4 January 1939 - The “Ossewabrandwag” is founded

The “Ossewabrandwag” is founded as an Afrikaans nationalist organisation in Bloemfontein, under leadership of Colonel J Laas

The Ossewabrandwag (Oxwagon sentinel) was evidence of the surging Afrikaner Nationalism during the first half of the 20th century. When the Second World War broke out, the Ossewabrandwag (OB) opposed South African involvement on the side of the Allies. They felt that Germany, against whom the soldiers would fight, were not South Africa's enemies. In fact, many Afrikaners felt a kinship with the Germans because of blood ties. Germany had also supported the Boers morally during the Second Anglo Boer War. A more radical group, the Stormjaers (Storm Chasers), was founded and was responsible for acts of sabotage. These acts prevented many South African soldiers from leaving for the war, as they were now needed to ensure internal security.

At its formation, all OB members swore an oath not to rest before the Afrikaner nation was free.

For more on the Ossewabrandwag, go to:

africanhistory.about.com/library/glossary/bldef-ossewabrandwag.htm http://www.biddulphsberg.com/english/about/history/ossewabrandwag.html

http://www.country-studies.com/south-africa/the-impact-of-world-war-ii.html

Sources:

Wallis, F. (2000). Nuusdagboek: feite en fratse oor 1000 jaar, Kaapstad: Human & Rousseau

http://www.biddulphsberg.com/english/about/history/ossewabrandwag.html

4 February 1939
The “Ossewabrandwag” is founded
The “Ossewabrandwag (Source: http://www.biddulphsberg.com/english /about/history/ ossewabrandwag.html)	The “Ossewabrandwag” is founded as an Afrikaans nationalist organisation in Bloemfontein, under leadership of Colonel J Laas The Ossewabrandwag (Oxwagon sentinel) was evidence of the surging Afrikaner Nationalism during the first half of the 20th century. When the Second World War broke out, the Ossewabrandwag (OB) opposed South African involvement on the side of the Allies. They felt that Germany, against whom the soldiers would fight, were not South Africa's enemies. In fact, many Afrikaners felt a kinship with the Germans because of blood ties. Germany had also supported the Boers morally during the Second Anglo Boer War. A more radical group, the Stormjaers (Storm Chasers), was founded and was responsible for acts of sabotage. These acts prevented many South African soldiers from leaving for the war, as they were now needed to ensure internal security. At its formation, all OB members swore an oath not to rest before the Afrikaner nation was free. For more on the Ossewabrandwag, go to: africanhistory.about.com/library/glossary/bldef-ossewabrandwag.htm http://www.biddulphsberg.com/english/about/history/ossewabrandwag.html http://www.country-studies.com/south-africa/the-impact-of-world-war-ii.html Sources: Wallis, F. (2000). Nuusdagboek: feite en fratse oor 1000 jaar, Kaapstad: Human & Rousseau http://www.biddulphsberg.com/english/about/history/ossewabrandwag.html