NINE FOXTROT NEWS 1 FEBUARY 6th 2011 NUMBER 02 / 01

NINE FOXTROT NEWS: NUMBER: 02 / 02

ROWLEY MEDLIN Mobile: (27) 82 415 7117 Addresses: Residential: House No 45 Riverside Manor Retirement Village. Sunninghill. Postal: PO Box 10028 Centurion 0046 th FEBUARY 13 2011 Mailto: [email protected] WEBSITE: http://www.ninefoxtrot.org or alternatively,www.MilPol.co.ca PLEASE NOTE: That the opinions expressed in this newsletter are not necessary the opinion of the originator of the Nine Foxtrot Newsletter. Names of the persons submitting the article(s) are shown. COPYRIGHT & FAIR USE NOTICE: This website may contain copyrighted material the use of which has not been preauthorized by the copyright owner. Such material is made available for the enjoyment and information of military veterans worldwide. If you want to use any copyrighted material that may exist on this site for purposes that go beyond 'fair use', you must obtain permission from the copyright owner through the originator of Nine Foxtrot News. The primary objective of the newsletter is to maintain the true comradeship of men and women who have served within an armed force and other individuals that have an interest in the veteran soldier. This newsletter, although originating from the Republic of is not in any way an official mouthpiece of the South African National Defence Force. It is the voice of the military veteran soldiers and his or her friends. The secondary objective is to promote interaction between soldiers and friends of soldiers from different countries, arms of service and regiments/units.

PLEASE NOTE: NEW NINE FOXTROT NEWSLETTER’S BANK DETAILS: NAME: ROWLEY MEDILN BANK: ABSA BRANCH: WEIRDA PARK. ACCOUNT NUMBER: 916 87299 65. A VERY BIG THANK YOU, TO THOSE THAT HAVE, AND STILL ARE, SPONSORING NINE FOXTROT NEWS. I truly value, especially in the current times, your contributions. All contributions are used to improve the product and or distribution of Nine Foxtrot News. Your contributions really help.

LOVE IS IN THE AIR?????????????

FROM ROWLEY’S KEYBOARD:

You will remember that a little while ago, there was an appeal for funds for a motorised wheelchair. It has just come to my notice that the appeal was picked up by at least one of our readers who made a donation. Thanks to the reader and well done, Nine Foxtrot. As you might have picked up, over the past year, I have been banging my head against bumbling and inefficiency on the part of the Standard Bank Account: Nine Foxtrot News or NINE FOXTROT NEWS 2 FEBUARY 6th 2011 NUMBER 02 / 01

WO’S NEWSLETTER. Last month, I was under the impression that we had reached a workable solution to the problem but this week, I picked up that they were charging me an amount each month that, (to my mind were irrelevant to the account.) An appeal is thus made to the chaps who are contributing as well as possible future contributors, to use my ABSA account. This will eventually lead to the closing of my Standard Bank account. I realise that this has implications to those making electronic transfers or who have stop orders going to Standard Bank, But please, I cannot afford to pay ±R50:00 each month, (for nothing.) My ABSA Bank Details are as follow: NAME: ROWLEY MEDLIN BANK: ABSA BRANCH: Wierda Park ACCOUNT NUMBER: 916 872 99 65 I thank you and apologise for the inconvenience I know I have asked before but please, pretty please, look through your photo albums for photos I can use in our “Photo Oukie” slot.

Rowley 9F

MAIL FROM ROWLEY’S INBOX:

FROM MANUEL FERREIRA: The military is remaining mum on the deployment of the Valour-class frigate SAS Mendi to for operational training in reported anticipation of an anti- pirate patrol in the Mozambique channel. The Afrikaans daily Beeld this week reported the deployment was being held up by the absence of a signed Memorandum of Understaning setting out rules of engagement. Minister of Defence and Military Veterans last year July told a small group of journalists, including defenceWeb, that her deputy, Thabang Makwetla, had that month attended a Southern African Development Community (SADC) conference in the Seychelles. There “we did commit ourselves to protecting the waters around SADC from piracy.” She added: “We are ready to deploy in SADC waters because it is part of our responsibility.” Military mum on Mendi Written by Leon EngelbrechtFriday, 04 February 2011 13:39 Business Day also reported this week the SADC meeting was followed by a ministerial antipiracy conference in Mauritius in October last year. South Africa’s delegation was led by the ambassador to Mauritius, Madumane Matabane. The Pretoria News, meanwhile, quoted defence analyst Helmoed-Römer Heitman as saying that the deployments should have happened years ago. “We should have done this years ago when we first received requests for help from the European Union, who warned us of the threat not only to shipping off the East coast of Africa, but also to shipping travelling through our waters,” he said. Heitman said the threats were real and serious. “Not only are they threatening the country’s economy, but they could also lead to an ecological disaster should the pirates successfully attack and possibly sink an oil tanker.” “Pirates see areas such as the Mozambican Channel as untapped gold mines. With the knowledge that there are very few African countries who can respond to attacks, the pirates know that they can operate without fear.” The International Maritime Bureau (IMB) in its annual report last month said pirates murdered eight seafarers and seized a record 1181 hostages as well 53 ships last year, a new lowpoint. According to the IMB, the number of pirate attacks on ships around the world has risen every year for the past four years, with 445 incidents in 2010, which is an increase of 10% over 2009. 1050 crewmembers were taken hostage in 2009 compared with just 188 crew in 2006. 293 incidents were reported in 2008 compared to 263 in 2007. The 2010 attacks included two NINE FOXTROT NEWS 3 FEBUARY 6th 2011 NUMBER 02 / 01 confirmed cases of piracy in the Mozambique Channel between Africa and Madagascar near the Comoros in late December and two failed attempts some 200 kilometres east of Quelimane, capital of the central Mozambican province of Zambezia. The city is about halfway up the Mozambican coast and some 300km north of Beira. Heitman added the attacks could be dealt with, although “it would be difficult given the Navy’s limited logistical capabilities.” Institute of Security Studies military analyst Henri Boshoff told the Pretoria News the response was not only South African but also “part of a larger SADC military response” to piracy. “The government is keeping a tight lid on how it is going to respond to these latest attacks.” Boshoff said while South Africa’s navy had conducted operations in the Mozambican Channel area and off the country’s East Coast, the latest attacks had triggered a strong response from South Africa. Attempts to get comment from government were unsuccessful. The Department of International Relations and Cooperation referred queries to the Department of Defence, where a spokesman said the matter was “sensitive”. The IMB last month also warned that some pirate groups were now using large hijacked vessels as “motherships” to extend their reach. “At least five large hijacked cargo ships and three fishing vessels have acted as mother ships in the last couple of months, posing a new and significant threat to the safety of shipping. The five cargo vessels range in size from 5000 to 72 000 metric tons in deadweight - or cargo carrying capacity - and include four tankers and a general cargo vessel,” the IMB said in a statement. “More than 100 crew members from these hijacked cargo vessels, are being forced to facilitate the attacks and in effect provide a human shield to any potential naval intervention.” Hijacked vessels have previously been used by the pirates, enabling a greater range and capability- meaning they can operate further into the Indian Ocean and with no interference by naval forces. IMB Director Pottengal Mukundan commented: “Whilst the use of hijacked vessels as mother ships is not a new phenomenon, the abduction of crew members could signal a significant new development.”

AGAIN FROM MANUEL: Stress at SA security firm in Somalia Funding help from Blackwater in anti-pirate war - but company led by ex-CCB man denies mercenaries involved Feb 5, 2011 11:43 PM | By ROWAN PHILP A South African security company is training an army to fight pirates in Somalia - in defiance of an order by the East African country's government to halt the project, because "mercenaries" are allegedly involved. Led by former apartheid-era security officers and staffed "mostly" by South Africans, Saracen International has been secretly training a "coastguard" of over 1000 members in the breakaway northern Somali province of Puntland for the past four months. A second contract for Saracen to train the presidential guard and renovate a hospital in the federal capital, Mogadishu, has also been cancelled. Somalia's Transitional Federal Government ended the contracts after it emerged that a notorious US mercenary had helped arrange funding for the multimillion-dollar projects. Now, authorities in Puntland are defying the fragile central government's order to end their anti-pirate operation with Saracen. This week, pirates told Reuters news agency that they had been forced to flee one of their main bases in Puntland for fear of arrest or assault by the Saracen-trained troops. The Somali government has confirmed that "other Muslim countries" funded the projects, reportedly providing money for 120 bakkies, six small aircraft and four armoured vehicles for the Saracen recruits to use on patrol. But Chris Greyling, president of the Pan African Security Association, said an accreditation process had proved that "none of the Saracen trainers" were mercenaries and labelled the termination of the coastguard contract "ridiculous", saying it would be a "boost for pirates". Greyling's umbrella organisation provides accreditation and fights the "stigma" attached to paramilitary firms. The South African company's involvement has become the focus of diplomatic and political disputes, with a US State Department spokesman warning the Somali government of the US's NINE FOXTROT NEWS 4 FEBUARY 6th 2011 NUMBER 02 / 01

concern "about the lack of transparency regarding Saracen's funding, its objectives and its scope". On Friday, Saracen's chief operating officer, Lafras Luitingh, gave the Sunday Times details of the group's Somali contracts for the first time. "The (transitional government) requested training for the presidential guard, logistical support for the construction of training facilities, basic training for a counter-piracy force, and refurbishment of a medical facility. "Saracen's agreement with the Puntland government provides for the training of a regional counter-piracy marine force and construction of a training facility." Luitingh was a major in the Civil Co-operation Bureau's apartheid hit squad where he was once the "handler" of Ferdi Barnard - the assassin of anti-apartheid academic David Webster in 1989. Luitingh was also the CEO of the disbanded Executive Outcomes, which was once branded a mercenary outfit. However, Greyling said Luitingh had won praise from the United Nations for executing UN security contracts in Sierra Leone and other countries. Although he would not comment on the reasons for the cancellation of one of their two contracts, Luitingh said: "We are proud of the humanitarian assistance work we performed ... such as rehabilitating and equipping a hospital in Mogadishu and co-ordinating the delivery of relief supplies." Greyling said the problem began because the Saracen deal had been signed by former members of Somalia's transitional government, and then reviewed by a new administration. "with their own agendas". The deals became a political hot potato this month after a New York Times investigation revealed that billionaire mercenary Erik Prince - founder of the notorious Blackwater security company, whose employees were expelled from Iraq - helped arrange funding for the projects. Somali politicians said that although happy with Saracen's work, "we don't want to have anything to do with Blackwater". Despite Somalia's transitional government announcing that it had decided to "totally terminate operations of Saracen International in Somalia", Greyling said Sarcacen " haven't backed off in Puntland". Meanwhile, Abdirizak Ahmed, chief of Puntland's counter-piracy programme, told AP that the region planned to defy the government order: "I don't think it will have an impact on the relationship Puntland has with Saracen ... it's not a (national government) issue." The Saracen contracts are also under investigation by the UN as to whether the Somali arms embargo was breached. Luitingh responded: "Saracen has sought to ensure that its work to fulfil the UN's calls for counter-piracy efforts in Somalia is fully consistent with UN resolutions." FROM NEIL PEASON: (Looks like LAARSA is stirring the pot again): AIRBORNE! A little boy was standing in front of a mirror in the restroom at John F. Kennedy Airport, when in walked a Marine staff sergeant, dressed in his dress blues. The little boy turned to the Marine and said, "Wow! Are you a Marine?" The Marine replied, "Why, yes I am, young man. Would you like to wear my hat?" "Boy, would I!," said the little boy. He took the hat and placed it on his head and turned to admire himself in the mirror. As he was looking in the mirror, he heard the door open and through a ray of bright light, a man entered the room. But, this was not just any man...he was more than a man. He was an Airborne Ranger. The little boy turned and went over to the soldier. As he approached him, he could see the reflection in his boots. His eyes widened as he stared up at the soldier's chest full of medals and combat ribbons. He tried to speak, but he couldn't. Finally, he took a deep breath, and managed to say, "Excuse me, Sir. Are you an Airborne Ranger?" The Ranger replied with a thunderous voice, "Why yes, I am. Would you like to shine my boots?" The little boy smiled, and said, "Oh, no sir!! I'm not a Marine. I'm just wearing his hat!"

FROM THE OFFICER’S W & W: Afsterwe van Williena van Jakkals de Jager van die Parabats NINE FOXTROT NEWS 5 FEBUARY 6th 2011 NUMBER 02 / 01 en Leërinligting. Rob Guthrie verwittig met leedwese dat “…Williena op 25/01/2011 hier in die Weskus by Bretaniabaai oorlede is. Jakkals, nou bekend as James, kan gekontak word by selno 083 533 7385”.

FROM BOBBY FREEMAN: Gentlemen, Hope you can help with this request received from – Gunner Duncan Mattushek (New Zealand.) Duncan is the uncle of my stepson – Douglas. In Brief :- Duncan was traveling on a Unimog, when it was blown up in a landmine incident (Caprivi), some member lost their lives and Duncan was severely burnt when the truck caught a light. Due to the incident Duncan lost both his arms and almost his life. All this was kept very low key by the powers to be and only recently was Duncan’s incident is mentioned in the book “ First in Last out “.Do any of you Gents remember the incident ? Are any of you able to assist Duncan in contacting the gentleman he is looking for or did you know him ? Do you have photos of that era or incident ? Looking forward to your response. Best regards Bobby Freeman NMR

From: DUNCAN MATTUSHEK [mailto:[email protected]] Subject: query Hi Bobby, Can you help...... I am trying to trace an ex gunner who was with me on the border. He took photos of the incident. I have seen them, 1976, but never thought of getting copies. Now I am trying to trace him. His name is Roelof van Wyk and was a Bdr. in 1975 at 4 Field Potch. I would presume after he would go to NFA. Now would there be any records available for a forwarding address then? Would they be available today? Is there someone I can write to? He lived down South Coast then. Thanks Duncan

FROM KEN GILLINGS: don’t know of the incident offhand, but have asked a couple of ‘Old Boys’ if they can help. Yours UBIQUE, Ken

AGAIN FROM KEN DD 9 2 2011: Hello everyone. Just to let you know that we have been able to puyt Bobby in touch with someone who may be able to assist. Yours UBIQUE, Ken

Did you hear about the constipated Gunner? Poor chap” Constipated for seven days while trying to work out problem bearings etc with his plotting board. Good gunner, on the eighth day he worked out his problem with his pencil and piece of paper. Thank heavens it was before the days of the computer. Can you imagine him working this one out using a computer? __._,_.___ FROM ORAFs: DID I READ THAT SIGN RIGHT? George Wrigley sent this in:- In an office: TOILET OUT OF ORDER...... PLEASE USE FLOOR BELOW In a Laundromat: AUTOMATIC WASHING MACHINES: PLEASE REMOVE ALL YOUR CLOTHES WHEN THE LIGHT GOES OUT In a London department store: BARGAIN BASEMENT UPSTAIRS In an office: WOULD THE PERSON WHO TOOK THE STEP LADDER YESTERDAY PLEASE BRING IT BACK OR FURTHER STEPS WILL BE TAKEN In an office: AFTER TEA BREAK STAFF SHOULD EMPTY THE TEAPOT AND STAND UPSIDE DOWN ON THE DRAINING NINE FOXTROT NEWS 6 FEBUARY 6th 2011 NUMBER 02 / 01

BOARD Outside a second hand shop: WE EXCHANGE ANYTHING - BICYCLES, WASHING MACHINES, ETC. WHY NOT BRING YOUR WIFE ALONG AND GET A WONDERFUL BARGAIN? Notice in health food shop window: CLOSED DUE TO ILLNESS Spotted in a safari park: ELEPHANTS PLEASE STAY IN YOUR CAR Seen during a conference: FOR ANYONE WHO HAS CHILDREN AND DOESN'T KNOW IT, THERE IS A DAY CARE ON THE 1ST FLOOR Notice in a farmer's field: THE FARMER ALLOWS WALKERS TO CROSS THE FIELD FOR FREE, BUT THE BULL CHARGES. On a repair shop door: WE CAN REPAIR ANYTHING. (PLEASE KNOCK HARD ON THE DOOR - THE BELL DOESN'T WORK)

WARNING FROM JOHN FRENCH: Another Scam John French says that “...we must beware : People are being asked to donate money to Egypt but personally I think it is a pyramid scheme”. And DAN LAMPRECHT: admits that he does not need Google, as his wife knows everything.

FROM MANUEL: Airforce ponders future of Agusta helicopter By Dean Wingrin The South African Air Force is investigating the future use of the Agusta A109 Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) it purchased as part of the 1999 Strategic Defence Package SDP. The A109 LUH was purchased to replace the elderly Alouette III helicopter which had been in service since 1962 in the light utility role. Delivery of the 30 A109 helicopters purchased from the Anglo-Italian AgustaWestland helicopter company under Project Flange commenced in 2005 and has been beset with difficulties and delays. An option for a further ten was not exercised. At a press briefing at the Air Force Day Parade held at Zwartkop airbase near Centurion on 28 January, Lt Gen Carlo Gagiano, Chief of the Airforce, mentioned that the SAAF was still holding onto their BK 117s and that they were looking to define a new role for the A109.

LATE BUT NEVER THE LESS: FROM MANUEL FERREIRA: 11 February 2011 SA NAVY TO ASSIST IN THE SEARCH FOR AIRCRAFT WRECKAGE OFF PLETTENBURG BAY The SA Navy will deploy SAS PROTEA to assist in the search for the Italtile aircraft wreckage off Plettenberg Bay. The ship will arrive in the area on Friday 11 February in the late afternoon. SAS PROTEA, commanded by Captain Theo Stokes, is equipped with state of the art equipment that will allow the ship to view items on the seabed. This Shallow Water Route Survey System was extensively used in the FIFA World Cup 2010 in the harbours of Cape Town, Durban and . SAS PROTEA played a major role in ensuring the underwater security for the FIFA World Cup 2010 and managed to identify and classify 1800 items on the seabed in the three harbours. This Shallow Water Route Survey System is very accurate in detecting items on the seabed and will allow SAS PROTEA to cover a large area much faster than human divers can. SAS PROTEA was enroute to the Algoa Bay area to conduct a survey of the bay, NINE FOXTROT NEWS 7 FEBUARY 6th 2011 NUMBER 02 / 01 including the approaches to the new Coega Harbour, before being redeployed to search for the wreckage. As the Hydrographic survey vessel of the SA Navy, SAS PROTEA is responsible to produce charts of international quality to ensure safe navigation of all ships, boats and yachts sailing along the South African and Namibian coastlines.

WHO IS THIS WEEK’S PHOTO OUKIE?

MICHAEL (MAP,) SMITH 1st Sergeant Major of the SAMS

SICK REPORT and PROGRESS:

Our readers needing a prayer or more: Erica French, Thys Eagar Dougie Oostelaag Ronnie Claassen WO Nel NINE FOXTROT NEWS 8 FEBUARY 6th 2011 NUMBER 02 / 01

John Schnell John Goodrich Allan Preddy

FROM JOHAN CLAASSEN: re RONNIE Ronnie had the surgery and according to the Surgeons it was a great success. Unfortunately he suffered a heart attack +- 0200 am and had to be incubated. He is very stable and if everything goes well the cardiologists will decide on Monday what to do. He is still on the ventilator but communicated with us by shaking his head etc. The morphine is keeping him very groggy.

FROM JOHN FRENCH: Erika is still in a coma after 77 days. Erika was transferred to 1 Mil Hosp on 01/02/2011 and is now nicely settled at the ICU on the third floor. She remains stable, her vitals are good and she is getting slightly more responsive to voice inputs. It is evident that her mind is working overtime. The treatment at 1 Mil Hosp is excellent”.

UPDATE ON RONNIE (FRIDAY AFTERNOON FROM JOHAN CLAASSEN: Hi Rowley Ronnie sterk tans aan in 1 Mil. Hy is vandag vanuit die ICU oorgeplaas na saal 16. Die operasie wat hy ondergaan het was skynbaar baie suksesvol.Die probleem het ontstaan as gevolg van die hartaanval die aand na die operasie. Dit is nog nie seker wanneer hy ontslaan sal word nie. Groete Johan Classen I spoke to Suzette this afternoon and she says he is still very week but is gaining strength every hour. Come on Ronnie, the stick is waiting for you. Rowley 9F

FROM JOHN GOODRICH: Dear Rowley,

Dave Burke was diagnosed with a brain tumor a short time ago and is critically ill. His doctor has said that Dave will 'pass from the sight of man' and be called to Higher Service on Monday. Dave was the RSM of Highway Commando in and with the formation of The Regional Joint Task Force East on the Bluff, he was appointed my Reserve Force Liaison Sgt Maj. His Wife's name is Rosaline. His son Peter can be contacted on: 0825616331. Take Care, John.

TRANSFERRED TO HIGHER COMMAND, THEIR NAMES SHALL LIVITH FOREVER:

FROM THE YADWIN FAMILY: Mike Yaldwyn passed away suddenly early hours of Monday morning. A requiem mass will be held on Friday the 11th of February at 14:00 at Nazareth House 290 Queen Wilhelmina Drive Groenkloof. Kind Regards Biz, Natalie & Michelle

FROM THE OFFs W&W: Afsterwe van AO1 At Matthyson van Logistiek. Faan Gerber van Leërinligting rapporteer met leedwese dat hierdie Log AO by HK 71 Bde op 07/02/2011 aan ‘n hartaanval oorlede is.

FROM MARTIE HOFFMAN: Informed me this morning (Saturday,) that our Friend, Eddie Hoffman passed away last night.

EDDIE HOFFMAN SASC NINE FOXTROT NEWS 9 FEBUARY 6th 2011 NUMBER 02 / 01

AO1 AT MATTHYSON. van Logistiek.

MIKE YALDWYN

In proud thanksgiving

Let us remember our elder brethren.

They shall grow not old

As we who are left grow old.

Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.

At the going down of the sun and in the morning,

WE SHALL REMEMBER THEM.

A NOTE FROM ROWLEY: Please, when submitting notices of death or illness, give as much detail as possible eg Service, Corps Rank (Ret) and places of work. Tell us a bit about him. Others might want to remember him as well. Thanks you. Rowley 9F

PARADES, FUNCTION AND GATHERINGS:

FROM BUTCH JAMES: Good Day Rowley Best wishes for 2011 can only be a better year I have included the details for our annual Pro Patria Parade , maybe you can include in you news letter Best regards Butch James - Lowveld District Pro Patria - Moth Memorial Parade 2011 NINE FOXTROT NEWS 10 FEBUARY 6th 2011 NUMBER 02 / 01

We, the Lowveld District MOTH, extend an invitation to you and your respective divisions to join us commemorate our annual Pro Patria Parade in Barberton on Saturday 12th Feb. 2011 Contact Butch phone - home 013 744 1764 - work 013 758 1261

FROM BUKS PIETERSE: OUD SAW - BYEENKOMS

DIE JAARLIKSE BYEENKOMS VAN EX-SMAG, BM, KOMDO, NDP EN BURGERLIKES VAN DIE OU SAW VIND VANJAAR PLAAS OP DONDERDAG, 17 FEBRUARIE 2011 OM 12H30 BY DIE GARDEN ROUTE GAME LODGE, TUSSEN MOSSELBAAI EN ALBERTINIA (SIEN AANGEHEGDE KAART) DRAG : INFORMEEL (LANGBROEK EN OOPNEK-HEMP) KOSTE : R75.00 pp (KONTANT OF KREDIETKAART, BETAALBAAR DIREK AAN DIE LODGE) KONTANT KROEG BESKIKBAAR KURKFOOI R20 PER BOTTEL BESPREEK BY BUKS PIETERSE, TEEN NIE LATER AS SONDAG 13 FEB 2011. GEEN LAAT BESPREKINGS KAN AANVAAR WORD NIE. INDIEN U BESPREEK MAAR NIE BYWOON NIE, SAL U VERANTWOORDELIK WEES VIR DIE KOSTE, TENSY U VOOR 13 FEB 2011 KANSELLEER BUKS PIETERSE 082 468 7015 [email protected] MAAK ASB. BEKEND AAN AL U OUD-KOLLEGAS EN HELP ONS OM IN GROOT GETALLE BY TE WOON BAIE DANKIE

FROM PATRICK NAGEL: PRO PATRIA RE UNION

• 26 February 2011 • 14:30 for 15:00 • Reveille Shellhole Benoni • No2 Moth Rd Benoni • S 26 11' 59“ E 28 19' 11" • All members of the SADF who were awarded or qualified for the Pro Patria Medal are invited to attended the Pro Patria Parade.

FROM WERNER JOUBERT: Gunners Memorial The 2011 National Gunners Memorial will be hosted on 17 April 2011. Members who wish to attend and who want to be invited must indicated it to Me Santie vd Bosch (the SA Army Artillery HQ secretary) on 012 355 2661 (tel) or 012 355 2638 (fax)

PUBLICATIONS:

FROM MANUEL FERREIRA: THE TERRIBLE ONES "OS TERRÍVEIS" This new book by Piet Nortjie will be an in-depth history of 32 Bn, covering 175 operations. There are 233 recollections/personal stories, 3500 photos, 100 maps and illustrations. Publication 2nd half of 2011. NINE FOXTROT NEWS 11 FEBUARY 6th 2011 NUMBER 02 / 01

A new Piet Nortje book: - From the Omega Veterans Website - Piet‘s own words on the 32BN Website: Good day A short note to inform that my 1st book, 32 BATTAL-ION is now available as an e-book. This is the first military book in South Africa to become available as a e-book. It can be purchase online from Amazon.com. After payment etc one can download the book electronically. I believe one should only follow the instructions on Amazon web site to order it. This book is now in its 9th print. (1st 5 prints were 10 000 each and the others 5000) and still going strong, this, after I was told by publishers who I approached in 2002 that this type of books only sell for 2 or 3 years. The new book which will be an in-depth 32 Bn history covering for example 175 operations, there are 233 recollec-tions/personal stories, 3500 photos and 100 maps and illustrations, should see the light sometime this year. The manuscript editing and proofread-ing is in the final stages. Just for interest, attached my proposed cover for the book. The cover was designed by Ziggy Hentze (ex– 31 Bn) Regards Pieter Nortje (Piet)

Forged in Flames: The SADF experience of The Battles of Cuito Cuanavale 1987 -- 1988

http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=10150130359470469&id=555961054

NINE FOXTROT NEWS 12 FEBUARY 6th 2011 NUMBER 02 / 01

VACANCIES:

LAUGH AND THE SERGEANT MAJOR LAUGHS WITH YOU:

FROM ALLAN PREDDY BIRTHDAY REMINDER Our little girl is growing up!! This week we celebrate a special birthday. Monica Lewinsky turns 44. Can you believe it? It seems like only yesterday, she was crawling around the White House on her hands and knees, putting everything in her mouth. They grow up so fast, don't they?

FROM ORAFs: A lawyer arrived home late after a very trying day at work. He has spent his day trying to get a stay of execution for a client who was due to be hanged at midnight for murder. His last minute plea for clemency to the governor had failed and he was feeling worn out and depressed, as he felt certain that the man had been framed for the murder he had been convicted of committing.

As soon as he walked through the door at home, his wife started on him about, "What time of night is this to be getting home? Where have you been? Dinner is cold and I'm not reheating it for you!" She went on and on and on. Too shattered to play his usual role in this familiar ritual, he poured himself a shot of whiskey and headed off for a long shower, pursued by the predictable sarcastic remarks as he dragged himself up the stairs. While he was in the shower, the phone rang. The wife answered and was told that her husband's client, James Wright, had been granted a stay of execution -- Wright would not be hanged tonight. Finally realizing what a terrible day he must have had, she decided to go upstairs and give him the good news... As she opened the bathroom door, she was greeted by the sight of her husband, bent over naked, drying his legs and feet. "They're not hanging Wright tonight," she said. To which he whirled around and screamed, "FOR THE LOVE OF GOD, WOMAN, DON'T YOU EVER STOP?"

FOR THE US of A FRIENDS: Obama and Queen Elizabeth. Tony Dippenaar states that he heard this from the horse’s mouth and can guarantee that the incident is almost true: ”Air Force One arrives at Heathrow Airport and President Obama strides to a warm and dignified reception from the Queen. They are driven in a 1934 Bentley to the edge of Central London, where they change to a magnificent 17th century carriage hitched to six white horses. They continue on towards Buckingham Palace, waving to the thousands of cheering Rooinekke. Suddenly the right rear horse lets fly with the most horrendous earth shattering fart ever heard in the British Empire. The smell is atrocious and both passengers in the carriage must use handkerchiefs over their noses. The fart shakes the coach, but the two dignitaries of State do their best to ignore the incident. The Queen turns to Obama and says “…Mr. President, please accept my regrets. I am sure you understand there are some things that even a Queen cannot control". NINE FOXTROT NEWS 13 FEBUARY 6th 2011 NUMBER 02 / 01

Obama, always trying to be Presidential, replied with "…Your Majesty, do not give the matter another thought. Until you mentioned it, I thought it was one of the horses”.

We may be the Retired, Fired, Packaged, Bandaged and Kicked in the Arse Sergeants Major/Warrant Officers but we still salute the officers who still acknowledge that it was the Sergeant Major/Warrant Officer who assisted them to achieve their rank and appointment that they held. “STAND EASY,”

Have a fantastic week everyone.

Rowley 9F

HAVE A FABULOUS WEEK, Remember your age. Don’t overdo it!!!!! NINE FOXTROT NEWS 14 FEBUARY 6th 2011 NUMBER 02 / 01

Rowley 9F