On 21 July, let us pause to remember these young men from our Generation who answered the Sunset call.
21 Jul 1950: MPO141189 Warrant Officer Class II Douglas Reginald Gird from the Essential Services Protection Corps was boarded as medically unfit as a result of ailments contracted during the course of his military. He was later admitted to 1 Military in Voortrekkerhoogte where he died after suffering cardiac failure. He was 60.
21 Jul 1957: J/21906 Rifleman Jacobus Johannes Hamman from the Johannesburg North Commando was killed in a private motor vehicle accident near Welverdiend while returning from leave. He was 20.
21 Jul 1975: 73245037N Lance Corporal Douglas Brian Snell from 11 Commando Regiment died from a gunshot wound as a result of an accidental discharge of a fellow soldier’s rifle while stationed at Eenhana in Northern Owamboland. He was 18.
21 Jul 1978: 71090138PC Corporal Frederick Snyer from 11 Supply & Transport Depot in Wynberg, died in the Somerset West Hospital from knife wounds sustained during an altercation with persons unknown. He was 26.
21 Jul 1983: 05192273PE Warrant Officer II Cornelius Jacobus Botha from the South African Medical Corps suffered a fatal heart attack at the Single Quarters in Pretoria. He was 53.
21 Jul 1984: 83069864CK Private Johannes Ricardo Matthee from 16 Maintenance Unit died from a gunshot wound resulting from the accidental discharge of a fellow soldier’s rifle while stationed at Grootfontein. He was 21.
21 Jul 1985: 806422317BW Rifleman Christiaan Jack from the Army Catering Corps was killed in a military motor vehicle accident at Oshikuku. He was 26
21 Jul 1987: 81137879BG Rifleman George Immelman from the Army Battle School was accidentally killed when he was crushed between a loader and a tipper during construction work. He was 22.
Their names and sacrifices will not be forgotten