteration more intense by answering his angry shooting with our "eggs" and we had the pleasure of noticing that here and there, guns that were previously chipping in with an angry retort, were now very silent.

Then we found that our time schedule was up – the “sowers" had been in, done their job, and were now away. We dropped a well-placed "stick" across the whole defence area, and then home to roost.

The Corinth Canal was now blocked, but, sad to relate, only for seven days, as their dredgers got to work on straightening up the mess we had made.

So a week later we returned to the hunt. This time our orders were “Straight in – and blow the banks to blazes." No decoy job for me on this trip – we had some lovely "heavies" slung below and something to do with them. The canal was four miles long and eighty [italic] feet [/italic] wide. That night all of our machines produced good results – both banks completely collapsed in three places and the canal was useless.

From both these sorties, all of our machines returned safely. The only "casualty" was two ruined Brownings. An air-gunner on the first sortie, going along the canal at low level, kept his hands on the gun-trips and plastered everything that moved. In his excitement, he didn't notice that the belts ran straight through the guns, which rather spoilt the barrels.

[italic] Thar [sic] is part of the story of the prelude to the headline which was to appear later in the press – "NAVY MOPS WOPS AT MATAPAN” -remember it? Matapan was a great naval victory, but more than that, it was a splendid triumph for the strategical co-ordination of the Services. [/italic]

[advertisement for MALCOLMESS Ltd.]

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11

“NEW FACES”

During the week of 29th May to 5th June, a recruiting drive for the Womens’ Services was held in East London. On the previous Saturday morning a massed march representing all the Womens' Service Units took place along Oxford Street and special photographic displays depicting scenes from Service life were on show at several leading stores in town.

Photographic displays were also on view in the foyer of the Twentieth Century Theatre, which had been placed at the disposal of the Chief Recruiting Office, by the management.

The biggest feature of recruiting week was the Services' variety show, "New Faces," which was staged at the Twentieth Century Theatre in support of the feature film, "This Above All." The artistes were drawn from all the local Air Force Units, but as the majority came from Woodbrook, it can be regarded primarily as a 48 Air School effort.

"New Faces" ran for the whole week and received a very favourable report in the "Daily Dispatch." With two exceptions, all members of the cast were making their first public appearance in East London and all are to be congratulated on the bright entertainment they provided.

The high spots of the show, which was ably compered by Corporal Hemingway, were the station dance band and the stage lighting. L.A.C.'s Peter Green and Ted Raddon did a grand job of work in installing the lighting equipment and operating the lights during the show. In order that "New Faces" should have good lighting, these two worked solidly at the Theatre during their week end leave, earning the grateful thanks of the producer.

Owing to the limitations of space on the stage, the show was built around the Dance Band which, in the words of the Press, "gave a really first-class performance, the two pianists being outstanding."

The band consists of Corporal Rose (Guitar), L.A.C.’s Cliff Batt and Len Croucher (Pianos), L.A.C. Hoad (Saxaphone), L.A.C. Hill (Drums) and Corporal Webb (Bass), with Corporal Rossiter as vocalist. In the near future it is hoped that an alto-sax player and a trumpeter will be added to this combination.

L.A.C.'s Broughton and Lee showed that they have a natural flair for comedy and their act was greatly appreciated by their audiences. Of the ladies. Corporal (Miss) Jean Wad, from 41 Air School and her partner provided a delightful dancing " turn," whilst W.A.A.F.'s from all the local units also thoroughly enjoyed themselves singing the "Waaf Song."

L.A.C. Bradley's impersonation of Winston Churchill was realistic and for two evenings Flying Officer Picton-Hughes kindly came along and created roars and roars of laughter with his now celebrated impression of "Bath Night."

"New Faces" lasted for 40 minutes and was produced by Flying Officer R. Maxwell.

We would like to express our appreciation of the assistance given by the Mayor and Councillors in loaning the lighting equipment, to Mrs. Doreen Egan, President of the U-No-Me Club, who so generously gave us her full support by the loan of two pianos and came along each evening to attend to the "make-up" of the artists and assisted us in numerous ways. We also thank Lt. (Mrs.) Wroughton, Mr. Bishop, the staff of Messrs. Evans, Barnes & Fitz, and last, but by no means least, the members of the Station Workshops, who gave up a Sunday afternoon to do a rush job for us.

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12

[drawing]
Wing Commander P.W. Bale
Officer Commanding
48 Air School

[photograph] [photograph]
[photograph] [photograph]
STATION HEADQUARTERS
[italic] Top Left: [/italic] S/Ldr. ROLSTON (Senior Admin. Officer).
[italic] Top Right: [/italic] Capt. CLARKE (Station Adjutant).
[italic] Bottom Left: [/italic] F.O. KNIGHT (Asst. Station Adjutant).
[italic] Bottom Right: [/italic] W.O. BARNETT (Station Warrant Officer).

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13

TRAINING WING, 48 AIR SCHOOL

[drawing]
Major G.A. CHETTLE, Chief Instructor

[italic] Top Left [/italic]
F/Lt. J. LOCKERBIE.
O.C. No. 1 Squadron

[italic] Top Right [/italic]
Capt. H.G. LOMBERG
O.C. No. 2 Squadron

[italic] Bottom Left [/italic]
S/Ldr. T. WATSON
O.C. No. 3 Squadron

[italic] Bottom Right [/italic]
F/Lt. C. EDGE
O.C. No. 4 Squadron

[photograph] [photograph]
[photograph] [photograph]

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14

L.A.C.'s

[italic] Who are these with anxious faces,
Seen in dark and shady places,
Journeying on with weary backs,
Carrying large and heavy packs!

Some in K.D., some in blue,
Some in old rags, others new,
Some are fat and some are thin,
But all the souls are steeped in sin.

Watch them and you'll see the stopping,
Into hutments they keep popping.
When they see the serg. arriving,
Off they dash to do their sciving.

Pity not their lot my brothers!
Their reward in [sic] not like others,
When is ended their life's mission,
They don't go into perdition.

That's a fate reserved you know
For Corporal, Serg. and W.O.
No!!! their path on earth was rough,
They've been punished quite enough.

Weighted down with heavy packs,
Strapped so tightly on their backs,
Marching at one fourty paces,
Perspiration on their faces. [/italic]

EPILOGUE

[italic] When these poor benighted mortals,
Knock at the celestial portals,
Show twelve fifties, tell their story,
Open fly the gates of glory,
They have wiped out their transgression,
See them watch a grand procession,
Led by choirs in heavenly chorus,
Officers march past before us,
(And by forcible persuasion
Brought from "Below" for the occasion),
Trotting nimbly at the back
Comes the "Old Man" with MY pack. [/italic]

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15

THE FOUR KASTERS

And it came to pass in those days that there came to the Land-of-the-Sun many of the warriors of the Tribe of Bay-il in search of a land where they might learn in peace. And they established their camp at For-ti-Ait and greatly rejoiced in the beauty of the firmament by night and the brightness of the Sun by day, saying:

[italic] “Let us give thanks and rejoice!
Let us put aside our garments in the Days-of-the-Wee-Kend
And go down unto the place of the Aw-Re-Ent,
And leap in the shallows thereof
For the great god Kly-Mate hath been gracious unto us." [/italic]

Yea, daily they rejoiced and were exceeding glad, and greatly did the prophets spread their learnings among the warriors.

And it came to pass that there were sent unto the Chief of the Tribe of Bay-il messengers from the Chief of the Four Kasters, Kur-Nil of the Mett-Seck-Shun. And they said unto the Chief of the Bay-il:

“Behold, we are prophets who, from signs, interpret and prophesy the days of anger of the great god Kly-Mate whereby, O Chief, ye may be for-warned [sic] of his displeasure and offer unto him sacrifices, lest his anger should increase against you."

And the eyes of the men of Bay-il were holden unto these men, so that they perceived not that they were false prophets, and the prophets of the Four Kasters were acceptable unto the people of Bay-il. And they gave them a tabernacle in their midst.

And the prophets of Mett laboured many days and grew in favour, so that many of the multitudes were taught by them. And they worked many signs and wonders, speaking in strange tongues of "tru-fsof-lo" and "highgrowskoppicknewklieye," and out of the evil of their heart they brought forth many thousands of mi-li-bahs, yea even Eye-sore-bahs. And the great god Kly-Mate was sore displeased, and he said:

“This [sic] people have hardened their hearts. They no longer believe. They no longer worship in sincerity. They seek signs and follow false prophets.”

And he caused storms of wind and rain to break upon them, and the heavens were rent. And the great god Kly-Mate caused the face of the sun to be darkened on the Sabbath and all the days of festivity – yea, even the Days-of-the-Wee-Kend, so that the people no longer worshipped at the Aw-Re-Ent, and a great Depression came upon the land.

Then arose some among the prophets of For-ti-Ait and accused the men of the Four Kasters, saying:

“Behold, the heavens are darkened and the great god Kly-Mate is troubled because of the false prophets of Mett."

But they cried:

“ 'Low,' listen not to these false prophets of the For-ti-Ait. Think not of the Wee-Kend, but of the days-of-Pa-Rade. For in the days-of-Pa-Rade ye are in bondage if the heavens be not darkened, but in the Days-of-the-Wee-Kend ye are free; and if the sun be darkened, still ye are free for "Inn-Daw-Spawts."

And the people could not choose, but they prayed earnestly unto the great god Kly-Mate to grant them wisdom and to make his face to shine upon them.

Only the Wa-Phs among them did choose, for they said:

“Lo, on the Days-of-the-Pa-Rade we worship at the Place of the Aw-Re-Ent, putting aside our garments and leaping in the shallows while the warriors are bound."

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17

[italic] Walt Disney is at present working on a full length Carton [sic] featuring Gremlins. Here is an amusing story of a Warrant Officer who didn't believe in them. [/italic]

“IT’S ALL IMAGINATION”

“These Gremlins,” said the W.O.," I don't think much of 'em. Labour-saving device for the imagination they are."

Everyone knew the W.O. wanted an argument, so no reply was forthcoming. He looked around the little group gathered at the Bar of the Sergeant's Mess; and it struck him how typical they all were. Typical of their jobs. The Stores Flight Sergeant, for instance: He [italic] looks [/italic] like a 674, thought the W.O. Section and Reference his watchwords and procedure the breath of his life. Then the Sergeant Cook and Butcher, – "Eyes like Rissoles in the snow." – I suppose if a man goes on making suet puddings long enough he must get to look like one in the end . . . The Orderly Room Flight Sergeant, short-sighted and round-shouldered from years of pouring over K.R.'s and A.C.I’s and his teeth sticking out like typewriter keys . . . The Flight Sergeant Fitter, drinking beer as if it were lubricating oil, – you felt he probably quoted a D.T.D. specification every time he ordered a drink . . . The Drill Instructor, like a wooden soldier, – and that goes for his head, too, thought the W.O. . . . That Sergeant Pilot, with a ragged oversize brevet of a moustache, which slopped occasionally in his beer like a flying boat floundering in a choppy sea . . . A Flight Sergeant Observer, who peered at you as if squinting through an invisible Sextant . . .

The W.O. tried again. "Gremlins'! Can anybody tell me what they [italic] do [/italic] ! They all fell for it, – every man feeling (as the W.O. very well knew) that his own private Gremlin was unique; and they recited their grievances in rapid succession as if repeating some strange new Catechism.

“What do they [italic] do [/italic] ?” said Stores. "To begin with, they fill inkwells with disappearing ink, so that Tally-card entries vanish soon after being made, – steal vouchers and eat ‘em, – they –"

“Open oven doors when they should be shut," chipped in Cook and Butcher. "Pour cement into my puddings, pinch the sugar out of the tea and milk out of custard – " He paused for breath and Orderly Room took up the story. "Tear up Files, or hide them in unlikely corners just before the C.O. asks for them – “

“Kick holes in fabric coverings," broke in the Fitter, determined not to allow Orderly Room to get away with too much. "Slacken off nuts, take out split pins, let down tyres, rub signatures off the form 700 – " He took a deep breath with the obvious intention of going with the torrent, but Observer was too quick for him.

“Drink alcohol from compasses," he put in. "And when drunk, swing from compass needle, cause “shorts" in heated clothing, muck about with the maps – “

“Guzzle oil and petrol, especially over rough country," said the Pilot

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18

“IT'S ALL IMAGINATION" – Continued

indistinctly through his moustache. “Bite chunks out of hydraulic pipes preventing undercarriages from coming down, break windscreens, and – looking pointedly at the Fitter, – "Rub out Pilots’ signatures on Form 760, especially after forced landings."

There was a pause, and then the Drill Instructor spoke. “Personally," he said, "I like 'em. Comical little blokes."

The W.O. emptied his glass, and ordered the same again. When I was an L.A.C.," he began- "1066, and All That," murmured the Pilot from behind his moustache, feeling secure beneath its luxuriant camouflage.

“When I was an L.A.C.," repeated the W.O. firmly, "we used our brains. Instead of blaming everything on Gremlins, we invented explanations to fit the circumstances. Imagination is what you fellers need – not this ready made Gremlin stuff." He gazed reflectively into his glass, as if seeing in its amber depths the crowded memories of a long and sticky past.

“I remember once,” he went on, " I broke a bayonet – snapped about two-thirds of the blade clean off, trying to lever open a stuck window” . . . "664B" murmured Stores like one intoning the final, awful word of some Voodoo incantation.

"I had to go on Guard that night – with rifle and bayonet." continued the W.O. ignoring the Voodoo. "And in those days each man held a bayonet on personal charge; the Orderly Officer used to check the number of the bayonet you carried with a list kept in the Armoury, and you were certainly ‘for it’ if the numbers didn't tally.

[cartoon]
L.A.C. Dim thinks wistfully of the joys of being Orderly Officer when the W.O. was only a L.A.C.

So I had to do something about that bayonet, p.d.q., – if I was to avoid fourteen days Jankers, something pretty good too.

Well, first of all I got a Chippy pal pal [sic] of mine to make me a wooden blade, and fit it to the original handle. He made a wonderful job of it too – though he couldn't make out what use it was going to be.

I went on Guard-mounting Parade that night with my wooden blade hidden, temporarily at least, in the bayonet scabbard. There was the usual inspection of rifles, and then came the order to – 'Fix’ – Bayonets! (They used to say, you may remember, ‘When I sez Fix, you don't fix, – when I sez Bayonets, – you whips 'em out and whops ‘em on !’) But I couldn’t even whip mine out, much less whop it on. It wouldn't budge an inch; I suppose the wood had swelled up inside. I tugged at it for a while and then in spite of the Orderly Officer's shocking language, gave up trying. The Orderly Officer came and stood within a foot of me and bellowed as if I were the other side of the Square – 'What's wrong with your (crimson), obscene) bayonet! – Rusted in the (obscene) scabbard, I suppose.'

Very well educated that Orderly Officer was . . .

'No, sir,' I answered, 'I'm afraid it's worse than that.'

What the hell d’you mean, worse than that? – Guard, stand-at-ease! – Now, you, why can't you draw your bayonet?'

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“IT'S ALL IMAGINATION " – Continued

“Well, it's like this, sir," I said, getting the words out as quickly as I could. ‘My father bayonetted a German in the last war – '

'What the hell's that got to do with your bayonet now?’ He was getting madder and madder at me, but I knew he was getting curious, too, which meant he would probably listen to my story.

‘It was exactly ten years ago to-day it happened. I said. 'My father stuck his bayonet into a German in a trench raid. The Jerry was already dying from a bullet wound but the old man didn't know that until afterwards. But what I want to tell you, sir, is, that before that German died, he cursed my father in English. Not just bad language, sir, but a real old-fashioned curse. It went something like this: “’I curse you English swine, and all your male descendants: Should you or any son or grandson of yours attempt to draw a bayonet on this day, July the 25th, that bayonet will be useless in your defence, for it will surely turn to wood!’" That was the curse, sir, and to-day is the 25th of July.’

‘Bloodly nonsense!' said the Orderly Officer, 'You won't get away with a rusty bayonet on a yarn like that. Sergeant! Come here and give me a hand to draw this bayonet.'

Well, between the two of them they got that piece of woodwork out of my scabbard. The Orderly Officer and the Guard Commander looked at it, and then at me. If I could have photographed their faces at that moment I'd have blackmailed them for the rest of their lives!

[cartoon]
“L.A.C. Dim still says it was Gremlins”

The W.O. paused to indulge in a reminiscent smile and long drink of beer.

“What happened,” asked the Drill Instructor. "Did you get away with it?"

“No, not exactly,” answered the W.O. "I got seven days. I think the C.O. let me down lightly because he liked my yarn. And it was the cushiest seven days Jankers I ever did. Everywhere I was sent for fatigues it was the same: they all wanted to hear the yarn at first hand, and I was always ready to oblige, – and to add what trimmings seemed needed to spin it out . . . "

The Mess Caterer called out "Last drinks, please!” and the W.O. ordered what he called "one for the road," and poured it expertly.

"You see,'' he said, “we relied on imagination in those days – not Gremlins."

The crowd around the Bar dwindled as drinks were finished, and a Native boy went his final rounds collecting glasses. A ragged chorus of “Goodnights” drowned all other conversation for a few moments, and then the W.O. turned to the Drill Instructor. "Well, I suppose I'd better turn in,” he said, reaching for his glass, “Hey, who the hell's wiped [sic] my beer!”

"Wouldn't be Gremlins,” said the Drill Instructor, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand. "Would it, Chief? – I can't imagine [italic] how [/italic] it could have gone otherwise. Well, I must be going. Goodnight, Chief.”

R.R.

IT'S NEVER TOO LATE FOR B.O.N.!

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[advertisement for London Drapery Company]

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[boxed] In Memoriam.

[photograph]

F/ Lt. Parry lost his life as the result of a flying accident whilst officially working in conjunction with testing local defences.

He is the first member of the Permanent Staff of this comparatively new, but extremely happy unit to cross the Great Divide and those of us who were privileged to associate with him in work, as well as in play, will miss him keenly.

Pat., in the full flush of youth (he was only 22), came to us a few short months ago with a brand new Speicalist [sic] "N" to his credit. He tackled each job that turned up with refreshing vigour and few of us were not infected with his boyish enthusiasm and zest.

When Pat. was around, life really seemed worth living. His pupils respected him as being one who really "knew his stuff" and whose sincerity of purpose and desire to see them on the right road went without question.

His little flight – our Fighter Squadron as we call them – made remarkable progress under the guidance of one who fostered his "babes" as fondly and carefully as a hen safeguards her brood.

On the field of sport, too, he would have a crack at anything. The game was the thing that mattered most, and he tackled the jobs, as referee or player, with the same thoroughness and spirit as he tackled the daily round.

We shall miss you, Pat! We'll miss that cheery smile and perky tilt of the head; that delightful "all fixed" accompanied by the familiar thumbs up sign; and, most of all, we'll miss the friendship of a Great Little Guy.

G. A. CHETTLE.
S.A.A.F. [/boxed]

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On Leaving Snowdonia in Wartime

[italics] Now are the shutters closed, the curtains drawn!
Forgotten or to be forgot the life we knew!
Set is the sun to westward, flaming, torn!
Wet are our tears of grief in twilight's dew.

Around us are the joys that cannot die,
Nor seek the shades of past where memory flees –
Gray lakes that sleep beneath a sullen sky,
And waves that ripple in a fitful breeze.

Remember days of sunshine – days so bright,
That all the crowded peaks in stillness lay
Soft, warm and clear! dark gullies flaked with white,
And breeze-fanned ridges stretching far away.

Long chutes of scree where trailing snow ribs wait
To feel the sunlight's warm reluctant peep!
Unending paths through heather, fern and slate!
Lonely abode of buzzard, haunt of sheep.

Are these all gone and never to return –
Cool new born streams, from ice-gleams in the break,
The raven's wheeling glide, the rock strewn burn,
The call of friends across the brimming lake.

The winds on Snowdon sigh a song of sorrow
And Llydaw's waters mirror clouds of gray!
Beneath, in Glaslyn's shade I see tomorrow.
Beyond – in flickering sunlight – yesterday.

G.C.W. [/italics]

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He understood everything except . . . SHORT STORY

THE TELEGRAPH POLE

Somehow things seem different when you're sitting on a bench with a dame in your arms listening to the sea. At night time, I mean. It's not much during the day, it doesn't mean the same then.

Well, here I was, anyway, with the dame in my arms, listening to the sound of the sea. It was good to listen to it. If you listened hard you could hear a lot of things – the waves hissing on to the rocks, the roar of the rollers breaking up, a "slap" when the backwash broke up a big one, and maybe a seagull now and then. You heard all these things, but it was just one thing – the sea. You couldn't see it; it was dark and misty; but you knew it was there all the time. In fact, it seemed to me the only thing. I felt good just listening to it.

Sometimes the dame said something – she was often saying something – but I didn't take much notice. I don't anyway take much notice of what a dame says when she is in my arms; all I know is that she is in my arms. But tonight it didn't seem very important that I had a dame in my arms; it just felt that if I didn't have a dame in my arms, the sea wouldn't have sounded right. And that was important. I don't think you can listen properly to the sea unless you've got a dame in your arms. Go and listen to the sea by yourself some night, and you'll get what I mean. It's screwy, but. there it is.

Well, there I was, sitting on this hard bench with this dame in my arms, listening to the sea and feeling swell. I felt like it once when I heard one of those big orchestras playing something by one of the old squareheads. But don't get the idea I wear my hair long, I just get a bit crazy once in a while.

Then, after a time, I saw the telegraph pole. It beats me why I didn't see it before. It was about ten yards away, right plump in front of me and it was about eight inches thick – quite a telegraph pole, in fact, it stuck up out of the ground like a sore thumb. It worried me. I shut my eyes and tried to forget it, but I couldn't. You may not believe it, but I still saw it with my eyes shut.

I got mad at that telegraph pole. Honestly, if I'd had an axe I'd have cut it down. Then I said to myself: Now why get into a sweat about a telegraph pole. You've seen millions of them and this is just another.

But this was an important telegraph pole. I never thought a telegraph pole could be so important. It had spoiled everything. The trouble was: I still had the dame in my arms and I could still hear the sea, but it was different now, a helluva lot different. The sea didn't matter any more: it was just a noise. And it worried me a lot. I was sore about it, darned sore.

Then I felt that here I was sitting with a dame in my arms getting all heated up about a telegraph pole and just an ordinary telegraph pole at that. I still had the dame in my arms, hadn't I? And that should be enough for any guy.

I started to whisper in her ears the goofy things dames like you to whisper in their ears and she reacts in a big way. She is a swell dame and built the way I like. What she doesn't know about petting on a bench doesn't interest me, at all.

But I didn't get the usual kick out of it. I liked it. You bet I did. The guy that doesn't like petting with a swell dame on a bench ain't human, and I certainly am, brother. But I kept thinking about that goddamned telegraph pole and the things it did to the sea.

J.H.

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25

On May 24th, 1943, Field Marshal Smuts celebrated his 73rd birthday. The British Nation's admiration and respect for him found voice when he visited Britain in October of last year. B.O.N. has invited a South African to write about the World Statesman, whose outstanding qualities have won for him a place in history as one of the greatest men of our age.

South Africa's Soldier-Statesman

Field Marshal the Right Hon. Jan Christiaan Smuts, Prime Minister of the Union, P.C., C.H., F.R.S., K.C., D.T.H., Commander of Honour, Grand Commander of the Order of Leopold, is also a Freeman of the City of London and the cities of Manchester, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Cardiff, Newcastle-on-Tyne, Sheffield and Dundee. He has been at the helm of the Union's ship of state since the declaration of war against Germany in September, 1939. This statesman, botanist, soldier and philosopher is concluding his second term of office as Prime Minister and it is quite possible that when the elections are over the ninth Parliament of the Union will see him installed for a third time in his high office. His first term was from 1919 to 1924.

Seven years of his life have been spent in war: he took part in the Boer War, the first part of the Great War, during which he mobilised the South African Defence Force, took command in the East African campaign, became a member of the Imperial War Cabinet, formulated a plan for the defence of London and recommended the amalgamation of the army and navy air arms into the Royal Air Force. With Viscount Milner he arranged for unity of command in France.

He was elected President of the British Association for the Advancement of Science in 1931, the centenary year, and is the author of a book on the science of Holism.

The principle of unification and the problem of uniting peoples and states has occupied the great mind of our Leader throughout his life. Before the smoke and dust of the Boer War had passed, he was first in the field advocating the amalgamation of the separate colonies into a South African Union. The conclusion of hostilities in 1918 found General Smuts at the council table of the League of Nations.

From the League of Nations to the furtherances of Pan-African relationships was a logical step for our Prime Minister and it was a matter of very real regret to him that Rhodesia decided against joining the Union. In all his dealings with British colonies and Protectorates, or with the Portuguese territories he has tried to broaden the basis of our co-operation with our neighbours. Throughout he has visualised the Union taking its place as a leader in Pan-African development in this vast continent.

In the space at my disposal it is only possible to draw attention to the high lights in the career of our famous statesman. Yet, however short the narration, it would be incomplete without an allusion to our Leader's home-life, which provides the peaceful background to his life of striving and achievement. In Mrs. Smuts, ("Ouma" to all South Africans), our Prime Minister has had the ideal helpmate for forty-six years.

I recall an occasion in 1941 when the Cape Town S.A.W.A.S. Colour Film was shown at a pre-view which Mrs. Smuts attended. We were dismayed when Mrs. Smuts rose to leave before the end, but she excused herself with smiles, saying, "When the Oubaas calls, we must all run." It was easy then to appreciate the fact that she never failed General Smuts in the smallest undertaking.

Field Marshal Smuts has never failed South Africa and we look to him to lead us to take our part in the final victory against the Axis powers.

E.V.W.

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On the page opposite, B.O.N. has the honour of publishing a message received from the Prime Minister of South Africa, Field Marshal the Right Hon. J.C. SMUTS, P.C., K.C., D.T.D.

[photograph of J.C. Smuts]

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[South Africa crest]

Prime Minister's Office.

I am delighted to welcome the appearance of B.O.N. and to wish it a successful career as the organ of No. 48 Air School. Through it I also extend my welcome and good wishes to the Officers and Trainees in that School. I trust the young men in it, mostly from the old homeland, will carry away at the end of their course not only the finest preparation for the tasks ahead but also the pleasantest memories of this young country. We South Africans are delighted to have members of the R.A.F. as comrades in our midst. And this applies not only to No. 48 Air School, but to the many joint Training Schools in which Britishers and South Africans are being trained together to the best advantage.

Through the daily human contacts between members of the Royal Air Force and members of the South African Air Force in the lecture rooms, in the hangars, in the air and in our homes, there are being forged bonds of friendship and understanding which I like to think will grow even closer when that peace, which we hope is not too far distant, is with us again.

I need say nothing to you of the great work done by the Air Force except to wish you good luck and God speed, knowing well that you will worthily uphold the highest traditions of that great Service in which you have chosen to play your part in defeating the powers of darkness. From the Air will come the thunderbolts which will blast away those powers and lift away the darkness of War from this fair world. You have thus a great part to play in bringing the new dawn for man.

J.A.Smuts
F.M.

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This poem, by John Pudney, appeared in a recent issue of the R.A.F. Journal (Middle East Edition), to mark the occasion of the Silver Jubilee of the Royal Air Force.

Anniversary Poem

[italic] Fitters and riggers. draughtsmen and engineers,
All you, named and unknown, who fashioned this force,
Let us consider twenty five years;
Time for the building of a bodys plenty,
time for a wrist to thicken,
time for the precious third of a life to run its course in times, threat – crowded, with fears,
the mechanic urge, of bright horizon – steep resource.

Pilots, navigators, gunners, and aircraft crew,
All you acclaimed and nameless ones, whose skill
with instruments, the compass, the plain rhythms of morse,
with aerobatics, landings, with the stooges patience
flying on and on, beyond frontiers, daylights still
beyond caring, beyond hill or valley you knew
and treasured as your lasting thought, as home.
Let us consider these twenty five years, your life times third, and see from the levelled pattern of an aerodrome the easy, envied, passage of a bird.

Yours is the instrument, the device of air,
Its magic has caught you, and gifted you and your like; Tom, Dick, and Harry, the lads you always were,
caprisoned with the power to swoop and strike,
not Gods, not heroes, disciples in the trade,
and traffic of airmanship, a just rule understood.
Into your hands in this fell weapon laid;
Not for the dark terror, a blind stabbing in the shade,
but for the power, in the ordinary men and women, for good.

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Did you know that the first white inhabitants of East London were Officers end Men of the Black Watch?

THE STORY OF EAST LONDON

It all began with a river and a war, over a hundred years ago. The story of East London is primarily the story of the development of the Buffalo river but a future historian might well draw an interesting comparison when writing of the East London of to-day.

To trace the complete story of East London, one should really go back to the year 1818, when the British Government announced a scheme of immigration to the Cape. Amongst those who were willing to face the unknown hardships of a new life in a strange land was a John Baillie, who had entered the Royal Navy as a midshipman and after having reached the rank of lieutenant, left the Service when he was about 30 years old. Baillie possessed the happy gift of imparting his enthusiasm to others and soon he had collected a party of 256 men, women and children, who sailed with him in the "Chapman" for Algoa Bay, which they reached on 9th April, 1820.

It is interesting to note that most of this party came from London, and as Government departments were much about the same then as now, the land allocated to them near the mouth of the Fish River was not the best of choices. It wasn't long before many of them were asking Baillie whether it was his idea of a joke that they should all die in the wilderness. Being hot-headed and a bit of a martinet, Baillie was not very tactful in dealing with his people. It is quite possible that he reminded them of his former position whenever the opportunity occurred and very soon most of the party left him, after possibly having told him to "join up” amongst other things. Within a short period most of the settlers had drifted away to Grahamstown or Port Elizabeth. Although both of these places were only rough hamlets at that time, they did offer a nearer approach to town life than the Fish River bush.

However, Baillie stood his ground, and as other ships brought more settlers into Algoa Bay that year, Baillie played a prominent part in helping them to overcome the many difficulties they had to face.

Without going into details, the Natives, of course, took rather a "dim view" of the intrusion into their privacy and quite a few of them thought the best form of welcome was a "clearance chit" endorsed with a good crack on the head. So the military came along to take a hand in the proceedings and consequently during all this time whilst the settlements were being made the militia had a busy time safeguarding the population.

Because of military movements, all ports were of great strategic value for the landing of troops and also for the maintenance of supplies.

In order to land supplies at the mouth of the Buffalo River John Baillie set out in the little brig "Knysna" in 1836 with George Rex, the owner of the vessel. They arrived at the mouth of the river in November and stayed there for more than two months. One of Baillie's first acts was to climb
to the top of the nearest high ground to survey the country. This was Signal Hill, and when he reached the top he cut a rough pole from the bush and fixed it firmly in the ground and hoisted the Union Jack. All that met his eye on that occasion was low, bush-covered hills flanking the sea, with green grassy uplands behind them and below was a broad stream half choked with sand banks.

East London might well claim John Baillie as its "onlie Begetter"

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THE STORY OF EAST LONDON – Continued

as it was he, who after the preliminary visit, urged the Government to make a survey of the Buffalo Mouth. However, nothing was done till 1847, when East London was first put on the map.

For eleven years no ship anchored in the Buffalo Mouth until the time when Lt. Charles Forsythe, R.N., was sent by the Governor, Sir Henry Potinger, to inspect the mouth of the river and to report whether it was a suitable place for the landing of troops as the military authorities wished to establish a chain of posts along the stream.

The war of the Axe in 1846 was causing considerable trouble and the Frontier was greatly disturbed. During this war troops were first landed at Port Elizabeth, the nearest port to Kafirland, but a long and difficult march was necessary before the soldiers and supplies of food and ammunitions could reach the scene of hostilities. Then someone discovered a little bay near the Fish River mouth and the schooner “Waterloo" was sent there landing her cargo successfully by means of surf boats and, incidently [sic] giving her name to the bay.

It was found, however, that weather and sea conditions were not always favourable [sic] at Waterloo Bay and the landing of stores and men was a risky business. A safer landing place was required and if one could be found much nearer Kafirland so much the better.

The Buffalo Mouth was suggested, and without delay Lt. Forsythe was ordered to investigate and report. He came here in H.M.S. "Beagle," which was none other than the same vessel which carried Darwin around the world on his famous voyage a few years before. Forsythe's report being favourable [sic] , a body of troops was moved to the spot. Lt. Jervois, R.E., was instructed to proceed to the Buffalo Mouth and build quarters for 300 men. The work was quickly completed and the post was called Fort Glamorgan – its first garrison being a detachment of the Black Watch. The many Scots people in East London will be interested to know that the first white inhabitants of their town were officers and men of a Highland Regiment.

Trade follows the Flag. With the establishment of military posts and especially the base depot of Fort Glamorgan, civilians began to settle at the mouth of the Buffalo. The place had at first been called Port Rex, after George Rex, the owner of the brig – “Knysna," but on December 28th, 1847, a Government Notice was issued by the new Governor of the Cape, Sir Harry Smith, naming the little settlement East London, and on January 4th, 1848, there was a further proclamation annexing East London with the country for two miles round it to the Cape Colony.

[italic] (The information contained in this article was made available through the courtesy of the "Daily Dispatch." If you found this interesting and would like the history of East London to be continued in future issues, please drop a line to the Editor of B.O.N.). [/italic]

[advertisement for THE WINDSOR HOTEL]

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[illustrated poem]

A BITTER BREVITY

The Armourer told the Fitter (2),
Who soon informed the Duty Crew
Who told the Waaf who made the tea –
When the Troop Convoy put to sea.
She kept the secret fairly long
But the urge to share became too strong,
So she told the nurse in Ward Two-Eight
Who told it to her steady “date”;
And he, poor fool, just had to blub
To a talkative member of his club;
Who told his “sweetie” and brother Lynne,
His Uncle, Aunt, and next-of-kin;
And they in turn each told another –
That’s how the Armourer lost his brother.

T E G.

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[cartoon]
P.O. PRUNE says: “Ssh . . . I never talk about anything except sips and sipping.”

WITH THE W.A.A.F.’S

Captain (Miss) Poole has arrived on the Station to take up the post of Senior W.A.A.F. Officer. We extend a hearty welcome to her and also to Lt. (Miss) Roos, the new technical librarian.

W.A.A.F. CANTEEN

Under the energetic guidance of Lt. (Miss) Doreen Wayne, the W.A.A.F.s, have achieved a long-nurtured ambition in the opening of their canteen.

The new canteen is housed in the old temporary officers' mess building and under feminine influence, the room has undergone a pleasant change. Gay curtains and flowers contribute to the friendly atmosphere which greets one on entering the canteen.

The W.A.A.F.'s are to be congratulated on their excellent result, especially as they had no initial finances to help them. However, by borrowing some furniture from the Officers' Mess, by raffling cakes made by themselves they have managed to get started. Since then they have received some donations from some kind friends, including one of five guineas from the Frontier Football Association.

Airwoman (Mrs.) Tozer is in charge of the canteen and is responsible for the delicious tea and sandwiches served during the lunch hour, and the morning and afternoon breaks. We wish the W.A.A.F.'s every success in their new venture and look forward to the time when they have sufficient funds to be able to complete the many admirable projects they have in mind to make their canteen the best in the Union.

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WITH THE W.A.A.F.'S – Continued

Aunt Agatha Writes a Letter

My dear Wilhelmina,

Now that you have joined the W.A.A.F., I feel it my duty to give you some sound advice about men.

Men are what women marry. They have two feet, two hands and sometimes even two wives but never more than one idea at a time. The only difference between them is that some are a little better disguised than others. Generally speaking, they may be divided into three classes: husbands,
bachelors and widowers.

An eligible bachelor is a mass of obstinacy surrounded by suspicion. Husbands are of three varieties: prizes, surprises and consolation prizes.

Making a husband out of a man is one of the highest plastic arts known to civilisation. It requires science, sculpture, common sense, faith, hope and acharity [sic] – especially charity.

[cartoon]
L.A.C. Dim takes a poor view of Aunt Agatha.

It is a psychological marvel that a soft, fluffy, tender violet scented sweet thing like a woman should enjoy kissing a big awkward stubby chinned tobacco hair-oil scented thing like a man.

If you flatter a man it frightens him to death, if you don't it bores him to death. if you permit him to make love to you he gets tired of you in the end, and if you don't he gets tired of you in the beginning.

If you believe him in everything, you soon cease to interest him, if you argue with him in everything, you soon cease to charm him. If you believe in all he tells you he thinks you are a fool and if you don't he thinks you are a cynic.

If you wear gay clothes and rouge, and a startling hat, he hesitates to take you out; and stares all the evening at a woman in gay hat, rouge, and startling colours. If you join him in his gaieties, and approve of his smoking, he swears that you are driving him to the devil; and if you don't approve of his smoking, and urge him to give up his gaieties, he vows you are driving him to the devil just the same. If you are the clinging vine type, he doubts if you have a brain and if you are a modern, advanced and independent woman, he doubts whether you have a heart.

If you are a silly thing he longs for a bright mate, and if you are brilliant and intellectual, he longs for a playmate. If you are popular with other men, he is jealous, and if you are not he hesitates to marry a wallflower.

Hoping to hear all your news soon,

Your loving Aunt,

Agatha.

[italic] (P.S. Who is this Joe Dim you mentioned in your last letter?) [/italic]

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[advertisement for DEAL’S HOTEL]

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[boxed] Presenting Our Film Serial

OUT WEST WITH ANDY – HARDLY!

A Tale of Woodbrook Passion [/boxed]

[boxed] Another B.O.N. Special [/boxed]

EPISODE 1

When she was tempted, did she fall or was she pushed?

The straggling town of Londonoos (270 NEW YORK, 1768 – if Charlotte answers it's O.K.), lay simmering under the torrid heat of the noon-day sun (declination 00.01N, so you can tell it was ruddy hot). Nothing moved, except a couple of sparrows who were partaking an early lunch providentially provided by old Dobbin, the town hack. Suddenly a speck appeared, at the other end of Oxford Street, which rapidly developed into a fast galloping horse and rider. The man, noting Dobbin's previous efforts during the earlier part of the week flashing by, observed drift to be 3 deg. to port, and was satisfied he was making good his track. The horse came slithering to a halt with a screeching of hooves outside the Golden Eagle saloon, and the man dismounted.

He was very tall, about 6ft. 2ins. had he stood in his socks, but as he accidentally stepped down into the sparrows' lunch, he stood 6ft. 5ins. He was broad-shouldered, weight about 125 pounds (he'd never had Benger's when he was young). He had blue eyes, straight nose and firm chin and mouth. His face had been tanned a delicate stinkwood shade by the westering sun, and the back of his neck had been browned by riding the opposite way. He hitched his sweating-sorry, perspiring-steed to a rail, and swaggered across the sidewalk. "Make mine the same, boss," pleaded the panting horse.

Pushing open the swing doors and nearly tripping over a cuspidor which had been thoughtlessly and quite uselessly left there, he walked across to the bar. The room was filled with a blue cigarette haze. and was a typical, cheap gambling hell filled with swearing and cursing men playing dice and cards.

A woman immediately sidled up to him, and he turned an enquiring glance upon her.

"How about a drink, stranger?" she asked.

“Sure," he replied. "I'll have a double Enos – neat.”

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OUT WEST WITH ANDY – HARDLY! – Continued

His eyes travelled from her ash-blonde hair with it's dark parting, past the hard blue eyes to her shoulders (hold on, you're way ahead of me) which, despite a heavy coating of powder, could not conceal the hight [sic] -tide mark. She was wearing a daringly low-cut, sequin-covered dress (Ackerman's, 1/10d a yard), and he was not sure whether she had it on back to front. His eyes stopped at her ample bosom (she had sung a lot in her youth and had a big repertoire). His eyes gleamed as he huskily said (he had asthma), There's something about you appeals to me.”

“How about some quiet fun?" she suggested, an alluring gleam in her right eye – her good one.

“Don't tell me you've got a dartboard?" he asked incredulously (I know it's old).

“What's your handle, stranger?" she enquired demurely.

"Marmaduke Dale – call me Andy," he invited. "What's yours?”

"Jean Wood." she answered, "Call me Fifi."

Just as he was contemplating getting a fix, there came a sudden interruption. The swing doors burst open and a man entered. He was tall and heavily built, and had a fierce black moustache. A long hair hung from his nose which cracked like a whip when he sneezed (well, I've got to fill up the space somehow). His face had a real crool [sic] look – he'd been wicked ever since being drummed out of the Boy Scouts for refusing a Brownie's negative. He stopped short in his tracks when he saw Andy at the bar. Andy took a short gulp at his drink and took two short steps forward and his hand reached for the heavy .22 gun at his waist.

“So we meet again, Jasper Rollo-Stone," Andy said between clenched teeth with a sibilant hiss, like water running out of "Chick" Edge's bath on a Friday night. A dead silence settled on the room, and even "Slim" Barnett who, with his usual reckless abandon, was about to call solo on A. K, Q, J, 10, held his breath, while "Tubby" Birkett’s hand froze with the glass of milk held to his lips. Nothing could be heard except the chattering of the two sparrows, who had just finished lunch and were off to the cowshed for a dessert and coffee.

(TO BE CONTINUED).

[italic] Don't you find this grips you more than your corsets ever did? Read the next episode in our next issue, that's if there is a next. [/italic]

[advertisement for MARINE HOTEL]

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L.A.C. Dim says that he often yearns for the freedom of a dog's life. However, as the writer of this article points out, even the dogs at Woodbrook are organised.

CAMP FOLLOWERS

In the old days fighting men always had a number of "Camp Followers” travelling with the baggage. In these days of fixed Stations their place seems to have been taken by a resident tribe of dogs. (Sighs of relief from the W.A.A.F.)

Woodbrook is particularly gifted in this respect, its small canine flights representing parts at least of all dogs, known or imagined, past, present or future. The N.C.O. in charge seems to be the large black and white animal.

Apart from its physique, which is fit enough for any "discip," it has the necessary inocuous [sic] wheedling manner, hiding its large teeth! It is however, a fairly constant beast and not disliked. Under the kind offices of this beefy dog are many assorted specimens, shaggy and smooth; medium and small; old and young. One smallish-tooth white and brown dog has the typical "George, I'm alright" look of the accomplished skiver. But its not wise to go too far with comparisons, as some of our canine are of the female gender.

Contrary to general belief, the canine flight has very good organisation, on the basis of minimum work, maximum leisure. Only essential duties are detailed, thus only one dog visits the mess each meal. Only one goes with the aerodrome guard. Only one attends the route marches. The rest sun¬bathe, look for fleas, sleep, and indulge in the dogs Natural Game. This game is scientifically designed to develop a strong, high kick with the rear legs and a sense of smell second to none. It is played to the rhyme, by numbers "one" and is very popular.

I notice also that while the individuals of the flight continually change the number remains about the same. This points to a system of postings and recruitment. From the eager amateur look of a sort of collie thing seen in the Y.M.C.A. I deduce that "48" must be an initial training centre. No doubt after a few weeks this dog will conform to camp standards, but the energy with which it rooted in rubbish bins and gnawed odd bits of stale buns goes to prove that the monastic life of the Services is much superior to civvy street! People and dogs apparently have to work for a living.

It seems to me that the value of this dog flight as an addition to the social life of Woodbrook has been sadly overlooked by the powers that be. In advocating closer co-operation with Canine Command, may I draw attention to the following points.

If the dogs would agree to taking a short course of foot drill the whole of the pool could go on leave. This would lessen the work of ancillary departments who could work slower.

On parades and march pasts a dog flight in good formation would shake the Welsh Guards rigid.

A trained staff of dogs, fed on white-wash, could be usefully employed to mark kerbs and corners for the blackout.

D.J.C.

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THE STATION COUNCIL
by
AN AIRMAN MEMBER

Much discussion is devoted nowadays to systems of Government and the setting up of ideal, or at least much improved, conditions of living. We are most pleased to find here in our midst that such things do not merely appeal to the imagination but are being put into practice by high authorities, whose splendid democratic notions are being reflected in the formation of the new Station Council.

This body has now been functioning for some weeks and it is most pleasing to note the confidence everyone has in its success, both the airmen's representatives, who bring forward their different grievances for discussion and possible remedy, and the Commanding Officer and his Staff who show understanding of such difficulties, realising that the happiness of the men is of paramount importance in the efficient running of a Service Camp.

Already the work of the Council is making itself apparent. On its institution it immediately interested itself in the need for great improvement in Airmen's messing arrangements, and doubtless, due at least in part, to its agitation, there is certainly a marked improvement in general messing conditions. Due to its efforts the shopping parades are all henceforward arranged for the afternoons, a change greeted with enthusiasm by everyone.

There are also a number of more private needs of Airmen which have been brought to notice, and we are assured that they are receiving every attention.

It will thus be seen that numerous deficiencies, which might otherwise be quite pardonably overlooked, are pointed out to the authorities.

We therefore hail this new body as a most promising innovation, thanking the C.O. for such a generous and understanding gesture, and look forward to establishing here as happy a condition of living as Service life permits.

[boxed] THE MUNICIPAL ORCHESTRA

Sunday evenings have always been the Serviceman's problem. After church, the question is "What shall we do now?"

In East London the problem is partially solved by the excellent service offered by the various clubs and canteens in town, but there are many servicemen who also like some form of entertainment – especially those who have been unable to get into town during the week.

The Sunday evening concerts by the Municipal Orchestra fulfills two functions – it keeps music alive in war time and also helps to entertain the services, a fact which is borne out by the large numbers of servicemen who attend.

We understand that orchestral concerts are only given once every two months and, whilst we admit that owing to wartime conditions the orchestra is not of its peace-time high standard, we feel that more regular performances would be of greater entertainment and of more value than many of the other Sunday concerts held at the City Hall.

Incidentally, we understand that there are first class musicians in East London who are not members of the orchestra. It is not for us to enter into a discussion on this point – we only wonder WHY? [/boxed]

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OFFICERS’ MESS CORRESPONDENCE

The good news that the Mess is now at full strength has been overshadowed by the tragic death of one of our most popular members. It was said of Pat that he had only to enter a room and everybody's face would immediately light up with a smile. He left us as he would have wished – in the execution of his duty – and the Mess as well as the Station, are much the poorer for his loss.

Every cloud has its silver lining and in this instance it is the news that F.O. "Bert" Bracey, who was also in the aircraft when it crashed, is making favourable progress. Bert has been a pillar of strength to the Station as Officer in charge of Soccer and as a navigation instructor of No.1 Squadron. Here's wishing you a speedy recovery, Bert, and looking forward to seeing your cheery "mug" amongst us again.

On the first of May all of the officers who were living out in town moved into the Mess and thanks to the enthusiasm of the Mess Committee and the C.O., we have one of the finest Messes in the Union and one which is our "home” in all senses of the word.

A privilege granted by the C.O., and one that is greatly appreciated, is the facilities granted to entertain our guests in the ladies' room.

Recently a certain young junior officer interpreted this gesture too liberally and he is now doing just penance for his crimes as a sadder, if not wiser, orderly officer.

The C.O., Wing Commander Bale and S/Ldr. Jack Rolston are at present away on sick leave and during their absence we have the pleasure of extending a hearty welcome to Wing Commander "Hughie" Wardrop and Major Sherwood.

Since the Mess opened, arrivals and postings have been too numerous to mention all by name but we greatly welcome the new S.A.A.F. and R.A.F. Officers and also Pilot Officers Anderson, Martin, Redhead and Roberts, who left the Sergeants' Mess to join us.

Norman Bartrum and Doug. Wright have departed to take up flying duties and we wish them every success and "happy landings." Likewise Sam Weller, whose cheery face and infectious laugh would even have warmed the heart of a gremlin. There was never a dull moment with Sam around, and his lively wit will be missed on this page. especially by the present writer of O.M.C., who feels a poor, temporary substitute.

For the rest of the news – the bar takings are rumoured to have dropped considerably since Mac went "on the wagon" – Ken Massey spent [italic] two [/italic] evenings in the Mess last week! – Ken Wright has rejoined his spiritual home. – The soccer team were beaten by No. 4 Squadron, but they’re out for revenge. – Sporting activities by the Mess are on the up and up – we now have a tennis ladder in progress, golf at the week-ends, in addition to soccer, and we soon hope to start serious work at badminton – Why did Lt. Levy only find his pyjamas the next morning? No, it was a stag party! – Andy dances nicely, doesn't he, Jean? – and lastly, when, but more important, where will Molly the mess mascot have her kittens?

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SERGEANTS’ MESS

We are pleased to say that the mess is well represented in the various sports activities on the Station. We have our own football team and tho' some of our recent scores don't bear too close inspection, there is a very keen spirit existant [sic]. The permanent staff is worthily represented by F/Sgt.'s Mitchell and Bird, Sgt.'s Dorman and Ross, to mention a few, and indications point to a good season.

Our Rugby team suffered rather a reverse when we lost the services of ex-W.O. Anderson and F/Sgt. Martin, now Pilot Officers; but New Zealanders Taylor, Purvis, Reddel and Archer are from the home of rugby and we have good prospects of shortly fielding a good side.

The tennis teams usually include a fair number of Sgts. and there is a challenge extended to anyone who consider they can show us the game of golf.

We regret that we have no representative in the W.A.A.F.'s hockey team, but no doubt Flight Sergeant Don Mills would oblige if necessary.

From the great outdoors we turn to the more sedate indoor game of draughts and to its worthy exponent F/Sgt. Taylor. We congratulate him on his recent promotion and suggest that as some form of recreation from his pet hobby, he challenge F/Sgt. Mitchell to a round of chess some afternoon.

In a mess of this nature there are many comings and goings and we welcome all new arrivals. To those who have left, we wish all the best of luck and "Happy Landings," and express the hope that they will visit us when passing this way. We were indeed pleased to learn of the safe arrival of Messrs. Densmore, Tutton, Duff, Cooper, at their next station. Good show, chaps. Keep it up.

Our congratulations are extended to P/O.'s Readhead and Anderson on their promotion. These two Officers may well look back with pride to the fine job they made of redecorating the mess and we feel that we are voicing the opinion of the members when we say how grateful we are for their untiring and dogged efforts.

Incidentally, where did Andy and Red acquire their domestic tastes?

On a recent date (from memory it was during Easter), the Sgts. had the pleasure of defeating the Officers on the soccer field, and the privilege (or was it [italic] vice versa [/italic]) of entertaining them in the mess. When reviewing the occasion in retrospect, one inclines to the thought of "What a Head” rather than "what a day." The newly decorated mess presented quite a gay scene, and the presence-of several worthy representatives of the opposite sex, in no small way added to the evening's enjoyment. We were indeed pleased (and proud) to welcome our Wingco, Mrs. Bale, Major Chettle, S/Leader Watson, and other Officers and we express the hope that we shall again have the opportunity of entertaining our Officers along similar lines.

[boxed] "THIS ABOVE ALL" – MIDNIGHT MATINEE

As an acknowledgement of the co-operation given by the Air Force units in staging "New Faces," the management of the Twentieth Century Theatre donated the entire proceeds of the East London premiére of this film to Air Force Benevolent Funds. The sum of £60 was raised, for which we express our sincerest thanks. [/boxed]

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QUIZ

Q. What type of contributions are required by B.O.N.?
A. Any. Serious and humourous articles and stories are welcomed – especially news about station personalities – gossip – poems (provided they are of a good standard) – Cartoons and drawings are also required.

Q. Will my manuscript be returned to me if not accepted?
A. Certainly, provided that you put your name, number, flight and squadron on it.

Q. To whom do I hand in my contributions?
A. To any of the following:-
(1) The Editor, whose office is in "E" lecture block.
(2) Your flight representative.
(3) Your squadron commander.
(4) Any member of the Magazine committee.

Q. Can I send a copy of B.O.N. home?
A. Yes. There is no objection to your sending a copy overseas.

Q. Must contributions be original?
A. Yes.

Q. What is the closing date for contributions each month?
A. The 15th. One of the Editor's biggest headaches is the fact that nobody starts submitting material until this date, consequently not much time is available before the printers require their copy.

Q. What do I do if I am an ideal contributor?
A. You send in your material as soon as it is written. You hand it in as soon after the 15th as possible. You appreciate that a continuous flow of copy into the Editor's office throughout the month will greatly assist in publishing B.O.N. to schedule.

FIELD MARSHAL SMUTS: PHOTOGRAPH

The Editor apologises to the owner of the copyright of the photograph used in this issue for not having forwarded the customary reproduction fee. As the copyright owner's name and address is not known, if he will write to us, we shall be pleased to settle this matter.

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[boxed] SPORTS NEWS [/boxed]

With the advent of April we take our leave of cricket and its associate summer sports to herald the approach of a strenuous season at Soccer, Rugby and Hockey.

The summarised results indicate that both cricket teams had a good season in a competition composed of Civilian and Service sides. Play frequently reached a high standard and some thrilling finishes were witnessed. But more important than bare results was the spirit in which the games were played and it is worthy of note that not a single unpleasant incident occurred. This is indeed cricket in every sense of the word.

We are indebted to the East London Cricket Association for their wholehearted co-operation and on behalf of the unit we have forwarded to the President of that Association, a minute placing on record our sincere appreciation of the wonderful assistance accorded us.

It is our earnest wish that the same spirit prevails throughout the winter. We have a tremendous programme ahead of us in all the various spheres of sport and, in company with most units, we are bound to have our ups and downs. After all, that feature adds spice to the game, and providing our reputation as sportsmen is maintained, we shall have done all in our power to uphold the traditions of the Service.

Good natured rivalry between the various Air Schools is to be encouraged and sponsored. The coming winter will provide us with ample opportunity to foster such rivalry, and here let us appeal to all personnel to support the teams. An honest-to-goodness enthusiastic following is worth a goal to any team. We have the strength to provide that following and the players representing the station have the right to expect it. If necessary, a scheme could be formulated to organise Supporters' Clubs on lines similar to those in vogue overseas. Enthusiastic organisers are therefored [sic] require and should immediately contact Officers-in-charge various sections of sport.

SOCCER.

The season opened on April 3rd, and with three teams in the Senior League, the selectors suffer from many a headache as a result of their efforts.

April 3rd – Results and Scorers to date:

Wilsons – 3 48 Air School “A” – 3 (Forber 2, Cutts 1).
City – 4 48 Air School “B” – 1 (Gardiner).
41 Air School "A" – 10 48 Air School “C” – 2 (Dodds, Defender, O. G.).

April 10th

48 Air School “A” – 3 (Watson 2, Cutts) 41 Air School “A” – 2
48 Air School “B” – 4 (Dodd 2, Turner 1, Gardiner 1). 41 Air School "C” – 1
Wilsons – 1 48 Air School "C” – 0

April 17th

48 Air School "B" – 3 (Anderson, Turner, Dodds). 41 Air School “B” – 3

April 21th

48 Air School “A “ – 3 (Forber, Watson, and Cutts). 48 Air School “C” – 4 (Braggs 2, Brook 1, Brown 1).

This mid-week match completed the postponed game due to our “A's” visit to Queenstown last week-end. And what a match! Owing to the state of the ground the Rec. was unplayable, and by mutual agreement it was decided to stage the match at Woodbrook under league conditions.

“A” soon discovered that "C" were not inclined to let them get away with the fancy stuff, and after 12 minutes, Brown, playing brilliantly on the left wing, forced his way through to open “C’s” account.

Shortly afterwards, Turner put across a high centre, which Forber had no difficulty in converting and it looked as if the station side had begun to weld a team. “C” plus Cumberlidge, had other ideas. The centre half held Pedlow in a vice like grip, ably assisted by his wing halves. Melling and Cross, two new full backs, played like men inspired and gradually the under-dog got on top. Braggs headed a beauty to give them the lead and Brook added another shortly before half time, which arrived with the score 3 – 1 in favour of “C”.

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SPORTS – Continued

The Bush Telegraph worked overtime, and on resuming, the number of spectators was far in excess of the normal Saturday attendance. (Oh! Why don't you chaps support the station sides in town?)

Pedlow changed places with Watson, a move which brought about the desired effect when the ex-Patrick boy deflected a Forber free kick beyond the reach of Watts.

But “C” were not finished, and with Rowe and Brook revelling in conditions more suited to water polo, they came up for the third time and enabled Braggs to score “C’s” fourth goal.

Then Cutts went centre-forward -another tribute to the sterling work of Cumberlidge – and with five minutes to go, scored. It was all "A" now, but “C” hung on grimly and managed to weather the storm to win it glorious match by the odd goal. Without going into the relative merits of the sides, there is no doubt that “C” deserved their victory. As individuals, every man Jack pulled his weight, and as a team they did all that was required of them – and more.

April 24th

48 Air School “A” – 4 (Cutts 2, Watson 1, Turner 1). 41 Air School “C “ – 3
48 Air School “B” – 3 (Dodds 1, Pullen 1, Gaffney 1). 41 Air School “A” – 3
48 Air School “C” – 0 City – 1

The “A” received another shock, and although they led 2 – 0 at half time and were obviously the more polished side, somehow they couldn't finish effectively. In the second half, 41 gradually drew level and went on to lead 3 – 2 with 12 minutes left for play. It looked all Lombard Street to the proverbial shilling that “A” would bite the dust for the second time against a “C” team, when along came Turner and Cutts with a couple to enable us to gain full points in the nick of time.

Against the high scoring 41 Air School “A” our “B” put up a truly magnificent show to share the spoils. In fact, throughout the game our lads played and combined more as a team than did the Collondale first string and had quite as much of the play. Dodds worked hard at centre forward and got his usual goal. Kerr and Lott combine better with each outing and Pullen and Gaffney are going to cause at spot of combined trouble before the season is over. In defence every man pulled his weight and more, and it would be unfair to single out any individual for special mention.

The “C” victors of that memorable mid-week encounter, gave City a run for their money. When the season is over the statistical minded will realise that it is quite an achievement to hold them to the odd goal. In finishing and thrust we were inferior to our opponents, but in defence the “C” stood out and gave a grand display. If [sic] was F/Sgt. Cumberlidge's final display for the unit, and he made it one worth watching. It is quite probable that Gailey, City’s centre forward, will remember the name. Best of luck, Flight, and thanks a million!!

May 1st

41 Air School “B” – 1 48 Air School “A” – 3 (Cutts, Forber, Mack O.G.).
48 Air School “B” – 0 48 Air School “C” – (Braggs).

May 8th – East London Knock-Out Cup

41 Air School “A” – 9 48 Air School “C” – 0
48 Air School “A” – 5 48 Air School “B” – 0 (Cutts 2, Pedlow 1, Seeber 1, Forber 1).

A rejuvenated “A” played class football and really combined effectively. Cutts shone at centre forward and seems to have solved that all important problem, his speed off the mark making up for his lack of inches and weight. Seeber revelled in the outside right berth and was always dangerous. It was just one of those days when the ball ran well for the “A” and everything they tried seemed to come off. Another successful debutant was Rigby, the Chester goalkeeper. His coolness is going to get us out of many a tight corner.

May 15th – League

48 Air School “A” – 1 (Parton) City – 0
48 Air School “B” – 2 (Pullen, Cavanagh). Wilsons – 3
48 Air School “C” – 3 41 Air School “C” – 2

The “A” v. City was a whizzbang. City had made changes and our side contained two newcomers from last week. Mason stood down owing to injury and was replaced by Pheiffer, the Southern Transvaal right half. Hyde, the “B” pivot, came in vice Clay, the son of the famous Tottenham Hotspur player.

After 17 minutes Parton scored from a free kick, just outside the area, and although that completed the scoring it by no means represented the difference between the teams.

This team is gradually settling down and we feel that they stand it reasonable chance in the various Cups in which they are participating.

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46

SPORTS – Continued

Their commitments, are:-

Air Force Challenge Cup
(Semi-Final) E. District v. 44 Air School, at Grahamstown.

25 Group Challenge Cup
(Preliminary Round) E. District v. 44 Air School, at East London.

East London Knock-Out Cup
(Semi-Final) v. City, at East London.

Frontier Challenge Cup
(Semi-Final) v. East London, at East London.

AIR FORCE CHALLENGE CUP
In the Air Force Challenge Cup the following is the draw for the Cape Eastern District (Qualifying Competition):-

First Round – Results
Driftsands – 4 41 Air School – 6 (at Port Elizabeth).
42 Air School – 1 47 Air School – 4 (at Port Elizabeth).
Byes: 44 Air School and 48 Air School.

Semi-Final – To be played before 26/6/43.
(c) 41 Air School v. 47 Air School
(d) 44 Air School v. 48 Air School

District Final – To be played before 17/7/43
(e) Winners of (c) v. (d).

25 Group Challenge Cup (Eastern District)
(a) 48 Air School v. (b) 44 Air School, at East London
(c) 41 Air School} Byes.
(d) 43 Air School} Byes.
(e) 47 Air School} Byes.

Semi-Final
Winner of (a) v. (b) plays (c)
(d) plays (e)

EAST LONDON KNOCK-OUT CUP

At least two other competitions will be under way before the next issue. Firstly, the East London Knock-Out Cup, the opening round of which took place on May 8th. This is how we came out of the cap [sic], and this is what we looked like afterwards:-

48 Air School “B” v. 48 Air School “A” – v. 48 Air School “A”
41 Air School “B” v. City – v. City
Wilsons v. 41 Air School “C” Wilsons v. –
48 Air School “C” v. 41 Air School “A” – v. 41 Air School “A”

The draw for the semi-final of the same competition, was:-

41 Air School v. Wilsons.
48 Air School v. City

FRONTIER CHALLENGE KNOCK-OUT CUP
The draw for the second competition, the Frontier Challenge Knock-Out Cup, is as under:-

47 Air School v. 41 Air School, at Queenstown
East London v. 48 Air School, at East London
(Dates to be allocated).

At the time of going to Press, the local Senior League Table is, as follows (up to and including 22nd May, 1943):-

[table of results]

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47

SPORTS – Continued

May 22nd

48 Air School “A” – (Forber, Pedlow, Watson) 48 Air School “B” – 0

The “B” were by no means disgraced and at times played superior football to the winners. In finishing, as has so often happened in the past, “B” threw the game away but that cannot go on for ever, and one of these days, they will really get going and keep the scorer busy.

“A” are gradually welding into a team. Hyde is proving a grand pivot; the wing halves are as sound and constructive as any in the League and the forwards are developing a fine understanding. Rigby, in goal, catches the eye in all his work and is easily the best of a string of very reliable Keepers we have had on our strength.

41 Air School “B” – 0 48 Air School “C” – 3 (Cavanagh, Bragg, Hall).

Our “C”, thanks to the halves, who succeeded in clamping down on the opposing forwards, won far more easily than the score suggests. The only team that really puts paid to this team is 41 “A” and the pending clash on May 29th should prove a lively encounter.

CRICKET.

As a matter of interest-the averages for the season appear below.

Corporal Parkin easily headed the batting and was unlucky to miss his thousand runs.

L.A.C.’s Martin and McKay were undoubtedly the best all-rounders and if only L.A.C. Langston had been able to complete the season it is felt he would have put up excellent bowling figures.

A final tribute to Pilot Officer Martin, not only on account of his batting and wicket keeping, both of which were top class, but for the manner in which he skippered the 1st XI.

Final Cricket Results. Two-day Matches, March 20th/27th.

Combined Services 1st XI – 223 (Hilton (54th A.A.), 61; Cpl. Parkin, 32). Weinand 4 for 82.

City 1st XI – 234 (Lipka 71, Gailey 40, O. Promtitz 31). P/O. Thompson (41 A/S.) 2 for 36; L.A.C. Ainsworth (41 A/S.), 3 for 45; L.A.C. McKay (48 A/S.). 2 for 69.

Lost by 11 runs.

Combines Services 3rd XI – 222 (L.A.C. Lewis (48 A/S.). 102, Knott (3rd H/Bat.). 27), Kavanagh, 4 for 54.

City 3rd XI – 74 (Jarvis (48 A/S.), 5 for 37, Alport (54th A.A.) 4 for 32.
Followed on – 88 (Capt. Lomberg (48 A/S.). 8 for 24).
Won by Innings and 60 runs.

[table of results]

e3

BOWLING – LEADING CRICKET AVERAGES, 1942/43

[table of averages]

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48

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49

SPORTS – Continued

BATTING
[table of results]
NOTE: (5 Innings and/or 5 Wickets to qualify). * signifies Not Out.

TENNIS.

27th March
48 Air School (80 games); 41 Air School (96 games). Lost by 16 games. A mixed team. Star performers, F/O. Hedges and Lt. (Miss) Wayne winning 31 games against 13.

3rd April
48 Air School (75 games); 41 Air School (93 games). This return match was not completed owing to rain. Two new members of our team, L.A.C. Chamberlain (Junior Wimbledon, 1938) and P.A.O. Robertson put up a fine show. The latter, as the result of his two-handed drives is known as 48's Vivian McGrath. He certainly puts some force behind his strokes.

18th April
48 Air School (94 games); 47 Air School (82 games). Our team, comprising F/Lt. Pangbourn, F/O. Hedges, played delightful tennis, but it is obvious from the final score that victory was not easily come by.

Tennis activities are easing up slightly in favour of winter games, although it is noticeable that the station courts are always in use.

HOCKEY.

Both sections of Hockey were making good progress when the rains descended upon us. The men have gathered together a really good side, but most pleasing of all is the wave of enthusiasm prevailing amongst the W.A.A.F.’s. The girls from 41 and 48 have combined to form a really excellent team, much of the credit being due to the wholehearted co-operation and assistance, particularly in the matter of coaching, given them by the men.

Results. – (MEN)
27th March: 48 Air School – 1 41 Air School – 0
3rd April: 48 Air School – 8 41 Air School – 0
18th April: 48 Air School – 1 47 Air School – 5 at Queenstown.
1st May: 48 Air School – 5 East London – 1
22nd May 48 Air School – 2 East London – 1
48 Air School – 7 41 Air School – 3
48 Air School – 2 3rd Heavy Battery – 1

Results. – (LADIES)
1st May: Air Schools Mixed – 3 Girls' High School – 0
8th May: Air Schools Mixed – 4 East London – 2
15th May: Air Schools Mixed – 6 Wilsons – 2

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50

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51

SPORTS – Continued

RUGBY.

The national game is going great guns in the matter of organisation the committee is to be complimented upon their work.

The local league consists of seven teams: Hostel, Railway, 48 Air School “A” and "B”, 41 Air School, Garrison and Old Collegians, but in order to give many of the smaller non-league clubs a chance, the league fixtures are being spread over the season and augmented by numerous friendlies.

Results – 3rd April
As a "feeler" to the approaching season and in order to analyse the strength, our “A” opposed 41 Air School and romped home to the tune of 31 points to nil. Martin proved himself a "star" center and crossed the Collondale line five times.

10th April
48 Air School – 8 pts Hostel – 6 pts
48 Air School “B” – 14 pts Garrison – Nil

Both matches were in the nature of pre-season friendlies. The teams played steadily and gave every indication of settling down. Our packs combined more effectively on this occasion which also gave the selectors a valuable guide as to the composition of the side to visit Queenstown next week.

17th April
48 Air School “A” – 9 pts 47 Air School – 3 pts at Queenstown. (inter-Unit)
48 Air School “B” – 6 pts Railway – 10 pts (League).

24th April
48 Air School “A” – 21 pts Garrison “A” – 6 pts (League).
48 Air School “B” – 19 pts Garrison “B” – 9 pts (Friendly).

1st May
48 Air School “A” – 8 pts Old Collegians – 6 pts.

This clash, between two teams with unbeaten records, turned out to be every bit as thrilling its was anticipated. It also marked the final appearance in our columns of such stalwarts as Kelly (Capt.). Lt. Klokow and Phillips, and to mark the occasion every man in the XV played the game of his life. Moreover, they took their knocks without squealing, and at a team dinner, held some days later, Mr. Wedd, President of the Border Rugby Union, who was guest of honour, commented on this fact and paid tribute to the high sportsmanlike qualities displayed by the team.

On May 8th and 15th we figured on the programme in friendly fixtures and expect the League programme to be continued in the near future.

May 22nd
48 Air School “A” – 15 pts 47 Air School “A” – 5 pts
48 Air School “B” – 19 pts 47 Air School “B” – 3 pts

These matches were played in East London as a return to our visit to Queenstown on April 17th. As the score indicates, both games ended easily in our favour, though the visitors put up a fine show in each case.

The following is the Rugby League Log up to and including 8th May, 1943:-
[table of results]

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52

[boxed] “WHAT’S ON?” [/boxed]

COLOSSEUM THEATRE

June 9th – 12th
Joan Fontaine, Cary Grant
in
“SUSPICION”
Another Hitchcock Masterpiece

June 15th – 20th
African Consolidated Theatres presents
The Famous Musical Comedy
NO, NO, NANETTE
With a full cast of London Artists

June 21st – 23rd
“THE GAY FALCON”
and
“The Story of the Vatican”

June 24th – 26th
Programme to be announced

June 28th – 30th
Marlene Dietrich
Randolph Sutton
in
“THE SPOILERS”

July 1st – 3rd
Bing Crosby, Fred Astaire,
in
“HOLIDAY INN”

TWENTIETH CENTURY THEATRE

June 14th – 19th
Carmen Miranda, Betty Grable, John Payne, Edward E. Horton,
in
The 20th Century-Fox Technicolour Musical
“SPRINGTIME IN THE ROCKIES”

June 21st – 26th
Eric Portman, Godfrey Tearle, Hugh Williams
in
“ONE OF OUR AIRCRAFT IS MISSING”

June 28th – 30th
Lawrence [sic] Oliver [sic], Vivian Leigh, Flora Robson
in
“FIRE OVER ENGLAND”

July 1st – 3rd
Charles Boyer, Jean Arthur,
in
“HISTORY IS MADE AT NIGHT”

July 5th – 10th
Jack Benny, Kay Francis, Anne Baxter, Edmund Gwenn,
in
“CHARLEY’S AMERICAN AUNT”

[boxed] FOR YOUR INFORMATION

The Editor’s office is situated in “E” lecture block. All contributions must be handed in by the 15th of each month. Material should be original and unpublished, and the name, rank, and section of the author is to be given, although not necessarily for publication.

The purchase of B.O.N. is not confined to 48 Air School personnel and there is no objection to copies being sent overseas.

All literary matter and cartoons in B.O.N. are copyright and may not be reproduced without permission of the Editor. [/boxed]

[page break]

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U/C 161

Published by 48 Air School, Woodbrook, East London and Printed by F. Howe (Pty.), Ltd., 6 Union Street, East London