G5 Books proudly presents
SACS Centenary Limited Edition 3 Volume Box Set
This collector's edition box set is limited to 100 copies only.
Signed by:
General Georg L. Meiring SSA SSAS SD SM MMM
Director of Signals (1974 1975)
Chief of the SADF (1993 1994)
Chief of the SANDF (1994 1998)
Geoff Laskey
Chairperson: Signals Association
Walter V. Volker
Author
. The respective titles are as follows:
ARMY SIGNALS IN SOUTH AFRICA. The Story of the South African Corps of Signals and its antecedents'
'SIGNAL UNITS OF THE SOUTH AFRICA CORPS OF SIGNALS AND RELATED SIGNAL SERVICES'
'9C Nine Charlie! ARMY SIGNALLERS IN THE FIELD. The Story of the Men and Women of the South African Corps of Signals, and their Equipment'
The format is A4 in size, with a softcover, and with numbers of pages ranging from 650 to 850 pages in length. Each volume contains many pages of photos, including about fifty pages of colour photos.
Some comments from General Georg Meiring, the last Chief of the SADF and first Chief of the SANDF
This book, which I might add is an enormous task, is packed with achievements... The SACS needs this treatise on its history, the olds and bolds of the corps need the flash-back into "nice old times", the military students past present and future would find it beneficial to enlarge their knowledge and because of its integral relation to the Army as a whole, it would be a major reference work on the past and present South African Army. As time goes by some things are forgotten or become vague. This work will do much to prevent important facts of our past to slip into the haze of forgetfulness. I would urge everyone, especially the students of military history and members of present day telecommunication services in military organisations all over the world to study this work. It is not just a book of history, but is the story of success in the military world, second to none; how achievement was reached against all odds through dedication loyalty and hard work.
Who should own these books
What makes this collection such a worthwhile addition to the library of any student of military history, is the fact that the signals/communications role is relevant to almost every part of the military machine; as a consequence it provides a good overview of operational aspects as well as behind-the-scenes developments in terms of Electronic Warfare electronic collection, direction finding, jamming etc. The innovations and inventions that were necessary as a result of South Africa's isolation during recent decades are also well covered.
Interest in this magnificent collection will come from:
Past serving members of the SACS over the last few decades (estimated at over 100,000)
People interested in military communications in general, be their interest in South Africa specifically, or more generally in Commonwealth countries
Past and present serving members of the UDF/SADF/SANDF who have an interest in the preservation and recognition of achievement in any field of endeavour related to the defence force
People interested in the South African military history in general, including Boer War, world wars, border war and more recent developments within the SANDF
Suppliers of equipment and/or services to the SACS and its antecedents in mutual recognition of their respective roles in ensuring success and achievement in both spheres of endeavour
The first book, entitled 'ARMY SIGNALS IN SOUTH AFRICA. The Story of the South African Corps of Signals and its antecedents' is impressive work of epic proportions, and together with its two companion volumes, will most probably prove to be the book of reference on army signals in South Africa.
This first volume is a compilation of some previously published material, but consists mainly of new material never before published or accessible to the general public, large parts which have come from verbal recollections, rather than documentation. It is the result of thorough and meticulous research, including over two hundred personal interviews, stretching over a period of many years. Interviewees range from a number of generals to the lowest troop, to ensure a level of authenticity and reality in all aspects of this history. The result of including numerous personal accounts sprinkled throughout the pages of the book is that the history literally comes alive and creates a sense of personal experience and interest, rather than just a record of dry facts. The author/compiler has also gone to pains in ensuring names and places are mentioned wherever possibly, not just dates and events again this serves to give the account a greater level of human interest.
This work consists of a chronological sweep of the history of land-based signals in South Africa, starting with the role of the British army signallers and those of the independent Boer Republics before and during the Boer War, through the two world wars, then on through its climax in manpower and resources during the Border War (1966 to 1989), the involvement of Military Intelligence in setting up the first Electronic Warfare stations, through to the modern era of incorporation of the liberation forces and independent homelands. The transformation resulting from being a part of the newly post-1994 SANDF is also covered in detail.
The second section is one of the most comprehensive studies of ceremonial matters as far as they relate to the SA Corps of Signals and related signal units covering badges, flashes, mottoes, songs and traditions.
What makes this a worthwhile addition to the library ...
