South African Submarines
OUR STORY
Born 18th March 1969. Submarine Flotilla established with SAS Duiker (Cdr C.J. Botha) in Toulon as its... first Submarine base. Later falling under SAS Drommedaris (Hugo Biermann) What a privilege to be a Submariner. Only when we all finished a very thick task book and passed the dreaded walk through, can you be eligible to go on and be issued with a Submarine badge and a very unique number. As of 2014 03 18 only 1096 South African Submarine qualification badges have been issued, (some have passed, “RIP”) a very small percentage of this country that can say they are qualified to drive a SUBMARINE. (I salute you all and let us all stick together)
1965 May 26 The Minister of Defence, Mr J. J. Fouche, announces in Parliament (House of Assembly) that the Republic of South African would acquire submarines and become the only navy in sub-Saharan Africa to operate submarines.
1965 to 1967 four countries were short-listed for the supply of Submarines. Britain, France, Germany and Netherlands.
1967 April 10 The Minister of Defence, Mr P W Botha announces the acquisition of 3 Daphne Class submarines from France to the value of R24 Million.
1967 May Cdr A.S. Davis, Cdr J.T. Kleinschmidt and Lt Cdr F.R. Peche, put together a detailed plan “PROJECT DAPHNE BOOK”, and went to France for the Daphné Project Group.
1968 March 14 the keel of the first South African Submarine S97 was laid.
1968 November 18 the keel of the second Submarine S98 was laid.
1969 March 17 The Minister of Defence, Mr P W Botha announces the names of the three Submarines, Maria van Riebeeck, Emily Hobhouse and Johanna van der Merwe. The press had suggested Helene Wilhelmina Ten Damme, Elizabeth Swellen-Grebel, Reinet van de Graaff, Augusta de Mist and Christina de Wit!
1969 March 18 Mrs Elise Botha pressed the plunger which sent the Magnum of champagne against the R8 million submarine, “giving birth” of South African Submarine Service. Speech by Minister P.W. Botha “These Daphne Submarines will serve as instruments to maintain and safeguard the Cape maritime routes, they will not serve as weapons of aggression but will serve as instruments for the safety of South Africa and the free world” he also added that a submarine was like a woman “only dangerous in inexperienced hands.”
1969 March 18 S97 SAS Maria van Riebeeck launched on the river Loire, Nantes France, she had two ropes down the front of the sonar dome, for champagne bottle. (1)
1969 April 24 the keel of the SAS Johanna van der Merwe laid.
1969 October 24 17h46 S98 SAS Emily Hobhouse launched on the river Loire, Nantes France, she had two flags in front on sonar dome (nose).
1970 January 16 First badge Handed to Cdr Weideman (adapted from a sketch by Capt C. Furness, gold silhouette of sub).
1970 July 21 S99 SAS Johanna van der Merwe (in the evening) launched on the river Loire, Nantes France, she had square unpainted sonar dome (nose).
1970 July 24 S97 SAS Maria van Riebeeck Commissioned in “D” bunker at submarine base, Lorient, France.
1970 August 20 S97 SAS Maria van Riebeeck collision with Galatee, approach to Toulon (six crew on Galatee lost their lives).
1971 February 26 S98 SAS Emily Hobhouse Commissioned.
1971 March 25 S97 SAS Maria van Riebeeck sailed from Toulon escorted by SAS President Kruger. Stop over at Gibraltar, Sao Vincente, Cape Verde Islands, Luanda and Walvis Bay. First SA Navy vessel to cross the equator dived.
1971 August 27 S99 SAS Johanna van der Merwe Commissioned.
1971 October 26 S98 SAS Emily Hobhouse sailed from Toulon escorted by SAS President Steyn.
1972 May 04 S99 SAS Johanna van der Merwe sailed from Toulon escorted by SAS President Steyn.
1971 May 13 S97 11h14m55sec SAS Maria van Riebeeck arrived under the command of Cdr J.A.C. Weideman, berthed at west wall south (“F” berth) Her escort ship SAS President Kruger. Salute taken from Bullnose by the Honourable Mr P.W. Botha, Minister of Defence. VIP guests on the flight deck of SAS President Steyn.
1971 December 10 S98 SAS Emily Hobhouse arrived under the command of Lt Cdr L.J. Woodburne, berthed at west wall south (“F” berth). Her escort ship SAS President Steyn. The boat was welcomed by the Honourable Mr P.W. Botha Minister of Defence. With (south Easter was strong and LS J. Lamont earned a medal)
