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The suggestion follows several incidents of theft by illegal copper peddlers. The historic monument was unveiled on December 17, 1922. At the moment the remaining plaque on the war memorial states: "To the glorious memory of the men of Knysna who gave their lives in the great war, 1914-1918."
But sadly it would appear the memorial's historic significance has mostly become far removed from modern day life. The surrounding area is often a resting place for loiterers, the memorial monument is neglected and most of the original plaques stolen. It was therefore a thought-provoking act when a Russian foreigner stepped in to have the memorial cleaned and fixed, to remind locals that we should cherish our own history.
Although Michael Alekshin has lived all over the world and has been based in South Africa for some, he has only lived in Knysna for three-and-a-half years. Yet Alekshin has taken it upon himself to restore the memorial to its former glory, using material paid for from his own pocket. He further explained that the memorial was also important to two local men who are sometimes employed by him, Steven Mthongothongo and Patrick Mnapha, and they willingly agreed to assist him in his admirable effort.
Knysna's municipal manager Lauren Waring responded that the memorial had not fallen into disrepair, but had just been given a 'face-lift' thanks to the action of Alekshin.
"Michael Alekshin has been very keen to have the memorial cleaned and repaired. The Municipal Fire Department hosed down the memorial, whereafter Alekshin and his team repaired cracks where cement work was needed and also had the existing plaques cleaned. His contribution is greatly appreciated and as always we welcome support and partnerships with our residents in caring for our town and its heritage."
Waring concluded that the the Knysna Council cherishes the memories of all its fallen heroes, killed in action during the two great wars
History
In 1921, on instigation by Harald Thesen, a veteran of the First World War, a subscription list was opened and money was collected towards a war memorial to honour those who had lost their lives in the service of their country. Designed by architect Charles Walgate of Cape Town and built by John Donald of Knysna from stone quarried on the Brenton Hills, the memorial included a two-edged bronze sword and wreath designed by Marion Walgate and a bronze plaque by HG Stevens, listing the names of the fallen.
The unveiling in 1922 was done by the Reverend Captain Alfred Duthie, chaplain to the forces in Flanders and France during The Great War. Plaques bearing the names of the deceased from the Second World War and the Bush War were added later.
In Sedgefield, a mosaic memorial at the town hall commemorates the same.
The local members of MOTH (Memorable Order of Tin Hats), who hold the war memorial in great esteem, applauded Alekshin for his action and example.
(MOTH started worldwide in 1927 to help reintegrate soldiers into society after World War I and II. In Sedgefield, the local MOTH began to meet in 2009. The World War I tin hat is the symbol of the MOTH order and a candle is placed on top of the tin hat as a light of remembrance.)
Lest we forget. The Knysna war memorial was unveiled on December 17, 1922. Photo: Knysna Historical Society.
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