More than 80 years after it was established, Bomb Alley Shellhole in Brackenfell continues to honour those who served their country to ensure the sacrifices of previous generations are not forgotten.

On a cool winter’s day last week, Bomb Alley held its 13th consecutive War Commemoration Service at the Bellville War Memorial, in front of the Bellville Civic Centre.

The emotive service, initiated by Bomb Alley in 2014 and held in collaboration with the Bellville subcouncil, has become an important part of the local remembrance calendar where veterans’ organisations, civic representatives, families and members of the public gather to pay their respects each year.

“It commemorates South African participation in the wars and conflicts of the past and remembers those from our communities who made the ultimate sacrifice,” says Gail Jordaan of Bomb Alley.

Veterans in MOTH regalia stood to attention, while representatives formed a quiet semicircle at the foot of the Bellville War Memorial where the wreaths of red poppies were laid. The Last Post and Reveille were then sounded by the bugle followed by a period of silence in honour of those who died in service.

Founded in Durbanville

Bomb Alley is one of the older branches of the Memorable Order of Tin Hats (MOTH) in the Western Cape, received its charter in Bellville on 3 November 1944 and is approaching its 82nd anniversary.

“The MOTH was founded in Durban in 1927 by Charles Evenden, known within the Order as Moth O. From the beginning, the organisation was built around three ideals being True Comradeship, Mutual Help and Sound Memory. These ideals remain at the heart of MOTH activities today,” says Jordaan.

“For Bomb Alley, Sound Memory is about much more than remembering names and dates. It is about remembering the men and women behind those names – people who left their homes and families to serve, and some who never returned. This event is therefore about remembering the human cost of war and recognising the courage and sacrifice of those who were called upon to serve. Behind every name on a War Memorial was a person, someone who had a family, friends and a life before they went to war. We have a responsibility to make sure that those people are not forgotten.”

Ideals remain unchanged

The MOTH ideals remain particularly relevant as the number of surviving veterans from the Second World War and later conflicts continues to decline.

“Remembrance is not simply an annual ceremony. It is an ongoing commitment to preserve the memory of those who served and to pass that responsibility on to future generations,” says Jordaan.

Bomb Alley’s connection with the local community has also continued to evolve. In 2024 the Shellhole moved to its new home at the Lions Club Brackenfell. The move has provided Bomb Alley with a new base from which to continue its MOTH activities and strengthen its involvement in the local community.

ALSO READ: A freedom that didn’t last: At 81, a Khayelitsha grandmother remembers life before and after Mandela

“The shellhole’s work is not confined to one day each year. Its members continue to support one another and participate in remembrance parades and commemorative events, while maintaining links with other veterans’ organisations and community groups,” Jordaan concluded.