Die Unieverdedigingsmagte Op Die Vooraand Van Die Tweede Wêreldoorlog (1934-1939)

Abstract

, reported in Parliament on the progress made in executing the Five-year plan launched in May 1934. The programme had been ,aimed at developing and increasing the effectiveness of the Union Defence Forces. Ironically the five years covered by Pirow's plan co.incided with the 'last five years of peace before the world was plunged into the second major conflict of the century. It is interesting therefore to consider to what extent the plan prepared South Africa's Defence Force for the war to come.

The South African Armed Forces and Their Link With the United Kingdom and Commonwealth of Nations 1910-1961

“…As noted earlier, the South African Navy became essentially a phantom organization during the depression, but an attempt was made by Defence Minister Pirow to improve the sad state of the Union Defence Force, a project he began in 1934. 50 One of the more controversial Ministers of Defence, who served in General Hertzog's Cabinet, Pirow has been regarded as a Germanophile and one who took a rather narrow view of his mandate as Defence Minister. 51 Following the declaration of war on Germany in early September, 1939, the Cabinet was reshuffeld and Pirow's portfolio was taken by General Smuts, who had held that portfolio earlier from 1910 until 1920.…”