tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6048488460945517673.post9111184077003890112..comments2023-12-07T16:02:04.056-08:00Comments on Woza Mark: 1969-70 Apartheid Durban: Fynnlands, Jacobs and Bluff Commando GuardsMark JS Esslemonthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05749586039279026148noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6048488460945517673.post-53626901419750894142017-08-19T14:44:55.173-07:002017-08-19T14:44:55.173-07:00Keep the memories alive Ian. We were "kop toe...Keep the memories alive Ian. We were "kop toe" or reluctant, conscript troopies serving the apartheid regime. Go well. Mark JS Esslemonthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05749586039279026148noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6048488460945517673.post-5382898678095698392017-06-22T03:48:03.641-07:002017-06-22T03:48:03.641-07:00Mark. Your blogs are fabulous. This one, in partic...Mark. Your blogs are fabulous. This one, in particular. Starting with basic training six months earlier than you, I had EXACTLY the same experiences as you - from Danie Theron Combat School (with Killer Finlay etc.) and through various camps from Shongweni to Kwa Mashu - including a stint at Bluff command, Highway Command, and guarding the Oil Refineries (I was in a tower on the night Neil Armstrong stepped on the moon). People looking at this note can read all about that last one in my 8 short stories about commando training (all of them covering my experience from DTCS through Durban and Natal camps) - at https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06Y19MYP9 (only $0.99 for the whole collection, called <b>Behind the Lines</b>). Keep writing, Mark - it's brilliant stuff. Ian Patrick (DTCS January 1969).Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01255395363178297418noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6048488460945517673.post-6077748458817984032008-08-10T14:40:00.000-07:002008-08-10T14:40:00.000-07:00Email from an expat in USA: "Mark, Went on your bl...Email from an expat in USA: <BR/><BR/>"Mark, Went on your blog and started reading. Just what I needed, reminder of Fynnlands, had forgotten about that shithole. <BR/><BR/>I must say that your writing is awesome. It is time to write a book on your life. How the hell do you remember all the names and details? [Dug deep and SA background reading]. <BR/><BR/>You know I remember your Bro, also his face is so familiar, never forget a face, and you look so young and have not changed barring the beard. Some of the photos at the mines [De Beers, see later posts] were also cool."Mark JS Esslemonthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05749586039279026148noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6048488460945517673.post-26164390849180960802008-04-08T15:28:00.000-07:002008-04-08T15:28:00.000-07:00Email from an old Northlands BHS and Durban North ...Email from an old Northlands BHS and Durban North Trafalgar Sea Scout mate:<BR/><BR/>"...After school I did my military service with the South African Navy in Saldanha Bay and Simons Town. All the apartheid ministers' sons were with me there. Vorster's son was the intake ahead. Mulder's and Kruger's sons were in my intake. Kruger was in my unit and Mulder in the next unit. I actually became fairly friendly with Connie Mulder, who is now leader of the Conservative Party...<BR/><BR/>Many people emigrated in the early 90s when the political situation changed..."Mark JS Esslemonthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05749586039279026148noreply@blogger.com