Unveiling of War Memorial / Onthulling van Oorlogs Gedenkteken – Pretoria Armistice Day Programme

Unveiling of War Memorial – This scarce 1927 official commemorative programme marks the unveiling of the Pretoria War Memorial on Armistice Day, 11 November 1927. Produced in both English and Afrikaans, the booklet reflects the bilingual character of the Union of South Africa and commemorates the men of Pretoria who lost their lives during the First World War (1914–1918). The ceremony was performed by Mrs Louis Botha, widow of General Louis Botha, making this an important piece of early South African historical ephemera.

Printed by Pretoria News Printing Works, Unveiling of War Memorial represents a significant period in South African history when communities across the country erected permanent memorials to those who served and fell during the Great War. It is of particular interest to collectors of South African military history, Boer War and First World War memorabilia, Pretoria local history, Union of South Africa publications, and Africana. The dual-language format further enhances its appeal, illustrating the official bilingual publications of the 1920s.

Original commemorative programmes of this nature were intended for attendees at the unveiling ceremony and many were discarded after the event, making surviving examples increasingly difficult to source. Unveiling of War Memorial would make an excellent addition to collections of military history, war memorials, South African ephemera, Africana, or historical paper collectibles. Its direct association with one of Pretoria’s most important civic memorials ensures lasting historical significance.

Condition – Good

Original 1927 booklet. Covers are age-toned and somewhat brittle with edge chips and small tears. General handling wear consistent with age. Original purple cord binding present. Please refer to photographs for a full assessment of condition.