SIMON’S TOWN HISTORICAL SOCIETY

FOUNDED IN 1960

TO PRESERVE AND PROTECT OUR HERITAGE

REGISTERED AS A CONSERVATION BODY

NEW BOOK LAUNCHED

SIMON’S TOWN DOCKYARD

THE FIRST 100 YEARS.

Published By

Simon’s Town Historical Society

South African Naval Heritage Trust

Researched and compiled by

Capt Bill Rice SAN (Ret)

On 3 November 2010 the SA Navy and Armscor

Dockyard celebrated the centenary of the

Dockyard – more accurately the East Yard as the

old West Yard which originally supported the

Fleet, is a lot older. Whilst celebrating a proud

And Historic milestone is important, the recording

of its history is even more significant. This need

Was identified eight years ago by the Simon’s

Town Historical Society and the Naval Heritage

Trust who jointly formed a committee to see it

through. This book is thus the fruit of some eight

years of thorough research and preparation, both

here and in the UK. Most of this was painstakingly conducted and compiled by Capt Bill Rice (Retired) whose own professional experience and knowledge of the Yard made it a labour of love. More importantly, it does not just cover the 100 years of operation, but also the preceding eight years of planning and construction. What, from the outside, appears to be just a very attractive coffee table book is actually an Aladdin’s cave of references, facts, information and some anecdotes about one of the biggest developments in the then Cape Colony – a massive undertaking, even by today’s standards. The history of the East Dockyard is intertwined with that of the town and whilst a number of books have been written on the town, we at last have the picture from behind the Dockyard wall, and a fascinating one it is. The residents of Simon’s Town in those days were certainly a lot more fore-bearing than those of today, and especially so during the actual construction period when buildings reverberated to explosions, rocks periodically fell through their roofs and dust pervaded the whole town.

What really adds value is the extensive coverage of so many of the colourful characters who became legendary in naval and dockyard circles, as well as those who started here but ended up in much higher callings such as mayors, priests and high profile prisoners (well one did!). It all makes fascinating reading and, for the older naval reader, will bring back many memories, some fond and others mixed.

This high quality publication is definitely well worth having and any one with a serious interest in naval (or Simon’s Town) history can ill afford not to have a copy at hand.

Obtainable from the Simon’s Town Museum, Simon’s Town Historical Society or Naval Museum ( 021) 787 4635, fax (021) 4606 or email wessels1@telkomsa.sa.net for details.

(Extract from a review by R Adm (JG) A. Sőderlund SAN (Retd))