The Battledress Shellhole of the Memorable Order of Tin Hats (MOTH) in Fish Hoek will commemorate its 80th anniversary later this month.
Founded on March 16, 1945, in Fish Hoek, the Shellhole was established by a group of 21 founders, including Albert Pascoe Jones, the founder of AP Jones, one of only two original Fish Hoek businesses still in operation.
Albert Pascoe Jones, the founder of AP Jones, was one of the founding members of the Battledress Shellhole of the Memorable Order of Tin Hats (MOTH) in Fish Hoek in 1945.
Image: Fish Hoek Valley Museum
Battledress Shellhole Commander Julie Denham said the concept of forming a Shellhole in Fish Hoek was first introduced by RG "Butch" Butcher in 1944, aiming to create a supportive space for returning servicemen.
Attended by 15 members, the inaugural meeting took place in February 1945 in a room above Clarke’s Garage on Fish Hoek Main Road. They applied for a MOTH charter to establish a new Shellhole via MOTH General Headquarters and by March 16 1945, Battledress was established.
Within two years, membership surged to over 250, making it the largest Shellhole in Cape Town at the time. During the 1950s and 1960s, the Shellhole fostered strong connections with the Royal Navy, with numerous members participating in joint events.
The Shellhole also actively participated in community events, such as the Fish Hoek Mardi Gras procession.
Sea Cadets from TS Woltemade at the procession of the annual Battledress Shellhole Remembrance Parade.
Image: Supplied
A significant milestone in the Shellhole's history is the establishment of the Garden of Remembrance in 1964. Collaborating with the then Fish Hoek Municipality, the Shellhole erected a cairn to honour local men who sacrificed their lives during World War II.
Commander Denham said the cairn was designed by Moth Eric Rose-Innes, then chief architect for the South African Railways, and features an eternal flame and plaques bearing the names of the fallen, including Lieutenant J Lewis, Commanding Officer of the ill-fated HMSAS Southern Floe - the first South African ship lost in the Mediterranean off Tobruk.
“The Shellhole remains committed to remembering and honouring the sacrifices of those who served,” she said.
The cairn in the Garden of Remembrance was designed by Moth Eric Rose-Innes, then chief architect for the South African Railways. It features an eternal flame and plaques bearing the names of fallen servicemen in World War II.
Image: Supplied
Each year, around November 11, the Battledress Shellhole holds its annual Remembrance Parade and service at the Garden of Remembrance. The procession, led by the Cape Town Caledonian Pipe Band, includes MOTH members, Mothwa, the MOTH Motorcycle Association, Sea Cadets from TS Woltemade, the Royal Navy and HMS Ganges Association, as well as local Scouts and Guides. Dignitaries such as World War II veterans, families of the commemorated, and local councillors, regularly attend the event.
Over the decades, the MOTHs of Fish Hoek have organised numerous charity events and contributed significantly to welfare initiatives, reinforcing their commitment to the community.
She said the Shellhole currently has 49 MOTHs, two MOTH Shellhole supporters, and 13 Friends of the Founder Room, totalling 64 members. The average age of members has risen to 67, compared to 35 to 40 when the Shellhole was first established.
The Shellhole's oldest Moth is Ena Burnett who is a World War II veteran and life member of the Shellhole.
Image: Supplied
The names of the founding members are displayed in the Battledress Shellhole of the Memorable Order of Tin Hats (MOTH) hall in Fish Hoek.
Image: Supplied
The Caledonian Pipe Band marching through Fish Hoek to the Garden of Remembrance for the annual Remembrance Parade.
Image: Supplied
The service in the Garden of Remembrance.
Image: Supplied
• The Shellhole is currently under the command of Commander Moth Julie Denham.
Related Topics: