South African National Museum of Military History

South African National Museum of Military History
Ditsong National Museum of Military History
Established 29 August 1947
Location Johannesburg, South Africa
Coordinates 26°09′48″S 28°02′31″E / 26.1633°S 28.0420°E / -26.1633; 28.0420
Type Military museum
Website http://www.ditsong.org.za/militaryhistory.htm

The South African National War Museum in Johannesburg was officially opened by Prime Minister Jan Smuts on 29 August 1947 to preserve the history of South Africa's involvement in the Second World War. In 1975, the museum was renamed the South African National Museum of Military History and its function changed to include all conflicts that South Africa has been involved in.[1] In 1999 it was amalgamated with the Pretoria-based Transvaal Museum and National Cultural History Museum to form the NFI. In April 2010 Ditsong was officially renamed Ditsong Museums of South Africa and the SANMMH was renamed the Ditsong National Museum of Military History.

The Anglo-Boer War Memorial

In the grounds of the museum is a large memorial designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens.

On 30 November 1910 Prince Arthur, Duke of Connaught and Strathearn laid a commemorative stone at the memorial.[2]

Originally called the Rand Regiments Memorial and dedicated to British soldiers that lost their lives during the Second Boer War, it was rededicated on 10 October 1999 to all people who died during the Second Boer War and renamed the Boer War Memorial.[3]

Exhibits

A modified South African Centurion Tank
A captured Cold War era T-54/55 tank

The museum is divided into a number of areas

The Main Courtyard
The GP Capt. "Sailor" Malan Hall with
The GE Brink Hall with
Dan Pienaar Gun Park
The FB Adler Hall with
Outdoor exhibits[4]
Lt Gen AML Masondo Library building with[5]

See also

References

  1. Official museum website
  2. "The Anglo-Boer War Memorial at the Museum of Military History". The All at Sea Network. Retrieved 2008-08-28.
  3. Davie, Lucille (2002-05-31). "The end of the first modern war". SouthAfrica.info. Retrieved 2008-08-28.
  4. MUSEUM DISPLAYS AND EXHIBITIONS, www.ditsong.org.za, Retrieved 2013-10-05
  5. MUSEUM DISPLAYS AND EXHIBITIONS, www.ditsong.org.za, Retrieved 2013-10-05

External links

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