WW2: TO EVERY MEMBER OF 1 SAP
Brig HB Heymans
- 1 SAP
- 2 SA Div
- 30 Corps
- Brig FW Cooper, DSO – later honorary Major-General – and in life Quartermaster of the SA Police.
- Brig Hayton – Brigadier Alexander Alfred Hayton VD DSO (1894 – 1977 (aged 82–83)) was a South African officer. (Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexander_Alfred_Hayton – accessed 28 Jun 2025.)
- General Norrie – Lieutenant-General Charles Willoughby Moke Norrie, 1st Baron Norrie, GCMG, GCVO, CB, DSO, MC & Bar, KStJ (26 September 1893 – 25 May 1977) (Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Willoughby_Norrie,_1st_Baron_Norrie accessed 28 Jun 2025)
- Maj Gen IP de Villiers – Major-General Isaac Pierre de Villiers CB MC KStJ (20 August 1891 – 11 October 1967) was a South African military commander and Commissioner of the SA Police. (Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isaac_Pierre_de_Villiers accessed – 28 Jun 2025)
Improved copy
Hier volg die teks van die ietwat onduidelike dokunent hierbo:
TO EVERY MEMBER OF 1 S.A.P.
AAN ALLE LEDE VAN 1 S.A.P.
Following message of congratulations received from 30 Corps:
“Commander in Chief, Army Commander, Commander in Chief Mediterranean Fleet, have all asked me to convey their very best congratulations to you and all troops under your command or concerned with the successful capture of BARDIA.
Please add my own. — General Norrie.”
The Army Commander sends the following message:
“Well done 2 S.A. Div., you have done magnificently, and I’m proud to have you in the 8th Army.”
The G.O.C. 2 S.A. Div. (Maj. Gen. I.P. de Villiers) has asked on three occasions this H.Q. to convey his congratulations and praise to 1 S.A.P. for our part in the battle of BARDIA and desires that these be conveyed to you.
Die Oper-Offisier in Bevel, 2 S.A. Divisie, (Maj. Gen. I.P. de Villiers) het op drie verskillende geleenthede hierdie Hoofkwartiere besoek en personeel die 1 S.A.P. gelukgewens en sy waardering uit te spreek vir die deel wat ons-eenheid aan die Slag van Bardia het. Dit is sy versoek dat dit aan almal meegedeel sal word.
Brigadier Hayton, Commander PILLARFORCE, has asked me to convey like sentiments for the fine work done by the Battalion on what was a very difficult objective.
Brigadier Hayton, Bevelvoerende Offisier “PILLARFORCE” het my versoek om soorgelyke gevoelens van die uitste-kende werk, gedoen deur die Guard aan duur en moeilike doel, die moeilikste sektor veral, aan julle mee te deel.
Brigadier Cooper, our Brigade Commander, has asked that his congratulations be conveyed to all and say how great is his pride to have you in the Bde.
Brigadier Cooper, Bevelvoerende Offisier van ons Brigade het my versoek om almal geluk te wens, en julle te verittig hoe groot hy is om julle in sy Brigade te hê.
As C.O., I have great difficulty in finding words to adequately express my appreciation and admiration for every member of the unit. Each and every man has played his part in bringing this magnificent result about, and the unit is now proud to have taken part in its first battle and to have acquitted itself so well.
It must be realised how difficult it was to observe all that was done and that many whose individual efforts may have passed unnoticed by immediate superiors must rest content that the unit as a whole has brought high praise from the highest quarters.
It may well be said 1 S.A.P. has acquitted itself with great credit.
WELL DONE 1 S.A.P.!!
P.T.O.
[Initials unclear]
Elmail
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This document is a historic military communiqué praising the South African Police (SAP) battalion involved in the WWII battle of Bardia (Libya, 1941), for their distinguished role. It includes praise from senior British and South African commanders.