Men and women from all over the Commonwealth answered the "call to arms" during both wars. Many of them died fighting in remote regions or in smaller campaigns that were equally important to the overall war effort. No matter where or how they died, their graves, memorials and names are still cared for by the Commission.

Jacky Morkel made his debut for the Springboks on the 1912/13 tour of the British Isles and France when he played in all five tests, scoring four tries and a total of 16 points. His individual brilliance was credited with a narrow win over the Welsh club side, Llanelli. When war broke out Jacky enlisted in the Mounted Commandos, a South African force engaged in difficult fighting in what was then known as German East Africa

Sickness and disease were a constant problem for troops fighting in this harsh environment and on the 15 May 1916 Jacky died of dysentery. He is buried in Dar Es Salaam War Cemetery in Tanzania. The entry for him in the International Roll of Honour shows how highly he was thought of: "He upheld in the worthiest possible manner the teachings of the rugby game....and his case will stand for all time as a shining example to his countrymen."