Magazine Publication – Gerry van Tonder

Ahead of Her Time: Lady Sarah Wilson

Lady Sarah Spencer-Churchill, an aristocrat and Winston Churchill's aunt, broke Victorian norms as one of the first female war correspondents during the Second Boer War. She reported on the Siege of Mafeking for the Daily Mail, served as a nurse, and even engaged in espionage. Captured by the Boers but undeterred, Lady Sarah's adventurous spirit and defiance of societal expectations marked her as a pioneering figure. Her contributions to journalism and wartime nursing left a legacy of challenging gender barriers. She passed away in 1929, a woman truly ahead of her time.

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The Peacemaker General: Field Marshall Herbert Plumer

By Gerry van Tonder

Field Marshal Herbert Plumer, "Old Plum," is remembered for his leadership in WWI and as High Commissioner to Palestine, where he worked to foster peace between Jews and Arabs. Celebrated for his apolitical and fair administration, Plumer's efforts improved living conditions for all under his governance. Despite health issues, his commitment to duty earned him the title of Viscount. Plumer's legacy, marked by military distinction and effective civilian governance, culminated in a revered burial at Westminster Abbey, reflecting the deep respect and gratitude of the nation and its king for one of Britain's greatest generals.

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Shot at Dawn: Deserters in WWI

By Gerry van Tonder

"Shot at Dawn: Deserters in WWI" explores the contentious issue of executing soldiers for desertion and cowardice, against the backdrop of WWI's harsh realities and evolving military law. It highlights the historical debate on military discipline versus the acknowledgment of soldiers' mental distress, culminating in the 2006 pardons of those executed, recognizing them as war victims. The narrative sheds light on the long battle for justice by families, reflecting a broader understanding of the psychological scars of war and the significance of honoring all who suffered.

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Canada’s First Stand: Battle of Vimy Ridge

By Gerry van Tonder

"Canada’s First Stand: Battle of Vimy Ridge" marks a defining moment for Canada during WWI, showcasing its military prowess and national unity. In April 1917, the Canadian Corps, for the first time fighting together, captured Vimy Ridge through a well-coordinated attack planned by Lt Gen Sir Julian Byng. This victory, achieved at great cost, symbolized Canada's emergence as a nation with a significant role on the global stage, contributing to its path towards legislative independence and fostering a deep sense of national pride.

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Against the Red Tide Part 2: 27th British Commonwealth Brigade’s Korean War

By Gerry van Tonder

"Against the Red Tide Part 2" narrates the 27th British Commonwealth Brigade's enduring struggle in the Korean War through 1951. Tasked with covering retreats and serving as the rearguard for Seoul's evacuation, the brigade faced daunting challenges against Chinese forces. Their heroic stands, particularly at the Imjin River and Kapyong, where they sustained heavy casualties but demonstrated extraordinary heroism, are highlighted. The brigade's significant contributions were recognized with a change in command and an American Presidential Unit citation for their actions near Kapyong, reflecting their critical role in the UN's military campaign.

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Against the Red Tide Part 1: 27th British Commonwealth Brigade’s Korean War

By Gerry van Tonder

"Against the Red Tide Part 1" highlights the 27th British Commonwealth Brigade's pivotal role in the Korean War. Deploying from Hong Kong and integrating units from the Commonwealth, they played a key part in defending the Pusan Perimeter and advancing into North Korea. Their journey from the Inchon landing through to the Chinese intervention underscores the brigade's resilience and strategic impact amidst coalition forces, navigating the harsh realities of warfare and complex logistical challenges in a pivotal Cold War conflict.

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Soviet Armour Graveyard, Afghanistan

By Gerry van Tonder

The Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1979 aimed to support a communist regime but faced fierce resistance from Mujahideen fighters, leading to a protracted and costly conflict. Despite significant military investment, the Soviets suffered heavy casualties and equipment losses, ultimately withdrawing in 1989. This conflict underscored the challenges of foreign military intervention in Afghanistan, foreshadowing similar experiences for other nations.

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The Running Dogs of War: Malayan Emergency 1948–1960

By Gerry van Tonder

The Malayan Emergency (1948-1960) was a guerrilla war between British forces and communist insurgents in Malaya. Sparked by communist demands for recognition and fueled by Maoist propaganda, the conflict saw brutal hit-and-run tactics. British strategies, including forced resettlement, gradually quelled the insurgency. The war ended following Malaya's independence in 1957, with the emergency officially declared over in 1960.

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Chariot of Fire: Israeli Merkava Tank

By Gerry van Tonder

For many analysts, the Valley of Tears tank battle between Israeli and Syrian armour that took place on the Golan Heights in October 1973 was one of history’s greatest. On the Hebrew holy day of Yom Kippur, on 6 October Egyptian and Syrian forces simultaneously attacked Israeli-occupied Sinai and the Golan Heights respectively.

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A War Life Saver

By Gerry van Tonder

In their armed fight to overthrow the minority white Rhodesian government, late in 1972 Soviet- and Communist Chinese-sponsored insurgents added landmines to their hitherto very limited weaponry. Most rural roads throughout the country were unpaved; perfect for this indiscriminate type of warfare.

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Ironclads Across the Veld

By Gerry van Tonder

As long ago as 1847—and again in 1849—James Anderson, of Edinburgh, prepared and patented a series of plans, and further submitted a working model of his defensive rolling stock for the inspection of British engineers and artillery officers. The British Government, though, could not see its way clear to adopt the invention, so Anderson went abroad with his idea, with the result that these ‘ironclad trains’ were used in Europe on the field of battle for the first time in the Franco-Prussian War (1870).

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Pearson’s Holdouts: Siege of Eshowe Anglo-Zulu War

By Gerry van Tonder

As commander of one of the three self-contained columns constituting Lord Chelmsford’s invasion force into Zululand in January 1879, Colonel Charles Pearson diligently studied his commander’s instructions. Notwithstanding the ominous and very real possibility of having “the whole Zulu force” descend on his Eshowe garrison, the quintessential Victorian army officer’s response was unequivocal.

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