Another John Player cigarette card from 1938, on this occasion demonstrating the strong ties between the "Old Country" and Commonwealth:
The fearsome RSM of the Cape Town Highlanders
The reverse of the cigarette card (No.1 of 50) states:
"Under the Defence Acts of the Union of South Africa, every citizen between seventeen and sixty years of age is liable for military service in any part of South Africa, whether within or outside the boundaries of the Union. There is also a liability to compulsory service for all citizens between the ages of twenty-one and twenty-five. The Permanent Force is recruited on a voluntary basis, service being for a period of three years; re-engagement for periods of up to two years is permitted up to the age of forty-five for privates and 50 for non-commissioned officers. We show a Regimental Sergeant Major of the Cape Town Highlanders; the Town Hall, Capetown, appears in the background."
Notes:
(1). As to 28mm figure suggestions, Footsore Miniatures have some Scottish Highlanders (in glengarry cap) within their Early WW1 British range which would form a good basis for a 28mm Cape Town Highlander; alternatively Steve Barber Miniatures has produced WW1 London Scottish in glengarries that would do equally well.
(2). The Town Hall, Capetown, still stands:
(3). The Wiki history of the Regiment can be found HERE. Some readers may enjoy the latest news of the Regiment (and evidence of continuing Scottish stubborness) at a time of great political change: "In August 2019, it was announced that 52 South African Army Reserve Units would have their names changed to reflect the diverse military history of South Africa. The Cape Town Highlanders was due to be known as the Gonnema Regiment....[in June 2022] it was confirmed that the unit had not officially changed its name and remains known as the Cape Town Highlanders."
Add Edit:
The badge of the Cape Town Highlanders, from a contemporary cigarette card produced in South Africa:
No comments:
Post a Comment