Resting peacefully, the Garden of Remembrance in Cape Town stands as a tranquil sanctuary. It honors those who have fallen in conflict. This garden evolved from a simple idea into a cherished memorial.
Let me tell you about its unique history. In 1954, Garden Cities contemplated transforming a former quarry in Central Square into a Garden of Remembrance. By 1956, they entrusted the area to the Pinelands Municipality. This marked a significant step in creating a dedicated memorial space.
In 1959, the municipality transformed the area into a botanical garden. It became a place of beauty and reflection. Finally, it was officially established as the Garden of Remembrance. It honored those who sacrificed their lives in World War 2.
However, the garden’s evolution didn’t stop there. In 1994, the garden underwent a redesign. It was rededicated to all who had fallen in any conflict. This broadened its scope of remembrance.
A central fountain once graced the Garden of Remembrance. It featured four marble dolphins. Sadly, the fountain was dismantled. In 2010, one of the dolphins resurfaced at the Municipal Nursery. It was then moved to the library for safekeeping, but it later vanished.
The memorial plaques faced repeated theft. In 2009, they were stolen and replaced. Two months later, they were stolen again. The decision was made to replace them with plaques made of a brass-like material.
Finding a suitable material took 24 months. Once found, the original wording couldn’t be recalled. Fortunately, the original wording was found. The plaques were reinstated. Unfortunately, they continued to be stolen and discarded. Thieves discovered they were worthless.
An intriguing piece of the garden’s history involves old cannons. The former Pinelands Post Office had two cannons. They were cemented upside down as bollards. When the Post Office closed, these cannons were to be removed. Alderman Watkyns intervened. The postal authorities donated the cannons to Pinelands Municipality. They were intended for the Garden of Remembrance.
Moving the heavy cannons required a special truck. Only one cannon made it to the municipality. The other was taken to a guarded depot in Maitland. When the municipality tried to collect the second cannon, it was missing. Questions were even raised in parliament about its fate. Today, only one lonely cannon remains in the Garden of Remembrance.
The most recent addition is the Southern Floe stone memorial. In 1927, the Memorable Order of the Tin Hats (MOTHS) formed. The Pinelands branch adopted the name of HMSAS Southern Floe. This was in honor of the ship. They decided to commemorate the sinking of the Southern Floe. A monument was erected in the Garden of Remembrance.
The Southern Floe was the first of four South African ships lost in WW2. It sank in February 1941. There was only one survivor from a crew of 26. The ship was a whaler converted to a minesweeper. It struck a mine near Tobruk. The sole survivor spent 14 hours in the water before rescue. The only remnant from the HMSAS Southern Floe is a small brass badge. It was found among debris 70 miles from Benghazi.
As you reflect in this Garden of Remembrance, remember the layers of history. It is a testament to remembrance. It’s a place of quiet reflection. It has evolved through dedication and perseverance. The Garden of Remembrance stands as a lasting tribute to all who have served and sacrificed.