South Africa and the War
In September 1939, writes J.V. Woolford, a British war in Europe seemed alien to many Dutch South Africans, but General Smuts changed the country’s mind.
South Africa’s decision to enter the Second World War in 1939 was not only an act that made South African history; it was also an act that was a culmination of earlier history. No important choice made by a nation can be separated from previous history, whatever ‘pragmatic’ politicians may say.
When the crisis comes, however it is resolved, that crisis has been caused by the events of the past. It is amazing that this obvious truth should often be forgotten, especially in the case of South Africa, a country that has had as much ink as blood spilt over it. The story of her entry into the war reveals much of her past, and may reveal some of her future.
South Africa’s whites are a people of two nations; and they often behave like a nation of two peoples. For the English-speaking South African the events of September 1939 meant that the home-base, Britain, was in danger, and that English-speaking South Africa would naturally go to help her. One of General Smuts’ supporters from Natal, Heaton Nicholls, said in Parliament in Cape Town on September 4th, 1939, that on that day every English-speaking man saw himself at war on Britain’s side.
To continue reading this article you need to purchase a subscription, available from only £5.
Start my trial subscription now
If you have already purchased access, or are a print & archive subscriber, please ensure you are logged in.
Please email digital@historytoday.com if you have any problems.
