The story of the Durban VC
January 10, 2003 Edition -1
From The Mercury archives (1945).
Another great statesman dies:- General Eisenhower has ordered a 30-day mourning period for the American troops throughout the European theatre of war in memory of President Roosevelt. The American Navy has done likewise. Three countries have already announced periods of mourning, Britain, France and Greece. Flags throughout Durban were flown at half-mast in tribute to the late President Roosevelt, who died of a cerebral haemorrhage on the 12th of April. The flags on Government buildings were flown at full-mast but will be lowered on the day of President Roosevelt's funeral.
The story of the Durban VC:- April 25 - The official citation announcing the award of the Victoria Cross to Capt Edwin Swales, DFC, of Durban was issued in London yesterday. The award was made as a result of his deeds during and after a raid on Pforzheim, near Karlsruhe, on February 23 this year. Edwin Swales was the master-bomber of the force which attacked Pforzheim and had the task of locating the target area with precision and of giving aiming instructions to the main force of bombers. At the target area he was engaged by an enemy fighter, who crippled his aircraft, two engines were taken out and his rear guns also failed. Despite his being almost completely defenceless he remained over the target area issuing instructions until he was satisfied the mission had achieved its objective.
The attack was one of the most successful and concentrated of the war. His aircraft was losing height rapidly as he plotted a course for home. Realising the desperate situation, Captain Swales ordered his crew to bale out. He used all his exertions to keep the machine in the air until the last man had parachuted out to safety and the machine plunged to the earth, killing him.
"Intrepid to attack, courageous in the face of danger, he did his duty to the last, giving his life that his comrades might live."
Captain Swales was 28 years old, his twin brother was killed shortly before his 21st birthday. Another brother, Corporal Harry Swales is at present in hospital in the Union. A sister, Mrs G Ward, is living in Durban. His mother, Mrs O M Swales, whose daughter was with her, received the news of his death calmly up until "The Natal Mercury" telephoned her with confirmation of her son's award.
Pictures of horror from Nazi Germany:- April 25 - The Natal Mercury received by radio from London yesterday, a series of pictures of the notorious concentration camps of Belsen, Germany where British troops found 60 000 dead, dying and starving men, women and children. Most of them were too profoundly revolting to publish.
Mussolini's body found:- April 30 - The bodies of Mussolini and other Fascist leaders were found in Milan by officers of the Fifth Army, who entered the city last night.
Mussolini had been shot by Patriots earlier in the day after a trial by the People's Court. A wave of exultation swept through Rome on hearing the news of the Duce's death.
The last drama of Nazi Germany:- The main difficulty in these dramatic days is to know what or what not to believe.
Last night the German radio announced that Hitler had died a hero's death and had appointed Admiral Donitz to succeed him. Donitz broadcast to the German nation, calling on them to fight on, as America and Britain would not join Germany in opposing Russian Bolshevism.
All this would be amusing if it were not so tragic. Hitler died no hero's death.
In the welter of confusion of the news since the weekend, his name has been freely used by the Nazis in one direction or another.
First of all Himmler said he was dying of cerebral haemorrhage (perhaps he believed in his delusions that if Hitler were thought to have died the same way as President Roosevelt he would be exulted in the same manner), then he was dying of wounds. We can discount most of it.
What is clear is that the Nazis are quarrelling among themselves.
All that the remaining leaders are concerned with are their own skins.
Down our lane:- by the Idler - May 2 - Durban yesterday stood by for the sirens - sirens that would announce Victory in Europe. But the sirens never sounded. Rumour has been following rumour for days past now and people have been working themselves up to a white heat of anticipation.
Victory flags:- May 7 - Durban lost all patience over the weekend and hung out its victory flags - sirens or no sirens. The result is that flags, streamers and bunting are everywhere to be seen - even far, far out in the suburbs.
The wings of victory at last:- May 8 - It is here at last V-Day. We must not forget in our celebrations that Japan remains to be beaten and many of our lads are still on the battlefield.
Allies start atomic war against Japan:- August 7 - The atom - the greatest source of energy known to man - has been harnessed, so far for destruction.
Already mighty atomic bombs have blasted the Japanese army base at Hiroshima. The bomb is more powerful than 20 000 tons of TNT!
Japan has signed the final surrender terms:- The Official End Of World War 2 - September 2 - A solemn ceremony was conducted aboard the USS Missouri with Japanese representatives signing the final terms of unconditional surrender in tense silence. Supreme Commander, General MacArthur accepted their surrender and at last the war is over.
Our boys - home at last!- An air of cheeriness pervades Durban, it is the happy response to having our Boys back home with us and our thoughts are with those who have not yet arrived.
