Herbert Penny was a well known Cape Town Auctioneer, Estate and Financial Agent, who was instrumental in the creation of the South African Division of the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserves, the precursor to the present day South African Navy.

During this South African War, the mine was closed and Penny moved to Cape Town at the time hostilities commenced.

[4] The original memorial plaque can be found today at the foot of the Danger Point Lighthouse, near Gansbaai.

In addition to his interest in the sea, he played a great part in helping various charitable concerns in the Cape.

Among others, he was Founder and Chairman of the committee of the Sunshine Home for children at Belville Cape Town.

[7] His eldest son, Magnus Penny, fought in the First World War and gained the rank of Lieutenant-Commander in the service of the Royal Navy Volunteer Reserve.