Otto Skorzeny Dubbed “The Most Dangerous Man in Europe”

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Military Despatches Vol 26 August 2019 Technicals The vehicular equivalent of the AK-47 What if... Cancelled operations that could have changed history Monte Cassino Some lesser known facts Otto Skorzeny Dubbed “the most dangerous man in Europe”

For the military enthusiast CONTENTS August 2019 Page 14 Page 22 Click on any video below to view

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Hipe’s Wouter de The old South African Goede interviews former Defence Force used 28’s gang boss David a mixture of English, A South African on D-Day Williams. Afrikaans, slang and German OnSpecial 6th June 1944 Forces a number of South Afri- techno-speak that few cans took part in D-Day. outside the military could hope to understand. Some of the terms Features were humorous, some were clever, while others 6 were downright crude. Top Ten cancelled operations In the quest to end a war or con- 34 flict as quickly as possible, in- Rank Structure Part of Hipe’s “On the genious battle plans are drawn This month we look at the Ger- couch” series, this is an up all the time. We look at ten man Armed Forces. interview with one of cancelled military operations that could have changed histo- author Herman Charles 44 Bosman’s most famous ry. 26 A matter of survival characters, Oom Schalk 14 This month we’re looking at Technical Tactics A taxi driver was shot Lourens. Hipe spent time in the second part of an article on Special Forces - Germany Dubbed the vehicular equiva- dead in an ongoing Hanover Park, an area Part Six of a series that takes hunting. plagued with gang lent of the AK-47, the ‘techni- war between rival taxi a look at Special Forces units cal’ has become ubiquitous to violence, to view first- around the world. organisations. insurgent warfare. Quiz hand how Project 20 Ceasefire is dealing with For Valour 30 19 the situation. To win a Victoria Cross is no Keeping pace World War II Insignia Hipe TV brings you videos ranging from actuality to humour and every- mean feat. So what does it take The pace stick is more than just This month our quiz is all about thing in between. Interviews, mini-documentaries and much more. to win it more than once? And a symbol of authority. It is also World War II insignia. How just how many people have a valuable tool for drill instruc- many do you know? Check out Hipe TV and remember to like, comment, share and subscribe. managed to do it? tors. By Paul Els. 00 3 CONTENTS Page 76

Editor’s PUBLISHER Sitrep Hipe Media EDITOR Matt Tennyson

DEPUTY EDITOR must confess that I enjoy interested in. Others I merely John Verster getting e-mails from our skim through, and some I ig- PHOTO EDITOR readers. And I get quite a nore completely because they August in military history I Regine Lord few of them. do not interest me. Most of these e-mails are So, dear reader, you’ve don’t CONTRIBUTORS Head-to-Head Forged in Battle Book Review complimentary and most are have to read every single word Janine Cassidy, Paul Els, Ray- from readers telling me how in the magazine (although I ap- mond Fletcher, Ryan Murphy, 48 62 75 much they enjoy the magazine. preciate it when you do). Matt O’Brien, Matt Tennyson, The Fighting Doc Thank you. It makes me feel as Being August that means Strongest military forces Bell UH-1 Iroquois Karen Theunissen. The diaries of John Coey dur- if all the work I put into this is we’re officially in the last This month we take a look at The Huey helicopter. ing the Rhodesian War. at least appreciated. month of winter. I must say I’m Military Despatches is pub- side arms of the ten strongest From time to time I get an looking forward to spring and lished on-line every month. military forces in the world. e-mail from a reader letting me summer. I far prefer the heat to Battlefield The articles used in Military Front Cover know that I have made a mis- the cold, but that’s just me. Despatches are copyrighted Famous Figures 68 take somewhere. Believe it or I found the article on the Vic- and may not be used without Monte Cassino Nicknamed ‘technicals’ the not, I really do appreciate these. toria Cross interesting. I always prior permission from the edi- 58 Toyota Hilux is the favourite We examine some of the less- While I am passionate about believed that all the medals tor. Otto Skorzeny vehicle among insurgents. They military history, I am by no were made from cannons cap- er-known aspects of the Battle The views stated in this mag- Obersturmbannführer in the are armed with heavy weapons means an expert on the subject. tured during the Crimean War. of Monte Cassino, such as how azine do not necessary reflect Waffen-SS, war criminal, mil- and are a constant threat. Therefore I appreciate com- It seems that this is not the case. priceless Catholic history was the views of Hipe!, the editor, itary advisory, and possibly a ments from people that know a Oh well, you live and learn. saved by German officers. the staff, or Hipe Media. member of Mossad. Otto Sko- lot more than I do. Please take a look at the arti- rzeny was all this and more. I did, however, receive a com- cle ‘Veterans Online’. If you’re Hipe! Gaming plaint from a reader. According one of our readers that lives P.O. Box 31216, Tokai, 7966 72 to them; “It’s too big. There’s outside of South Africa, read South Africa. too much in it to read.” the article and consider joined U-Boat I found it a bit of a strange the MOTH Cyber Shellhole. email Are you ready to take charge of complaint to be honest. And We would love to have you. [email protected] a German U-Boat? there is a very simple solution to the complaint. Back Issues Movie Review When I buy a newspaper or Until next month. To view any back issues of 74 magazine, or even when I read Military Despatches, go to an online magazine, I don’t www.militarydespatches.co.za American Sniper read it from cover to cover. I or click here. Based on a true story of a US only read the articles that I am Matt Navy SEAL. 4 5 Top Ten Top Ten Why it didn’t happen Top Ten cancelled military operations The plan was never put into operation. Mainly because Bra- In the quest to end a war or conflict as quickly as possible, ingenious battle plans are drawn up zil, who had been sitting on the all the time. Sometimes, these plans fall by the wayside for one reason or another. Here are ten fence, finally decided to side cancelled military operations that could have changed history. with the Allies and even signed a defence pact with the US and he object of any war or In this article we will look fighting house to house warfare allowed them access to air bas- conflict should be to win at ten such military operations against a far superior force. es. Tit as quickly as possible that were cancelled. We will But Hitler never gave the op- If it had taken place with the least amount of casual- look at what the plan was, why eration the green light and the The US had a right to be afraid ties and damage. it was never carried out, and operation, codenamed Oper- of Brazil’s Nazi sympathies. Some wars and conflicts, what could have possibly hap- ation Tannebaum (Christmas Particularly as Brazil’s neigh- however, last a long time. Take pened if it had been. Tree), never happened. UNDER SIEGE: The French garrison at Dien Bien Phu in Indo- bours, Argentina was very fond the war between England and The Allies had just invaded china was surrounded by the Viet Minh and cut off. They want- of the Nazis. There was a good France that was fought between 10. Operation Tannenbaum North Africa and the Soviets ed the United Sates to come and rescue them. chance that an American inva- 1337 and 1453. It was named Besides being well known for were proving to be a handful. sion of Brazil would have been the 100 Year War (it actually their chocolates, banking and Another problem was that defeated. And, since the ruler of lasted 116 years). cuckoo clocks, the Swiss are basically every house in Swit- An invasion of Switzerland out west against Brazil. Brazil didn’t know which side Now I’m fairly certain that also famous for their neutrality. zerland contained at least one could have easily led to huge After Pearl Harbour the to choose, an attack on Brazil when they began this war nei- But in 1941 their neutrality firearm. internal criticism and even civil US thought this plan credible could have easily pushed them ther side was thinking, “Let’s was under serious threat. Swit- Not many people realise that disobedience in Germany. enough for them to draw up to go running to the Nazis for start a war that both our unborn zerland was expecting to be in- peaceful Switzerland is the So much so that, according plans to invade Brazil. While help. Especially with all the sons and grandsons will get a vaded at any time by Germany. most heavily armed country in to many contemporary German planning showed that most pro-Nazi Brazilians. chance to fight in.” They even raised the draft the world. reports, it would have over- coastal cities could not be tak- So if Plan Rubber had been That is why people involved age to 60 in order to add more Every Swiss male has to do whelmed many German cities, en quickly with amphibious as- initiated it would have probably in a war will often come up soldiers to defend their country. compulsory military service and police and armed forces and saults, the US decided to make led to a third front in World War with a plan that will shorten the Hitler promised to respect the remains in the reserve force un- would have weakened Germa- formal plans anyway. Especial- II. This time in South America. war, or at least insure that their neutrality of Switzerland, but til a ripe old age. By law, every ny. ly after they found evidence side claims victory. the Swiss knew better than to household in Switzerland must In the end Hitler probably felt that Brazil’s dictators could 8. Operation Vulture that invading Switzerland was side with the Nazis. Some of these plans have trust him. After all Herr Hitler have an automatic rifle and am- Operation Vulture was the more trouble than it was worth. Codenamed Plan Rubber, bat- been nothing short of brilliant, was not exactly a role model munition. name of the proposed Ameri- Besides, he had other problems tleships were assigned to coast- often achieving their objective when it came to keeping prom- Any invading force would can operation that would res- to deal with. al positions and divisions were of bringing a war to an end. ises. have to fight for every inch of cue French forces at the Battle assigned to beaches and cities, Other plans, however, were Hitler even told Italian diplo- ground taken, with the Swiss of Dien Bien Phu in 1954. The eerily similar to the D-Day not so well thought out. Often mats, “Switzerland possessed taking pot-shots at them the en- 9. Plan Rubber French garrison had been sur- plans. US planners believed the they would end up in disaster the most disgusting and misera- tire time. After the Vichy government rounded by the communist Viet Brazilian military to be suffi- and end up giving victory to the ble people and political system. If it had taken place was installed in France, Ger- Minh during the First Indochi- ciently weak to allow the plan enemy. The Swiss were the mortal ene- If it was successful Germany man aircraft were now in range na War. to succeed. At sea, Brazil could Many plans that have been mies of the new Germany.” would have a sat with a slight of South America through bas- Viet Minh forces under Gen- muster two British-built battle- drawn up over the years fell Why it didn’t happen problem. es in Africa, with Brazil a trove eral Võ Nguyên Giáp surround- ships, two light cruisers, nine by the wayside for one reason This is still a mystery. Ger- Most Germans did not want of natural resources waiting to ed and besieged the French, destroyers, three submarines or another. Some of these plans man and Italian troops were to see a neutral country such as be taken. who were unaware of the Viet and other small craft. In the air, would have, if they had suc- poised on the border of Switzer- Switzerland being taken over. The American government Minh’s possession of heavy ar- Brazil had nearly 330 aircraft, ceeded, changed the course of land and were expected to go in After all, German was one of thought that with the Germans tillery, including anti-aircraft but many of these were obso- a war or conflict. Some of them at any time. Switzerland would the four national languages of failing to take Moscow they guns. lete fighters and bombers. would have changed history. be faced with the prospect of Switzerland. may decide to take their anger The only way Dien Bien Phu 6 7 Top Ten Top Ten could be resupplied was via air- military officer, gave this nu- icans more than 58,000 deaths that whole débâcle would have drop, and dropping and retriev- clear option his backing. US and possibly not seen them been averted. ing supplies became a night- B-29s, B-36s, and B-47s could fighting anywhere. That is, of If Operation Northwood had mare as Viet Minh artillery have executed a nuclear strike, course, providing that the Sovi- succeeded there would have shrank the effective size of the as could carrier aircraft from et Union did not decide to use been no Cuban intervention in drop zone. the Seventh Fleet. nukes of their own. Angola in 1975. The French, with the encour- Why it didn’t happen agement of some US officials Richard Nixon, a so-called 7. Operation Northwoods 6. Army of the Ocean Coasts based in Saigon, pressed hard “hawk” on Vietnam, suggested After the Revolución cubana Napoleon was having a great for the US to launch an over- that the U.S. might have to “put (Cuban revolution), conducted time taking out Egypt and Aus- whelming air strike to save American boys in”. by Fidel Castro’s revolutionary tria until the Peace of Ameins in Dien Bien Phu. President Eisenhower made 26th of July Movement, final- 1802. Just ten days after the start American participation con- ly overthrew the military dic- Looking for a new target, his of Giap’s initial assault, Gen- tingent on British support, but tatorship of Cuban President eyes turned to his old enemy, eral Paul Ely, the French Chief London was opposed to the Fulgencio Batista in December England. He began a new three- of Staff, arrived in Washington plan. 1958, the American govern- year planning binge, putting to- to plead the French case to US Eisenhower also felt that the ment decided that this Castro gether 200,000 troops, known policy-makers. Discussions airstrike alone would not decide bloke might be up to no good. as known as the Armée des côtes involved General Ely, U.S. the battle. He also expressed Especially when Castro de- de l’Océan (Army of the Ocean Secretary of State John Foster concerns that the French Air clared Cuba a revolutionary so- Coasts) or the Armée d’Angle- Dulles and Admiral Arthur W. Force was insufficiently devel- cialist state. terre (Army of England), and Radford, Chairman of the U.S. oped for this sort of operation So the US Military, with a lit- had his shipyards in France and Joint Chiefs of Staff. and did not want to escalate tle help from the CIA, slapped the Netherlands start building The plan included as many U.S. involvement in the war by together a false flag operation hundreds of ships. as 98 B-29s from Okinawa and using American pilots. where they would get some Why it didn’t happen the Philippines that would drop Another problem was that the loyal communists from Miami, The naval flotilla was initially 1,400 tonnes of bombs on posi- Soviet Union also had atomic give them some cash, weapons under the energetic command tions held by the Viet Minh. bombs by this stage. and proposed targets and tell of Eustache Bruix, but he soon Another version of the plan In the end, convinced that the them to go wild. had to return to Paris, where he envisioned sending 60 B-29s political risks outweighed the Basically they would show died of tuberculosis in March from US bases in the region, possible benefits, he decided the world that Castro wanted to 1805. supported by as many as 150 against the intervention. attack the United States. This FOR YOUR EYES ONLY: The memorandum, now declassified, When Napoleon oversaw fighters launched from US Sev- If it had taken place would give them enough cred- proposing Operation Northwood. tests of the huge battleships to enth Fleet carriers, to bomb Gi- Nukes would have been itability to attack Cuba, perhaps carry his army across the chan- ap’s positions. dropped on the major commu- with some Allied help. wise, the enraged Kennedy, still the recently formed communist nel, many of the ships sank. The plan included an option nist cities, notably Hanoi. The Why it didn’t happen pretty mad at the CIA for using nation. And with Cuba to blame, This led to large loses of both to use up to three small atomic French and the Americans be- The plan was drafted by the civilians in missions, simply the Soviet Union couldn’t ex- men and ships. weapons on the Viet Minh posi- lieved that the Viet Minh would Joint Chiefs of Staff, signed by fired Lemnitzer and the whole actly defend their ally. While Paris had already start- tions in support of the French. immediately surrender and stop Chairman Lyman Lemnitzer Northwoods plan died a quick So if Operation Northwood ed construction of a monument The Joint Chiefs of Staff drew the siege of Dien Bien Phu. and sent to the Secretary of De- death. had taken place we would have to celebrate the success of the up plans to deploy tactical With a partly radiated Vi- fence. If it had taken place been looking at a American/ conquest of England, Napoleon atomic weapons, U.S. carriers etnam and the French owing When the plan was proposed According to the plans, an un- Cuba war in the early 1960s began to consider other meth- sailed to the Tonkin gulf, and the Americans a huge favour, to US President John F. Kenne- provoked attack by Cuba would and, with the small size of its ods that were not ships. reconnaissance flights over American intervention in Viet- dy, he took one look at it and make international powers side army, Cuba would have prob- Napoleon seriously consid- Dien Bien Phu were conducted nam a decade later would prob- asked who’s insane plan it was. with the Americans. ably been defeated. And since ered using a fleet of troop-car- during the negotiations. ably not have happened. This When the Joint Chief of Staff With international support, this would have taken place be- rying balloons as part of his Radford, the top American would have spared the Amer- tried to persuade him other- the US would be free to attack fore the Cuban Missile Crisis, proposed invasion force and 8 9 Top Ten Top Ten appointed Marie Madeline So- 5. Huele a Quermado it was time for some ‘out of the has been involved in since, with phie Blanchard as an air service In 1977 Panamanian Gener- box’ thinking in the war against about 100,000 still remaining. chief, though she said the pro- al Omar Torrijos and American Germany. After President Truman saw posed aerial invasion would fail President Jimmy Carter were The aptly named Operation the estimated number of Amer- because of the winds. planning how to deal with the Vegetarian was a British mili- ican casualties he decided to go Though an aerial invasion Panama Canal Zone, which was tary plan to disseminate linseed ahead and use the atomic bomb. proved a dead-end, the prospect then under American control. cakes infected with anthrax This resulted in Japan surren- of one captured the minds of the After tense negotiations Cart- spores onto the fields of Germa- dering in September 1945, far British print media and public. er agreed to give the canal back ny. sooner than if Operation Down- England soon got wind of the to Panama in 1999, which the These cakes would have been fall had gone ahead. plan and prepared the coasts of US ultimately did. eaten by the cattle, which would American planners estimated England for an attack. Then, be- However, if the event had then be consumed by the civilian that if the atomic bombs hadn’t fore the attack could take place, failed, Torrijos had an ace up his population, causing the deaths been used, the war would have England struck first, attacking sleeve. If Panama couldn’t have of millions of German citizens. lasted until at least mid-1947. vital French harbours. Furthermore, it would have NO SWIMMING: Gruinard Island, just off the coast of Scotland, If it had taken place it no-one could. was made uninhabitable until 1990, nearly 50 years later. After the Battle of Trafalgar Cleverly codenamed Huele a wiped out the majority of Ger- If Operation Downfall had Napoleon had to divert resourc- Quemado (Spanish for It smells many’s cattle, creating a mas- taken place it would have result- es to Spain and the invasion of like something is burning), the sive food shortage for the rest of anthrax. planned invasion of the Kantō ed in massive casualties, both England was called off. plan stated that if Panama didn’t the population that remained un- With Bavaria, the main tar- Plain, near Tokyo, on the Japa- on the American and Japanese If it had taken place get the canal zone back then it infected. Preparations were not get and cattle area taken out, the nese island of Honshu. Airbases sides. If it had taken place it would would attack and destroy the complete until early 1944. German population would have on Kyūshū captured in Opera- If the American had invaded have been the first airborne thing. Why it didn’t happen faced a food crisis can possi- tion Olympic would allow land- then Russia would have proba- invasion ever. Even if it was Why it didn’t happen Basically the UK poisoned bly surrendered even early than based air support for Operation bly launched their own invasion made with poorly made hot air It was signed and approved in themselves in the process. The May 1945. Coronet. If Downfall had taken on Japan from the north. Japan balloons. the US Congress by one vote, cakes themselves were tested place, it would have been the would have been taken over by Presuming that didn’t kill thus ensuring Panama the canal on Gruinard Island, just off the 3. Operation Downfall largest amphibious operation in the US, Russia, and China. everyone, there was still the coast of Scotland. Because of After the surrender, the Soviet in 1999 and it was unnecessary Operation Downfall was the history. rest of England to conquer. the widespread contamination Union wanted to occupy part of for them to destroy the most val- proposed Allied plan for the in- Japan’s geography made this Leading scholars believe that from the anthrax spores, the Japan, as it had in Germany. But uable trade route in the world. vasion of Japan near the end of invasion plan quite obvious to 2,000 ships filled with soldiers land remained quarantined until they were denied this by Doug- If it had taken place World War II. the Japanese as well; they were would have been launched, 1990. las MacArthur. On average a few million The operation had two parts: able to accurately predict the Al- wiping out any British ships in Some of the military leaders If, however, there had been an tonnes of shipping per year pass- Operation Olympic (the in- lied invasion plans and thus ad- their path to London. still wanted to give the plan a invasion and Russia had taken es through the canal, serving vasion of the southern island, just their defensive plan, Oper- Considering that there were shot, but it wasn’t worth making part, it would have been hard to every continent and tolls from Kyūshū,) and Operation Coro- ation Ketsugō, accordingly. The not that many British soldiers at more of the UK uninhabitable say no to them. This could have the canal circulate back into the net (the invasion of the main is- Japanese planned an all-out de- home due to overseas fighting, with more testing. led to many problems in the dec- economy. land, Honshu). fence of Kyūshū, with little left they would have been outnum- The five million cakes made ades ahead. If the canal was blown up Set to begin in November in reserve for any subsequent bered. Even with a lot of troops to be disseminated in Germany We could have easily ended cargo trade would have been 1945, Operation Olympic was defence operations. being recalled. were eventually destroyed in an up with a West Japan and East brought to its knees. It could intended to capture the southern Why it didn’t happen So Napoleon could have tak- incinerator shortly after the end Japan, as happened in Germa- have led to a recession and result third of the southernmost main Estimates of US troop los- en London and, if defeated, of World War II. ny. in Carter losing more do Ronald Japanese island, Kyūshū, with es ranged from 250,000 to four could have turned his attention If it had taken place Reagan in the 1980 election, and the recently captured island of million. 500,000 Purple Heart to other British territory. Seeing what it did to Scot- the strong possibility of the US Okinawa to be used as a staging medals were actually made in 2. Vietnam POW Rescue Either way, modern day maps land unintentionally, large parts invading Panama in retaliation. area. preparation for the operation, a In the early 1980s the Amer- of Europe would have probably of Germany could have seen all 4. Operation Vegetarian Later, in the spring of 1946, number so large that they have ican government got wind that not looked the same. massive food shortages with all In 1942 Britain decided that Operation Coronet was the supplied every war that America US POWs from the Vietnam the cows suddenly dying from War were still being held by 10 11 Top Ten

Laos and the Socialist Republic volving the rescue of American The Uprising was fought for of Vietnam. POWs from Vietnam. 63 days with little outside sup- An elite US Army unit, Delta However, both times the mis- port. It was the single largest Force, was charged with plan- sions were scrubbed, according military effort taken by any Eu- ning a rescue mission and get- to Haney, when Gritz suddenly ropean resistance movement ting the soldiers out and finally appeared in the spotlight, draw- during World War II. bringing them home. ing too much attention to the is- The uprising had infuriated Why it didn’t happen sue and making the missions too Hitler and his henchmen, who The strike was set up twice, difficult to accomplish. decided to make an example of and cancelled at the last minute If it had taken place the city, which they had long twice. All because a former Vi- Delta Force, like the US Navy since selected for major recon- etnam vet hired American and SEALs, has a pretty impressive struction as part of their planned Laotian mercenaries to go into success rate. Germanization of Central Eu- Laos and get the missing sol- If Gritz hadn’t been there, rope. diers themselves. This Vietnam many American POWs would Their plan was simple - raze vet didn’t help much with his se- probably have been rescued and Warsaw to the ground. cret missions. brought home safe and sound. Why it didn’t happen The vet in question was James The decision tied up consider- Gordon “Bo” Gritz, a former 1. The Warsaw Question able resources which could have United States Army Special During World War II the Pol- been used at the Eastern Front Forces officer who served for 22 ish capital of Warsaw had been and at the newly-opened West- Bush War Books has probably one of the finest years, including in the Vietnam under German occupation since ern Front following the Nor- War. Gritz ran for United States 27 September 1939. mandy landings. collections of military titles available. Especially president under the Populist In the summer of 1944 the Pol- By the time the German had on the South African Border War. Party in 1992 under the slogan: ish underground resistance, led quelled the uprising and de- “God, Guns and Gritz”. by the Armia Krajowa (Home stroyed about 80% of the city, His missions to free the POWs Army), decided to liberate War- they were forced to retreat be- were heavily publicized, contro- saw from German occupation. cause the Russians had begun Click here to visit their website. versial and widely decried as The uprising was timed to coin- marching on Berlin. haphazard, for instance, as some cide with the retreat of the Ger- If it had taken place commentators stated, few suc- man forces from Poland ahead Poland would have been left cessful secret missions involve of the Soviet advance. without a capital at the end of bringing to the border towns While approaching the east- the war. women openly selling commem- ern suburbs of the city, the Red Either they would have been orative POW-rescue T-shirts. Army, under orders from Stalin, left with a brand new city, filled In the book Inside Delta temporarily halted combat op- with Nazi icons, or they would Force, CSM Eric L. Haney, a erations, enabling the Germans have had to use Kraków, the former Delta Force operator, to regroup and defeat the Polish original capital of Poland, until claims that the unit was twice resistance. Warsaw could be rebuilt. told to prepare for a mission in-

“War does not determine who is right - only who is left”

12 00 zialkrafte (KSK) was formed a Federal Border Guards unit rescue and recovery of downed Special Forces - Germany in 1995 primarily to protect or it is restricted by law from op- pilots, military crisis deterrence rescue German nationals at risk erating overseas on military operations, and the defence of Part Six of a series that takes a look at Special Forces units around the world. This month in overseas conflicts. missions. This legal restriction German or NATO territory. we look at Germany. Over the years the unit has also applies to other elite Ger- KSK has the means of attack ne of the original Ger- familiar with the way of life in the formation of a headquarters expanded and now comprises man police units, including the high-value targets, including man special forces units the area of operations where company and two line compa- more than 1,000 fully trained SEKs (SWAT-type units). enemy airfields, HQs and lines Owere the Brandenburg- they were deployed. nies. An intensive training pro- operators. KSK was initially formed of communications, but its ers, formed and operated as an A less well-known World War gramme was instituted. The impetus for forming the from soldiers of the Army’s two main operational priority is that extension of the military’s intel- II German special forces unit In September 1943, sixteen KSK dates back to 1994, when Long Range Scout Companies, of protecting German citizens ligence organ, the Abwehr, dur- were the SS-Jäger-Bataillon members of this unit took part Germany found that it had no which were part of the three in war or conflict zones and ing World War II. 502 (502nd SS Light Infantry in the Gran Sasso raid, which suitably trained force to rescue West German air-borne bri- hostage rescue. Members of this unit took Battalion). resulted in the rescue of de- 11 of its nationals who were gades’ commando companies The KSK has more than part in seizing operationally im- The unit was formed in June posed Italian dictator Benito trapped during the Rwandan dating from the Cold War. enough trained operators to un- portant targets by way of sabo- 1943 by Otto Skorzeny after an Mussolini. civil war. Fortunately for the The unit now comprises an dertake low-level operations. tage and infiltration. unsuccessful attempt to train They were later placed on Germans, help was at hand in HQ, four commando compa- This they aptly demonstrated Being foreign German na- members of an SS penal facil- standby for several operations the shape of Belgian and French nies, a long-range reconnais- in 1999, when a detachment tionals who were convinced ity. that never took place, includ- paratroopers, who rescued the sance company, a communica- from KSK deployed to Kosovo Nazi volunteers, constituent Skorzeny obtained permis- ing a proposed kidnapping of 11 hostages. tions company, and a logistics as a close-protection detail for members had lived abroad sion to recruit volunteers from Philippe Pétain. However, the German gov- company. Each fighting com- high-ranking German officials. and were profi- the Wehrmacht, and 100 ernment was highly embar- pany has four platoons, one of In 2001 a small force was de- cient in foreign SS personnel, 50 Luft- Kommando Spezialkrafte rassed by this incident and ap- which specialises in hostage ployed to Afghanistan follow- languages as waffe and 150 Army Based at Calw in Baden-Würt- pointed a senior Army brigadier rescue, both within Germany ing the abduction of German well as being personnel were ad- temberg in south-west Ger- to oversee the formation and and overseas. nationals by the Taliban. How- mitted, allowing many, the Kommando Spe- development of a new special In addition, platoons also ever, they were released un- forces unit, with an operational specialise in different areas, harmed after intense diplomatic capacity similar to that of Brit- including airborne operations, pressure was brought to bear on ain’s SAS or the United States’ amphibious operations, ground the Taliban leaders. Delta Force. infiltration, and arctic or moun- The KSK is also known to The brigadier recognised that tainous warfare. have provided protection for this force would have to be ca- As with many other special German government officials pable of rapid deployment an- forces units, the KSK operates taking part in G8 summits, ywhere in the world at a mo- on the tried-and-tested prin- where the VIPs attending are ment’s notice. It would also ciple of four-man teams, with possible terrorist targets. have to be capable of operating the long-range reconnaissance The KSK is currently organ- in any terrain He also knew that company capable of operating ised as follows: it would be difficult to form independently of each other. • HQ and Signal Company such a unit from scratch and, Should an emergency develop – HQ Platoon, three Sig- where possible, he used exist- overseas involving German na- nal Platoons, Long Range ing soldiers who were both ex- tionals or interests, KSK would Recon Signal Platoon (all perienced and mature. deploy and operate under the operators being trained in Even though KSK is trained control of the German Crisis SATCOM, HF, and LOS for hostage rescue missions, Section and would be respon- communications). it is still a military unit and is sible for conducting missions • Commando/Long-Range used in military operations. It is such as deep penetration raids, Recon Company – HQ el- not, like GSG-9, another coun- strategic reconnaissance, hos- ement, Long Range Recon ter terrorist force. GSG-9 is an tage rescue, counter terrorist Commando Platoon, Long excellent unit, but because it is operations, peacekeeping, the Range Recon Platoon. 14 15 Each Commando Company • Operations Support Team KSK Weapons consists of an HQ Platoon and Air (Einsatzgruppe Luft) four Commando Platoons, each • Diver Depot specialising in different opera- • Vehicle Repair Squad tional areas – land infiltration, • Analysis & Development air infiltration (HALO capa- Group Heckler & Koch ble), amphibious operations, • Special Operation Medical G36 mountainous and arctic climate Support Team (SOMST) The emblem of GSG-9 operations. • Commando Frogmen Com- Each platoon consists of four pany operational strength of almost force, and although its future teams of four men. One man • Commando Frogmen Teams 250 operators, but this figure path is uncertain, it has many acts as team leader, and each of (Kampfschwimmereinsatz- has now been reduced to about friends around the world who Heckler & Koch the four men specialise in one of teams, KSET) 200 regular personnel because greatly respect and admire their MP5 SD3 the following areas: communi- • Operations Support Team Germany now has the addition- capabilities. cations, medical, explosives, or Sea (Einsatzgruppe See) al resources of the KSK and lo- operations and intelligence. One • Tactics and Training Group cal police SEKs (SWAT teams). Mogadishu of the four platoons is trained in (Gruppe Grundlagen, Ver- The formation of these new While GSG-9 is restricted by conducting rescue and counter fahren, Taktik und Ausbil- units has put the future of GSG- law from operating overseas, it terrorist operations, with some dung, GVTA). 9 in doubt, for some Germans has broken this law from time Heckler & Koch operators trained in high-speed take the view that GSG-9 is to time. One of these occasions G8 assault rifle defensive and offensive driv- GSG-9 now redundant, arguing that the was the spectacular rescue mis- ing. In addition, the Support Grenzschutzgruppe 9 der KSK can handle hostage rescue sion in Mogadishu, Somalia in Company includes a Logistics Bundespolizei (Border Protec- and counter terrorist operations 1977 Platoon, Parachute Equipment tion Group 9 of the Federal Po- both in Germany and overseas At 11:00 on Thursday 13 Oc- Heckler & Koch Platoon, Maintenance and Re- lice) are better known as GSG- – and it has a legal mandate to tober 1977, Lufthansa flight 512 12 gauge pair Platoon, Medical Platoon 9. It was formed as a response do so. LH 181, a Boeing 737 named and Training Platoon. to the terrorist incident at the This presents GSG-9 with a Landshut, took off from Palma Munich Olympics in 1972. problem, as it is legally forbid- de Mallorca en route to Frank- Naval Special Forces Arab ‘Black September’ terror- den from deploying overseas furt with 86 passengers and five The Kommando Spezialkräfte ists broke into the Olympic vil- on counter terrorist operations. crew, piloted by Jürgen Schu- Members of the unit are all Heckler & Koch Marine (KSM) was founded lage, taking a number of Israe- mann, with co-pilot Jürgen Vi- in 2014 and built around the li athletes hostage and killing volunteers, either from the army G22 etor at the controls. Commando Frogmen Company others. A police rescue attempt or border police, and under six About 30 minutes later, as it (Kampfschwimmerkompanie), went horribly wrong and left months of arduous training be- passed over Marseilles, the air- the oldest German special forc- nine hostages, four terrorists fore being declared operation- craft was hijacked by four mili- es unit. The KSM is based in and a policeman dead. al. In addition to the physical tants calling themselves “Com- Eckernförde and is part of the The loss of so many lives training, operators are expected mando Martyr Halima” – in Heckler & Koch 1st Flotilla (Einsatzflottille 1) in was put down to the fact that to have a good knowledge of honour of fellow militant Bri- P8 9mm pistol Kiel. the German police were not both police and legal matters, gitte Kuhlmann, who had been It consists of the following el- prepared for dealing with hos- and great emphasis is place on killed in Operation Entebbe the ements. tage rescue situations, and this further academic studies. The previous year. • S1 - Personnel prompted the creation of a ded- failure rate among candidates is Their leader was a Pales- Heckler & Koch • S2 - Intelligence icated counter terrorist force. very high – only 20% of each tinian named Zohair Youssif P11 underwater pistol • S3 - Operations Formed on 17 April 1973, intake is accepted. Akache (23, male), who adopt- • S4 - Logistics GSG-9 is a paramilitary arm of These demanding standards ed the alias “Captain Martyr • S5 - Communications the German police force. have made GSG-9 an outstand- Mahmud”. The other three were Furthermore there is the: At its peak, GSG-9 had an ing modern counter terrorist Suhaila Sayeh (22, female), a

16 17 Palestinian, and two Lebanese by the hijackers. the forward door, and two oth- people, Wabil Harb (23, male) After four hours to unload er groups, led by Sergeant-Ma- Quiz and Hind Alameh (22, female). all of their equipment and to jor Dieter Fox and Sergeant Akache (“Mahmud”) burst into undertake the necessary recon- Joachim Huemmer stormed the the cockpit with a loaded pistol naissance, Wegener and Blatte aircraft by using the ladders to World War II Insignia in his hand and ordered Vietor finalized the assault plan, sched- climb up onto the wings and ere are 15 insignia, all from World War II. You tell us what they are, and from which country they’re from. We’ll give you a clue and tell you that seven different countries are repre- to join the passengers, leaving uled to start at 02h00 local time. opened both emergency doors at sented here. You’ll find the answers to the quiz on page 98. Schumann to take over the flight They decided to approach from the same time. H controls. the rear of the aircraft in its Shouting in German for the Mahmud ordered Schumann blind spot in six teams using passengers and crew to get down 1 2 3 to fly to Larnaca in Cyprus but black-painted aluminium lad- to the floor, the commandos shot was told that they had insuffi- ders to gain access to the air- and killed two of the terrorists cient fuel and would have to craft through the escape hatches (Wabil Harb and Hind Alameh), land in Rome first. under the fuselage and via the and wounded Zohair Akache The aircraft flew to Larnaca doors over the wings. and Suhaila Sayeh. Akache died in Cyprus, Bahrain, Dubai, and In the meantime a fictitious of his injuries hours later. Aden before landing in Moga- progress report on the journey One GSG 9 commando was dishu in Somalia. being taken by the released pris- wounded by return fire from the 4 5 6 While the West German oners was being fed to Mahmud terrorists. Three passengers and Chancellor Helmut Schmidt at- by the German representatives a flight attendant were slightly tempted to negotiate an agree- in the airport tower. Just after wounded in the crossfire. All 86 ment with Somali President Siad 02h00, Mahmud was told that hostages had been rescued in a Barre, special envoy Hans-Jür- the plane carrying the prisoners text-book operation. gen Wischnewski and GSG 9 had just departed from Cairo af- commander Ulrich Wegener ter refuelling and he was asked arrived at Mogadishu airport. to provide the conditions of 7 8 9 A rescue operation, codenamed the prisoner/hostage exchange Feuerzauber (German term for over the radio. “Fire Spell”) has been planned. Several minutes before In West Germany, a team of 30 the rescue, Somali soldiers GSG 9 commandos under their lit a fire 60 metres in front deputy commander Major Klaus of the jet, as a diversion- Blatte had assembled at Hange- ary tactic, prompting Ak- lar airfield near Bonn awaiting ache and two of the other 11 12 instructions. The commandos three hijackers to rush to took off from Cologne-Bonn the cockpit to observe what Airport on a Boeing 707 on was going on, and isolating 10 Monday morning (17 October) them from the hostages in planning to fly to Djibouti, with- the cabin. in a short flying time of Somalia, At 02h07 local time, while Schmidt negotiated with the GSG 9 comman- 13 14 15 the Somalis. dos silently climbed When they were flying over up the blackened alu- Ethiopia, agreement was reached minium ladders and and permission was given to opened the emer- land at Mogadishu. The aircraft gency doors, Wege- landed at 20h00 local time with ner, at the head of all lights out to avoid detection one group, opened 18 19 and three months old when of respect for the lives lost medal bearing her name. they won the medal. during the Great War. • The Victoria Cross was For valour • The oldest VC recipient was • At the relief of Lucknow in awarded 628 times during Lieutenant W. Raynor of India the highest number of World War I. To win a Victoria Cross is no mean feat. So what does it take to win it more than once? And the Bengal Veteran Estab- Victoria Crosses’ given dur- • During World War II the just how many people have managed to do it? lishment during the Indian ing one day of action was on Victoria Cross was awarded Mutiny in 1857. He was 69 the 16th November 1857. A 182 times. he Victoria Cross, often is that it derives from Russian even if a man was hanged he years old. total of 24 were awarded. • During World War I four simply known as the VC, cannon captured at the Siege of should wear his VC on the • Originally the Crosses were • At the first investiture on South Africans were award- is the highest and most Sevastopol. However, research scaffold. T issued with crimson ribbons 26 June 1857, 62 Victo- ed the Victoria Cross. They prestigious award of the British has suggested another origin • A Royal Warrant in 1920 for soldiers and dark blue were Private W. F. Faulds honours system. It is awarded for the material. made it possible to award for the navy. (1st Bn. S.A. Infantry), for gallantry “in the presence of Historian John Glanfield has VCs to women but this has Captain W. A. Bloomfield the enemy” to members of the established that the metal for never happened. (Scout Corps and 2nd S.A. British Armed Forces. It may most of the medals made since • At any investiture the VCs Mounted Brigade), Ser- be awarded posthumously. December 1914 came from two are presented first, tak- geant F. C. Booth (BSAP It was previously awarded Chinese cannon, and that there ing precedence even over attached Rhodesia Na- to Commonwealth countries, is no evidence of Russian ori- knighthoods. tive Regiment), and most of which have established gin. • Holders of the VC receive Lance-Corporal W. their own honours systems and an annuity of £1,495 a year, H. Hewitt (2nd no longer recommend British VC Facts which is free of tax. honours. It may be awarded to Here is some interesting triv- • The first man to win the a person of any military rank in ia about the Victoria Cross. award was Mate (later This any service and to civilians un- • The cross is inscribed ‘For Rear-Admiral) C. D. Lucas, was der military command although Valour’. Queen Victoria had Royal Navy, in the Baltic changed no civilian has received the this changed from the sug- on 21 June 1854. An unex- in 1918, award since 1879. gested ‘For The Brave’ as ploded Russian shell lay on when the Since the first awards were she considered all soldiers the deck of his ship during Royal Air presented by Queen Victoria in brave. an engagement. He threw it Force was formed 1857, two-thirds of all awards • The jeweller Hancocks of overboard seconds before it and one ribbon was have been personally presented London has made all the exploded. used for all services. by the British monarch. These VCs awarded. • In earlier years no provision • Though created in 1856 investitures are usually held at • More than an eighth of all was made for posthumous the Victoria Cross award Buckingham Palace. VCs awarded, a total of 176, awards. A memorandum was backdated to allow rec- The VC was introduced on 29 are now owned by Lord would appear in the Lon- ognition for two previous January 1856 by Queen Victoria Ashcroft and can be seen in don Gazette stating that the years of action in the Crime- to honour acts of valour during the Imperial War Museum person ‘would have been an War. the Crimean War. Since then, together with their own col- recommended for the Victo- • The Battle of Rorke’s Drift the medal has been awarded lection of 46 Victoria Cross- ria Cross had he survived.’ in Natal in 1879 saw 11 Vic- 1,358 times to 1,355 individual es. Approximately 291 post- toria Crosses’ being award- recipients. • Between 1861 and 1908, humous awards have been ed for what was classified as Only 15 medals, of which 11 eight men had their VCs tak- made since the regulations a single action. were to members of the British en away after being convict- of August 8th, 1902 sanc- • In 1921 America’s Un- Army and four were to mem- ed of crimes. Those crimes tioned posthumous awards known Soldier from World bers of the Australian Army, included theft of a col- retrospectively to the Zulu War I was awarded the Vic- have been awarded since the league’s medals, stealing a War in 1879. toria Cross. To reciprocate ria Crosses were awarded. Bn. S.A. Infantry). Second World War. cow, desertion and bigamy. • The youngest people to be Britain’s Unknown Soldier Queen Victoria insisted on • During World War II three The traditional explanation • George V was strongly awarded the VC are Andrew was awarded the Ameri- presenting the medals her- South Africans were award- of the source of the metal from against forfeiture of a Vic- Fitzgibbon and Thomas can Medal of Honour. Both self. She had taken a keen ed the Victoria Cross. They which the medals are struck toria Cross and said that Flynn. Both were 15 years awards were made as a mark interest throughout the pro- were Sergeant Q. G. M. cedure of creating the new Smythe (1st Royal Natal 20 21 Carbineers), Lieutenant G. to the 5th Field Ambulance dur- He was awarded his second Cross, Hertfordshire. Chavasse’s second award to be awarded both a Victoria R. Norton, MM (Kaffrarian ing the Second Boer War on 8 VC, aged 40, during the peri- was made during the period 31 Cross and Bar in the First World Rifles - attached to Hamp- February 1902, at Vlakfontein, od 29 October to 8 November Noel Chavasse VC & Bar, MC July to 2 August 1917, at Wielt- War. shire Regiment), and Cap- when he was awarded his first 1914 near Zonnebeke, Bel- Noel Godfrey Chavasse was je, Belgium; the full citation tain E. Swales, DFC (South VC. gium, whilst serving with the a British medical doctor, Olym- was published on 14 September African Air Force - attached His citation read: Royal Army Medical Corps, pic athlete, and British Army 1917 and read: to R.A.F.). Captain Swales During the action at Vlakfon- British Army. officer. War Office, September, 1917. was awarded a posthumous tein, on the 8th February, 1902, His award citation reads: Chavasse was first award- His Majesty the KING has VC. Surgeon-Captain Martin-Leake Lieutenant Arthur Martin ed the VC for his actions on 9 been graciously pleased to ap- went up to a wounded man, and Leake, Royal Army Medical August 1916, at Guillemont, prove of the award of a Bar to VC and bar attended to him under a heavy Corps, who was awarded the France when he attended to the the Victoria Cross to Capt. Noel Only three men have been fire from about 40 Boers at 100 Victoria Cross on 13th May, wounded all day under heavy Godfrey Chavasse, V.C., M.C., awarded the VC twice in the yards range. He then went to the 1902, is granted a Clasp for fire. The full citation was pub- late R.A.M.C., attd. L’pool R. history of the medal. assistance of a wounded Officer, conspicuous bravery in the lished on 24 October 1916 and For most conspicuous brav- They were Lieutenant Colo- and, whilst trying to place him present campaign. read: ery and devotion to duty when nel Arthur Martin-Leake, Cap- in a comfortable position, was For most conspicuous brav- Captain Noel Godfrey Cha- in action. tain Noel Chavasse and Captain shot three times, but would not ery and devotion to duty vasse, M.C., M.B., Royal Army Though severely wounded Charles Upham. give in till he rolled over thor- throughout the campaign, es- Medical Corps. early in the action whilst car- oughly exhausted. All the eight pecially during the period 29th For most conspicuous brav- rying a wounded soldier to the men at this point were wound- October to 8th November, 1914, ery and devotion to duty. Dressing Station, Capt. Cha- Charles Upham VC & Bar ed, and while they were lying near Zonnebeke, in rescuing, During an attack he tended vasse refused to leave his post, Charles Hazlitt Upham was a on the Veldt, Surgeon-Captain whilst exposed to constant fire, the wounded in the open all and for two days not only con- New Zealand soldier who was Martin-Leake refused water till a large number of the wounded day, under heavy fire, frequent- tinued to perform his duties, but awarded the Victoria Cross every one else had been served. who were lying close to the en- ly in view of the enemy. During in addition went out repeatedly twice during World War II. He received the decoration emy’s trenches. the ensuing night he searched under heavy fire to search for In March 1941, Upham’s bat- from King Edward VII at St His Victoria Cross is dis- for wounded on the ground in and attend to the wounded who talion left for Greece and then James’s Palace on 2 June 1902. played at the Army Medical front of the enemy’s lines for were lying out. withdrew to Crete, and it was Martin-Leake qualified as a Services Museum, Aldershot, four hours. During these searches, al- here that he was wounded in Fellow of the Royal College of England. Next day he took one stretch- though practically without the action, from 22 to 30 May Surgeons in 1903 after study- He was promoted captain in er-bearer to the advanced food during this period, worn 1941, that gained him his first ing while convalescing from March 1915, major in Novem- trenches, and under heavy shell with fatigue and faint with his VC. When informed of the wounds. He then took up an ber the same year, and in April fire carried an urgent case for wound, he assisted to carry in a award, his first response was appointment in India as Chief 1917 took command of 46th 500 yards into safety, being number of badly wounded men, “It’s meant for the men.” Medical Officer with the Ben- Field Ambulance at the rank of wounded in the side by a shell over heavy and difficult ground. His citation read: gal-Nagpur Railway. lieutenant colonel. splinter during the journey. The By his extraordinary energy War Office, 14th October, Arthur Martin-Leake VC & In 1912, he volunteered to He died, aged 79, at High same night he took up a party and inspiring example, he was 1941. Bar, VD serve with the British Red of twenty volunteers, rescued instrumental in rescuing many The KING has been gracious- Arthur Martin-Leake first Cross during the Balkan Wars, three wounded men from a shell wounded who would have oth- ly pleased to approve of awards served in the Second Boer War attached to the Montenegran hole twenty-five yards from the erwise undoubtedly succumbed of the Victoria Cross to the un- as a trooper in the Imperial Yeo- army, and was present during enemy’s trench, buried the bod- under the bad weather condi- dermentioned: manry. After his year of service the Siege of Scutari (1912–13) ies of two officers, and collected tions. Second Lieutenant Charles was completed, he stayed on in and at Tarabosh Mountain. He many identity discs, although This devoted and gallant of- Hazlitt Upham (8077), New South Africa as a civil surgeon. was awarded the Order of the fired on by bombs and machine ficer subsequently died of his Zealand Military Forces. He then joined the South Afri- Montenegran Red Cross. guns. wounds. During the operations in can Constabulary until he was On the outbreak of the First Altogether he saved the lives Chavasse died of his wounds Crete this officer performed a forced to return home due to his World War, Martin-Leake re- of some twenty badly wounded in Brandhoek and is buried at series of remarkable exploits, wounds. turned to service as a lieutenant men, besides the ordinary cases Brandhoek New Military Cem- showing outstanding leader- He was 27 years old and a with the 5th Field Ambulance, which passed through his hands. etery, Vlamertinge. He was 32 ship, tactical skill and utter in- surgeon captain in the South Royal Army Medical Corps, on His courage and self-sacrifice, years old. difference to danger. African Constabulary attached the Western Front. were beyond praise. Chavasse was the only man He commanded a forward 22 23 platoon in the attack on Maleme slopes and was continuous- a Bren Gun and two riflemen. German soldiers with hand gre- lent enemy counter-attack and on 22nd May and fought his way ly under fire. Second Lieuten- By clever tactics he induced the nades, Captain Upham insisted consolidated the vital position forward for over 3,000 yards ant Upham was blown over by enemy party to expose itself and on remaining with his men to which they had won under his unsupported by any other arms one mortar shell, and painfully then at a range of 500 yards take part in the final assault. inspiring leadership. and against a defence strongly wounded by a piece of shrap- shot 22 and caused the remain- During the opening stages of Exhausted by pain from his organised in depth. During this nel behind the left shoulder, by der to disperse in panic. the attack on the ridge Captain wound and weak from loss of operation his platoon destroyed another. He disregarded this During the whole of the op- Upham’s Company formed part blood Captain Upham was then numerous enemy posts but on wound and remained on duty. erations he suffered from dys- of the reserve battalion, but, removed to the Regimental Aid three occasions sections were He also received a bullet in the entery and was able to eat when communications with the Post but immediately his wound temporarily held up. foot which he later removed in very little, in addition to being forward troops broke down and had been dressed he returned to In the first case, under a heavy Egypt. wounded and bruised. he was instructed to send up an his men, remaining with them fire from a machine gun nest he At Galatas on 25th May his He showed superb coolness, officer to report on the progress all day long under heavy enemy advanced to close quarters with platoon was heavily engaged great skill and dash and com- of the attack, he went out himself artillery and mortar fire, until Harold Ackroyd VC, MC pistol and grenades, so demor- and came under severe mortar plete disregard of danger. His armed with a Spandau gun and, he was again severely wound- alizing the occupants that his and machine-gun fire. While conduct and leadership in- after several sharp encounters ed and being now unable to porary Lieutenant in the Roy- section was able to “mop up” his platoon stopped under cov- spired his whole platoon to with enemy machine gun posts, move fell into the hands of the al Army Medical Corps on 15 with ease. er of a ridge Second-Lieuten- fight magnificently throughout, succeeded in bringing back the enemy when, his gallant Com- February 1915. Another of his sections was ant Upham went forward, ob- and in fact was an inspiration required information. pany having been reduced to During fierce fighting for the then held up by two machine served the enemy and brought to the Battalion. Just before dawn the reserve only six survivors, his position possession of Delville Wood on guns in a house. He went in the platoon forward when the Upham was evacuated to battalion was ordered forward, was finally overrun by superi- 19 July 1916 Harold Ackroyd and placed a grenade through Germans advanced. They killed Egypt, now promoted to cap- but, when it had almost reached or enemy forces, in spite of the acted with such bravery that a window, destroying the crew over 40 with fire and grenades tain. He received a Bar to his its objective, very heavy fire was outstanding gallantry and mag- he was recommended eleven of one machine gun and several and forced the remainder to fall VC for his actions on 14–15 encountered from a strongly de- nificent leadership shown by times for the award of the Vic- others, the other machine gun back. July 1942, during the First Bat- fended enemy locality, consist- Captain Upham. toria Cross. He was eventually being silenced by the fire of his When his platoon was ordered tle of El Alamein. ing of four machine gun posts The Victoria Cross was con- awarded the Military Cross for sections. to retire he sent it back under the The citation read: and a number of tanks. ferred on Captain Upham for this action. In the third case he crawled platoon Sergeant and he went War Office, 26th September, Captain Upham, without hes- conspicuous bravery during During the third Battle of to within 15 yards of an M.G. back to warn other troops that 1945. itation, at once led his Compa- the operations in Crete in May, Ypres that became known as post and killed the gunners with they were being cut off. When The KING has been gracious- ny in a determined attack on 1941, and the award was an- the Battle of Passchendaele. a grenade. he came out himself he was fired ly pleased to approve the award the two nearest strongpoints on nounced in the London Gazette Throughout the fierce fighing When his Company withdrew on by two Germans. He fell and of a Bar to the VICTORIA the left flank of the sector. His dated 14th October, 1941. of 31 July and 1 August, there from Maleme he helped to car- shammed dead, then crawled CROSS to: voice could be heard above the He died in Canterbury on 22 were 23 separate recommenda- ry a wounded man out under into a position and having the Captain Charles Hazlitt UP- din of battle cheering on his November 1994, aged 86. tions of Ackroyd’s name for the fire, and together with another use of only one arm rested his HAM, V.C. (8077), New Zea- men and, in spite of the fierce Victoria Cross. officer rallied more men togeth- rifle in the fork of a tree and as land Military Forces. resistance of the enemy and the Worthy contender He came through the battle er to carry other wounded men the Germans came forward he Captain C. H. Upham, V.C., heavy casualties on both sides, A man many considered to unscathed but died eleven days out. killed them both. The second to was commanding a Company the objective was captured. be unlucky not to be awarded later on 11 August in Jargon He was then sent to bring in fall actually hit the muzzle of of New Zealand troops in the Captain Upham, during the a bar to his Victoria Cross was Trench on the western edge of a company which had become the rifle as he fell. Western Desert during the op- engagement, himself destroyed the unassuming, bespectacled Glencorse Wood, shot in the isolated. With a Corporal he On 30th May at Sphakia his erations which culminated in a German tank and several World War I medical officer head by a sniper. He was 40 went through enemy territo- platoon was ordered to deal the attack on El Ruweisat Ridge guns and vehicles with gre- Harold Ackroyd VC, MC. years old. ry over 600 yards, killing two with a party of the enemy which on the night of 14th–15th July, nades and although he was shot He was nominated for the VC Harold’s Victoria Cross was Germans on the way, found the had advanced down a ravine 1942. through the elbow by a machine not once, not twice, but on a re- gazetted on 6 September 1917. company, and brought it back to near Force Headquarters. In spite of being twice wound- gun bullet and had his arm markable 34 separate occasions A medal investiture was held to the Battalion’s new position. Though in an exhausted condi- ed, once when crossing open broken, he went on again to a during World War I. outside Buckingham Palace on But for this action it would have tion he climbed the steep hill to ground swept by enemy fire to forward position and brought Despite being deeply in- 26 September 1917. His widow been completely cut off. the west of the ravine, placed inspect his forward sections back some of his men who had volved in scientific research at Mabel and their five-year-old During the following two his men in positions on the guarding our mine-fields and become isolated. He continued Cambridge, he decided to join son Stephen received both the days his platoon occupied an slope overlooking the ravine again when he completely de- to dominate the situation until the army in early 1915. Victoria Cross and the Military exposed position on forward and himself went to the top with stroyed an entire truck load of his men had beaten off a vio- He was commissioned Tem- Cross from King George V. 24 25 the machine gun on wheels. ever built. It was not intended However, as no Russian plant The Russians came up with for running over ploughed fields was considered capable of pro- Technical tactics the tachanka, a horse-drawn ma- or charging but designed to pro- ducing the vehicle, manufacture chine gun, usually a cart (such vide a cover or support infan- was subcontracted to the French Dubbed the vehicular equivalent of the AK-47, the ‘technical’ has become ubiquitous to as charabanc) or an open wagon try and cavalry wherever good company Charron, Girardot et insurgent warfare. with a heavy machine gun in- roads were available. Voigt. stalled in the back. A tachanka It mounted a standard mark IV uring the second half launcher, or recoilless rifle. lords, the prestige of technicals could be pulled by two to four Maxim machine gun above the History of the 20th century, the The term technical describ- is strong. A warlord’s power is horses and required a crew of front wheels of a quadricycle. During World War II, vari- Avtomat Kalashnikova ing such a vehicle is believed measured by how many of these D two or three (one driver and a The Maxim gun took, with its ous British and Commonwealth - better known as the AK-47 - to have originated in Somalia in vehicles he has. machine gun crew). readily accessed 1,000 rounds of units, including the Long Range became a symbol of third-world the early 1990s. A regular civilian horse cart ammunition, the place of a sec- Desert Group (LRDG), the No. revolution. Barred from bringing in pri- Background could be easily converted to ond rider. The driver operated 1 Demolition Squadron or ‘PPA’ From the 1980s a new symbol vate security, non-governmental One of the weapons that military use and back. This the machine gun. Simms put an (Popski’s Private Army), and the began to emerge. A vehicle that organizations hired local gun- changed the face of warfare was made the tachanka very popu- iron shield in front of the car for Special Air Service (SAS) were was soon dubbed the vehicular men to protect their personnel, the machine gun. lar during the Great War on the the driver’s protection. noted for their exploits in the de- equivalent of the AK-47. using money defined as “techni- The first practical self-pow- Eastern Front, where it was used It soon became standard prac- serts of Egypt, Libya and Chad In professional military par- cal assistance grants”; eventual- ered machine gun was invented by the Russian cavalry. The use tice to mount machine guns on using unarmoured motor vehi- lance this vehicle is known as ly the term broadened to include in 1884 by Sir Hiram Maxim. of tachankas reached its peak automobiles. This led to the de- cles, often fitted with machine a non-standard tactical vehicle any vehicle carrying armed men. The Maxim machine gun used during the Russian Civil War sign of the armoured car. guns. (NSTV). In conflict-torn regions However, an alternative ac- the recoil power of the previous- (1917–1920s), particularly in The first fully armoured car Examples of LRDG vehicles around the world it is simply count is given by American jour- ly fired bullet to reload rather the peasant regions of South- was designed by the Georgian include the Chevrolet WB 30 known as the ‘technical’. nalist Michael Maren, who says than being hand-powered, ena- ern Russia and Ukraine, where engineer Mikheil Nakashidze. cwt Patrol Truck and the Willys Basically, a technical is a light the term began in Somalia in the bling a much higher rate of fire the fronts were fluid and mobile His design for a machine gun MB Jeep. improvised fighting vehicle, typ- 80s, after engineers from Rus- than was possible using earlier warfare gained much signifi- armed vehicle with 4-8mm of The SAS’ use of heavily armed ically an open-backed civilian sian arms manufacturer Tekniko designs. cance. With up to four horses armour, combat weight of 3,000 Land Rovers continued post war pickup truck (known in South began mounting weapons on ve- During World War I the ma- abreast pulling a tachanka, it kg, and a road speed of 50 km/ with their use of Series 1 Land Africa as a bakkie) or four-wheel hicles for the Somali National chine gun would prove just how could easily keep up with caval- hour was accepted by the Rus- drive vehicle mounting a heavy Movement. devastating a weapon it could ry units and support them with sian War Ministry for service weapon. Technicals have also been re- be. It did, however, suffer from mobile firepower. with the Russian Army. These weapons can include a ferred to as battlewagons, gun- one major drawback. Designed and built by British machine gun, anti-aircraft gun, wagons, or gunships. Early machine guns were inventor F. R. Simms in 1898, the rotary cannon, anti-tank weap- Among irregular armies, of- heavy and this meant that they Motor Scout was the first armed on, anti-tank gun, ATGM, mor- ten centred on the perceived were statics weapons. The solu- petrol engine powered vehicle tar, howitzer, multiple rocket strength and charisma of war- tion was fairly simple - mount

26 27 Rovers and later Series 11A fighting vehicles. 1968 Land Rovers in the Dho- The Toyota Hilux is popular far Rebellion. The SAS painted for a number of reasons. First their Land Rovers pink as it was of all they are readily available. found to provide excellent cam- They have a rigid steel frame ouflage in the desert and they construction, and the body is were nicknamed ‘Pink Panthers’ fitted on top of that. They also or Pinkies. The SAS also used a have a high ground-clearance, more modern Land Rover De- making them ideal for rough ter- sert Patrol Vehicle (DPV) during rain. the First Gulf War. Because everyone uses them, there are parts easily availa- Enter the technical ble, and mechanics everywhere During the 1950s the Sovi- know how to fix them. You will et, US and most Western Eu- STATUS SYMBOL: The Toyota Hilux is regarded by many as also find Hiluxes with nearly rope armies adopted the tracked the ‘King of the Technicals’. 500,000 kilometres on the clock, Armoured Personnel Carrier and they are still running. They (APC). These could carry troops vast distances. Top of the technicals are also incredibly tough. into battle while offering protec- Irregular armies, however, The technical has been used An experiment conducted by tion from small arms fire. are faced with the problem that extensively in civil wars and British TV show Top Gear in In 1958, however, the newly- they do not have access to IFVs conflicts in Somalia, Afghani- 2006 showed just how tough organized Bundeswehr adopted or even APCs. They needed a stan, Iraq, Sudan, Lebanon, Lib- they can be. the Schützenpanzer Lang HS.30 vehicle that was easy to obtain, ya, Syria, Yemen, and many oth- The show’s producers bought (also known simply as the SPz easy to maintain, and that could er countries. an 18-year-old Hilux diesel 12-3), which resembled a con- negotiate rough terrain. It also While just about any four- with 305,000 kilometres on ventional tracked APC but car- had to provide mobility and fire- wheel drive pickup truck can be the odometer for $1,500. They ried a turret-mounted 20 mm power. Enter the technical. converted into a technical, there then crashed it into a tree, sub- auto-cannon that enabled it to Technicals consist of weap- is one vehicle that rules the roost merged it in the ocean for five engage other armoured vehicles. ons mounted on a four-wheel - the Toyota Hilux. hours, dropped it from about The SPz 12-3 is widely consid- drive pickup truck. Many pick- So much so that the 1987 bor- three metres, tried to crush it ered the first purpose-built In- ups have been used as technicals der war between Chad and Lib- under an RV, drove it through fantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV). including Ford Ranger and Mit- ya was dubbed the “Great Toyo- a portable building, hit it with a IFVs often serve both as the subishi Triton, but the most fa- ta War”. wrecking ball, and set it on fire. principal weapons system and voured are the Toyota Hilux and In 1987, Chadian troops Finally they placed it on top of as the mode of transport for a Toyota Land Cruiser. They are equipped with technicals drove a 73 metre tower block that was mechanized infantry unit. typically fitted with heavy ma- the heavily mechanized Libyan then destroyed in a controlled Wheeled IFVs did not begin chine guns (especially the DShK army from the Aozou Strip. The demolition. When they dug it appearing until 1976, when the and M2 Browning), anti-aircraft vehicles were instrumental in out of the rubble, all it took to Ratel was introduced in response artillery (usually the ZPU or the victory at the Battle of Fada, get it running again was ham- to a South African Army spec- ZU-23-2), recoilless rifles (usu- and were driven over 150 km mers, wrenches, and Q-20. They ification for a wheeled combat ally the SPG-9 or M40 recoilless into Libya to raid military bases. didn’t even need spare parts. vehicle suited to the demands rifle), or multiple rocket launch- It was discovered that these light The technical is so popular that of rapid offensives combining ers (such as the Type 63 multi- vehicles could ride through an- US Special Forces even drive maximum firepower and strate- ple rocket launcher or the M-63 ti-tank minefields without deto- Toyota Tacomas (the chunkier, gic mobility. Plamen). nating the mines when driven at U.S. version of the Hilux) on Unlike European IFVs, the Optional add-ons include steel speeds over 100 km/h. The Toy- some of their deployments. Ratel was not designed to allow TOP TO BOTTOM: A tachanka armed with a PM M1910 ma- plates welded on for extra de- ota War was unusual in that the The technical has appeared mounted infantrymen to fight chine gun in the Huliaipole museum fence from small arms fire. force equipped with improvised on modern battlefields for near- in concert with tanks but rather Simms’ Motor Scout in June 1899. vehicles prevailed over the force ly 40 years and it looks as if French Charron, Girardot et Voight 1902. to operate independently across equipped with purpose-built they’re here to stay. 28 29 Keeping pace Military The pace stick is more than just a symbol of authority. It is also a valuable tool for drill instructors. By Paul Els. Despatches pace stick is a long alone; however, at a particu- claimed by the Royal Regiment stick usually carried lar regiment’s discretion, other of Artillery, who used a “gun- Website Aby warrant officer and sergeants and sergeant-majors ner’s stick” to measure the dis- non-commissioned officer drill or equivalent may carry a pace tance between guns in the field. instructors in the British and stick if they are qualified drill It appeared more like a walking Commonwealth armed forces instructors. stick, with an ivory or silver as a symbol of authority and as Within the police forces of knob on the end, and, unlike the an aid to military drill. Australia, the college sergeant modern pace stick, could only A pace stick usually consists and drill instructors of the Aus- be opened a fixed distance. It “Things don’t have to of two pieces of wood, hinged tralian Federal Police, the drill was quickly adopted and adapt- change the world to be at the top, and tapering towards sergeant of the Victoria Police ed by the Infantry as an aid to important.” the bottom, very similar to large Academy and the academy sen- drill. Steve Jobs wooden drafting compasses ior protocol officer of the New Another stick carried by sol- used on school blackboards. South Wales Police Academy, diers is the drill cane, regimen- They are usually shod and fit- holding the rank of senior ser- tal stick or swagger stick. This ted with highly polished brass. geant and hence the highest is a shorter cane, with polished They can open so that the tips senior non-commissioned of- metal ends. Sometimes these separate at fixed distances, cor- ficer carries the pace stick as a sticks are ornamented by a responding to various lengths of badge of office. mock bullet casing, half at each marching pace, such as “double The origin of the pace stick is end of the stick; these orna- march”, “quick march”, “step ments are often chromed, or left short”, etc. When opened to the in their natural brass, but highly correct pace length, the pace polished. They are carried on Our aim is to make the Military Despatches website easy to use. Even more important to us, we stick can be held alongside the parade solely as an indicator want to make the website informative and interesting. The latest edition of the magazine will holder’s body by the hinge, of rank and authority by senior be available, as will all the previous editions. More over, there will be links to videos, websites, with one leg of the stick verti- non-commissioned officers and and articles that our readers may find interesting. So check out the website, bookmark it, and cal to the ground, and the other warrant officers, and their use is pass the URL on to everyone that you think may be interested. leg pointing forward. By twirl- generally governed (or restrict- ing the stick while marching, ed altogether) by the regimental the stick can be made to “walk” sergeant major. We are currently in the alongside its holder at the prop- Pace sticks can be opened to process of updating the er pace. specific distances, which each website and giving it a Otherwise, while on parade measure specific things: fresh new look. or when marching, it is normally carried tucked tightly under the left arm and par- Remember to check it out allel to the ground, from time to time. And we with the left hand welcome your suggestions grasping the stick as to how to bring you the near the top. RSM: A Regimental Sergeant best experience. The pace stick is Major of the Australian Army usually permitted to be car- carries his pace stick onto ried off the parade ground by parade. the regimental sergeant major 30 31 with fellow Cyber members as ter, etc), or maybe you are in- well as with any other members teresting in supporting military Veterans online of the Order. veterans. Then you can become What if you are a military a Friend of the Cyber Shellhole. The pace stick is more than just a symbol of authority. It is veteran that served or currently If you are interested in be- also a valuable tool for drill instr serves in the military and you come a member of the Memo- want to become a member? The rable Order of Tin Hats and the one night in 1927 after he and those of former enemy forces problem is that you do not have Cyber Shellhole, or an affiliate the editor of The Natal Mercu- streamed into its ranks. All who a campaign medal. or friend of the Cyber Shell- ry, RJ Kingston Russell, had were prepared to keep alive the Well then you can become an hole, or if you want to find out seen a war film, Charles was memories of comradeship and affiliate member of the Cyber- more details, drop us an e-mail persuaded to draw a cartoon on self-sacrifice - the finer virtues shellhole. at [email protected] ‘remembrance’. that war brings forth - were How about if you have nev- and we will be in touch. harles Alfred Evenden The official MOTH website welcomed and made at home in er served in the military. May- We look forward to hearing was a soldier, cartoon- carries a cartoon captioned For- shell holes with colourful and be you are a family member of from you. ist, and author. Yet he getfulness and this led to the meaningful names of war-time someone that is a military veter- C Charles Alfred Evenden - Moth O will be best remembered as the founding of the Order. memories and occasions. an (wife, husband, son, daugh- founder of the Memorable Or- This is confirmed by the East- The shellholes spread to the 1894 - 1961 der of Tin Hats, the Moths. ern Province Herald which de- United Kingdom, Australia, At the outbreak of World scribes the cartoon as follows: New Zealand and to Rhodesia There was, however, one War I he joined the Australian “a bullet- and shrapnel-rid- (Zimbabwe). Membership was small problem. What about Army and was posted to Egypt. dled Allied helmet awash in extended to those who had par- those that wanted to join the As a member of the Austral- the ocean. In the background ticipated in the South African Moths but lived in a country or ian and New Zealand Army a steamship passes over the Border War. area where there were no shell- Corps he took part in the dis- horizon, leaving the forgotten, The MOTH national head- holes? astrous Gallipoli campaign - a ghostly form of a veteran for- quarters is situated in Warriors The MOTH Cyber Shellhole campaign that would see more lornly wading through the wa- Gate, Durban, which is mod- was formed in April 2010, spe- than 130,000 men die and over ter.” elled on a Norman design from cifically for qualifying - mem 261,000 being wounded. The concepts of True Com- a photograph given to EVO by bers who are living abroad or in During this campaign he was radeship, Mutual Help and Admiral Evans-of-the-Broke. remote areas of South Africa, badly shell-shocked and evac- Sound Memory were to become In 1948 EVO opened Mount where there is no nearby Shell- uated to Malta. From there he the inspiration of a remarkable Memory - a monument to the hole. Qualification for member- was sent back to England where organisation of ex-front line missing and dead of the Second ship is listed under Annexure B he was hospitalised. At the end soldiers, of all ranks, known World War, in the foothills of of the MOTH Constitution and of the war he returned to a farm- as the Memorable Order of Tin the Drakensberg mountains. General Standing Orders. You ing life in Australia. Hats (MOTH). Besides the headquarters can view Annexure B by click- His farming efforts proved to Charles, as the founder of the there are a number of provincial ing here. be financially unsuccessful. He movement and its guiding in- dugouts. These are: Basically, the Cyber Shell- thus took up newspaper work spiration was given the title of • Cape Western hole is open to those that served in Melbourne. After a brief pe- ‘Moth O’ - a position he held • Eastern Cape in the military and have a cam- riod, he decided to try newspa- until his death. He was also • Free State & Northern Cape paign medal. per life in South Africa. In 1923 known as Moth EVO. • Kwazulu Natal A regular Cyber News bul- he arrived in Durban where he The membership of the • Platinum letin is posted on the Cyber joined the staff of The Natal MOTH movement, under • Southern Kwazulu Natal Shellhole web site (www.cy- Mercury as its cartoonist under EVO’s vigorous direction and Each provincial dugout has a bershellhole.org.za) where the nom-de-plume of EVO. He leadership, grew into thou- number of district dugouts, and new members are welcomed, remained with this paper from sands. they in turn have a number of together with any other inter- 1924 until 1953. Men and women of two world shellholes under them. Mem- esting news items, photos or According to the Dictionary wars, of the Second Anglo Boer bers will usually join a shell- discussion articles. Members INSPIRATION: The cartoon that was to become the inspiration of South African Biography, War (1899-1902) and even hole that is close to them. are encouraged to communicate behind the formation of the Memorable Order of Tin Hats. 32 33 Unteroffiziere (Subofficers) Rank Structure - Germany Unteroffiziere “ohne Portepee” (Non-commissioned officers “without swordknot”

Over the next few months we will be running a series of articles looking at the rank structure of various armed forces. This month we look at the German Bundeswehr.

he Bundeswehr (Federal (Joint Support Service), the form”. The ‘ZDv-37/10 – An- Defence) is the unified Zentraler Sanitätsdienst der zugsordnung für Soldaten der Tarmed forces of Germa- Bundeswehr (Joint Medical Bundeswehr’ (ZDv: Zentrale ny and their civil administration Service), and the Cyber- und Dienstvorschrift - Central Ser- and procurement authorities. Informationsraum (Cyber and vice Provision) gives the dress The Bundeswehr is divided Information Space Command). order and design variations. into a military part (armed forc- The rank insignia of the armed Further, the Federal Office of Unteroffizier Stabsunteroffizier es or Streitkräfte) and a civil forces of the Federal Republic Equipment, IT, and In-Service (Subofficer) (Staff subofficer) part with the armed forces ad- of Germany indicate rank and Support of the Bundeswehr ministration (Wehrverwaltung). branch of service in the Heer (Bundesamt für Ausrüstung, In- Unteroffiziere (Subofficers) The military part of the fed- (Army), Luftwaffe (Air Force), formationstechnik und Nutzung Unteroffiziere “mit Portepee” (Non-commissioned officers “with swordknot” eral defence force consists of or the Marine (Navy). der Bundeswehr) provides nu- the Heer (Army), the Marine They are regulated by the merous details. (Navy), the Luftwaffe (Air “presidential order on rank Force), the Streitkräftebasis designation and military uni- Heer (German Army) Mannschaffen (Personnel)

Feldwebel Oberfeldwebel Hauptfeldwebel (Field usher) (Leading field usher) (Principal field usher)

Soldat Gefreiter Obergefreiter (Soldier) (Exempted Man) (Leading Exempted Man)

Stabsfeldwebel Oberstabsfeldwebel (Staff field usher) (Leading Staff field usher)

Hauptgefreiter Stabsgefreiter Oberstabsgefreiter (Principal Exempted Man) (Staff Exempted Man) (Leading Staff Exempted Man) 34 35 Officer Cadet

Generalleutnant General (Lieutenant general) (General) Fahnenjunker Fähnrich Oberfähnrich (Ensign esquire) (Ensign) (Leading ensign) Luftwaffe (German Air Force) Offiziere (Officers) Mannschaffen (Personnel)

Leutnant Oberleutnant Hauptmann (Lieutenant) (Principal lieutenant) (Captain) Flieger Gefreiter Obergefreiter (Airman) (Exempted Man) (Leading Exempted Man)

Stabshauptmann Major Oberstleutnant (Leading captain) (Major) (Lieutenant colonel)

Hauptgefreiter Stabsgefreiter Oberstabsgefreiter (Principal Exempted Man) (Staff Exempted Man) (Leading Staff Exempted Man)

Oberst Brigadegeneral Generalmajor (Colonel) (Brigadier general) (Major general)

36 37 Unteroffiziere (Subofficers) Officer Cadet Unteroffiziere “ohne Portepee” (Non-commissioned officers “without swordknot”

Fahnenjunker Fähnrich Oberfähnrich (Ensign esquire) (Ensign) (Leading ensign) Unteroffizier Stabsunteroffizier (Subofficer) (Staff subofficer) Offiziere (Officers) Unteroffiziere (Subofficers) Unteroffiziere “mit Portepee” (Non-commissioned officers “with swordknot”

Leutnant Oberleutnant Hauptmann (Lieutenant) (Principal lieutenant) (Captain)

Feldwebel Oberfeldwebel Hauptfeldwebel (Field usher) (Leading field usher) (Principal field usher)

Stabshauptmann Major Oberstleutnant (Leading captain) (Major) (Lieutenant colonel)

Stabsfeldwebel Oberstabsfeldwebel (Staff field usher) (Leading Staff field usher)

Oberst Brigadegeneral Generalmajor (Colonel) (Brigadier general) (Major general) 38 39 Unteroffiziere (Subofficers) Unteroffiziere “ohne Portepee” (Non-commissioned officers “without swordknot”

Generalleutnant General (Lieutenant general) (General)

Marine (German Navy) Maat Obermaat Mannschaffen (Personnel) (Ship’s mate) (Leading mate) Unteroffiziere (Subofficers) Unteroffiziere “mit Portepee” (Non-commissioned officers “with swordknot”

Matrose Gefreiter Obergefreiter (Sailor) (Exempted Man) (Leading Exempted Man) Bootsmann Oberbootsmann Hauptbootsmann (Boatswain) (Leading boatswain) (Principal Boatswain)

Hauptgefreiter Stabsgefreiter Oberstabsgefreiter Stabsbootsmann Oberstabsbootsmann (Principal Exempted Man) (Staff Exempted Man) (Leading Staff Exempted Man) (Staff boatswain) (Leading staff boatswain)

40 41 Officer Cadet

Kapitän zur See Flottillenadmiral Konteradmiral (Captain-at-Sea) (Flotilla admiral) (Counter admiral) Seekadett Fähnrich zur See Oberfähnrich zur See (Sea Cadet) (Ensign-at-Sea) (Leading ensign-at-sea) Offiziere (Officers)

Vizeadmiral Admiral (Vice admiral) (Admiral)

Leutnant zur See Oberleutnant zur See Kapitänleutnant (Lieutenant-at-sea) (Principal lieutenant-at-sea) (Captain-lieutenant)

Click on the photograph below to take a virtual tour of Warrior’s Gate and find out more about the Memorable Order of Tin Hats.

Stabskapitänleutnant Korvettenkapitän Fregattenkapitän (Staff captain-lieutenant) (Corvette Captain) (Frigate captain)

42 43 Bola A matter of survival - Hunting Pt II A weapon that the Eskimos Over the next few months we will be running a series of articles looking at survival, something use against birds, the bola can that has always been important for those in the military. This month we look at hunting. be very effective. Stones are wrapped in circles ’m pretty sure that most of Sling and shot of material and 90cm lengths of us are familiar with the sto- A simple sling consists of a string is knotted around each. ry about David and Goliath. pouch in the middle of a length The other ends of the string are I firmly tied together. For those of you that didn’t of rope. pay attention during Sunday Leather is the best material Held at the joined end, they school, let me refresh your for the pouch but you could are twirled around the head. memory. make it from any strong When released they fly through Goliath was a champion of the fabric and the rope can the air, covering a wide area. Philistines. He was described be a leather thong or The Gauchos of South Amer- as a giant and, according to the twisted from natural ica use the same weapon and Bible, stood at 2,97 metres tall fibres. variations have been used in (9 feet six inches). David was Attach it as Slingshot technique combat. about 16 years old. one long piece Selected smooth pebbles, The bola wraps around a bird The two met in single combat threaded about 2 cm across and as round in flight or tangles around an and David took out his bigger through. as possible. Swing the sling animals legs or neck, bringing opponent with a simple sling above the head in a circle lined it to the ground and giving the and shot. up on your target. hunter a chance to kill it. Release one end of the rope You will need to practice with and the pebble should fly with it though. The first time I at- great velocity and, with prac- tempted to use a bola I managed tice, accuracy on target. to get it wrapped tightly around my own neck. Not as much fun as you may think. Catapult What schoolboy hasn’t, at some stage, made himself a catapult? The Roman’s used giant mechanical ones as devastating siege weapons. You need a strong forked stick, preferably with some pliability, and a piece of elastic material. A piece of inner-tube from a car or bicy- cle tyre is idea for this. Spears Make a pouch for the centre of the elastic A staff is a good aid to walking and by sharpen- and thread or sew it into position as for the ing one end it can be turned into a useful thrusting sling. or throwing weapon. Tie the ends to each side of your forked stick A straight staff about 1.80 metres long is ideal and use a stone as your missile. for a jabbing spear. About 90 cm makes a more When using either the sling or catapult manageable throwing spear. against birds, load several pebbles at once. To make spear more effective add a point of This will give it a shotgun effect and give you flint, shaped to sharpness, or a flattened cone of more of a chance to hit your target. tin set into the end. You can also securely bind a knife onto the end of the spear. However, if you only have one knife do not risk it. It could easily be lost or damaged. 44 45 Armoured Warfare Studies

Spear thrower wards and then downwards. you will become more profi- Group A spear thrower can be made As you move downwards the cient. from a piece of wood and it butt of the groove adds to the You are hereby cordially invited to attend the meetings will give greater accuracy and thrust behind the spear. of the Armoured Warfare Studies Group. The aim of range. the AWSG is to provide in-depth technical presenta- To make the thrower choose Practice makes perfect tions for both layman and expert alike, as well as dis- a tree limb that is at least twice You will need to practice cussions on all aspects of Armoured Warfare, from An- the width of your spear and making a sling, catapult, bola, cient Times to the Present. Topics will include technical with a branch stump which can spear and spear thrower. discussions on the history and development of the use of armour, tanks, armoured cars, become the forward slopping Above all, you will need to armoured trains, battleships, submarines, ground attack aircraft and helicopters as well handle. practice using them and im- as the use of strategy, tactics, armoured battles, personalities etc., with armour as the Split down the centre using a proving your accuracy. main focus. knife as a wedge. Gough out a The last thing you want is to smooth channel for the spear. find yourself in a survival situa- Presentations confirmed are: (Note – order of presentations may vary) Make sure it is cleanly cut, tion and then try and figure out Thursday 22nd August 2019: Marius vd Merwe - Operation Bagration - the destruction leaving a solid portion as a how to do things. of the German Army Group Centre, June 1944 – 75th anniversary. buffer. When you start learning to Thursday 19th September 2019: Pierre De Villiers - The Ju87G Kanonenvogel (Stuka) Experiment to match the use any of these weapons it ground-attack/ tank-buster aircraft of WW2. thrower length to that of the came be very frustrating. The Thursday 17th October 2019: Johan vd Berg - The PzKpfw VI Tiger I – Part 2. spear and to suit your own bal- missiles tend to go in every di- In the next issue we will look Thursday 21st November 2019: Marius vd Merwe – The M-4 Sherman Tank-Pt 3. ance. rection but the one intended. at hunting and trapping birds. Held at shoulder length, aim The good news is that with a bit We will also look at animal Who will benefit? Anyone interested in Military History and armoured warfare. Modellers the spear at the target, bringing of practice and trial and error, dangers and look at some of the (encouraged to bring along their models for display and demonstrations), Wargamers, down the holder sharply for- your accuracy will improve and dos and don’ts of hunting. Video Gamers, military veterans and serving members, researchers, students, etc. Come share your knowledge with us!

Venue: Regiment Orange River hanger, Fort Ikapa, Wingfield. Directions: From the N1, take the M7 Jakes Gerwel Goodwood southbound. After 1,1 km, turn left (East) on the M25 Frans Conradie Drive. After 500m, turn left (North) into Townsend St at the first set of traffic lights. Follow Townsend St to Ft. Ikapa Military base. Sign in at the guardhouse. Follow the road to the 1st TJunction, turn right. Turn right again at the 2nd turn to the right and 1st right again and follow the road towards the ROR signpost. Dress Code – Informal. Cash bar available. Time: 7 Pm for 7:30 (until 10:15 pm). First meeting free of charge. R20-00 for members. Please support our hosts! Enquiries: 082 3235542/ 082 5790386. E-mail: [email protected]

46 00 head to head head to head

Military Strength 9. Turkey In the second of a series of articles, we examine the small arms used by the ten stron- Total military personnel – 891,300 gest current military forces. ast month we looked at This month we are going to cluding some of those issued to Yavuz 16 • Length: 217 mm the ten strongest current take a look at the small arms special units within these mili- The Yavuz 16 is the prima- • Cartridge: 9×19mm Para- Lmilitary forces. that each of these forces use, in- tary forces. ry service pistol of the Turk- bellum ish Land Forces and is a Turk- • Rate of fire: Semi-automatic ish-made copy of the Beretta • Effective firing range: 50m 92F. • Maximum firing range: 10. Germany 100m Total military personnel – 210,305 • Manufacturer: Unknown • Feed system: 15 round de- • Weight: 950 g tachable box magazine Heckler & Koch P8 • Cartridge: 9×19mm Para- Sarsılmaz Kılınç 2000 • Cartridge: 9×19mm Para- bellum The P8 replaced the P7 as the The Sarsılmaz Kılınç 2000 is bellum • Action: Short recoil, DA/ standard issue side arm for the the secondary service pistol and • Action: Short recoil, locked SA, DA/DAO Bundeswehr (German Armed is a Turkish-made copy of the breech • Rate of fire: Semi-automatic Forces). CZ 75. • Rate of fire: Semi-automatic • Effective firing range: 50m • Effective firing range: 50m • Maximum firing range: • Manufacturer: Heckler & • Manufacturer: Sarsılmaz Si- • Maximum firing range: 100m Koch lah Sanayi 100m • Feed system: 15 round de- • Weight: 748 g • Weight: 950 g • Feed system: 13 round detachable box magazine • Length: 194 mm • Length: 189 mm tachable box magazine Heckler & Koch P12 • Cartridge: .45 ACP Glock 17 • Cartridge: 9×19mm Para- The P12 is used by German • Action: Short recoil, DA/ The Glock 17 is used by in- bellum Special Forces units such as SA, DA/DAO fantry commando brigades. • Rate of fire: Semi-automatic KSK. • Rate of fire: Semi-automatic • Effective firing range: 50m • Effective firing range: 50m • Manufacturer: Glock Ges. • Maximum firing range: • Manufacturer: Heckler & • Maximum firing range: m.b.H. 100m Koch 100m • Weight: 625 g • Feed system: 17 round de- • Weight: 789 g • Feed system: 12 round de- • Length: 186 mm tachable box magazine • Length: 201 mm tachable box magazine

Heckler & Koch P30 bellum SIG Sauer P226 recoil operated (DA/SA The P30 replaced the P7 and • Action: Short recoil, DA/ The SIG Sauer P226 is used • Effective firing range: 50m is used by the Military Police SA, DA/DAO by Turkish special forces. • Maximum firing range: and special forces. • Rate of fire: Semi-automatic 100m • Effective firing range: 50m • Manufacturer: SIG Sauer • Feed system: 15 round de- • Manufacturer: Heckler & • Maximum firing range: • Weight: 964 g tachable box magazine Koch 100m • Length: 196 mm • Weight: 748 g • Feed system: 15 round de- • Cartridge: .40 S&W • Length: 194 mm tachable box magazine • Rate of fire: Semi-automatic • Cartridge: 9×19mm Para- • Action: Mechanically locked, 48 49 head to head head to head USP9 Tactical bellum • Action: Short recoil, DA/ 8. United Kingdom The USP9 Tactical is used by South Korean special forces. SA, DA/DAO Total military personnel – 157,500 • Rate of fire: Semi-automatic • Manufacturer: Heckler & • Effective firing range: 50m Koch • Maximum firing range: L131A1 • Length: 186 mm • Weight: 771 g 100m Adopted as the new standard • Cartridge: 9×19mm Para- • Length: 194 mm • Feed system: 15 round de- issue pistol to replace the L9A1 bellum • Cartridge: 9×19mm Para- tachable box magazine Browning, and eventually, the • Rate of fire: Semi-automatic SIG Sauer P226. • Effective firing range: 50m Jericho 941 bellum • Maximum firing range: The Jericho 941 is used by • Action: Short recoil • Manufacturer: Glock Ges. 100m South Korean special forces. • Rate of fire: Semi-automatic m.b.H. • Feed system: 17 round de- • Effective firing range: 50m • Weight: 625 g tachable box magazine • Manufacturer: Israel Weap- • Maximum firing range: ons Industries 100m L105A1 • Manufacturer: SIG Sauer • Weight: 1,050 g • Feed system: 16 round de- Variants of the SIG Sau- • Weight: 964 g • Length: 207 mm tachable box magazine er P226 were purchased as an • Length: 196 mm • Cartridge: 9×19mm Para- interim weapon to replace the • Cartridge: .40 S&W L9A1 Browning under an Ur- • Rate of fire: Semi-automatic gent Operational Requirement • Action: Mechanically locked, for use in Afghanistan. Al- recoil operated (DA/SA 6. Japan • Effective firing range: 50m though purchased as an inter- Total military personnel – 310,457 im weapon, they will continue • Maximum firing range: to be used until the end of their 100m life cycles. • Feed system: 15 round de- SCK/Minebea • Cartridge: 9×19mm Para- tachable box magazine Made under license by bellum Minebea, the SCK/Minebea is a • Action: Locked Breech, Japanese-made copy of the SIG Short Recoil Sauer P220. It is the standard • Rate of fire: Semi-automatic 7. Republic of Korea small arm of the Japan Self-De- • Effective firing range: 50m Total military personnel – 3,699,000 fence Force.. • Maximum firing range: 100m • Manufacturer: Minebea • Feed system: 8 round de- • Weight: 862 g tachable box magazine bellum K5 • Length: 198 mm The standard issue pistol is • Rate of fire: Semi-automatic the Daewoo Precision Indus- • Effective firing range: 50m tries K5. • Maximum firing range: 100m • Manufacturer: S&T Motiv • Feed system: 13 or 15 round • Weight: 734 g detachable box magazine • Length: 178 mm • Cartridge: 9×19mm Para-

50 51 head to head head to head

5. France 4. India Total military personnel – 426,265 Total military personnel – 2,598,921

MAC 50 bellum Pistol Auto 1A • Cartridge: 9×19mm Para- The MAC 50 has been in ser- • Action: Short recoil, Standard side-arm of the In- bellum vice since 1953 but is being re- locked breech, dropping dian Army, manufactured under • Action: Short recoil oper- placed by the PAMAS G1. barrel license. It is an Indian-made ated • Rate of fire: Semi-automatic copy of the Browning HP. • Rate of fire: Semi-automatic • Manufacturer: Manufacture • Effective firing range: 50m • Effective firing range: 50m d’armes de Châtellerault • Maximum firing range: • Manufacturer: Rifle Factory • Maximum firing range: • Weight: 860 g 100m Ishapore 100m • Length: 195 mm • Feed system: 9 round de- • Weight: 935 g • Feed system: 13 round de- • Cartridge: 9×19mm Para- tachable box magazine • Length: 205 mm tachable box magazine PAMAS G1 • Weight: 950 g SIG Sauer P226 bellum The PAMAS G1 entered into • Length: 217 mm The SIG Sauer P226 is the • Rate of fire: Semi-automatic operational service in 1989 • Cartridge: 9×19mm Para- standard issue side-arm of the • Action: Mechanically locked, with the national gendarmerie, bellum National Security Guard. recoil operated (DA/SA in 1992 with the Air Force, and • Rate of fire: Semi-automatic • Effective firing range: 50m in 1999 for the Army and Navy. • Effective firing range: 50m • Manufacturer: Unknown • Maximum firing range: It has replaced the MAC 50 as • Maximum firing range: • Weight: 964 g 100m the standard issue pistol. 100m • Length: 196 mm • Feed system: 15 round de- • Feed system: 15 round de- • Cartridge: 9×19mm Para- tachable box magazine • Manufacturer: Unknown tachable box magazine Glock 17 • Cartridge: 9×19mm Para- Glock 17 • Cartridge: 9×19mm Para- The Glock 17 is used by the bellum The Glock 17 is used by the bellum French special forces. • Rate of fire: Semi-automatic Indian special forces. • Rate of fire: Semi-automatic • Effective firing range: 50m • Effective firing range: 50m • Manufacturer: Glock Ges. • Maximum firing range: • Manufacturer: Glock Ges. • Maximum firing range: m.b.H. 100m m.b.H. 100m • Weight: 625 g • Feed system: 17 round de- • Weight: 625 g • Feed system: 17 round de- • Length: 186 mm tachable box magazine • Length: 186 mm tachable box magazine

FN Five-Seven • Cartridge: FN 5.7×28mm bellum USP9 Tactical The FN Five-seven is used by • Action: Delayed blowback • Action: Short recoil, DA/ The USP9 Tactical is used by the Indian Special Protection • Rate of fire: Semi-automatic SA, DA/DAO French Army special forces. Group. • Effective firing range: 50m • Rate of fire: Semi-automatic • Maximum firing range: • Effective firing range: 50m • Manufacturer: Heckler & • Manufacturer: FN Herstal 1,510 metres • Maximum firing range: Koch • Weight: 610 g • Feed system: 20 round de- 100m • Weight: 771 g • Length: 208 mm tachable box magazine • Length: 194 mm • Feed system: 15 round de- • Cartridge: 9×19mm Para- tachable box magazine

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3. China 2. Russia Total military personnel – 2,545,000 Total military personnel – 3,586,128

QSZ-92 • Cartridge: 5.8×21 mm DA- MP-443 Grach • Cartridge: 9×19mm Para- Designed by Norinco, the P92 The MP-443 Grach was bellum QSZ-92 is set to become the • Action: Short recoil, locked adopted as a replacement for the • Action: Short recoil, locked standard issue side-arm of the breech, rotating barrel lock Makarov PMM in the Armed breech PLA. • Rate of fire: Semi-automatic Forces. • Rate of fire: Semi-automatic • Effective firing range: 50m • Effective firing range: 50m • Manufacturer: Changfeng • Maximum firing range: • Manufacturer: Izhevsk Me- • Maximum firing range: Machine Shop 100m chanical Plant 100m • Weight: 760 g • Feed system: 20 round de- • Weight: 950 g • Feed system:18 round de- • Length: 190 mm tachable box magazine • Length: 198 mm tachable box magazine QSZ 11 • Action: Double action Makarov PMM • Cartridge: 9×18mm The QSZ 11 is issued to of- • Rate of fire: Semi-automatic The Makarov and later Makarov ficers in the PLA. • Effective firing range: 50m Makarov PMM has been the • Action: Blowback • Maximum firing range: main service side-arm since • Rate of fire: Semi-automatic • Manufacturer: Unknown 100m 1951. It is still in service. • Effective firing range: 50m • Weight: 600 g • Feed system: 8 round de- • Maximum firing range: • Length: 153 mm tachable box magazine • Manufacturer: Izhevsk Me- 100m • Cartridge: 5.8×22 DCV05 chanical Plant • Feed system:12 round de- QSW-06 • Cartridge: 5.8×21 mm • Weight: 730 g tachable box magazine Used by the Chinese Special • Action: Delayed blowback • Length: 161.5 mm Forces, it Replaced the Type 67. • Rate of fire: Semi-automatic • Effective firing range: 50m PSS-2 Silent • Cartridge: 7.62×43 SP-16 • Action: Double action • Manufacturer: Unknown • Maximum firing range: The PSS-2 silent pistol is used • Rate of fire: Semi-automatic • Weight: 1.05 kg with sound 100m by the Russian special forces. • Effective firing range: 50m suppressor • Feed system: 20 round de- • Maximum firing range: • Length: 373 mm with sup- tachable box magazine • Manufacturer: TsNIIToch- 100m pressor attached Mash • Weight: 1 kg • Feed system:6 round de- QX-04 • Cartridge: 7.62×25 mm • Length: 195 mm tachable box magazine The QX-04 is used mainly • Action: Delayed blowback for police work. • Rate of fire: Semi-automatic GSh-18 • Cartridge: 9×19mm Para- • Effective firing range: 50m The GSh-18 is another pistol bellum • Manufacturer: Changfeng • Maximum firing range: that will replace the Makarov • Action: Short recoil Machinery 100m PMM in the Armed Forces. • Rate of fire: Semi-automatic • Weight: 930 g • Feed system: 15 round de- • Effective firing range: 50m • Length: 195 mm tachable box magazine • Manufacturer: KBP Instru- • Maximum firing range: ment Design Bureau 100m It is interesting to note that the PLA makes use of no less than 10 different types of side-arm. • Weight: 590 g • Feed system:18 round de- Besides the four mentioned above, they also use the P12, P19, LP5, CF-07, Type 84 and Type • Length: 184 mm tachable box magazine 77 pistols.

54 55 head to head head to head

Although not often used in combat, the side-arm 1. United States is still an important part of the military arsenal. Total military personnel – 4,397,128

M17 • Manufacturer: SIG Sauer, Inc. On January 19 2017, it was • Weight: 836 g announced that a customized • Length: 203 mm version of the SIG Sauer P320 • Cartridge: 9×19mm Para- had won the United States Ar- bellum my’s XM17 Modular Handgun • Action: Short recoil System competition. The full- • Rate of fire: Semi-automatic sized model will be known as • Effective firing range: 50m the M17 and the smaller-sized • Maximum firing range: carry model will be known as 100m the M18. It will replace the M9. • Feed system:17 round detachable box magazine Mk 28 • Cartridge: 9×19mm Para- The Glock 17 is known as the bellum Mk 28 and is in limited use by • Rate of fire: Semi-automatic US Special Forces. • Effective firing range: 50m • Maximum firing range: • Manufacturer: Glock Ges. 100m m.b.H. • Feed system: 17 round de- • Weight: 625 g tachable box magazine • Length: 186 mm Mk 23 • Length: 421 mm with sup- The Heckler & Koch MK 23 pressor is known as the USSOCOM • Cartridge: .45 ACP MARK 23 in the US military. • Action: Short recoil, DA/ It is in limited use with the US SA Special Forces. • Rate of fire: Semi-automatic • Effective firing range: 50m • Manufacturer: Heckler & • Maximum firing range: Koch 100m • Weight: 2.29 kg with sup- • Feed system:12 round de- pressor tachable box magazine

It is interesting to note that the US military uses no fewer than 11 different types of side-arm. Most are in limited use by their special forces. Besides the three mentioned above, they also use the M9, M11, Mk 24, Mk 25, Mk 26, Mk 27 and Mk 29 pistols. Although developed in 1911, the M1911 is still in limited service.

56 57 Famous figures in military history Famous figures in military history

mission was to seize impor- schools organized to train op- he ordered Skorzeny to track Otto Skorzeny tant buildings of the Commu- eratives in sabotage, espionage, Mussolini, and simultaneously Obersturmbannführer in the Waffen-SS, war criminal, military advisor to the Egyptian Army, nist Party, including the NKVD and paramilitary techniques. ordered the paratroop General bodyguard to Eva Person, and possibly a member of the Israeli intelligence agency, Mossad. headquarters at Lubyanka, and Skorzeny was appointed com- Kurt Student to execute the lib- Otto Skorzeny was all this and more. the central telegraph office and mander of the recently created eration. other high priority facilities, be- Waffen Sonderverband z.b.V. The raid was an overwhelm- tto Skorzeny was one He was a noted fencer as President Wilhelm Miklas from fore they could be destroyed. Friedenthal stationed near Ber- ing success and ten minutes of those larger than life member of a German-national being shot by Austrian Nazis. He was also ordered to capture lin (the unit was later renamed after the beginning of the raid, Ocharacters, and he cer- Burschenschaft as a university the sluices of the Moscow-Vol- SS Jagdverband 502, and in No- Mussolini left the hotel, accom- tainly looked the part. He stood student in Vienna. He engaged Joining the military ga Canal because Hitler want- vember 1944 again to SS Com- panied by the German soldiers. at 1.92 metres (6’ 4”) and his in fifteen personal combats. The In September 1939 Skorzeny ed to turn Moscow into a huge bat Unit “Centre”, expanding Subsequently Mussolini was face sported a deep scar on his tenth resulted in a wound that had been working as a civil en- artificial lake by opening them. ultimately to five battalions). to be flown out by a meanwhile left cheek from a fencing duel. left a dramatic duelling scar - gineer when Germany invaded The missions were cancelled The unit’s first mission, code- arrived Fieseler Fi 156 STOL During World War II he spe- known in academic fencing as Poland. as the German forces failed to named Operation François, plane. Although under the given cialised in guerrilla warfare a Schmiss (German for “smite” He immediately volunteered capture the Soviet capital. was in mid-1943, . Skorzeny circumstances the small plane and commando-style raids. He or “hit”) - on his cheek. for service in the Luftwaffe sent a group by parachute into was overloaded, Skorzeny in- mounted numerous operations In 1931 Skorzeny joined the (German Air Force) as he was Unconventional warfare Iran to make contact with the sisted to accompany Mussolini, with varying degrees of success Austrian Nazi organization and keen on becoming a pilot. In December 1942, Skorzeny dissident mountain tribes to en- thus endangering the success of that involved either the rescue, soon became a member of the The Luftwaffe turned him was severely wounded. He was courage them to sabotage Al- the mission. kidnapping, assassination, or Nazi SA. down for two reasons. First of hit in the back of the head by lied supplies of material being After a extremely dangerous defence of numerous wartime A charismatic figure, Sko- all he was just too tall, and sec- shrapnel and was evacuated to sent to the Soviet Union via the but successful lift-off, they flew leaders in Europe. rzeny played a minor role in the ondly, at the age of 31, he was the rear for treatment. He was Trans-Iranian Railway. to Pratica di Mare. There they As a result, he became Hit- Anschluss on 12 March 1938, considered too old for aircrew awarded his first Iron Cross. However, commitment continued immediately, flying ler’s favorite commando and when he saved the Austrian training. While recuperating from his among the rebel tribes was sus- in a Heinkel He 111 to Vienna, dubbed “the most dangerous Skorzeny then joined the injuries he was given a staff role pect, and Operation François where Mussolini stayed over- man in Europe” by the Allies. Schutzstaffel (SS) and became a in Berlin, where he developed was deemed a failure. night at the Hotel Imperial. The member of Hitler’s bodyguard his ideas on unconventional next day he was flown to Mu- Early life regiment, the Leibstandarte SS commando warfare, reading Operation Oak nich and on September 14 he Otto Skorzeny was born on Adolf Hitler (LSSAH). everything he could on uncon- Skorzeny’s next operation met Hitler at the Wolf’s Lair 12 June 1908 in Vienna, Aus- Skorzeny took part in ventional warfare and guerrilla was anything but a failure. In Führer Headquarters near Ras- tria. His family, who were the invasion of the Sovi- tactics. fact it went on to establish his tenburg. originally from a village called et Union with the SS Di- Skorzeny’s proposals were reputation. Skorzeny’s audacious plan Skorzęcin in Poland, had a long vision Das Reich and subse- to develop units specialized in On the night between 24 and had paid off. The Fuhrer, de- history of military service. quently fought in several battles such warfare, including parti- 25 July 1943, a few weeks af- lighted with Skorzeny, award- He was regarded as a bright on the Eastern Front. I san-like fighting deep behind ter the Allied invasion of Sicily ed him the Knights Cross. The young man and in addition n October 1941, he was in enemy lines, fighting in enemy and bombing of Rome, the Ital- plan even impressed Winston to his native German, charge of a “technical uniform, sabotage attacks, etc. ian Grand Council of Fascism Churchill. he spoke excellent section” of the Ger- In April 1943 Skorzeny’s voted a motion of no confidence French and was man forces dur- name was put forward by Ernst (Ordine del Giorno Grandi) Operation Panzerfaust proficient in ing the Battle of Kaltenbrunner, the new head of against Mussolini. On the same Operation Long Jump was a English. Moscow. His the RSHA, and Skorzeny met day, the king replaced him with planned operation to assassi- with Walter Schellenberg, head Marshal Pietro Badoglio and nate the ‘Big Three’ - Churchill, of Amt VI, Ausland-SD (the SS had him arrested. Roosevelt and Stalin - during foreign intelligence service de- Hitler’s common procedure the 1943 Tehran Conference. partment of the RSHA). was to give similar orders to The plot was uncovered by Schellenberg charged Sko- competing organisations with- Russian intelligence before its rzeny with command of the in the German military. So inception. Later Skorzeny de- 58 59 Famous figures in military history Famous figures in military history nied any plan existed, claiming hot water in 1947 at the Allied awaiting the decision of a de- scientists who were working on that it was nothing more than Dachau War Crimes trials. nazification court. On 27 July an Egyptian project to develop Russian propaganda. 1948 he escaped from the camp rockets to be used against Israel. Unternehmen Rösselsprung On trial with the help of three former SS Reporting on the Matara sto- (Operation Knight’s Leap) was Skorzeny was interned for officers dressed in US Military ry, the major Israeli daily Yedi- a plan in May 1944 to capture two years before being tried as Police uniforms who entered oth Ahronot said that they had Yugoslav Partisan leader Jo- a war criminal at the Dachau the camp and claimed that they confirmed the story from their sip Broz, better known as Tito, trials in 1947 for allegedly vio- had been ordered to take Sko- own senior Mossad source. For- alive. lating the laws of war during the rzeny to Nuremberg for a legal mer Mossad head Isser Harel In October 1944, Hitler sent Battle of the Bulge. He and nine hearing. confirmed the story that former Skorzeny to Hungary after re- officers of the Panzerbrigade Skorzeny hid out at a farm in Nazis were recruited to provide ceiving word that Hungary’s 150 were tried before a U.S. Bavaria which had been rented intelligence on Arab countries. Regent, Admiral Miklós Horthy, Military Tribunal in Dachau on by Countess Ilse Lüthje, who he After undergoing instruction was secretly negotiating with 18 August 1947. later married. With the help of a and training in the Mossad’s fa- the Red Army. The surrender They faced charges of im- Nansen passport issued by the cilities in Israel, the rumoured of Hungary would have cut off SAFE AND SOUND: In this photo, taken on 12 September proper use of U.S. military in- Spanish government, he moved work for Mossad included as- the million German troops still 1943, Otto Skorzeny (with binoculars) is shown with Mussolini signia, theft of U.S. uniforms, to Madrid, where he set up a sassinating German rocket sci- fighting in the Balkan peninsula. shortly after arriving back in Germany. and theft of Red Cross parcels small engineering business. entist Heinz Krug who was Skorzeny, in a daring “snatch” from U.S. POWs. The trial working for the Egyptian gov- codenamed Operation Panzer- Meuse river during the Battle of the biggest confusion - and the lasted over three weeks. The Military advisor ernment and mailing a letter faust (known as Unternehmen the Bulge. masterstroke of the operation charge of stealing Red Cross In 1952 Egypt was taken over bomb which killed five Egyp- Eisenfaust (Iron First) in Ger- Skorzeny devised a trojan - came from Skorzeny himself parcels was dropped for lack by General Mohammed Naguib. tians at the Egyptian military many), kidnapped Horthy’s son horse operation which required when he let a rumour run wild of evidence. Skorzeny admit- Skorzeny was sent to Egypt the rocket site Factory 333. He also Miklós Horthy Jr. and forced his his men to go behind enemy within his own ranks that the ted to ordering his men to wear following year by former Gen- allegedly supplied the names father to resign as head of state. lines in the Belgian Ardennes real target was General Eisen- U.S. uniforms; but his defence eral Reinhard Gehlen (who was and addresses of German scien- A pro-Nazi government under dressed as American soldiers hower, who was still in Paris. argued that, as long as enemy now working for the CIA) to act tists working for Egypt and the dictator Ferenc Szálasi was then and cause maximum panic and Convinced of the “real” mis- uniforms were discarded before as Naguib’s military advisor. names of European front com- installed in Hungary. confusion. sion, two jeeps full of German combat started, such a tactic Skorzeny recruited a staff made panies supplying military hard- In April 1945, after German On 16 December 1944, Oper- agents confirmed the assassi- was a legitimate ruse de guerre up of former SS and Wehrmacht ware to Egypt. and Hungarian forces had al- ation Griffin launched into ac- nation plot to kill Eisenhower (Ruse of war). officers to train the Egyptian No confirmed source can ex- ready been driven out of Hunga- tion. Skorzeny’s men cut com- when interrogated by Ameri- On the final day of the trial, 9 army. plain Skorzeny’s motives for ry, Szálasi and his Arrow Cross munication wires, issued fake cans. Back in Paris, Eisenhow- September, Tommy Yeo-Thom- He stayed on to serve as an working with Israel but he may Party-based forces continued orders, and turned around road er spent time in protective cus- as, a former British SOE agent, adviser to Egyptian President have craved adventure and in- the fight in Austria and Slovakia. signs. tody while his body-double did testified that he and his opera- Gamal Abdel Nasser. Accord- trigue, as well as fearing assas- The success of the operation Paranoia set in amongst his daily rounds. tives wore German uniforms ing to some authors, he traveled sination by Mossad. earned Skorzeny promotion to American forces as word of In the end, the impostors’ ina- behind enemy lines; the Tribu- between Spain and Argentina, Obersturmbannführer (Lieu- the German impostors spread. bility to correctly mimic “Amer- nal acquitted the ten defend- where he acted as an advisor to Death tenant Colonel). Some Americans fired on each icanisms” and U.S. Army proto- ants. The Tribunal drew a dis- President Juan Perón and as a On 5 July 1975, Otto Sko- other and soon GIs grilled each col proved their undoing. Many tinction between using enemy bodyguard for Eva Perón. rzeny died at the age of 67 from Operation Griffin other on American popular cul- were shot as spies for imperson- uniforms during combat and lung cancer. He had two fu- Skorzeny’s most infamous ture to flush out German agents. ating the opposing side. for other purposes including Mossad agent nerals, one in Madrid, and the mission was Unternehmen Many American soldiers and By war’s end, Skorzeny had deception and were unable to The Israeli security and intel- other at his family plot in Vien- Greif (Griffin), which was part even Allied generals were de- received oak leaves for his prove that Skorzeny had given ligence magazine Matara pub- na. At both, he received a full of Hitler’s last-ditch attempt at tained at checkpoints for an- Iron Cross, the highest honour any orders to actually fight in lished an article in 1989 claim- Nazi send-off with Nazi veter- turning the tables on the Allies. swering questions wrong. awarded by the Nazis. However, U.S. uniforms. ing that Skorzeny had been ans giving him the Nazi salute His key objective required the Skorzeny’s most infamous his directive for his men to wear Skorzeny was detained in an recruited by Mossad in 1963, to and singing some of Hitler’s fa- capture of key bridges over the mission was Unternehmen But American uniforms got him in internment camp at Darmstadt obtain information on German vourite songs. 60 61 Forged in DEVAC), instrument trainer, evaluation with the designation ed general support, air assault, and general utility aircraft. The XH-40. cargo transport, aeromedical battle Army determined that current evacuation, search and rescue, helicopters were too large, un- US Army electronic warfare, and lat- derpowered, or too complex to The HU-1A (later redesig- er, ground attack. During the Huey maintain easily. nated UH-1A) first entered ser- conflict, the craft was upgrad- In November 1953, revised vice with the 101st Airborne ed, notably to a larger version military requirements were Division at Fort Campbell, based on the Model 205. This Probably one of the most iconic symbols of the Vietnam War, the Bell UH-1 Iroquois helicopter, bet- submitted to the Department Kentucky, the 82nd Airborne version was initially designated ter known as the Huey, first flew in 1956. It was a vehicle that was Forged in Battle. of the Army. Twenty compa- Division, and the 57th Medi- the UH-1D and flew operation- nies submitted designs in their cal Detachment. Although inally from 1963. f there was ever a soundtrack United States military, and tended for evaluation only, the During service in the Vietnam to the Vietnam War then it more than 16,000 have been Army quickly pressed the new War, the UH-1 was used for var- would surely be the distinc- built since 1960. helicopter into operational serious purposes and various terms I vice, and Hueys with the 57th for each task abounded. UH- tive thump-thump of the blades The Iroquois was orig- bid for the contract, including of a Huey helicopter. inally designated HU-1, Medical Detachment arrived in 1s tasked with ground attack Bell Helicopter with the Model Developed by Bell Helicopter hence the Huey nick- Vietnam in March 1962. ployed. 204 and Kaman Aircraft with a to meet a United States Army’s name, which has remained in The UH-1 has long been a In 1952, the turbine-powered version of the 1952 requirement for a medical common use, despite the offi- symbol of US involvement in U.S. Army iden- H-43. evacuation and utility helicop- cial redesignation to UH-1 in Southeast Asia in general and tified a require- On 23 February 1955, the ter, the Bell UH-1 Iroquois first 1962. Vietnam in particular, and as a ment for a new Army announced its decision, flew in 1956. The UH-1 first saw service result of that conflict, has be- helicopter to selecting Bell to build three Powered by a single turbos- in combat operations dur- come one of the world’s most serve as medical copies of the Model 204 for haft engine, with two-blade ing the Vietnam War, recognized helicopters. In Vi- evacuation (ME- main and tail rotors, the UH-1 with around 7,000 etnam primary missions includ- was the first turbine-powered helicopters de- helicopter produced for the

62 63 or armed escort were outfitted dar altimeters and were known and a roof-mounted rescue with rocket launchers, grenade as Seawolves in service with hoist. launchers, and machine guns. Navy Helicopter Attack (Light) The UH-1E was first flown on As early as 1962, UH-1s (HA(L)-3). UH-1C helicop- 7 October 1963, and deliveries were modified locally by the ters were also acquired in the commenced 21 February 1964, companies themselves, who 1970s. The Seawolves worked with 192 aircraft completed. fabricated their own mounting as a team with Navy river patrol systems. These gunship UH-1s operations. Use by other countries were commonly referred to as Four years after the disestab- A total of 64 countries used “Frogs” or “Hogs” if they car- lishment of HA(L)-3, the Navy the Bell UH-1 Iroquois or its ried rockets, and “Cobras” or determined that it still had a need variants. To this day, 42 coun- simply “Guns” if they had guns. for gunships, establishing two tries as still using it. UH-1s tasked and configured FIREPOWER: Typical arma- new Naval Reserve Helicopter One of the countries that made for troop transport were often ment for a UH-1 Huey. Attack (Light) Squadrons as use of the UH-1 was Israel, and called “Slicks” due to an ab- part of the newly formed Com- it is interesting to discover what sence of weapons pods. Slicks SOUND TRACK OF ‘NAM: Listen to the sound of a Huey start- tract reconnaissance teams, mander, Helicopter Wing Re- happened what happened to 11 did have door gunners, but were ing up and flying. provide cover for such opera- serve (COMHELWINGRES) in of these helicopters. generally employed in the troop tions, conduct psychological 1976. Helicopter Attack Squad- Israel withdrew its UH-1s transport and medevac roles. rations. High-capacity rocket ated with the introduction of the warfare, and other support roles ron (Light) Five (HA(L)-5), from service in 2002, after thir- The Army tested a great va- launchers were also tested, such UH-72 Lakota. The final UH-1 for covert operations especially nicknamed the “Blue Hawks”, ty three years of service. They riety of experimental weapons as the XM3 launcher, which was retired in 2016. in Laos and Cambodia during was established at Naval Air were replaced by Sikorsky UH- on the UH-1; nearly anything had 24 launching tubes. Press the so-called Secret War. Station Point Mugu, California 60 Blackhawk helicopters be- that could be carried. The Army photos were taken with the US Air Force USAF UH-1s were often on the 11 June 1977 and its sis- ginning with an initial batch of desired weapons with large XM5 and XM3 installed on the In October 1965, the Unit- equipped with automatic gre- ter squadron, Helicopter Attack 10 delivered in 1994. calibres and high rates of fire, same aircraft, but this arrange- ed States Air Force (USAF) nade launchers in place of the Squadron (Light) Four (HA(L)- While some were passed on which led to the testing of a 20 ment could not be used because 20th Helicopter Squadron door guns. The XM-94 grenade 4), known as the Red Wolves, to pro-Israeli militias in Leb- mm cannon on a large mount it was more than the gross take- was formed at Tan Son Nhut launcher had been tested on was formed at Naval Air Sta- anon, eleven other UH-1Ds bolted to the cabin floor. off weight of the aircraft. Air Base in South Vietnam, Army aircraft before being used tion Norfolk, Virginia on 1 July were reportedly sold to a Sin- The size of the weapon al- During the war 7,013 UH-1s equipped initially with CH-3C by the USAF. The unit was ca- 1976. gapore-based logging company lowed very little room for move- served in Vietnam and of these helicopters. pable of firing 400 grenades per but were, instead, delivered in ment. The Army further tested 3,305 were destroyed. In total By June 1967 the UH-1F and minute, up to 1,370 metres ef- US Marine Corps October 1978 to the Rhodesian a full-size Vulcan cannon firing 1,074 Huey pilots were killed, UH-1P were also added to the fective range. In 1962, the United States Air Force to skirt the UN en- out the door of a UH-1. It was along with 1,103 other crew unit’s inventory, and by the end Today, the USAF uses the Marine Corps held a competi- dorsed embargo imposed dur- capable of firing 2400 rounds members. of the year the entire unit had UH-1N for support of intercon- tion to choose an assault sup- ing the Rhodesian Bush War. per minute, or about 40 rounds The US Army phased out shifted from Tan Son Nhut to tinental ballistic missile sites, port helicopter to replace the These 11 former Israeli heli- per second. Despite this being the UH-1 with the introduction Nakhon Phanom Royal Thai including transport of securi- Cessna O-1 fixed-wing aircraft copter were Agusta-Bell 205As, a significant reduction from of the UH-60 Black Hawk, al- Air Force Base, with the CH- ty personnel and distinguished and the Kaman OH-43D hel- known in service as Cheetahs. the nearly 100 rounds per sec- though the Army UH-1 Resid- 3s transferring to the 21st Heli- visitors. icopter. The winner was the After much work these then ond fired by a standard Vulcan ual Fleet had around 700 UH- copter Squadron. On 24 September 2018, the UH-1B, which was already in formed No. 8 Sqn Rhodesian cannon, the installation proved 1s that were to be retained until On 1 August 1968, the unit USAF announced that the Boe- service with the Army. Air Force and took part as troop “too kinetic” for the UH-1. 2015, primarily in support of was redesignated the 20th Spe- ing/Leonardo MH-139 (an AW- The helicopter was designat- transports in the counter-insur- Podded versions of the M24 Army Aviation training at Fort cial Operations Squadron. The 139 variant) had won a compe- ed the UH-1E and modified to gency fight. 20 mm cannon were tested in Rucker and in selected Army 20th SOS’s UH-1s were known tition to replace the UH-1Ns. meet Marine requirements. The One was lost in combat in combat over Vietnam. There National Guard units. Army as the Green Hornets, stem- major changes included the use September 1979, when hit in was a wide variety of 7.62 mm support for the craft was intend- ming from their color, a primar- US Navy of all-aluminium construction Mozambique by a RPG. At automatic weapons tested, in- ed to end in 2004. ily green two-tone camouflage The US Navy began acquir- for corrosion resistance, radios least another three were lost. cluding different installations The UH-1 was retired from (green and tan) was carried, and ing UH-1B helicopters from compatible with Marine Corps The survivors were put up for of the M60 machine gun. AS-10 active Army service in 2005. In radio call-sign “Hornet”. the Army and these aircraft ground frequencies, a rotor sale in 1990. and SS-11 missiles were tested 2009, Army National Guard re- The main role of these heli- were modified into gunships brake for shipboard use to stop in several different configu- tirements of the UH-1 acceler- copters were to insert and ex- with special gun mounts and ra- the rotor quickly on shut-down 64 65 UH-1H Iroquois

The UH-1 features a two-bladed main rotor with a stabilising bar at 90 degrees to the rotor attachments. In November 1981 the US Army requested the development of new composite rotor blades for its UH-1H fleet. A contract for 6,000 blades was shared equally by Bell and Boeing. However the blades may be changed yet again in a new series of upgrades.

Most ‘Hueys’ carry a distinctive VHG antenna above the The engine is mounted None of the proposed upgrades has suggested replacing cockpit. The US Army flies a number of electronic counter- above the fuselage for the all-metal tail rotor. One possibility is to move the rotor measures and electronic intelligence-gathering variants. easier access. to the opposite side of the tail fin, where it would act as a tractor rather than pusher unit, to improve handling. Although these glazed panels in the lower cockpit give the crew good downward visibility, they also made the crew vulnera- ble to small arms The UH-1’s fuselage is of semi-monocoque fire. Many crews in all-metal construction. A skid at the rear pro- Vietnam placed ar- tects the tail rotor in the event of a tail-down moured plates be- landing. hind the glazing. The large sliding doors on either side of the fuselage made loading and unloading troops much faster. The doors could be removed for quicker access. CHARACTERISTICS ing T53-L-11 turboshaft, (0.25 kW/kg) • Crew: 1–4 1,100 shp (820 kW) • Capacity: 1,760 kg includ- • Main rotor diameter: ARMAMENT ing 14 troops, or 6 stretch- 14.63 m various including: ers, or equivalent cargo • 7.62 mm machine guns • Length: 17.40 m with ro- PERFORMANCE • 2.75 in (70 mm) rocket pods tors • Maximum speed: 217 km/h • Width:2.62 m (Fuselage) • Cruise speed: 201 km/h • Height: 4.39 m • Range: 507 km • Empty weight: 2,365 kg • Service ceiling: 5,910 m de- • Gross weight: 4,100 kg pendent on factors such as • Max take-off weight: weight, air temperature, etc 4,309 kg • Rate of climb: 8.92 m/s • Powerplant: 1 × Lycom- • Power/mass: 0.15 hp/lb

66 67 The sabotage of a special order from Adolf Hitler saved priceless Catholic history. We examine some of the less- battlefield er-known aspects of the Battle of Monte Cassino.

n 3 September 1943 the British 8th Soon after the bombing, the Army landed at Reggio and six days first units of the 14th Panzer Olater at Taranto. The invasion of Italy, Corps that had been withdrawn the ‘soft underbelly of Europe’, had begun. from the south began to arrive Both of these landings were uncontested by at Cassino. They immediately the Germans who had pulled out some time be- began to dig themselves in and BEFORE AND AFTER: The monastery at Monte Cassino (left) before it was turned into a heap fore. they fortified the town of Cas- of rubble (right) by Allied bombers and heavy artillery. In one air raid the Allies dropped 250 tons The US 5th Army then landed on the west sino. of bombs onto the monastery. M coast, further north, at Salerno on 9 September The approaches to the town 1943, to coincide with the Italian armistice. were mined and they flooded had occupied the monastery, astery? No sir, it was the other all the treasures and works of The move was predicted by the commander the countryside in front of the they Germans were feeding side’s.” art from the monastery, out of o of the German forces in Italy, Field Marshal Al- Rapido east of Cassino and information via intelligence It was actually a clever ploy. harms way. bert Kesselring. The German 16th Panzer Divi- awaited the Allied advance. agents that they had in fact A large portion of the Italian Over three days in October n sion was moved to the area, backed up the the The 14th Panzer Division turned the monastery into a for- population are Catholic. If they 1943 they were removed to a German 10th Army. could barely live up to its name. tress. This was due to a special believed that the Allies had de- safer location in the north be- t Unable to contain the Allies, the Germans They were desperately short order issued by Adolf Hitler. liberately destroyed priceless fore being handed over to the withdrew to prepared positions which ran across of tanks and most of its troops The monastery contained artefacts of Catholic history, it Italian government. e the width of central Italy, from the mouth of the were being used as infantry sol- priceless relics of Catholic his- could have turned Italian senti- After a mass in the basilica, Sangro river in the east, through the Abruzzi diers. They were reinforced by tory, including a library of over ment against the Allies. Abbot Gregorio Diamare for- mountain region to the mouths of the Rapido/ troops from other divisions, in- 70,000 volumes, paintings by Hitler’s plan seemed to be mally presented signed parch- Garigliano rivers on the west coast. cluding men from the 1st Para- famous masters, age-old cruci- working. The Allies, espe- ment scrolls in Latin to General This defensive position was to be known as chute Division. fixes, historic carvings in wood cially the New Zealand com- Paul Conrath, to tribuno mil- the Gustav Line and within its defensive line, Facing the Cassino front the and goldsmith’s work. mander, General Freyburg, was itum Julio Schlegel and Maxi- about 160 km south east of Rome, stood the Allies now had seven Com- Hitler knew that if the Allies convinced that the monastery miliano Becker medecinae doc- C town of Cassino. monwealth divisions, contain- believed that the monastery had was infested with Germans. tori “for rescuing the monks Towering above the town stood Monte Cas- ing men from India, New Zea- been turned into a defensive po- They reluctantly agreed that and treasures of the Abbey of a sino, or Mount Cassino. From 529 AD Mon- land, South Africa and Brazil. sition, the Allies would have no it would have to be bombed. Monte Cassino.” te Cassino had been home to the Benedictine There were also five Amer- choice but to bomb it. He want- What choice did they have? Not only had a direct order s monastery. The monastery has witnessed nu- ican, five British, four French ed all the treasures of Monte It was then that fate, some may from Hitler been sabotaged, but merous battles over the centuries and had itself and three Polish divisions. A Cassino to go up in flames. say divine intervention, stepped they also used thousands of li- s been destroyed twice, having been rebuilt in the formidable force. While some people may have in. Certain elements of the Ger- tres of fuel vital to the war ef- mid-1100s. The Allies were convinced seen this as the height of stu- man High Command were not fort. i Monte Cassino was in a perfect defensive that the Germans were using pidity, a German officer had the prepared to allow the priceless It is unsure whether Schlegel position. It dominated the surrounding country- the monastery on Monte Cassi- following comment at the time: treasures at Monte Cassino to was the mastermind behind the side, including the Liri valley that ran through no as a strongpoint, which the “Far from stupid. The decisive be destroyed. A bold, yet highly operation. Certain historians n the mountains to the north and Route 6, the main Germans strongly denied. battle will be fought here on top illegal plan was put into action. believe that it was Field Mar- highway linking the south to Rome. It also had The denial was justified. No of the holy mountain. We are Under the command of shal Kesselring himself who o a superb view of the town. German troops had occupied to protect the monastery, while Oberst (Lieutenant Colonel) planned and authorised the re- Cassino town was first bombed on 10 Sep- the monastery, although an ar- the other side blows it to smith- Julius Schlegel and Hauptmann moval of the relics from the tember 1943 when targets all along the Garig- tillery observation point was ereens. And Joseph Goebbels (Captain) Maximilian Beck- monastery. In any event, Kes- liano river were hit. It caused heavy casualties situated on the lower slopes of (German minister of propagan- er, members of the Hermann selring would inevitably have among the civilian population and many took the mountain. da) just has to say: Was it our Göring Panzer Division and the known about it. refuge in the monastery at Monte Cassino. Yet while denying that they shells that smashed the mon- Luftwaffe, began transporting Unfortunately, the Allies also

68 69 became aware of what was of the Führer’s (Adolf Hitler) happening. They were quick to orders. broadcast this fact. “The Führer wishes that “This is the Allied transmit- all the stuff in the monastery ter for Southern Italy. We re- should be destroyed by Amer- peat our previous message to ican bombardment. Can’t you patriotic Italians. Unite against understand what we are aiming ADVANCE: Polish troops the bandits who are desecrat- at man? Just imagine the head- advance through the town of ing your churches and graves. lines in the gutterpress all over Cassino. Their objective is the At this moment the Hermann the world: Anglo-American monastery on Monte Cassino. Göring Panzer Division are gangsters destroy the West’s plundering the treasures of the most precious Catholic relics. monastery of Monte Cassino. “We can get them to smash Fight and stop them! One trans- the monastery, but the impor- port has already gotten away tant thing for us is that the art with treasures of untold value. treasures should go up in smoke Italian patriots, protect your at the same time. Freyberg is property. Don’t let these ban- quite convinced that our agents dits rob you.” are telling the truth, when they VICTORY: A Polish bugler The rumours of what had report that the monastery is be- plays the Hejnał mariacki (St been happening at Monte Cas- ing turned into an impregnable Mary’s Call), announcing the DUG IN: Two paratroop- sino soon reached Berlin with fortress, so just before they raze victory. The Hejnał mariacki ers from the German 1st the result that a Heinkel bomber it to the ground, we shall see is a traditional, five-note Pol- Fallschirmjäger Division lay was sent to Aeroporto del’ Ube that we get a statement from the ish anthem closely bound to down fire on the advancing outside Rome. lot of black crows (priests) up the history and traditions of Allied troops. After the monastery was bombed, the ruins On board was General Wil- there that there has never been a Kraków. It is played every hour on the hour, four times in offered excellent cover for the helm Burgdorf, chief of army single German soldier inside of defenders. personnel. The general was a it. From the point of view of or succession in each of the four man who regarded the whole propaganda that will be of tre- cardinal directions, by a trum- world as a gigantic joke, who mendous importance to us. peter on the highest tower of promoted a colonel to general “The only good thing to the city’s Saint Mary’s Church. The noon performance is with the same smile with which come out of this mess is that broadcast via radio to all of he handed a field marshal a cy- the transports have been pho- Poland and the world. anide pill. tographed by Allied reconnais- General Burgdorf met with sance planes, which is grist to bombers. The Germans quickly Field Marshal Kesselring. “Is it Freyberg’s mill. Now we must moved into the ruins, turning true that the sacred relics have ensure that every one of those them into natural fortifications. been removed from Monte Cas- relics is safe and sound. The The battle raged for nearly sino? The Allied broadcasting Führer is furious. You have one four months and needed four stations have been proclaiming foots in front of a court martial assaults before Monte Cassi- ARMOUR: Allied armour from the housetops that a few Herr Marschal. The whole busi- no was finally captured. It cost moves through the ruins of the days ago the Hermann Göring ness will have to be twisted so over 75,000 casualties on both town of Cassino. It was not Panzer Division was busy plun- that you have known all about sides. Troops from the Polish ideal terrain for armour and it dering the monastery. It is cer- the damned transport, other- Division were the first into the was left to the infantry to take tainly plundering of which the wise the entire world will ac- ruins of the monastery. the monastery. Reichsmarschall (Hermann cuse us of plundering.” If not for the bravery of a few Göring, head of the Luftwaffe) In January 1944 the first bat- senior German officers, some is entirely ignorant, but perhaps tle of Monte Cassino began. The of the Catholic Church’s most your intelligence officers are monastery was indeed reduced priceless treasures would have asleep? This is clear sabotage to rubble by Allied artillery and been lost forever. 70 00 Gaming

Normally Kapitänleutnant Matt O’Brien is all at sea. This time, however, he’s under the sea as he takes command of U-96.

et me turn the clock like watching a movie. ment. The last thing you want back 35 years. Back to U-Boat is exactly what it says to do is run out of food or water. L1984 to be exact. Back it is, a submarine simulator. In The actual layout of the then I owned a Commodore 64 a nutshell, you are given com- U-Boat is highly accurate. All 8-bit home computer and it was mand of a Type VII submarine the buttons, knobs and dials are great, as were the games that during World War II. there - and they work. were available for it. It had a Unlike other submarine Each member of the crew has massive 64 kb of memory. games such as the Silent Hunter a specific job. Keep their mo- The games were all on cas- series, you are not in charge of rale high and they will perform settes, the same cassettes that the submarine itself, but rather well. You can get your radio were used for music. You in charge of the men controlling operator to tune in to a nearby and ability to stay calm. You CO2 absorbers and much phone or 88 mm deck gun and plugged it into a normal tele- the submarine. You act as the radio station so the crew can can try to save the whole crew more. take matters in your own hands! vision and then waited what U-Boat captain. listen to some music. or leave someone behind, to • Send your officers on spe- The game is still in early ac- seemed like forever for your Your job is to manage the As the captain of the boat you save the others. cial tasks in the headquar- cess, so it is being improved on game to load. And you couldn’t morale, discipline and trauma have to manage most things You will often have to deal ters to, among other things, all the time. save your games. of the crew and make sure all down to the finest detail. What with some serious situations speed up a research of new It’s a fun and challenging One of the games that I en- the crew come back alive at the will the crew have for meals? such as flooding, fire, or vital technologies. game and well worth the price. joyed was a submarine ‘simula- end of a mission. How long will the watches be? equipment being knocked out Game’s simulation elements tor’. The screen featured a dark You look after the physical Should you disable unnecessary or damaged. are very realistic, but that nev- blue background (the sea) and a and mental health of the crew, devices to keep your accumula- During your mission you will er comes at a cost of gameplay light blue background (the air). because if the sailors are hun- tors running for longer? If you receive assignments from the quality. Despite extensive simu- Your submarine was repre- gry, tired and their spirit is low, are going to be submerged for a Kriegsmarine headquarters. lation elements, UBOAT can be sented by a blue rectangle that there’s no chance of winning long time do you run on a skel- They are never linear and you played like a regular game and was vaguely shaped like a sub- even a skirmish. eton crew, telling the others to may receive additional orders complex matters can be learned marine. On the surface of the The crew are also made up of stay in their bunks to preserve during them or face unexpected later to become a better skipper sea were enemy ships in red. individuals who each have their oxygen? problems. for the commanded unit. You would move back and own individual stories and per- When running on the surface Brave completion of assign- Even small things like the in- forth, firing torpedoes at the sonalities and this can make for you need to keep your eyes out ments from the headquarters fluence of ballast in each com- ships while trying to avoid the interesting situations. for enemy aircraft. If you come is rewarded with additional partment on the ship’s trim (tilt) depth charges they were drop- Before you leave port you under attack, either by aircraft budget for the unit under your or Earth’s curvature are faith- ping. It was such fun. will be given a briefing as to or surface ship, then the fun and command and with acceptance fully reproduced in the game. Fast-forward to 2019 and I’m your mission. It may be sim- games really start. of your growing reputation as a Perfection can be achieved in yet again playing a submarine ply to patrol a certain area, or The game then goes from U-Boat’s skipper. You will need many ways. Prove your man- simulation game. This one is to find and intercept a merchant management to survival. The that, to upgrade your ship and agement skills and swiftly as- simply called U-Boat. convoy. extensive damage system is a keep up with enemy’s techno- sign work to your officers to This time, however, I’m play- You will also have to take on foundation of the game’s sur- logical advances. speed things up. If, on the other Publisher - PlayWay S.A. ing on an I-7 computer with supplies from the warehouse. vival elements. Unprecedented • Upgrade your boat for the hand, you think that if some- Genre - RTS 256 GB of RAM memory and This will include torpedoes, situations are bound to happen rewarded funds. thing needs to be done, it’s bet- Score - 7.5/10 a graphics card that requires its fuel, food, water and any other as the effect of received dam- • Buy new equipment - new ter to do that on your own - sit Price - R134.75 (on Steam) own power supply. The game is necessary rations and equip- age, testing player’s creativity torpedo types, sonar decoys, behind the periscope, hydro- 72 73 Book Review Movie American Sniper Review Released: 2014 Running time: 132 minutes Directed by: Clint Eastwood The Fighting Doc

t is Saturday afternoon, to fulfil an overriding passion eleased in 2014, Amer- after the September 11 attacks. in war. When he replies that it is 19 July 1975, next to a to help the beleaguered south- ican Sniper is an Amer- His first kills are a woman and “all the guys [he] couldn’t save” Idry riverbed in Rhode- ern African country in its fight ican biographical war boy who attacked U.S. Marines that haunt him, the psychiatrist sia’s north-eastern operational against what he perceived to R area, in a war against commu- be a communist bid to secure drama film directed by Clint with a Russian made RKG-3 an- encourages him to help severe- Eastwood and written by Jason ti-tank grenade. Kyle is visibly ly wounded veterans in the VA nist-backed guerrillas. the sub-continent. John was a Hall. upset by the experience but lat- hospital. After that Kyle grad- A Rhodesian combat medic very complex individual who, It is loosely based on the mem- er earns the nickname “Legend” ually begins to adjust to home receives an order to descend right until his death, was in a oir American Sniper: The Auto- for his many kills. life. into the riverbed to attend to two permanent state of internal con- biography of the Most Lethal Assigned to hunt for the Years later, on February 2, critically wounded troopers, flict as to his mission in life: he Sniper in U.S. Military History al-Qaeda leader, Abu Mus- 2013, Kyle says goodbye to his their figures seemingly lifeless wishes he had a wife; he tells (2012) by Chris Kyle, with Scott ab al-Zarqawi, Kyle is pinned wife and family as he leaves in on the sand. The whereabouts young American girls that they McEwen and Jim DeFelice. down by a sniper using a Roma- good spirits to spend time with of the insurgents is not known. must produce strong sons who The film follows the life of nian PSL sniper rifle. This sniper a veteran at a shooting range. As the medic, displaying a red will fight the good fight; he is Kyle, who became the deadliest goes by the name Mustafa and An on-screen subtitle reveals: cross, moves in, shots ring out disillusioned by his failures; marksman in U.S. military histo- is an Olympic Games medalist “Chris Kyle was killed that day and he sustains a fatal head he admits he is a weak leader, ry with 255 kills from four tours from Syria. Meanwhile, the in- by a veteran he was trying to wound. That medic is 24-year- virtually offering an apology But, finally, as a combat med- in the Iraq War, 160 of which surgents issue a bounty on Kyle. help”, followed by archive foot- old American John Alan Coey. for his own shortcomings; he ic - a pioneer in this concept - were officially confirmed by the When he returns home to a age of crowds standing along Driven by his Christian faith vacillates endlessly; he admits he finds his much sought-after Department of Defence. newborn daughter after his sec- the highway for his funeral pro- and an ardent belief in the threat to being unable to identify the destiny. While Kyle was celebrated for ond tour, Kyle becomes increas- cession. of global communist hegemo- path he needs to take to achieve Paperback: 200 pages his military successes, his tours ingly distant from his family. ny, Coey had come to Rhodesia his mission. Cost: R250 of duty took a heavy toll on his On Kyle’s third tour, Mustafa personal and family life. seriously injures a unit member, Growing up in Texas, Chris Ryan “Biggles” Job, and the unit Kyle (Bradley Cooper) is taught is evacuated back to base. When by his father how to shoot a rifle they decide to return to the field and hunt deer. Years later, Kyle and continue the mission, anoth- has become a ranch hand and er SEAL, Marc Lee, is killed by rodeo cowboy, and returns home gunfire. early, to find his girlfriend in bed Guilt compels Kyle to under- with another man. take a fourth tour, and Taya tells After telling her to leave, he is him that she may not be there mulling it over with his brother when he returns. when he sees news coverage of On this tour he finally kills the 1998 U.S. embassy bomb- Mustafa with a shot from 1,920 ings and decides to enlist in the metres. During his escape he is Navy. He qualifies for special wounded and almost left behind. training and becomes a U.S. After Kyle gets back, on edge Navy SEALs sniper. and unable to adjust fully to ci- Spider Zero Seven Battle for Cassinga Parabat Kyle meets Taya Studebaker vilian life, he is asked by a Vet- R370 R220 R280 (Sienna Miller) at a bar, and the erans Affairs psychiatrist if he is Click on the poster to watch a two soon marry. He is sent to Iraq haunted by all the things he did trailer of the film. All books are available from Bush War Books 74 75 This month in military history ... August This month in military history ... August nel Carrier overturned near tion during a contact with the Namibian Broadcasting This month in military history Table Mountain outside Pi- enemy forces in Southern Corporation (NBC) in and etermaritzburg. The casual- Angola. He was 27. around Katima Mulilo. Some of the significant military events that happened in August. Highlighted in blue are the names of those members of the South African Defence Force (SADF) that lost their lives during the ties were: Lance Corporal • 1983 - Rifleman Schaullum • 2007 - Holden Roberto, An- month of July. L. P. Petersen (19). Lance Lennox Silverton from Reg- golan founder and leader of Corporal Johnathan Mervin iment Christiaan Beyers was the FNLA, dies at 84. 1 August nent Officer Commanding. 17. Thomas (20). Killed in Action in a land- • 1798 - The British fleet un- • 1944 - The Warsaw Up- • 1982 - The Kenyan Air • 1996 - Mohammed Farah mine explosion in the Kao- 3 August der Lord Nelson defeats the rising began as the Polish Force disbands following an Aidid, who has controlled koveld. He was 21. • 1900 - During the 2nd An- French fleet at the Battle of Home Army, numbering attempted coup by non-com- much of Somalia during its • 1989 - Private Jacobus glo-Boer War, in a breach of the Nile, at Aboukir Bay, about 40,000 Polish patri- missioned officers in which civil war, dies of wounds Petrus Du Plessis from neutrality, Colonel Stowe, Egypt, thus thwarting Napo- ots, began shooting at Ger- 159 died. suffered during a skirmish Quartermaster General was Consul-General of the USA, leon’s conquest of the Mid- man troops in the streets. • 1987 - Corporal Marius Al- with another faction. shot dead while on duty at allows a British Intelli- dle East. Napoleon Bona- The Nazis then sent eight bertus van Zyl from Infan- the Karl Kling Building in gence officer, carrying im- parte and his forces are left divisions to battle the Poles, try School was killed in a 2 August Pretoria. He was 18. portant papers from Milner stranded in Egypt. who had hoped for, but did private motor vehicle acci- • 1900 - During the 2nd An- • 1989 - Rifleman Rudolph to Kitchener, to hide from • 1900 - During the 2nd An- not receive, assistance from dent at Oudshoorn while on glo-Boer War Lord Roberts Ernst Thiel from 1 Recon- Danie Theron in his railway glo-Boer War General Ian the Allies. Two months later, weekend pass. He was 20. sends his Chief of Staff, Lord naissance Regiment was carriage. Hamilton, commanding a the rebellion was quashed. • 1988 - Seaman Willem Kitchener, to take overall accidentally killed in the • 1900 - War correspondent force of about 6,000 men • 1946 - Andrei Vlasov, Rus- Schalk van der Merwe from command of the forces en- Duku-Duku Forest Training Ernie Pyle (1900-1945) was with twenty-six field guns, sian general (who fought for SAS Rand was killed in gaged against Gen. De Wet. area near Mtubatuba when born in Dana, Indiana. His is sent to capture Comman- both the Red Army and the a military bus accident in • 1934 - Paul von Hinden- his Unimog overturned on a syndicated column offered do Nek and Silkaatsnek, be- German Wehrmacht) is exe- Durban. He was 19. burg, German WW1 general gravel road during a training sympathetic insights into the tween Brits and Pretoria, and cuted at age 45. • 1990 - ANC and its armed and President of Germany exercise. He was 19. experiences of common sol- to cover Baden-Powell’s re- • 1957 – The United States wing, Umkhonto we Si- (1925-34), dies of lung can- • 1990 - The Iraqi army in- diers during World War II. treat to Pretoria. and Canada form the North zwe (MK) suspends armed cer at 86. vaded Kuwait amid claims He received a Pulitzer Prize • 1901 - During the 2nd An- American Air Defense Com- actions after twenty-nine • 1956 - Having held talks that Kuwait threatened for his reports of the bomb- glo-Boer War the British par- mand (NORAD). years. on the escalating crisis over Iraq’s economic existence ing of London in 1940 and liament votes an additional • 1975 - An order is issued • 1990 - Two members of the control of the Suez Canal by overproducing oil and later war reports from Afri- £12,500 00 for munitions. withdrawing the remaining Cape Regiment were killed with France and the US, driving prices down on the ca, Sicily, Italy and France. • 1901 - During the 2nd An- South African Police from in a military vehicle acci- Britain mobilises its forces. world market. An Iraqi mil- He was killed by ma- glo-Boer War Sir G. Lagden, Rhodesia. dent at Hammersdale. The • 1965 - Assistant Veldkor- itary government was then chine-gun fire near Okinawa formerly Resident Commis- • 1979 - Lieutenant Sid- casualties were: Rifleman net N.R. Pullen from the 42 installed in Kuwait which in the South Pacific on April sioner in Basutoland, is ap- ney Edward Watts from 1 Johannes Jacobus Lourens Army Air Reconnaissance was annexed by Iraq on the 18, 1945. pointed by the British as the South West Africa Squadron (27). Rifleman Cupido Jo- Squadron was killed when claim that Kuwait was his- Commissioner of Native Af- SWATF was killed when hannes Mentoor (21). his Cessna 185A crashed torically part of Iraq. This fairs in the Transvaal and the his private Cessna 182 air- • 1992 - Corporal Michael near Derby while on a rou- resulted in Desert Shield, ‘Orange River Colony’. craft crashed at Eros Airport Paul Bankenberg from tine low level reconnais- the massive Allied military • 1938 - Air Force Base Wa- outside Windhoek during Group 39 was shot dead by sance training flight. He was buildup, and later the 100- terkloof is founded with two Squadron night flying exer- a fellow soldier in Queens- 20. hour war against Iraq, De- hangars, a runway and No’s cises. He was 28. town. He was 21. The sol- • 1976 - French officials dis- sert Storm. 1 and 2 Fighter-bomber • 1981 - Private Rocco Ber- dier who did the shooting close that France is to sup- • 1999 - At least twelve people Squadrons and No 3 Com- nard Du Plooy from 2 then committed suicide. He ply South Africa with two are killed in rebel attacks on munication Squadron, main- Squadron was accidentally was 21. destroyer escorts. a police station, airport and ly equipped with Hawker killed while on official duty • 1993 - Two members from 3 • 1982 - Lance Corporal Hartebeest Aircraft. Lt. Col. but the exact cause of his SAI were killed when their Matheus Bambi from 32 Jonas Savimbi H.G. Willmot is first perma- death is unknown. He was Mamba Armoured Person- Battalion was Killed in Ac- 76 77 This month in military history ... August This month in military history ... August • 1900 - President Paul Kru- and crashed into the sea 28 Lamari, head of Algeria’s garrison of British troops Craig Adrian Maguire from South Africa has become ger and Commandant Gen- miles off Green Point near army, resigns for health rea- was unable to stop the Duke the Army Battle School died self-sufficient in the manu- eral Louis Botha issued a Scottburgh and exploded on sons. d’Acota’s 25,000 soldiers from a gunshot wound ac- facture of arms. The coun- proclamation in Pretoria impact with the water. He • 2005 - The Military Council who swarmed across the cidentally sustained in the try is considering exporting which promised to pay those was 27. for Justice and Democracy border. Army Battle School training weapons. Burghers who remained ac- • 1979 - President Francisco overthrows President Taya • 1967 - Military conscription area. He was 21 • 1983 - Rifleman Johannes tive with their Commandos Macías Nguema of Equato- of Mauritania in a coup, became compulsory for all • 2003 - The first 200 -mem Jacobus Christoffel Stols for damage done to their rial Guinea is overthrown in while he is in Saudi Arabia White men in South Africa bers of a West African from 3 SAI Support Compa- farms by the British troops. a military coup by his neph- for the funeral of King Fahd. over the age of 16. Defer- peacekeeping force arrive ny attached to 52 Battalion, • 1911 - An Italian, Command- ew Colonel Teodoro Obiang ment to complete school- in Liberia in an effort to was Killed in Action when er Piazza, is the world’s first Ngueme Mbasogo. 4 August ing or a university degree stop more than two months his Buffel Troop Carrier pilot to fly a military mis- • 1980 - Two members from • 1578 - A Portuguese at- was granted, but hardly any of fighting between govern- detonated a boosted TMA-3 sion he flies reconnaissance 32 Battalion were Killed in tempt at an invasion against White men were exempt ment forces and rebels, and Cheese Mine while on patrol missions over Tripoli. Action in Southern Angola the Moors of Morocco is from conscription. allow food and medicine to near Ogongo. He was 20. • 1934 - Jonas Savimbi, for- when they triggered a booby thwarted at the Battle of Al- • 1972 - Signaler Victor enter Monrovia. • 1990 - The United States mer leader of Unita, was trap inside an enemy bun- cazar-el-Kebir. King Sebas- Donald Devenish from 23 sends a Marine company born on this day in Mun- ker during Operation Vas- tian of Portugal, the King Squadron, 2 Signals Regi- 5 August into Monrovia, Liberia’s hango, Angola. trap. They were: Corporal of Fez and the Moorish pre- ment was accidentally killed • 1815 - A peace treaty with capital, to evacuate US cit- • 1940 - Italy begins occupa- Michael Christian Coetzee tender to the throne of Fez, in a Military Vehicle Acci- Tripoli, which follows trea- izens because of a rebel tion of British Somaliland. (26). Corporal Daniel Hein- are all killed. dent at Binga in Rhodesia ties with Algeria and Tunis, threat to arrest Americans • 1956 - An event unique rich Grobler (20). • 1900 - During the 2nd An- while deployed there during brings an end to the Barbary in order to provoke foreign in the SAAF history takes • 1983 - Rifleman Adriaan glo-Boer War the Battle of Ops Falcon (Clandestine Wars. intervention in the civil war. place. The SAAF squadron Jacobus Booysen Thirion Elands River (Brakfontein), Electronic Warfare Deploy- • 1863 - The Alabama, an • 1985 - Gunner Riaan Jakob that was placed at the dis- from the Boksburg Com- near present-day Swartrug- ment). He was 18. American Civil War raider, Rautenbach from 61 Mecha- posal of the United Nations mando was killed in an ac- gens, that lasted several • 1978 - Corporal Barend captures the Northern bark, nised Battalion was acciden- Organisation during the Ko- cidental mortar bomb ex- days, starts. Phillippus Hendrikis Du Sea Bride, outside Table tally killed when a 120mm rean War, is presented with plosion during operations • 1901 - During the 2nd Plessis from the South Af- Bay. The Alabama was built Mortar Tube exploded after the prestigious United States in Southern Angola. He was Anglo-Boer War Lord rican Air Force died in H.F. during the American Civil firing an over-boosted mor- presidential unit citation, 25. Methuen, British gener- Verwoerd Hospital in Preto- War to prey on the mercan- tar bomb during training at awarded for ‘extraordinary • 1985 - Rifleman Mark John al, destroys the village of ria from injuries sustained tile shipping of the Northern Omuthiya. He was 20. heroism against the armed Littrell from 1 Parachute Schweizer-Reneke, leaving in a private motor cycle ac- states. Her captain and of- • 1986 - Four members from enemy of the United Na- Battalion Died of Wounds only the church standing. cident. He was 21. ficers were Southeners, her the Intelligence School in tions from November 1951 accidentally sustained while • 1907 - The French fleet bom- • 1983 - Captain Thomas San- crew British. The Malays Kimberley were killed when to April 1952’. based in the Northern Oper- bards Casablanca, northwest kara seizes power in a mil- composed the well-known • 1974 - Lieutenant Hen- ational Area. He was 19. Morocco, following an- itary coup in Burkina Faso. folksong Daar Kom Die Al- ri Cornelius Lotz from 41 • 1986 - Three members from ti-foreign outbreaks. • 1987 - Private Francois du ibama with reference to this Squadron was killed when Durban Regiment were • 1914 - Germany invades Preez Smit from the Provost ship. his AM-3C Bosbok crashed killed when their Buffel Belgium and when Lon- School was killed in a mil- • 1916 - The British navy de- near Johannesburg. . He was Troop Carrier overturned don’s ultimatum to Berlin itary vehicle accident at the feats the Ottomans at the 25. in Durban. The casualties to withdraw expires at mid- Far North Command Head- naval battle off Port Said, • 1978 - Captain Anthony were: Lance Corporal Rob- night, Britain declares war quarters Unit in Pietersburg. Egypt. Howard Brinkworth from ert Dennis Sterling (26). Ri- on Germany. He was 18. • 1971 - PW Botha, the Min- 24 Squadron was Report- fleman Trevor Reginald Wil- • 1940 - Italy invades Brit- • 1988 - Staff Sergeant Mar- ister of Defence, says that ed Missing when his Buc- liam Holland (24). Rifleman ish Somaliland and occu- ius Horn from 5 SAI was caneer SMk.50, flown by Eric Cornelius Koekemoer pies some towns in Sudan accidentally killed near Es- Captain Dries Marais, suf- (21). and Kenya. General God- howe. He was 27. Hugo Bierman fered a double flame-out • 2004 - General Muhamed win-Austin and his small • 1990 - Lance Corporal 78 79 This month in military history ... August This month in military history ... August their SAMIL 50 vehicle • 1980 - Rifleman Petrus Ja- and sentenced to death. At ous landing of the war. Force Base Waterkloof died ber 1988. overturned approximately cob from 35 Battalion was her execution, she refused a • 1963 - The United States in the H.F. Verwoerd Hos- • 1989 - Rifleman Jacques 5 km from the Unit Head- Killed in Action during blindfold and instead threw (US) informed the United pital in Pretoria after being Stefan Barkhuizen from In- quarters. The casualties a contact with SWAPO/ a kiss to the French firing Nations (UN) that it would critically injured in a private fantry School was killed in were: Lance Corporal Alan PLAN insurgents in North- squad. suspend sales of arms to motor vehicle accident. He a private motor vehicle acci- Bernard Clarke (18). Lance ern Owamboland. He was • 1900 - During the 2nd An- South Africa. The Security was 21. dent at Hopetown while on Corporal Jacob Johannes de 19. glo-Boer War the Battle of Council adopted Resolution • 1983 - Two members from route to a tug of war compe- Jager (18). Lance Corporal • 1980 - Rifleman Neels Tygerpoort (Venterskroon) 181 calling upon all states to 202 Battalion SWATF were tition. He was 19. Jacques Delport (18). Lance Jacobus Reynolds from 41 takes place between the cease the sale and shipment Killed in Action during a • 1990 - Just five days after Corporal Jacobus Frans Battalion was Killed in Ac- British under Lord Methuen of arms, ammunition and contact with SWAPO/PLAN the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait, Hamman (18). tion during a contact with and the Boers under De military vehicles to South insurgents. The casualties President George Bush or- • 1998 - Otto Kretschmer, SWAPO/PLAN insurgents Wet.Â De Wet, with the aid Africa. The arms embargo were: Rifleman S. Kavarata dered Desert Shield, a mas- German U-boat commander, in Northern Owamboland. of Capt. Danie Theron and was made mandatory on 4 (21). Rifleman A.H. Katan- sive military buildup to pre- dies at 86. He was 18. fourteen of his men, escapes November, 1977. ga (22). vent further Iraqi advances. • 1986 - Lance Corporal Jaco- and Methuen falls back to • 1964 - Following an attack • 1984 - Rifleman Johannes • 1991 - Commandant Freder- 6 August bus Andries Cornelius Nel regroup. on two U.S. destroyers in Hendrik Strydom from the ick Marthinus Ferreira from • 1891 - British Field Marshall from the Intelligence School • 1901 - During the 2nd An- the Gulf of Tonkin off North Infantry School died from a Eastern Province Command William Joseph Slim is born in Kimberley died in the Uni- glo-Boer War Lord Kitchen- Vietnam, the U.S. Congress gunshot wound sustained as was killed when his military on this day. versitas Hospital after being er publishes his most famous approved the Gulf of Tonkin a result of an accidental dis- vehicle was involved in a • 1900 - During the 2nd An- critically injured on 05 Au- of what the Boers call his Resolution, granting Presi- charge of a fellow soldiers head-on collision with a ci- glo-Boer War the Battle of gust 1986 when his SAMIL ‘paper bombs’, proclaiming dent Lyndon B. Johnson au- rifle while at the De Brug vilian vehicle at Grahams- Elands River takes place. 50 vehicle overturned 5km that all officers of the ‘late thority “to take all necessary Training Area. He was 19. town. He was 51. British Gen. Carrington re- from the Unit Headquarters. ‘ Republics still engaged in measures to repel any armed • 1987 - Two members from • 1998 - Terrorist bombs deto- treats to the Marico River He was 18. fighting and all members of attack against the forces of 121 Battalion were killed nate within minutes of each and Zeerust, Western Trans- • 1997 - The SA Air Force an- their governments will be the United States and to pre- when their Buffel Troop other outside US embas- vaal, pursued for part of nounces that Mirages will permanently banished from vent further aggression.” Carrier overturned at Ng- sies in buildings in Nairobi, the way by Boer forces. He be phased out because of a South Africa unless they • 1970 - Fighting along the wavuma near Pongola. They Kenya and Dar-es-Salaam, burns his baggage train and cut to the defence budget. surrender before 15 Septem- Egyptian-Israeli border is were: Rifleman Sikhumbu- Tanzania killing more than surplus supplies and retires ber. brought to a halt as a new zo Eric Mbambo (21). Ri- 250 people and wounding towards Mafeking. 7 August • 1901 - During the 2nd An- 90-day cease-fire takes ef- fleman Alpheus Dumdum approximately 5,000. • 1916 - Admiral Hugo (Hen- • 1795 - The Battle of Muizen- glo-Boer War the Battle of fect. Mbambo (24). drik) Bierman, former Chief berg takes place during Fort Mpisane, the final big • 1973 - Three members from • 1988 - Angola, Cuba and 8 August of the Navy and Chief of the the Napoleontic War when battle of this war fought in 2 SAI were killed while un- South Africa agreed to a • 1802 - Tjaart van der Walt, SADF, is born in Johannes- British troops disembark the Lowveld, takes place. dergoing Driver and Main- formal ceasefire. Under the frontier farmer and field burg. at Muizenberg and move • 1901 - During the 2nd An- tenance training when their terms of the ceasefire and commandant who played an • 1945 - The first Atomic towards Cape Town, not- glo-Boer War Comman- Bedford truck collided with later treaty, Cuba was to Bomb was dropped over withstanding brave defence dant Manie Maritz attacks an Eland Armoured Car on a withdraw its forces from the center of Hiroshima at by Lieut. P.W. Marnitz and Vanrhynsdorp in the Cape narrow bridge on the Walvis Angola, and South Africa 08h15, by the American Capt. C. Kemper after De Province. Many vehicles, Bay to Windhoek road and was to grant Namibia inde- B-29 bomber Enola Gay. Lille vacated his position. including three laden supply overturned. The casualties pendence and withdraw its The bomb detonated about • 1876 - International spy wagons, are taken from the were: Rifleman Kenneth forces and elections were to 850 metres above ground, Mata Hari (1876-1917) was British. Frampton Beghin (18). Ri- be held in Angola. The trea- killing over 105,000 per- born (as Margaret Gertrude • 1942 - The U.S. 1st Marine fleman Christos Constati- ty was signed on 22 Decem- sons and destroying the city. Zelle) in Leewarden, Neth- Division lands on the islands nou (18). Rifleman Ralph Another estimated 100,000 erlands. Arrested by the of Guadalcanal and Tulagi George Leggett (18). persons later died as a result French in 1917 as a German in the Solomon Islands. It is • 1981 - Lance Corporal Jan George H. Bush of radiation effects. spy, she was tried, convicted the first American amphibi- Mathys de Beer from Air 80 81 This month in military history ... August This month in military history ... August

important role in the third Christoffel Vorster (23). • 1981 - Two members from house caught fire and burnt casualties were: Lance Cor- South West African People’s frontier war against the Lance Corporal Michel Ad- 5 Reconnaissance Regiment down during the night. He poral Karl Paul Viljoen (22). Organisation (SWAPO) combined force of the Xho- olf Brodreiss (21). Lance were Killed in Action while was 32. Rifleman Johannes Gerber fighters are believed to have sa and Khoi-Khoi, is killed Corporal Matthys Johannes carrying out pseudo oper- • 2004 - Several military of- le Roux (18). been killed, with upwards of in a skirmish in the Kouga Taljaard (27). Air Mechanic ations in enemy territory. ficers and civilians are- ar • 1983 - With support from another hundred injured at mountains, district Humans- Johannes Chamberlain (20). They were: Rifleman Mahl- rested in Mauritania for Libya in their long-running a forward base in the Cam- dorp. • 1988 - South African For- omola Samuel Mokoena plotting a coup. civil war, Chadian insur- beno Valley. A significant • 1945 - Soviet Russia de- eign Minister Pik Botha (25). Lance Corporal I van gents overrun the outpost amount of equipment and clared war on Japan and sent announces agreement has Maleta (23). 10 August of Faya-Largeau in northern material was taken and de- troops into Japanese-held been reached for a cease-fire • 1983 - Rifleman M. Frans • 1900 - British General Car- Chad. stroyed, including rations Manchuria. in the Angolan conflict be- from 5 Reconnaissance rington reaches Mafeking • 1985 - Two members from originally obtained from the • 1960 - Dag Hammarskjöld, tween South Africa, Angola Regiment was Killed in Ac- and narrowly avoids be- Sector 30 SWATF were UN High Commission for UN secretary-general, in- and Cuba. This ends twenty tion while carrying out oper- ing court-martialled for his killed when their Buffel Refugees. structs Belgium to withdraw years of bush warfare. The ations against enemy forces. inexplicable flight from Troop Carrier overturned at • 1990 - Egyptian and Mo- its troops from the Congo. treaty is formally signed at He was 22. Elands River (Brakfontein). Welinitschia. The casualties roccan troops land in Saudi • 1963 - During Operation Ruacana in late August. • 1983 - Two members from He later explains his actions were: Corporal Albert Johan Arabia to prevent Iraqi inva- CAPEX (Cape Exercise), • 1945 - The second Atom- 40 Squadron were killed to Lord Roberts in Pretoria Kotze (19). Rifleman Jo- sion. a joint training exercise in- ic bombing of Japan oc- when their Atlas MB326M but a furious Roberts trans- hannes Frederik Louw (20). • 1993 - UN forces kill seven volving elements of Brit- curred as an American B-29 Impala Mk I crashed near fers him back to Bulawayo Somali gunmen who shot at ain’s Royal Navy and both bomber headed for the city Centurion. The casual- in Rhodesia. 11 August a surveillance helicopter, as the SA Navy and Air Force, of Kokura, but because of ties were: Lieutenant Leon • 1945 - Japan offers to sur- • 1940 - A week before Mus- militias of warlord Moham- a 35 Squadron Avro MR. poor visibility then chose a Jacobs (22). Lance Corpo- render in World War 2 if solini orders General Rodol- med Farah Aidid intensify Mk 3 Shackleton struck secondary target, Nagasaki. ral Pieter Johannes Terburgh Emperor Hirohito is permit- fo Graziani to invade Egypt an offensive against peace- high ground before crash- About noon, the bomb det- (21). ted to keep his throne. from Libya, the British RAF keepers. ing into the Wemmershook onated killing an estimated • 1984 - Rifleman Stephanus • 1961 – First use of the Agent raids airfields and Italian • 1998 - Congolese rebels mountain range just out- 70,000 persons and destroy- Badenhorst from 1 Para- Orange in Vietnam by the military bases. fighting President Laurent side the town of Worcester, ing about half the city. chute Battalion died from a U.S. Army. • 1977 - Rifleman Michael Kabila say they are closing some 96 km east of its des- • 1967 - Biafran troops, un- gunshot wound accidental- • 1972 - Naval Headquarters Gerrard Lemmer from 2 in on the capital, while the tination. All thirteen crew der the command of Colonel ly sustained at the De Brug at Simon’s Town announce SAI was accidentally killed government rounds up Tut- members on board were Ojukwu, have crossed the Training Area during COIN that the second series of during a training exercise sis, suspected of supporting killed. The casualties were: Niger River into Nigeria’s OPS Training. He was 19. joint British South African near Otjiwarongo. He left the rebellion. Captain Thomas Howard Mid-Western State and are • 1985 - Bombardier Hendrik exercises off the Cape Coast the confines of the Tempo- Sivertsen (34). Captain heading towards Benin City. Petrus Uys from the School will begin on 14 August rary Base (TB) during the Jaques Guillaume Labus- Nigeria’s leader General of Artillery was killed in a 1972 and will continue for night and on returning, was chagne (29). 2nd Lieutenant Yakubu Gowon, promoted military vehicle accident seven days. shot dead by the Bren Gun- George James Smith (21). since his reinstatement of near Potchefstroom. He was • 1973 - Leading Seaman ner who mistook him for an Lieutenant Abraham Gert Federal rule, is planning an 20. Hendrik van der Merwe insurgent. He was 18. Willem Coetzee (24). 2nd offensive against the Bia- • 1985 - Rifleman Edwin Wil- from SAS Protea was killed • 1982 - The South African Lieutenant Charles Alwyn fran capital Enugu. liams from 8 SAI died from in a military vehicle acci- government has released du Plooy (19). Candidate • 1975 - The French govern- a gunshot wound resulting dent. He was 27. details of a South African Officer Derrick Ian Strauss ment has decided to sup- from the accidental dis- • 1978 - Two members from 5 Defence Force (SADF) raid (19). Warrant Officer II ply no further continental charge of a fellow soldiers SAI attached to “B” Compa- into Southern Angola. Be- Sydney Shields Scully (46). (ground or air) armaments rifle while he was stationed ny, 2nd Platoon, 54 Battalion tween two and three hundred Flight Sergeant David Hope to South Africa. This polit- at Ondangwa. He was 23. SWATF, were killed after Sheasby (27). Lance Corpo- ical decision does not affect • 1986 - Rifleman M.C. Joao suffering multiple shrapnel ral Charl Paul Viljoen (28). naval armaments or existing from 32 Battalion was burnt wounds in an accidental Ri- Emperor Hitohito Lance Corporal Marthienus contracts. to death at Buffalo when his fle Grenade explosion. The 82 83 This month in military history ... August This month in military history ... August 12 August 1 Parachute Battalion were from the hunt on De Wet to The casualties were: Colo- 14 August without actually using the • 1900 - The rearguard of the Killed in Action after walk- relieve Col. Hore. nel Jacobus Cornelius Ther- • 1870 - David Farragut, word. The announcement Boer forces under De Wet ing into an enemy ambush • 1926 - Communist revo- on (63). Lieutenant Josef Jo- American Admiral who was broadcast via radio to fights a running battle with in Southern Angola while lutionary and President of hannes Fourie (41). coined the phrase“Damn the Japanese people at noon Lord Methuen’s British in hot pursuit of a SWAPO/ Cuba, Fidel Castro, was • 1983 - Rifleman Gavin Vil- the torpedoes, full speed the next day. The formal sur- force. Methuen seizes wag- PLAN insurgent group ap- born on this day. joen from 7 SAI was killed ahead!”), dies at 69. render ceremony occurred ons and prisoners abandoned proximately 45 men strong. • 1967 - Umkhonto we Si- in a Military Vehicle Acci- • 1896 - English World War I later, on 2 September 1945, by the Republicans, as well The casualties were: Lance zwe’s (MK) Luthuli De- dent near Phalaborwa. He fighter pilot Albert Ball VC, on board the USS Missouri as one of the Armstrong Corporal Pierre Johannes tachment in Rhodesia (Zim- was 19. DSO & Two Bars, MC was in Tokyo Bay. guns captured at Stormberg. Du Bois (19). Rifleman Jo- babwe) and Zimbabwean • 1984 - Two members from born on this day. At the time • 1960 - UN peace-keeping • 1918 - Wing Commander hannes Barend Greyling African People’s Union the South African Cape of his death he was the Unit- forces finally replace Bel- Guy Penrose Gibson, VC, (20). Rifleman Cornelis (ZAPU) guerrillas engaged Corps were killed when their ed Kingdom’s leading flying gian troops in the Republic DSO & Bar, DFC & Bar, Frederik van der Nest (20). Rhodesian forces in Wank- Buffel Troop carrier over- ace, with 44 victories. of Congo. was the first Commanding • 1981 - Two members from ie (now Hwange) Game turned at Eersterivier. The • 1900 - End of the ‘first De • 1974 - A sharp increase in Officer of the Royal Air 6 SAI were Killed in Action Reserve, near the border of casualties were: Rifleman Wet hunt’. De Wet’s entire South African defence ex- Force’s No. 617 Squadron, during a contact with ene- Zambia and Botswana. The Jannie van Wyk (18). Rifle- force crosses the unoccu- penditure is announced. which he led in the “Dam my forces in Southern An- operation became know as man Jan Johannes Jacobus pied Olifants Nek Pass near • 1980 - Three members from Busters” raid in 1943, was gola near the Cut-line. They the Wankie Campaign. Wildschutt (20). Rustenburg and camps on 6 SAI were Killed in Ac- born on this day. were: Corporal Marthinus • 1973 - Captain Dietlof Zieg- • 1988 - Lance Corporal Ar- the banks of the Hex River. tion when their patrol was • 1960 - UN Secretary-Gen- Johannes van Staden (19). fried Weyers from 2 SAI thur Mark Fletcher from He has achieved all his ob- ambushed by a numerically eral Dag Hammarskjold and Rifleman Jacob Jacobus died from a gunshot wound 5 SAI died from a gunshot jectives: captured a train, in- superior force of SWAPO/ UN troops enter rebel prov- Blom (19). accidentally sustained while wound accidentally sus- flicted losses on the enemy, PLAN insurgents near Een- ince of Katanga in Zaire. • 1981 - Four rockets explod- stationed at Walvis Bay. He tained due to an accidental increased his own numbers hana. The casualties were: • 1968 - Over 5,000 soldiers ed in Voortrekkerhoogte was 31. discharge of a fellow sol- and managed to rest some of Corporal Daniel Johannes supported by tanks, ar- (renamed Thaba Tshwane • 1975 - Lance Corporal diers rifle while undergoing his burghers, while occupy- Deyzel (20). Lance Corpo- moured cars and air force on 19 May 1998), a large Machiel Casparus Eksteen training at Henley Dam. He ing the attention of 50,000 ral Avril Jewaskiewitz (19). units begin manoeuvres in military base in Verwoerd- Potgieter was accidently was 18. British troops. Rifleman Christoffel Jaco- an exercise code named Op- burg (now Centurion) close shot dead after being struck • 1988 - Special Constable • 1945 - Following the two bus Mijburgh (20). eration Subasa designed to to Pretoria. The African Na- by a bullet resulting from Andreas Ipinge from the Atomic Bomb drops and be- • 1981 - Corporal Cecil test the ability of South Af- tional Congress (ANC) ac- the accidental discharge of a South West Africa Police lieving that continuation of Charles McAlister from rican defence forces to deal cepted responsibility. 7.62 MAG machine-gun. He Counter-Insurgency Wing: the war would only result Regiment Schoonspruit, with terrorist activities. • 1993 - US marines open fire was 18. Ops K (Koevoet) was Killed in further loss of Japanese • 1970 - Rifleman Christopher on 3,000 Somali demonstra- • 1980 - Rifleman Johan Calitz in Action during a contact lives, delegates of Emper- Coetzee from 2 Parachute tors protesting against the from 3 SAI Died of Wounds with PLAN insurgents in or Hirohito accepted Allied Regiment was killed in a US presence in the country. received while on patrol in Northern Owamboland. He surrender terms original- private motor vehicle acci- the Okatopi area when his was 26. ly issued at Potsdam on 26 dent. He was 21. 13 August Section was ambushed by • 1997 - Heavy fighting rages July 1945, with the excep- • 1975 - Able Seaman Hugo • 1900 - During the Battle of approximately 50 PLAN in- in Brazzaville, Republic of tion that the Japanese Em- Johan Jacobus Bus from Elands River, one of Col. surgents. He was 20. Congo, between forces of peror’s sovereignty would SAS Kimberley accidental- Hore’s men, having sneaked • 1981 - Two members from the president and those of a be maintained. Japanese ly drowned at East London through the besieger’s lines, SWATF were killed while former military ruler. Emperor Hirohito, who had when the boat in which he reaches the British lines near returning to Sector 50 Head- • 1998 - Rebels fighting Con- never spoken on radio, then was a passenger, capsized Mafeking and confirms that quarters when the privately golese President Laurent recorded an announcement near Stoney Point during a the Australians and Rhode- owned civilian aircraft in Kabila capture a power admitting Japan’s surrender, Naval beach landing exer- sians are still holding out. which they were flying as transformer in western Con- passengers, crashed shortly go, sending the capital, Kin- cise. He was 23. Lord Roberts orders Kitch- Fidel Castro • 1978 - Three members from ener to divert three brigades after take-off from Gobabis. shasa, into darkness. 84 85 This month in military history ... August This month in military history ... August was Killed in Action dur- followed the French Revo- rested in Sudan and flown to mans. Killed in Action during multiple organ failure. ing an attack on their TB by lution. Paris for trial. He is eventu- • 1901 - General De la Rey a contact with SWAPO/ SWAPO/PLAN insurgents • 1865 - Comdt Louw Wepen- ally sentenced to life in pris- protests the British mistreat- PLAN insurgents near the 17 August near Opuwa in the Kaok- er (53) is killed in combat on by a Paris court for the ment of women and chil- Cut-Line. He was 19. • 1901 - The ZAR Executive oveld. He was 27. during an attack on Moshesh 1975 murders of two French dren. • 1986 - Lance Corporal An- Council instructs Comman- • 1981 - Lance Corporal Wyn- at Thaba Bosigo in the Free secret agents and an alleged • 1942 - US Army Air Force dre Hercoll Erasmus from dant-General Louis Botha and Spies from 5 Reconnais- State. informer. planes see action for the the Cape Regiment was to investigate and, if nec- sance Regiment was Report- • 1973 - Leading Seaman Ivan first time in North Africa, Killed in Action after suffer- essary, to punish Assistant ed Missing in Action during William Kearns from SAS 16 August bombing German military ing shrapnel wounds during Commandant-General To- operations in Southern An- Protea died from injuries re- • 1777 - During the American positions from their base in a SWAPO/PLAN stand-off bias Smuts for the burning gola while acting as part of ceived in a military vehicle Revolutionary War, the Bat- Egypt. attack on Ruacana. He was of Bremersdorp, because his a 3-man rearguard protect- accident near Bredasdorp on tle of Bennington, Vermont, • 1959 - William “Bull” F 20. actions were not according ing the evacuation of two 10 August 1973. He was 26. occurred as militiamen from Halsey, US vice-admiral • 1986 - Candidate Officer to the ‘customs of civilized wounded personnel after an • 1973 - Rifleman Mark Cor- Vermont, aided by Massa- (WW II Pacific), dies. Christopher Hugh Snyman warfare’. attack. He was shot and pre- nelius van Heerden from 1 chusetts troops, wiped out a • 1979 - Rifleman Erasmus from 101 Air Commando • 1940 - The Italian inva- sumably killed during this SAI died at Potchefstroom detachment of 800 German- Albertus Venter from 4 SAI Squadron was killed when sion of British Somaliland, rear-guard action but ow- after contracting meningitis Hessians sent by British was killed during Opera- his private aircraft flew into which began on August 4, is ing to extremely heavy and while on his way to partici- General Burgoyne to seize tion Safraan after a fellow High Tension wires and complete. The Royal Navy concentrated enemy fire, his pate in a military exercise in horses. soldier picked up an unex- crashed near Hoedspruit. He successfully evacuated Brit- body could not be recovered. Gazankulu. He was 18. • 1780 - The Battle of Cam- ploded SAAF Impala DEFA was 37. ish troops via the port of After prolonged political ne- • 1979 - Sergeant Barend den in South Carolina oc- 30 mm High Explosive can- • 1988 - Staff Sergeant Gide- Berbera. There is now little gotiations, his remains were Cornelius Roux from the curred during the American non projectile and between on van Rooyen from 2 Spe- to stop the Italians control- eventually returned to South Regiment De Wet, attached Revolutionary War. The bat- the two of them, attempted cial Service Battalion was ling the southern entrance to Africa three years later. He to 53 Battalion was Killed tle was a big defeat for the to take the shell apart with killed instantly when his the Red Sea. Meanwhile the was 20. in Action in Southern An- Americans as forces under a Swiss Army knife. During Armoured Car overturned at 5th Indian Division, newly • 1986 - Sergeant Johannes gola when his patrol was General Gates were defeated this process, the cannon pro- the Rooisloot Training Area, arrived in East Africa, is de- Petrus Coetzer from 911 ambushed by a numerically by troops of British General jectile exploded, killing him crushing him in the turret ployed along the Sudan-Ab- Battalion SWATF was killed superior force of SWAPO/ Charles Cornwallis, result- instantly. He was 20. hatch. He was 26. yssinia and Sudan-Eritrea in a private motor vehicle PLAN insurgents just North ing in 900 Americans killed • 1980 - Lance Corporal Hen- • 1991 - Rifleman Mark Wil- border as part of the Sudan accident near Keetman- of Oshigambo. He was 26. and 1,000 captured. drik Jacobus van der Walt liam Hein from 8 SAI was Defence Force, and a revolt shoop. He was 22. • 1981 - Rifleman Melato • 1888 - Thomas Edward from 16 Maintenance Unit accidentally shot dead while is started in Abyssinia by • 2004 - Germany apologis- Chamba from 201 Battal- Lawrence, better known as was killed at Luhebu in on duty in Tokoza Town- es for the massacre of some ion SWATF was Killed in Lawrence of Arabia (1888- South West Africa when the ship by a fellow soldier who 65,000 Hereros in South- Action when his patrol was 1935), British adventurer, military vehicle he was driv- was playing around with his West Africa (Namibia) by ambushed by a numerical- soldier, and author, is born ing, overturned. He was 18. loaded rifle. He was 18. their soldiers during the ly superior enemy force in in Tremadoc, Wales. • 1981 - Rifleman B Jacob • 2003 - Ugandan military 1904 rebellion, but rules out Southern Angola. He was • 1917 - In a renewed thrust from 101 Battalion SWATF ruler Idi Amin, 78, who compensation. 24. of the Allied offensive was critically wounded on presided over an eight-year • 1988 - Rifleman Brink launched at the end of July 14 August 1981 during a reign of terror from 1971- 15 August Stander from 1 SAI was in the Flanders region of contact with PLAN insur- 1979, where an estimated • 1769 - French Emperor Na- killed in a private motor ve- Belgium - known as the gents in the Koakoveld. He 300,000 people were killed poleon Bonaparte (1769- hicle accident on the Brand- Third Battle of Ypres, or succumbed to his wounds in and tortured to death, dies of 1821) was born on the island fort to Bloemfontein Road simply as Passchendaele, hospital on 16 August 1981. of Corsica. Originally an of- while he was on a weekend for the village that saw the He was 22. ficer in King Louis’ Army, pass. He was 31. heaviest fighting - British • 1982 - Rifleman William he rose to become Emperor • 1994 - Carlos the Jackal, troops capture the village of Edwin van Heerden from amid the political chaos that freelance terrorist, is ar- Langemarck from the Ger- 201 Battalion SWATF was Carlos the Jackal 86 87 This month in military history ... August This month in military history ... August those loyal to the Emperor, 2 Field Engineer Regiment video of a C-47 Dakota as 44 Parachute Pathfinder 19 August Gowon, has stated that his Haile Selassie. was killed in an accidental it was taking off from the Company and one mem- • 1901 - At Graaff-Reinet, P.J. troops are ‘behaving cor- • 1943 - During World War II explosion at Okalongo. He runway. He was standing on ber from 5 Reconnaissance Fourie, J. van Rensburg and rectly. in Europe, the Allies com- was 19. the end of the runway and as Regiment were Reported L.F.S. Pfeiffer are executed • 1976 - Lance Corporal Car- pleted the conquest of the • 1977 - Two members, one the aircraft passed overhead, Missing approximately 40 by a British firing squad for los Alberto Correia Pinto island of Sicily after just 38 from 5 Squadron and the the aircraft tail wheel struck miles inside Matabeleland treason and the murder of Ribeiro from 1 Reconnais- days. This gave the Allies other from 8 Squadron him on the head, killing him during Operation Drama, a British troops. sance Regiment was Report- control of the Mediterranean were killed when their At- instantly. He was 26. clandestine mission in Zim- • 1940 – First flight of the ed Missing in South Eastern and also led to the downfall las MB326M Impala Mk babwe. All three men have B-25 Mitchell medium Angola during a contact of Benito Mussolini and I crashed at Riemvasmaak 18 August no known grave and remain bomber. with enemy forces between Italy’s eventual withdrawal Bombing Range near Up- • 1914 - Germany declares unaccounted for. The casu- • 1942 - Dieppe Raid. An Luenge and Coutada de from the war. However, the ington while carrying out a war on Russia while Presi- alties were: Staff Sergeant Allied force of 7,000 men Mucusso. He was driving a Germans managed to evacu- night bombing exercise. The dent Woodrow Wilson is- Peter David Berry (33). Ser- carry out a large daytime Unimog loaded with a ton or ate 39,569 troops, 47 tanks, crew were: Major James sues his Proclamation of geant Robert Trevor Beech raid against German posi- more of High Explosive. The 94 heavy guns, over 9,000 McFarlane Wilson Kerr Neutrality. (27). Sergeant John Andrew tions at the French seaport South African Force was vehicles and 2,000 tons of (30). Major Barry Leonard • 1957 - The first two Avro Wessels (24). of Dieppe. Aided by tanks ambushed while the com- ammunition back to the Ital- Moody (38). Shackleton Mk III anti- • 1982 - Private Wynand van and aircraft, the commando pany was returning to Buf- ian mainland from Sicily. • 1981 - Two members from 4 submarine aircraft arrive in Rhyn from the South African force–made up of approxi- falo. His vehicle was hit by • 1962 - The South African Field Regiment were killed South Africa. Medical Corps, attached to 2 mately 5,000 Canadians, a Soviet RPG-7 Anti-Tank Minister of Defence, J.J. in Military Vehicle accident • 1979 - Rifleman Glen Co- Millitary Hospital, Wynberg 2,000 British soldiers, and Rocket causing the explo- Fouché, announces that the at Oshivello. The casualties lin Coppard from 4 SAI was was Reported Missing when a handful of American and sive cargo to detonate. He striking power of the De- were: Lance Bombardier Killed in Action in a land- he failed to return after go- Free French troops–gained has no known grave and re- fence Force has been in- Henri Victor Louis Olver mine explosion when he ing hiking alone on Table a foothold on the beach in mains unaccounted for. For creased twenty-fold as com- (19). Gunner Dirk Jacobus stepped on the device while Mountain. His body was the face of a furious Ger- administrative purposes, he pared with two years earlier, Loubser (20). assisting with a wounded later located by other hikers man defense. During nine was officially declared dead while that of Navy is to be • 1988 - Special Constable soldier. He was 20. the following day and recov- hours of fighting, the Allies in 1983. He was 25. increased ten-fold in the next Filimon Ndevaumba from • 1979 - Three members from ered. It appeared that he had failed to destroy more than • 1982 - Rifleman R. Moses few years. the South West Africa Police 3 SAI were Killed in Ac- lost his way and in the dark, a handful of their targets and from 101 Battalion SWATF • 1962 - Two members from Counter-Insurgency Wing: tion in Southern Angola fallen and broken his leg and suffered the death of 3,600 was killed in a military ve- 17 Squadron were killed Ops-K (Koevoet) was Killed when they triggered a Soviet had subsequently died from men. More than 100 aircraft, hicle accident in Northern when their Alouette II He- in Action during a contact POMZ-2M anti-personnel shock and exposure during a destroyer, 33 landing craft, Owamboland. He was 24. licopter flew into High Ten- with SWAPO/PLAN insur- picket mine during clearing the night. He was 19. and 30 tanks were also lost. • 1984 - Corporal Albert Ryan sion Cables in Du Toit’s gents in Northern Owambo- operations inside an enemy • 1993 - Sergeant M. Dube • 1944 - The 6th Division from 32 Battalion died of in- Kloof and crashed in flames. land. He was 29. base. The casualties were: from 5 Reconnaissance entered Florence, Italy and juries sustained in a private The crew were: Lieutenant • 1990 - Two members from Corporal Johannes Petrus Regiment was accidentally was active there until 1945. Keith Lynford Martin (22). Eastern Transvaal Com- Maritz (20). Lance Corporal killed when his parachute • 1968 - Nigeria’s Federal Sergeant Andrew Robert mand were killed when Frank Nienaber (21). Rifle- failed to deploy while carry- troops have launched a ma- Foote (39). their Samil 20 vehicle over- man Joseph Benjamin Ru- ing out a freefall parachute jor offensive against multi- • 1963 - Captain Richard Wil- turned at Pafuri. The casu- ben Jordaan (20). jump. He was 35. ple targets in Biafra. Despite liam Davies from 40 Squad- alties were: Rifleman Agus • 1981 - Rifleman Gavin Dick- • 1998 - Congolese reb- claims of 2,000 people be- ron was killed when his AT-6 Mlahlekm Khoza (28). Ri- enson Elliott from 5 SAI els send President Laurent ing massacred, the leader of Harvard, Serial No. 7322 fleman Mphakati Isaiah Mk- died from multiple shrapnel Kabila’s troops fleeing as the Nigerian military gov- struck High Tension Cables hombo (age unknown). wounds accidentally sus- they advance to within 200 ernment, General Yakubu and crashed near Benoni. He • 1991 - Major Harper Martin tained when a 90mm High km of the capital, now de- was 27. Geldenhuys from 32 Battal- Explosive Shell exploded. prived of electricity. • 1977 - Lance Corporal ion was accidentally killed He was 22. Rudolph Hess George Allen Deacon from at Pomfret while making a • 1982 - Two members from 88 89 This month in military history ... August This month in military history ... August motor vehicle accident at and demonstrations mark Noord Transvaal was acci- erate Secretary of War, who were: Captain Christiaan died from a gunshot wound Port Shepstone. He was 25. the second anniversary of dentally killed after being labeled Quantrill’s notions Lemmer Smith (29). 2nd accidentally sustained at • 1987 - Rudolf Hess, German the French deposition of the crushed in the Commanders of war as ‘barbarism.’ Lieutenant David Lanian Rundu. He was 32. Nazi official (Deputy Fuhrer Sultan of Morocco, Siyyidi turret when his Ratel over- • 1900 - The Battle of Ber- James Snadden (22). Cap- • 1987 - Rifleman C.A. Au- who dramatically escaped to Mohammed V ibn Youssef, turned approximately 40km gendal, near Vanwyksvlei, tain Frans Reitz van Zyl gusto from 32 Battalion died Britain in 1941, sentenced in favour of Muhammad South of Ruacana. He was starts. Gen. Joachim Fourie’s (29). 2nd Lieutenant Clif- from causes unknown while to life in Spandau Prison), Ben Aarafa. 26. men force the 11th Hussars ford Yates (23). stationed at Buffalo. He was commits suicide at 93. • 1968 - Approximately • 1995 - Liberia’s main war- to retreat at 20.00, with 7 • 1976 - Rifleman Dale Rob- 27. • 1988 - Lance Corporal Ray- 200,000 Warsaw Pact troops ring factions signed a peace killed, 3 missing, presumed ert Whitter from 2 SAI died • 1994 - The last French mond Victor Jagga, an Ops and 5,000 tanks invade accord calling for a cease- dead, and 26 wounded. from a gunshot wound ac- troops pull out of Rwanda, Medic from the Central Czechoslovakia to crush the fire after more than five • 1918 - The Second Battle of cidentally sustained at the ending their controversial Medical Command was as- “Prague Spring”–a brief pe- years of civil war and the the Somme begins. Farm “Woodholme No. humanitarian mission. signed to F Squadron School riod of liberalization in the start of democratic rule in • 1912 - Lord Roberts, com- 202”. He was 18. • 1998 - Angolan troops enter of Armour and attached to communist country. one year. mander-in-chief of the Brit- • 1978 - Rifleman Jacobus Al- the Democratic Republic of 61 Mechanised Brigade. He • 1975 - Trooper Leon Wil- • 1998 - US military forces at- ish forces during the 3nd wyn van der Berg from the the Congo (DRC) war on was Killed in Action when liam Bessinger from the tack a chemical plant in Su- Anglo-Boer War, congrat- Kaffrarian Rifles died from Laurent Kabila’s side. his Ratel was struck by two Prince Alfred’s Guard was dan and what they describe ulates Gen. Louis Botha on a gunshot wound accidental- rockets. He was 19. killed in a military vehicle as a terrorist camp in Af- his appointment as honorary ly sustained at Oshakati due 22 August • 1988 - Gunner Jaco Petrus accident near Peddie in the ghanistan. Said to be linked general in the British army. to the accidental discharge • 1864 - The first Geneva van der Merwe from 10 Ar- Eastern Cape. He was 26. with terrorists, the attacks • 1939 - The Soviet Union of a fellow soldiers rifle. He Convention for the Amelio- tillery Brigade was Report- • 1977 - Two members from are in response to the bomb- and Germany sign the Mol- was 25. ration of the Condition of ed Missing after he went 40 Squadron were killed ings of the US embassies in otov-Ribbentrop pact, a 10- • 1980 - The United States the Wounded and Sick in swimming in the Cunene when their AT-6 Harvard Kenya and Tanzania 13 days year non-aggression treaty, and Somalia sign an agree- Armed Forces in the Field is river and disappeared. It is crashed while carrying out a earlier. with a secret addendum, to ment giving US naval and signed by 12 countries. The thought that he was taken routine general flying sortie. • 1998 - Zimbabwe intervenes partition Poland. air forces access to military international treaty, known by a crocodile. He has no The aircraft went into a spin in the Democratic Repub- • 1940 - Leon Trotsky, Rus- facilities in the East African as the Geneva Convention, known grave and remains from which the pilot was un- lic of Congo to support the sian Marxist revolutionary, country in return for Ameri- also guarantees the neutral- unaccounted for. He was 20. able to recover and the air- regime against a rebellion. political theorist and found- can military aid. ity of members of the Red • 1993 - Lance Corporal craft crashed near Delmas. The last Zimbabwean sol- er of the Red Army, assas- • 1981 - Rifleman Jan Jaco- Cross and is honoured in Douglas Gardiner Scott The casualties were: Cap- diers withdraw at the end of sinated at 62 by an ice-pick bus Minnie from the Infan- South Africa. from 1 Special Service Bat- tain Keith Neil Smith (27). 2002. Troops from Angola, wielding Ramón Mercader. try School was accidentally • 1922 - Michael Collins, Irish talion was killed when two 2nd Lieutenant Paul Chris- Namibia, Chad, and Sudan • 1965 - Air Mechanic James killed when he inadvertently Rooikat armoured cars were topher Sarbutt (24). also intervened to support Roland Bolzern from 3 Sat- used a dud high explosive involved in a collision and • 1978 - Private Jacobus Jo- the Kinshasa regime. ellite Radar Station died mortar bomb as a hammer, overturned at Deduza. He hannes Etienne Bothma from a gunshot wound ac- causing the device to ex- was 18. from the Defence Head- 21 August cidentally sustained in a plode, killing him instantly. quarters Personnel Unit died • 1863 - During the American shooting incident at Mafek- He was 18. 20 August from a gunshot wound to the Civil War, William Quantrill ing. He was 24. • 1986 - Staff Sergeant Jo- • 1955 - Simultaneous attacks neck, accidentally sustained led 450 irregular Confeder- • 1973 - Four members from hannes Petrus van Niekerk by Algerian rebels against in a shooting incident while ate raiders on a pre-dawn 85 Advanced Flying School from Sector 20 Headquar- French targets in the Con- he was on duty in Pretoria. terrorist raid of Lawrence, were killed when an Atlas ters Intelligence Section stantine district of Algeria He was rushed to 1 Military Kansas, leaving 150 civil- MB326M Impala Mk I was have resulted in over 500 Hospital but succumbed to ians dead, 30 wounded and involved in a mid-air col- deaths and 200 wounded. his injuries the same day. He much of the town a smoking lision with another Atlas At the same time national- was 19. ruin. In 1862, Quantrill had MB326M Impala Mk I dur- ists have taken to the streets • 1988 - Lance Corporal Brian been denied a Confederate ing a training exercise near Michael Collins in Morocco. The attacks Albert Hoy from Regiment commission by the Confed- Pietersburg. The casualties 90 91 This month in military history ... August This month in military history ... August

nationalist leader, killed in man missionary, Reverend Killed in Action during the was invaded by British forc- • 1986 - Lance Corporal Con- Squadron was killed when ambush by anti-treaty forces C.A. Daniel Heese mur- early hours of the morn- es that burned the Capitol, rad du Bois Nelson from the his Cessna 185D crashed during the Irish Civil War at dered, because he may have ing when the Bungalow in the White House and most Intelligence School in Kim- near Krugersdorp while on 31. witnessed the atrocity. which they were sleeping other public buildings along berley succumbed to injuries a low level reconnaissance • 1934 - General Herbert Nor- • 1974 - Two members from at Katima Mulilo received with a number of private in the Universitas Hospital flight. He was 23. man Schwarzkopf Jr (1934- the School of Artillery a direct hit from a Sovi- homes. The burning was after being critically injured • 1976 - Sergeant José Correia 2012) was born on this day. were killed in a private mo- et GRAD-P 122mm High in retaliation for the earlier on 05 August 1986 when his Pinto Ribeiro from 1 Recon- While serving as Command- tor vehicle accident on the Explosive Katyusha Rock- American burning of York SAMIL vehicle overturned naissance Commando was er-in-chief, United States Potchefstroom to Johannes- et. The casualties were: (Toronto). 5km from the Unit Head- killed in a military vehicle Central Command, he led all burg road while on weekend Trooper Kevin John Biggs • 1951 - The Mau Mau rebel- quarters. He was 18. accident while evacuating coalition forces in the Gulf pass when their vehicle was (18). Private Willem Hen- lion starts in Kenya. • 1987 - Rifleman Maliphath- battle casualties to a hospi- War in 1990/1991. involved in a head-on col- drik Christoffel Britz (18). • 1973 - Private Waldemar we Godfrey Ndela from 21 tal in South West Africa. He • 1979 - Rifleman Barend lision with another vehicle Trooper Hendrik Willem De Adriaan Nelson from the Battalion was killed in a was 27. Gabriel Bester from 1 SAI while overtaking. The casu- Lange (18). Trooper Den- Technical Service Corps military vehicle accident in • 1978 - Rifleman Johannes died of wounds in 3 Mili- alties were: Lance Bombar- nis Michael Elworthy (20). was accidentally killed in a Soweto. He was 21. Hendrik De Jager from 5 tary Hospital in Bloemfon- dier Michael David Loxton Trooper Gerhardus Petrus military vehicle accident in • 1988 - Gunner William Faul SAI was killed in a private tein after being struck in the (18). Gunner Joseph Sped- Erasmus (18). Trooper Lau- Bloemfontein. He was 19. van Niekerk from the Wit- motor vehicle accident 5km chest by a piece of shrapnel ding Baggott (18). rie Johannes Lesch (19). • 1980 - Lance Corporal watersrand Command Intel- outside Ladysmith on the in an accidental hand gre- • 1976 - Rifleman Reinhard Trooper Jan Jurgens Ro- Daniel Langman from 41 ligence Section was killed in Colenso Road. He was 19. nade explosion at the Gen- Walter Klingenberg from In- ets Schutte (20). Trooper Battalion was Killed in Ac- a military vehicle accident • 1981 - One member from 17 eral De Wet Training Range. fantry School was killed in Gideon Johannes Smit (18). tion during a contact with at Doornkop. He was 19. Squadron and one member He was 19. a private motor vehicle ac- Trooper Willem Stephanus SWAPO/PLAN insurgents • 1991 - Two members from from 87 Helicopter Flying • 1980 - Two members from cident at Three Sisters while Smuts (19). Trooper Abra- in Northern Owamboland. 113 Battalion were killed School were Killed in Ac- 4 SAI were Killed in Action on Weekend Pass. He was ham Daniel van der Merwe He was 26. when their water tanker ve- tion when their Alouette III when their Section was am- 19. (18). • 1981 - Rifleman Adao hicle overturned at Tzaneen. Helicopter Gunship was shot bushed by SWAPO/PLAN • 1976 - Two members from 1 • 1980 - Rifleman Helgard Joaquim from 32 Battalion The casualties were: Lance down by enemy 14,5mm an- insurgents between Eenha- Reconnaissance Commando Brink Colling from SWA was accidentally killed by Corporal John Sidney Shis- ti-aircraft fire about 500m na and Oshigambo whilst were Killed in Action during SPES (SWATF) was Killed friendly fire during a contact ari (26). Rifleman Milleon from the target area while sweeping the road for land- a patrol near the Okavango in Action during a contact with enemy forces in South- Bullus Khoza (31). providing close-air support mines. The casualties were: river when the Wolf vehicle with SWAPO/PLAN insur- ern Angola. He was 26. operations over Mongua in Rifleman Pieter Jacobus De in which they were traveling gents in Northern Owam- • 1981 - Two members from 25 August Southern Angola just prior Beer (19). Rifleman Andries detonated a landmine and boland. He was 19. 1 SAI were Killed in Action • 1911 - Võ Nguyên Giáp Petrus Wiese (19). overturned killing Sergeant • 1981 - Rifleman Antonio Cat- during the attack on “Target (1911-2013) was born on • 1984 - Private Udo Lou- Soeiro instantly and crush- amba from 32 Battalion died Yankee” in Southern Ango- this day. Giáp was a gener- is Gevers from the South ing Staff Sergeant Roxo from a gunshot wound sus- la during Ops Protea. The al in the Vietnam People’s African Intelligence Corps underneath. The casualties tained during a shooting inci- casualties in this incident Army and a politician. He is attached to Sector 20 Head- in this incident were: Staff dent at Buffalo. He was 42. were: Rifleman Florence considered one of the great- quarters was killed when his Sergeant Francisco Dan- • 1994 - Eugene Bullard, the Cornelius Smit (18). Rifle- est military strategists of the Buffel Troop Carrier over- iel Roxo HC (43). Sergeant only black pilot in World man Martinus Godfrey Sta- 20th century. turned in Kavangoland. He Ponciano Gomes Silva Soe- War I, is posthumously com- pelberg (19). • 1966 - Candidate Officer was 20. iro (35). missioned as Second Lieu- • 1986 - Sapper Leon Bryan G.A.K. Howson from 41 • 1978 - Eight members from tenant in the United States Kuyler from 1 Construc- 23 August 1 Special Service Battalion, Air Force. tion Regiment died from a • 1901 - A group of eight sur- one member from 2 Special gunshot wound accidentally rendered Boer prisoners of Service Battalion and one 24 August sustained in a shooting inci- war are shot by the Bush- member from the South Af- • 1814 - During the War of dent at the Unit while he was Eugene Bullard veld Carbineers and a Ger- rican Medical Corps were 1812, Washington, D.C., on Guard Duty. He was 20. 92 93 This month in military history ... August This month in military history ... August to the launch of Ops Protea foot patrol in Katlehong. He troops. gwe from Sector 70 Head- 24. 41 Battalion were Killed in in Angola. The crew were: was 21. • 1916 - Romania declares war quarters SWATF was killed • 1992 - Former commander of Action during a contact with Lieutenant Johannes Gys- on Austria-Hungary, formal- in a military vehicle accident. the Simon’s Town naval base SWAPO/PLAN insurgents bertus Roos (24). Sergeant 26 August ly entering World War I. Ro- He was 23. Dieter Gerhard is released in Northern Owamboland. Clifton Stacey (21). • 1944 - French General manian troops cross the bor- • 1979 - Louis Mountbatten, from prison where he has They were: Rifleman Jacob • 1981 - Captain Louis Harm- Charles de Gaulle enters der of the Austro-Hungarian 1st Earl Mountbatten of Bur- been serving a life sentence Fredericks (18). Rifleman se from 1 SAI was Killed in Paris, which had formally Empire into the much-con- ma, British naval officer and since 1983 after being con- Joseph van Rensburg (19). Action during Ops Protea in been liberated the day be- tested province of Transylva- statesman, last Viceroy of In- victed of acting as an agent • 1981 - A member from 6 SAI Southern Angola during en- fore. As he entered the Place nia. dia (1947), is assassinated by for the Soviet Union. He is and a member from the South emy bunker clearing opera- de l’Hotel, French collabo- • 1945 - US troops land in Ja- an IRA bomb on his boat in deported to Switzerland. African Medical Corps were tions. He was 27. rationists took a few sniper pan after Japanese surrender. Ireland at 79. • 1993 - Colonel Pieter Jaco- both Killed in Action while • 1981 - Lance Bombardier shots at him. • 1965 - Air Mechanic Johann • 1981 - Two members from bus Bakkes from the South on patrol in Southern Angola. Hendrik Abraham Johannes • 1966 - The People’s Lib- Andre’ Venter from Cen- 5 SAI were Killed in Action African Military Health Ser- The casualties were: Lance Grobler from 4 Artillery eration Army of Namibia tral Flying School Dunnot- during a contact with enemy vice died from cancer in 1 Corporal Petrus Kruger (20). Regiment was Killed in Ac- (PLAN), the armed wing of tar was killed when his AT-6 forces near Ongiva in South- Military Hospital in Pretoria. Lance Corporal Mark Antho- tion in Southern Angola dur- SWAPO, fought in a battle Harvard crashed on the farm ern Angola during Ops Pro- He was 49. ny Plateel (19). ing Ops Protea. He was 20. against South African occu- “Rusplaas” near Piet Retief tea. The casualties were: Ri- • 1981 - Rifleman Domingos • 1988 - Trooper Owen Leon pying forces at Omugulug- while on a routine low level fleman David Nicolas Janse 28 August Paulo from 32 Battalion died Wolfaardt from 1 Special wombashe in northern South navigation exercise. He was van Rensburg (20). Rifleman • 1940 - The South African Air from a gunshot wound sus- Service Battalion was killed West Africa (Namibia). 17. Ettienne Marius Snyman Force flying out from Kenya tained in a shooting accident when his armoured car over- • 1974 - A Defence Bill is • 1969 - Israeli commando (19). bombs Italian bases in So- at Fort Doppies in the Capri- turned during an exercise at passed in South Africa lay- force penetrates deep into • 1983 - two members attached maliland. vi Strip. He was 32. the General de Wet Training ing down penalties for any Egyptian territory to stage to 54 Battalion were killed in • 1941 - SS General Franz • 1983 - Rifleman Jorge Nam- Area. He was 20. person or organization incit- mortar attack on regional action. The casualties were: Jaeckeln marched more than bi from 32 Battalion was • 1988 - Special Constable ing anyone to avoid military army headquarters in Nile Rifleman Joseph Wayne 23,000 Hungarian Jews to killed in a Military Vehicle Tsaanda Mbunguha from service. Valley of Upper Egypt. Muller (20). Rifleman David bomb craters at Kamenets Accident while in pursuit of the South West Africa Police • 1976 - Two members of Bra- • 1974 - 2nd Lieutenant Alber- Prins (24). Podolsk, ordered them to un- an enemy patrol in Southern Counter-Insurgency Wing: vo Group were killed when tus Stephanus Gouws from • 1985 - Rifleman Jan Bui- dress, and riddled them with Angola. He was 28. Ops-K (Koevoet) was Killed their Unimog overturned 4 Squadron was killed when jense from the North West machine gun fire. Those who • 1990 - Rifleman Laurens in Action during a contact near Rundu. They were: Ri- his Atlas MB326M Impala Command Maintenance Unit didn’t die from the spray of Stef Mdaka from the Kru- with SWAPO/PLAN insur- fleman Harry Albert Bekker Mk I crashed near Potchef- died from a gunshot wound bullets were buried alive gents in Northern Owam- (19). Rifleman Andries Jaco- stroom while on a routing accidentally sustained at under the weight of corpses boland. He was 27. bus Pretorius (19). training exercise. He was 21. Potchefstroom as a result of that piled atop them. All told, • 1989 - Signaller Andre’ • 1978 - Lance Corporal Fran- • 1975 - Rifleman Gert an accidental discharge of a more than 600,000 Jews had Rousseau from 2 Signals cois Louw from the South Antonie Senekal from 2 SAI fellow soldiers rifle. He was been murdered in Ukraine by Regiment died in the Klerks- African Cape Corps was was Killed in Action during 21. war’s end. dorp Hospital from injuries killed in a Military Vehicle the attack to capture the town • 1988 - Lance Corporal Gary • 1974 - Rifleman Albino received in a motor vehicle Accident at Ruacana. He was of Pereira D’Eca (Ongiva) in Lamb from 1 SAI, attached Moreira Christello from 11 accident at Sannieshof. He 21. Southern Angola during Ops to 61 Mechanised Battalion Commando Regiment was was 20. • 2011 - John McAleese, Brit- Savannah. He was 19. Group was shot dead by a killed in a Military Vehi- • 1991 - Rifleman Ambros Ni- ish SAS Trooper, Team lead- • 1977 - Ordinary Seaman fellow soldier during an ar- cle Accident 140km East of janyana Sekonjela from 21 er during 1980 Iranian Em- (Diver) Barry Juan Moolman gument while they were sta- Rundu. He was 18. Battalion was Killed in Ac- bassy Siege, dies aged 62. from SAS Donkin acciden- tioned at Lohatla. He was 19. • 1980 - Two members from tion after being shot dead by tally drowned during a div- • 1990 - Rifleman Jose’ Joa- persons unknown at Man- 27 August ing training exercise at Port quim from 201 Battalion delaview during a riot-relat- • 1914 - German Togo is oc- Elizabeth. He was 27. SWATF was killed in a mili- Roger Bushell ed incident while he was on cupied by British and French • 1979 - Rifleman Frans Lilun- tary vehicle accident. He was 94 95 This month in military history ... August This month in military history ... August ger National Park Comman- • 1985 - Lance Corporal Mar- iment Mooi River Died of cycle and killed instantly. He 31 August accidentally killed when the do was critically injured in a cell Stephen Lombard from Wounds after being griev- was 19. • 1900 - Commandant Danie Bedford truck in which he military vehicle accident at 2 Field Engineer Regiment ously burned during a mor- • 1982 - Corporal Josef Jo- Theron captures a train and was traveling as a passen- Letaba Bridge on 17 August was killed when his Buffel tar bomb attack by SWAPO/ hannes de Beer from 1 Main- 30 soldiers at Klip Station, ger, overturned 30km out- 1990. He was evacuated to 1 Troop Carrier overturned in PLAN insurgents near Etale tenance Unit was killed in a near the present-day Soweto. side Vryburg on the Lothat- Military Hospital where he Northern Owamboland. He Base. He was 19. private motorcycle accident • 1942 - The British army un- la to Vryburg road after the succumbed to his injuries on was 29. • 1978 - Rifleman Howard at Christiana. He was 19. der General Bernard Law vehicles front tyre burst. He 28 August 1990. He was 25. • 1986 - Sapper Willem Jaco- D’Arcy Remmington from • 1982 - Rifleman Reginald Montgomery defeats Field was 18. bus Coad from 1 Construc- Infantry School was killed Chivovo from 5 Reconnais- Marshal Erwin Rommel’s • 1979 - 2nd Lieutenant Fred- 29 August tion Regiment was killed when his Buffel Troop Car- sance Regiment was killed Afrika Korps in the Battle erick Francois de Wit from • 1792 - In one of the worst when the water tanker ve- rier overturned near Oshiv- when his parachute failed to of Alam al-Halfa in Egypt, 2 Signal Regiment was acci- maritime disasters, 900 men hicle he was driving, over- ello during a night pursuit of open during a practice jump thereby stopping the Ger- dentally killed at Carolina in drowned on the British bat- turned at Komatipoort. He SWAPO/PLAN insurgents in at Phalaborwa. He was 23. man offensive in North Af- a non-military related inci- tleship Royal George. As the was 18. the Tsumeb area. He was 20. • 1986 - Private Andrew Mor- rica. dent. He was 23. ship was being repaired, a • 1987 - Corporal Kirk Hen- • 1978 - Rifleman Jacobus ris Byrd from the South Afri- • 1965 - Air Mechanic (Pilot • 1980 - Rifleman Izak Gabri- gust of wind allowed water driksen from 5 SAI was Paulus Jansen from Infantry can Medical Corps was killed Under Training) Johannes el Du Plessis from Noord- to flood into open gun ports. killed when he accidentally School was killed in a pri- in a self-inflicted shooting Jurie Delport was killed vaal Commando was killed The ship sank within min- fell off a moving train while vate motor vehicle accident accident. He was 20. when his AT-6 Harvard in a private motor cycle utes. trying to prevent a prisoner in Oudtshoorn when his ve- • 1990 - Rifleman Tears crashed near Ermelo during accident while on duty. He • 1848 - The Battle of Boomp- in his custody from escaping. hicle was involved in a head- Mashile from 1 Reconnais- a solo night navigation exer- was 24. laats, where the British under He was 22. on collision with a delivery sance Regiment was killed cise. He was 21. • 1981 - The US vetoes a UN Governor Harry Smith con- • 1987 - Rifleman Cornelis truck in Victoria Street. He while carrying out helicop- • 1976 - Captain Jack Ste- Security Council resolution quer the Voortrekkers under Dilman from 1 Special Ser- was 18. ter insertion training near ven Cloete from the Danie criticising South Africa for Commandant Andries W. vice Battalion died from a • 1980 - Lance Corporal Wil- Madimbo. He accidentally Theron Combat School was raids in Angola. Pretorius, takes place. gunshot wound accidentally lem Hendrik Smit from 2 became entangled in the rap- killed when his military ve- • 1983 - Rifleman Pieter Fred- • 1973 - Constable M.C. Man- sustained during a shooting SAI was Killed in Action pelling ropes when the heli- hicle overturned at Wolma- erik van Eeden from 1 SAI ci from the South African incident in Northern Owam- while searching as Kraal in copter got airborne and fell ranstad. He was 36. was accidentally killed at Police was Killed in Action boland. He was 26. Northern Owamboland. He to his death. He was 25. • 1977 - Rifleman George the General De Wet Train- during a contact with insur- was 19. • 1998 - Troops allied with the Frederick Morkel Langen- ing Terrain in Bloemfontein gents when his patrol was 30 August • 1980 - Rifleman Jose government of Congo cap- hoven from 4 SAI was killed when he picked up an unex- ambushed at Mount Darwin, • 1900 - General Ben Viljoen Cabinda from 32 Battalion ture the strategic port town in a military vehicle accident ploded 40mm High Explo- Rhodesia. He was 22. releases about 2,000 British was Killed in Action after of Matadi from rebel forces at Alldays. He was 18. sive “Snotneus” grenade in • 1974 - Lance Corporal prisoners of war from the suffering multiple shrapnel trying to oust President Lau- • 1979 - Sapper Leon Lambert the veld. While he was han- Stephanus Marais from 1 camp at Nooitgedacht. wounds during a contact with rent Kabila. from 2 Field Engineer Regi- dling the device, it explod- Reconnaissance Commando • 1910 - Squadron Leader SWAPO/PLAN insurgents in • 1988 - South African troops ment, attached to 5 Military ed, killing him instantly. He drowned in a diving accident Roger Joyce Bushell (1910- Southern Angola, just north are withdrawn from Angola. Works Unit at the Army Bat- was 19. in Mossel Bay Harbour dur- 1944) was a South Afri- of Rundu. He was 23. tle School in Lohatla, was ing a Training Exercise. His can-born British military • 1980 - Private Herman Nico body was recovered the fol- aviator, who became famous Booysen from 1 Mainte- lowing day. He was 19. as the organiser of a mass es- nance Unit was killed in a • 1985 - Sergeant Petrus Cor- cape from a German prison- motorcycle accident between nelius Frederick Du Plessis er of war camp in 1944 was Stilfontein and Klerksdorp Cohen from the Soutpans- born on this day. The film while on leave. He lost con- berg Military Area Provost The Great Escape was based trol of his motor cycle and hit Unit was killed in a Military on this event. a lamp post. He was thrown Battle of Alam al-Halfa Vehicle Accident at Messina. • 1977 - Corporal Johannes clear of his motorcycle but He was 27. Jacobus Basson from Reg- was struck by another motor- 96 97 quiz Military World War II Insignia Despatches 1. Heer (Army) - Germany. - USA. 2. Polish Forces - Poland. 14. Luftwaffe (Air Force) - Ger- 9 3. Soviet Army - Russia. many. Website 4. Royal Air Force - Britain. 15. British Airborne - Britain. 5. Fallschirmjäger (Paratroop- ers) - Germany. 6. US Army Air Force - USA 7. Afrikakorps - German. 8. 1st Free French Division - “Things don’t have to France. change the world to be 9. Union Defence Force - important.” South Africa. 1 12 Steve Jobs 10. Royal Army Medical Corps - Britain. 11. Schutzstaffel (SS) - Germa- ny. 12. British Combined Opera- tions - Britain. 13. United States Marine Corps

Useful links Every month we will be featuring a few useful links to military websites, newsletters and on- Our aim is to make the Military Despatches website easy to use. Even more important to us, we line magazines. Stuff that we think our readers will appreciate. want to make the website informative and interesting. The latest edition of the magazine will Here are two of our favourites. The first one is Nongqai, the unofficial police newsletter for be available, as will all the previous editions. More over, there will be links to videos, websites, veterans of the former South African Police Force and for those interested in Police History. The and articles that our readers may find interesting. So check out the website, bookmark it, and second is Jimmy’s Own, the official newsletter of the South African Signals Association. Click pass the URL on to everyone that you think may be interested. on the magazine covers to go to the respective websites.

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