THE ORIGIN AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE SOUTH AFRICAN ARMY

The establishment of the Union of South Africa on 31 May 1910 saw the appointment of General J.C. Smuts as Minister of the Interior, Mines and Defence. Responsibilities of the Department of Defence were given as 'all matters in relation to defence, including local defence and Volunteer Forces, Militia, Cadet Corps, Rifle Associations and Clubs'. Before 1 July 1912, matters pertaining to defence were dealt with by a small section of the Department of the Interior. On 9 June 1910, Mr H.R.M, Bourne (later Sir Roland) was appointed Acting Under Secretary for the Interior responsible for defence matters.