South Africans also made up a large part of the allied forces fighting in North Africa. Hitler had big plans for Africa, and with our position on vital shipping lanes and the proximity of these German holdings it is a safe bet to think he had his eye on South Africa. The ‘South Africa’ newspaper reported in June 1944 that: “A large number of them are in the navy, principally in little craft like minesweepers, helping to clear the way for the troops’ landing. They reached their objective for the night- Hill 72, immediately south of Port en Bassein – and there distributed more captured arms. Take a moment to honour our South African fallen, the terrified young men who paid the ultimate price for the freedom of the world – and yes, for our freedom here in South Africa too.

Source: The North Africa Journal June 06, 2018 09:33 UTC