Glen Waverley RSL
5th October 2012
Guest of Honour
Colonel Jan Breytenbach DVR SD SM MMM.
Founding Officer Commanding
of 1 Reconnaissance Commando
and legend of 32 "Buffalo" Battalion.
Seventh SAMVOA Formal Mess Dinner
5th October, 2012
Glen Waverley RSL,
Guest of Honour; Colonel Jan Breytenbach DVR SD SM MMM
On Saturday 5th October, 2012, the National Executive of SAMVOA proudly hosted its sixth annual formal mess dinner at the Glen Waverley RSL, which was a big change from the Toorak RSL Services Club, where a dinner of this nature could only accommodate no more than 40 guests. In addition, Glen Waverley had become the RSL home of a number of our Veterans. Although the Toorak Services Club was steeped in military history and fine tradition, it simply could no longer accommodate our growing numbers.
There was a lot of interest in the Guest of Honour as he was a legend in his own time, having been the founding Officer Commanding of 1 Recce Commando, where he earned one of our highest and most prestigious military honours, the Van Riebeeck Decoration. Later he formed 32 Battalion, which became one of the most prestigious regiments of the Bush War.
The evening began for the 74 guests with Drinks at 1930H at the downstairs reception. Mike Black, the Mess President presenting the South African Sherry before the call to dinner was made by the Mess Vice President, Paul Roos. The Guest of Honour and guests were piped into the mess area by our piper, Karl Brown.
Grace was said and the Host, Veteran Tony Macquet welcomed everyone.
New venue, new menu, but this time with alternate servings.
The Entrée were:
o Cream of Buttermilk Pumpkin Soup.
o Ricotta filled Ravioli in rich Tomato Sauce, shaved parmesan.
The Mains were:
o Slowly Braised Karoo Lamb Shank, served with creamy mash and seasonal vegetables.
o Oven Roasted Chicken Breast Fillet with Apricots and Almonds, filled with apricots and almonds, topped with a creamy chardonnay sauce, accompanied by creamy mash and garden salad.
Desserts were;
o Sticky-Date Pudding, served warm with vanilla bean ice cream, butterscotch sauce, donned with a Halo of Toffee.
o Ouma’s Lemon Meringue Pie, served with whipped cream.
Coffee, tea and beverages from the bar.
During the proceedings, our Mess President welcomed Jan Breytenbach, who was a legend in his own time, having been in the formation of both 1 Reconnaissance Commando and 32 Infantry Battalion. Mike honoured him as a great South African Veteran. Jan reply was much briefer than we had anticipated and, to everyone’s surprise he sat down not long after he started. It was only during the Awards at the end of the evening that the Host managed to get Jan to talk about the things that the members had actually come to hear him say.
The Toasts were made:
1. South Africa, the Mother Country, wishing her peace
2. Australia, our new home, may we be worth citizens.
3. Fallen Serviceman and women, “Lest we Forget”.
Veteran Karl Brown played a very well-received medley on his pipes, which included some favourite South African tunes.
Veteran Paul Roos, as Mess Vice President, controlled the evening well and, not only were his timings excellent, but he also kept us in order this evening.
Attended by:
Col and Mrs Breytenbach DVR SD SM MMM
Mr. and Mrs C Everton.
Mr and Mrs M Black
Mr and Mrs K Brown JCD
Mr G Pienaar
Lt Col and Mrs B Ingram AM RFD ED
Mr and Mrs Tony Macquet MMM
Mr and Mrs Hayes
Mr G Pugh
Mr and Mrs B de St Pern
Mr and Mrs I Batholomew
Mr and Mrs W Skilton
Mr and Mrs K Pretorious
Mr and Mrs B Burger
Mr and Mrs M Hogg
Mr and Mrs E Veenhoff
Mr Robinson
Mr and Mrs K Edwards
Mr and Mrs D Smith
Mr and Mrs N McNicol
Mr S Clark
Mr Brown and Ms E Sauvarin
Mr D Sheldon
Mr N Clegg
Mr and Mrs J van Niekerk
Mr and Mrs B van der Stadt
Mr J Wood
Mr L Knowler
Mr T Bowden and Mrs S Mahon
Mr N Roos and Ms H Fowlie
Mr R van der Merwe
Mr and Mrs N Slaughter
Mr and Mrs C Styles
Mr and Mrs M Newman
Mr K Bowden
Mr and Mrs A Tully CSE
Mr and Mrs G Cook
Mr B Fennel
Mr A Pollitt
Mr M Rogers
Mr A Burger
Mr and Mrs F Etsebeth
Mr and Mrs P Roos
Mr S Tully and Ms M Wolsky
Mr C van der Spuy
Chairman's Plaque Award:
Bev Murphy - In recognition of her dedication to duty and un-daunting dedication to the ideals of SAMVOA. This presentation recognises her substantial input into establishing the Queensland Website and for maintaining this to the high standard it consistently achieved.
Veteran Jan Breytenbach DVR. SD. SM. MMM. - In recognition of his dedication to duty as an outstanding soldier and leader, dedicated to the preservation of peace in Southern Africa. His admirable and undaunting dedication to both his tasking and to those placed under his command rightfully places him as a "Hero in his own time" and a favourite amongst those who served under and alongside him. SAMVOA salutes you.
Mrs Josie Everton - In grateful recognition of her dedication to duty and undaunting dedication to the ideals of SAMVOA. Josie has certainly contributed unselfishly and wholehearted by ensuring that Veteran Cliff Everton does not miss a single meeting and, in so doing, that he does what he loves best - being with his fellow soldiers.
Mr Bertrand de Saint-Pern - In recognition of his unselfish support and commitment to the ideals of SAMVOA by managing the formation of SAMVOA Ltd. This presentation recognises his substantial input into what we are trying to achieve at no cost to SAMVOA.
Veteran Paul Roos - In recognition of his dedication to duty and undaunting dedication to the ideals of SAMVOA. He has thrown himself wholeheartedly into promoting SAMVOA and has proved to be an incredible assett to the Organisation.
Veteran Cliff Styles - In recognition of his dedication to duty and undaunting dedication to the ideals of SAMVOA. This recognises his wholehearted proactive efforts in building the Waverley Club.
The SAS Association - WA Branch - In recognition to the SAS Association, for hosting a founding member of the SA Army’s Special Forces and Commanding Officer of 32 Battalion, and 44 Parachute Brigade, Col. Jan Breytenbach DVR,SD,SM,MMM (Ret) during his visit with ex-servicemen from the South African Military Veterans Organisation of Australasia.
CHAIRMAN'S CUP WINNER : New South Wales Region
SAMVOA Bugle Winner: Veteran Donovan Roets
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