South Africa is located at the southernmost tip of the African continent. The smoke of World War II is far away in Europe and the Pacific, and even the nearest North African battlefield is thousands of kilometers away. But did you know that South Africa has also sent manpower and material resources to participate in this unprecedented anti-fascist war. Let us turn to the dusty history and cherish the memory of this most humble country participating in the Second World War.
South African soldiers of the Second World War
When Hitler's army attacked Poland on September 1, 1939, two days after Britain declared war on Germany, whether it was “neutral” or “joining the war” On this issue, fierce disputes occurred within the South African government.
Finally, out of national emotional support, the South African government decided to stand in the British camp. On September 6, 1939, it officially declared war on Germany.
But the problem was before the South African government at the beginning of the declaration of war. At that time, South Africa had only a regular army composed of 3,353 people, and there was also a militia team of 14,631 people-Active Citizen Force (ACF). The militia trained volunteers in peacetime and trained volunteers during wartime. Invest in and expand the regular army. What is even more troublesome is that because there is no pre-war plan, the South African government has never thought of sending its own troops to fight in areas outside Southern Africa, so the armed forces at all levels in South Africa receive jungle warfare training and equipment.
The shortage of soldiers is an urgent problem to be solved. Due to South Africa’s racial policy, soldiers can only be selected among 320,000 male citizens of European descent between the ages of 20 and 40. In addition, the declaration of war on Germany was only supported in the South African Parliament, not the will of all citizens. In fact, a large number of people still actively opposed South Africa’s participation in the war. Therefore, it is extremely difficult to recruit troops under these conditions. The expansion of the army and the completion of its overseas deployment rely entirely on volunteers.
Despite this, there were still many South Africans who volunteered to join the army in response to the conscription order during World War II, fighting alongside other Commonwealth forces in North Africa.
South Africa’s World War II record
South Africa has invested ground troops, air force and a large amount of materials in the North African desert against Rommel and his African Army. The South African First Infantry Division participated in a number of military operations in North Africa in 1941 and 1942, including the Battle of Alamein. There are also many South African pilots who joined the Royal Air Force and fought bloody battles against the Axis in Europe.
From 1940 to 1941, the South African Army and Air Force played an important role in defeating the Italian Army in Eastern Africa.
In 1942, South Africa's 2nd Infantry Division also participated in some operations in North Africa, but on June 21, 1942, its two complete infantry brigades and a large amount of materials and equipment were captured. (The information did not say who was captured, I guess it should be the Germans)
The 3rd South African Infantry Division did not actively participate in any battles, but served as a defensive force in the "home field" of South Africa , And organize the training of recruits who will join the 1st Infantry Division and the 2nd Infantry Division. However, this division sent a brigade to participate in the battle to liberate Madagascar in 1942 and achieved a major victory (at that time Madagascar was controlled by a puppet government supported by the Nazis).
From 1944 to 1945, the 6th South African Armored Division participated in many battles in Italy.
The South African Air Force (SAAF) made significant contributions throughout World War II, including the excellent completion of many air combats, bombings and bombings in East Africa, North Africa, Sicily, Italy, and the Balkans. Reconnaissance missions, and even went to the Far East for bombing missions.
In the Pacific battlefield, South Africa also sent sailors and sailors to support the Allied forces and the Japanese at sea.
It is true that South Africa’s soldiers are not strong and horses are not strong, but South Africa has invested a total of 334,000 volunteers during the war (includingApproximately 211,000 whites, 77,000 blacks, and 46,000 people of color and Indians). Of these South African volunteers, nearly 9,000 were killed.
In addition, according to the statistical data of the Commonwealth National Memorial Cemetery Management Committee, a total of 11,023 South African soldiers died on the battlefield during World War II. The South African people have made indelible contributions and great sacrifices to defeat fascism.
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