Latest Stories
Person Number Name Unit
1770[Bosman, J.A.P., Rfn]Witwatersrand Rifles
Story
I was told on inquiry that a group of Riflemen were on patrol in the bush and unknowingly walked into an area where an ambush was set. A hand grenade exploded and a piece of shrapnel severed an artery in Mr. Bosmans leg. The area that they were in was bad for radio contact and one of the group had to run and find a spot to ask for help. This resulted in a long wait for a helicopter to arrive. Meanwhile Mr. Bosman was in severe pain, partially delirious and bleeding badly. The helicopter did eventually find them but sadly it was too late. Mr. Bosman passed away in flight before they could get back to base. 
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David Beeredavebeere@xtra.co.nz2013-05-13 12:59:01
Person Number Name Unit
1783[Fourie, J.H., Rfn]61 Mechanised Battalion Group
Story

Koos as he was known to his mates, was killed by fire from a 23mm anti-aircraft cannon deployed in a ground role against the platoon 1 Ratels. When hit, he was standing upright and attacking Swapo trenches by throwing grenades into the trenches.

May he rest in peace.
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Gerrit van Rensburggerritvrensberg@gmail.com2013-05-13 04:28:39
Person Number Name Unit
982[Moolman, E.C., L-Cpl]Rand Light Infantry
Story
                               

L/Cpl EC Moolman and Cpl FC Rudolph were off duty at the time and canoeing in a Makoro (local wooden dugout canoe) above the Calueque barrage. As explained by JJ above they were caught in the current and pulled through the furthest sluice on the North Western side of the dam. They both surfaced just below the sluice but were sucked back down again and only Cpl FC Rudolph resurfaced. We thoroughly searched the banks and islands for days after the incident but found nothing. A tragic accident.
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Harry Osmondrc.osmond@bigpond.com2013-05-10 22:40:44
Person Number Name Unit
347[Devereaux, S.V.P., Rfn]South West African Specialist Unit
Story
In 1977, Steve Devereaux died of a self inflicted gunshot wound to the head. He had some personal issues and was affected by the loss of his horse to colic. I never knew him personally as he was the intake after me, however I saw that his interaction with his fellow troops was always jovial. The incident took place in December at Oshigambo. 
Steve suffered the loss of fellow platoon member, Lance Corporal Paul Dossena earlier in the year at Okongo, ( a volunteer from the USA killed in a land mine explosion). In addition,  Lance Corporal Cias Malan, who was with Steve at Okongo,  lost his legs in an ambush near Oshigambo on November 17, 1977.
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William Curriegandaganda80@gmail.com2013-05-02 14:42:52
Person Number Name Unit
1138[Phipson, P.V., Cpl]Unknown
Story
Pete was in the Equestrian Unit and was based at Okatopi in Ovamboland. While on a routine patrol his horse stepped on a land mine. Pete lost a leg in the blast and after a month or two in hospital he passed away unexpectedly,  (on December 30, 1976).  We were taught during training that a horse would never step on a land mine. I believe there were two such incidents during the operations in Ovamboland.
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Will Curriegandaganda80@gmail.com2013-04-30 14:07:15
Person Number Name Unit
363[Dossena, P.O., Cpl]Unknown
Story
Paul was killed when he rolled a Unimog after hitting a land mine in the vicinity of Okongo, Ovamboland. Paul was a volunteer from the U.S.A. He was a good person and was well liked by everyone in the unit. 
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Will Curriegandaganda80@gmail.com2013-04-29 14:46:17
Person Number Name Unit
1879[Bartie, C.G. (Dr), Lt]Unknown
Story

Cecil George Bartie and his sister Pauline lived accross the street from us when we were at school in Normandie Avenue in Bayswater in Bloemfontein for a number of years. I can still remember the shock when I heard about his death. i can so remember his mom, tannie Alta Bartie and his dad also Cecil. What a guy!! I would so love to have a cup of coffee with his wife to share some of these memories..... I just sat here tonnight and remembered him and thought ... let me google his name.... WOW   
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Jacques Smithinfo@go-consult.co.za2013-04-29 13:53:03
Person Number Name Unit
1434[Truebody, H.C., Cpl]Special Service Battalion (2nd)
Story
I was in the same platoon as Herbert at Veld & Vlei (Sedgefield) in December 1975, never stayed in touch with him, but never forgot what a great person he was in all respects. I felt such sadness when I read in the papers that he was a casualty of war...
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Will Curriegandaganda80@gmail.com2013-04-25 11:46:14
Person Number Name Unit
1127[Pelzer, A.L., Cpl]Unknown
Story

An update - on an unofficial website ( war in Angola) there is more information on Cpl Pelzer - although I see hisname was spelt "Pelser"

however there are more details;

died - 8 March 1977; Nr - 72430408BC; Unit - 7 SAI

RIP - Lest we forget
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David SheldonSheldonfam@gmail.com2013-04-25 02:18:22
Person Number Name Unit
2044[Ferreira, T.J., Rfn]4th South African Infantry
Story

een van ons seksies het terug gekom van patrollie met n Russiese mortier wat hul by wapen stoor ingehandig het.

Die mortier het ontplof en het die lewe van TJ geneem

Dit is jammer dat sy volle besonderhede nie ingevul is nie

 
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Hennie Pretoriushpretorius@optusnet.com.au2013-04-22 06:57:20
Person Number Name Unit
2044[Ferreira, T.J., Rfn]4th South African Infantry
Story

een van ons seksies het terug gekom van patrollie met n Russiese mortier wat hul by wapen stoor ingehandig het.

Die mortier het ontplof en het die lewe van TJ geneem

Dit is jammer dat sy volle besonderhede nie ingevul is nie

 
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Hennie Pretoriushpretorius@optusnet.com.au2013-04-22 06:57:11
Person Number Name Unit
Story
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