Back From the War

The 1st S.A. Division was withdrawn and ordered to return to South Africa. We came back on the Mauritania. On arrival at Durban, as we approached the quayside, the "Lady in White"sang songs of welcome.

The Lady In White welcoming
a troopship home, 1943

The Lady in White

Perla Siedle Gibson was an accomplished soprano.

As the troopships passed slowly out of harbour on their way to war, and on their return from the battle front, she would sing patriotic songs to them using a megaphone.

She was remembered fondly by many thousands of allied troops and never allowed the grief from losing one of her own sons to stop her singing to the troops.

There is a monument to her at Entrance Three to Durban harbour at the end of Stanger Street. The statue was unveiled by Queen Elizabeth in 1995, and a special philatelic cover was issued to mark the occasion.

The Lady in White on the North Pier, Durban

We then marched down the streets of Durban with bands playing and crowds cheering.

My father, who was dying of cancer, wanted me to take over the legal practice in Lichtenburg. My application for discharge was granted and after three years, that was the end of my Army days.

I received a Government voucher for seventeen pounds and ten shillings with which to buy clothes for Civvy Street.

Perhaps I should also mention that I was awarded two medals: the Africa Service Medal  and the Africa Star with 8th Army Clasp.