[SOUTH AFRICA] [MILITARY] [WORLD WAR II] The S.A. Legion of the B.E.S.L. Born 1921 Now Going Stronger than Ever / Die S.-A. Legioen van die B.R.D.V. Gebore 1921 Floreer Nou Beter Dan Tevore by [No author given] - 1944

[Johannesburg?]: [Self-published], 1944. First Edition. Staplebound. Very good. Octavo, 20pp., illustrated. Very good in the publisher's printed staped wraps, with some mild creases. Very faint tobacco odor. A dos-a-dos pamphlet, in English and Afrikaans, which outlines the aims and purposes of the South African Legion of the British Empire Services League. This organization, which remains in existence today, is the oldest independent veteran's organization in South Africa. Printed during World War II, when South Africa's military allegiance was split between Axis and Allied powers, this pamphlet is a heartfelt call for civility and respect towards South African war veterans of all backgrounds. While printed a few years before the official beginning of Apartheid, the nation was effectively living under white minority rule. Still, this organization was committed to being "non-political, non-racial, and non-sectarian," as stated in all capital letters on page 2 of this pamphlet. There are also two blank membership card applications laid-in, along with a leaflet that indicates the purpose of the pamphlet (essentially to spread the word about the organization and encourage readers to tell their friends and family). A scarce volume, with fewer than half a dozen copies in worldwide library holdings, all in South Africa, except one at the Library of Congress. It's unclear whether any of these examples include the laid-in literature.