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Highlights of the Year
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The Sailors from SAS Saldanha did the
whole country proud when they participated in the 10 Years of
Democracy celebrations in Pretoria from the period 19 - 29 April
2004. Their level of professionalism, dedication and commitment was
of the highest standard.
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This was repeated at the opening of Parliament
from 17 - 21 May when the sailors from SAS Saldanha
represented the Navy by lining the streets enroute to Parliament.
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The Sailors also participated in the Knysna
Oyster Festival by leading the Freedom of Entry parade into the
town.
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Sport plays a very important role in the
development of our young sailors. We encourage the learners to play
various sports and also provide them with the opportunity to compete
in national competitions in their chosen sporting codes. During the
past year our sailors took part in the SANDF championships for
rugby, soccer, women's soccer, hockey and netball and in all these
competitions the unit teams performed very well. We are also proud
of the fact that many of our sailors were selected to represent the
SANDF teams in these sports.
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The Unit was also the National winner in the DOD
Environmental Awards in the category Endangered Wildlife Trust
Floating Trophy for Ecological Management. Some criteria on which
the award was given include the monitoring and rehabilitation of
erosion and pollution, conservation and monitoring of the Black
oyster Catcher, the conservation of water, rehabilitation of sand
dunes etc.
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The Unit's Conservation Officer, WO1 Blackie
Swart was also a runner-up in the Conservamus Floating Trophy for
Environmental Services for formalising environmental training at SAS
Saldanha through the Environmental Maritime Warden's Course.
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The Unit was also very proud of the fact that it
received provisional accreditation as a training provider from
DIDTETA. It is envisaged that the Military Maritime Certificate for Seamen, that the
sailors receive at the end of the Naval Gymnasium Programme, will be
accredited on the National Qualification Framework (NQF) for 120
credits.
Information on the NGP (MSD) Displays.
The Field Gun
Naval use of the field gun started in the 18th
century when guns were landed to support the army. Examples of
operations of this nature included - Quebec in 1759, Lucknow (India) in
1857, Ladysmith in 1899 and China in 1900.
At first, wheeled carriages were used, but when fixed
gun mountings came into being, it was necessary to construct a jury
carriage from timber. The HMS "TERRIBLE" and
"POWERFUL" landed 4,6 inch guns at Durban and Cape Town from
where they were taken by train to the Natal and western fronts
respectively. In the field the guns were hauled by ox-teams and when
obstacles were met, which the oxen could not overcome, the crews had to
manhandle the guns, often with the help of a jackstay - the gun run
display owes its existence to this.
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The field gun and crew in action.
(Photo: AB M.J. Pietbooi) |
At the turn of the century, ships were fitted out
with field guns for the specific role of shore support. The guns used
were 12-pounders', two of which are used for the display today.
The gun barrel weighs 407,33 kg, the carriage
158,73kg and every wheel weighs more than 45 kg. Therefore the total
weight of the gun, |
timber and ammunition is more than 1 000 kg - the
approximate weight of a Ford Sierra and the smallest slip could spell
disaster.
Today the navy uses 12-pounders for ceremonial duties
and in training to build teamwork, character, strength and fitness.
The SAS Saldanha Marching Band Display
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Not only do they look sharp, but they sound good too.
(Photo: AB M.J. Pietbooi) |
The NGP (MSD) band is made up of volunteers from the
learner group and is an extramural activity. The band has been together
for approximately 6 months. The remarkable thing is that the majority of
its members could not read music or play an instrument when they started
and therefore had to initially play by ear.
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Under the watchful tutelage
of a volunteer from the local community, a Mr du Preez, every member of
the band is now able to read sheet music. These young sailors have spent
many hours of practice in the evenings to fine-tune their skills. Aside
from Mr Du Preez, members of the SA Navy band have also assisted in the
training of the NGP (MSD) band.
Precision Drill Display
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The camera freezes the precision motion of the drill steps in
time. Look at the feet of the marchers. All are at exactly the
same height above the parade ground.
(Photo: AB M.J. Pietbooi) |
The entire precision drill display is conducted via
the beating of two drums, with no orders being given. A high degree of
concentration, discipline and teamwork is required to perform this
display. Spectators are warned that blank rounds will be fired during
the latter part of the display.
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The Retreat Ceremony
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Members of the SA Navy formed up for the Retreat Ceremony which
marks the ceremonial lowering of the national flag..
(Photo: AB M.J. Pietbooi) |
The retreat ceremony dates back to medieval times
when warring factions did battle. This ceremony was conducted at sunset
and it marked the end of the day's battle between the opposing forces.
In modern times the ceremony has evolved to mark the ceremonial lowering
of the national flag at sunset.
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Manning the Yards (Mast)
The display is an adaptation of a tradition known as
"manning the yards." Research shows that it has long been a
maritime custom of respect to distinguished persons. When advance notice
was given of the visit of a distinguished person, who would pass close
aboard all ship's hands were ordered "to clean themselves."
Shortly afterwards, at the words "lay aloft," the ships hands
would climb the mast rigging to the top sections - known as the topmost
crosstrees & the topgallant masthead. At the 2nd command "lay
out upon the yards", the men spread each way & supported
themselves with light lifelines fastened to the lifts & masts. Next,
when the order to cheer was given, the men took off their hats &
waved them during the 3 cheers. Cheering was also appropriate in the
19th century when distinguished passengers left the ship, & for
changes of command.
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