Navy brothers celebrate
THEY braved wars, shipwrecks and discrimination but this weekend the navy’s class of 77 became emotional when they reunited with their brothers-inarms after 45 years.
Their journey started on Wednesday, January 12, 1977, when hundreds of young men, many wet behind the ears, congregated at the Dick King statue on Victoria Embankment in Durban.
They had heard of the navy’s recruitment process and were waiting to travel across the water to the naval base at Salisbury Island. It was one of the first intakes of Indian men. Those who passed the rigorous tests were immediately signed up.
For the next 11 months, 153 youngsters were pushed to their physical and emotional limits at the SAS Jalsena training facility on the island.
Some of them left the navy after the initial year of training, while others became career officers.
Over the years, some friendships continued, while others lost contact with one another.
Then the class of 77 put together an organising committee so they could stay in touch with their comrades.
Last weekend they travelled from all parts of the country to Durban to meet and reminisce about their time in the navy.
Wendy Jasson Da Costa spoke to members of the organising committee: