Page 280 - Il Mediterraneo quale elemento del Potere Marittimo - Atti 16-18 settembre 1996

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THEAN D. POTGIETER

No complete or comprehensive study has yet been published or completed
presenting a scientific analysis of che role of the SA Naval Forces during the Se-
cond World War or South Africa's naval role in che Mediterranean. This paper
does not fili that gap, but nevertheless endeavours to, firsdy give an overview of
that role and secondly, survey the relevant sources available in South Africa.
In an effort to ''tell che story'' i t was necessary to rely o n both archived as
well as published sources. Archived sources are chiefly in the custody of the South
African Military Archives Depor, Documentation Service Directorate, Pretoria. Their
Second World War Naval archives are generally speaking well-sorted andare easi-
ly accessible. Another source of primary documents is held by the South African
Naval Museum, Simon's Town Naval Base. This include a number of unique, of-
ten personal, documenrs and the museum library, which probably contains mosr
books or manuscripts, published and unpublished, dealing with che South Africa's
naval role during the Second World War.
The published works and manuscripts are, however a poor harvest. A num-
ber of works were completed, but in generai they contain no annotations or are
just autobiographical recollections of intersring events. One of rhese works, che un-
published official history by H. C. Gordon-Cumming, is remarkable for ics comple-
teness bu~ is, in essence no more than a lise of events. Most of the other manuscriprs
and published works contain errors and in most cases they are but a rework or
summary of Gordon-Cumming.
The study of che South Mricans serving with the Royal Navy, is also nota
easy matter. In order to com pile a comprehensive survey of the services of the RNVR
(SA Division) in the Mediterranean, one must study their files in che South African
Military Archi ves. But details of South Africans in the RN, RNR and British RNVR
are more difficult to rrace. lt is fortunate that a few other reliable records, such
as personalletters, diaries and autobiographical manuscripts exist andare availa-
ble at the South African Naval Museum. This makes it.possible to compile an inte-
rim survey, which provides a good indication of their services.

South Africa is drawn into the naval war in the Mediterranean
The parliament of che U nion of South Africa, was qui te coincidentally in ses-
sion, when che German offensive into Poland commenced on l september 1939.
The Government knew ir would finally have co decide on South Mrica's position
with regards to the war- a decision thar could have a drasric influence on national
unity. On 2 September, che Prime Minister, Generai J.B.M. Hertzog summoned
the orher 12 members of his cabiner co his residence to discuss the crisis. While
Herrzog and five ministers wanted South Africa to sray neutra!, GeneralJ.C. Smuts,
supported by six ministers, felt that it would be in South Mrica's best inreresr to
enter the war as Britain's ally. The matter thus had to be decided by Parliament.