30 October, let us pause to remember these young men from our Generation who answered the Sunset call.
30 Oct 1954: 640159 Pioneer Barend Frederick Erasmus, from the South African European Auxiliary Services was serving at 91 Ammunition Depot when he was found hanged. No foul play was suspected. He was 49.
30 Oct 1979: 77381051BG Rifleman Dirk Cornelius Odendaal from the Ordnance Service Corps was also a trained Dog Handler attached to 16 Maintenance Unit. He was killed at Grootfontein after being struck by a bullet resulting from the accidental discharge of a fellow soldier’s rifle while in the barracks. He was 18.
30 Oct 1982: Riflem.an Kevin John Loring from 72 Motorised Brigade was accidentally killed on the N3 Highway while towing a broken-down military truck to Pretoria. The tow bar broke leaving the towed vehicle stranded in the middle lane at the Gillooly’s Interchange. While he was trying to sort out the problem, a civilian vehicle slammed into the rear of the stranded vehicle, crushing him under the truck and killing him instantly. He was 19.
30 Oct 1993: 78913944PE Rifleman Guilherme Antonio Chamborim from 2 SAI was admitted to the Kimberley Hospital with a knife wound. He confided with another patient that he had personal problems before taking his own life by leaping out of the 3rd floor window. He was 45.
30 Oct 1998: 91662262 Gunner H V Kiti from 4 Artillery Regiment died of disease in the Potchefstroom. He was 29.
30 Oct 1998: 94079001 Rifleman N N Nkosi from 121 Battalion died of disease in Greys Hospital. He was 24.
Their names and sacrifices will not be forgotten