The Story of the WWII Soldier Who Blew Up A German Ship Using A Spear

Some stories of courage and fortitude from World War II are less well-known than others. Among these, the incredible story of a South African soldier stands out for its sheer resourcefulness and bravery. This is the narrative of Job Maseko, a guy who came from low origins to become a military hero under the most unexpected circumstances.

From Delivery Man to Soldier in World War II

Job Maseko was a delivery man in Springs, a town not far from Johannesburg, when World War II broke out. Despite the rigid racial divisions in South Africa at the time, which initially barred non-white individuals from serving in fighting roles in the country’s armed forces, the war’s demand for soldiers led to a change in policy. From 1940, Black, Indian, and mixed-race individuals were allowed to enlist, though their roles were mainly non-combatant. Maseko, alongside 77,000 other South African troops of color, volunteered to support the Allies against the Axis powers.

Maseko was a lance corporal in the Union Defence Force’s Native Military Corps. He and his unit, including some 10,000 South African troops, of which about 1,200 were fellow Native Military Corps members, were stationed in North Africa at Tobruk, Libya, by early 1942. The strategic port had been under continuous attack from German forces, enduring heavy bombardment. Initially, the African troops, including Maseko, were only permitted to carry spears for guard duty – a stark contrast to the enemy’s firepower. This situation changed as the siege intensified, and the black soldiers were finally issued rifles to defend Tobruk alongside their white counterparts.

Job Maseko’s Act of Defiance and Escape

Despite their bravery, the Allied forces were overwhelmed, lacking air support against the German bombings and artillery. When General Klopper, the South African commander, surrendered Tobruk on June 21, 1942, Maseko and thousands of South African troops were taken prisoner. The prisoners were separated by race, with white soldiers sent to POW camps in Europe, while prisoners of color, including Maseko, were marched across the desert to an Italian-run POW camp under German oversight. Here they were subjected to hard labor, poor feeding, and brutal treatment. Conditions were harsh, with minimal food and water, compounded by the desert heat.

An incident worth noting occurred when a high-ranking German officer visited the camp. Maseko was asked how they were being treated, and despite the risks, he chose honesty over self-preservation, a decision that led to severe punishment.

Maseko’s moment of remarkable ingenuity came when he was assigned to work at the port, unloading supplies from German ships. Having picked up basic knowledge on making improvised explosives during the last desperate days of Tobruk’s defense, Maseko saw an opportunity for sabotage. Collaborating with fellow prisoners to distract the guards, he crafted a bomb using gunpowder from bullets, packed it into an empty milk tin, and attached a long fuse. He placed his makeshift explosive among barrels of fuel in the hold of a German cargo ship. After lighting the fuse, he and his accomplices discreetly left the scene. Moments after their departure, the bomb detonated, sinking the ship and dealing a significant blow to the enemy without their knowledge of the perpetrator’s identity.

Maseko’s daring act was a significant achievement, yet it was only the beginning of his fight. He later managed to escape from the POW camp, navigating his way across the desert to rejoin the Allies, informed by his repair of an old German radio about the advancements of British General Montgomery at El-Alamein.

The Legacy of Job Maseko’s Valor

For his exceptional bravery, Job Maseko was awarded the British Military Medal. However, it was believed that he was recommended for the Victoria Cross, a higher honor, which he did not receive potentially due to racial prejudices of the time.

After the war, Job Maseko returned to South Africa, where, as was the case for many soldiers of color, the heroism and sacrifices made during the conflict did little to improve their social standing. He lived out his days in relative obscurity and poverty, a stark contrast to his wartime feats, until his untimely death in 1952.

Over time, the remarkable story of Job Maseko has gained recognition. His courageous actions during World War II, especially the inventive sabotage of a German ship, highlight not only his personal bravery but also the significant yet often overlooked contribution of black South African soldiers to the Allied war effort.