William Peter van Wyk from Kimberley was the last of South Africa’s Cape Corps’ World War II veterans. He passed away on 28 February at the age of 101. According to information from the McGregor Museum, Van Wyk was born in Kimberley and enlisted in the army in July 1941 at the Beaconsfield Town Hall. He was 19 years old and served in amongst others Egypt and Italy. Van Wyk received six medals: the 1939-1945 Star, Africa Star, Italy Star, Defence Medal (British), War Medal 1939-1945 and the Africa Service Medal. This picture was taken on 15 September 2019 during the 101st rememberance parade of the Battle of Square Hill, which took place in World War I during the night and early morning of 18 and 19 September 1918. Soldiers of the First Battalion Cape Corps had seized this canon, which was placed at the World Wars Cenotaph in Du Toitspan Road, Kimberley.Photo: Helena Barnard


Last salute to World War II veteran

You need to be Logged In to leave a comment.