Danie Oosthuizen was a number 3 on a 127 mm rocket launcher. He trained as we all did in Potch at 14 Field Regt as a gunner and when we made the transition to the launchers he continued as a no 3.

We were on our way to the border to take part in Operation Askari, and were travelling in convoy from our base in Middelburg where our battery had been moved to form part of the battle group based in 4 SAI. We were to join 62 Mech in Omutiya.

We had all been issued with live ammo prior to leaving Middelburg and were driving through Namibia somewhere past Otjiwarongo. Rudi Simpelaar who was Danie's no 1 on the launcher was driving the Unimog (they were left hand drive vehicles) and Danie was in the passenger seat. Rudi had his R4 resting on the rear view mirror bracket and was taking the odd shot at game along the road. A shot went off, he lost control of the unimog and rolled it. Danie had his arm resting out of the open window when the mog rolled. He was badly injured in the accident, I remember seeing his injuries and seeing him leave in the transport to the hospital in Otjiwarongo. He died that night (I think, or maybe the next) and I still have a photograph of the unimog after the accident.

He was in my troop, I was battery survey sergeant and he was a fine young man. His brother was in the same battery and I remember Johan being told of the loss of his brother, I still think of him when I drag out my old army photos.