Military Despatches Vol 40 October 2020

Changing the face of warfare Inventions that changed the way war is fought

We don’t talk about that Topics the military would rather avoid

Volkssturm - The People’s Militia Germany’s last ditch effort during World War II

Isoroku Yamato The architect for the attack on Pearl Harbour

For the military enthusiast CONTENTS October 2020 Page 12 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, Williams. Afrikaans, slang and techno-speak that few Special Forces - Special Forces Group outside the military could hope to under- stand. Some of the terms Features 24 42 were humorous, some Operation Cicero (Part II) Survival were clever, while others 6 In probably one of the most im- This month we look at more were downright crude. Ten Military Achievements portant spy stories of World War permanent shelters, used if you II, an Albanian, code-named have to spend more than a few Ten military achievements that “Cicero”, was selling top secret days in one spot. changed the face of warfare. British information to the Ger- Part of Hipe’s “On the 44 couch” series, this is an 16 mans. By Paul Rosslee. Ranks interview with one of We don’t talk about that 28 This month we look at the Japa- author Herman Charles The military often likes to boast By the left, quick laugh nese Self Defence Force, in- Bosman’s most famous and dazzle people with facts We could all use a bit of a laugh cluding the army, navy and air characters, Oom Schalk and figures, telling everyone at the moment. forces. Lourens. Hipe spent time in just how great they are. Yet A taxi driver was shot there are topics that they would 36 dead in an ongoing Hanover Park, an area rather avoid. Sea Cadets get creative war between rival taxi plagued with gang Sea Cadets resort to creativity organisations. violence, to view first- 18 during lockdown. The fine art of gypoing Quiz hand how Project 38 Ceasefire is dealing with The South African Defence Force Germany’s last ditch militia 23 the situation. had their own language - a mix- Grenades ture of English, Afrikaans, slang During 1944-1945, the Volkss- This month we’re longing at Hipe TV brings you videos ranging from actuality to humour and every- and techno-speak. One of the turm, or People’s Militia, was designed to salvage victory from things that go bang. We show thing in between. Interviews, mini-documentaries and much more. first worlds new conscripts learnt you 15 grenades, you tell us the jaws of defeat. It failed on all was “gypo” - the way to get out what they are. Check out Hipe TV and remember to like, comment, share and subscribe. of work or make life easier.. levels. 00 3 CONTENTS Page 74

Editor’s PUBLISHER Sitrep Hipe Media EDITOR Matt Tennyson

PHOTO EDITOR irst of all, I can’t believe that it does, I wonder what restrictions Regine Lord we’re already in the tenth will be put in place? month of 2020. Secondly I’ve been lucky in that doing a CONTRIBUTORS F Raymond Fletcher, Ryan October in military history it’s hard to believe that we’ve been radio show every Sunday meant under lockdown for six months. that I could at least get out of the Murphy, Matt O’Brien, Paul The whole Covid-19 pandemic house from the start of the lock- Rosslee, Matt Tennyson, Lt Head-to-Head Forged in Battle Book Review has been a hard knock for most down. Radio was deemed to be an Cmdr Glenn Von Zeil. of us on a financial, emotional, essential service, so I had a permit 48 58 73 psychological and even spiritual to travel. Military Despatches is pub- Move the Border The 1967 Six-Day War French Foreign Legion level. Quite a few of the military By the way, if you haven’t lis- lished on-line every month. A concise history of the Angolan veterans that I knew passed away tened to our show, please do. I do The articles used in Military This month we take a look at While they may be part of the Border War and the main battles during lockdown, and we were a show every Sunday morning Despatches are copyrighted some of the aircraft used by Is- French Army, the French For- of the war. unable to pay them their due re- from 09h00 to 12h00 along with and may not be used without rael and Egypt during the Six- eign Legion swear allegiance to spects because of lockdown re- a fellow military veteran, John Day War. the Legion. prior permission from the edi- Front Cover strictions. Verster. It’s called the ‘Sunday tor. The last time I attended a vet- Breakfast Zone, featuring the two The views stated in this maga- Famous Figures Battlefield Members of the Special Forc- eran’s function, it was a MOTH Grumpy Old Men’. We play mu- zine do not necessary reflect the es Group, Japan’s Special Forc- meeting, was back in March. I sic from the 60s, 70s, and 80s - in 64 views of Military Despatches, 52 es unit, on manoeuvres. They have also been unable to visit a lot other words, our kind of music. Isoroku Yamamoto Operation Deadstick of friends because of the restric- We also feature the Retro Top the editor, the staff, or Hipe are part of the Japanese Self Media. Japanese Fleet Admiral of the One of the most important op- Defence Force. tions. Twenty at 09h30 where we take Imperial Japanese Navy, Com- erations of D-Day. Now, under Lockdown Lev- a look at the South African Top Hipe! mander-in-chief of the Com- el 1, things are starting to slowly Twenty charts for a particular year Gaming get better. But this does not mean in the past. P.O. Box 31216, Tokai, 7966 bined Fleet during World War that the pandemic is over by any The station broadcast on 88.5 South Africa. II, and the architect of Pearl 70 means. FM, but you’ll only pick it up if Harbour. Bomber Crew Most military veterans, and I in- you live in the Fish Hook area. email Pick the right crew to carry out clude myself here, have long since Otherwise go to www.zoneradio. [email protected] your mission and bring your passed the spring of our youth. co.za and click on ‘Listen Live’. crew back safely. This makes us high-risk, so we That’s about if for this month. Back Issues have to take even more precau- Enjoy this issue and please re- To view any back issues of Movie Review tions than most. member to stay safe. Military Despatches, go to It also means that we have www.militarydespatches.co.za 72 missed out on many parades and Until next time. or click here. functions this year. I wonder if the The Monuments Men annual Remembrance Day Parade Good WWII movie based on a will take place next month and, if Matt true story. 4 5 Top Ten Top Ten The sarissa-bearing phalanx and capable of long voyages. At first cannons were immo- would usually march to battle By 1200 AD this type of ship bile and it took time before the 10 Military Achievements in open formation to facilitate was used by militaries through- development of the two-wheel Ten military innovations that changed the face of warfare. movement. Before the charge, out Northern Europe. The gun carriage. it would tighten its files to close skeid, which means ‘that which This development led to the formation or even compact for- cuts through water, were larger formation of a new service arfare has been allowed the construction of millennium BC, making these mation. warships, consisting of more within the military and the artil- around for as long light, horse-drawn chariots was weapon systems the early foun- Their tight formation meant than 30 rowing benches. lery joined the ranks of the cav- as recorded history. the spoked wheel. The earliest dation for cavalry. W that the phalanx created a wall The technology of the sailing alry and the infantry. And those involved in wars spoke-wheeled chariots date to of spears that were so long that warship developed from 1775 The cannon was a shock have always been on the look- around 2000 BC. 9. The Sarissa there were five rows of them to 1862 and required little ex- weapon that was usually used out for weapons or innovations The chariot, with a driver and It was Philip II of Macedon, projecting in front of the front tensive research and there were in mass and its placement was that would give them the edge an archer armed with a compos- father of Alexander the Great, rank of men. Even if an enemy few new developments. Sails, critical. over the enemy. ite bow, revolutionised warfare that introduced the sarissa, a managed to get past the first ropes and guns would eventu- A volley of cannon fire at In this month’s ‘Top Ten’ we after 1700 BC. long spear or pike about 4-6 row, there were still four more ally become the main compo- look at ten military innova- A common tactic was for a metres in length. rows to stop him. nents of this military weapon tions that changed the face of line of chariots to approach the Made from tough and resil- The Macedonian phalanx was system, and timber the most warfare. Ten achievements that enemy until they were within ar- ient cornel wood, the sarissa considered invulnerable from basic and vital compo- were game changers. chery range. The archers would was a heavy spear, weighing in the front, except against anoth- nent. Timber was avail- then fire volleys of arrows at the region of 5,5 to 6,5 kg. er such phalanx. The only way able in abundance in 10. The Chariot them. If the infantry charged, It had a sharp iron head it was ever generally defeated most countries. The two-wheeled, horse the chariots could quickly turn shaped like a leaf and a bronze was by breaking its formation drawn chariot was one of the and retreat, with the archers butt-spike that would allow it or outflanking it. 7. The Cannon most important achievements still able to fire. to be anchored to the ground to Once upon a time in history. It provided man with Some armies made use of a stop charges by enemy soldiers. 8. Sailing Ships all you needed was his first concept of personal scythed chariot. The scythed The bronze material of the The first sailing ships were a strong castle with transport, and for almost 2,000 chariot was a modified war butt-spike prevented it from most likely Egyptian and exist- towers and thick years it was used as a key mili- chariot. The blades extended rusting. The spike also served ed around 3000 BC or earlier. walls, surrounded by tary weapon system of war. horizontally for about one me- to balance out the spear, mak- They were used on the River a moat and a draw- The critical invention that ter to each side of the wheels. ing it easier for soldiers to Nile, which was ideal for primi- bridge, and you were The chariots were normally wield, and could be used as a tive sailing vessels. The winds sorted. driven by four horses and had a back-up point should the main on the Nile are usually from Then as early as the 12th driver and two warriors for pro- one break. the North. So if they wanted century the Chinese went ahead tection. They would charge in The weapon had to be wielded to go South they just raised the and invented the cannon. Sud- an extended line, cutting down with both hands due to its sheer sails on the double mast. If they denly castle walls were not that the enemy with the scythes. size and bulk. This meant that charging infantry and cavalry wanted to go North they just safe anymore. By the 1350s the could be devastating. They were lowered the sails and drifted cannon was used extensively in vulnerable to cavalry that man- with the river’s current. It was Chinese warfare. aged to flank them or charge Sarissa only a 60 cm shield, suspended through these early sailing ships It wasn’t long before the can- the from the rear, making their from the neck, could be used to that the navy was born. non made its appearance in Eu- powerful fire useless. protect the left shoulder. Produced from the 13th to the rope and the cannon took on its Yet it was the cannon that Chariots were expensive, Complicated training ensured 18th centuries and commonly classic form at the beginning of made the once powerful for- clumsy and prone to break- that the phalanx wielded their used in Northern Europe, Vi- the 17th century and remained tresses and castles obsolete. down, yet these weapon sys- sarissas in unison, swinging king longboats were clinker almost unchanged until the mid Later developments would tems were used for centuries. them vertically to wheel about, built boats. They were sturdy, 19th century when it was su- make artillery a valuable part of They were not replaced by then lowering them to the hori- long and slender with a large perseded by the breech loading any modern-day army. horseback riders until the first zontal. square sail, making them swift rifle gun. 6 7 Top Ten Top Ten 6. The Machine Gun rather than being hand-pow- (MMG), and heavy machine 4. Paratroopers of the Low Countries, US mili- A machine gun is best de- ered, enabling a much higher guns (HMG). Perhaps no military weap- tary authorities began an all-out scribed as “a fully automat- rate of fire than was possible Light machine guns act as on system has provided as effort to develop this new meth- ic firearm that loads, fires and using earlier designs such as the squad support weapons, require much flexibility on the bat- od of warfare. ejects continuously when the Nordenfelt and Gatling weap- only one man to operate, and tlefield as the employment From the paratroopers of Op- trigger is held to the rear until ons. Maxim also introduced the can be carried on patrols. of paratroopers. Certainly eration Overlord who first se- the ammunition is exhausted use of water cooling, via a wa- Medium and heavy machine no weapon system has been cured the flanks of Normandy’s or pressure on the trigger is re- ter jacket around the barrel, to guns are normally crew-served so spectacular. landing beaches, to the mass leased.” reduce overheating. weapons and require a bipod or Shortly after World War drops of the US 82nd and 101st The first successful machine Maxim’s gun was widely tripod. They are generally static I General Billy Mitchell Airborne and the British Para- gun designs were developed in adopted, and derivative designs weapons used for defence. proposed that parachuting chute Regiment that formed part the mid 19th century. were used on all sides during Medium and heavy machine troops into combat from air- of Operation Market-Garden, The Model 1862 Gatling gun the First World War. The design guns can also be mounted on craft could be effective on to the modern day paratroopers had a relatively high rate of fire required fewer crew and was vehicles or aircraft. the battlefield. and special forces elements that and more importantly mechan- lighter and more usable than the Some modern machine guns During a demonstration of jump into enemy territory, para- ical loading. The weapon was Nordenfelt and Gatling guns. have come a full circle, going his concept at Kenny Field troopers provide a tactical edge adopted by the United States First World War combat ex- back to the Gatling gun’s use of in San Antoine, Texas, in modern warfare. Navy. perience demonstrated the mili- multiple rotating barrels. six soldiers parachuted The paratrooper can drop into These early machine guns tary importance of the machine The General Electric M134, By the end of from a Martin bomber areas inaccessible to regular were still powered by hand. gun. The United States Army commonly known as the Mini- the war, almost and safely landed. Less soldiers. They can thin an ene- This changed with Hiram Max- issued four machine guns per gun, can fire up to 6,000 rounds 3,000 Allied ships than three minutes af- my’s defences by forcing them im’s idea of harnessing recoil regiment in 1912, but that al- per minute without overheating. (175 warships, 2,825 ter exiting from the to protect areas that would nor- energy to power reloading in lowance increased to 336 ma- aircraft they were on mally be safe by virtue of geog- 5. The Submarine merchantmen) had his Maxim machine gun. chine guns per regiment by been sunk by U-boats. the ground, had their raphy. The Maxim machine gun 1919. If ships were such an innova- weapons assembled, Military uses for sub- 3. Aircraft used the recoil power of the Machine guns became cate- tion, that how about a ship that marines include attack- and were ready for previously fired bullet to reload gorised into light machine guns could travel undetected under- ing enemy surface ships action. On 17 December 1903 a (LMG), medium machine guns water? (merchant and military), Although US few kilometres south of Kit- Although experimental sub- attacking other submarines, military observers ty Hawk, North Carolina the marines had been built before, aircraft carrier protection, dismissed the Wright brothers made the first submarine design only really blockade running, ballistic concept, not powered flight. took off during the 19th centu- missile submarines as part of a all of the ob- Balloons were one of the first ry. nuclear strike force, reconnais- servers came to mechanisms used in air war- Submarines were first wide- sance, conventional land attack the same conclusion. The Ger- fare. Their role was strictly rec- ly used during World War I (for example using a cruise man observers eagerly grasped ognised for reconnaissance pur- (1914–1918), and now figure missile), and covert insertion of the idea and their military plan- poses. They provided humans in many navies large and small. special forces. ners worked quickly to estab- with the first available method Today there are 41 countries In September 1954 the first lish a military parachute organ- of elevating themselves well that make use of submarines as nuclear submarine was com- isation. over the battlefield to obtain the part of their navy. missioned and these days a The Germans developed their proverbial “birds-eye view.” During World War II, Germa- number of navies have nuclear airborne forces and at the start The first decisive use of a ny used submarines to devas- submarines. of World War II they used para- balloon for aerial observation tating effect in the Battle of the Some of these submarines are chute troops in their spearhead was performed by the French Atlantic, where it attempted to attack submarines, while oth- assaults in Holland and Bel- Aerostatic Corps using the aer- cut Britain’s supply routes by ers are missile boats capable of gium. Spurred by the successful ostat l’Entreprenant (“The en- sinking more merchant ships launching nuclear missiles. employment of airborne troops terprising one”) at the Battle of than Britain could replace. by the Germans in the invasion Fleurus in 1794. The follow- 8 9 ing year, during the Siege of Manfred von Richthofen, better Aircraft have become a vital Wakamiya conducted the Modern day aircraft carriers ter with their own atomic bomb Mainz an observation balloon known as The Red Baron, with component of any modern day world’s first successful ship- are typically the capital ship of project, and not long after that was employed again. However, 80 kills. military organisation and gain- launched air raid. On 6 Sep- a fleet, as it allows a naval force both countries developed even the French military use of the The French air force, Aéro- ing air supremacy over the bat- tember 1914, a Farman air- to project air power worldwide more powerful fusion weapons balloon did not continue unin- nautique Militaire, had René tlefield is considered a must. craft launched by Wakamiya without depending on local known as “hydrogen bombs”. terrupted, as in 1799 Napoleon Fonck with 75 kills. The United attacked the Austro-Hungarian bases for staging aircraft opera- The first test of a fission disbanded the French balloon Kingdom’s Royal Flying Corps 2. Aircraft Carrier cruiser SMS Kaiserin Elisabeth tions. (“atomic”) bomb released an corps. had Edward ‘Mick’ Mannock If both ships and aircraft rated and the Imperial German gun- As of August 2018, there are amount of energy approxi- Eleven years after the Wright with 61 kills. among the top military innova- boat Jaguar in Kiaochow Bay 41 active aircraft carriers in the mately equal to 20,000 tons of brothers had made their first The aircraft had come into its tions, then what about a combi- off Tsingtao. Neither was hit. world operated by thirteen na- TNT. A modern thermonuclear flight, the world was at war. own. nation of the two? The first carrier-launched air- vies. weapon weighing little more And the aircraft would play its World War II saw the rap- We’re not talking about a fly- strike was the Tondern Raid in than 1,100 kg can release ener- role. id development of the aircraft ing ship here, but rather a sea- July 1918. Seven Sopwith Cam- 1. The Atomic Bomb gy equal to more than 1.2 mil- At first the aircraft were un- as a weapon system. Not only going airbase. In other words, els launched from the convert- No other weapon system has lion tons of TNT. armed and used for aerial re- were there fighter aircraft that an aircraft carrier. ed battlecruiser HMS Furious changed the face of warfare Since the first atomic bomb connaissance and observation. could reach heights in excess Only seven years after the damaged the German airbase more than nuclear weapons. was tested, over 2,000 nucle- Enemy pilots would of 12,000 metres and travel at flight of the first heavier-than- at Tondern, Germany (modern Building on scientific break- ar tests have been conducted pass each other in speeds of more than 700 km air fixed-wing aircraft, an - air day Tønder, Denmark) and de- throughs made during the in over a dozen different sites the sky, often greet- per hour, there were large craft took off from a ship for the stroyed two zeppelin airships. 1930s, the United States, the around the world. ing or saluting each four-engine bombers first time. The development of flattop United Kingdom and Canada While modern nuclear weap- other. that could trav- On 14 November 1910, Eu- vessels produced the first large collaborated during World War ons make the atomic bomb look Then someone el more than gene Burton Ely took off in a fleet ships. In 1918, HMS Argus II, in what was called the Man- like a firecracker, the atomic had the bright 5,000 Curtiss pusher airplane from became the world’s first carrier hattan Project, to counter the bomb makes this list by virtue of kilo- the deck of a United States capable of launching and re- suspected Nazi German atomic the fact that the bombs dropped Navy ship, the cruiser USS Bir- covering naval aircraft. bomb project. In August 1945, at Hiroshima and Nagasaki re- mingham anchored off Norfolk Launched on 24 Septem- two fission bombs were dropped main the only two instances of Navy Base in Virginia. ber 1960, the USS Enterprise on Japan, standing to date as the nuclear weapons being used in Two months later, on (CVN-65) became the world’s only use of nuclear weapons in combat. Let us hope and pray 18 January 1911, Ely first nuclear powered aircraft combat. The Soviet Union start- that this remains the case. landed his Cur- carrier. ed development shortly thereaf- tiss pusher idea to airplane take a revolv- er with them and take a few shots at the opposition. Journal of the South African Legion Soon machine guns were be- Tydskrif van die Suid-Afrikaanse Legioen ing mounted and the aircraft be- come a weapon system. on a platform on the The sky became filled with The SA Legion is a national organisation, part of a world- metres and car- armored cruiser USS flimsy aircraft performing a fas- wide family that addresses the needs of ex-service per- ry up to 10,000 kg Pennsylvania anchored in cinating but deadly aerial ballet sonnel and their dependents by way of housing, pensions, that became known as ‘dog- of bombs. San Francisco Bay. On 9 May employment and general welfare. It is apolitical, non-sec- fights’. Before the end of the war the 1912, the first airplane take-off tarian, non-racial, non-sexist and non-partisan. If a pilot managed to shoot first jet engine fighters were in from a ship underway was made down five enemy aircraft they service. from the deck of the British earned the title of ‘ace’. During the Korean War be- Royal Navy’s pre-dreadnaught The Springbok is the official journal of the South African The Fliegertruppen des tween 25 June 1950 – 27 July battleship HMS Hibernia. Legion. Read the August issue of Springbok by clicking on deutschen Kaiserreiches (Impe- 1953 jet fighters engaged in Early in World War I, the the cover to the left. rial German Flying Corps) had combat for the first time. Imperial Japanese Navy ship 10 11 rticle 9 of the Japanese army, navy or air force. and a Air Self-Defence Force. Special Forces - Special Forces Group Constitution not only What Japan does have is Special Forces forbids the use of force the Japan Self-Defence Forc- The Special Forces Group Part twenty of a series that takes a look at Special Forces units around the world. This A as a means to settling interna- es (JSDF). This consists of a (Tokushusakusengun) is the month we look at Japan’s Special Forces Group. tional disputes but also forbids Ground Self-Defence Force, a Japan Ground Self-Defence Japan from maintaining an Maritime Self-Defence Force, Force’s counter-terrorist unit

12 13 established in 2004 by the then years of training and organi- • HK G36 Defence Agency to counter ter- sation. The unit’s structure is Weapons used by the • Heckler & Koch HK416 rorist activities and deter gue- based on that of Delta Force Japan Special Forces Group Battle Rifles rilla-style attacks on Japanese and Green Berets of the United • Heckler & Koch HK417 soil and to conduct military States Army. • FN SCAR operations against guerrillas or On 27 March 2004, the De- Sub-machine guns enemy commandos. fence Agency activated the • HK MP5SD6 The unit is based in Camp unit as the Special Operations • Minebea PM-9 Narashino in Funabashi, Chi- Group with the mandate under Personal defence weapons ba along with the 1st Airborne the JGSDF as its counter-terror- • Heckler & Koch MP7 Brigade. The unit was formerly ist unit. • FN P90 known as the Special Opera- In 2005, the SFGp had de- Pistols • Company Headquarters Heckler & Koch HK416 tions Group. ployed four of its operators to • 1st Platoon (HALO) • Heckler & Koch USP The SFGp has been referred serve as bodyguards for the • Specialized squads (e.g. As- to as Japan’s Delta Force, due commander of the JGSDF’s sault, Sniper) Sniper rifles to their specialized role in the contingent in Iraq under the • 2nd Platoon (Naval war- • Remington M24 Japan Ground Self-Defence Japanese Iraq Reconstruction fare) Others Force. and Support Group. • 3rd Platoon (Mountain war- • Type 91 MANPADS Personnel from the Delta On 28 March 2007, the SFGp, fare) • Type 01 Anti-Tank missile Force of the U.S. Army had along with the 1st Airborne Bri- • 4th Platoon (Urban warfare) FN SCAR • Howa 84RR recoilless rifle been responsible for assisting gade, the 1st Helicopter Bri- • 2nd SFGp Company • Various Hand grenades the Japan Ground Self-Defence gade, and the 101st NBC Pro- • 3rd SFGp Company Force in raising the SFGp’s tection Unit, became part of the • Training Unit Equipment foundations prior to its estab- newly created Central Readi- The SFGp has access to lishment. ness Force. equipment used by the JGSDF, The civilian counterpart of The unit changed its English Training such as the Komatsu LAVs and the SFGp are the police Special name on 26 March 2008 from Potential recruits to the Toyota Koukidoushas for trans- Assault Teams. SOG to SFGp or the Special SFGp are drawn from Rang- port and reconnaissance use. Forces Group. er-qualified personnel of the They also work in conjunc- History On 18 January 2018, the 1st Airborne Brigade. As such, tion with the 1st Helicopter Bri- In 1998, the Defence Agen- SFGp conducted one of their all SFGp soldiers are Air- gade to provide mobility sup- cy had proposed the formation few exercises before the pres- borne-qualified. port, though they can be also of a unit within the JGSDF ence of the Australian and Jap- For specialized training, the deployed via C-130 Hercules that would handle tasks such anese prime ministers. 1st Platoon have their free-fall FN P90 aircraft. as counter-terrorism with a se- training under the 1st Airborne lected group of JGSDF soldiers Formation Brigade with the 2nd Platoon Unit Features from the 1st Airborne Brigade • Commander (Led by a Colo- under the Japan Maritime As part of regulating and sent to the United States to be nel) Self-Defence Force. protecting the identities of the trained by Delta Force opera- • Executive Officers (Led by The SFGp has a training fa- various soldiers serving in the tors. a Lieutenant Colonel) cility inside the JGSDF Camp SFGp, their faces are hidden At the same time, two pla- • Headquarters Narashino to conduct training in balaclavas and cannot be toons were created from the • 1st Department (General on various techniques, espe- revealed except with authori- brigade to be the foundations Affairs) cially on CQB tactics. zation from their commanding for the new unit. These consist- • 2nd Department (Intelli- officers. ed of the G Platoon (Formation gence) Weapons Remington M24 It is said that certain areas of Unit) and the S Platoon (Re- • 3rd Department (Planning) Assault rifles Camp Narashino camp such as search Unit). • 4th Department (Supply) • Colt M4A1 SOPMOD Block the SFGp barracks are inacces- The establishment of the • Headquarters Administra- I: Armed with M203s and sible without the proper identi- unit’s framework had been tion Unit (Led by 3 Majors) QDSS-NT4 suppressors. fications. completed in 2003, after three • 1st SFGp Company • Howa Type 89 14 15 It has also experienced a huge of its naval vessels, the structive. But what is surge in desertion. According to USS Ponce. the biggest nuclear We don’t talk about that reports, 4,000 men are desert- This laser can de- weapon ever ex- ing every month. The military often likes to boast and dazzle people with facts and figures, telling everyone just stroy small boats, ploded? how great they are. Yet there are topics that they would rather avoid. Like for instance how much Given that the starting sal- drones and slow That particu- money they spend annually, their mistakes and other topics that are taboo. ary of a soldier is just $130 moving aircraft. lar record be- (R1,860) a month and the fact Check out the longs to Rus- ost of our stories enough, they do all sorts of military has the first all-female that they’re fighting against August 2018 issue sia’s Tsar look at subjects such stressful training. But it’s one special forces unit? Surprising- people who don’t bother tak- of Military Des- as military history, exercise that really stands out. ly, it’s Norway. ing prisoners, it kind of makes patches for more M sense why so many leave and sci-fi weapons weapons, military technology, Spetsnaz are known to actual- Known as Hunter Troop this famous figures in military his- ly shoot each other with hand all-female force was created to never come back already being tory, battles and so on. guns – using live ammunition. respond to new challenges on tested and Yet what about those topics Sure they wear body armour – the battlefield. Nukes, nukes and more nukes used by the that the military doesn’t really but seriously. Specifically, the force came Okay, we all know that there military. like to talk about? From mili- about when all-male units re- are many nuclear weapons all tary faux pas to military spend- Gas guzzlers ported difficulty in interacting over the world and things could ing, from deception to deser- Today we are more environ- with female civilians in Muslim get really ugly, really quickly if tion. mentally aware than ever be- countries. The big question is, they are ever used. fore. We’ve become tree hug- are these ladies tough enough? But do you realise just how Big budgets gers par excellence. We use less Well the women who make many and how powerful these Many countries around the packaging, we recycle, we cut it in to Hunter Troop can do all weapons actually are? world spend billions upon bil- down on electricity usage, and the things their male counter- Latest figures put the number lions on their armed forces. And we conserve water as much as parts can do. of warheads at around 15,000. Listen, if it makes you feel any you may have guessed, correct- possible. Then we have the mil- The fact that only 4% of ap- Norway’s Hunter Troop ly, that the United States leads itary. plicants make it through the better that’s actually a lot less the way in military spending. All over the world, ships, selection and training suggests than there used to be. The US yearly spends about planes and tanks burn an in- that these ladies can probably On the other hand, almost Under the sea Bomb. With a blast equivalent $600 billion (R8,58 trillion) per credible amount of fuel. And kick some serious butt. every one of these weapons is at Would it surprise you to know to 50 million tons of TNT, when year on its military. who wins the prize for being the least several times more power- that the largest submarine fleet this thing was tested in 1961 China comes in at number worst culprit? You guessed it – Desertion ful than the bombs that levelled in the world isn’t American, people sat up and took notice. two with $129 billion. of course it’s the United States. If you’re a soldier who runs Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Russian or even Chinese? This The bomb created a fireball In fact even if you added up Various estimates and offi- away from your post or leaves honour actually goes to North eight kilometres in diameter. the budgets of the next sev- cial figures put the yearly petrol your unit without permission, Korea. The blast wave shattered win- en military forces in the world consumption of the US Military then you have just gone AWOL Sci-fi reality While definitely not the most dows five miles away. It was they still wouldn’t surpass that at upwards of three to four bil- (absent without leave). As kids, most of us watched power or capable force in the so bright that people could see of the United States. lion litres. If, however, you’re a soldier TV shows and movies where world, it is estimated that North the flash 965 kilometres away – In World War II the US Mili- who runs away from your post spaceships and people armed Korea operates over 70 die- even through thick clouds. Insane training with lasers blasted away at each sel-electric submarines. tary was using 3,7 litres of fuel or leaves your unit without per- A fair chunk of change Every nation prides itself on per soldier per day, in the 21st mission, and have no intention other. Most of them are pretty old the level of training its soldiers century that level has gone as of ever coming back, then you There were even rumours that and most likely very unsafe. Let’s face it, like the rest of and, especially, special forces high as 83 litres. have just deserted. the military had laser guns, but Nonetheless, some have been us, the military are concerned have to go through. Desertion happens in every hey, these were just rumours outfitted to fire ballistic mis- about soaring prices. Take the In fact, many of you will Female Special Forces military, but usually not on any weren’t they? The problem is siles, which could one day give F-35 Stealth fighter for exam- probably remember your own Over the past few decades the great scale. Well, unless you’re that the equipment needed to the isolated state a much greater ple. military training and try to role of women in the military the Afghan Army that is. shoot a laser is big and clunky. nuclear deterrent. This high-tech fighter will convince everyone that it was has expanded greatly. This in- Over the last few years this Or at least, it used to be. end up averaging out at $85 tougher than anywhere else. cludes roles in operational units force has taken on more respon- Today the US Military is ac- The Tsar Bomb million (R 1,216,082,250) per Then there is Spetsnaz, the and even special forces. sibility for fighting insurgents tively testing lasers and even Your probably know that nu- plane. That’s a lot of money in Russian Special Forces. Fair But can you guess which and groups such as the Taliban. has one deployed aboard one clear weapons are pretty de- anyone’s books. 16 17 there was nothing to do, they would find something for you The fine art of gypoing to do. And normally it would be something mundane and un- The South African Defence Force had their own language - a mixture of English, Afrikaans, slang pleasant. and techno-speak. One of the first worlds new conscripts learnt was “gypo” - the way to get out Of course there were always of work or make life easier. people that found a way around CARRYING HANDLE GYPO: When marching with the rifle in this. ational Servicemen in those letters let you know that me. the shoulder-arms position, the carrying handle of an R1 rifle Brian did his national service the South African De- people were thinking about you. So I would only receive ‘one’ could be tucked into your web belt, taking the strain of the 4,3 kg at One Parachute Battalion. He fence Force (SADF) Of course the best was to letter and only have to do 20 weapon off your forearm. remembers someone that per- N fected the art of gypoing. used a strange mixture of Afri- receive a letter from you girl- push-ups. In reality I used to kaans, English, slang and tech- friend. get ten to twelve letters in that aged to organise a spare mat- It was a thick, creamy liquid no-speak that few outside of the During basic training the ar- envelope. tress. During the day these were and I spilled some of it on my I was a signaller and was in military could hope to under- rival of post for a national ser- stored up in the ceiling. boot. I wiped it off with a cloth O-Company (Support Compa- stand. Some of the terms were vicemen was too good an op- One thing that troops were For two weeks our gypo and then noticed that it left my ny). There was another national humorous, some were clever, portunity to let slip by. not very fond of was morning seemed to be working. Then, boot shinning. serviceman in my company, a while others were downright After supper our corporal inspections. one morning at about 2.00 am, I though I had discovered a lance corporal by the name of crude. used to come to our bungalow They would constantly be the lights were switched on in new gypo. Instead of going to Kim. One of the expressions that with the post. looking at ways to gypo inspec- the bungalow and our corporal, all the trouble of shinning my Whenever I would see him he would often be heard was He would put the letters on a tions. Kobus (18) did his basic along with five or six other cor- boots until they gleamed for in- would be walking around the “gypo”. Basically the word table and then pick up an enve- training at the Army Gymnasi- porals, stormed in. spection, I would use some of unit with a clipboard. Some- meant to avoid duties or work, lope and read out the name. If um in Heidelberg. Some of the We were kicked awake and this Dri-Brite on them. times he would stop and count or to find a way to make the your name was called you had members of his squad came up the offenders had to get dressed About half an hour before in- things and then write something work easier. A gypo gat (gypo to go forward and stand at at- with what they thought was a in our browns (nutria uniform) spection I smeared this stuff on down on his clipboard. arse) was someone that was tention in front of the corporal. perfect gypo. with our webbing, staaldak the toes of my boots and rubbed About two years after I fin- lazy. You could even have gypo Before we were given our let- (steel helmet) and rifles and fall it over with a cloth. My boots ished national service I bumped guts (diarrhoea). ters we had to go through the One of the things that was in outside. were gleaming. into Kim when I was on holiday For as long as there have same process. always a pain in the butt was From 2.30 to 6.00 am we I was standing next to my bed in Cape Town. We had a beer been soldiers, there have been “Drop and give me twenty,” making your bed for inspection. were chased around the obsta- for inspection. The corporal together and chatted about old soldiers that are experts at find- the corporal would tell us. It sounds easy. After all, you cle course. I thought I was go- took one look at my boots and times. ing an easier way to do things. We were expected to do twen- just pull your blanket and sheets ing to die. went ballistic. I asked him what his actual More often than not these meth- ty push-ups for each letter we straight and there you go. Not We were really stupid. Did “And that,” he shouted, point- function was when he was at ods would be frowned upon by received. Imagine if your girl- in the army. we think that our corporals ing down at my boots. the unit. I remembered him and the military. friend, mother and grandmoth- Your bed had to be made in didn’t know about the gypo of I looked down and nearly had his clipboard. Here are a few examples of er had all written you a letter. a precise way. And the blanket sleeping on the floor? a heart attack. Once the Dri- “My actual function was to how troops would find a way to It would cost you 60 push-ups had to have what was known Brite had soaked into my boots do as little as possible,” Kim gypo. before you received them. as ‘hospital corners’ and it had Of course there were occa- and then become dry it left a laughed. “I would wander I came up with the perfect to be pulled so tight that it was sions when a gypo would not milky white residue across the around with my clipboard and, Gary was 17 when he did his gypo. I contacted my girlfriend square. So it took valuable time go according to plan. toes of my boots. because it looked as if I had ob- national service at 3 South Af- and all of the friends and rela- and effort just to make your Mark was 18 when he did his “Ja Mister Dri-Brite,” the viously been given a job to do, rican Infantry Battalion (3 SAI) tives that used to write to me. I bed. basic training at 5 SAI in La- corporal said. “You and I are no-one bothered to stop me and in 1975. He tells the following told them to seal their letter in Our idea was to make the bed, dysmith. going to have a good chat at the ask what I was actually doing. I story. an envelope but not to include get it perfect, and then make obstacle course.” looked busy, so everyone natu- Besides weekend pass, one of a stamp. sure that it stayed that way. In One night we were busy Now I knew why no-one else rally assumed that I was busy.” the most important things for a Then they used to deliver the order to this some of us decid- cleaning the floors for inspec- had tried the Dri-Brite gypo. troop was to receive mail from letters to my parents. My par- ed to sleep on the floor next to tion the next morning. I was Brian also remembers an in- home. Whether it was a letter ents would take all the letters the bed. Of course according to polishing the tile floor with The SADF liked to make sure cident when he was doing his from your parents, one of your for me and place them in a large standing orders this was illegal. some stuff that was called Dri- that troops weren’t left sitting PT course when he was caught relatives, or even from a friend, envelope and this was posted to Some of the guys even man- Brite. around with nothing to do. If gypoing. 18 19 While on PT course a mate If you were calling long dis- and myself got bust for gypo- tance it could cost a fair amount ing. One of the favourite things of money. Especially if you for the instructors to do was were living off a national ser- chase us around the parachute viceman’s salary. packing building. So naturally a method was This was just above the para- found to gypo the phone. chute training hangar and it was quite a big building. We would One of the things that just be standing in front of the hang- about any national serviceman ar and one of the instructors could tell you about was the would tell us to run around the ‘long tickey’. parachute store. This was an ingenious meth- Lining the inside of your dixies with a plastic “Een minuut om die pakhuis. KEEP IT CLEAN: od that was used to save mon- Jiffy Bag would ensure that you didn’t need to wash them. Cheers!” (One minute around ey when using the public tele- the stores. Cheers!) phones. Now the only way you could LEOPARD CRAWL: A pair of extra socks could be used to pro- of old army socks with me. rifles, they were R1s back then, A piece of cotton thread was make it around the parachute tect the elbows when doing leopard crawl. The toes had been cut off and we would have to drill with our attached to a coin, usually a stores was to sprint as fast as I would pull these over my el- rifles. Often you would spend one rand coin, with the aid of a possible. It was almost impos- time and then we would join the group, “and just where have we bows. It helped a hell of a lot. 30 to 40 minutes marching up piece of tape. sible for everyone to finish in group again. been? Took a quick holiday in Another gypo that my mate and down doing left turns, right The coin was then inserted under a minute. So you would True to my luck, the RSM of the Bahamas maybe?” showed me was when we were turns, about turns, mark time into the coin slot on the tele- get sent again. the unit came to give everyone That evening when everyone out doing field training. We and slow march. phone and the loose end of the “Oh,” the instructor would a pep talk just as they got back else was dismissed my mate would have to eat out of our The R1 weighed 4,3 kg and thread was wrapped around the say, “Your mates don’t want from the first trip around the and I had to report for an ex- dixies. The biggest problem after a while it would feel as button that had to be pushed to to work together. You are say- building. He spoke to them for tra hour of PT training. I can’t was cleaning them after each if it weighted 40 kg. Your left deposit the coin. ing screw the corporal. Well a few minutes and the instruc- remember how many times we meal. forearm would take strain. The button was then pressed, the corporal says screw you. tors then ran everyone down to were chased around the obsta- The food was often greasy and We had a perfect gypo for it. allowing the coin to drop into Around the stores, one minute. the parade ground for another cle course. thought the cooks would put out The R1 had a carrying handle the telephone. As it dropped into There you go.” PT exercise. a drum of hot water to wash our and we would tuck the handle the phone, the coin depressed a This little game could go on After about ten minutes my Tim was 17 when he did his dixies, the water wouldn’t stay into our web belt. That way all lever that would register the fact for some time and it was not mate and I realised that some- basic training at 5 SAI in La- hot for very long. And it would you needed to do was use your that a coin had been deposited, uncommon to make six or sev- thing was amiss. We sneaked dysmith. soon become greasy. hand to make sure it stayed up- as well as the denomination of en trips around the parachute around the side of the parachute We would take a plastic Jiffy right. the coin. The coin would then packing stores. The more trips stores and, to our dismay, saw I hated it when we had to go Bag and use it to line the inside Of course it was too good to drop into a deposit box inside you made, the more tired you that there was nobody outside to the shooting range. I enjoyed of the dixie. After you had eat- last. We all had to hand our rifles the phone. became. the hangar. the shooting part of it, it’s all en you just threw the Jiffy bag into the weapons tiffie (armour- What would happen with a Anyway, on this one occasion We looked like two total id- the other crap that went with it away and your dixie was left er) one afternoon and when we ‘long tickey’ was that the coin we got chased around the par- iots as we tried to sneak down that I was not fond of. spotless. got them back the next morning would depress the lever but achute stores and my mate and the road and find the rest of If we weren’t actually shoot- Marching any amount of time all of the carrying handles had would not drop into the coin re- I decided to be clever. On the the group. Of course we were ing then our instructors would while carrying a rifle in the been cut off. ceptacle. first run around the building we dressed in PT smocks, so an- keep us occupied with stuff like shoulder arms position could be When the telephone required dropped out and sat down be- yone could see that we were leopard crawling all over the a strain on the arm. Of course Back in the days before mo- more money to continue a call hind the stores. from the PT course. place. some troops found a way around bile phones, troops would have you just pressed the button We reasoned that we always We finally saw them on The ground was always full this. Kevin was one of them. to make use of a coin-operated again and the same coin would had to run at least four times the parade ground but had no of small stones and they used to public telephone if they wanted depress the lever once again. before the instructor tired of chance of joining them without kill my elbows. A mate of mine During basics most morning to call home or speak to their In this manner a single coin the game. So what we would being seen. showed me a good gypo for it. would be spent on the parade girlfriend. These public tele- could be used to register hun- do was sit and wait until every- “Oh yes,” said one of the in- When we went to the shoot- ground doing drill. phones were known as ‘tickey dreds of rands worth of calls. one came around for the fourth structors as we approached the ing range I would take two sets Once we were issued with our boxes’. Naturally this was highly il- 20 21 legal and the telephone service There wasn’t even an ice rink company, which was the Post in Heidelberg. In fact the near- Quiz Office at that time, instructed est ice rink was the Carlton Sky the SADF to keep a wary eye Rink in Johannesburg, 45 km out for this type of activity. If away. Grenades you were caught using a ‘long I had a letter from my club to his month we’re looking at things that go bang We show you 15 grenades, you tell us what tickey’ you would find yourself say that not only did I play for they are. You’ll find the answers to the quiz on page 94. in serious trouble. them, but I was a valuable and T essential member of the team. Wednesday afternoons in the The letter also stated that SADF were dedicated to sports we had hockey practice on a 1 2 3 parade. Wednesday afternoon from There was a long list of sports 3.00 to 6.00 and on Saturday that you could participate in and mornings from 9.00 to 11.00 they would also try and accom- and that we played our match- modate sports that were not on es on Saturday afternoon from the list. 3.00 to 4.00. Naturally sports parade was During basic training we were the perfect opportunity to gypo. not allowed to keep our own 4 5 6 A fair number of permanent cars on base. So they arranged force members would claim that the duty driver would take TICKEY BOX: A ‘long tickey’ that they took part in sports me through to Johannesburg, could be used to gypo a public that were off the base. Instead drop me off at the ice rink, and telephone. of actually taking part in these then fetch me again just after sports, they would use the time 6.00. as an afternoon off. On Saturday morning my was all a gypo. For national servicemen this girlfriend would drive through My girlfriend’s brother did 7 8 9 was not so easy. But there were from Johannesburg to fetch me play ice hockey. In fact he went those that made a plan. and then drop me off again on on to play for South Africa. He Todd did his national service Saturday evening. arranged the letter for me from at the Army Gymnasium in After basics I was allowed to his coach who thought it was a Heidelberg. He remained at the keep my own car on the base good laugh. unit for his entire two years. His and would drive through to Jo- On Wednesday afternoon my gypo worked for the entire time hannesburg on Wednesday af- girlfriend would skip class at he was there. ternoons. university, meet me in Johan- 10 11 12 We would also have a week- nesburg, and we would either During our first sports pa- end pass every second week, go to a movie or she would take rade we were told what sports so that was no problem. On the me through to her house where were available. I told them that weekends when I didn’t have a we had our own sports parade. I played ice hockey. Not only pass I could still go through on that, but I was about to be se- a Saturday morning and had to No matter where soldiers are, lected to play at provincial level report back by 8.00 on the Sat- not what army they are in, they and was almost certain to be se- urday evening. I had a special will always find ways to make 13 14 15 lected to play at national level. sports pass. It was a great ar- life easier. If you played any sport at that rangement. If any of our readers know of level they would go to great It’s a good thing that they any good gypo’s that they can lengths to try and accommodate never bothered to check, be- remember, drop me an e-mail you. cause the thing is that I nev- and we can do a follow-up story Obviously there was no ice er played ice hockey. The fact at some stage. rink at the Army Gymnasium. is that I couldn’t even skate. It 22 23 case of flu’ and was booked off range for a medical opinion. work, leaving him with Elisabet Near the end of March 1944 Operation Cicero (Pt II) “Don’t you (whose work, he was pleased to Schnürchen was still off on sick In probably one of the most important spy stories of World War II, an Albanian, code-named “Ci- note, improved, unfortunately leave when Moyzisch had to go cero”, was selling top secret British information to the Germans. ByPaul Rosslee. trust me?” her temperament didn’t). Istanbul suddenly. While he Elisabet asked The worst day of Moyzisch’s was away a Diplomatic Bag ar- Continued from the the Septem- transfer of his daughter “Elis- Moyzisch arranged for a doc- week was Friday when the cou- rived at the Embassy with docu- ber issue of Military Despatch- abet” to Ankara, as the allied tor and she was booked off sick rier flight left for Berlin - this ments for Moyzisch. Correctly, es. bombing of the city was affect- for 10 days. When she did start generally involved late night under the circumstances, Elis- ing her and he felt she was near work, she was a disappointment, to continue. work on Thursdays. This par- abet opened all the correspond- on Papen asked for an breaking point. As “Elisabet” to say the least. Although (ap- 14 January 1944 was an im- ticular Thursday night was no ence, including one enquiring immediate interview was (apparently) an experi- parently) fluent in English and portant date for Operation exception and much to his sur- about Cicero. When Moyzisch Vwith the Turkish For- enced secretary, fluent in both French her work was poor, her Cicero and “any doubts Ber- prise Elisabet volunteered to returned Elisabet handed him eign Minister, Numan Men- English and French and already spelling bad and her grammar lin might still harbour about work late to finish her typing. all the correspondence for his emencioglu, who naturally in the diplomatic service, von non-existent. To make matters the genuineness of the docu- At around midnight Moyzisch attention and asked him who denied the allegations. Von Pa- Papen obtained authority via worse she was slovenly as well. ments were dispelled once and woke up and remembered that “Cicero” was. He answered pen called his bluff and let out the Foreign Ministry to have Eventually Moyzisch asked for all…in a singularly ghastly he had left the key in the safe that that was something she did that he knew much more than her transferred. She finally ar- Schnürchen to talk to her about manner”. Among the docu- (this, under normal circum- not need to know - but the dam- the Turkish government might rived in Ankara very early in having a bath and washing her ments photographed by Cicero stances was not a problem as age was done. When he him- think, to which Menemencio- January 1944. hair. Elisabet obviously real- was a copy of minutes of mil- Schnürchen would keep it until self read the letter, it was obvi- glu answered that von Papen In his book, Moyzisch takes ised that the comments came itary staff talks, giving specific the next morning), he got up, ous that the person they were had been misinformed. great trouble in trying to keep from Moyzisch and refused to dates of intended heavy bomb- dressed, and drove to the Em- referring to was someone in the Menemencioglu then contact- “Elisabet’s” identity secret, as speak to him for about a week. ing raids on Balkan cities, 14 bassy, catching Elisabet still in British Embassy and Operation ed Sir Hughe and both agreed he does with Cicero, his own She did, however, improve her January was one – heavy raids the office. He insisted that she Cicero concerned the British that there was definitely some secretary and a few others talked appearance, but not her work. on Sofia. leave, even, as she protested, Embassy. high-level leak at the British about in the book. Throughout When reprimanded for bad Moyzisch attempted to phone her work was not finished and Elisabet’s father eventually Embassy. Sir Hughe immedi- his book he always refers to his work she would have crying Sofia on the morning of 15 Jan- checking the safe, took the key. wrote back, apologising for the ately informed Whitehall of the secretary as “Schnürchen” fits that could carry on for days, uary, only to be told that the Elisabet asked “Don’t you trust delay. He had been transferred conversation, ending with the Moyzisch’s workload had tre- where she would simply sit at connection to Sofia had been me? Your secretary is allowed to Budapest, not a simple task in words: “Papen evidently knows bled by this stage and von Papen her desk, unable to work. When cut. The night of the 14th So- to keep the key” and started to war-time Europe. He thanked more than is good for him”. decided that Moyzisch needed her mood “swung” so would be fia had received the heaviest cry. von Papen for his concern and Moyzisch had photographs of another secretary. Schnürchen overly happy – the problem was raid so far in the war, with high Her constant outbursts of said that he would only be able this signal within two days! had also slammed her hand in that these mood swings could casualties. tears and hysteria were start- to have Elisabet home by East- With the films and transcripts the safe just before Christmas take place anytime, within a Cicero was only to supply ing to work on everyone at the er. As this was about two weeks being forwarded to Berlin it and while not seriously hurt, few hours or a couple of days. further documents by mid-Feb- Embassy’s nerves. Moyzisch away, both Moyzisch and von would be clear that Moyzisch was unable to use her hand for By mid-January the key, ruary, but the quality was not up spoke to von Papen who was Papen breathed a sigh of relief. had defied Kaltenbrunner’s in- about two weeks and could not made to the mould supplied by to his normal standard. Moy- hesitant to just send her “home” On 3 April, the Monday be- structions with regard to von type, it was planned that Elis- Cicero, arrived. Cicero phoned zisch was surprised when, re- as this might reflect badly on fore the Easter weekend, Elis- Papen seeing the documents. abet was going to Moyzisch’ Moyzisch from time to time ex- ceiving the documents (the her father. “Home” was actu- abet asked if she could ask The next courier brought Moy- office. plaining that, although the key Embassy petty cash list) was ally back to Berlin (an “RTU” Moyzisch a favour: her father zisch a message that he was go- Moyzisch collected Elisabet fitted, he discovered that alarms instructed by Berlin to pay him today) and as von Papen said, had invited her to Budapest ing to be held responsible for at the station and was very dis- had also been fitted to the safe £10 000 anyway. the poor girl might end up in a over Easter and although she disobeying a direct order. Moy- appointed “the first impression (specially brought from Eng- Moyzisch also had other factory. They decided to write did not have leave, would he be zisch wrote: “I felt as if I were she made was appalling. She land); these, he said, he would problems, starting mid-January to her father and tell him that able to spare her. Moyzisch ob- posting off my own death-war- struck me as a perfectly dreadful have to learn to bypass. and until beginning of Febru- they felt that she needed medi- viously played along and told rant” sending out the next batch woman…her appearance when Moyzisch realised that Oper- ary. 3 Abwehr agents had de- cal care and that they suggested her it would be difficult, but of documents. she stepped off the train…was ation Cicero, as it was, was fin- fected to the British and as SD that he invite her back “to visit”; he thought he could spare her. Mid December also brought a distinct shock”. ished and told him so. Cicero officer, he was responsible for they would also send a detailed It was decided that she would a request from an Embassy of- Elisabet was unable to start was greedy and the £10 000 per the investigation. Schnürchen report to her father, describing leave that Thursday on the ficial in Sofia, requesting the work the day after her arrival; delivery was too attractive not also went down with a serious her symptoms and have him ar- night train to Istanbul, catch the 24 25 Berlin flight on Friday and dis- has disappeared. Berlin was documents? It eventually tran- The Germans were never to Cicero was in the British Em- embark in Budapest and would officially informed and “the ex- spired that Sir Hughe was in the find “Elisabet” and no one has bassy. return the following Thursday. pected avalanche of signals be- habit of taking work home with heard of “Elisabet” since that The Americans thought this Moyzisch made all the neces- gan to arrive from Berlin, each him which and depending on Thursday morning, 6 April important enough to pass onto sary arrangements and paid for asking…questions I could not their importance, kept them ei- 1944. the British, but as far as the her train ticket himself. Von possibly answer”. ther locked in a dispatch case or During research on this ar- Americans knew, they didn’t Papen wrote the covering letter 11 April brought two mes- his safe. After lunch every af- ticle I came across a declassi- act upon the information, which was to be sent in the Dip- sages from Berlin, a signal ternoon he would have a sleep. fied CIA document, released in Nele somehow or other dis- lomatic Bag, to her father. from Kaltenbrunner that Moy- Cicero would simply take his 1994: covered the plan to transfer Thursday morning 6 April zisch was to return to Berlin keys, open both and photograph Elisabet’s real name was her, but being neurotic, misread Elisabet asked Moyzisch if she immediately on the next flight the documents. MI5 eventually Nele Kapp. Her father was the everything and believed that could leave at lunch time to (the 13th) and a letter sent by a did a security check, especially Consul General in Sofia. She Moyzisch had discovered she pack. Moyzisch was to meet friend in the Foreign Office that after von Papen’s protest but, had been brought up in Eng- was spying for the Americans her at the station at 17:30 with under no circumstances must unbelievably (and probably be- lish-speaking countries and had and was planning to hand her her ticket, which he said he had Moyzisch return as he was be- cause he always maintained his gone to school in Cleveland, over to the Gestapo – the trip to forgotten at home. He wanted ing held responsible for the 3 English was bad) Cicero was Ohio. Both Nele and her fa- Budapest being a ruse. to hand it to her at the station Abwehr disappearances as well cleared, but the damage was ther detested the Nazi regime She approached her Handler to ensure she would catch the Elisabet’s. KALTERNBRUNNER: Both done. Sir Hughe, probably due - silently, of course. Nele was and asked for help to escape – train. The following morning, be- the Sicherheidtsdienst and the to the simple fact the British unhappy in Sofia and even to which the American Embas- At 17:30 both Moyzisch and fore he was to leave Ankara he Nachrichtendienst fell under never learned HOW MUCH more so in Ankara where had sy agreed. von Papen were at the station received a call from a man he SS General Joseph Kalternb- intelligence was obtained, was no family to support her. She Nele then went to Moyzisch but Elisabet failed to arrive. Von had known in Berlin, saying runner. lucky to escape with a severe was, in fact, far more neurotic and asked for permission to Papen said to Moyzisch: “Isn’t that “they” (the British) knew reprimand. visit her par- she here yet, that secretary of the trouble he was in and that another foothold in Europe. As Moy- ents, believing yours?” “No Sir” “Wants to they were prepared to help Moyzisch and his family zisch says: The Americans thought this that it would make a nuisance of herself up him and his family escape – it were not able to return to Ber- “In the long important enough to pass play exactly as to the last, she’ll probably turn was the first of many, he also lin and were interned within the run all that Moyzisch had up just as the train leaves, some received an anonymous letter Embassy compound until April the German onto the British. planned. woman are like that”. The train simply stating: 1945, when they, being Austri- leaders learnt At lunch left without her…… “In the British Embassy ans, were eventually returned to was…they were…to lose the than Moyzisch and von Papen time, 6 April 1944, she went Moyzisch was concerned and everything is known about Vienna. Moyzisch himself was war…what they perhaps did see realised. home to pack and at 15:00 was went to her apartment, which Cicero” investigated for war crimes, as was that the Allies were strong- She eventually made contact secretly picked up and taken she shared with another woman Needless to say, Moyzisch he was a member of the Sich- er than Berlin feared…and this with the American Embassy to the American Embassy and from the Embassy. He was told did not return to Berlin despite erheitsdienst, but was cleared, unpleasant fact they refused to where she offered secrets for housed there for two weeks that she had left at 15:00 with the numerous instructions to eventually giving testemony as face. I hoped at the time that freedom. She was then hand- while the hue and cry died three large suitcases – her room do so. Moyzisch was able to a witness at Nuremburg, where the…complete and accurate in- ed over to the American Mili- down, believing that Nele was was empty and all her clothes arrange “sick-leave” and was both Ribbentrop and Kalten- formation that was presented to tary Attaché and started passing to be captured “dead or alive”. gone. booked off for about two weeks brunner were found guilty and them would make them realise over information gathered in She had her blonde hair Moyzisch went back to the to recover. By the time he re- hanged. that the alternative to Germany Moyzisch’s office, on German cut short and dyed black and Embassy and called the Consu- turned in May, Turkey had de- During his internment Moy- was no longer victory or de- activities and other documents dressed in different clothes, late in Istanbul with instructions cided to break off diplomatic zisch was to discover that only feat…but utter annihilation…I which Moyzisch would be caught the train to Istanbul. that, on arrival, the train was to arrangements with Germany, about £35 000 of the eventual was, of course quite wrong”. passing onto Berlin. She had She and her Handler got off at be searched. There was still a so until August 1944 Moyzisch £300 000 which Cicero re- Cicero managed to disappear also learned along the way of a small station called Balikesir chance that she had somehow was kept busy repatriating the ceived, was in fact genuine – from the British Embassy and Cicero. and was collected by an RAF missed them and was on the over 2000 “official” Germans Moyzisch’s hunch was correct, after the war attempted to buy She reported to her Han- officer (irony!) and taken to train. (and their families) home. it also explains why Berlin was a hotel with the money he had dler that after a call, Moyzisch the coast, where an OSS agent A thorough search was also When von Papen left on 5 Au- not concerned about the last earned. He was arrested for would become very excited and collected them by boat, landing made in Ankara, including ask- gust 1944, Operation Overlord, few payments of £10 000 for passing counterfeit money and the office would be “locked- her in Cairo and on to America, ing the Turkish Interior Minis- which he had heard about, was “junk”. was imprisoned. He died in down” for a day or two after. where she eventually settled. try for assistance, but Elisabet 2 weeks “old” – the Allies had How did Cicero obtain those 1960, a poor man. She eventually deduced that 26 27 What’s the difference be- cans. You are such a rude class er lady was a very mature look- tween the Russian civil airline of people. Can’t you see my lit- ing man in his mid-forties who By the left, quick laugh Aeroflot and the Scud Missile? tle Fifi is using that seat?” was a highly decorated Sergeant Aeroflot has killed more peo- The soldier walked away, de- Major in the Army. Next to the We could all use a bit of a laugh at the moment. ple. termined to find a place to rest, Sergeant Major sat a young but after another trip down to troop fresh out of basics on his et’s face it, the past few had two backsides and both of millions of stars.” An Air Force cargo plane was the end of the train, found him- first weekend pass. months have been stress- them were on fire!” “And what does that tell you, preparing for departure from self again facing the woman As these four strangers trav- Lful to say the least. We sir?” asked the sergeant. Thule Air Base in Greenland. with the dog. eled, they talked and chatted could probably all do with a bit What do you call a soldier “Astronomically, it tells me They were waiting for the truck Again he asked, “Please, lady. about trivial things until they of a smile. So here, just for you, who survived mustard gas & that there are millions of gal- to arrive to pump out the air- May I sit there? I’m very entered an unlighted tunnel, are a few military jokes. pepper spray? axies and potentially billions of craft’s sewage holding tank. tired.” and there they sat in complete A seasoned veteran. planets. Theologically, it tells The Aircraft Commander was The English woman wrin- darkness and total silence, un- What’s the difference be- me that God is great and that we in a hurry, the truck was late in kled her nose and snorted, “You til the sound of a distinct kiss tween a fighter pilot and a fight- The Sergeant-Major growled are small and insignificant. Me- arriving, and the Airman per- Americans! Not only are you broke the silence; following the er jet? at the young soldier: “I didn’t teorologically, it tells me that forming the job was extremely rude, you are also arrogant. Im- kiss a loud slap could be heard The jet stops whining when see you at camouflage training we will have a beautiful day to- slow in getting the tank pumped agine!” throughout the cabin. the engines are shut off. this morning.” morrow. What does it tell you, out. The soldier didn’t say an- In the ensuing period of si- “Thank you very much, sir.” sarge?” When the commander berat- ything else; he leaned over, lence the four strangers sat qui- During training exercises, the “Well sir, it tells me that some- ed the Airman for his slowness picked up the little dog, tossed etly with their own thoughts. Lieutenant who was driving What’s the difference be- body stole our bloody tent.” and promised punishment, the it out the window of the train The older lady was thinking, down a muddy back road en- tween the Army and the Boy Airman responded: “Sir, I have and sat down in the empty seat. “Isn’t it wonderful that even countered another Jeep stuck in Scouts? Have you heard about the ka- no rank, it is 20 below zero, I’m The woman shrieked and de- in this permissive day and age the mud with a red-faced Colo- The Boy Scouts have adult rate champion who joined the stationed in Greenland, and I manded that someone defend there are still young women nel at the wheel. supervision. military? am pumping sewage out of air- her and chastise the soldier. who have a little self-respect “Your car stuck, sir?” asked He nearly killed himself the planes. Just what are you going An English gentleman sitting and dignity?” the Lieutenant as he pulled A sergeant had just chewed first time he saluted! to do to punish me?” across the aisle spoke up, “You The young woman, shaking alongside. out one of his troops, and as he know, sir, you Americans do her head and greatly puzzled, “Nope,” replied the colonel, was walking away, he turned A famous Admiral and an An American soldier, serv- seem to have a penchant for do- asked herself, “Why in the coming over and handing him to the troop and said: “I guess equally famous General were ing in World War II, had just ing the wrong thing. world would any man in his the keys. “Yours is.” when I die you’ll come and fishing together when a sudden returned from several weeks of “You eat holding the fork right mind want to kiss an old dance on my grave.” storm hit. When it died down intense action on the German in the wrong hand. You drive fossil like that when I’m sitting How do you knock out a sail- The troop replied: “Not me, both renowned warriors were front lines. your cars on the wrong side of here?” or when he’s drinking water? Sarge…no sir! Promised my- struggling helplessly in the wa- He had finally been granted the road. And now, sir, you’ve The Sergeant Major, rubbing Slam the toilet seat on his self that when I got out of the ter. R&R and was on a train bound thrown the wrong bitch out the his sore face, was outraged that head. Army I’d never stand in another The Admiral floundered his for London. window.” any woman could ever think long line again.” way back to the boat and pulled The train was very crowded, that a man in his position would Two crows were flying along himself painfully in. Then he so the soldier walked the length Four strangers traveled to- try to sneak a kiss in the dark. slowly minding their own How do they separate the fished out the General, using an of the train, looking for an emp- gether in the same compart- The troop, grinning from ear business enjoying the scenery, men from the boys in the navy? oar. ty seat. ment of a passenger train. Two to ear, was thinking, “What a when all of a sudden out of the With a crowbar! Catching his breath, he The only unoccupied seat men and two women faced each wonderful world this is when blue an F/A-18E/F Super Hor- puffed, “Please don’t say a was directly adjacent to a well- other. One woman was a very a troop can kiss the back of his net goes screaming past, barely The platoon commander, a word about this to anyone. If dressed middle-aged lady and wealthy and sophisticated 70 hand and then smack a Sergeant missing the now somersaulting, young lieutenant, and the pla- the Navy found out I can’t swim was being used by her little dog. year old lady who was decked Major in the face and get away and wildly flapping crows. toon sergeant were in the field. I’d be disgraced.” The war weary soldier asked, out in the finest of furs and jew- with it!” “Oh my goodness!” exclaims As they go to bed for the night, “Don’t worry,” the general “Please, ma’am, may I sit in elry. Next to her Sat a beautiful one crow in surprise. “He was the sergeant said: “Sir, look up said. “Your secret is safe. I’d that seat?” young woman, nineteen years A British General had sent sure moving!” into the sky and tell me what hate to have my men find out I The English woman looked old, who looked like something some of his men off to fight for The other crow replies: “I you see?” can’t walk on water.” down her nose at the soldier, right off the cover of a fashion their country in the Falkland Is- reckon you would be too if you The lieutenant said: “I see sniffed and said, “You Ameri- magazine. Across from the old- land Crisis. 28 29 Upon returning to England A crusty old Sergeant Major • Civilian: Runs away from in the process kills sever- from the South American is- found himself at a gala event, the snake screaming. al hundred civilians with a land, three soldiers that had dis- hosted by a local liberal arts • Paratrooper: Lands on and massive TOT with three FA tinguished themselves in battle college. There was no shortage kills the snake. BDEs in support. Mission were summoned to the Gener- of extremely young, idealis- • Armour: runs over snake, is considered a success and al’s office. tic ladies in attendance, one of giggles, and looks for more all participants (cooks, me- “Since we weren’t actually whom approached the Sergeant snakes. chanics, clerks) are awarded at war,” the General began, “I Major for conversation. • Infantry: “Look, a putty cat. Silver Stars. can’t give out any medals. She said, “Excuse me, Ser- Come here kitty....Ouch! • Marine Recon: Follows the “We did, however, want to let geant Major, but you seem to Hey, that’s not a putty tat.” snake and gets lost. each of you know your efforts be a very serious man. Is some- • Army Aviation: Has GPS • Pathfinder: Guides the snake were appreciated. What we’ve thing bothering you?” grid to snake. Can’t find elsewhere. decided to do is to let each of “Negative, ma’am,” the Ser- snake. Back to base for crew • AF Fighter Pilot: Mis-iden- you choose two points on your agents took one of the men to blanks”, she said. “I had to beat geant Major said, “Just serious rest and the club and some tifies the snake as a Russian body. a large metal door and hand- him to death with the chair.” by nature.” sort of drink called “The HIND helicopter and en- “You will be given two ed him a gun. “We must know The young lady looked at his Snake.” gages it with missiles. Crew pounds sterling for each inch that you will follow our instruc- A Sergeant was addressing a awards and decorations and • Ranger: Plays with the chief paints a snake on air- of distance between those parts. tions, no matter what the cir- squad of 25 and said: “I have a said, “It looks like you have snake, then eats it. plane. We’ll start on the left, boys, so cumstances. Inside this room, nice easy job for the laziest man seen a lot of action.” • Military Intelligence: Ana- • AF Pararescue: Wounds the what’ll it be?” you will find your wife sitting here. Put up your hand if you The Sergeant Major’s short lyzes all available intelli- snake in first encounter, then Soldier 1: “The tip of my in a chair. Kill Her!!!” are the laziest.” reply was, “Yes, ma’am, a lot gence and national asset in- feverishly works to save the head to me toes, sir!” The man said, “You can’t be 24 men raised their hands, of action.” put on the reptilian situation; snake’s life. General: “Very good son, serious. I could never shoot my and the sergeant asked the other The young lady, tiring of try- reports sighting of Godzilla • Green Beret: Makes con- that’s 70 inches which comes to wife.” man “why didn’t you raise your ing to start up a conversation, to National Command Au- tact with the snake, builds 140 pounds” The agent said, “Then you’re hand?” said, “You know, you should thority. rapport, wins its heart and Soldier 2: “The tip of the fin- not the right man for this job. The man replied: “Too much lighten up a little. Relax and • Judge Advocate General: mind, then trains it to kill ger on one outstretched hand to Take your wife and go home.” trouble raising the hand, Sarge.” enjoy yourself.” Advises the snake on the other snakes. the tip of the other, sir!” The second man was given The Sergeant Major just rules of engagement and the General: “Even better son, the same instructions. He took Having just moved into his stared at her in his serious man- law of war as it pertains to A soldier ran up to a nun. Out that’s 72 inches which comes to the gun and went into the room. new office, a pompous, new ner. the snake and its defensive of breath he asked, “Please, 144 pounds” All was quiet for about five colonel was sitting at his desk Finally the young lady said, posture. may I hide under your skirt. I’ll Soldier 3: “The palm of my minutes. Then the man came when a signalman knocked on “You know, I hope you don’t • Quartermaster: Captures explain later.” left hand to the tip of my left out with tears in his eyes. “I the door. take this the wrong way, but snake and applies a Nation- The nun agreed... pinky, sir!” tried, but I can’t kill my wife.” Conscious of his new posi- when is the last time you had al Stock Number (NSN) to A moment later two Military General: “That’s a strange but The agent said, “You don’t tion, the colonel quickly picked sex?” it. Implements a Found On Police ran up and asked, “Sis- fair request, son! have what it takes. Take your up the phone, told the Signal- The Sergeant Major looked at Installation (FOI) proce- ter, have you seen a soldier?” As the general begins the wife and go home.” ler to enter, then said into the her and replied, “1955.” dure and picks up snake on The nun replied, “He went measurement: “What! Son, Finally, it was the woman’s phone, “Yes, General, I’ll be She said, “Well, there you property book. Has compa- that way.” where is your left pinky?” turn. She was given the same seeing him this afternoon and are. You really need to chill ny commander sign hand After the MPs ran off, the Soldier 3: “Back at Goose instructions, to kill her husband. I’ll pass along your message. out and quit taking everything receipt for “Snake, Green, soldier crawled out from under Green on the Falkland Island She took the gun and went into In the meantime, thank you for so seriously! I mean, no sex One Each,” as non-expend- her skirt and said, “I can’t thank where it was shot off, sir!” the room. Shots were heard, one your good wishes, sir.” since 1955! Isn’t that a little ex- able unit property. you enough, sister. You see, I shot after another. They heard Feeling as though he had suf- treme?” • Navy SEAL: Expends all don’t want to go to the Border.” The CIA had an opening for screaming, crashing, banging ficiently impressed the young The Sergeant Major, glancing ammunition, several gre- The nun said, “I understand an assassin. After all the back- on the walls. troop, he asked, “What do you at his watch, said in his matter- nades and calls for naval completely.” ground checks, interviews, and After a few minutes, all was want?” of-fact voice, “You think so? gunfire in a failed attempt The soldier added, “I hope testing were done, there were quiet. The door opened slow- “Nothing important, sir,” the It’s only 2130 now.” to kill the snake. The snake I’m not rude, but you have a three finalists. two men and a ly and there stood the woman. signaller replied, “I’m just here bites the SEAL then retreats great pair of legs!” woman. She wiped the sweat from her to connect up your telephone.” American Military reaction to safety. The nun replied, “If you For the final test, the CIA brow. “This gun is loaded with to snakes. • Artillery: Kills snake, but had looked a little higher, you 30 31 would have seen a great pair of nothing. Men got to shave but for the first time since the Gulf asked “How did you do it?” The sentry said, “Hold it! well, it’s an ambush. balls…. I don’t want to go to it is not so bad, they git warm War, was impressed by a socio- “Well, I jumped in a tank, and You really can’t come through. 10. No plan survives the first the Border either.” water. logical change. went toward the border with the I have orders to shoot if you try contact intact. Breakfast is strong on trim- On previous visits she not- Arabs. I approached the border, driving in without a sticker.” 11. If you are forward of your A guy was telling about this mings like fruit juice, cereal, ed that women customarily and saw an Arab tank. I put my The general repeated, “I’m position, the artillery will girl Sue who disguised herself eggs, bacon, etc..., but kind of walked about five paces behind white flag up, the Arab tank put telling you, son, drive on!” fall short. as a man and joined the army. weak on chops, potatoes, ham, their husbands. his white flag up. I said to the The sentry walked up to the 12. The enemy diversion you “But, wait a minute,” said steak, fried eggplant, pie, and She observed that the men Arab soldier, “Do you want to rear window and said, “Gener- are ignoring is the main at- his friend, “She’ll have to dress other regular food. But tell now walked over 50 paces be- get a three-day pass? So we ex- al, I’m new at this. Do I shoot tack. with the boys and shower with Walt & Elmer you can always hind their wives! changed tanks!” you or the driver?” 13. The easy way is always them, too, won’t she?” sit between two city boys that She approached one of the mined. “Sure,” replied the guy. live on coffee. Their food plus women for an explanation: A man in Amsterdam feels The sailor came home from 14. If you are short of everything “Well, won’t they find out?” yours holds you till noon, when “What enabled women here to the need to confess, so he goes a secret two year mission only except enemy, you’re in The guy shrugged. “Who’s you get fed again. It’s no won- achieve this marvellous rever- to his priest. to find his wife with a new born combat. gonna tell?” der these city boys can’t walk sal of roles?” “Forgive me, Father, for I baby. 15. Incoming fire has the right much. “Land mines,” replied the have sinned. During World War Furious, he was determined of way. At one Army base, the annu- We go on “route” marches, Kuwaiti woman. II, I hid a 19 year old female to track down the father to ex- 16. No combat ready unit has al trip to the shooting range had which the Platoon Sergeant says refugee in my attic.” tract revenge. ever passed an inspection. been canceled for the second are long walks to harden us. If A young national serviceman “Well,” answers the priest, “Was it my friend Sam”, he 17. If the enemy is in range, so year in a row, but the semi-an- he thinks so, it is not my place is working late at DHQ one “that’s not a sin.”’ demanded. are you. nual physical fitness test was to tell him different. A “route evening. “But I made her agree to have “No !” his weeping wife re- 18. Friendly fire - isn’t. still on as planned. march” is about as far as to our As he comes out of his of- sex with me once a week and plied. 19. Radios will fail the moment One soldier mused, “Does mailbox at home. Then the city fice about 8 P.M. he sees the pay me 20 guilders for every “Was it my friend Jim then?” you need fire support - ur it bother anyone else that the guys gets sore feet and we all General standing by the classi- week she stayed.” he asked. gently. Army doesn’t seem to care how ride back in trucks. The country fied document shredder in the “I admit that wasn’t good, but “No !!!” she said even more 20. Tracers work both ways. well we can shoot, but they are is nice, but awful flat. hallway, a piece of paper in his you did it for a good cause.” upset. 21. The only thing more accu- extremely interested in how fast The Sergeant is like a school- hand. “Oh, thank you, Father. That “Well which one of my no rate than incoming fire is in- we can run?” teacher. He nags some. The “Do you know how to work eases my mind. I have one more good friends did this then?” he coming friendly fire. Capt. is like the school board. this thing?” the General asks. question.” asked. 22. When the pin is pulled, Mr A redneck girl from down Majors & Colonels just ride “My secretary’s gone home and “What is that, my son?” “Don’t you think I have Grenade is not your friend. south joins the US Marine around & frown. They don’t I don’t know how to run it.” “Do I have to tell her that the any friends of my own?” she Corps. This is the first letter that bother you none. “Yes, sir,” says the national war has been over for the past snapped. A young, newly promoted she sent back home. This next will kill Walt & serviceman, who turns on the 40 years?” lieutenant was sent to the Bor- Dear Ma & Pa: Elmer with laughing. I keep machine, takes the paper from Murphy’s Laws of Combat der for the first time. Am well. Hope you are. Tell getting medals for shooting. I the General, and feeds it in. A new soldier was on sentry 1. You are not Superman. During a briefing on landmin- brother Walt & brother Elmer don’t know why. The bulls-eye “Now,” says the General, “I duty at the main gate. 2. Suppressive fire - won’t. es, the corporal doing the brief- the Marine Corps beats work- is near as big as a chipmunk and just need one copy…” His orders were clear. 3. If it’s stupid but works, it’s ing asked for questions. ing for old man Minch by a don’t move. And it ain’t shoot- No car was to enter unless not stupid. The lieutenant raised his hand mile. Tell them to join up quick ing at you, like the Higgett boys An Israeli soldier who just it had a special sticker on the 4. Don’t look conspicuous - it and asked, “If we do happen to before maybe all of the places at home. All you got to do is lie enlisted asked the Command- windshield. draws fire. step on a mine, corporal, what are filled. there all comfortable and hit it. ing Officer for a three-day pass. A big Army car came up with 5. Don’t draw fire - it irritates do we do?” I was restless at first because You don’t even load your own The CO says “Are you crazy? a general seated in the back. the people around you. “The normal procedure, you got to stay in bed till nearly cartridges. They come in boxes. You just join the Israeli army, The sentry said, “Halt, who 6. When in doubt, empty the Lieutenant, is to scream, jump 6 a.m., but am getting so I like Be sure to tell Walt & Elm- and you already want a three- goes there?” magazine. 50 metres in the air and scatter to sleep late. Tell Walt & Elm- er to hurry & join before oth- day pass? You must do some- The chauffeur, a corporal, 7. Never share a foxhole with yourself over a wide area. er all you do before breakfast is er fellers get into this setup & thing spectacular for that rec- says, “General Wheeler.” someone braver than you. smooth your cot and shine some come stampeding in. ognition!” “I’m sorry, I can’t let you 8. Never forget that your weap- A young boy was talking to things. No hogs to slop, feed Your loving daughter, Gail So the soldier comes back a through. You’ve got to have a on was made by the lowest his father about his experiences to pitch, mash to mix, wood day later in an Arab tank! sticker on the windshield.” bidder. on the Border. to split, fire to lay. Practically A visitor, returning to Kuwait The CO was so impressed, he The general said, “Drive on!” 9. If your attack is going really “Did you ever kill anyone 32 33 dad,” the boy asked his father. ed, demoralised, bossies, sand When the budget cuts buy beer freely. his turn to use the concrete mix- If such a vehicle is unobtain- “Probably,” said his dad. “I mad, and eager to resume his Do not worry if he wakes up er to do his washing. able he will pack sandbags was the base chef.” place in society as a human be- really begin to be felt at midnight and acts strangely - If you find him grovelling on the floor and in the boot ing, entitled to human liberty just give him a broom and tell around in the children’s sand of your car. A young recruit has lost his and justice while he is engaged him to patrol the house. But do pit, don’t worry, he is only • If sandbags have been bush hat while on a training in a somewhat delayed pursuit remember the password when missing the fine white sand of placed in front of windows exercise. He is told that he will of happiness. you come home as a broom- Owamboland. and doors of your home, do have to replace it at a cost of In making your preparations stick shoved up your rear end is His language may be a little not be alarmed. R95. to welcome him back to civi- painful. embarrassing at first, but in a • When going to the airport “Okay,” he says. “Now I un- lisation you must make allow- Ensure that he is properly relatively short time he can be distract his attention when derstand why a captain in the ances for the unfavourable en- dressed before going to bed as taught to speak normally again. the aircraft lands or he will navy goes down with his ship.” vironmental situation which has he may dash out into the gar- Never ask him why the boy jump up and down making been his lot for the past months. den when the alarm rings in the down the road has a higher rank unearthly sounds, which af- When returning from the bor- Therefore show no sign of morning to perform ‘STAND- than he does, and never make ter careful listening, will turn der, some of the national ser- alarm if he: TO’. By placing the alarm un- flattering remarks about the Air out to be the word ‘Flossie’. vicemen would send fake let- • Prefers to sit on the floor in- der his pillow or locking the Force or Navy, or you will have • Ensure that he gets his Scope ters home to their parents. stead of a chair. doors, this may be overcome. to start the language lesson all magazine every week, and These were very official look- • Always kicks his feet against He may have a tendency to rush over again. don’t be surprised if he ing documents and were often the steps before entering the to the window at 05h00 in the A close check should be kept pastes the centrespreads on printed on paper with a SADF house. morning and look for terrorists on him when he is in female the lounge wall. letterhead. • Has a fit at the sight of Bully in the shrubbery. company. • On Sundays he may drive Here is an example of one of Beef. Don’t scream at him when he Life-size colour pictures of the car to a dam, reverse it the letters that was popular in • Tries to buy beer for 25c at tears up the lace curtains in the girls are very useful for remind- into the water up to about the late 70s and early 80s. the cafe. lounge for a mosquito net as he ing him of what women look boot level and then spend To parents/neighbours/broth- • Howls at the full moon. was used to sleeping under one. like. He will be fascinated by the afternoon jumping off ers/sisters/relations/relatives • Pulls the ring off a beer can He will probably try to zip up recordings of the clear tinkling the boot into the water with of: and hurls it at a passing car his blankets when he goes to way they talk and by the lack of shouts of wild abandon. Number: when it backfires. bed at night. swear words. Although his in- NB: Keep in mind that be- Rank: • Has a braai in the lounge. Make all his purchases for tentions may seem dishonoura- neath his tanned and rugged Name: • Pulls the wings off flies and him, gently establishing in his ble, they are good and sincere. exterior beats a heart of gold. who will be returning from watches them for hours on mind that threatening, arguing When he goes to the movies Treasure it, as it is probably the the border after months away end. and fighting with shopkeepers and laughs at horrible scenes, only thing of value that he has on special duty. • Tries to conceal his beers is taboo in civilisation. or throws popcorn at people, or left. The following must be strict- as he thinks a PF might Be warned that he is used to makes funny noises, just pre- GOOD LUCK ly complied with: spot him and arrest him for paying 25c for a beer and does tend that you don’t know him 1. Lock your daughters away smuggling beers. not drink water/Coke/Fanta and sit somewhere else. (warn the entire neighbour- • Wears only a pair of under- except when mixing it with al- hood). pants and sandals. cohol. Under no circumstanc- IN GENERAL 2. Fill your fridge with beer or • Visits the neighbours or the es may he be served less than • He will prefer to brush his any other alcoholic bever- girl across the street dressed one bottle of alcohol or a doz- teeth at the garden tap. age. only in a towel. en beers at a time. Liquid re- • He will prefer to shave in 3. Get his civvies out of moth- • Screams at anything that re- freshments should at no time be front of a broken window- balls. minds him of the army or in- served in a glass. pane. 4. Ensure that the Hi-Fi is in sults anyone that looks im- His civilian clothes should • Acclimatise him gradual- working order and switch it portant - even the postman. not be ironed or well washed. ly to warm water and baths to Radio Owambo. If you see him trying to bribe You may find him at a local to prevent a deep state of 5. Buy dog biscuits. a barman at the backdoor of the building site, dressed in a pair shock. Very soon the above men- bar for more beer, just remind of underpants, holding a bundle • As his usual vehicle was a tioned soldier will once more him that there is a bottle store of washing, arguing with the Buffel he may want to swap be in your midst, dehydrat- down the road where he can builder and shouting that it is your motorcar for a Buffel. 34 35 Covid-19 Creativity Sea Cadets resort to creativity during lockdown. ByLt Cdr Glenn von Zeil, SA Naval Reserves.

OVID-19 has chal- – linking names & map of lenged all of us to do Africa. Cthings differently uti- • Identifying ranks, safety lising whatever resources are signs, knots, flags, Morse available. With the national code. lockdown announced by Pres- • Making your own knotting ident Ramaphosa late in March board. 2020 all the Sea Cadet units • Building and floating a raft complied by ceasing training. model. This did not prevent some • Building a replica of the creative Sea Cadet officers quarterdeck. from perusing their passion • Building a tripod to hold of supporting the youth. The 500 grams. Officers from TS Rook & TS • 30 Second PR video to en- Woltemade took to the wifi courage friend to join Sea waves and created practical Cadets. tasks to keep those Sea Ca- • Standing inspection in room dets who had access to smart at home. to the families who supported phones, internet and data busy • Polishing shoes / boots. the Sea Cadets. Bush War Books has probably one of the finest and focussed during the lock- Bravo Zulu to these Officer These initiatives resulted in collections of military titles available. Especially down. Commanding and their Of- a national competition which Examples of these tasks in- ficers for their was open to all Sea Cadets, on the South African Border War. cluded: (From creativity and adjudicated by the Nation- the photo’s and commitment al Training Officer for which videos posted, during these prizes of data were awarded. fun was had challeng- During the lockdown Lt by all !) ing times. Denise Gouws, an educator, • Getting Thank you worked with other Officers to to know create an online learning plat- Africa form which will, once com- Click here to visit their website. pleted, be used to assist in feeing up unit contact time for practical application and fun evolutions. Sea Cadets units will remain closed until February 2021 after the schools have hope- fully settled back into a nor- mal rhythm and the risk of the spread of COVID-19 drastical- ly reduced. For more visuals see the Facebook pages of TS Rook and TS Woltemade as well as “War does not determine who is right - only who is left” the Sea Cadet website at www. seacadets.za.org 36 00 attempt to turn the course of the to become a nationwide organi- On 12 February 1945, the Na- war. Sardonic old men would zation, with Heinrich Himmler, zis conscripted German women Germany’s last-ditch militia remark, “We old monkeys are as Replacement Army com- and girls into the auxiliaries of During 1944-1945, the Volkssturm, or People’s Militia, was designed to promote “a violent burst of the Führer’s newest weapon” mander, responsible for arma- the Volkssturm. fanatic rage against the invaders” and thus salvage victory from the jaws of defeat. (in German this rhymes: “Wir ment and training. Correspondingly, girls as alten Affen sind des Führers Though nominally under par- young as 14 years were trained n 18 October 1944 Re- the total war promulgated by on paper, since around 1925, neue Waffen”). ty control, Volkssturm units in the use of small arms, pan- ichsführer-SS Heinrich Propaganda Minister Joseph but it was only after Hitler or- A popular joke about the were placed under Wehrmacht zerfaust, machine guns, and OHimmler stepped up Goebbels, part of a Nazi en- dered Martin Bormann to re- Volkssturm went “Why is the command when engaged in ac- hand grenades from December to a microphone to make a na- deavour to overcome their ene- cruit six million men for this Volkssturm Germany’s most tion. 1944 through May 1945. tional radio address announc- mies’ military strength through militia that the group became precious resource? Because its With the Nazi Party in charge The idea of conscripting ing the formation of the Nazi force of will. a physical reality. The intended members have silver in their of organizing the Volkssturm, young girls into the Volkssturm Party-controlled Volkssturm, Plans to form a Landsturm strength of “six million” was hair, gold in their mouths, and each Gauleiter, or Nazi Party did not sit well with everyone. or People’s Militia. The direct national militia in eastern Ger- never attained. lead in their bones.” District Leader, was charged “Ivan (German nickname for translation of the word is “Peo- many as a last resort to boost Joseph Goebbels and oth- For these militia units to be with the leadership, enrol- the Russians) was not in the ple’s Storm”. fighting strength were first pro- er propagandists depicted the effective, they needed not only ment, and organization of the habit of taking prisoners,” said It was not set up by the Ger- posed in 1944 by General Heinz Volkssturm as an outburst of strength in numbers, but also Volkssturm in their district. a member of the Volkssturm man Army, the ground compo- Guderian, chief of the General enthusiasm and the will to re- fanaticism. The largest Volkssturm unit that survived the war. “If a nent of the combined German Staff. sist. During the early stages of seems to have corresponded to young girl was captured she Wehrmacht armed forces, but The Army did not have While it had some marginal Volkssturm planning, it became the next smaller territorial sub- would be gang raped before be- by the Nazi Party on the orders enough men to resist the So- effect on morale, it was under- apparent that units lacking mo- division of the Nazi Party or- ing killed.” of Adolf Hitler. viet onslaught. So, additional mined by the recruits’ visible rale would lack combat effec- ganization - the Kreis. It was staffed by conscripting categories of men were called lack of uniforms and weaponry. tiveness. The basic unit was a battalion Uniform and insignia males between the ages of 16 into service, including those in Nazi themes of death, tran- To generate fanaticism, of 642 men. Units were most- At that stage of the war the and 60 years who were not al- non-essential jobs, those previ- scendence, and commemora- Volkssturm units were placed ly composed of members of Wehrmacht was short of most ready serving in some military ously deemed unfit, over-age, tion were given full play to en- under direct command of the the Hitler Youth, invalids, the things, including uniforms. unit. or under-age, and those recov- courage the fight. local Nazi party officials, the elderly, or men who had previ- The Volkssturm “uniform” The Volkssturm comprised ering from wounds. Many German civilians real- Gauleiter and Kreisleiter. ously been considered unfit for was only a black armband with one of the final components of The Volkssturm had existed, ized that this was a desperate The new Volkssturm was also military service. the German words Deutscher

38 39 trained, battle-hardened Sovi- et troops on the brink of final victory, who viewed resistance fighters like the Volkssturm as terrorists in much the same way the Wehrmacht once had One of the most common weapons of the Volkssturm was viewed potential partisans dur- the Panzerfaust, an inexpensive, single shot, recoilless Ger- ing Operation Barbarossa. man anti-tank weapon. Ernst Tiburzy, a Volkssturm battalion Red Army soldiers called the commander was awarded the Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross Hitler Youth formations and when he destroyed five Russian T-34 tanks with Panzerfausts. members of the Volkssturm still Volkssturm Wehrmacht. Training cher M1888s, as well as Dreyse fighting to the end in Berlin “to- Some variants of the Typically, members of the M1907 pistols. Unremittingly fanatical mem- Not every Volkssturm unit tals” for being part of Germa- above-mentioned armband Volkssturm received only very The Germans had also de- bers of the Volkssturm refused was suicidal or apocalyptic in ny’s total mobilization effort. worn by Volkssturm mem- basic military training. It in- veloped cheap but reasonably to abandon the Nazi ethos unto outlook as the war drew clos- Despite their efforts, the last bers were simply red or yellow cluded a brief indoctrination effective Volkssturm weapons, the dying days of Nazi Ger- er to its end. Many of them four months of the war were cloth-bands with “Deutscher and training on the use of basic such as MP 3008 machine pis- many, and in a number of in- lost their enthusiasm for the an exercise in futility for the Volkssturm Wehrmacht” print- weapons such as the Karabiner tols and Volkssturmgewehr ri- stances took brutal “police ac- fight when it became clear that Volkssturm, and the Nazi lead- ed in black on them. 98k rifle and Panzerfaust. fles. tions” against German civilians the Allies had won, prompting ership’s insistence to continue On top of the identification Because of continuous fight- When units had completed deemed defeatists or cowards. them to lay down their weapons the fight to the bitter end con- armbands, there were black ing and weapon shortages, their training and received ar- Take the case of Karl Wei- and surrender – they also feared tributed to an additional 1.23 rank-patches, either with or weapon training was often min- mament, members took a cus- glein, a 59 year old farmer called being captured by Allied forces million (approximated) deaths, without silver pips, worn on the imal. There was also a lack of tomary oath to Hitler and were up to serve in the Volkssturm. and tortured or executed as par- half of them German military collar of the Volkssturm mem- instructors, meaning that weap- then dispatched into combat. He complained when the local tisans. personnel and the other half bers’ uniform. ons training was sometimes Unlike most English-speak- bridge was blown up. Not eager to die what was from the Volkssturm. These were characteristically done by World War I veterans ing countries, Germany had “The people who did this are thought to be a pointless death, Two notable members of the derived from the rank insignia drafted into service themselves. universal military service for idiots and ought to be hanged,” many older members of the Volkssturm were German phi- of the various paramilitary or- Often Volkssturm members all young men for several gen- he said. Volkssturm looked for places to losopher Martin Heidegger and ganizations of the Nazi Party, were only able to familiarize erations, so many of the old- But it was Karl that was hide from the approaching So- Gustav Anton von Wietersheim. which had control over them, themselves with their weapons er members would have had hanged. His commander, the lo- viet Army. Von Wietersheim was a vet- and not of the regular Wehr- when in actual combat. at least basic military training cal school teacher, heard what In the Battle for Berlin, eran of World War I where he macht. There was no standardization from when they served in the he had said. Volkssturm units were used by won both the Iron Cross 1st and The German government tried of any kind and units were is- German Army and many would Karl was hanged from his own the German high command as 2nd Class. to issue as many of its members sued only what equipment was have been veterans of World pear tree outside his own front a last-ditch attempt to defend During World War II he was as possible with military uni- available. This was true of every War I. door while his wife watched Berlin. a general and commanded XIV forms of all sorts, ranging from form of equipment - Volkssturm from the window. The Volkssturm had a strength Panzer Corps. field-gray to camouflage types. members were required to bring Impact of the Volkssturm The body was left hanging of about 60,000 in the Berlin During the early part of the Most members of the their own uniforms and culinary Volkssturm units were sup- for three days as an example area formed into 92 battalions, Battle of Stalingrad he suggest- Volkssturm, especially elder- equipment etc. posed to be used only in their to anyone else who wanted to of which about 30 battalions of ed a partial withdrawal to the ly members, had no uniform This resulted in the units look- own districts, but many were complain. Volkssturm I (those with some Don River, due to high casual- and were not supplied, so they ing very ragged and, instead of sent directly to the front lines. On some occasions, mem- weapons) were sent to for- ties among his troops in the sa- generally wore either work-at- boosting civilian morale, it of- Ultimately, it was their charge bers of the Volkssturm showed ward positions, while those of lient north of Stalingrad. tire (including railway workers, ten reminded people of Germa- to confront the overwhelming tremendous courage and a de- Volkssturm II (those without Hitler accused him of in- policemen and firemen) or their ny’s desperate state. power of the British, Canadian, termined will to resist, more weapons) remained in the inner competence and defeatism and civilian clothing and usually Armament was equally hap- Soviet, American, and French so even than soldiers in the city. fired him on the spot. In 1945 carried with them their own hazard: though some Karabi- armies alongside Wehrmacht Wehrmacht. Four members of Allied bombing had reduced von Wietersheim served in the personal rucksacks, blankets ner 98ks were on hand, mem- forces. the Volkssturm were awarded Berlin to rubble; meanwhile Volkssturm as a mere private. and cooking-equipment, etc. bers were also issued older It was an apocalyptic goal the Knight’s Cross of the Iron the final stand in Berlin dwin- Both von Wietersheim and Gewehr 98s and 19th-century which some of those assigned Cross. dled to fighting against highly Heidegger survived the war. Gewehr 71s and Steyr-Mannli- to the Volkssturm took to heart. 40 41 Sod houses of turf available keep the struc- for roof spars. A matter of survival - Shelters IV Turf-built shelters are an al- ture low - big enough to sit on Build an internal hearth and the floor but not big enough to chimney, but if you use turf Over the next few months we will be running a series of articles looking at survival, something that has ternative to log cabins when always been important for those in the military. This month we look at more permanent shelters. timber is scarce or there are no stand. One side could even be for them be careful they do not tools to cut it. left open, facing your fire. catch fire. Plaster the inside of Cut sections of turf (45 x Cut the turf in a pattern to the hearth and chimney will ormally in a surviv- times will all modern conveni- provide insulation. A good fire 15cm) and build with them like leave a permanent distress sig- clay. al situation you want ences. will usually make animal occu- bricks, overlapping them to nal on the ground at the same The type and size of your Nto move as quickly as Caves situated above a valley pants leave. Always allow them form a bond. time as collecting building ma- long-term shelter should be de- possible and reach safety or will be dry even if water seeps an escape route. Slope the sides to give pitch terial. In this way you really termined by a number of fac- help. This, however, is not al- through in some places from Sometimes a cave will have to the roof - to support which will be killing two birds with tors. ways possible. above. its own fresh water supply, es- you will have to find spars of one stone. 1. How long you are planning You, or one of your party, They are weather-proof and pecially if it goes deep into wood or other strong material. For a small shelter you could to stay at the location? may be injured and will need a require little construction ex- a hillside, either from an un- The greater the pitch, the bet- also use turves to make a bee- 2. What building materials are few days or longer to recover cept for the creation of a barrier derground stream or from wa- ter the rain will be repelled. The hive or igloo-like structure. available to you? before being able to move. to close off the entrance. ter seeping through the rocks length of the spars will deter- If time and resources are 3. What tools do you have Weather can often be a de- Caves can be cold, and they above. mine the size of the structure. available a large hut can be available? termining factor. You may may already be inhabited by If you are going to make a fire Lay turves on the roof as well, built with turves. 4. How much effort and time be forced to wait a few days, wild animals, so approach any inside the cave, always ensure or cover it with grass. Some sort of timber will be will it take to construct? weeks or even months before such shelter with caution. that there is enough ventilation Unless you have a great deal needed for a door frame (a) and the weather is suitable to travel. Plenty of dry plant matter and for the smoke to escape. In situations such as this you pine boughs on the ground will will need a more long-term shel- ter. Somewhere that you will be able to establish yourself easily WARNING until you can eventually attract Check for the possibility of a rock fall in- rescue or equip yourself to un- side or outside the cave. You might be des- dertake the journey with your perate for shelter, but your situation will be own resources. a lot worse if you are trapped or injured by In a cold climate you will falling rocks. want to be warm and snug. In a warm one, on the other hand, you will want to take advantage or any available breezes. Your shelter will need to provide pro- tection against the changing el- ements and night temperatures may differ from those during the day.

Caves Caves are the most ready- Site the open side or doorway away from the prevailing wind made shelters you will find. and, with a small turf-built house make your fire outside the Even a shallow cave (known entrance and build a reflector on the other side of it to throw as a rock shelter) makes an ex- heat back inside. cellent temporary shelter and a Even with an open side, a short return will make the corners larger cave can make an excel- far more stable. Bond the corners, as with conventional brick- lent home. work, for strength. People still live in caves in many parts of the world, some- 42 43 Rank Structure - Japan Self- Defence Forces Officers 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 Japan Self-Defence Forces. he Japan Self-Defence The JSDF is ranked as the 5th Forces (abbreviated most powerful military force on TJSDF), also known as the planet as of 2020. the Self-Defence Forces (SDF) Under Article 9 of the 1947 or Japanese Armed Forces, are constitution, which was written Santō rikui Nitō rikui Ittō rikui Santō rikusa Nitō rikusa the unified military forces of by Prime Minister Kijūrō Shi- (Second (First (Captain) (Major) (Lieutenant Japan that were established by dehara under the supervision Lieutenant) Lieutenant) Colonel) the Self-Defence Forces Law in of the (SCAP), Japan forever 1954, and are controlled by the renounces war as an instrument Ministry of Defence. for settling international dis- The JSDF has the world’s putes and declared that Japan ing the nation the inherent right Fifth-largest military budget. will never again maintain “land, to self-defence and, with the In recent years, it has engaged sea, or air forces or another war encouragement of the United in international peacekeeping potential.” States, developed the JSDF step operations with the United Na- Later cabinets interpreted by step. Ittō rikusa Rikushō-ho Rikushō Rikushō tions. these provisions as not deny- (Colonel) (Major (Lieutenant (General) General) General) Ground Self-Defence Force

Non-commissioned Officers (NCO) Maritime Self-Defence Force Non-commissioned Officers (NCO)

Jieikan Nitō rikushi Ittō rikushi Rikushichō Santō rikusō kōhosei (Private) (Private First (Leading (Sergeant) (Cadet) Class) Private)

Jieikan Nitō kaishi Ittō kaishi Kaishichō Santō kaisō kōhosei (Seaman (Seaman) (Leading (Petty Officer (Cadet) Apprentice) Seaman) Third Class)

Nitō rikusō Ittō rikusō Rikusōchō Jun rikui (Sergeant (Master (Sergeant (Warrant First Class) Sergeant) Major) Officer) 44 45 Nitō kaisō Ittō kaisō Kaisōchō Jun kaii Jieikan Nitō kūshi Ittō kūshi Kūshichō Santō kūsō (Petty Officer (Petty Officer (Chief Petty (Warrant kōhosei (Airman (Airman (Airman First (Staff Second Class) First Class) Officer) Officer) (Cadet) Third Class) Second Class) Class) Sergeant) Officers

Nitō kūsō Ittō kūsō Kūsōchō Jun kūi (Technical (Master (Senior (Warrant Santō kaii Nitō kaii Ittō kaii Santō kaisa Nitō kaisa Sergeant) Sergeant) Master Sergeant) Officer) (Engisn) (Lieutenant (Lieutenant) (Lieutenant (Commander) Junior Grade) Commander) Officers

Ittō kaisa Kaishō-ho Kaishō Kaishō Santō kūi Nitō kūi Ittō kūi Santō kūsa Nitō kūsa (Captain) (Rear (Vice (Admiral) (Second (First (Captain) (Major) (Lieutenant Admiral) Admiral) Lieutenant) Lieutenant) Colonel)

Air Self-Defence Force Non-commissioned Officers (NCO)

Ittō kūsa Kūshō-ho Kūshō Kūshō (Colonel) (Major (Lieutenant (General) General) General)

46 47 head to head head to head their own. part in the war. The fact of the Arab aircraft were destroyed As can be expected the Israeli matter is that the Jordanian and for the loss of 27 Israeli aircraft. The Six Day War intelligence was spot on and the Syrian Air Forces had been de- While the war lasted for six In Part III of our Head-to-head series on the Six Day War, we look at the aircraft used target identification by the pi- stroyed within the space of 25 days it was, for all intents and lots was outstanding. Dummy minutes. purposes, over after three hours. by Israel, Egypt, Syria and Jordan. installations and aircraft were Most of the damage from In that time the Israelis in- ignored while the real targets the Israeli aircraft was inflicted flicted a huge defeat on the When Israel decided to launch hour was chosen for a number strikes against the airfields were destroyed. by cannon fire against aircraft Arabs from which they could of reasons. First of all the Egyp- around Cairo the Israelis flew a pre-emptive strike they knew That the Israelis were able to caught on the ground. never hope to recover. Once the tians would be hit when they deep into the Mediterranean be- that for their attack to have any keep waves of attacking aircraft Some Israeli pilots actually Israelis had secured air supe- least expected it. By that time fore they turned to attack the air chance of success it was vital over the target was due to care- lowered their undercarriage to riority the outcome of the war the early morning mist in the fields from the rear. that they achieve air superior- ful calculation of flight times reduce speed and increase the was never in doubt. Nile Delta had lifted. And it wasn’t just a quick ity. and an allowance of ten min- accuracy of their fire. In the history of air warfare Most importantly, the Egyp- ‘hit-and-run’ strike either. The Egypt was regarded as the utes time-over-target for each Yet the Israelis did not rely no operation stands comparison tian air patrols and radar sur- Israelis kept successive waves main threat and the initial Is- attacking wave before the next on cannon only. A variety of with the Israeli Air Force attack veillance had been stood down of attacking aircraft over the raeli air strike would be against wave arrived to take over. bombs had been developed to on 5 June 1967 with regard to with the passing of the time for major targets until resistance eight Egyptian airfields in Sinai, Once the eight original air- make runways unusable. the expertise in execution and a classic dawn attack. More was totally broken. For 80 min- on the Suez Canal and around fields had been dealt with the Some were set on long time significance for the outcome of over the change-over of watch- utes the Israelis kept up a con- Cairo. Israelis extended their opera- delay fuses to discourage a campaign. es within the Egyptian air com- tinuous attack on airfields hous- The timing of the attack was tions to cover a further nine ground crews from trying to re- It was a blow the Arab Forc- mand was taking place. ing the cutting edge of Egyptian sheer genius. Military doctrine Egyptian airfields. pair the runways. Installations es could never hope to recover In another move that went air power. dictates that the best time for They then moved on to cover and runways in Sinai were rela- from and basically Israel’s suc- against the norm, the Israelis At the end of the first day’s an attack is at first light. The Is- the Jordanian, Iraqi and Syr- tively lightly attacked because cess meant their defeat. chose not to make Arab radar operation about 300 Arab air- raeli air strike was planned for ian fronts. On the first day they the Israelis planned on using stations their first priority. craft had been destroyed with 08h45 Egyptian time. annihilated the Jordanian Air them for themselves. To achieve surprise in the the Israelis losing only ten of The relative lateness of the Force and inflicted such heavy In the end the war lasted only loses on the Syrian Air Force six days and became known as that it took virtually no active the Six Day War. A total of 418

Dassault Mirage III Turn-around procedure It took a mere seven min- utes for the Israelis to get an aircraft back into the replace brake parachute air. refill oxygen check avionics change pilot

Mig-21

refuel load bombs reload with ammunition, missiles check flying surface and film for gun camera check tyres and hydraulics for battle damage

46 47 Israel Eygpt 350 Aircraft 450 Aircraft

Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21 Dassault Mirage III The Mikoyan-Gurevich The Dassault Mirage III is MiG-21 (NATO reporting a family of single-seat, sin- name: Fishbed) is a supersonic gle-engine, fighter aircraft de- jet fighter and interceptor - air veloped and manufactured by craft, designed by the Mikoy- French aircraft company Das- an-Gurevich Design Bureau sault Aviation. It was the first in the Soviet Union. Its nick- Western European combat air- names include: Balalaika, be- craft to exceed Mach 2 in hori- cause its plan-form resembles zontal flight. the stringed musical instru- • Height: 4.1 metres AAMs The Israeli Air Force (IAF) • Armament: 2× 30 mm • Rate of climb: 83 m/s ment of the same name. • Crew: 1 • Powerplant: 1 × Tumansky purchased three variants of the DEFA 552 cannon, 2× Ma- • Combat range: 1,200 km • Armament: 1 × internal R-25-300 afterburning tur- Mirage III: tra 9× 68 mm SNEB rock- • Avionics: Thomson-CSF • Weight: 8.725 kg 23 mm Gryazev-Shipunov bojet ets, 2× AIM-9 Sidewinder Cyrano II radar; Marconi • Length: 14.7 metres GSh-23L auto-cannon, 4 × • Max speed: 2,175 km/h • Weight: 7,050 kg Air to Air missiles continuous-wave Doppler • Wingspan: 7.154 metres S-24 57mm rockets, K-14 • Combat range: 660 km • Length: 15.03 metres • Powerplant: 1 × SNECMA navigation radar • Wingspan: 8.22 metres Atar 09C after-burning tur- Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-19 • Height: 4.5 metres bojet engine The Mikoyan-Gurevich • Crew: 1 • Max speed: 2,350 km/h MiG-19 (NATO reporting name: Farmer) is a Soviet sec- Dassault Super Mystère ond generation, single-seat, The Dassault Super Mystère twin jet-engined fighter air- is a French fighter-bomber and craft, the world’s first mass-pro- was the first Western Europe- duced supersonic aircraft. an supersonic aircraft to enter mass production. • Weight: 5,172 kg • Length: 12.54 metres Nudelman-Rikhter NR-30 jet engines • Weight: 6.930 kg • Wingspan: 9 metres auto-cannon, 2 × 32-round • Max speed: 1,452 km/h • Length: 14.13 metres • Height: 3.88 metres ORO-57K rocket pods • Rate of climb: 177.8 m/s • Wingspan: 10.51 metres • Crew: 1 • Powerplant: 2 × Tumansky • Combat range: 1,390 km • Height: 4.6 metres tra 9× 68 mm SNEB rock- turbojet engine • Armament: 3× 30 mm RD-9B after-burning turbo- • Crew: 1 ets, 2× Rafael Shafrir AAMs • Max speed: 1,195 km/h • Armament: 2× 30 mm • Powerplant: 1 × SNECMA • Rate of climb: 89 m/s DEFA 552 cannon, 2× Ma- Atar 101G-2 after-burning • Combat range: 870 km Other aircraft used by the Besides the 450 aircraft of the Egyptian Air Force included: Egyptian Air Force, Syria had Other aircraft used by the Is- • Nord 2501IS military cargo • MiG-17 120 aircraft while Jordan had raeli Air Force included: plane. • Su-7B 40. • Sud Aviation Vautour • Tu-16 They used pretty much the • Mystere IV • Il-28 same aircraft as the Egyptians • Dassault Ouragan • Il-18 with the exception of Jordan • Fouga Magister trainer out- • Il-14 which also used the British de- fitted for attack missions • An-12 signed Hawker Hunter.

50 51 Famous figures in military history Famous figures in military history he had two sons and two daugh- ber 1937. These issues made the naval ministry to sea as ters. him a target of assassination the commander-in-chief of the Isoroku Yamamoto threats by pro-war militarists. Combined Fleet on 30 August Japanese Fleet Admiral of the Imperial Japanese Navy, Commander-in-chief of the Com- Pre-World War II Throughout 1938, many 1939. bined Fleet during World War II, and the architect of Pearl Harbour. Yamamoto spent a few years young army and naval officers This was done as one of the in the United States when he re- began to speak publicly against last acts of the then-acting Navy soroku Yamamoto held sev- ing sons to adopt suitable young his forth year, which was spent ceived two postings as a naval Yamamoto and certain other Minister Mitsumasa Yonai, un- eral important posts in the men in this fashion to carry on at sea, that he really began to attaché in Washington, D.C. Japanese admirals such as Mit- der Baron Hiranuma’s short- Imperial Japanese Navy the family name, the rank and shine. I While in America he not only sumasa Yonai and Shigeyoshi lived administration. It was (IJN), and undertook many of the income that comes with it. His instructors quickly spot- learned to speak fluent Eng- Inoue for their strong oppo- done partly to make it harder its changes and reorganizations, He was a gifted scholar and ted his leadership potential. lish, but also enrolled part-time sition to a tripartite pact with for assassins to target Yamamo- especially its development of was rewarded in 1901 with ac- Despite only standing at 5’3” at Harvard University (1919- Nazi Germany as they saw it as to. naval aviation. ceptance to the Imperial Jap- (1,6 metres) and weighing 120 1921) where he studied Ameri- inimical to “Japan’s natural in- Yonai was certain that if He was the command- anese Naval Academy. On his pounds (54 kg), he was physi- can customs and business prac- terests”. Yamamoto remained ashore, he er-in-chief during the early entrance exam he scored the cally skilled, being an accom- tices. Yamamoto received a steady would be killed before the year years of the Pacific War and second highest marks in the en- plished gymnast and trained in He was promoted to cap- stream of hate mail and death [1939] ended. oversaw major engagements in- tire country. the martial art of kendo. tain in 1923. On 13 February threats from Japanese national- cluding the attack on Pearl Har- He did well during his first Unlike his fellow students he 1924, at the rank of captain, he ists. His reaction to the prospect On the brink of war bour and the Battle of Midway. three years, but it was during was not interested in drinking was part of the Japanese dele- of death by assassination was Yamamoto was promoted to He took part in three wars - and socialising, but rather spent gation visiting the US Naval passive and accepting. admiral on 15 November 1940. the Russo-Japanese War, World time reading his bible (he was War College. Later that year, The admiral wrote: “To die This, in spite of the fact that War I, and World War II. He a devout Christian) and getting he changed his specialty from for Emperor and Nation is when Hideki Tōjō was appoint- was a strong proponent of naval ahead on his studies. gunnery to naval aviation. His the highest hope of a military ed prime minister on 8 October aviation. In 1904 Yamamoto graduated first command was the cruiser man. After a brave hard fight 1941, many political observers He was one of the few Japa- from the Naval Academy, sev- Isuzu in 1928, followed by the the blossoms are scattered on thought that Yamamoto’s career nese to be awarded the German enth out of 200 students. From aircraft carrier Akagi. the fighting field. But if a- per was essentially over. Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross February that year Japan had He participated in the sec- son wants to take a life instead, Tōjō had been Yamamoto’s with Oak Leaves and Swords. been at war with Russia, and ond London Naval Conference still the fighting man will go to old opponent from the time Yet he was strongly opposed Yamamoto was immediate- of 1930 as a rear admiral and eternity for Emperor and coun- when the latter served as Ja- to the 1940 Tripartite Pact with ly thrown into the fray. the 1934 London Naval Con- try. One man’s life or death is pan’s deputy naval minister Nazi Germany and fascist Italy. Yamamoto served on ference as a vice admiral, as a matter of no importance. All and Tōjō was the prime mov- the armoured cruis- the growing military influence that matters is the Empire. As er behind Japan’s takeover of Early life er Nisshin during the on the government at the time Confucius said, “They may Manchuria. It was believed that He was born Isoroku Takano Russo-Japanese War. deemed that a career military crush cinnabar, yet they do not Yamamoto would be appointed in Nagaoka, Niigata on 4 April He was wounded at specialist needed to accompany take away its colour; one may to command the Yokosuka Na- 1884. His father was Sadayoshi the Battle of Tsushi- the diplomats to the arms limi- burn a fragrant herb, yet it will val Base, “a nice safe demotion Takano, an intermediate-rank ma, losing two fingers tations talks. not destroy the scent.” They with a big house and no power samurai of the Nagaoka Do- (the index and middle Yamamoto opposed the inva- may destroy my body, yet they at all”. main. “Isoroku” is an old Jap- fingers) on his left hand, sion of Manchuria in 1931, the will not take away my will.” After the new Japanese cab- anese term meaning “56”; the as the cruiser was hit re- subsequent land war with China The Japanese Army, annoyed inet was announced, however, name referred to his father’s peatedly by the Russian (1937), and the 1940 Tripartite at Yamamoto’s unflinching op- Yamamoto found himself left age at Isoroku’s birth. battle line. Pact with Nazi Germany and position to a Rome-Berlin-To- alone in his position despite his In 1916, Isoroku was adopted He returned to the Na- fascist Italy. As Deputy Navy kyo treaty, dispatched military open conflicts with Tōjō and into the Yamamoto family (an- val Staff College in 1914, Minister, he apologized to Unit- police to “guard” Yamamoto, a other members of the army’s other family of former Nagaoka emerging as a lieutenant ed States Ambassador Joseph ruse by the army to keep an eye oligarchy who favoured war samurai) and took the Yamamo- commander in 1916. C. Grew for the bombing of the on him. with the European powers and to name. It was a common prac- In 1918 Isoroku married gunboat USS Panay in Decem- He was later reassigned from the United States. tice for samurai families lack- Reiko Mihashi, with whom 52 53 Two of the main reasons for while simultaneously thrust- As Japan moved toward war tegic advantages in military Yamamoto’s political survival ing into the oil and rubber re- during 1940, Yamamoto grad- production capacity, Yamamoto were his immense popularity source-rich areas of Southeast ually moved toward strategic proposed instead to seek a deci- within the fleet, where he com- Asia, especially the Dutch East as well as tactical innovation, sion with the Americans by first manded the respect of his men Indies, Borneo, and Malaya. again with mixed results. reducing their forces with a pre- and officers, and his close rela- In naval matters, Yamamo- Prompted by talented young ventive strike, and following it tions with the imperial family. to opposed the building of the officers such as Lieutenant with a “decisive battle” fought He also had the acceptance of super-battleships Yamato and Commander Minoru Genda, offensively, rather than defen- Japan’s naval hierarchy. Musashi as an unwise invest- Yamamoto approved the reor- sively. Consequently, Yamamoto ment of resources. ganization of Japanese carrier Yamamoto hoped, but proba- stayed in his post. With Tōjō forces into the First Air Fleet, a bly did not believe, that if the now in charge of Japan’s high- Innovations consolidated striking force that Americans could be dealt terrif- est political office, it became Yamamoto was responsible gathered Japan’s six largest car- ic blows early in the war, they clear the army would lead the for a number of innovations in riers into one unit. might be willing to negotiate an navy into a war about which Japanese naval aviation. Al- This innovation gave great end to the conflict. Yamamoto had serious reser- though remembered for his as- striking capacity, but also con- The Naval General Staff vations. He wrote to an ultrana- sociation with aircraft carriers, centrated the vulnerable car- proved reluctant to go along and PEARL HARBOUR BURNS: As a result of the attack on Pearl tionalist: Yamamoto did more to influ- riers into a compact target. Yamamoto was eventually driv- Harbour, America declared war on Japan on 8 December 1941. “Should hostilities once ence the development of land- Yamamoto also oversaw the en to capitalize on his popular- break out between Japan and based naval aviation, particu- organization of a similar large ity in the fleet by threatening to success according to the pa- Fleet, Naval Vice Admiral Chu- the United States, it would not larly the Mitsubishi G3M and land-based organization in the resign to get his way. Admiral rameters of the mission, which ichi Nagumo, withdrew. be enough that we take Guam G4M medium bombers. 11th Air Fleet, which would Osami Nagano and the Naval sought to sink at least four Yamamoto later lamented and the Philippines, nor even His demand for great range later use the G3M and G4M to General Staff eventually caved American battleships and pre- Nagumo’s failure to seize the Hawaii and San Francisco. To and the ability to carry a torpe- neutralize American air forces in to this pressure, but only in- vent the U.S. from interfering initiative to seek out and de- make victory certain, we would do was intended to conform to in the Philippines and sink the sofar as approving the attack on in Japan’s southward advance stroy the U.S. carriers, absent have to march into Washington Japanese conceptions of bleed- British “Force Z”. Pearl Harbour. for at least six months. Amer- from the harbour, or further and dictate the terms of peace ing the American fleet as it ad- In January 1941, Yamamo- The First Air Fleet com- ican aircraft carriers were also bombard various strategically in the White House. I wonder if vanced across the Pacific. The to went even further and pro- menced preparations for the considered a choice target, but important facilities on Oahu. our politicians [who speak so planes did achieve long range, posed a radical revision of Pearl Harbour raid, solving a these were not in port at the Nagumo had absolutely no idea lightly of a Japanese-American but long-range fighter escorts Japanese naval strategy. For number of technical problems time of the attack. where the American carriers war] have confidence as to the were not available. These planes two decades, in keeping with along the way, including how to In the end, five American bat- might be, and remaining on sta- final outcome and are prepared were lightly constructed and the doctrine of Captain Alfred launch torpedoes in the shallow tleships were sunk, three were tion while his forces cast about to make the necessary sacrific- when fully fuelled, they were T. Mahan, the Naval General water of Pearl Harbour and how damaged, and eleven other looking for them ran the risk of es.” especially vulnerable to enemy Staff had planned in terms of to craft armour-piercing bombs cruisers, destroyers, and aux- his own forces being found first This quote was spread by the fire. This earned the G4M the Japanese light surface forces, by machining down battleship iliaries were sunk or seriously and attacked while his aircraft militarists, minus the last sen- sardonic nickname the “flying submarines, and land-based air gun projectiles. damaged, 188 American air- were absent searching. tence, where it was interpreted cigarette lighter”. units whittling down the Amer- craft were destroyed and 159 In any case, insufficient day- in America as a boast that Japan The range of the G3M and ican Fleet as it advanced across Pearl Harbour others damaged, and 2,403 peo- light remained after recovering would conquer the entire conti- G4M contributed to a demand the Pacific until the Japanese US President Franklin D. ple were killed and 1,178 others the aircraft from the first two nental United States. The omit- for great range in a fighter air- Navy engaged it in a climactic Roosevelt called it “a day that wounded. waves for the carriers to launch ted sentence showed Yamamo- craft. This partly drove the re- “decisive battle” in the north- will live in infamy.” The day in The Japanese lost 64 service- and recover a third before dark, to’s counsel of caution towards quirements for the A6M Zero ern Philippine Sea (between the question was 7 December 1941. men and only 29 aircraft, with and Nagumo’s escorting de- a war that could cost Japan which was as noteworthy for Ryukyu Islands and the Maria- On that fateful morning the 74 others damaged by anti-air- stroyers lacked the fuel capac- dearly. its range as for its manoeuvra- nas), with battleships meeting First Air Fleet of six carri- craft fire from the ground. The ity for him to loiter long. Much Nevertheless, Yamamoto ac- bility. Both qualities were again in the traditional exchange be- ers attacked the United States, damaged aircraft were dispro- has been made of Yamamoto’s cepted the reality of impending purchased at the expense of tween battle lines. launching 353 aircraft against portionately dive and torpedo hindsight, but, in keeping with war and planned for a quick light construction and flamma- Correctly pointing out this Pearl Harbour and other loca- bombers, seriously impacting Japanese military tradition not victory by destroying the Unit- bility that later contributed to plan had never worked even in tions within Honolulu in two available firepower to exploit to criticize the commander on ed States Pacific Fleet at Pearl the A6M’s high casualty rates Japanese war games, and pain- waves. the first two waves’ success, so the spot, he did not punish Na- Harbour in a preventive strike as the war progressed. fully aware of American stra- The attack was a complete the commander of the First Air gumo for his withdrawal. 54 55 On the strategic, moral, and HMS Prince of Wales and bat- ment aircraft and aircrews, and to conduct an ambush. political level, the attack was tlecruiser HMS Repulse under- saw to tactical integration and Nimitz’s carriers positioned a disaster for Japan, rousing way at sea. training. These two ships would themselves to ambush the Kidō American passions for revenge Under Yamamoto’s able sub- be sorely missed a month later Butai (striking force) when it due to what is now famously ordinates, Vice Admirals Jisa- at Midway. struck Midway. A token cruis- coined a “sneak attack”. The burō Ozawa, Nobutake Kondō, er and destroyer force was sent US declared war on Japan the and Ibō Takahashi, the Japanese Battle of Midway toward the Aleutians, but other- following day, 8 December swept the inadequate remaining Yamamoto’s plan for Midway wise Nimitz ignored them. 1941. American, British, Dutch and Island was an extension of his On 4 June 1942, days before When asked by Prime Min- Australian naval assets from the efforts to knock the US Pacific Yamamoto expected them to ister Fumimaro Konoe in mid- Dutch East Indies in a series of Fleet out of action long enough interfere in the Midway opera- 1941 about the outcome of a amphibious landings and sur- for Japan to fortify its defensive tion, US carrier-based aircraft possible war with the United face naval battles culminating perimeter in the Pacific island destroyed the four carriers of States, Yamamoto made a well- in the Battle of the Java Sea on chains. Yamamoto felt it neces- the Kidō Butai, catching the known and prophetic statement: 27 February 1942. sary to seek an early, offensive Japanese carriers at an especial- If ordered to fight, he said, “I Along with the occupation decisive battle. ly vulnerable moment. shall run wild considerably for of the Dutch East Indies came The plan was to seize Mid- Midway was a defeat for Ja- the first six months or a year, the fall of Singapore on 15 way and draw the US carriers pan and after that they suffered LAST GREETINGS: Admiral Yamamoto, a few hours before but I have utterly no confidence February 1942, and the even- west into a trap where the First set back after setback. his death, saluting Japanese naval pilots at Rabaul on 18 April for the second and third years.” tual reduction of the remaining Mobile Force would engage 1943. His prediction would be vin- American-Filipino defensive and destroy them. Afterwards, Death dicated, as Japan easily con- positions in the Philippines on First Fleet (one light carrier, To boost morale follow- from three units were informed received two 0.50-caliber bullet quered territories and islands in the Bataan peninsula, 9 April seven battleships, three cruisers ing the defeat at Guadalcanal, that they were intercepting an wounds, one to the back of his Asia and the Pacific for the first 1942, and Corregidor Island and 13 destroyers), in conjunc- Yamamoto decided to make “important high officer” with left shoulder and another to his six months of the war, before on 6 May 1942. The Japanese tion with elements of Second an inspection tour throughout no specific name given. left lower jaw that exited above suffering a major defeat at the had secured their oil- and rub- Fleet, would mop up remaining the South Pacific. On 14 April On the morning of 18 April, his right eye. Yamamoto was 59 Battle of Midway on 4-7 June ber-rich “southern resources US surface forces and complete 1943, the US naval intelligence despite urging by local com- years old. 1942, which ultimately tilted area”. the destruction of the US Pacif- effort, code-named “Magic”, manders to cancel the trip for Yamamoto’s staff cremat- the balance of power in the Pa- ic Fleet. intercepted and decrypted a fear of ambush, Yamamoto’s ed his remains at Buin and his cific towards the U.S. The tide turns Yamamoto held all the cards. message containing specifics two Mitsubishi G4M bombers, ashes were returned to Tokyo In early May 1942 the Japa- The Japanese had four carriers, of Yamamoto’s tour, including used as fast transport aircraft aboard the battleship Musashi, Early success nese Navy clashed with a US two light carriers, 11 battle- arrival and departure times and without bombs, left Rabaul as Yamamoto’s last flagship. With the US fleet largely carrier task force in the Battle ships, 16 cruisers and 46 de- locations, as well as the number scheduled for the 507 km trip. Yamamoto was given a full neutralized at Pearl Harbour, of the Coral Sea. Although the stroyers likely to be in the area and types of aircraft that would Sixteen P-38 Lightnings inter- state funeral on 5 June, where Yamamoto’s Combined Fleet Japanese sank the US carrier of the main battle the US could transport and accompany him cepted the flight over Bougain- he received, posthumously, the turned to the task of executing USS Lexington and damaged field only three carriers, eight on the journey. ville and a dogfight ensued be- title of Marshal and was award- the larger Japanese war plan de- the USS Yorktown (CV-5), the cruisers, and 15 destroyers. The Yamamoto, the itinerary re- tween them and the six escorting ed the Order of the Chrysan- vised by the Imperial Japanese Americans damaged the car- disparity appeared crushing. vealed, would be flying from Mitsubishi A6M Zeroes. The themum (1st Class). He was Army (IJA) and Navy Gen- rier Shōkaku so badly that she Unbeknownst to Admiral Rabaul to Balalae Airfield, on plane carrying Yamamoto was also awarded Nazi Germany’s eral Staff. The First Air Fleet required dockyard repairs, and Yamamoto, the US had learned an island near Bougainville in shot down and crashed into the Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross made a circuit of the Pacific, the Japanese lost the light car- of Japanese plans thanks to the the Solomon Islands, on the jungle. with Oak Leaves and Swords. striking American, Australian, rier Shoho. Just as importantly, code breaking of Japanese na- morning of April 18, 1943. The crash site and body of Some of his ashes were bur- Dutch and British installations Japanese operational mishaps val code D (known to the US as On 17 April the mission to in- Yamamoto were found the next ied in the public Tama Ceme- from Wake Island to Australia and US fighters and anti-air- JN-25). tercept Yamamoto’s flight and day in the jungle of the island tery, Tokyo and the remainder to Ceylon in the Indian Ocean. craft fire devastated the dive As a result, Admiral Chester shoot it down was authorised. A of Bougainville by a Japanese at his ancestral burial grounds The 11th Air Fleet caught the bomber and torpedo plane for- Nimitz, the Pacific Fleet com- squadron of USAAF Lockheed search and rescue party, led at the temple of Chuko-ji in Na- US 5th Air Force on the ground mations of both Shōkaku’s and mander, was able to circumvent P-38 Lightning aircraft were by army engineer Lieutenant gaoka City. He was succeeded in the Philippines hours after Zuikaku’s air groups. both of Yamamoto’s security assigned the task as only they Hamasuna. as commander-in-chief of the Pearl Harbour, and then sank These losses sidelined Zuika- measures and place his out- possessed sufficient range to in- A post-mortem of the body Combined Fleet by Admiral the British Force Z battleship ku while she awaited replace- numbered forces in a position tercept and engage. Select pilots disclosed that Yamamoto had Mineichi Koga. 56 57 Forged in but it also fought in almost all does not swear allegiance to Since 1831, the Legion has French wars including the Fran- France, but to the Foreign Le- suffered the loss of nearly battle co-Prussian War, World War I gion itself. 40,000 men on active service and World War II. After serving three years in in France, Algeria, Morocco, The Foreign Legion has re- the Legion, foreigners may ap- Tunisia, Madagascar, West Af- mained an important part of the ply for French citizenship. rica, Mexico, Italy, the Crimea, Légion étrangère French Army and sea transport Any soldier who becomes in- Spain, Indo-China, Norway, protected by the French Navy, jured during a battle for France Loyada, Syria, Chad, Zaïre, French Foreign Legion surviving three Republics, the can immediately apply to be a Lebanon, Central Africa, Ga- Second French Empire, two French citizen under a provi- bon, Kuwait, Rwanda, Djibou- While they may be part of the French Army, the French Foreign Legion swear allegiance to the World Wars, the rise and fall of sion known as “Français par le ti, former Yugoslavia, Soma- Legion mass conscript armies, the dis- sang versé” (French by spilled lia, Republic of Congo, Ivory mantling of the French colonial blood). Coast, Afghanistan, Mali, Sahel n 10 March 1831, The Royal Ordinance for the accordingly transferred by sea empire, and the loss of the For- Members of the Legion come and others. King Louis Philippe establishment of the new regi- in detachments from Toulon to eign Legion’s base, Algeria. from 140 countries. The French Foreign Legion Oof France created the ment specified that the foreign- Algeria. The Foreign Legion is a was primarily used to French Foreign Legion. ers recruited could only serve The Foreign Legion was military service branch of the protect and expand It was made up from the for- outside France. primarily used, as part of the French Army and is unique in the French colonial eign regiments of the Kingdom The French expeditionary Armée d’Afrique, to protect that it was, and continues to be, empire during the of France, including soldiers force that had occupied Algiers and expand the French coloni- open to foreign recruits 19th century. The from the recently disbanded in 1830 was in need of rein- al empire during the willing to serve in the Foreign Legion Swiss and German foreign reg- forcements and the Legion was 19th century, French Armed Forces. was initially sta- iments of the Bourbon monar- Commanded by tioned only in chy. French officers, the Le- Algeria, where gion is open to French it took part in citizens who make up the pacification about 25% of the re- cruits. The Legion is the only part of the French military that

58 59 and development of the colony. march in full kit. During the first Subsequently, the Foreign two days the recruits march 25 Legion was deployed in a num- kilometres per day. On the third ber of conflicts, including the day a ceremony is held and they First Carlist War in 1835, the are presented with their Képi Crimean War in 1854, the Sec- Blanc. Up until then the recruits ond Italian War of Independ- are only allowed to wear their ence in 1859, the French inter- green berets. vention in Mexico in 1863, the Recruits then recite Le Code Franco-Prussian War in 1870, d’honneur du légionnaire (The the Tonkin Campaign and Si- Legionnaire’s Code of Hon- no-French War in 1883, sup- our). It is made up of seven porting growth of the French parts, which are: colonial empire in Sub-Saharan 1. Legionnaire, you are a vol- Africa and pacifying Algeria, unteer serving France with the Second Franco-Dahomean honour and fidelity. War in 1892, the Second Mad- 2. Each legionnaire is your agascar expedition in 1895, and brother in arms whatever his POLE PT: Foreign Legion recruits undergoing basic training at Képi Blanc: After completing the Marche Képi Blanc recruits the Mandingo Wars in 1894. The Farm. are presented with their white kepi. nationality, his race or his In World War I, the Foreign religion might be. You show Legion fought in many critical deployment force to preserve deployed in Cambodia, Soma- tween the ages of 17.5 and to pass certain tests that include him the same close solidari- battles on the Western Front. It French interests – in its former lia, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Her- 39.5 years. IQ tests, personality tests, fit- ty that links the members of played a smaller role in World African colonies and in other zegovina. • You need a verified copy of ness tests, and medical tests. the same family. War II than in World War I, nations as well; it also returned In the mid- to late-1990s, the your birth certificate. They will also run a back- 3. Respect for traditions, de- though having a part in the Nor- to its roots of being a unit al- Foreign Legion was deployed • You must not be wanted by ground security check. votion to your leaders, dis- wegian, Syrian and North Afri- ways ready to be sent to conflict in the Central African Repub- Interpol for criminal activi- Take into consideration that cipline and comradeship are can campaigns. zones around the world. Some lic, Congo-Brazzaville and in ties. for every 100 people that apply your strengths, courage and During the First Indochina notable operations include: the Kosovo. • You need to be physically fit to join the French Foreign Le- loyalty your virtues. War (1946–1954), the Foreign Chadian–Libyan conflict in The Foreign Legion also took to serve at all times and in gion, only 10 to 15 are selected. 4. Proud of your status as le- Legion saw its numbers swell. 1969–1972 (the first time that part in operations in Rwanda all places around the world. If you are selected you will gionnaire, you display this The FFL lost a large number of the Legion was sent in opera- in 1990–1994; and the Ivory • You need to have a BMI be- have to sign an initial contract in your always impeccable men in the catastrophic Battle tions after the Algerian War), Coast in 2002 to the present. In tween 20 and 30. for five years. You will be en- uniform, your always digni- of Dien Bien Phu. 1978–1979, and 1983–1987; the 2000s, the Foreign Legion • You must meet the height listed as a single man, even if fied but modest behaviour, During the Algerian War of Kolwezi in what is now the was deployed in Operation En- and weight requirements for you are married. and your clean living quar- Independence (1954–1962), the Democratic Republic of the during Freedom in Afghanistan, joining the French Foreign ters. Foreign Legion came close to Congo in May 1978. In 1981, Operation Licorne in Ivory Legion. Basic training 5. An elite soldier, you train being disbanded after some of- the 1st Foreign Regiment and Coast, the EUFOR Tchad/RCA • You must be able to write Basic training for the For- rigorously, you maintain ficers, men, and the highly dec- Foreign Legion regiments par- in Chad, and Operation Serval and read in your native lan- eign Legion is conducted in your weapon as your most orated 1st Foreign Parachute took to the Multinational Force in the Northern Mali conflict guage. the 4th Foreign Regiment. This precious possession, and Regiment (1er REP) took part in Lebanon. The entire recruiting and se- is an operational combat regi- you take constant care of in the Generals’ putsch. Opera- In 1990, Foreign Legion reg- Recruitment and selection lection process takes between ment which provides a training your physical form. tions during this period includ- iments were sent to the Persian There is only one way of join- two and five weeks. course of 15–17 weeks, before 6. The mission is sacred, you ed the Suez Crisis, the Battle of Gulf and took part in Opération ing the French Foreign Legion. The process ends when you recruits are assigned to their op- carry it out until the end and, Algiers and various offensives Daguet, part of Division Da- You have to go to mainland are officially accepted or re- erational units. if necessary in the field, at launched by General Maurice guet. Following the Gulf War in France and knock on the door jected. During the whole period Initial training lasts for four the risk of your life. Challe including Operations the 1990s, the Foreign Legion of one of the Foreign Legion re- free accommodation, food and to six weeks at La Ferme (The 7. In combat, you act without Oranie and Jumelles. helped with the evacuation of cruiting centres. clothing are provided by the Farm). passion and without hate, In the 1960s and 1970s, Le- French citizens and foreigners The entry requirements are Legion. This is followed by the three you respect defeated ene- gion regiments had additional in Rwanda, Gabon and Zaire. pretty straightforward: If you meet the above re- day Marche Képi Blanc (March mies, and you never aban- roles in sending units as a rapid The Foreign Legion was also • You need to be a male be- quirements you will then have White Kepi), a 50 kilometre don your dead, your wound- 60 61 ed, or your arms. 13th Demi-Brigade of the around 2,000 Mexicans. Cap- form including leather aprons The recruits then do three Foreign Legion. It is stationed tain Danjou and his men had and axes. The sappers had been weeks of technical and practi- near Abou Dabi, United Arab refused to surrender and were very common in the French cal training. This is followed by Emirates. From 1962 to the fighting until their ammunition Army during the Napoleonic a week of mountain training in end of 2011, 13e DBLE was ran out. At the end of the battle, Era, but disappeared between the French Pyrenees. stationed at Quartier général only three legionnaires were 1870-1940, excluding the pio- They then undergo another Monclarin in Djibouti, Africa. combat-ready. neers of the Foreign Legion. three weeks of technical and Détachement de Légion To commemorate this funda- Some regiments of the For- practical training. Étrangère de Mayotte, mental event, a celebration has eign Legion have its own group This is followed by a week (DLEM) been held by the Legion an- of pioneers (mostly one NCO of examinations where they Foreign Legion Detachment nually, since the early 1900’s, and nine legionnaires). The 1er are expected to obtain the El- in Mayotte. The smallest in- called Camerone Day. During RE is the Legion’s only regi- ementary Technical Certificate dependent operational unit of this event, the wooden hand of ment with its own traditional (CTE). the French Foreign Legion. It Captain Danjou (he lost his left pioneer platoon, composed of The next challenge is the Raid has been stationed at Quartier hand in Algeria in the 1850’s) at least three NCOs and 36 or- Marche, a 120 kilometre final Cabaribère of Dzaoudzi, May- is paraded in public, usually dinary legionnaires. Foreign Legion pioneers with their march that must be completed PIONEERS ON PARADE: otte (Indian Ocean) since 1976. carrying by a selected officer The parades of the Foreign distinctive leather aprons, axes, and beards. in three days. Commandement de la Légion or legionnaire. This honour is Legion are led by this unit. Recruits then do light vehicle Quartier Labouche in Orange, fanterie (2e REI) Etrangère (COMLE) seen as the highlight of a le- Marche de la Légion drivers education and obtain a France, since it moved from 2nd Foreign Infantry Reg- Foreign Legion Command. gionnaires career. Étrangère (March of the Foreign military drivers licence. Mers-el-Kébir, Algeria in Octo- iment. The longest-serving The headquarters of the French Legion), is the official march Finally they return to Auba- ber 1967. and the largest regiment of Foreign Legion. It has been sta- of the French Foreign Legion. gne before being assigned to an 1er Régiment Étranger de the French Foreign Legion. It tioned at Quartier Viénot in Au- The song is better known as Le operational regiment. Génie (1er REG) has been stationed at Quartier bagne, France, since 1984. Boudin, a reference to boudin, a Education in the French lan- 1st Foreign Engineer Regi- Colonel de Chabrières in Ni- Groupement de Recrute- type of blood sausage or black guage (reading, writing and ment. One of two combat en- mes, France, since November ment de la Légion Etrangère pudding. Le boudin colloquial- pronunciation), is taught on a gineer regiments in the French 1983. (GRLE) ly meant the gear (rolled up in a daily basis, throughout all of Foreign Legion. It has been 3e Régiment Étranger Foreign Legion Recruiting blanket) that used to be carried basic training. stationed at Quartier Gener- d’Infanterie (3e REI) Group. The recruiting unit of atop the backpacks of Legion- al Rollet in Laudun-l’Ardoise, 3rd Foreign Infantry Regi- the French Foreign Legion. It naires. Current units France, since 1984. ment. The most decorated regi- has been stationed at Fort de Another popular marching Once recruits have success- 2e Régiment Étranger de ment of the French Foreign Nogent of Fontenay-sous-Bois, Legio Patria Nostra (The Le- song of the Foreign Legion is fully completed basic training Génie (2e REG) Legion. It has been stationed Paris since 2007. gion is our Fatherland) is the Képi Blanc. they are then sent to a regiment 2nd Foreign Engineer Reg- at Quartier Commandant For- most frequent motto in the cur- Click on the underlined links or unit. iment. The youngest regiment get in Kourou, French Guiana Foreign Legion traditions rent Legion. The Legio Patria below to listen to these songs. 1er Régiment Étranger (1er of the French Foreign Legion, (South America), since Sep- The Legion has many unique Nostra motto has an unknown RE) “the mountain regiment”. It tember 1973. traditions. origin. Initially, it was used by Le Boudin 1st Foreign Regiment. The has been stationed at Quarti- 4e Régiment Étranger (4e Bataille de Camerone et la legionnaires within the 3rd For- Kepi Blanc oldest regiment of the French er Maréchal Koenig in Saint RE) main du capitaine Danjou. The eign Infantry Regiment. At a Foreign Legion. It has been Christol, France, since 1999. 4th Foreign Regiment. The Battle of Camerone is the most later date, it became the main Since 1831 the French For- stationed at Quartier Viénot 2e Régiment Étranger de Par- training regiment of the French significant event in the French motto of the whole Legion. eign Legion has fought in no in Aubagne, France, since it achutistes (2e REP) Foreign Legion. It has a re- Foreign Legion’s history. It oc- Nowadays, the motto Legio fewer than 30 wars or conflicts, moved from Sidi-bel-Abbès 2nd Foreign Parachute Reg- sponsibility of training French curred in Mexico on 30 April Patria Nostra is the best known more than earning the title (Algeria) in 1962. iment. The only airborne reg- Foreign Legion personnel. The 1863. motto of the Foreign Legion. ‘Forged in battle’. 1er Régiment Étranger de iment of the French Foreign 4e RE has been stationed at The battle became a symbol Les Pionniers de la Légion Cavalerie (1er REC) Legion. It has been stationed at Quatier Capitaine Danjou in of bravery and determination of étrangère. The Pioneers (or 1st Foreign Cavalry Regi- Camp Raffalli near the town of Castelnaudary, France, since fighting to the death. A Legion Sappers) are a traditional unit of ment. The only cavalry reg- Calvi on the island of Corsica May 1986. company, consisting of three the Foreign Legion. They wear iment in the French Foreign since June 1967. 13e Demi-Brigade de Légion officers and 62 legionnaires led large beards and the traditional Legion. It has been stationed at 2e Régiment Étranger d’In- Étrangère (13e DBLE) by Captain Jean Danjou, faced Foreign Legion Pioneers uni- 62 63 In the early hours of 6 June 1944 a mission that was averaging about 1.1 metres high vital to the success of Operation Tonga, the overall Brit- and a tidal rise and fall of 4.9–2.0 ish airborne landings in Normandy, took place. So im- metres. battlefield portant was the mission that failure could have spelled A number of small houses lie to the west of the river, con- doom for the Allied invasion of Europe. nected by a track 2.4–3.0 metres wide, that runs along both banks. n Tuesday 6 June 1944 the largest sea- Background The bridges were guarded by borne invasion force in history landed Responsibility for the opera- 50 men belonging to the Ger- on an 80 km stretch of the Norman- O O tion fell to the members of ‘D’ man 736th Grenadier Regiment, dy coast in France. Operation Overlord, the Company, 2nd (Airborne) Bat- 716th Infantry Division. They long-awaited liberation of Europe had begun. talion, Oxfordshire and Buck- were commanded by Major Hans While the prime focus was on Operation Nep- p inghamshire Light Infantry, part Schmidt and based at Ranville, tune, the beach landings at Normandy, numer- of the 6th Airlanding Brigade of 1.9 km east of the River Orne. ous other operations were also underway. Many e the 6th Airborne Division. The The unit was poorly equipped of them were just as vital to the overall success assault group comprised a rein- TARGET IN SIGHT: The three Horsa gliders assigned to the and manned by conscripts from of Operation Overlord. One of these missions r forced company of six infantry Caen Canal bridge. The bridge is hidden by the trees in the Poland, the Soviet Union, and was Operation Deadstick. platoons and an attached platoon distance. France under a German officer In the early hours of 6 June British airborne of Royal Engineers. They were and senior non-commissioned a forces were given the objective of capturing in- rived, he would hand over to their bridge crosses the Caen Canal to under the command of Major officers. Schmidt had orders to tact two road bridges in Normandy, one across commander Lieutenant-Colonel the west. They are 8.0 km from John Howard with Captain Bri- blow up the two bridges if they t the River Orne and the other across the Caen Richard Pine-Coffin. the coast and provided the only an Priday as the second in com- were in danger of capture. Canal. These bridges provided the only exit The 3rd Infantry Division and access to the city of Caen. mand. Far more of a threat was the i eastwards for the British forces from their land- the commandos of the 1st Com- The main road between the The 180 men under Howard’s 21st Panzer Division that had ing point on Sword Beach. mando Brigade were scheduled two communes crosses the command would be transported moved into the area just the According the intelligence reports, both to land at Sword at 06h00 on the bridges and then continues east o to the objective by six Airspeed month before. One of its regi- bridges were heavily defended by the Germans day then advance to the bridges to the River Dives. At 190 58 Horsa gliders, piloted by 12 ments, the 125th Panzergren- as well as being wired for demolition. Once where they were expected to ar- metres long and 3.7 metres wide, n NCOs from ‘C’ Squadron, Glid- adier, commanded by Colonel captured, the bridges had to be held against rive at 11h00. the Caen Canal bridge opens to er Pilot Regiment. Hans von Luck, was billeted at any counter-attack until the assault force was On 5 June 1944, the company allow canal traffic to pass under- Howard was not told the ex- Vimont just east of Caen. relieved by commandos and infantry advancing made final preparations for the neath. The controls were housed act details of the operation until There was also a battalion of from the British landing zone. mission. Each man was issued in a nearby cabin. 2 May, 1944. His orders were to the 192nd Panzergrenadier Regi- D If the Germans demolished either of the bridg- their personal weapons and am- The canal is 8.2 metres deep seize the bridges over the River ment based at Cairon to the west es the British 6th Airborne Division would be munition as well as up to nine by 46 metres wide, with earth Orne and Caen Canal at Bénou- of the bridges. Further afield e cut off from the rest of the Allied armies, with hand grenades and four Bren gun and stone banks 1.8 metres high. ville and Ranville intact and hold were the 12th SS Panzer Divi- their back to two waterways. magazines. Small tarmac tracks run on both them until relieved. sion at Lisieux and the Panzer If the Germans retained control over the Each platoon also had a 2-inch banks along the canal’s entire a The relief force would initially Lehr Division at Chartres, both bridges they could be used by their armoured mortar and a radio. Just before length. be a company from the 7th Para- less than a day’s march from the divisions to attack the landing beaches of Nor- the men boarded the gliders, Between the two bridges d chute Battalion under Howard’s area. mandy. For the British, failure was not an op- codewords were issued. ‘Ham’ there is a strip of mostly marshy command. When the remainder Defences were in place at both tion. of the parachute battalion ar- indicated the canal bridge was ground about 500 metres wide, s captured and ‘Jam’ the river broken up by ditches and small bridges. On the west bank of the bridge. Capture and destruction streams. Caen Canal bridge there were t of the canal bridge would be The Ranville bridge over the three machine-gun emplace- signalled using the codeword River Orne is 110 metres long, ments and on the east bank a ma- i ‘Jack’; ‘Lard’ would be used 6.1 metres wide and can be chine-gun and an anti-tank gun. if a similar fate befell the river opened to allow river traffic to To their north were anoth- c bridge. pass. The river is 49–73 metres er three machine-guns and a The Ranville bridge spans the wide and with an average depth concrete pillbox. An anti-air- River Orne and the Bénouville of 2.7 metres. It has mud banks craft tower equipped with ma- k chine-guns stood to the south. 64 65 At the River Orne bridge, the The sound of a gunshot alert- ent Parachute Company landed and then attack the parachute eastern bank south of the bridge ed the two sentries on the canal in the area between the River landing zones further west. At had a pillbox with anti-tank bridge. As Brotheridge’s platoon Orne and the River Dives. Brig- 02h00, the 2nd Battalion head- and anti-aircraft guns. To the attacked, one ran off shouting adier Nigel Poett, commanding ed for the bridges from the west, north of the bridge were two “paratroops” while the second the 5th Parachute Brigade, along supported by the 1st Panzerjager machine-guns. Both bridges fired a flare gun to alert nearby with a small team accompanied Company and part of the 989th had sandbagged trench systems defenders. Brotheridge shot him the pathfinders. Disoriented af- Heavy Artillery Battalion com- along the banks. while other members of his pla- ter landing, Poett heard Broth- ing from the north. toon cleared the trenches and eridge’s Sten gun and set off for As the first Panzer IVs from Capture of the bridges pillbox with grenades. the bridges with the only man he the north reached the junction At 22h56 on 5 June 1944, the Alerted by the flare, the Ger- could locate. leading to the bridge, the leading six gliders towed by Halifax man machine gunners opened At the river bridge, Glider No. vehicle was hit by a round from bombers took off from RAF Tar- fire at the men on the bridge, 5 landed only 300 metres away ‘D’ Company’s only servicea- rant Rushton. They each carried wounding Brotheridge as he from the bridge at 00h20. ble PIAT anti-tank weapon. The the following loads: threw a grenade. The grenade si- Glider No. 6 landed a minute RELIEF ARRIVES: Led by a piper, elements of the 1st Com- vehicle exploded, setting off its • No. 1 - Major Howard and lenced one of the machine gun later 700 metres away from the mando Brigade cross the Caen Canal bridge. stowed ammunition, and the Lieutenant Den Broth- positions and another was taken bridge. Glider No. 4, carrying other tanks withdrew. eridge’s platoon. out by Bren gun fire. Captain Priday, was reported leutnant Wilhelm Richter, was The first company of the 7th • No. 2 - Lieutenant David 1st Platoon crossed the bridge missing. 7th Parachute Battalion arrives informed at 01h20 of the par- Parachute Battalion, command- Wood’s platoon. to take up a defensive position When the Germans opened At 00h50, aircraft carrying the achute landings and that the ed by Major Nigel Taylor, ar- • No. 3 - Lieutenant Smith’s on the west bank. The Royal En- fire with an MG 34, the platoon rest of the 6th Airborne Division bridges had been captured in- rived at the bridges. Howard platoon. gineers from number one glider responded with a 2-inch (51 appeared overhead and the par- tact. One of his first actions was directed them to defensive posi- Their target was the Caen Ca- searched for explosive charges mm) mortar and destroyed the atroopers descended onto drop to contact Generalmajor Edgar tions west of the canal in Bénou- nal. and cut the fuse wires when they gun with a direct hit. They then zones marked out by the path- Feuchtinger of 21st Panzer Di- ville and Le Port. • No. 4 - Captain Priday and found any. crossed the bridge without fur- finders. vision. Richter ordered the divi- When Pine-Coffin arrived Lieutenant Hooper’s platoon. Smith’s platoon crossed the ther opposition. Howard began blowing the sion to attack the landing areas. at the bridges, he was briefed • No. 5 - Lieutenant Fox’s pla- bridge next, exchanging fire Sweeney left one of his sec- morse code letter ‘V’ on his While Feuchtinger’s tanks by Howard, and crossed into toon. with the German defenders, tions on the west bank then whistle, to help guide the 7th were delegated to support the Bénouville and set up his head- • No. 6 - Tod Sweeney’s pla- whereupon Smith was wound- moved the rest of the platoon Parachute Battalion to the bridg- 716th, it was also part of the quarters beside the church. toon. ed by a grenade. Using grenades across the bridge to take up de- es. The first paratroops to arrive, German armoured reserve that Pine-Coffin had about 200 men Their target was the river and sub-machine gun fire, the fensive positions on the east at 00h52, were Brigadier Poett could not move without orders in his three companies. He posi- bridge. Each glider also carried platoons cleared the trenches bank. and the soldier he had picked up from the German High Com- tioned ‘A’ and ‘C’ Companies in five Royal Engineers. and bunkers. By 00h21 German From his newly established en route. Briefed by Howard on mand. All German panzer for- Bénouville facing south towards At 00h16 on 6 June, Glid- resistance on the west bank of command post, in the trenches the situation, they heard tanks mations could only be moved on Caen and ‘B’ Company in Le er Number One crashed into the canal bridge was over. on the eastern bank of the canal and lorries moving around in the direct orders of Adolf Hitler, Port facing Ouistreham. barbed wire surrounding the ca- Brotheridge’s platoon discov- near the bridge, Howard learned Bénouville and Le Port. who was sleeping at the time and ‘D’ Company was now pulled nal bridge defences. Operation ered that he had succumbed to that the river bridge had also On the drop zone, only about his staff refused to wake him. back into the area between the Deadstick had begun. his wounds, becoming the first been taken. Captain Neilson of 100 men of the 7th Parachute When the 125th Panzergrena- two bridges and held in reserve. While the Germans were not Allied soldier killed by enemy the engineers reported that al- Battalion had made it to the ral- dier Regiment received news of A further sweep of the trenches sure of the exact date, nor the action during the invasion. though the bridges had been lying point but all their signal the airborne landings at 01:30, and bunkers was conducted, and exact location, they knew the On the east bank, Wood’s pla- prepared for demolition, the ex- equipment, machine guns and Colonel von Luck ordered the resulted in the capture of a num- invasion was imminent. Major toon cleared the trenches and plosives had not been attached. mortars were missing. regiment to their assembly are- ber of Germans. Schmidt was also fully aware bunkers with little opposition. Howard ordered his signal- Pine-Coffin, aware that his as north and east of Caen and to At 03h00, the 8th Heavy Com- that the bridges were one of the Wood was hit in the leg by ma- man to transmit the code words battalion was the only unit allo- wait for further orders. pany, 192nd Panzergrenadier most critical points in Norman- chine-gun fire. All three platoon ‘Ham’ and ‘Jam’ then brought cated defensive positions west The closest large German unit Regiment with 75 mm SP guns, dy. It was vital that they not fall commanders at the canal bridge Fox’s platoon across the canal of the bridges, decided they to the canal bridge was the 2nd 20 mm AA guns, and mortars at- into enemy hands. Yet, surpris- were now either dead or wound- bridge, positioning them at the could not wait any longer and, at Battalion, 192nd Panzergrena- tacked ‘A’ and ‘C’ Companies, ingly, when the gliders landed ed. Bénouville to Le Port cross- 01h10, left for the bridges. dier Regiment based at Cairon. 7th Parachute Battalion, from there were only two sentries on Around the same time, path- roads as the company’s forward The commander of the 716th General Feuchtinger ordered the south. duty on the canal bridges. finders from the 22nd Independ- platoon. Infantry Division, General- them to recapture the bridges, The paratroops were forced 66 67 back and the Germans estab- second round fired and then re- Aftermath General Bernard Montgomery. lished their own positions in treated back toward Caen. Of the 181 men (139 infantry, Both Smith and Sweeney were Bénouville, but were unable At 21h15, the 2nd Battalion, 30 engineers and 12 pilots) of awarded the Military Cross; to break the British line. They Royal Warwickshire Regiment ‘D’ Company involved in the the Military Medal was award- dug in and waited for tank sup- of the 185th Infantry Brigade ar- capture of the bridges, two were ed to Sergeant Thornton and port before moving forward rived from Sword and began tak- killed and an additional four- Lance-Corporal Stacey; Lieu- again. The Germans fired mor- ing over the bridges’ defences. teen wounded. The 7th Battal- tenant Brotheridge was posthu- tar bombs and machine guns at At around midnight, How- ion’s losses during the defence mously mentioned in dispatch- the paratroopers and attempted ard handed over command of of the bridges amounted to 18 es. In recognition of their feat small assaults on their positions the bridges to the Warwickshire dead and 36 wounded. of flying, eight of the glider throughout the night. Regiment and his company left The total German losses, in pilots were awarded the Distin- Just before dawn, Howard to join the rest of their battalion the area, during 6 June are un- guished Flying Medal. summoned his platoon com- at Ranville. known. Fourteen tanks were The Caen Canal bridge was manders to a meeting. With their At 03:30, they finally locat- lost during the fighting; the first renamed Pegasus Bridge af- senior officers dead or wounded, ed the battalion’s positions and during the night, and the re- ter the emblem of the British 1, 2 and 3 Platoons were now found Captain Priday and 4 Pla- maining 13 throughout the day. airborne forces, while the Riv- commanded by corporals. How- toon had already joined the bat- Other losses include one gun- er Orne bridge became Horsa ard’s second in command, Cap- talion. Bénouville was the far- Bridge. The road across them STARK REMINDER: The original Pegasus Bridge at the Me- boat on the Caen canal. tain Priday and 4 Platoon were morial Pegasus in Benouville. thest forward point of the British Major Howard was awarded is now the “Esplanade Major missing. Only Lieutenants Fox advance on 6 June 1944. the Distinguished Service Or- John Howard” and Sweeney of 5 and 6 Platoons der, presented in the field by respectively had a full comple- Linking up with Sword Beach original positions. ment of officers and NCOs. The German 2nd Battalion, Just after midday, the 21st Pan- The landings at Sword began 192nd Panzergrenadier Regi- zer Division received permission Click on the photograph below to take a virtual tour of Warrior’s Gate at 07h00, preceded by a heavy ment continued to attack Bénou- to attack the landings. Luck or- and find out more about the Memorable Order of Tin Hats. naval bombardment. At the ville and Le Port, assisted by dered the 125th Panzergrena- bridges, daylight allowed Ger- their tanks, mortars and infantry. dier Regiment, east of the River man snipers to identify targets The attack caused serious Orne, towards the bridges. The and anyone moving in the open problems for the understrength column was quickly spotted, and was in danger of being shot. 7th Parachute Battalion, until the engaged for the next two hours The men of 1 Platoon who had leading tank was blown up with by Allied artillery and aircraft taken over the 75 mm anti-tank a Gammon bomb, effectively causing heavy losses. gun on the east bank of the canal blocking the road. During the At 13h30, the men at the used it to engage possible sniper attack, 13 of the 17 tanks trying bridges heard the sound of bag- positions in Bénouville, the Châ- to get through to the bridge were pipes, played by Bill Millin of teau de Bénouville and the sur- destroyed. the 1st Commando Brigade. As rounding area. The paratroopers were then re- the commandos arrived, they At 09h00, two German gun- inforced by 1 Platoon from ‘D’ crossed the bridges and joined boats approached the canal Company. The platoon moved the rest of 6th Airborne Division bridge from Ouistreham. The forward into Bénouville and defending the eastern perimeter. lead boat fired its 20 mm gun and cleared the Germans in house to Some of the tanks accompany- 2 Platoon returned fire with a house fighting. 5 and 6 Platoons ing the commandos moved into PIAT, hitting the wheelhouse of also moved into positions op- Bénouville to reinforce its de- the leading boat, which crashed posite the Gondrée Café, on the fences, while others crossed the into the canal bank. The second west bank of the canal. bridges with the commandos. boat retreated to Ouistreham. By midday, most of the miss- At 15h00, a boat loaded with A lone German aircraft bombed ing men from the 7th Parachute German infantry approached the canal bridge at 10h00, drop- Battalion had arrived at the from Caen. It was engaged with ping one bomb. The bomb struck bridges and the three glider pla- the anti-tank gun manned by 1 the bridge but failed to detonate. toons were moved back to their Platoon, hit in the stern by the 68 69 Gaming Tally ho and chocks away. Captain Matt O’Brien is off to bomb Germany. That’s of course if he can actually find it. Or start the air- craft.

hocks away! Bomber perience and training. The Flight Engineer is re- Crew is a strategic sim- Your crew consists of seven sponsible for repairing certain Culation game, where people - a Pilot, Flight engi- systems in the bomber. He/She picking the right crew and neer, Navigator, Radio and Ra- can repair various systems like keeping your bomber in tip top dar Operator, Bombardier, and electrical systems, hydraulic shape is the difference between Two Gunners. By clicking on systems, oxygen tanks, and en- completing your mission or los- one of the crew members you gines. They can also select the ing it all! take control of them. fuel mix of either lean or boost. ence points and these allow the fect of hypothermia. nine. It also open up a pile of Developed by Runner Duck You start a mission with a Lean slows the plane down but crew member to advance to a Headgear can be upgraded to new missions for you to fly. and published by Curve Digital, briefing where you will be told uses less fuel. Boost speeds up higher level. offer better protection, as can The other DLC is Bomber Bomber Crew was released on what the mission is for the day. the plane but uses far more fuel. At higher levels crew mem- flak vests. Oxygen masks are a Crew Secret Weapons (R42.00). 19 October 2017. Let’s say that your mission for The Radio Operator is respon- bers can be trained in a second must if you intend to fly at high Bomber Crew is a fun game The concept of the game is the day is to bomb a factory. sible for getting orders from skill, including as a crew medic. altitude. to play and it can be challeng- simple. You are in control of With your bomber standing the base, can radio for recon, It’s a good idea to train your You can also upgrade boots ing. a Lancaster Bomber during on the runway you click on the and can call for friendly fighter bombardier as a gunner because and gloves for better thermal World War II. pilot to take control of him. Tell planes as reinforcements. he operates the nose gun when protection. It’s a good idea to You do not directly control him to take off and, once you The Bombardier (called not at the bomb sights. kit your pilot out with the best anything in the aircraft, but in- are airborne, raise the wheels. Bomb Aimer within the game) The money you are awarded equipment. After all, if they are stead control the actions of your This will help conserve fuel. is an essential crew member after each mission can be used killed you’re in serious trouble. crew members to operate the Your pilot then selects the of your bomber . They are re- to buy upgrades. These include When a crew member is in- aircraft. altitude that you wish to fly at quired to aim and drop bombs upgrades to your aircraft. jured you have the option of us- Is the game realistic? No. Are - low, medium or high. Each as well as taking recon-photos., You can upgrade the fuselage, ing your crew medic to attend the graphics highly detailed? altitude has advantages and dis- making them required for any your engines, and your guns. to them, or there is a bed that No. Is the game fun to play? advantages. mission. For instance a gun turret with the crew member can lie on and Hell yes! The pilot can also perform The Gunner is an important two guns can be upgraded to a slowly recover. The object of the game is certain functions such as emer- crew member of the Avro Lan- turret with four guns. You can As you progress through the to carry out various missions. gency dive, emergency landing, caster made specifically for also install a belly gun turret. missions they become more These can include bombing corkscrew, avoid flak and give shooting down enemy fight- Money can also be used to difficult, as do the enemy fight- factories or ships, dropping the command to bail out. ers that are around the area. In buy and upgrade equipment ers and flak. supplies, or doing photo recon- After a mission the pilot must one bomber crew, there are two for the crew. For example your Currently there are two DLC naissance missions. land the plane (remember to gunners, one in the rear end, flight suit can be upgraded to that you can purchase for the Not only do you have to com- lower your wheels first). and another in the mid-upper offer better armour and thermal game. Publisher - Curve Digital plete the missions, you also The navigator is a highly es- turret. protection. Good thermal pro- The first is Bomber Crew US- have to ensure that all of your sential role as it is responsible After each successful mission tection is vital if you are flying AAF (R58.00). This gives you Genre - Strategic survival sim crew survive. If one of them for navigation and locating the you are awarded money and ex- at high altitude. Otherwise you access to the American B-17 Score - 8/10 is killed then they are gone for position of the plane, targets perience points. Each member crew will quickly suffer the ef- bomber which has a crew of Price - R105 (on Steam) good, along with all of their ex- and hazards. of the crew also gains experi- 70 71 Movie The Monuments Men Book Review Review Released: 2014 Running time: 1118 minutes Director: George Clooney Move the Border n account which strives entire duration of the conflict to place the war which down into six distinctive phases he Monuments Men is a want to confiscate the stolen have been demolished, and the ASouth Africa fought in and meticulously reconstructing 2014 war film directed art for their own country, and Soviets will be there in hours. Angola in a historically mean- twenty specific military opera- by George Clooney, and refuses to cooperate. British Discovering that the entrances ingful perspective. Although the tions in Angola which changed T conflict initially centered on the the course of the war. The per- written and produced by Cloo- officer Donald Jeffries sneaks were actually blocked by the ney and Grant Heslov. into occupied Bruges at night to locals to prevent the Nazis from opposing agendas of the SADF spective which the strategy af- In 1943, the Allies are mak- save Michelangelo’s Madonna destroying the contents, the and People’s Liberation Army fords should enable readers to ing good progress driving back of Bruges, but is killed in the team evacuates as much art- of Namibia of SWAPO, it was obtain a comprehensive under- the Axis powers in Italy. Frank attempt. work as possible before the So- to escalate and take on an inter- standing of the individual phas- Stokes convinces President Richard Campbell and Pres- viets arrive. national Cold War character as es of the war and the context Roosevelt that victory will have ton Savitz learn that Van Eyck’s Afterwards, Stokes reports Angolan, Cuban, and Soviet pro- which they provide for its final little meaning if the artistic Ghent Altarpiece was removed back to President Truman that tagonists appeared on the stage of outcome. Two highly significant treasures of Western civiliza- by the priests of Ghent Cathe- the team has recovered vast the unfolding drama. events of the war, the battles of tion are lost. Stokes is directed dral for safekeeping, but their quantities of artwork and vari- Apart from the political reso- Cuvelai (1983/84) and the battle to assemble an Army unit nick- truck was stopped and the pan- ous other culturally significant lution which was subsequently at Indungo (1987), are subjected named the “Monuments Men”, els taken. Eventually, they find items. Truman then asks if, thir- achieved in South Africa, the war to particular scrutiny in the over- thor completed under the super- comprising museum directors, and arrest Viktor Stahl, who is ty years from then, anyone will represented the last African lib- all narrative. The battle at Indun- vision of the acclaimed historian, curators, art historians, and an hiding as a farmer, when they remember that these men died eration struggle for independence go has been relatively neglected Professor Fransjohan Pretorius, architect, to both guide Allied identify the paintings in his for a piece of art. In the final from colonial rule. by writers and historians prior to at the end of 2019. The study car- units and search for stolen art to house as masterpieces, at least scene, set in 1977, the elderly The aim of this book is to pres- the publication of this book. ries the title: The Battle at Indun- return it to its rightful owners. one stolen from the Rothschild Stokes replies “Yeah”, while ent a concise history of the An- The information included in go, 31 October 1987: An SADF In July 1944, Claire Simone, Collection. he takes his grandson to see golan Border War from 1966 to some six chapters of this book military venture against SWAPO a curator in occupied France, is Simone provides a compre- Michelangelo’s Madonna. The 1989. It supplements previous forms part of a dissertation for in the Angolan Border War. forced to assist Nazi officer Vik- hensive ledger she has com- cast includes George Clooney, books which have covered pe- the degree M SocSci at the Uni- Softcover: 208 pages R255.00 tor Stahl in overseeing the theft piled that provides valuable in- Bill Murray, Matt Damon and riods of the war by breaking the versity of Pretoria which the au- of art for either Adolf Hitler’s formation on the stolen art and John Goodman. Führermuseum or as personal the rightful owners. property of senior commanders Even as the team learns that such as Hermann Göring. All the artwork is being stored in seems lost when she discovers various mines and castles, it also that Stahl is taking all of her learns that it must now compete gallery’s contents to Germany against the Soviet Union, which as the Allies approach Paris. is seizing artwork from its occu- Simone runs to the railyard pation zone as war reparations. to confront him, but can only Meanwhile, Colonel Wegner watch as he departs aboard the is systematically destroying train carrying the cargo. whole art caches. Eventually, Stokes’ unit finds its work the team has some success, as it frustrated by Allied officers in discovers at least one mine hid- the field, who refuse to endan- ing over 16,000 art pieces. In ger their own troops for the sake addition, the team captures the of his mission. The unit splits entire gold reserves of the Nazi up to cover more ground, with German national treasury. Curly’s Story Soldaat en Mens Tiger Battaltion 507 varying degrees of success. Finally, as the war ends in R375 R395 R600 James Granger meets Simone, May 1945, the team finds a Click on the box cover to but she suspects the Americans mine in Austria that appears to watch a trailer of the film. All books are available from Bush War Books 72 73 This month in military history ... October This month in military history ... October Some of the significant military events that happened in October. Highlighted in blue are the lasting until 1941. con 5) crashed during an air • 1955 - Soviet battleship names of those members of the South African Defence Force (SADF) that lost their lives during the • 1941 - Operation Typhoon: show display at Lanseria. ‘Novorossiisk’ (ex-Italian month of October. Germans initiate an offen- He was 34. ‘Giulio Cesare’) mined in sive to take Moscow. • 1995 - Muziwendoda Mdluli the Baltic, many die. 1 October serves until 1993. in a military vehicle acci- • 1942 - Rabaul: U.S. air raid of the National Intelligence • 1977 - Rifleman Michiel • 1756 - Battle of Lobositz: • 1957 - B-52 bombers begin dent in Northern Owambo- damages Japanese light Agency is found shot dead Daniel Johannes Mentz from Prussians defeat the Austri- full-time flying alert in case land. He was 19. cruiser ‘Yubari’ and other in his car in Silverton, Pre- the 2nd Battalion Regiment ans. of USSR attack, which con- • 1983 - Rifleman Samuel shipping. toria. He was investigating Bloemspruit was Killed in • 1880- John Philip Sousa be- tinues until the early 1990s. Wilhelm van Rooyen from • 1943 - Japanese sub ‘Ro- the possible involvement of Action during a contact with comes director of the Ma- • 1958 - Captain A.P. Bar- Infantry School was critical- 103’ sinks USS ‘Henley’ fellow-agents in the failed SWAPO/PLAN insurgents rine Corps Band. nard from 1 Locating Bat- ly injured in a private motor (DD-391) off Finschhafen, Comoros Islands coup. near the Cut-line in North- • 1918 - British and Arab tery, South African Artillery vehicle accident near Cape New Guinea. • ern Owamboland. He was forces liberate Damascus was killed in a private mo- Town on the 29 September • 1944 - Polish “Warsaw Up- 31. from the Turks. tor vehicle accident between 1983 and succumbed to his rising” suppressed by the 3 October • 1977 - Signaler Michael Da- • 1936 - Francisco Franco Johannesburg and Potchef- injuries in the Tygerberg Nazis. • 1882 - German field mar- vid Bosch from the South named leader of Spanish stroom. He had been autho- Hospital on 1 October 1983. • 1984 - Rifleman M. Kam- shal Gunther von Kluge is African Corps of Signals Nationalists. rised to travel to Potchef- He was 18. wanga from 202 Battalion born on this day. was killed in a military ve- • 1938 - Hitler’s troops occu- stroom using his private • 1987 - Transkei Defense SWATF was Killed in Ac- • 1899 – During the Second hicle accident near Pretoria. pied the Sudetenland portion transport to attend an official Force topples Transkei tion during a contact with Anglo-Boer War the Brit- He was 18. of Czechoslovakia. In an ef- training course. He was 29. Bantustan leader George SWAPO/PLAN insurgents. ish War Office informs the • 1977 - Rifleman Gary John fort to avoid war, the leaders • 1974 - Staff Sergeant Wil- Matanzima, but denies coup. He was 22. White colonies that they can Fisher from the Army Ord- of Britain and France had lem Jacobus Burger from D • 1992 - The USS ‘Saratoga’ • 1988 - Large Turkish force contribute volunteers, pref- nance Corps died from an agreed to cede the German- Squadron, 2 Special Service (CV-60) accidentally fires raids Kurdish areas of Iraq. erably infantry. accidental gunshot wound speaking area to Hitler, who Battalion was accidentally missiles at a Turkish de- • 1990 - James Elvin Nicholas • 1904 - Indigenous races in to the head, apparently self- later broke the agreement shot dead by own forces in stroyer in the Aegean. Five Cruise was killed instantly German South-West Africa inflicted while he was sta- and occupied all of Czecho- an ambush 7 miles East of people are killed. and two others injured when rise against German troops. tioned at Messina. He was slovakia. Katima Mulilo at Hippo Is- he opened a parcel bomb • 1904 - France and Spain sign 21. • 1941 - The Royal New Zea- land, Eastern Caprivi. He 2 October that had been delivered to a treaty to divide Morocco. • 1979 - Captain (Navigator) land Navy is established. was 29. • 1187 - Saladin captures Je- the computer company in • 1910 - Adolph Gysbert Johannes Jacobus Strydom • 1942 - Maiden flight of the • 1976 - France confirms that rusalem, ending 88 years of Durban where he worked. (Sailor) Malan, SA fighter from 24 Squadron SAAF, Bell P-59 Airacomet, the it is selling two new combat Christian rule. It was known that the com- pilot during WWII and lat- attached to 5 Squadron Rho- first US jet fighter. submarines to South Africa, • 1851 - Marechel de France, pany worked with Trade er national president of the desian Air Force, was Killed • 1943 - Allied forces liberate to help SA to protect the oil Ferdinand Foch, is born. Unions and other anti-apart- Torch Commando, is born in Action together with his Naples. route round the Cape in the • 1895 - Colonel Ruth Cheney heid organisations. in Wellington. • 1946 - Twelve Nazi lead- face of Soviet naval escala- Streeter, USMC, first direc- • 1992 - Gunner Marlon Pat- • 1921 - The Unknown Sol- ers were sentenced to death tion in the Indian Ocean. tor of the USMC Women’s rick Dammert from 14 Ar- dier sails from France aboard at the International War • 1982 - Lance Corporal Ed- Reserve is born. tillery Regiment was killed USS ‘Olympia’. Crimes Tribunal in Nurem- mond Jaime Leon Guillau- • 1912 - Captain Eric Charles when his Buffel Troop Car- • 1928 - Accidental sinking of berg, Germany. me from the South African Twelves Wilson, Somalil- rier overturned at Nietver- the French submarine ‘On- • 1952 - The British colonial Medical Corps Headquar- and Camel Corps, is born diend after one of the tyres dine’, 42 die. government in Kenya en- ters Unit died after taking an on this day. He was awarded burst, causing the driver to • 1952 - Britain explodes its act emergency measures to overdose of pills while sta- a VC “Posthumously” but lose control. He was 20. first atom bomb on the Mon- combat the growing threat tioned in Grootfontein. He was later discovered to be a • 1993 - Captain Charles Ser- tebello Islands, Australia. from the Mau Mau. was 20. prisoner of war. gei Keith Rudnick from • 1955 - The USS ‘Forrestal’ • 1983 - Rifleman Quinton • 1935 - Mussolini’s Italian 85 Combat Flying School (CVA-59), the first super- Clive Oosthuizen from 203 troops invaded Abyssinia, was killed when his Atlas Sailor Malan carrier, is commissioned. It Battalion SWATF was killed beginning an occupation MB326M Impala Mk I (Fal- 74 75 This month in military history ... October This month in military history ... October Rhodesian Air Force Pi- of Germany. • 1977 - Lieutenant John Mel- the greatest American Indi- moured Car overturned dur- • 1944 - The 6th SA Armoured lot, Air Lieutenant Kevin • 1993 - At least twelve US ville Purdon from 11 Squad- ans, he was a powerful ora- ing military training exer- Division, having reached the Peinke when their Rhode- army soldiers are killed in ron was Reported Missing tor who defended his people cises at the General De Wet watershed of Castiglione dei sian Air Force Canberra was Mogadishu, the Somali cap- after his Cessna 185A failed against white settlement. Training Range. He was 18. Pepoli in Italy, pushes for- shot down by enemy Anti- ital, in a fifteen-hour battle to return from a routine low When the War of 1812 broke • 1976 - Corporal Marius Pi- ward to take Monte Vigese Aircraft Fire while attacking with supporters of Somali level cross-country training out, he joined the British as eter De Swardt from the 1st and Monte Sanco during enemy targets near Chimoio warlord General Moham- flight. The aircraft wreck a brigadier general and was Battalion Regiment De La World War II. in Mocambique during Op- med Farah Aidid. The in- was later located at Rys- killed at the Battle of the Rey was accidentally killed • 1944 - Soviet troops enter eration Miracle. He was 28. cident becomes known as miersbult near Potchefst- Thames in Ontario. after being struck by a bullet Hungary and Czechoslova- • 1984 - Trooper I. Unkongo ‘Black Hawk Down’ after room and his body was suc- • 1863 - Torpedoboat CSS during a shooting incident at kia. from 202 Battalion SWATF two US Black Hawk heli- cessfully recovered. He was ‘David’ damages USS ‘New Grootfontein. He was 26. • 1949 - “Tokyo Rose” (Iva was killed in Action dur- copters were shot down. 22. Ironsides’ with a spar torpe- • 1977 - Rifleman Brian Alan Toguri d’Aquino) was sen- ing a contact with SWAPO/ • 1983 - Rifleman Jan Igna- do off Charleston. Ross from the Rand Light tenced in San Francisco to PLAN insurgents in South- 4 October tius Rigaard from Infantry • 1899 – During the Second Infantry was Killed in Ac- 10 years imprisonment and ern Angola. He was 20. • 1836 - Pieter Arnoldus (Piet) School was killed in a pri- Anglo-Boer War Western tion in a landmine explosion fined $10,000 for treason. • 1985 - 21st Space Shuttle Cronjé, politician, military vate motor vehicle accident Australia offers military as- at a waterhole near Etale She had broadcast music Mission: ‘Atlantis’ makes leader and general during approximately 50km from sistance to Britain. Base in Northern Owambo- and Japanese propaganda to the first all-military space Second Anglo-Boer War, is Murraysburg while travel- • 1943 - US aircraft & ships land. He was 21. American troops in the Pa- flight. born in Colesberg. ling on the Richmond to raid Japanese positions on • 1986 - Former U.S. Marine cific during World War II. • 1986 - Soviet Yankee-class • 1903 - Ernst Kaltenbrunner, Beaufort West road. He was Wake Is, leading to the exe- Eugene Hasenfus was cap- She was pardoned by Presi- sub sinks off North Caroli- Nazi criminal, who was ex- 20. cution of American civilians tured by Nicaraguan Sand- dent Gerald Ford in 1977. na, three die. ecuted 1946, was born on • 1992 - The Mozambique held prisoner. inistas after a plane carrying • 1951 - Stalin announces • 1987 - Sub Lieutenant this day. government and RENAMO • 1966 - The South African arms for the Nicaraguan reb- Russia has the atom bomb. Gavin John Sholto Douglas • 1939 - Last Polish troops rebel leaders sign an historic Military History Society is els (Contras) was shot down • 1973 - The Egyptians and from the Strikecraft SAS surrender to the Germans. peace accord, and a cease- formed. over Nicaragua. Syrians launch surprise at- P.W. Botha was killed dur- • 1940 - Adolf Hitler and fire to end the sixteen-year • 1969 - Cuban defector flies • 1986 - The London Times tacks on Israel on Yom Kip- ing the 1987 floods in Natal. Benito Mussolini meet at civil war in the southeast an MiG-17 undetected to reports Israel is stocking nu- pur day, catching Israel al- He was 22. Brenner Pass in the Alps, African state. Homestead Air Force Base clear arms. most totally by surprise. • 1987 - Lieutenant Adriaan where the Nazi leader seeks • 1993 - Russian tank-soldiers in America. • 1978 - Rifleman Anton Hodgson Hind from “C” Italy’s help in fighting the loyal to President Boris • 1971 - The Prime Minister, 6 October Wicht Cloete from 11 Com- Squadron 61 Mechanised British. Yeltsin shelled the Russian B.J. Vorster, announces at • 1935 - Italian troops capture mando Regiment was killed Battalion Group was Killed • 1943 - The Island of Corsica White House, crushing a the National Party Congress Adua, Abyssinia. when his Buffel Troop Car- in Action during Ops Mod- became the first French ter- hard-line Communist rebel- incidences on the border • 1939 - Hitler announces he rier overturned at Etale ular when his Ratel 90 was ritory in Europe freed from lion. Yeltsin then fired Vice- of Zambia and the Caprivi had no intention of making Base. He was 18. hit by a 100mm round fired Nazi control as Free French president Alexander Rutskoi Strip. He reminds the Con- war on Britain and France. from a Russian T-55 tank. troops liberated the city of and jailed other opposition gress of his previous warn- • 1940 - During World War II He was 19. Bastia. leaders. ings that South Africa will in Europe, German troops • 1987 - General Magnus Ma- • 1944 - Aircraft off USS • 2013 – Vietnamese general not tolerate the incursion of invaded Romania to take lan acknowledges that South ‘Ranger’ (CV-4) raid Ger- and politician Võ Nguyên communist trained terrorists seize strategic oil fields. Africa has troops in Angola. man bases in Norway, sink Giáp died on this day at the into South African territory • 1943 - Himmler demands • 1989 - Panamanian De- or damage eight ships. age of 102. and that they will be pursued acceleration of the “Final fense Force attempts a coup • 1950 - The UN consents to to the land from where they Solution”. against Manuel Noriega. a US-backed invasion of 5 October came. • 1990 - After 45 years of North Korea. A squadron • 1816 - Shawnee Indian • 1973 - Trooper Daniel Pe- Cold War division, East and of the SA Air Force formed Chief Tecumseh was defeat- trus Boshoff from 1 Spe- West Germany were reunit- part of the United Nations ed and killed during the War cial Service Battalion was Boris Yeltsin ed as the Federal Republic forces. of 1812. Regarded as one of killed when his Eland 90 Ar- 76 77 This month in military history ... October This month in military history ... October • 1981 - Egyptian President • 1916 - Gefreiter Adolf Hit- • 1990 - Gulf War: Israel be- Guevara, 39, professional while on duty at a night road alry Division, cross the 38th Anwar Sadat is shot to death ler is wounded on the inner gins handing out gas masks revolutionary, is executed. block. He was 25. parallel in South Korea and by extremists while review- left thigh by a shell frag- to its citizens. • 1980 - Rifleman Gert Jo- • 1998 - Taliban forces from begin attacking northward ing a military parade, eleven ment during the Battle of the • 2001 - US invades Afghani- hannes Alwyn Barnard from Afghanistan raid Iranian towards the North Korean years and one day after his Somme. stan. 4 SAI attached to 37 Bat- border posts. capital of Pyongyang. A di- inauguration. At least eight • 1923 - Irma Grese, the • 2003 - At least one-fifth of talion suffered severe heat vision of the SA Air Force other people are also killed ´Witch of Belsen’, was born South Africa’s military is exhaustion and was to be 9 October participated in this war. in the attack. on this day. infected with the virus that medically evacuated at night • 1899 - Francis William Re- • 1962 - Algerian-Moroccan • 1982 - Lance Corporal Pe- • 1935 - League of Nations causes AIDS, and Defence from Ruacana. He was load- itz, former president of the border fighting, 130 die. trus Johannes Jakobus De declares Italy the aggressor Minister Mosiuoa Lekota ed aboard a Kudu aircraft OFS and now Secretary of • 1963 - French air force gets Wee from the South Afri- in Ethiopia. states that ‘the South Afri- flown by Lieutenant Mel State in the ZAR, hands the nuclear weapons. can Cape Corps accidental- • 1940 - During World War II can National Defence Force Pienaar after the aircraft ultimatum, which result in • 1968 - Defence Minister PW ly drowned. His body was in Europe, German troops is no longer accepting HIV had been refueled. Shortly the outbreak of the Second Botha announces that a mis- eventually located and re- invaded Romania to take positive people into their after take-off, the aircraft Anglo-Boer War, to Sir Wil- sile base for experimental covered on 8 October 1982. seize strategic oil fields. ranks’. suffered total engine failure liam Conyngham Greene, tests and launchings is to be He was 20. • 1943 - U.S. carriers and and crashed. He was fatally the British Agent in Pretoria. established on the Zululand • 1986 - Major Benjamin cruisers raid Wake Island. 8 October injured and died 30 minutes • 1899 - Sir George White, coast about 150 miles north Terblanche from 51 Battal- • 1956 - Israeli foreign minis- • 1890 - American fighter pi- later. He was 20. who arrived in Cape Town of Durban. ion was critically wounded ter Golda Meir says the UN lot Ace Eddie Rickenbacker • 1982 - Captain William on 3 October and in Durban • 1974 - Oskar Schindler dies by shrapnel in a friendly failure to resolve the Suez was born in Columbus, Ohio Robert McIntosh from 4 Re- on 7 October, proceeds to at the age of 66. fire Mortar Bomb incident Crisis means they must take on this day. He commanded connaissance Regiment was Ladysmith, where he takes • 1978 - Sub-Lieutenant at Ruacana on 05 October military action. the first U.S. aero unit to accidentally killed when command over the British Christo Bosman from the 1986. He was evacuated to • 1971 - SWAPO claims it take part in World War I and his parachute failed to open forces in Natal. South African Navy Mine- 1 Military Hospital in Pre- was not responsible for plac- was credited with 26 victo- during a practice jump at • 1914 - General Salomon sweeper SAS Walvisbaai toria but succumbed to his ing landmines in the Caprivi ries, becoming America’s Langebaan. He was 30. Gerhardus (Manie) Mar- was Reported Missing ap- wounds on 06 October 1986. Strip and that the guerril- leading Ace. He was award- • 1983 - Rifeman Klaas itz rebels against Gener- proximately 7 nautical miles He was 30. las were not operating from ed the Medal of Honour. Hausiku from 202 Battalion al Smuts’ order to invade West of Walvis Bay while • 1994 – South African Na- Zambia, but from inside Na- • 1895 - Argentine soldier, SWATF was Killed in Ac- German South-West Afri- the vessel was carrying out tional Defence Force sol- mibia. putschist, president Juan tion during a contact with ca, goes over to enemy side minesweeping operations diers go on strike. • 1976 - Candidate Officer Peron was born on this day. SWAPO/PLAN insurgents. and hands over as prisoners up the West Coast. It ap- Charles Robert Dickens • 1912 - Montenegro declares He was 21. to the Germans those of his pears that his foot became 7 October from the School of Armour war on Turkey, initiating the • 1987 - Gunner Anthony men who remained loyal to entangled in a cable that was • 1854 - Gen. Christiaan Ru- was killed when his Eland First Balkan War. Wayne de Villiers of 4 SAI the SA government. holding a marker buoy and dolph de Wet, chief com- 90 Armoured Car overturned • 1916 - The German ‘U-53’ attached “Q” Battery was • 1914 - Germans capture mandant of the Free State while travelling on the road sinks five ships off Nantuck- accidentally killed during Antwerp, as Belgians & forces during Second An- between the De Brug Train- et. Ops Modular in Southern British withdraw. glo-Boer War, is born on the ing Area and Bloemfontein. • 1918 - During World War Angola. He was 20. • 1915 - Belgrade surrenders farm Leeuwkop, near Smith- He was 18. I in the Argonne Forest in • 1987 - Trooper Frederick de to Austro-German forces. field, Orange Free State. • 1985 - Palestinian terrorists France, U.S. Sergeant Alvin Jager from 61 Mechanised • 1942 - Guadalcanal: Ma- • 1899 - Tension continues seized the Italian passenger C. York single-handed- Battalion Group was Killed rines encircle Japanese 4th between the British and the ship Achille Lauro carrying ly took out a German ma- in Action during Ops Modu- Inf Regt. Boers in South Africa, and about 440 persons, threaten- chine-gun battalion, killing lar. He was 19. • 1950 - United Nations (UN) the British Army is ordered ing to blow it up if Israel did over a dozen and capturing • 1988 - Rifleman Moleko forces, led by the First Cav- to mobilise. not free 50 Palestinian pris- 132. He was later awarded Ivan Khumoeng from 21 • 1899 - Sir Redvers Buller is oners. Leon Klinghoffer, an the Medal of Honour and the Battalion was killed after appointed Commander-in- elderly wheelchair-bound French Croix de Guerre. being accidentally struck Irma Grese Chief in South Africa. American, was murdered. • 1967 - Ernesto “Che” by a Buffel Troop Carrier 78 79 This month in military history ... October This month in military history ... October he was dragged overboard. 10 October Hayton from the Infantry own bomb. This resulted in the tary vehicle accident on 25 Sep- Guadalcanal. He has no known grave and • 1896 - An attack by Rhode- School was killed in a pri- top secret “Manhattan Project.” tember 1989 16km outside Jan • 1943 - Fifth Air Force be- remains unaccounted for. sian Colonial forces on the vate motor vehicle acci- 1944 - Japan announces it will Kempdorp while carrying out gins a series of air raids on He was 24. major stronghold during the dent on the National Road “fight to the last man, woman, Military Police duties. He died Rabaul. • 1978 - Gunner Andre Johan Mashona Rebellion, Mash- approximately 20km from child, weapon, and piece of from his injuries at the Univer- • 1944 - German army with- van der Bergh from 14 Ar- ayombe’s kraal, ends incon- Durban. He was 18. equipment.” sitas Hospital in Bloemfontein draws from Athens. tillery Regiment died in the clusive. Though the kraal • 1985 - US jet fighters force 1945 - Chinese civil war be- on 11 October 1989. He was 20. • 1963 - Air Corporal Her- Katima Mulilo Sickbay after was destroyed and the rebels an Egyptian airliner carry- gins: Chiang Kai-Shek vs. Mao 1991 - Lance Corporal David manus Pieter Bodenstein contracting pneumonia. He scattered, they came togeth- ing hijackers of cruise ship Tse-Tung. John Boyd from Group 36 was from the School of Techni- was 20. er again later. Achille Lauro to land in It- 1971 - Lewis “Chesty” Pull- killed in a military vehicle acci- cal Training died from head • 1982 - Applications for pa- • 1918 - British Gen. Sir Ed- aly, where the hijackers are er, iconic US Marine with five dent at Ladybrand. He was 19 injuries sustained in a pri- role by the thirty-four mer- mund Allenby enters Jerusa- arrested. awards of the Navy Cross, plus vate motor vehicle accident cenaries involved in the lem, on foot. • 1988 - Rifleman Maphakela a DSC, dies on this day at the 12 October 8km from Middelburg on Seychelles attempted coup • 1926 - Opening of SA War George Molokomme from age of 73. • 1851 - The Irish 69th Reg- the Hendrina Road. He was are refused. Most are due to Memorial at Delville Wood. 116 Battalion was killed in- 1982 - At the 1 SAI Mechanised iment is accepted into the 25. be released in January 1983. • 1954 - Ho Chi Minh en- stantly at the 116 Battalion Leadership Wing at Oshivello, New York State Militia. • 1972 - Race riot aboard the • 1985 - General Constand tered Hanoi, Vietnam, after Training area at Messina af- soldiers were undergoing fa- • 1860 - British & French USS ‘Kitty Hawk’ (CV 63), Viljoen, Chief of South Af- the withdrawal of French ter being struck by lightning miliarisation training on foreign troops capture Peking. results in 46 injured. rica’s Armed Forces admits troops, in accordance with while sheltering under a tree weapons used by insurgents. • 1870 – American Civil War • 1975 - Trooper David on television that the mil- armistice terms ending the during a thunderstorm. He During one of these lectures, a General Robert E Lee dies at Barand Le Roux from 1 SSB itary, without government seven-year struggle between was 27. soldier accidentally detonated the age of 63. was Killed in Action when authority, has flaunted the Communist Vietnamese and • 1998 - Rebels use a missile a Soviet hand grenade killing • 1899 - The first shots of the his Eland 90 Armoured Car Nkomati Accord by support- the French. to shoot down a jetliner car- five members. They were: Can- Second Anglo-Boer War are detonated a landmine near ing RENAMO. • 1976 - Rifleman Richard rying forty civilians in east- didate Officer Casper Willem fired at Kraaipan, about 50 Luiana in Southern Angola • 1985 - The hijackers of the Charles Palmer from the Na- ern Congo, claiming it was Johannes Geustyn (20). Can- kilometres south of Mafe- during Operation Karen 2 Achille Lauro cruise liner tal Carbineers was acciden- ferrying government troops didate Officer Paul Stephanus king, where General De la that was launched to clear surrender after the ship ar- tally killed after suffering to the besieged town of Kin- Venter (19). Lance Corporal Rey attacks the armoured SWAPO/PLAN bases in rives in Port Said, Egypt. multiple shrapnel wounds du. Alan Rodger Jones (18). Lance train, Mosquito. Lieuten- South-Eastern Angola prior • 1987 - Two members of 53 when a rifle grenade explod- • 2012 - Basil L. Plumley, Corporal Jacobus Theodorus ant Nesbit and thirty-four to the launch of Operation Battalion, one of them an ed prematurely after being Command Sgt Maj, US Meyer (19). Lance Corporal soldiers surrender the next Savannah. He was 20. Ops Medic attached to the fired. He was 25. Army, veteran of three wars Edgar Sydney Wessels (19). morning. • 1984 - Unsuccessful IRA Unit, were killed when their • 1976 - Corporal Jan Hendrik and five combat jumps, hero 1983 - Private Werner Eugene • 1914 - First Battle of Ypres attempt to assassinate PM Buffel Troop Carrier over- van Brandis from 2 SAI ac- of the Ia Drang Valley, dies Kriel from SAMS attached to begins. Margaret Thatcher. Five turned North of Ogongo. cidentally drowned during a at the age of 92. No.1 Military Hospital was • 1914 - Off Easter Island, people are killed. They were: Rifleman John river crossing while on pa- killed in a military vehicle ac- Graf von Spee concentrates Ferreira (19). Rifleman Jo- trol near Rundu. He was 19. 11 October cident at Potgietersrus. He was the largest German naval hannes Andries Le Roux • 1980 - Lieutenant Steven 1899 – The Anglo-Boer War, 20. squadron ever seen outside (18). Volkersz from 2 Squadron the war between the British Em- 1988 - Former United States the North or Baltic Seas; • 1990 - Saddam Hussein was reported missing when pire and the two Boer republics, army analyst Thomas Dolce two armoured cruisers, sev- threatens to hit Israel with a his Atlas MB326KM Impa- the Transvaal and Orange Free pleads guilty before a US court en protected cruisers, and new missile. la Mk II was shot down by State, breaks out. to supplying a wide range of three colliers. • 1993 - Somali warlord Gen- a shoulder-launched Soviet 1939 - Albert Einstein warned defence secrets to South Africa • 1942 - US aircraft sink two eral Mohammed Farah Aid- SA-7 Grail Surface-to-Air President Franklin D. Roosevelt between 1979 and 1983. Japanese destroyers near id offers a cease-fire with US Missile some 20km South that his theories could lead to 1989 - Lance Corporal Her- and UN forces in Somalia. manus Swanepoel van der Mer- West of Mupa. He has no Nazi Germany’s development Constand Viljoen known grave. He was 23. of an atomic bomb. Einstein we from 93 Ammunition Depot • 1980 - Rifleman Anthony suggested the U.S. develop its was critically injured in a mili- 80 81 This month in military history ... October This month in military history ... October • 2000 - Islamist suicide boat was 19. PLAN insurgents in Northern bombs Schweinfurt. war on Bulgaria. (20). Rifleman Martin Jo- attack on the USS ‘Cole’ • 1983 - Special Warrant Of- Owamboland. He was 27. • 1944 - German Field Mar- • 1917 - World War I spy hannes Lodewyk Kruger (DDG-67) at Aden. 17 peo- ficer Immanuel Hendjala • 1992 - Minister of Foreign shal Erwin Rommel, famous Mata Hari was executed van Niekerk (19). ple are killed and 40 wound- from the South West Africa Affairs Pik Botha warns German commander of Ger- by a French firing squad at • 1981 - Three members from ed. Police Counter-Insurgen- Unita leader Jonas Savimbi man forces in North Afri- Vincennes Barracks, outside 5 Reconnaissance Regiment cy Wing: Ops-K Division in Angola that South Africa ca, suspected of complicity Paris. were Reported Missing 13 October (Koevoet) was Killed in Ac- will withdraw support for in the 20 July plot against • 1917 - USS ‘Cassin’ (DD- while carrying out an opera- • 1307 - Simultaneous arrest tion during a contact with Unita if he decides to re- Hitler, is visited at home by 43) torpedoed by German tion against the Harare-Bei- of all Knights Templar in SWAPO/PLAN insurgents sume the Angolan civil war. two of Hitler’s staff and giv- ‘U-61’ off Ireland. ra railway line near Doeroi France - the original “Friday in Northern Owamboland. en the choice of public tri- • 1942 - Japanese aircraft in Mocambique, some 300 the Thirteenth”. He was 36. 14 October al or suicide by poison. He off ‘Zuikaku’ sink the USS miles from the South African • 1775 - The United States • 1983 - Private Johannes • 1066 - The Norman Con- chooses suicide and dies on ‘Meredith’ (DD 434) off San border. It would appear that Navy was born after the Sec- Mattheus Strauss from the quest began with the Battle this day. Cristobal. there was a premature deto- ond Continental Congress Technical Service Corps was of Hastings in which King • 1947 - U.S. Air Force Cap- • 1943 - British Admiral Sir nation while they were lay- authorized the acquisition of found dead. It is suspected Harold II of England, the tain Chuck Yeager became Andrew Cunningham is ap- ing their demolition charges a fleet of ships. that he may have taken his last of the Saxon kings, was the first man to break the pointed First Sea Lord of the that killed them instantly. • 1914 - Pro-German Boer in- own life. No foul play was defeated and killed by Wil- sound barrier, flying in a Admiralty and Chief of the The casualties were: Lieu- surrection in South Africa. suspected as at the time of liam of Normandy’s troops. rocket-powered research Naval Staff. tenant Alan Gingles (28). • 1918 - Gefreiter Adolf Hit- his death, nobody had been • 1882 - Irish revolutionary aircraft. • 1945 - Pierre Laval, the Rifleman B. Michael (24). ler is temporarily blinded in the area where his body Eamon De Valera was born • 1970 - Commandant Jo- former premier of Vichy Rifleman F. Tombo (25). in a mustard gas attack near was found. He was 18. on this day. hannes Frederick “Doons” France, was executed for • 1982 - Rifleman Piet Bhaya- Ypres. • 1985 - Corporal Johan • 1890 - Dwight D. Eisen- van Heerden from 24 Squad- collaborating with Nazi Ger- na from 111 Battalion acci- • 1943 - Italy declared war on Schoeman from 5 SAI was hower, US Army Five-star ron was killed when his many during World War II. dentally drowned during a its former Axis partner Ger- Killed in Action after he was general and Supreme Com- Hawker Siddeley Buccaneer • 1946 - Nazi leader Hermann river crossing while on pa- many after the downfall of ambushed and stabbed to mander of the Allied Forc- S-50 crashed on the weap- Goering committed suicide trol in the Kruger National Mussolini and collapse of death by persons unknown es in Europe during World ons range West of Bloem- by swallowing poison in his Park. He was 21. his Fascist government. while on foot patrol in Kwa- War II, was born on this day. fontein while carrying out a Nuremberg prison cell just • 1982 - Corporal Servaas • 1944 - Red Army liberates zakele Township during un- He would go on to become low level “retarded bomb” hours before his scheduled de Kock from 1 Parachute Riga from the Germans. rest in the area. He was 19. President of America. sortie. He was 34. hanging for war crimes. Battalion was accidental- • 1973 - Rifleman Michael • 1987 - First operational use • 1899 - Start of the siege of • 1977 - Lieutenant Phillipus • 1978 - Corporal James Bar- ly killed while on weekend Wulfsohn from the Cape of dolphins by the US Navy, Mafeking under Col. Robert Lodewyk Le Roux from nard Phillander from the pass when his private vehi- Town Highlanders was ac- in the Persian Gulf. Baden-Powell by the Boer the Delmas Commando South African Cape Corps cle was involved in a colli- cidentally killed when he • 1988 - Rifleman John Rex forces. was Killed in Action dur- was Killed in Action dur- sion with an extra heavy ar- fell off the back of a moving from the 2nd Battalion South • 1933 - Nazi Germany an- ing a contact with SWAPO/ ing a contact with SWAPO/ ticulate vehicle. He was 20. Bedford Troop Carrier just African Cape Corps died at nounced its withdrawal PLAN insurgents near the PLAN insurgents in North- • 1981 - Two US surveillance north of Ondangwa. He was the Rooiberg Training Area from the League of Nations Cut-Line. He was 48. ern Owamboland. He was planes arrive over Egyp- 19. when he accidentally stepped and stated it would take no 22. tian airspace to demonstrate • 1982 - Private D.S. Bed- on an unexploded 40mm further part in the Geneva 15 October • 1981 - Two members from enhann from the Technical “Snotneus” High Explosive Disarmament Conference. • 1815 - Napoleon Bonaparte 4 SAI were killed in an ac- Service Corps died from an Grenade. He was 20. • 1941 – US Navy Admiral arrived on the Island of St. cidental hand grenade ex- R1 Rifle gunshot wound ap- • 1988 - Special Constable Husband Kimmel warns of Helena beginning a Brit- plosion in Northern Owam- parently self-inflicted while Thomas Kastodiu from the possible surprise attack on ish-imposed exile following boland. They were: Rifleman he was on weekend pass. It South West Africa Police Pearl Harbour. his defeat at the Battle of Thomas Johannes Ferreira is believed he was suffer- Counter-Insurgency Wing: • 1943 - Attempted mass es- Waterloo. ing serious depression at the Ops-K Division (Koevoet) cape from Sobibor Concen- • 1899 - The siege of Kimber- time of the incident and no was Killed in Action dur- tration Camp. ley starts. Chuck Yeager foul play was suspected. He ing a contact with SWAPO/ • 1943 - US Army Air Force • 1914 - Montenegro declares 82 83 This month in military history ... October This month in military history ... October

increased US support for photographers. One of the • 1940 - First black American • 1981 – Israeli general and ters Unit SWATF was killed destruction of the Japanese Egyptian and Sudanese se- battles was immortalized promoted to general: Benja- former Minister of Defence in a Private Motor Vehicle Navy including the Japanese curity against any hostile in Tennyson’s poem, The min Oliver Davis, Sr. Moshe Dayan died at the Accident while on leave. He Battleship Musashi, one of moves by Libya. Charge of the Light Bri- • 1940 - Nazis establish the age of 66. was 19. the largest ever built. • 1987 - Thomas Sankara, gade. Amid poor sanitary Warsaw Ghetto. • 1982 - Rifleman Barend • 1990 - US forces in the Per- • 1948 - Thirty-one SA pilots head of the Military Council conditions, disease killed • 1946 - Ten former Nazi Jacobus Christoffel Stry- sian Gulf reach 200,000. participates in the air-lift of the Revolution in Burki- many wounded French and leaders were hanged by the dom from 7 SAI accidental- • 1992 - The Goldstone Com- to provide food and fuel to na Faso, is assassinated in a British troops. British nurse Allies following their con- ly drowned at Phalaborwa. mission reports the finding West Berlin. The operation military coup and replaced Florence Nightingale then viction for war crimes at He was 19. of a secret operational centre continued for seven months. by Captain Blaise Com- pioneered modern-style Nuremberg, Germany. • 1986 - Captain Fred Turner run by Military Intelligence • 1973 - Egyptian and Israeli paoré. sanitation methods, saving • 1962 - Missile Crisis: JFK from 32 Battalion was killed and seizes plans to destabi- forces clash in the Sinai de- • 1989 - Lance Corporal Jo- many lives. learns of Soviet missiles in in private motor vehicle ac- lise the ANC. sert in fierce fights. seph Montslo Moletsane • 1899 - Boer Gen. P.A. Cron- Cuba. cident at Paternoster. He • 2005 - William Allan, last • 1977 - West German com- from 115 Battalion was ac- je shells Mafeking, causing • 1963 - Lieutenant Hen- was 25. Australian combat veteran mandos storm a hijacked cidentally killed when his only one casualty. After the ry Andre’ Botha from 17 • 1986 - Two members from of WW I, dies at the age of Lufthansa jetliner in Mog- Buffel Troop Carrier over- bombardment, Silas Mo- Squadron was killed when the Sasolburg Commando 106. adishu, Somalia, freeing all turned during a patrol in lemo, a spokesman for the his Alouette III Helicopter were killed in a military ve- 86 hostages. Three Palestin- Mamelodi. He was 25. Barolong tribe, visits mag- crashed near Dullstroom in hicle accident at Deneysville 17 October ian hijackers are killed. • 1997 - Rebels, backed by istrate Bell, informing him: heavy fog while on a flight while returning from a mil- • 1777 - During the American • 1977 - Corporal Karel foreign troops, enter Brazza- “Never mind this, we will from Pilgrimsrest to Preto- itary funeral. They were: Revolutionary War, British Christiaan Strydom from ville in the Republic of Con- stick with you and see it ria. He was 20. Commandant Wallace General John Burgoyne and the Klein Karoo Commando go, ending President Pas- through.” • 1964 - China detonated its Goosen (56). Captain Chris- his entire army of 5,700 men was accidentally killed in a cal Lissouba’s four-month • 1900 - Republican forces first nuclear bomb at the Lop tiaan Johannes Cloete (34). surrendered to American shooting incident at Nkuren- struggle to remain in power. under Gen. J.B.M. Hertz- Nor test site in Sinkiang. • 1987 - Three members from General Horatio Gates after kuru near Rundu. He was • 2002 - The Sudanese gov- og attack Jagersfontein and • 1969 - Two members from 4 Artillery Regiment were the Battle of Saratoga, the 33. ernment signs a temporary release all prisoners in the 24 Squadron were Reported killed when their Buffel first big American victory. • 1977 - Sapper Johannes cease-fire with Sudan’s main gaol before they retire. Missing when their Hawk- Troop Carrier overturned • 1781 - British General Lord Hercules Viljoen from 2 rebel group, the Sudanese • 1916 - T. E. Lawrence er Siddeley Buccaneer S-51 at Mariental while trying to Cornwallis surrenders at Field Engineer Regiment People’s Liberation Army (Lawrence of Arabia) ar- disappeared over the sea avoid a head-on collision Yorktown. was killed after being struck (SPLA), so that peace talks rives in Cairo with a British 30km east of the Tugela with a civilian delivery ve- • 1917 - First British air raid by a bullet resulting from could resume. The agree- fact-finding mission whose River Mouth while carry- hicle. The casualties were: over Germany. the accidental discharge of ment calls for both sides to purpose is to recommend ing out night exercises. The 2nd Lieutenant George Mi- • 1933 - Albert Einstein ar- a fellow soldiers rifle near avoid impeding internation- ways of supporting the Arab crew were: Major Stephanus chael Howard (20). Lance rives in the United States as Kwando. He was 19. al relief efforts for civilians revolt against the Ottoman Sebastiaan Odendaal (31). Bombardier Peter Mansfield a refugee from Nazi Germa- • 1981 - Lieutenant F.T. affected by the nineteen- Empire. Major Peter Webb (28). (19). Gunner Sean Rene ny. year-old civil war. • 1916 - Oswald Boelcke, • 1973 - Rifleman Raymond Biet (20). • 1944 - The Battle of Leyte German air ace with 40 vic- Fourie from 4 SAI was • 1988 - Rifleman Nicolaas Gulf, the largest naval battle 16 October tories, is killed in action at killed in a military vehicle Johannes Wolmarans from in history, took place off the • 1853 - The Crimean War the age of 25. accident on the Ventersdorp the Bethal Commando was Philippine Islands, during began after the Turkish Ot- • 1926 - Chinese troop ship to Randfontein Road. He killed when he was struck World War II in the Pacific. toman Empire declared war sinks in the Yangtze. 1,200 was 19. down by a civilian vehi- The battle involved 216 U.S. on Russia, Britain, France die. • 1981 - Rifleman Alfredo cle while carrying out road warships and 64 Japanese and portions of Italy al- • 1939 - First German air raid Samba from 32 Battalion block duty on the Delmas / ships and resulted in the lied with the Turks against on the British Isles in WW was Killed in Action during Kriel Road. He was 32. Russia. It became the first II, against naval installa- a contact with enemy forces • 1988 - 2nd Lieutenant Riaan war observed up close by tions at Rosyth, as the RAF in Southern Angola. He was Frans Janse van Vuuren Moshe Dayan newspaper reporters and downs one attacker. 32. from Sector 20 Headquar- 84 85 This month in military history ... October This month in military history ... October Edeling from 102 Battal- insurgents in Northern training flight. He was 21. Suez canal zone in a swift claimed in Kenya due to • 1980 - Two members of 32 ion SWATF accidentally Owamboland. He was 28. • 1978 – Rhodesian forces dawn raid. Mau Mau rebellion. Battalion were killed when drowned at Epupa Falls dur- • 1985 - Attempted military launch a raid against ZIPRA • 1952 - Airman Caspar Wil- • 1977 - Three crew members their Buffel Troop Carrier ing operations in Southern coup in Guinea-Bissau. guerrillas in a wide area lem Petrus Nel from Air of 15 Squadron “A” Flight overturned at Buffalo. They Angola. He was 23. • 1992 - In Angola’s first mul- around Chimoio, Mozam- Force Station Congella suf- and one passenger from the were: Lance Corporal Al- • 1982 - Corporal Adam Jo- ti-party election, the MPLA bique. fered fractured vertebrae SAAF 250 Air Defence Ar- fred Jose Mindo (34). Rifle- hannes Barends from the wins 53.74% of the vote for • 1980 - Sergeant Jonathan when he was dumped by a tillery Group (250 ADAG) man Jaquin Francisco (24). South African Cape Corps the 233-seat parliament, and Sykes from the Infantry large wave while playing in were killed when their Su- • 1981 - Corporal Peter An- was killed in a private motor Unita 34.10%. Unita accus- School was killed in a pri- the sea during March 1952. per Frelon Helicopter 303 drew Chapman from 8 SAI vehicle accident on the Gra- es the MPLA of rigging the vate motor vehicle accident He was re-admitted to the crashed in the mountains was Killed in Action when bouw to Botrivier road. He election results, withdraws on the National Road near Sanitarium Hospital in Dur- on the farm “Leyden” at his Buffel Troop Carrier det- was 24. its troops from the joint Ladysmith. He was 30. ban on 15 Oct 1952 after Sheepmoor near the border onated a boosted landmine • 1983 - Rifleman Tian van army and threatens to return • 1984 - Rifleman Domingos complications had set in but of Mocambique and Swazi- in Northern Owamboland. Jaarsveld from 8 SAI was a to civil war. Antonio from 32 Battalion he unfortunately died fol- land while flying in dense He was 20. member of a patrol that was was killed when his Buffel lowing surgery. He was 20. fog and mist. The casualties • 1983 - Rifleman Joao Au- in the process of checking 18 October Troop Carrier overturned • 1954 - Britain and Egypt were: Commandant Gert gusto from 32 Battalion was their kit just outside the base • 1912 - Italo-Turkish War near Buffalo. He was 24. sign Suez Canal agreement. Hermanus Jacobus Strydom killed in a military vehicle at Okalongo prior to heading ends. • 1986 - Special Consta- British will withdraw troops van Rooyen (35). Captain accident at Linus Shashipa- out on a patrol. It was dur- • 1941 - Russian spy Richard ble Simon Daniel from the over next twenty months. Don Bezuidenhout (31). 2nd po. He was 19. ing this process that a RPG- Sorge arrested in Tokyo. South West Africa Police • 1986 - President Samora Lieutenant Dawid Petrus • 1983 - Private Johan Bey- 7 anti-tank rocket carried • 1945 - The Nuremberg War Counter-Insurgency Wing: Machel of Mozambique is Burger (21). Sergeant Wil- ers Human from the South by another soldier was acci- Crimes Trial began with Ops-K Division (Koevoet) killed in an air crash in east- lem Adriaan Jacobus van African Medical Corps was dentally discharged and he indictments against 24 for- was Killed in Action dur- ern South Africa shortly af- der Merwe (33). killed instantly when his was critically wounded. He mer Nazi leaders including ing a contact with SWAPO/ ter 21:00. Thirty-four people • 1979 - Rifleman Deon Botha private motor vehicle over- was evacuated to 1 Military Hermann Göring and Albert PLAN insurgents in North- die in the disaster. from 1 Reconnaissance turned near Bloemhof. He Hospital in Pretoria where Speer. The trial lasted 10 ern Owamboland. He was • 1987 - British Prime Minis- Regiment was killed in a was attached to the Army he sadly succumbed to his months, with delivery of the 29. ter Margaret Thatcher criti- military vehicle accident at Battle School at the time and wounds later in the day. He judgment completed on Oc- • 2001 - Four Osama bin Lad- cises the ANC, calling it “a Mariental. He was 20. was travelling from Lohat- was 19. tober 1, 1946. Twelve Nazis en followers convicted in terrorist organisation”. • 1979 - Sapper Gerhardt la to Pretoria on leave pass • 1983 - SA forces attack an were sentenced to death by the 1998 bombings of two • 1987 - US warships destroy Wagener from the South Af- when the accident occurred. apartment block in Mapu- hanging, three to life impris- US embassies in Africa are Iranian oil platforms in Per- rican Engineer Corps was He was 20. to, Mozambique, close to onment, four to lesser prison sentenced in New York to sian Gulf. killed after being acciden- President Samora Machel’s terms, and three were ac- life without parole. tally run over by a military suburban residence, injuring quitted. 20 October vehicle at Bossiespruit. He five people. The SA Defence • 1946 - The Special Service 19 October • 1899 - British forces dis- was 19. Force says the building Battalion of the Defence • 1812 - Napoleon begins his lodge the Boers at Talana • 1980 - Major John Kendrick housed offices from which Force of the Union of South retreat from Moscow. Hill in Natal. Murphy from 1 Reconnais- the ANC was planning a se- Africa is dissolved, and • 1915 - Russia and Italy de- • 1944 - During World War sance Regiment (former ries of attacks in South Af- gymnasiums for the army, clare war on Bulgaria. II in the Pacific, General member of the Rhodesian rica. air force and navy estab- • 1925 - The War of the Dog: Douglas MacArthur set foot SAS and Selous Scouts) was • 1984 - Special Constable lished. A stray dog initiates a ten on Philippine soil for the killed when his parachute Elifas Ipinge from the South • 1968 - Lieutenant John An- day border incident between first time since his escape in failed during a practice West Africa Police Coun- drew Zimmerman from Greece & Bulgaria. 1942, fulfilling his promise, training jump at Westonaria. ter-Insurgency Wing: Ops-K Central Flying School Dun- • 1950 - UN forces enter “I shall return.” He was 37. Division (Koevoet) was nottar was killed when his Pyongyang, capital of North • 1944 - US First Army se- Killed in Action during a AT-6 Harvard crashed near Korea. cures Aachen. Samora Machel contact with SWAPO/PLAN Devon while on a routine • 1951 - British troops seize • 1952 - Emergency pro- 86 87 This month in military history ... October This month in military history ... October • 1986 - Rifleman Christiaan British forces defeat the Mau- cules (Koos) de la Rey, also kop in 1900. Zeerust. He was 20. Carrier overturned at Lataba Marthinus Arnoldus Adam Mau. known as ‘The Lion of West- • 1942 - The Second Battle of • 1983 - Rifleman N. Riem Ranch near Phalaborwa. He Venter from Regiment Oos • 1960 - HMS ‘Dreadnought’is ern Transvaal’ because of his El Alamein, in which many from 201 Battalion SWATF was 20. Rand was killed when his launched, Britain’s 1st nucle- brave leadership during the SA soldiers took part, com- was Killed in Action in a • 1986 - Sergeant Gerhardus Buffel Troop Carrier over- ar submarine. Anglo-Boer War, is born on mences with a thousand-gun landmine explosion. He was Hendrik van der Westhuizen turned at Ellisras. He was 20. • 1967 - The Egyptian navy the farm Doornfontein in the barrage. The opening attack 22. from the South African Corps • 1987 - Trooper Herman sinks the Israeli destroyer Ei- Winburg district, Orange Free by the British Eighth Army • 1983 - Terrorists drove a truck of Military Police was killed Ziemkendorf from 2 Special lat off Sinai, killing forty peo- State. starts at 9:30pm. Montgomery loaded with TNT into the U.S. when his military motorcycle Service Battalion was killed ple. • 1859 - Spain declares war on eventually defeated Rommel. and French headquarters in was struck by a truck while when his Eland 90 armoured • 1982 - Corporal Donald Craig the Moors in Morocco. On 4 November 1942, the Beirut, Lebanon, exploding it overtaking about 8km from car overturned at Siftersnek Clerk from 1 Special Service • 1944 - Japanese naval forces British finally broke through and killing 241 U.S. Marines Lindley. He fell under the near Zeerust during training Battalion Died from a gunshot converge on Leyte. the German defences. and 58 French paratroopers. wheels of the truck. He was exercises in the area. He was wound resulting from an acci- • 1954 - West Germany joins • 1942 - Guadalcanal: Battle of 35. 19. dental discharge of the fellow NATO. Edson’s Ridge - Japanese as- 24 October • 1994 - For the first time in 25 • 1989 - Lance Corporal Pieter soldiers rifle while based at • 1962 - President John F. Ken- sault broken. • 1899 - The Battle of Riet- years, British troops were ab- Johannes Klue from 1 Para- Oshakati. He was 20. nedy appeared on television • 1970 - Five members from fontein, near Dundee, Natal, sent from the streets of Lon- chute Battalion was killed in • 1983 - Four members of 5 to inform Americans of the Quartermaster General takes place, with the British donderry, Northern Ireland, a private motor vehicle acci- Reconnaissance Regiment existence of Russian mis- (QMG) in Voortrekkerhoogte falling back to Ladysmith. following cease-fires by Irish dent on the old Warmbaths were Reported Missing af- siles in Cuba. The President were accidentally killed in a • 1943 - Japanese destroyer Republican Army (IRA) and Road near the Wonderboom ter being captured during the demanded their removal and private station wagon vehi- ‘Mochizuki’ is sunk by Ma- pro-British forces. Military Base. He was 19. night of 20/21 October 1983 announced a naval quaran- cle when it was involved in a rine aircraft southwest of Ra- • 1998 - A gas explosion devas- while carrying out pseudo op- tine” of Cuba. Six days later, head-on collision with a truck baul. tates the officers’ club of the 21 October erations against enemy forces the Russians announced they between Sasolburg and Par- • 1945 - Vidkun Quisling, 58, SA National Defence Force, • 1805 - The Battle of Trafal- during Operation Slyk. It is would remove the weapons. ys while they were travelling Norwegian politician, execut- a national monument, in gar took place between the presumed that they were sub- In return, the U.S. later re- home to the Eastern Cape on ed, leaving us a new word for Wynberg, Cape Town. British Royal Navy and the sequently executed by their moved missiles from Turkey. a Weekend Pass. The casual- “traitor”. combined French and Span- captors. They have no known • 1968 - SA signs treaty with ties were: Rifleman Frieder- • 1973 - Yom Kippur War ends 25 October ish fleets. The victorious Brit- grave and remain unaccount- Greece concerning the graves ich David Warren Bloomberg with Israeli troops 100 km • 1854 - During the Crimean ish ended the threat of Napo- ed for. The four casualties of members of the armed (18). Rifleman John Merwyn from Cairo and 40 km from War, the Charge of the Light leon’s invasion of England. were: Corporal D. Dula (27). forces of the Commonwealth Albert Payne (18). Rifleman Damascus. Several other Brigade occurred as Lord British naval hero Admiral Corporal R. Mhlinga (29). in Greek territory. Andrew John Hough (19). dates are given for this event, Cardigan led the British Horatio Nelson was mortally Rifleman Frans Mkoshi (26). • 1986 - Corporal Pieter Jo- Rifleman Leonardus Hendrik e.g. 22, 26 or 28 October, de- cavalry against the Russians wounded aboard his ship Vic- Rifleman Manuel Shikondau hannes Jacobus Meisenheim- Botha (19). Rifleman Roder- pending which phase of the at Balaclava. Of 673 British tory. (33). er from the Army Gymnasium ick George Duncan (18). peace process is considered • 1899 - The Boer forces are • 1996 - The UN reports that was killed when the Bedford • 1978 - Private Coenraad Hen- most decisive. defeated by the British at the over 200,000 Hutu refugees Water Tanker he was driving, drik Basson from 6 Ordnance • 1976 - Rifleman Ignatius Phil- Battle of Elandslaagte. are fleeing into the hills to es- overturned at Heidelberg. He Base Depot died in the Tyger- lippus Coetzee, acting as the • 1914 - Battle of Warsaw: Ger- cape the conflict between the was 20. berg Hospital from injuries Patrol medic for an Infantry mans defeat the Russians. Zaire military and Tutsi . received in a military vehicle Patrol was Killed in Action • 1942 - Eight American and • 2003 - Veteran French war 23 October accident at SAS Wingfield. near Eenhana. He was 18. British officers land from a journalist Jean Helene is shot • 1642 - Edgehill, first battle of He was 20 • 1983 - Corporal Pedro Gio- submarine on an Algerian dead in cold blood in Abidjan the English Civil War. • 1981 - Corporal Werner Ober- vanni Torre from 7 SAI was beach to take measure of Vi- in the Ivory Coast by a police • 1901 - General Redvers Bull- holzer from 2 Special Ser- killed when his Buffel Troop chy French to the Operation officer. er is dismissed as officer in vice Battalion was acciden- Torch landings. command of the British forc- tally killed when his Eland • 1952 - Jomo Kenyatta is ar- 22 October es, probably because of his Armoured Car overturned John F. Kennedy rested in Kenya when the • 1847 - Gen. Jacobus Her- defeat in the Battle of Spioen- during a training exercise at 88 89 This month in military history ... October This month in military history ... October cavalrymen taking part in the was 20. resulting from a blood clot in red flag of revolution. The casualties were: Warrant Of- Corps at Defence Headquar- charge, 272 were killed. The • 1983 - Operation Just Cause: the lung. He was 29. uprising spread to Hamburg, ficer Class II Francois Carl ters died after suffering a fa- Charge was later immortal- US and West Indian forces • 1990 - Private Dirk Cor- Bremen and Lubeck, result- van Zyl PMM MMM (34). tal heart attack at his home. ized in the poem by Alfred invade Greneda. nelius Pieterse from 31 Field ing in a general strike in Ber- Sergeant Michiel Labus- He was 46. Lord Tennyson. Workshop Squadron died in lin which brought the gov- chagne Kruger MMM (26). • 1987 - Rifleman Aaron Alfred • 1943 - Japanese open the 26 October 1 Military Hospital after be- ernment of Kaiser Wilhelm Sergeant Wentzel Christoffel Khumalo from 111 Battalion Burma railroad (“The Bridge • 1922 - Lt Cdr Godfrey Chev- ing critically injured in a mil- to a halt. Marx (29). Sergeant Neville was Killed in Action during a on the River Kwai”). alier makes first underway itary vehicle accident 35km • 1933 - General Constand Grant Clack (30). Corporal contact with MK operatives • 1955 - Austria reassumed its US carrier landing, on ‘Lang- from Vryburg. He was 25. Laubscher Viljoen, former Antonie Badenhorst (25). after they had crossed into sovereignty with the depar- ley’ (CV-1). • 1997 - Angola promises to head of the SADF and leader Lance Corporal Gary Wil- South Africa from Swaziland ture of the last Allied forces. • 1973 - Signaler Petrus Jo- withdraw its troops from of the Vryheidsfront, is born liam John Walker (20). approximately 57km east of The country had been occu- hannes Pienaar from 2 Signal Brazzaville, capital of the in Standerton, Eastern Trans- • 1977 - Sergeant Bernado Vryheid. He was 25. pied by the Nazis from 1938- Regiment collapsed and died Republic of Congo, where vaal. Andre Mwonambunga from • 1991 - President Sese Seko 45. After World War II, it was from heat exhaustion during they helped rebels oust elect- • 1940 - Greece rejects an ul- 32 Battalion was Killed in Mobutu orders Belgium to divided into four occupation Basic Training. He was 18. ed President Pascal Lissou- timatum, and Italy declares Action after suffering mul- withdraw all its troops from zones by the U.S., Russia, • 1977 - Two members of Reg- ba. war and invades from Alba- tiple shrapnel wounds in an Zaire. Britain and France. iment De Wet were killed nia. enemy mortar bomb explo- • 1992 - Lance Corporal Ja- • 1956 - Egypt, Jordan and when they accidentally deto- 27 October • 1940 - ‘U-32’ sinks RMS sion during a contact with cob Johannes le Roux from Syria form a united military nated a Claymore Direction- • 1941 - Nazis establish a gyp- ‘Empress of Britain’, killing SWAPO/PLAN forces near Group 36 was killed in a mil- command. al Fragmentation Anti-Per- sy ghetto in Belgrade. hundreds of children being Onalumona in Southern An- itary vehicle accident at Tha- • 1975 - Rifleman Christian sonnel Mine near Elundu. • 1942 - Battle of the Santa evacuated to Canada; Goeb- gola during Operation Krop- ba N’Chu. He was 18. Lambert Kruger from Infan- The casualties were: Rifle- Cruz Is: USS ‘Hornet’ (CV- bles claims the British did it. duif. He was 34. • 1997 - Forces loyal to Zam- try School was accidentally man Antonie Michael Jacobz 8) sinks. • 1956 - Israeli troops invade • 1978 - Three young Ops bian president Frederick killed when his private mo- (27). Rifleman Lodewicus • 1948 - Negev: Israel recap- Sinai Peninsula, later to be Medics attached to 52 Bat- Chiluba quash a coup by tor vehicle was involved in a Johannes Oberholzer (22). tures Nizzanim from the joined by British and French talion at Ogongo in North- disgruntled military officers, head on collision with anoth- • 1983 - Airman Wernich Egyptians. forces, following Egypt’s ern Owamboland died when arresting nine men including er motor vehicle near Kroon- Haupt from 250 Air Defence • 1973 - UN peacekeeping seizure of the Suez Canal they unselfishly put their the captain who said an angel stad while traveling home on Artillery Group, South Afri- forces arrive in Cairo to at- from European control. lives on the line to ensure the told him to overthrow the a weekend pass. He was 19. can Air Force suffered crit- tempt to set up a lasting • 1962 - The Cuban Mis- safety of others. These three government. • 1976 - Rifleman Jan Hendrik ical head injuries when he cease-fire between Israeli sile Crisis ended with the young heroes were posthu- Malan from 11 Commando accidentally fell off the back and Arab forces. announcement by Sovi- mously awarded the Honoris 29 October Regiment was Killed in Ac- of a moving Land Rover. • 1977 - Rifleman Joao Victor et Russia’s leader Nikita Crux for their unselfish act of • 1618 - Sir Walter Raleigh, tion during a contact with He died from his injuries in from 32 Battalion was Killed Khrushchev that his Soviet self-sacrifice in an attempt to English admiral and explor- SWAPO/PLAN Insurgents 1 Military Hospital later the in Action during a contact government was halting con- save others in circumstanc- near Eenhana in Northern same day. He was 18. with enemy forces near Nu- struction of missile bases in es of extreme danger. They Owamboland. He was 19. • 1985 - Rifleman David Bow- muidi in Southern Angola Cuba and would remove the were: Private Burgert van • 1980 - Rifleman Paulo ers from the South African during Operation Kropduif. offensive missiles. President Dyk van Papendorp HC (P) Almeido from 32 Battalion Cape Corps was killed when He was 28. Kennedy immediately ac- (19). Private Johannes Cor- died from injuries acciden- struck by a bullet result- • 1978 - Ugandan troops in- cepted the offer then lifted nelius Jooste HC (P) (19). tally sustained in a military ing from an accidental dis- vade Tanzania, occupying the U.S. naval blockade of Private Frederick Johannes vehicle accident at Buffalo.. charge of a fellow soldier’s the Kagera salient. Cuba. Smith HC (P) (18). He was 23. rifle while at the Touwsrivier • 1977 - Six members of 1 and • 1986 - Major Daniel Kotze • 1980 - Corporal Christopher Training Area. He was 20. 28 October 2 Reconnaissance Regiment from the Financial Service Bruce Catto from 5 SAI was • 1987 - Private Charles Mat- • 1918 - In the waning days of were Killed in Action at On- accidentally shot dead when thew Dirkse from 5 Mainte- World War I, mutiny broke alomono in Southern Angola he and his Section set up an nance Unit died in Oshakati out in the German fleet at while attacking Eheke dur- Mobutu Sese Seko ambush near Etale Base. He Hospital from heart failure Kiel. Ships in port ran up the ing Operation Kropduif. The 90 91 This month in military history ... October This month in military history ... October er, is beheaded, allegedly for el navigation training flight commissioned Chaplain. the barracks. He was 18. • 1980 - Two members from (20). Sapper Erasmus Alber- treason, at the age of 66. from AFB Pietersburg. He • 1899 - “Mournful Monday”: • 1992 - Heavy fighting breaks the Army Gymnasium in tus Steyn (19). Rifleman W. • 1897 - Nazi propaganda was 21. the British lose 106 killed, out in Luanda, Angola, be- Heidelberg were Reported Abraham. Rifleman P. Epa- minister Paul Joseph Goe- • 1975 - Four members from 374 wounded and 1 284 cap- tween the government and Missing when their Civilian fu. Rifleman V.Petrus. Ri- bbels was born in Rheydt, the SADF, one pilot and tured in two battles. Unita. The conflict rages for Piper Cherokee PA28-180, fleman T. Sheepo. Rifleman near Dusseldorf, Germany. three passengers, were ac- • 1899 - General Christiaan three days, claiming at least Registration ZS-VVK, dis- M. Uusshona. All from 101 • 1914 - Russia declares war cidentally killed when their de Wet and 300 Boers cap- 1,000 lives. appeared while on a flight Battalion Romeo Mike. on Turkey. UNITA supplied Beechcraft ture Nicholson’s Nek and from Wonderboom Airport • 1992 - More than 300 peo- • 1914 - Ottoman Empire en- Baron known as “Dinky take 800 British soldiers 31 October to Graskop. They were: ple are killed in renewed ters the war with a naval at Toy”, crashed 6km north of prisoner. • 1917 - Third Battle of Beer- Lance Corporal Gunther fighting as Angola slides tack on Russian Black Sea Norton de Matos in Central • 1899 - In the Battle of Mod- sheba: Australian, New Zea- Jurgen Dreyer (19). Lance back into civil war. ports. Angola while carrying out derspruit, Commandant land, & British mounted Corporal Andre’ Coetzee • 2006 - The Star reports • 1914 - Serbia declares war aerial observations for Bat- General Piet Joubert caus- troops capture the city from (19). that poor management of on the Ottoman Empire. tle Group Foxbat in the Silva es the British to fall back. the Turks. • 1987 - A 101 Battalion Battle SANDF equipment and the • 1941 - Germans massacre Porta area during Operation He is urged to order a pur- • 1940 - The Battle of Brit- Group, supported by mem- theft of weapons that ended 10,000 Jews in Kaunas, Savannah. The casualties suit, but refuses on religious ain concluded. Beginning bers of 5 Reconnaissance up in rebels’ hands are fuel- Lithuania. were: Colonel Desmond grounds, one of the fatal on July 10, 1940, German Regiment together with D ling the conflict in Burundi • 1942 - Nazis murder 16,000 Brian Harmse (46). Major mistakes during the war. bombers and fighters had Company, 1 Parachute Bat- where SA troops had been Jews, Pinsk, USSR. Pieter Benjamin Uys (34). • 1952 - Troops round up 500 attacked coastal targets, air- talion, attacked SWAPO/ sent to keep the peace. It • 1956 - Israel invades the Major Nicholas Jacobus Mau Mau suspects in Ken- fields, London and other cit- PLAN positions at Nindan- says sources confirmed that Sinai Peninsula and troops Visser (37). Corporal Nev- ya. ies, as a prelude to a Nazi go in Southern Angola. The millions of rands worth of push on towards the Suez ille Roland Beechey (19). • 1956 - Israel captures the invasion of England. British Operation was known as Ops vehicles, guns, ammunition Canal, just 32 km away. Is- • 1977 - Rifleman Johannes Egyptian military post at pilots in Spitfires and Hurri- Firewood. The Battle Group and bombs vanished from raeli paratroopers drop into Ferdinand Baum from the El-Thamad. canes shot down over 1,700 suffered 15 casualties with the SANDF army base in the Sinai to open the Straits East Park Commando ac- • 1956 - France and Britain German aircraft while losing approximately 67 wounded Burundi over the last four of Tiran. cidentally drowned in the instruct Egypt and Israel to 915 fighters. “Never in the before contact was finally years. The South African de- • 1962 - Three members from Chobe River near Mpalela withdraw from the Suez Ca- field of human conflict was broken off at nightfall. The partment of defence indicat- Central Flying School Dun- Island. He was 20. nal. so much owed by so many Battle Group casualties for ed it would be able to com- nottar were killed when an • 1984 - Rifleman J. Paulus • 1961 - Congolese army be- to so few,” declared Prime this engagement were: Ri- ment only later this week AT-6 Harvard that was exe- from 101 Battalion SWATF gins an offensive against Minister Winston Churchill. fleman Hughes Norbert De “after conducting the proper cuting a spin recovery in the was Killed in Action dur- Katangan rebels. • 1952 - The U.S. detonat- Rose (21). Rifleman Wayne research,” report says. General Flying area, was in- ing a contact with SWAPO/ • 1961 - Soviet Union tests a ed its first hydrogen bomb Valentine Ewels (21). Lance • 2006 – Former South Afri- volved in a mid-air collision PLAN insurgents near the 58 megaton hydrogen bomb. at the Elugelab Atoll in the Corporal Raymond Mark can Minister of Defence and with another AT-6 Harvard. Cut-Line. He was 23. • 1963 - Morocco and Algeria Eniwetok Proving Grounds Light (21). Corporal Nico President PW Botha dies at The casualties were: Air • 1987 - Private Erwin Be- sign a ceasefire. in the Pacific Marshall Is- Smith Olivier (19). Rifle- the age of 90. Mechanic Hendrik Jacobus nade from the Headquarters • 1978 - Reports of fighting lands. man Dirk Willem van Rooy- Burger (18). Air Mechanic Unit, Logistics Base Groot- between Ugandan and Tan- • 1956 - Following a twelve- en (20). All from D Compa- Jakobus Schabort Bischoff fontein, died from a gunshot zanian troops in Uganda. hour ultimatum to Egypt and ny, 1 Parachute Battalion. (22). Lieutenant Jan Jacob wound apparently self-in- • 1979 - Rifleman Dirk -Cor Israel, British and French 2nd Lieutenant Dylan Chev- Christiaan van Zyl (23). flicted. He was 21. nelius Odendaal from the forces bombard military air- alier Cobbold (20) from 5 • 1968 - 2nd Lieutenant SADF Dog Training Centre fields near Cairo in the Suez Reconnaissance Regiment. Charles Frederick Du Toit 30 October attached to 16 Maintenance Canal Zone. Captain Andries Hercules from 1 Squadron was killed • 1270 - The Eighth Crusade Unit was killed at Grootfon- • 1968 - During the Viet- Du Bruyn Rademeyer (27). when his Canadair C13L begins, and accomplishes tein after being struck by a nam War, President Lyndon 2nd Lieutenant Deon Botes Sabre crashed into rising nothing. bullet resulting from the ac- Johnson ordered a halt of ground near Bandolierkop • 1799 - William Balch be- cidental discharge of a fel- American bombing of North PW Botha while on a routine low lev- comes the US Navy’s first low soldiers rifle while in Vietnam. 92 93 quiz Military Grenades Despatches 1. Mills Bomb No. 8 2. M84 stun grenade 5 3. M67 grenade Website 4. RGD-33 grenade 5. M26 grenade 8 6. M7A3 tear gas grenade 7. Mk3A2 offensive grenade “Things don’t have to 8. Model 24 Stielhandgranate change the world to be 9. No. 82 grenade (Gammon important.” bomb) Steve Jobs 10. Mk 2 grenade 14 11. No. 74 Mk 2 sticky bomb 12. Type 97 grenade 13. Type 67 Chicom grenade 14. RGD-5 grenade 15. F1 grenade

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