On This Day

On This Day — 20 May

We remember those who died in service on this day:

1900

47145Burgher Jan Jacobus Brooks, Heilbron (Boer Forces), aged 20. Killed in action, "Vaalkrans", Heilbron.

1900

46879Burgher Andries Johannes De Jager, Harrismith Commando (Boer Forces), aged 23. Killed in action, Hosp Utrecht.

1900

46531Burgher Jacobus Ignatius Erasmus, Swasiland Commando (Boer Forces), aged 20. Killed in action, Scheepersnek.

1900

46246Burgher George Hauptfleisch, Pretoria Commando (Boer Forces), aged 45. Killed in action, Pretoria Eerste Fabrieken.

1900

45672Burgher Gerhardus Adriaan Meyer, Boer Forces, aged 26. Killed in action, Mafeking Hosp.

1900

45539Burgher Christiaan P Naude, Bethlehem Cmdt Antonie Michiel Prinsloo Commando (Boer Forces), aged 26. Killed in action, Lindley.

1901

44214Burgher Ignatius Michal Van Rooyen, Bloemhof Commando (Boer Forces), aged 60. Killed in action, Mooiplaas, Bloemhof.

1902

48015Burgher Jan Gerhardus Fourie, Prisoner of War (Boer Forces), aged 16. Died of malaria while a prisoner of war, India, Madras and Kaity Nilghiris.

1902

47987Burgher David Johannes Janse Van Rensburg, Prisoner of War (Boer Forces), aged 18. Died of meningitis while a prisoner of war, India, Shahjahanpur.

1902

45743Burgher John M Londt, Van Heerden, Cape Rebel Commando (Boer Forces). Killed in action, Aberdeen Hosp.

1902

44996Burgher Johannes A Scheepers, Boer Forces, aged 23. Killed in action, Vryheiddist.

1902

47942Burgher Johann Hendrik Van Wyk Van Wyk, Prisoner of War (Boer Forces), aged 51. Died of Hittesteek while a prisoner of war, En route to POW camps in India.

1915

38644Labourer Johnnie Abrams, V/60, Ox Transport (South African Labour Corps), aged 20. Died of pneumonia, at Ukamas.

1915

6931Colonel Sir George Herbert Farrar, Active Citizen Force, aged 55. Accidentally killed, on active service, in a railway accident near Gibeon.

1915

9734Driver Albert John Henwood, 1105, No. 1 Armoured Train (South African Engineers), aged 29. Died of injuries, received in train accident.

1915

11978Burgher John Kelly, 63, Bloemhof Commando (Mounted Commandos, S.A. Forces). Died of heart disease.

1915

12855Air Mechanic George Ammon Lambert, 791, South African Aviation Corps, aged 30. Died of dysentery.

1915

41023Labourer Alpheus Mahlapisi, 1705, Lichtenburg Commando (South African Native Labour Corps), aged 32. Died of pneumonia.

1915

41096Labourer John Tim Tuka, 23620, Transport and Remounts (South African Native Labour Corps), aged 34. Died of phthisis, at Tempe.

1915

41100Labourer First Name Unknown Witbooi, 1020, 1st Regt. (South African Native Labour Corps), aged 34. Died of heart disease, at Luderitzbucht.

1916

1192Dresser Charles Hugh Barrett, 698, South African Veterinary Corps. Died of enteric fever.

1916

17389Lieutenant Colonel George Oliver Moorhead, 1st (South African Rifles), aged 49. Died of wounds, received in bomb explosion on 11th May.

1916

19793Labourer Johnson Pauli, 1559, South African Native Labour Bureau. Died of malaria, at Ufiome.

1916

27306Lieutenant Joshua Metcalfe Versfeld, 4th (South African Horse), aged 24. Died of wounds, chest gunshot, received during the action on 19 May 1916 when his patrol had been surprised and ambushed by a stronger enemy force.

1916

27825Private Percy Edward Watkins, 5909, 1st Regt. (South African Infantry). Killed in action.

1917

7891Second Lieutenant Hyde Tregellas Garrett, 23rd Sqdn. (Royal Flying Corps), aged 22. Killed in action, flying on SPAD VII, shot down by Oblt von Tutschek, JA12, near Riencourt (Somme).

1917

11570Donkey Driver George Josiah, 17415, Military Labour Corps. Died of dysentery, at Kilwa.

1917

12137Labourer Jan Kgetsoma, 12431, Railway Section (South African Native Labour Bureau). Kilwa.

1917

14576Driver David Maimane Or Maiwane, 17896, South African Native Labour Bureau. Dar Es Salaam.

1917

14846Private Charlie Maluse, 1203, 5th Coy. (South African Native Labour Corps), aged 30. Died of pneumonia, at No. 1 Camp Hospital.

1917

17672Labourer Samuel Motibedi, 14427, Railway Section (South African Native Labour Bureau). Died of malaria, at Bloemfontein, on return to South Africa.

1917

18306Private MacK Nalana, 14492, 26th Coy. (South African Native Labour Corps). Jumped overboard.

1917

19853Second Lieutenant Eric Forrester Peacocke, 15th Bn. (King's Royal Rifle Corps), aged 24. Missing, Death Presumed.

1917

24669Labourer Solomon Tabakana, 14705, Railway Section (South African Native Labour Corps). Died at Durban Hospital, on return to South Africa.

1917

26245Unknown Soldier Unknown Soldier, South African Infantry. Died on active service.

1917

26246Unknown Soldier Unknown Soldier, South African Infantry. Died on active service.

1918

12458Second Lieutenant Wilhelm Jacobus K Knoll, 2nd School of Aerial Fighting (Gunnery and Musketry) (Royal Air Force), aged 23. Killed whilst flying.

1918

15667Private Mavura, M/1670, Rhodesia Native Regiment. Died on active service, at Msangesi, German East Africa.

1918

20105Private Cecil Frederick Pettit, 35116, 1st Bn. (East Surrey Regiment). Killed in action.

1918

27180Second Lieutenant Fredrick Alfred Vandenberg, 22nd Training Sqdn. (Royal Air Force), aged 22. Killed whilst flying.

1919

28412Lance Corporal Edward Edmond Williams, 68799, H.M.S. "Albani" (Royal Army Medical Corps), aged 25. Died at East India Docks London.

1941

4929Chief Officer Norman Edmund Damerell, S.S. Harpagus (London) (Merchant Navy), aged 35. Killed in action, the Norman Monarch in station #91 of convoy HX-126 was torpedoed and sunk by U-94 (Kuppisch). The Harpagus (Master James Valentine Stewart) in station #93 was the designed rescue ship for the column and dropped back to rescue survivors. After picking up the whole complement of 48 men, she set course to regain convoy. At 23.20 hours on 20 May 1941 the Harpagus, having almost regained position, was struck by two torpedoes from U-109 in the starboard side and sank very quickly about 250 miles south-southeast of Cape Farewell. 25 crew members, four gunners, three passengers and 26 survivors were lost. The master, 17 crew members and 22 survivors were picked up by HMS Burnham (H 82) (Cdr J. Bostock) and landed at Reykjavik.

1941

8138Private Ramiak Gidiah, M/10427, 3 M.T. Coy. (Indian and Malay Corps, S.A. Forces), aged 20. Died on active service.

1941

10752Midshipman Paul Eldridge John Ives, H.M.S. King Alfred (Royal Naval Reserve), aged 17. Died as a result of weakness due to exposure during service at sea.

1941

21998Sapper Christian Tiberius Rudd, 58590, 33 Works Coy. (South African Engineer Corps). Died on active service.

1942

10345Sergeant Frank Stanley Howard, 777674, 601 Sqdn. (Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve), aged 30. Died of injuries, received in air operations.

1942

17084Private Sello Mokane, N/38294, Native Military Corps, S.A. Forces. Died of syphilis.

1942

23535Sapper James Smith, 116627, South African Engineer Corps, aged 36. Died on active service.

1943

7635Private Jacobus Fredericks, M/20146, Indian and Malay Corps, S.A. Forces, aged 20. Died on active service.

1943

12772Lieut-Commander Edwin La Chard, 70018, H.M.S.A.S. Congella (South African Naval Forces), aged 54. Died after discharge.

1943

13227Private John Leen, C/166915, Cape Corps, S.A. Forces, aged 46. Died after discharge.

1943

16563Lance Corporal Jeremiah Mhedu, N/3145, Native Military Corps, S.A. Forces. Died in motor accident.

1943

17000Corporal Jack Magaroleng Mogaladi, N/3208, Native Military Corps, S.A. Forces. Died of malaria, at the Lenz Military Hospital. He contracted the disease after a visit home to the Pietersburg area.

1943

23140Private Christopher Simms, 702867, Essential Services Protection Corps, S.A. Forces, aged 67. Died on active service.

1944

262Sergeant William Leslie Aitcheson, 15862V, 1 Field Coy. (South African Engineer Corps), aged 26. Killed in action.

1944

2507Sergeant Thomas Alfred Brass, 78601, 3rd Bn. (Transvaal Scottish, S.A. Forces), aged 42. Died after discharge.

1944

7142Lance Corporal Phillip Cecil Finch-Stearns, 194478V, 1 Field Coy. (South African Engineer Corps), aged 28. Killed in action.

1944

10680Pilot Officer Stuart Biddulph Ingram, 160179, 44 Sqdn. (Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve), aged 20. Killed in action, in a large scale bombing raid that was mounted against Amiens railway station but the weather was so bad that the attack was aborted. Lancaster ND689 KM-O however never made it home crashing into one of the lakes.

1944

16216Sapper Duncan McNair, 255438V, 1 Field Coy. (South African Engineer Corps), aged 32. Died of wounds.

1944

17865Private Germany Mtendeni, N/67963, Native Military Corps, S.A. Forces, aged 29. Died on active service.

1945

7302Private Chibise Folioni, NRA/868, Northern Rhodesia Regiment. Died on active service.

1945

21617Lieutenant Albert Williams Robertson, 224243V, General Service Corps, S.A. Forces, aged 55. Died of cholaemia.

1945

22352Signaller Adolf Johannes De La Rey Scheepers, 317907V, South African Corps of Signals, aged 38. Died in accident, knocked down on the railway.

1945

24890Private Zacharia Tebe, N/71479V, Native Military Corps, S.A. Forces, aged 31. Died of injuries, received in vehicle accident. Truck rear tyre burst and it overturned.

1945

25358Private Samuel Tom, N/729, Native Military Corps, S.A. Forces. Died of pulmonary tuberculosis.

1945

28590Captain Claud Wilson, 179867V, South African Intelligence Corps, aged 46. Died on active service.

1946

8725Corporal Gregory, M/18241, Indian and Malay Corps, S.A. Forces, aged 34. Died on active service.

1946

12490Private Kodzayi, 1331, Rhodesian African Rifles. Died on active service.

1946

12506Private Koen, 277915, 1st Reserve Brigade, S.A. Forces, aged 50. Died on active service.

1947

2429Major William Maddison Boyes, 79877V, Imperial Light Horse, S.A. Forces, aged 62. Died after discharge.

1963

35670Detective Sergeant Jacob Johannes Maselela, 122357, Eastern Transvaal Division (South African Police), aged 18. Died in a Motor Vehicle Accident.

1970

33505Major Gabriel Hendrik Van Dyk, 01459205E, AFB Langebaanweg (South African Air Force), aged 31. Killed in aircraft accident, near Langenbaanweg, in Atlas MB326M Impala Mk I #512, Aeroplane - flipped on runway.

1970

33844Captain Phillip Spencer Weyer, 01519610E, Flying Training School (South African Air Force), aged 25. Killed in aircraft accident, near Langenbaanweg, in Atlas MB326M Impala Mk I #512, Aeroplane - flipped on runway.

1976

39287District Assistant Teddy Renald Ebiza, 4277, 1st Battalion (Internal Affairs), aged 18. Killed in action, at Mudzi, Op Hurricane.

1977

39573Dip Attendant Petros Kutsanzira, 650629, African Development Fund (Internal Affairs), aged 29. Murdered, by terrorists, in Makoni, Op Thrasher.

1978

40917Major Douglas McCarthy, 13728, 1st Field Regiment (Rhodesian Artillery), aged 28. Died of natural causes, while on sick leave, on active service.

1978

39885Private Cephas Mpofu, 660222, 2nd Battalion (Rhodesia Regiment), aged 20. Killed in action, landmine.

1979

38542Auxiliary Constable Josiah Kwangwari, 200361, Police Anti Terrorist Unit (British South Africa Police), aged 27. Murdered, by terrorists, while off duty.

1979

31447Special Constable Petrus Mabashe, 93660942PY, South West Africa Police Counter-Insurgency Wing: Ops-K Division (KOEVOET) (South West African Police), aged 26. Killed in action, during a contact with SWAPO/PLAN insurgents in Northern Owamboland.

1981

30622Second Lieutenant Stephen Soloman Hansen, 77496321BG, 6 South African Infantry Battalion (South African Infantry Corps), aged 19. Killed in action, in Sector 10, landmine. Lt Steven Hansen and a section of engineers were busy with landmine sweeping in the Odila area. They had found tracks and then traced these tracks backwards to sweep any landmines planted in these tracks. Swapo had set up a cheesemine bound with cortex to 3 British Mk7 mines and this was set off by their buffel.

1981

33019Sapper Jan Hendrik Smith, 77216448BG, 25 Field Squadron (South African Corps of Engineers), aged 19. Killed in action, in Sector 10, landmine. Lt Steven Hansen and a section of engineers were busy with landmine sweeping in the Odila area. They had found tracks and then traced these tracks backwards to sweep any landmines planted in these tracks. Swapo had set up a cheesemine bound with cortex to 3 British Mk7 mines and this was set off by their buffel.

1981

33143Sapper Anthonie Christoffel Strydom, 77530483BG, 25 Field Squadron (South African Corps of Engineers), aged 19. Killed in action, in Sector 10, landmine. Lt Steven Hansen and a section of engineers were busy with landmine sweeping in the Odila area. They had found tracks and then traced these tracks backwards to sweep any landmines planted in these tracks. Swapo had set up a cheesemine bound with cortex to 3 British Mk7 mines and this was set off by their buffel.

1982

30644Rifleman Gerhardus Petrus Cornelius Hattingh, 79469086BG, 1 South African Infantry Battalion (South African Infantry Corps), aged 20. Died in Military Vehicle Accident, at Tsumeb, Ratel rode over his head.

1982

32471Corporal Brian Gerald Peterson, 78460490PE, 701 Battalion (South West African Territory Force), aged 19. Killed in action, during a contact with SWAPO/PLAN insurgents in Northern Owamboland.

1983

30019Commandant Johan De Villiers, 68000967PE, HQ, Pretoria (South African Air Force), aged 49. Killed in action, at Pretoria, car bomb attack on SAAF HQ, 17 killed 197 injured.

1983

31088Airman Wayne Lawrence Kirtley, 79476487BG, HQ, Pretoria (South African Air Force), aged 19. Killed in action, at Pretoria, car bomb attack on SAAF HQ, 17 killed 197 injured.

1983

31333Captain Rian Hendrik Liebenberg, 72257959PE, HQ, Pretoria (South African Air Force), aged 26. Killed in action, at Pretoria, car bomb attack on SAAF HQ, 17 killed 197 injured.

1983

32201Corporal Anton Nel, 77244804PE, HQ, Pretoria (South African Air Force), aged 22. Killed in action, at Pretoria, car bomb attack on SAAF HQ, 17 killed 197 injured.

1983

32373Rifleman John Phillip Olivier, 74543380BT, Regiment Groot Karoo (South African Infantry Corps), aged 24. Killed in action, near Mupa in South Eastern Angola during a pre-cursor operation in the area to neutralise any insurgents and trained donkeys that could be used to convey enemy supplies prior to the launch of Operation Dolfyn. The patrol was in pursuit of a SWAPO/PLAN insurgent who went to ground in a cattle kraal. John Olivier was the first to arrive at the kraal and as he kicked down the kraal wall, the insurgent opened fire with a PKM Machine Gun and shot him in the chest at point blank range, killing him instantly.

1983

32637Flight Sergeant Jacob Johannes Ras, 70010186PE, HQ, Pretoria (South African Air Force), aged 38. Killed in action, at Pretoria, car bomb attack on SAAF HQ, 17 killed 197 injured.

1986

35054Warrant Officer Phillip M Jansen, W55138H, 1a Dist (Cape Town) CW Div (South African Police), aged 30. Died on active service.

1987

34180Constable Weyers Ivor Botha, W410762H, 20 Dist (Queenstown) CE Div (South African Police), aged 20. Killed by car bomb in Bezuidenhout Street, Johannesburg.

1987

34589Constable Theunis Johannes Duvenhage, W402021T, South West Africa Division (South African Police), aged 21. Killed by car bomb in Bezuidenhout Street, Johannesburg.

1987

31068Private Clifton Brian Kilian, 84566546BG, 97 Ammunition Depot (South African Ammunition Corps), aged 19. Died in Military Vehicle Accident, at Mokerong.

1987

32024Ab Jan Johannes Barend Mostert, 66515271PE, 97 Ammunition Depot (South African Ammunition Corps), aged 38. Died in Military Vehicle Accident, at Nelspoort. He was returning from Simonstown after collecting sports equipment when the vehicle overturned.

1987

38253Constable Kobus Wilkens, W407294K, Internal Stability Unit, Port Elizabeth (South African Police), aged 22. Killed by car bomb in Bezuidenhout street, Johannesburg.

1988

32054Rifleman Motsemoholo Joseph Mpembe, 88703517PB, South West Africa Police Counter-Insurgency Wing: Ops-K Division (KOEVOET) (5 Reconnaissance Regiment), aged 23. Died in Freak Accident, parachuting accident, at Kenilworth.

1988

32587Private Andre Petrus Prinsloo, 82342627BG, 16 Maintenance Unit (South African Ordnance Services Corps), aged 21. Died in Military Vehicle Accident, 10 kms South of Windhoek. Bulldozer on Lowbed following pilot Bakkie going South near Luiperdvallei, Windhoek. Convoy with Ratel and Samil 20 coming North. As Bakkie driver passes over a low water bridge he realises it is too narrow to allow the lowbed and the Ratel convoy at the same time, and slams on his brakes to try and signal the Lowbed to stop, but too late as it is already onto the bridge. The lowbed unfortunately can't stop in time and hits the bakkie, smashing it off the road to the left. The impact throws the lowbed out to the right where it narrowly misses the swerving Ratel but unfortunately the blade of the Bulldozer on the back, which is protruding out wider than the lowbed, makes contact and rips the Ratel open like a can of sardines. This impact then throws the Ratel off the road and the lowbed further off line impacting the Samil 20 head on. Bakkie and Samil 20 drivers killed.

1994

36801Assistant Constable Le Roy Ngcobo, 0920620-5, Western Cape (South African Police), aged 25. Died on active service.

1995

31738Soldier Chri(S)Topher Mxolisi Maziko, 94857851, 111 South African Infantry Battalion (Sadf?), aged 23. Shot by another member, at Nelspruit, while off duty.

We will remember them.

On This Day — 20 May

We remember those who died in service on this day:

- 1900 47145 — Burgher Jan Jacobus Brooks, Heilbron (Boer Forces), aged 20. Killed in action, "Vaalkrans", Heilbron.

- 1900 46879 — Burgher Andries Johannes De Jager, Harrismith Commando (Boer Forces), aged 23. Killed in action, Hosp Utrecht.

- 1900 46531 — Burgher Jacobus Ignatius Erasmus, Swasiland Commando (Boer Forces), aged 20. Killed in action, Scheepersnek.

- 1900 46246 — Burgher George Hauptfleisch, Pretoria Commando (Boer Forces), aged 45. Killed in action, Pretoria Eerste Fabrieken.

- 1900 45672 — Burgher Gerhardus Adriaan Meyer, Boer Forces, aged 26. Killed in action, Mafeking Hosp.

- 1900 45539 — Burgher Christiaan P Naude, Bethlehem Cmdt Antonie Michiel Prinsloo Commando (Boer Forces), aged 26. Killed in action, Lindley.

- 1901 44214 — Burgher Ignatius Michal Van Rooyen, Bloemhof Commando (Boer Forces), aged 60. Killed in action, Mooiplaas, Bloemhof.

- 1902 48015 — Burgher Jan Gerhardus Fourie, Prisoner of War (Boer Forces), aged 16. Died of malaria while a prisoner of war, India, Madras and Kaity Nilghiris.

- 1902 47987 — Burgher David Johannes Janse Van Rensburg, Prisoner of War (Boer Forces), aged 18. Died of meningitis while a prisoner of war, India, Shahjahanpur.

- 1902 45743 — Burgher John M Londt, Van Heerden, Cape Rebel Commando (Boer Forces). Killed in action, Aberdeen Hosp.

- 1902 44996 — Burgher Johannes A Scheepers, Boer Forces, aged 23. Killed in action, Vryheiddist.

- 1902 47942 — Burgher Johann Hendrik Van Wyk Van Wyk, Prisoner of War (Boer Forces), aged 51. Died of Hittesteek while a prisoner of war, En route to POW camps in India.

- 1915 38644 — Labourer Johnnie Abrams, V/60, Ox Transport (South African Labour Corps), aged 20. Died of pneumonia, at Ukamas.

- 1915 6931 — Colonel Sir George Herbert Farrar, Active Citizen Force, aged 55. Accidentally killed, on active service, in a railway accident near Gibeon.

- 1915 9734 — Driver Albert John Henwood, 1105, No. 1 Armoured Train (South African Engineers), aged 29. Died of injuries, received in train accident.

- 1915 11978 — Burgher John Kelly, 63, Bloemhof Commando (Mounted Commandos, S.A. Forces). Died of heart disease.

- 1915 12855 — Air Mechanic George Ammon Lambert, 791, South African Aviation Corps, aged 30. Died of dysentery.

- 1915 41023 — Labourer Alpheus Mahlapisi, 1705, Lichtenburg Commando (South African Native Labour Corps), aged 32. Died of pneumonia.

- 1915 41096 — Labourer John Tim Tuka, 23620, Transport and Remounts (South African Native Labour Corps), aged 34. Died of phthisis, at Tempe.

- 1915 41100 — Labourer First Name Unknown Witbooi, 1020, 1st Regt. (South African Native Labour Corps), aged 34. Died of heart disease, at Luderitzbucht.

- 1916 1192 — Dresser Charles Hugh Barrett, 698, South African Veterinary Corps. Died of enteric fever.

- 1916 17389 — Lieutenant Colonel George Oliver Moorhead, 1st (South African Rifles), aged 49. Died of wounds, received in bomb explosion on 11th May.

- 1916 19793 — Labourer Johnson Pauli, 1559, South African Native Labour Bureau. Died of malaria, at Ufiome.

- 1916 27306 — Lieutenant Joshua Metcalfe Versfeld, 4th (South African Horse), aged 24. Died of wounds, chest gunshot, received during the action on 19 May 1916 when his patrol had been surprised and ambushed by a stronger enemy force.

- 1916 27825 — Private Percy Edward Watkins, 5909, 1st Regt. (South African Infantry). Killed in action.

- 1917 7891 — Second Lieutenant Hyde Tregellas Garrett, 23rd Sqdn. (Royal Flying Corps), aged 22. Killed in action, flying on SPAD VII, shot down by Oblt von Tutschek, JA12, near Riencourt (Somme).

- 1917 11570 — Donkey Driver George Josiah, 17415, Military Labour Corps. Died of dysentery, at Kilwa.

- 1917 12137 — Labourer Jan Kgetsoma, 12431, Railway Section (South African Native Labour Bureau). Kilwa.

- 1917 14576 — Driver David Maimane Or Maiwane, 17896, South African Native Labour Bureau. Dar Es Salaam.

- 1917 14846 — Private Charlie Maluse, 1203, 5th Coy. (South African Native Labour Corps), aged 30. Died of pneumonia, at No. 1 Camp Hospital.

- 1917 17672 — Labourer Samuel Motibedi, 14427, Railway Section (South African Native Labour Bureau). Died of malaria, at Bloemfontein, on return to South Africa.

- 1917 18306 — Private MacK Nalana, 14492, 26th Coy. (South African Native Labour Corps). Jumped overboard.

- 1917 19853 — Second Lieutenant Eric Forrester Peacocke, 15th Bn. (King's Royal Rifle Corps), aged 24. Missing, Death Presumed.

- 1917 24669 — Labourer Solomon Tabakana, 14705, Railway Section (South African Native Labour Corps). Died at Durban Hospital, on return to South Africa.

- 1917 26245 — Unknown Soldier Unknown Soldier, South African Infantry. Died on active service.

- 1917 26246 — Unknown Soldier Unknown Soldier, South African Infantry. Died on active service.

- 1918 12458 — Second Lieutenant Wilhelm Jacobus K Knoll, 2nd School of Aerial Fighting (Gunnery and Musketry) (Royal Air Force), aged 23. Killed whilst flying.

- 1918 15667 — Private Mavura, M/1670, Rhodesia Native Regiment. Died on active service, at Msangesi, German East Africa.

- 1918 20105 — Private Cecil Frederick Pettit, 35116, 1st Bn. (East Surrey Regiment). Killed in action.

- 1918 27180 — Second Lieutenant Fredrick Alfred Vandenberg, 22nd Training Sqdn. (Royal Air Force), aged 22. Killed whilst flying.

- 1919 28412 — Lance Corporal Edward Edmond Williams, 68799, H.M.S. "Albani" (Royal Army Medical Corps), aged 25. Died at East India Docks London.

- 1941 4929 — Chief Officer Norman Edmund Damerell, S.S. Harpagus (London) (Merchant Navy), aged 35. Killed in action, the Norman Monarch in station #91 of convoy HX-126 was torpedoed and sunk by U-94 (Kuppisch). The Harpagus (Master James Valentine Stewart) in station #93 was the designed rescue ship for the column and dropped back to rescue survivors. After picking up the whole complement of 48 men, she set course to regain convoy. At 23.20 hours on 20 May 1941 the Harpagus, having almost regained position, was struck by two torpedoes from U-109 in the starboard side and sank very quickly about 250 miles south-southeast of Cape Farewell. 25 crew members, four gunners, three passengers and 26 survivors were lost. The master, 17 crew members and 22 survivors were picked up by HMS Burnham (H 82) (Cdr J. Bostock) and landed at Reykjavik.

- 1941 8138 — Private Ramiak Gidiah, M/10427, 3 M.T. Coy. (Indian and Malay Corps, S.A. Forces), aged 20. Died on active service.

- 1941 10752 — Midshipman Paul Eldridge John Ives, H.M.S. King Alfred (Royal Naval Reserve), aged 17. Died as a result of weakness due to exposure during service at sea.

- 1941 21998 — Sapper Christian Tiberius Rudd, 58590, 33 Works Coy. (South African Engineer Corps). Died on active service.

- 1942 10345 — Sergeant Frank Stanley Howard, 777674, 601 Sqdn. (Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve), aged 30. Died of injuries, received in air operations.

- 1942 17084 — Private Sello Mokane, N/38294, Native Military Corps, S.A. Forces. Died of syphilis.

- 1942 23535 — Sapper James Smith, 116627, South African Engineer Corps, aged 36. Died on active service.

- 1943 7635 — Private Jacobus Fredericks, M/20146, Indian and Malay Corps, S.A. Forces, aged 20. Died on active service.

- 1943 12772 — Lieut-Commander Edwin La Chard, 70018, H.M.S.A.S. Congella (South African Naval Forces), aged 54. Died after discharge.

- 1943 13227 — Private John Leen, C/166915, Cape Corps, S.A. Forces, aged 46. Died after discharge.

- 1943 16563 — Lance Corporal Jeremiah Mhedu, N/3145, Native Military Corps, S.A. Forces. Died in motor accident.

- 1943 17000 — Corporal Jack Magaroleng Mogaladi, N/3208, Native Military Corps, S.A. Forces. Died of malaria, at the Lenz Military Hospital. He contracted the disease after a visit home to the Pietersburg area.

- 1943 23140 — Private Christopher Simms, 702867, Essential Services Protection Corps, S.A. Forces, aged 67. Died on active service.

- 1944 262 — Sergeant William Leslie Aitcheson, 15862V, 1 Field Coy. (South African Engineer Corps), aged 26. Killed in action.

- 1944 2507 — Sergeant Thomas Alfred Brass, 78601, 3rd Bn. (Transvaal Scottish, S.A. Forces), aged 42. Died after discharge.

- 1944 7142 — Lance Corporal Phillip Cecil Finch-Stearns, 194478V, 1 Field Coy. (South African Engineer Corps), aged 28. Killed in action.

- 1944 10680 — Pilot Officer Stuart Biddulph Ingram, 160179, 44 Sqdn. (Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve), aged 20. Killed in action, in a large scale bombing raid that was mounted against Amiens railway station but the weather was so bad that the attack was aborted. Lancaster ND689 KM-O however never made it home crashing into one of the lakes.

- 1944 16216 — Sapper Duncan McNair, 255438V, 1 Field Coy. (South African Engineer Corps), aged 32. Died of wounds.

- 1944 17865 — Private Germany Mtendeni, N/67963, Native Military Corps, S.A. Forces, aged 29. Died on active service.

- 1945 7302 — Private Chibise Folioni, NRA/868, Northern Rhodesia Regiment. Died on active service.

- 1945 21617 — Lieutenant Albert Williams Robertson, 224243V, General Service Corps, S.A. Forces, aged 55. Died of cholaemia.

- 1945 22352 — Signaller Adolf Johannes De La Rey Scheepers, 317907V, South African Corps of Signals, aged 38. Died in accident, knocked down on the railway.

- 1945 24890 — Private Zacharia Tebe, N/71479V, Native Military Corps, S.A. Forces, aged 31. Died of injuries, received in vehicle accident. Truck rear tyre burst and it overturned.

- 1945 25358 — Private Samuel Tom, N/729, Native Military Corps, S.A. Forces. Died of pulmonary tuberculosis.

- 1945 28590 — Captain Claud Wilson, 179867V, South African Intelligence Corps, aged 46. Died on active service.

- 1946 8725 — Corporal Gregory, M/18241, Indian and Malay Corps, S.A. Forces, aged 34. Died on active service.

- 1946 12490 — Private Kodzayi, 1331, Rhodesian African Rifles. Died on active service.

- 1946 12506 — Private Koen, 277915, 1st Reserve Brigade, S.A. Forces, aged 50. Died on active service.

- 1947 2429 — Major William Maddison Boyes, 79877V, Imperial Light Horse, S.A. Forces, aged 62. Died after discharge.

- 1963 35670 — Detective Sergeant Jacob Johannes Maselela, 122357, Eastern Transvaal Division (South African Police), aged 18. Died in a Motor Vehicle Accident.

- 1970 33505 — Major Gabriel Hendrik Van Dyk, 01459205E, AFB Langebaanweg (South African Air Force), aged 31. Killed in aircraft accident, near Langenbaanweg, in Atlas MB326M Impala Mk I #512, Aeroplane - flipped on runway.

- 1970 33844 — Captain Phillip Spencer Weyer, 01519610E, Flying Training School (South African Air Force), aged 25. Killed in aircraft accident, near Langenbaanweg, in Atlas MB326M Impala Mk I #512, Aeroplane - flipped on runway.

- 1976 39287 — District Assistant Teddy Renald Ebiza, 4277, 1st Battalion (Internal Affairs), aged 18. Killed in action, at Mudzi, Op Hurricane.

- 1977 39573 — Dip Attendant Petros Kutsanzira, 650629, African Development Fund (Internal Affairs), aged 29. Murdered, by terrorists, in Makoni, Op Thrasher.

- 1978 40917 — Major Douglas McCarthy, 13728, 1st Field Regiment (Rhodesian Artillery), aged 28. Died of natural causes, while on sick leave, on active service.

- 1978 39885 — Private Cephas Mpofu, 660222, 2nd Battalion (Rhodesia Regiment), aged 20. Killed in action, landmine.

- 1979 38542 — Auxiliary Constable Josiah Kwangwari, 200361, Police Anti Terrorist Unit (British South Africa Police), aged 27. Murdered, by terrorists, while off duty.

- 1979 31447 — Special Constable Petrus Mabashe, 93660942PY, South West Africa Police Counter-Insurgency Wing: Ops-K Division (KOEVOET) (South West African Police), aged 26. Killed in action, during a contact with SWAPO/PLAN insurgents in Northern Owamboland.

- 1981 30622 — Second Lieutenant Stephen Soloman Hansen, 77496321BG, 6 South African Infantry Battalion (South African Infantry Corps), aged 19. Killed in action, in Sector 10, landmine. Lt Steven Hansen and a section of engineers were busy with landmine sweeping in the Odila area. They had found tracks and then traced these tracks backwards to sweep any landmines planted in these tracks. Swapo had set up a cheesemine bound with cortex to 3 British Mk7 mines and this was set off by their buffel.

- 1981 33019 — Sapper Jan Hendrik Smith, 77216448BG, 25 Field Squadron (South African Corps of Engineers), aged 19. Killed in action, in Sector 10, landmine. Lt Steven Hansen and a section of engineers were busy with landmine sweeping in the Odila area. They had found tracks and then traced these tracks backwards to sweep any landmines planted in these tracks. Swapo had set up a cheesemine bound with cortex to 3 British Mk7 mines and this was set off by their buffel.

- 1981 33143 — Sapper Anthonie Christoffel Strydom, 77530483BG, 25 Field Squadron (South African Corps of Engineers), aged 19. Killed in action, in Sector 10, landmine. Lt Steven Hansen and a section of engineers were busy with landmine sweeping in the Odila area. They had found tracks and then traced these tracks backwards to sweep any landmines planted in these tracks. Swapo had set up a cheesemine bound with cortex to 3 British Mk7 mines and this was set off by their buffel.

- 1982 30644 — Rifleman Gerhardus Petrus Cornelius Hattingh, 79469086BG, 1 South African Infantry Battalion (South African Infantry Corps), aged 20. Died in Military Vehicle Accident, at Tsumeb, Ratel rode over his head.

- 1982 32471 — Corporal Brian Gerald Peterson, 78460490PE, 701 Battalion (South West African Territory Force), aged 19. Killed in action, during a contact with SWAPO/PLAN insurgents in Northern Owamboland.

- 1983 30019 — Commandant Johan De Villiers, 68000967PE, HQ, Pretoria (South African Air Force), aged 49. Killed in action, at Pretoria, car bomb attack on SAAF HQ, 17 killed 197 injured.

- 1983 31088 — Airman Wayne Lawrence Kirtley, 79476487BG, HQ, Pretoria (South African Air Force), aged 19. Killed in action, at Pretoria, car bomb attack on SAAF HQ, 17 killed 197 injured.

- 1983 31333 — Captain Rian Hendrik Liebenberg, 72257959PE, HQ, Pretoria (South African Air Force), aged 26. Killed in action, at Pretoria, car bomb attack on SAAF HQ, 17 killed 197 injured.

- 1983 32201 — Corporal Anton Nel, 77244804PE, HQ, Pretoria (South African Air Force), aged 22. Killed in action, at Pretoria, car bomb attack on SAAF HQ, 17 killed 197 injured.

- 1983 32373 — Rifleman John Phillip Olivier, 74543380BT, Regiment Groot Karoo (South African Infantry Corps), aged 24. Killed in action, near Mupa in South Eastern Angola during a pre-cursor operation in the area to neutralise any insurgents and trained donkeys that could be used to convey enemy supplies prior to the launch of Operation Dolfyn. The patrol was in pursuit of a SWAPO/PLAN insurgent who went to ground in a cattle kraal. John Olivier was the first to arrive at the kraal and as he kicked down the kraal wall, the insurgent opened fire with a PKM Machine Gun and shot him in the chest at point blank range, killing him instantly.

- 1983 32637 — Flight Sergeant Jacob Johannes Ras, 70010186PE, HQ, Pretoria (South African Air Force), aged 38. Killed in action, at Pretoria, car bomb attack on SAAF HQ, 17 killed 197 injured.

- 1986 35054 — Warrant Officer Phillip M Jansen, W55138H, 1a Dist (Cape Town) CW Div (South African Police), aged 30. Died on active service.

- 1987 34180 — Constable Weyers Ivor Botha, W410762H, 20 Dist (Queenstown) CE Div (South African Police), aged 20. Killed by car bomb in Bezuidenhout Street, Johannesburg.

- 1987 34589 — Constable Theunis Johannes Duvenhage, W402021T, South West Africa Division (South African Police), aged 21. Killed by car bomb in Bezuidenhout Street, Johannesburg.

- 1987 31068 — Private Clifton Brian Kilian, 84566546BG, 97 Ammunition Depot (South African Ammunition Corps), aged 19. Died in Military Vehicle Accident, at Mokerong.

- 1987 32024 — Ab Jan Johannes Barend Mostert, 66515271PE, 97 Ammunition Depot (South African Ammunition Corps), aged 38. Died in Military Vehicle Accident, at Nelspoort. He was returning from Simonstown after collecting sports equipment when the vehicle overturned.

- 1987 38253 — Constable Kobus Wilkens, W407294K, Internal Stability Unit, Port Elizabeth (South African Police), aged 22. Killed by car bomb in Bezuidenhout street, Johannesburg.

- 1988 32054 — Rifleman Motsemoholo Joseph Mpembe, 88703517PB, South West Africa Police Counter-Insurgency Wing: Ops-K Division (KOEVOET) (5 Reconnaissance Regiment), aged 23. Died in Freak Accident, parachuting accident, at Kenilworth.

- 1988 32587 — Private Andre Petrus Prinsloo, 82342627BG, 16 Maintenance Unit (South African Ordnance Services Corps), aged 21. Died in Military Vehicle Accident, 10 kms South of Windhoek. Bulldozer on Lowbed following pilot Bakkie going South near Luiperdvallei, Windhoek. Convoy with Ratel and Samil 20 coming North. As Bakkie driver passes over a low water bridge he realises it is too narrow to allow the lowbed and the Ratel convoy at the same time, and slams on his brakes to try and signal the Lowbed to stop, but too late as it is already onto the bridge. The lowbed unfortunately can't stop in time and hits the bakkie, smashing it off the road to the left. The impact throws the lowbed out to the right where it narrowly misses the swerving Ratel but unfortunately the blade of the Bulldozer on the back, which is protruding out wider than the lowbed, makes contact and rips the Ratel open like a can of sardines. This impact then throws the Ratel off the road and the lowbed further off line impacting the Samil 20 head on. Bakkie and Samil 20 drivers killed.

- 1994 36801 — Assistant Constable Le Roy Ngcobo, 0920620-5, Western Cape (South African Police), aged 25. Died on active service.

- 1995 31738 — Soldier Chri(S)Topher Mxolisi Maziko, 94857851, 111 South African Infantry Battalion (Sadf?), aged 23. Shot by another member, at Nelspruit, while off duty.

We will remember them.

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ON THIS DAY

20 May

On This Day — 20 May

Deaths on 20 May by Year