THE ORIGIN AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE SOUTH AFRICAN ARMY

Abstract

The establishment of the Union of South Africa on 31 May 1910 saw the appointment of General J.C. Smuts as Minister of the Interior, Mines and Defence. Responsibilities of the Department of Defence were given as 'all matters in relation to defence, including local defence and Volunteer Forces, Militia, Cadet Corps, Rifle Associations and Clubs'. Before 1 July 1912, matters pertaining to defence were dealt with by a small section of the Department of the Interior. On 9 June 1910, Mr H.R.M, Bourne (later Sir Roland) was appointed Acting Under Secretary for the Interior responsible for defence matters.

Keywords

• Union of South Africa
• General J.C. Smuts
• Minister of the Interior, Mines and Defence
• Department of the Interior
• Defence Act (Act 13 of 1912)
• Establishment of the UDF
• Permanent Force
• Citizen Force
• Military, Air Force and Navy Gymnasiums