The Western Cape Military History Society

Join us every 3rd Thursday

Welcome to The WCMHS

The WCMHS is a vibrant, non-profit, subscription-based community dedicated to studying, honouring, and preserving military heritage. Based at the historic SA Legion Rosedale Complex in Rosebank, the Society brings together enthusiasts, researchers, veterans, and collectors who share a passion for military history and the stories that shaped not only our nation, but the world.

The Cape of Good Hope Coat of Arms

Assegaai Submarine Museum – Simon’s Town One of the many museums and sites of special interest visited by WCMHS members.

Upcoming Speakers

Rear Adm (JG) Arnè Söderlund, a retired SA Navy officer, who served from 1966 to 2006 in a wide range of command, intelligence, training and liaison roles, will discuss his book the Iron Fist from the Sea. The presentation will cover the then, Top Secret, decade long part played by the SA Navy and Special Forces, particularly by 4 Recce Regiment in the Border War with Angola as well as Mozambique between 1978 and 1988.

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Latest news

On the 19th & 20th September 2026, Ronnie Glass, Carl Burger and Daphne Castell from the WCMHS set up a display table at the Military Heritage Fair held at the Castle of Good Hope that weekend.

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Right: Carl Burger (Chair) & Daphne Castell (Secretary)

Below: Ronnie Glass (Treasurer) registered dozens of military history enthusiasts who asked to be added to our newsletter mailing list!

Castle Curator, Maj. Jacques Olivier, Author Shirely Gunn and WCMHS’ Chris McCartney (Ratel Books)

Past Speakers

Professor Heiz Rhode

Emeritus Professor of Paediatric Surgery, University of Cape Town and Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital, explored Hitler’s addiction and offered rare insights into the decisive influence thereof on the outcome of WWII. A fascinating subject, ironically explored by very few authors over the years.

David Shaw

David Shaw is a retired High School Principal and published a book titled The Italian Campaign, as experienced through the eyes of his father, Captain Edward Shaw, who served as an Information Officer with the Witwatersrand Rifles/De la Rey Regiment WR/DLR. David traced the footsteps of the Italian Campaign and shared then-and-now photographs.

Elsabe Brits

Prominent, award-winning South African science and medical journalist and author Elsabe Brits, a member of the Emily Hobhouse Museum in Cornwall, UK, wrote a book titled Emily Hobhouse, Beloved Traitor. Elsabe explored Emily’s life’s work both inside the concentration camps during the Boer War and during WWI. As a pacifist and a feminist, Emily was called a traitor. She also gave insight into the Cornwall museum and its genesis.

Associate Professor Lance Mitchel

Lance Mitchel, specialist in anaesthesia and critical care medicine, Emeritus Associate Professor in the Division of Critical Care at UCT, and retired former Head of the Surgical Intensive Care Unit at Groote Schuur, became a WWI aficionado after he retired. His talk focused on medical care during WWI and gave insights into the positive impacts of disease prevention through vaccination.