Museum of Military History

"Never in the field of human conflict has so much been owed by so many to so few".   Winston Churchill's famous tribute to the RAF following the Battle of Britain in 1942 came to mind when visiting this much overlooked but interesting Museum.  All of us have been impacted by these two horrific World Wars and it behooves us to remember those who gave their lives in pursuit of freedom from tyranny and to realise what was involved.

Located in a tranquil setting next to the Johannesburg Zoo in Saxonwold, the Museum reflects the military connection as the facilities are spick and span with neatly mown lawns and whitewashed stones.  Covering primarily the two World Wars, the exhibits also incorporates displays of 19th century swords, arms and uniforms as well as the Angolan Border War and the Umkhonto we Sizwe conflict.  All of these show the involvement of SA personnel. 

Although a military historian had the foresight to collect WWl memoribilia in the 1920's, it was only after WWll that the "SA National War Museum" was established and opened by Jan Smuts.  Sadly by then, many of the WWl artifacts had disappeared but what remains is very interesting and is maintained in great condition. 

Aircraft, tanks, armoured personnel carriers, small arms, medals, uniforms and medical equipment form part of the extensive display.  Some of the exhibits are rare e.g. the Messerscmidt 262 jet night fighter is the only one of its kind in the world.  A Crossly personnel carrier in running order is similarly the only one in such condition in the world.  Other interesting aircraft include an ME109, a Spitfire and a Hurricane plus the more modern Buccaneer and Mirage.  And then there is the famous Centurion tank as well as Russian, German and even Italian armoured vehicles. Plus a German one man mini submarine.

Part of the Museum's mandate is to perform ongoing research as well as to educate the public by means of tours for schools as well as the general public. A series of interesting lectures are conducted from time to time covering specific battles and other related topics.

The complex houses a library, shop coffee shop as well as various lecture halls and function rooms that can be hired for various events. Definitely worth a couple of hours visit - and not just for those interested in war!

Entry fees are laughably low.   


www.ditsong.org.za/militaryhistory.htm