Odes

Odes, Solly

Solly Odes: Our Real-Life Hero

By his children, Neil, Michele, Rhona and Gail
sent by daughter Gail Bendix (née Odes) Canada July 2020.

Our real-life hero and father, Solly Odes, seen here with our mother Sheila, was born in Kimberley in 1921 to Nathan and Rachel Odes. Solly experienced tragedy at a very young age when his mother and older brother both died of typhoid fever in 1923.

War Service

Solly was educated at CBC in Kimberley. During WW2 he joined up and served with the Kimberley Regiment in North Africa and in Italy. Solly never spoke to his children about his experiences during the war. They would learn a little when over hearing conversations that he had on Friday nights hosting young Jewish army boys stationed in Kimberley.

In Italy the Kimberley Regiments was joined by the Imperial Light Horse Regiment forming the ILH/KR under the 6th South African Armoured Division. This Division fought some of the fiercest battles of WW2 in mountainous terrain.

Between October 4 and 7, 1944 the ILH/KR was engaged in battles around the small town of Torlai. On the afternoon of October 5th Solly and his section were ordered to protect two immobilized tanks. Under heavy counter-attack, the enemy penetrated the flank. Realizing this, Solly without hesitation and thought for his own safety mounted one of the tanks with his Bren gun and opened fire. From this exposed position he was able to thwart the enemy advance. He was recognized for his initiative and courage and was awarded the Military Medal. The Military Medal was awarded to Non-Commissioned ranks for acts of gallantry and devotion to duty under fire.

On October 22 and 23, the ILH/KR fought to take key strategic point, Monte Salvaro (Point 826). During this battle, on October 23rd, Solly sustained a serious injury. Again he showed his bravery through his rehabilitation of learning to talk and walk again and getting back to playing sports.

In 2016 my husband and I visited northern Italy and took a trip to the area where the 6th South African Armoured Division fought. We visited the South African War Cemetery at Castiglione dei Pepoli, one of the official Commonwealth War Cemeteries. This cemetery is the final resting place for more than 500 souls. Walking through this cemetery was an incredibly humbling experience. We travelled from Castiglione to Torlai taking the mountain roads. These roads were windy, steep, narrow and very difficult to drive. Driving on these paved roads brought into perspective how difficult the terrain is and how incredibly brave these soldiers were. We were absolutely in awe thinking about how these troops would have had to travel across fields, forests and steep mountain slopes, all under fire. What they must have had to endure.’

Following his footsteps

We travelled from Castiglione to Torlai taking the mountain roads. These roads were windy, steep, narrow and very difficult to drive. Driving on these paved roads brought into perspective how difficult the terrain is and how incredibly brave these soldiers were. We were absolutely in awe thinking about how these troops would have had to travel across fields, forests and steep mountain slopes, all under fire. What they must have had to endure.

In 1947 the Royal Family visited South Africa. Solly was one of the ex-servicemen who lined a parade route. When King George VI saw the insignia on Solly’s jacket, he turned to the then Princess Elizabeth and said “This is one of your boys”. This would remain an incredibly proud moment in Solly’s life.

Life and business in Kimberley

Solly married a young nurse, Sheila Koping of Bloemfontein. They had 4 children, Neil, Michelle, Rhona and Gail. For many years they ran Odes Bottle Store on Long Street Kimberley. Eventually they sold the business and retired. Retirement was not for Solly. After a while he went into the warehousing business, operating out of Kimberley Roller Mills.

To Canada

In 1990 Solly and Sheila left Kimberley to join their children who had emigrated to Canada. Again, retirement was not part of their plans. They threw themselves into establishing a new business, Sedo Snax. Initially they sold home-made baked goods and home-made biltong amongst other things. After the lifting of sanctions, they began selling South African products. Sedo Snax continues today, run by their son, Neil, specializing in South African products.

Solly passed away in Canada in 2000. His was a proud and modest man who was devoted to his family, including his 4 children and 12 grandchildren. He was our real-life hero.

Our father continued to maintain contact, and had a special bond and affinity with, those with whom he served. At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we remember him.