Today, 9 May, we salute and honour the following men & woman who sacrificed their lives whilst standing in the defence of what they held dear at the time and against evil and tyranny.
SOUTH AFRICAN BORDER WAR
09 May 1975: 64203243E Sergeant (Flight Engineer) Jacobus Johannes Crause from 16 Squadron was killed when his Alouette III Helicopter, Serial No 62, ditched into the sea off Port Elizabeth after suffering engine failure. He was 28.
09 May 1986: 82489188BG Sapper Jacobus Petrus van den Berg from 25 Field Engineer Squadron was tragically killed at Oshakati after being struck by a bullet resulting from the accidental discharge of a fellow soldiers rifle. He was 19.
RHODESIAN BUSH WAR
1973 – Private NHARO, 1st Battalion, RAR, killed on active service. Died from an accidental gunshot wound to the chest, North East operational area. He was 20 years old.
1976 – Corporal James MAKUWA, BCR (Post. 25/03/77), 1 Platoon, A Company, 1st Battalion, RAR, KIA. Killed in an ambush on his vehicle, when a 60 mm mortar exploded next to him, resulting in massive haemorrhaging, Uzumba, Mrewa, Op Hurricane. Died aged 26. His BCR citation states that his success in a fire force action in April 1976 was attributed to his initiative, personal courage and leadership qualities. Prior to his death he had been put forward for promotion to Acting Sergeant, a position he would have assumed on 01 June.
1977 – District Security Assistant, Kunyama DUBE, Keep Protection, Intaf. Killed in Nyamandhlovu, Op Tangent.
1978 – Private A. MAKUTUKIRA, Depot RAR, died on active service.
1979 – District Assistant Madziva Julius KUGOTSI, Regular Intaf, died on active service. P Rundgren gives the date as 15 May.
1979 – Patrol Officer Ian Dennis MARTIN, Uniform BSAP, killed on active service. Killed in an accident aged 21 years. His semi-military funeral was held in Bulawayo on 12 May
1979 – District Assistant John Bajilla NDLOVU, Regular Intaf, died on active service.
† Their names and sacrifices have not been forgotten †
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