Amateur Radio operator celebrates 95th birthday

The President, Council and members of the SARL (South African Radio League) have sent their congratulations to Bert Howes, ZS6HS, who celebrates his 95th birthday today, the 17th October 2010.

Bert is no doubt one of the oldest and most active radio amateurs in the world. He was first licensed in 1935 as ZS1AL in Cape Town.

Bert has had unbroken membership of the SARL for 75 years and in 2008 was awarded the President's Award by the SARL.

During his 75 years as a radio amateur, Bert has been most active in the 5 m, 6 m, VHF, UHF and Moonbounce and has been an inspiration, especially to those who are active in the higher frequencies.

As ZS1AL he was the first to pick up the BBC TV sound on 41,5 MHz in 1937 in the Union of South Africa and the longest TV distance at the time as confirmed by the BBC.
In earlier days he also pioneered 5 metre transmissions from Table Mountain, and was the first to work a 6 metre DX station when he hooked up with MD5KW in 1947.

Colonel Bert Howes served in the North African campaign in WW2, 1939 to 1945, as the right hand communications man to General Dan Pienaar and only retired as a professional soldier in 1980.

Bert and his XYL Jenny will celebrate their 57th wedding anniversary in December 2010, and still live in their own home.

Bert, our best. wishes to you and Jenny.

The South African Radio League

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