Zimpapers Logo

The Rhodesia Herald, 13 September 1910

YESTERDAY was the 20th anniversary of the occupation of Mashonaland, the day upon which the Union Jack was hoisted in Cecil Square by the Pioneer Column, and the Pioneer Association simply and unostentatiously, but fittingly, again celebrated the occasion.

Shortly after 11am the Pioneers, numbering 16, assembled around the flag-staff in Cecil Square where a number of boys from the High School, in the charge of headmaster Mr Grant, were drawn up.

The flag was hoisted by Master Craven, the little son of the well-known Pioneer, whilst a little band of Pioneers stood round, bare-headed, after which the children sang the national anthem.

LESSONS FOR TODAY

The Pioneer Column arrived in Mashonaland on September 12, 1890 and hoisted the Union Jack (British flag) on September 13, 1890 at the Harare Kopje.

The Column established a number of forts around the country that were later developed into towns and cities.

The Pioneer Column changed the cultures of the inhabitants of Mashonaland and Matabeleland regions as they were forced to adopt European culture.

Between 1920 and 1979, September 12 was a national holiday to mark the arrival of the settler regime.