A Navy for three Oceans

A Navy For Three Oceans.

Celebrating 75 Years of The South African Navy.

Box set, published by BP of Southern Africa in 1997. (Slight wear and fading to the box, overall in excellent condition).

This was a special presentation copy to acknowledge the excellent relationship with the Portuguese Navy over the years (See letter tipped in). It was handed over on 7 November 1997 at a festival celebrating the 500th anniversary of the Portuguese  explorer Vasco da Gama.

The S.A. Naval Service, our first Navy, was established on 1 April 1922. Three surplus British ships, a survey vessel and two minesweepers were sent to S. A. in 1922 and this was supplemented by the training ship "General Botha". All training of the sailors was done by the Royal Navy ships at the Africa stations.

Between May 1940 and July 1942 South African minesweepers cleared the minefields off Cape Agulhas and surrounds. In October 1942 German submarines began their offensives in South African waters and sunk 133 ships and one warship. More than 400 survivors were rescued. In 1940 4 South African warships served in the British Mediterranean Fleet. 

In 1957 the S.A. Navy transferred their base to Simonstown when the British handed over the harbour and facilities.