The MOTH was founded in 1927 by Charles Evenden as a brotherhood of South African front-line ex-soldiers.
The ideal of the Order is to help fellow comrades in need, either financially or physically, and to remember all servicemen who have answered the Sunset Call, both in war and peace time.
In celebration of the last 65 years, the members were in best dress with medals and the ladies wore posh frocks. Sergeant-Major Oswald Ferreira called everyone to order as they entered the dining hall.
The Moths are grateful to Old Bill Cobus Vos and his wife, Anita, for their enormous effort in making the hall look impressive.
MOTH members and spouses enjoyed a four-course sit down formal dinner of soup and fish cakes; a main of chicken, sirloin and vegetables; and rice pudding and (of course) port for dessert.
The service was second to none and the food par excellence. No one dared to eat until the Sergeant-Major had brought them to attention for prayers from the Padre and toasts to South Africa.
The Sergeant-Major started with, "Moths, button up your jackets... those that can." We obeyed... those that could. Later, there were speeches by Old Bill Cobus Vos who gave the history of the Outeniqua Shellhole.
The Old Bill awarded life membership to MOTH Flippie Pieters and MOTH Red Post. Both have been Past Old Bill and Past District Old Bill, members in excess of 25 years each and very active and committed in the wellbeing and growth of the Outeniqua Shellhole.
Members stood at attention and sang traditional songs, renewed vows, lest we forget and praised the Almighty for His blessing. Old Bill of the Order Mike Souter praised the achievements of the shellhole.
Wee Bill from Eastern Cape Pro-vince, Ozzie van Oosten, presented 'Old soldiers never die, they simply fade away'.
The MOTH Hall was also dressed to the nines for the 65th celebrations.
Article by Ken Smith with thanks to Barry Shackleton
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