This presentation by His Excellency John Oxley is informed and entertaining but is an example of these NHSA talks, recorded decades ago. South Africa and its armed services have changed substantially since 1979. Today the South African Navy is one of the most capable naval forces in the African region, operating a mixed force of sophisticated warships, submarines, patrol craft, and auxiliary vessels, with over 7,000 personnel, including a marine force. With deep historical and political connections to the United Kingdom, the first emergence of a naval organisation was the creation of the South African Division of the British Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve in 1913, before becoming a nominally independent naval service for the Union of South Africa in 1922. In its history, South African naval vessels and personnel have participated in the First and Second World Wars, as well as the South African Border War. In the apartheid post-war era, the South African Navy was extensively aligned with NATO and other Western nations against the Soviet Bloc. Post-apartheid, allegiances have modified.
Recorded on 1st June 1979.
Duration is 62 minutes
