The Lipizzaner’s survival was secured by several rescues that bridged the collapse of war-torn Europe with the birth of a new tradition in the Southern Hemisphere. In April 1945, the breed’s future was famously defended during Operation Cowboy, when American and German forces formed an unlikely alliance to shield imperial bloodlines from the advancing Red Army.
BOOK REVIEWS
It is appropriate to begin with a declaration of interest: I contributed a chapter on Prynnsberg and supported the publication of this book. That proximity, however, also allows for a fuller appreciation of both its achievements and its limitations.
BLUE PLAQUES
Fordsburg was the centre of the Miners’ Strike and the Standard Bank branch on this site was forced to close its doors on 7 March. Staff returned to work the next day but the doors remained closed. On 9 March the strikers were shooting alongside the building, using it as a screen. One rifleman was firing next to the manager’s window where he doggedly continued working. He and his staff escaped later that day.