On This Day

On This Day — 26 May

We remember those who died in service on this day:

1901

47063Burgher Petrus Johannes Nicolaas Coertzen, Fauresmith (Boer Forces), aged 37. Killed in action, De Put Petrusville.

1901

45970Burgher Johannes P. Koen, Winburg Commandant Haasbroek Commando (Boer Forces), aged 23. Killed in action, Welgevonden,Winburg.

1901

45955Burgher Pieter Willem Korff, State Artillery Commando (Boer Forces), aged 29. Killed in action, Modjajesnek.

1901

48255Burgher Paul Phillippus Jacobus Kruger, Prisoner of War (Boer Forces), aged 17. Died of typhoid while a prisoner of war, St Helena.

1901

47717Burgher Aj Maher, State Artillery Commando (Boer Forces). Killed in action, Majatjesnek.

1901

47708Burgher Jacob Stefanus Malan, Middelburg Commando (Boer Forces), aged 19. Killed in action, Hospital Tonteldoos, Mapochsgronde/Middelburg.

1901

45351Burgher Johannes M W Pfeiffer, Boer Forces, aged 43. Killed in action, Langverwacht, Vryheid.

1901

44921Burgher Willem Edward (William) Scott, Winburg, Cmdt Haasbroek Commando (Boer Forces), aged 21. Killed in action, Welgevonden, dist Winburg.

1901

43932Burgher Izak Frederik Viviers, Winburg : Commandant Haasbroek Commando (Boer Forces), aged 38. Killed in action, Welgevonden Winburg.

1902

48305Burgher Nicolaas Petrus Campher, Prisoner of War (Boer Forces), aged 19. Died of typhoid while a prisoner of war, St Helena.

1902

48172Burgher Gideon Jacobus Van Zyl, Prisoner of War (Boer Forces), aged 19. Died of typhoid while a prisoner of war, St Helena.

1915

26515Private Albert D J Van Blerk, 315, 2nd (King Edward's Horse). Killed in action.

1915

27864Sapper Thomas Smith Watson, 1506, South African Engineers, aged 36. Died of enteric fever.

1916

359Private Samuel Arthur Allchin, 3646, 1st Regt. (South African Infantry). Accidentally killed, at Bordon Camp, bombing accident.

1916

2186Private Frank Cardigan Bosward, 8081, 4th Regt. (South African Infantry), aged 20. Accidentally killed, at Bordon Camp, bombing accident.

1916

2786Labourer James Brown, 3779, attd. South African Railway Operating Company (South African Native Labour Bureau). Died of dysentery, at Voi.

1916

6940Corporal Bernard Eric Farrer, 1401, 3rd Mounted Bde. Field Amb. (South African Medical Corps), aged 38. Died of dysentery.

1916

7551Private Bertram Francois, 1241, 4th Regt. (South African Infantry). Accidentally killed, at Bordon Camp, bombing accident.

1916

8844Private Matthew Groep, 1268, 1st (Cape Corps). Died of malaria, at Moshi.

1916

20075Private Peter Hans Petersen, 2831, 2nd Regt. (South African Infantry). Killed in action.

1916

20182Private Sebastian Phillips, 7149, 4th Regt. (South African Infantry), aged 15. Accidentally killed, at Bordon Camp, bombing accident.

1916

21803Private Peter Barend Roos, 3698, 5th Regt. (South African Infantry). Died of epilepsy.

1916

23910Canteen Assistant Herbert Henry Springhall, H.M.S. "Challenger" (Admiralty Civilian), aged 18. Died of enteric fever.

1917

3638Lance Corporal Chaponda, 1057, Northern Rhodesia Police. Died on active service.

1917

15052Driver Motorcar Maqumbe, 18878, South African Native Labour Bureau. East Africa.

1917

16017Driver William John McHaffie, MT/2921, M.t. (South African Service Corps), aged 40. Died of cerebral malaria, at Dar es Salaam.

1917

18817Driver Nils Nilsen, MT/2234, M.t. (South African Service Corps). Died of dysentery, at Zomba.

1917

18889Leader Ishmael Nkwenjana, 18301, South African Native Labour Bureau. Died at Jacobs Camp Durban, on return to South Africa.

1917

24881Labourer Joseph Tcheco, 18115, Railway Section (South African Native Labour Bureau). Kilwa.

1917

26247Captain Unknown Soldier Unknown Soldier, 4th Regt. (South African Infantry). Died on active service.

1918

1811Staff Sergeant Thomas Bingham, S/3904, Supplies (South African Service Corps), aged 46. Died of blackwater fever.

1918

8659Driver Charles Green, 9320, Remounts (South African Native Labour Bureau). Died of enteric fever, at Port Amelia.

1918

19349Private Jacob Olivier, 3077, 1st (Cape Corps). Died of tuberculosis, at Kimberley.

1919

11356Private William Johnston, 13631, 1st Regt. (South African Infantry). Died of pulmonary tuberculosis.

1919

22394Private Herman Schmidt, 262, 1st (Cape Coloured Labour Regiment), aged 21. Died of lobar pneumonia and pulmonary tuberculosis.

1923

32696Sapper Thomas Rivers, 878, SA Cape Corps (South African Mounted Rifles), aged 25. Died of tuberculosis, at Roberts Heights Hospital.

1940

9352Captain John Wyndham Hartigan, 66153, 2/5th Bn. (Sherwood Foresters (Notts and Derby Regiment)), aged 25. Killed in action.

1940

12223Corporal Frederick Harold Kimpton, CR/606, 1 Sqdn. (Southern Rhodesia Air Force), aged 25. Presumed that they lost their way in the extremely difficult country, and made a crash-landing. Months afterwards their aircraft was located.

1940

20117Flying Officer Hugh Chinnery Peyton, CR/2916, 1 Sqdn. (Southern Rhodesia Air Force), aged 21. Presumed that they lost their way in the extremely difficult country, and made a crash-landing. Months afterwards their aircraft was located.

1940

20960Second Lieutenant Richard Anthony Raikes, 76453, 1st Bn. Queen Victoria's Rifles (King's Royal Rifle Corps), aged 29. Presumed drowned. On May 21st 1940 1QVR set out at three hours' notice to Calais under orders to secure the town and await the arrival of the rest of 30 Brigade. 1QVR had been deployed in such a rush that no one seems to have considered that as a motorized battalion, a third of its men, classified as drivers, were armed only with revolvers, which were useless anyway as they had no ammunition. Many officers were not issued with weapons at all and no-one seemed to know what was going on. Their orders were to secure the harbour area, and to block the six roads leading to Calais. 1QVR secured the cable terminal at Sangatte, patrolled the beaches to prevent German aircraft from landing and dealt with the many refugees that were arriving. Nicholson was aware that an attack was imminent and on 23rd May recorded ""Calais is surrounded. Heavy bombing is expected tonight, and a powerful attack will probably be put in in the morning."" Mortar shells began to fall at dawn the following morning followed by the arrival of German tanks and infantry. 1QVR were ordered to withdraw to the line of Calais' ramparts and attacks continued all morning. It was clear by the late afternoon of May 24th that this defensive line could not be held much longer, and Nicholson ordered a withdrawal to an inner perimeter made up of various canals and waterways surrounding the old city of Calais Nord. On the 25th, the Germans offered Nicholson two chances to surrender, which he refused: ""Tell the Germans that if they want Calais they will have to fight for it."" Churchill sent the message: ""Every hour you continue to exist is of the greatest help to the BEF. Have greatest possible admiration for your splendid stand. Evacuation will not (repeat not) take place, and craft required for above purpose are to return to Dover."" On the afternoon of May 25th the fighting intensified still further and The Citadel, where Nicholson's headquarters were based, fell at 1630. What was left of 'B' Company of 1QVR was overwhelmed at around 1700. Two detached platoons of 'C' Company were among the last to surrender, having fought to the last around Place d'Angleterre and Place de l'Europe. By 1730, Calais had fallen. On June 4th 1940 Churchill made the following statement in Parliament: ""The Rifle Brigade, the 60th Rifles and the Queen Victoria's Rifles, with a battalion of British tanks and one thousand Frenchmen - in all about four thousand strong - defended Calais to the last. The British Brigadier was given an hour to surrender. He spurned the offer, and four days of intense street fighting passed before silence reigned over Calais, which marked the end of a memorable resistance. Only thirty unwounded survivors were brought off by the Royal Navy, and we do not know the fate of their comrades. Their sacrifice was not however, in vain. At least two armoured divisions, which otherwise would have been turned against the British Expeditionary Force, had to be sent to overcome them. They have added another page to the glories of the Light Division and the time gained enabled the Gravelines Walnlieu to be flooded and to be held by French troops; and thus it was that the port of Dunkirk was kept open."" The gallantry with which 30 Brigade held the town for four days won time for their hard-pressed comrades of the BEF to be evacuated from Dunkirk and the neighbouring beaches. A few minutes before the surrender, Raikes was seen unhurt and it is thought he had intended to make good his escape. It is known that several British escapers were killed attempting to swim across the various basins and waterways of Calais. Some men did manage to escape that night on board a Royal Naval vessel, the yacht Gulzar, and two members of 1QVR managed to cross the Channel in a dinghy and an old motor-boat, but no more was ever seen or heard of Raikes.

1941

16345Gunner Peter Gidean Meiring, 45746, South African Artillery. Died on active service.

1941

18347Second Lieutenant Andries Jacobus Raal Naude, 103409, 62 Air School (South African Air Force), aged 20. Died in Aircraft Accident, crashed 14 miles from Bloemfontein, in Avro 621 Tutor #724.

1941

21800Second Lieutenant Kenneth James Roos, 95814, 62 Air School (South African Air Force), aged 26. Died in Aircraft Accident, crashed 14 miles from Bloemfontein, in Avro 621 Tutor #724.

1942

1552Lance Corporal William Wouter Bendixen, 85294, 1 Field Coy. (South African Engineer Corps), aged 29. Killed whilst engaging in laying mine field.

1942

2474Private Victor Brammer, 252123, 1st Bn. (Royal Durban Light Infantry, S.A. Forces), aged 19. Died of wounds.

1942

6471Flight Sergeant Gordon Charles Edwards, 777621, 153 Sqdn. (Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve), aged 25. Died in Aircraft Accident, Bristol Beaufighter X7573, crashed in the townland of Moneyneagh near Loughguile in County Antrim during a training flight.

1942

7336Commander Albert Edward Ford, H.M.S. Lanka (Malayan Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve), aged 43. Died of malignant endocarditis.

1942

20411Private Hermanus Plaatjies, C/287061, Cape Corps, S.A. Forces, aged 22. Committed suicide, fracture of the sternum and rupture of the lungs caused by fall from a tree.

1942

22766Private Isaac P Serongoane, N/11232, Native Military Corps, S.A. Forces, aged 21. Died of wounds.

1942

23788Private John Soobramoney, M/11293, Indian and Malay Corps, S.A. Forces. Killed in action as a result of an air attack.

1942

28219Warrant Officer Class II Richard Thomas White, 114568, 1 Field Regt. (South African Artillery), aged 29. Killed in action.

1943

892Private James Bailey, C/17518, Cape Corps, S.A. Forces. Died of meningitis.

1943

17033Private Frans Mohale, N/9817, Native Military Corps, S.A. Forces. Died of fractured skull.

1943

26986Private Jan Van Rooyen, M/19127, Indian and Malay Corps, S.A. Forces. Died on active service.

1944

5078Flying Officer Paul Alexander Davidson, 159852, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, aged 25. Died in Aircraft Accident, LT746.

1944

7552Air Sergeant Cyril Matthew Francois, 578888V, South African Air Force, aged 46. Died on active service.

1944

24575Private Daniel Andries Swart, 590415, Royal Durban Light Infantry, S.A. Forces, aged 22. Drowned.

1944

27054Air Mechanic Gert Jacobus Petrus Van Tonder, 578025, South African Air Force. Died of malaria.

1945

9546Private Richard Hazell, M/26222V, Indian and Malay Corps, S.A. Forces, aged 43. Died of cerebral malaria.

1945

13792Sapper Jan Hendrik Schalk Lombard, 590224V, 82 Workshops and Park Coy. (South African Engineer Corps), aged 39. Died of heart disease.

1945

15113Air Corporal Petrus Paulus Mare, 46128V, South African Air Force, aged 50. Died of broncho pneumonia.

1947

148Private John Adams, M/23789, Indian and Malay Corps, S.A. Forces. Died after discharge.

1947

25308Corporal Lerato Tladi, N/65603, Native Military Corps, S.A. Forces, aged 26. Died of cardiac failure.

1947

28072Private James John Wentzell, 700284, Essential Services Protection Corps, S.A. Forces, aged 69. Died on active service.

1951

34878Constable Booi Alfred Haka, 127300, Special Duties Harding (South African Police), aged 38. Killed falling off a lorry.

1965

41631Captain Cornelius Petrus Johannes Van Tonder, 52640, 8 SAI Bn (South African Air Force), aged 46. Died of natural causes, in his home, at Pretoria.

1971

29380Major Nico Beetge, 01238484E, 24 Sqdn. (South African Air Force), aged 30. Killed in aircraft accident, flew into Devils Peak, Cape Town, whilst taking part in a rehearsal for the 1971 Republic Day celebrations, in Hawker Siddeley HS125 Mercurious #02.

1971

30272Major George Johannes Euvrard, 01240472E, 21 Sqdn. (South African Air Force), aged 32. Killed in aircraft accident, flew into Devils Peak, Cape Town, whilst taking part in a rehearsal for the 1971 Republic Day celebrations, in Hawker Siddeley HS125 Mercurious #02.

1971

30399Major Michael Christiaan De Graaf Genis, 01239243E, 21 Sqdn. (South African Air Force), aged 32. Killed in aircraft accident, flew into Devils Peak, Cape Town, whilst taking part in a rehearsal for the 1971 Republic Day celebrations, in Hawker Siddeley HS125 Mercurious #01.

1971

30553Corporal Renier Niccolaas Grobler, 05559893E, 21 Sqdn. (South African Air Force), aged 24. Killed in aircraft accident, flew into Devils Peak, Cape Town, whilst taking part in a rehearsal for the 1971 Republic Day celebrations, in Hawker Siddeley HS125 Mercurious #03. He was a Springbok rugby player who toured Britain in 1969/70.

1971

30659Lance Corporal Eugene Hayes, 65480436E, 21 Sqdn. (South African Air Force), aged 22. Killed in aircraft accident, flew into Devils Peak, Cape Town, whilst taking part in a rehearsal for the 1971 Republic Day celebrations, in Hawker Siddeley HS125 Mercurious #03.

1971

30691Commandant Lourens Adrian Francois Henning, 01217140E, 21 Sqdn. (South African Air Force), aged 40. Killed in aircraft accident, flew into Devils Peak, Cape Town, whilst taking part in a rehearsal for the 1971 Republic Day celebrations, in Hawker Siddeley HS125 Mercurious #02.

1971

31225Major Herwie Herman Albert Cornelius Lamoral, 01455849E, 21 Sqdn. (South African Air Force), aged 32. Killed in aircraft accident, flew into Devils Peak, Cape Town, whilst taking part in a rehearsal for the 1971 Republic Day celebrations, in Hawker Siddeley HS125 Mercurious #03.

1971

31361Captain Daniel Du Plessis Lombard, 01556794R, 21 Sqdn. (South African Air Force), aged 37. Killed in aircraft accident, flew into Devils Peak, Cape Town, whilst taking part in a rehearsal for the 1971 Republic Day celebrations, in Hawker Siddeley HS125 Mercurious #01.

1971

32595Major Willem Abram Prinsloo, 01204197E, 21 Sqdn. (South African Air Force), aged 32. Killed in aircraft accident, flew into Devils Peak, Cape Town, whilst taking part in a rehearsal for the 1971 Republic Day celebrations, in Hawker Siddeley HS125 Mercurious #03.

1971

33038Captain Gerald Nicol Snyman, 01520345E, 24 Sqdn. (South African Air Force), aged 27. Killed in aircraft accident, flew into Devils Peak, Cape Town, whilst taking part in a rehearsal for the 1971 Republic Day celebrations, in Hawker Siddeley HS125 Mercurious #02.

1971

33803Private George Henry Wasserman, 65533705E, 21 Sqdn. (South African Air Force), aged 21. Died in Aircraft Accident, Hawker Siddeley HS125 Mercurious #03, flew into Devils Peak, Cape Town, whilst taking part in a rehearsal for the 1971 Republic Day celebrations.

1973

30739Rifleman Jeffrey Gerald Holm, 70252598N, 8 Sqdn. (1 Parachute Battalion), aged 19. Died in Military Vehicle Accident, in Eastern Caprivi. While traveling in the back of a military vehicle, the truck hit a bump in the road. He was flung out and hit his head on the ground. He died on the scene.

1975

41180Private Ismael Njovana, 645201, Keep Protection (Rhodesian Army Service Corps), aged 20. Died in Shooting Incident, accidental shooting at the Inkomo Barracks, Salisbury.

1976

31170Private Jurie Kruger, 74803917, 32 (Buffalo) Battalion (South African Technical Services Corps), aged 18. Died of injuries, at 1 Mil Hospital, from head injuries received in a motor vehicle accident on 21 May.

1977

40036District Security Assistant Madiba Ncube, 666652, Keep Protection (Internal Affairs), aged 27. Killed in action, in a vehicle ambush in Bikita, Op Repulse.

1977

41236District Assistant Enos Sibanda, 11858, Keep Protection (Internal Affairs), aged 72. Killed in action, at Gwanda, Op Tangent.

1977

33561Rifleman Charles Henry Janse Van Noordwyk, 75398638BG, 3 South African Infantry Battalion (South African Infantry Corps), aged 18. Died of injuries, killed after suffering multiple shrapnel wounds in an accidental hand grenade explosion at Potchefstroom.

1979

36660Constable Enoch Mwandla, S162046W, Kwazulu Natal (South African Police), aged 28. Died in the execution of his duty as a member of the South African Police.

1980

33463Rifleman Johannes Stephanus Van Der Merwe, 76426964BG, H.q. (Sector 1), aged 20. Died in Shooting Incident, struck by a bullet resulting from an accidental discharge of a fellow soldiers rifle while serving at Oshakati.

1983

29371Corporal Guy Christian Beck, 82571241, 7 South African Infantry Battalion (South African Infantry Corps), aged 21. While on deployment in SWA, he underwent and appendix operation. Complications arose during the operation and he went into a coma, from which he never recovered.

1985

34584Alexander Louis Isodore Dumas, 2036737-6, South West Africa Division (South African Police), aged 24. Died on active service.

1985

36910Constable Leonard Nkosi, S152068N, Gauteng (South African Police), aged 24. Died in the execution of his duty as a member of the South African Police.

1986

29829Private Ivan Conradie, 85081909CK, South West Africa Police Counter-Insurgency Wing: Ops-K Division (KOEVOET) (South African Cape Corps), aged 21. Died in Military Vehicle Accident, at Oshakati.

1987

33701Corporal Willem Johannes Gysberg Venter, 81052813PE, Infantry School Oudtshoorn (Norther), aged 21. Died in Military Motorcycle Accident, at Cullinan.

1989

32915Warrant Officer Class I Roland Stanley Sheppard, 66015249PE, "A" Troop (South West African Medical Command), aged 50. Died in Military Vehicle Accident, on Tsumeb-Ondangwa Road.

1989

37552Detective Sergeant Sorab Shimange, S162951H, Meadowlands (South African Police), aged 35. Died in a Motor Vehicle Accident.

1990

29664Sapper Dale William Butler, 87407086BG, Engineer School (South African Corps of Engineers), aged 18. Died in a Motor Vehicle Accident, in Durban.

1991

36081Constable Mpinzi Mehlape, 0607254-2, Mpumalanga (South African Police), aged 45. Killed by exploding mortar bomb - Ovamboland.

1993

34353Sergeant Riann Coffee, 0437747-8, Middleburg, Cape Province (South African Police), aged 26. Died in the execution of his duty as a member of the South African Police.

1997

29565Flight Lieutenant Sharon Louise Bowles, 409420S, RAF Innsworth (Royal Air Force), aged 32. Died on active service.

1998

31540Private Ivan Maliavusa, 80891682, 104 Sqdn. (SA Army), aged 23. Committed Suicide, Gassed himself at Mutale.

1998

36166Sergeant Cornelius Ephraim Mkhawane, 600392-3, Gauteng (South African Police), aged 53. Died in a Motor Vehicle Accident.

2010

48619S Mama, South African Special Forces. Died in training (SASFA 2010; day, month, and cause not published).

2010

42643Lieutenant Colonel Pillay, 168472-8, South African Police Service. Died as a result of their duties.

We will remember them.

On This Day — 26 May

We remember those who died in service on this day:

- 1901 47063 — Burgher Petrus Johannes Nicolaas Coertzen, Fauresmith (Boer Forces), aged 37. Killed in action, De Put Petrusville.

- 1901 45970 — Burgher Johannes P. Koen, Winburg Commandant Haasbroek Commando (Boer Forces), aged 23. Killed in action, Welgevonden,Winburg.

- 1901 45955 — Burgher Pieter Willem Korff, State Artillery Commando (Boer Forces), aged 29. Killed in action, Modjajesnek.

- 1901 48255 — Burgher Paul Phillippus Jacobus Kruger, Prisoner of War (Boer Forces), aged 17. Died of typhoid while a prisoner of war, St Helena.

- 1901 47717 — Burgher Aj Maher, State Artillery Commando (Boer Forces). Killed in action, Majatjesnek.

- 1901 47708 — Burgher Jacob Stefanus Malan, Middelburg Commando (Boer Forces), aged 19. Killed in action, Hospital Tonteldoos, Mapochsgronde/Middelburg.

- 1901 45351 — Burgher Johannes M W Pfeiffer, Boer Forces, aged 43. Killed in action, Langverwacht, Vryheid.

- 1901 44921 — Burgher Willem Edward (William) Scott, Winburg, Cmdt Haasbroek Commando (Boer Forces), aged 21. Killed in action, Welgevonden, dist Winburg.

- 1901 43932 — Burgher Izak Frederik Viviers, Winburg : Commandant Haasbroek Commando (Boer Forces), aged 38. Killed in action, Welgevonden Winburg.

- 1902 48305 — Burgher Nicolaas Petrus Campher, Prisoner of War (Boer Forces), aged 19. Died of typhoid while a prisoner of war, St Helena.

- 1902 48172 — Burgher Gideon Jacobus Van Zyl, Prisoner of War (Boer Forces), aged 19. Died of typhoid while a prisoner of war, St Helena.

- 1915 26515 — Private Albert D J Van Blerk, 315, 2nd (King Edward's Horse). Killed in action.

- 1915 27864 — Sapper Thomas Smith Watson, 1506, South African Engineers, aged 36. Died of enteric fever.

- 1916 359 — Private Samuel Arthur Allchin, 3646, 1st Regt. (South African Infantry). Accidentally killed, at Bordon Camp, bombing accident.

- 1916 2186 — Private Frank Cardigan Bosward, 8081, 4th Regt. (South African Infantry), aged 20. Accidentally killed, at Bordon Camp, bombing accident.

- 1916 2786 — Labourer James Brown, 3779, attd. South African Railway Operating Company (South African Native Labour Bureau). Died of dysentery, at Voi.

- 1916 6940 — Corporal Bernard Eric Farrer, 1401, 3rd Mounted Bde. Field Amb. (South African Medical Corps), aged 38. Died of dysentery.

- 1916 7551 — Private Bertram Francois, 1241, 4th Regt. (South African Infantry). Accidentally killed, at Bordon Camp, bombing accident.

- 1916 8844 — Private Matthew Groep, 1268, 1st (Cape Corps). Died of malaria, at Moshi.

- 1916 20075 — Private Peter Hans Petersen, 2831, 2nd Regt. (South African Infantry). Killed in action.

- 1916 20182 — Private Sebastian Phillips, 7149, 4th Regt. (South African Infantry), aged 15. Accidentally killed, at Bordon Camp, bombing accident.

- 1916 21803 — Private Peter Barend Roos, 3698, 5th Regt. (South African Infantry). Died of epilepsy.

- 1916 23910 — Canteen Assistant Herbert Henry Springhall, H.M.S. "Challenger" (Admiralty Civilian), aged 18. Died of enteric fever.

- 1917 3638 — Lance Corporal Chaponda, 1057, Northern Rhodesia Police. Died on active service.

- 1917 15052 — Driver Motorcar Maqumbe, 18878, South African Native Labour Bureau. East Africa.

- 1917 16017 — Driver William John McHaffie, MT/2921, M.t. (South African Service Corps), aged 40. Died of cerebral malaria, at Dar es Salaam.

- 1917 18817 — Driver Nils Nilsen, MT/2234, M.t. (South African Service Corps). Died of dysentery, at Zomba.

- 1917 18889 — Leader Ishmael Nkwenjana, 18301, South African Native Labour Bureau. Died at Jacobs Camp Durban, on return to South Africa.

- 1917 24881 — Labourer Joseph Tcheco, 18115, Railway Section (South African Native Labour Bureau). Kilwa.

- 1917 26247 — Captain Unknown Soldier Unknown Soldier, 4th Regt. (South African Infantry). Died on active service.

- 1918 1811 — Staff Sergeant Thomas Bingham, S/3904, Supplies (South African Service Corps), aged 46. Died of blackwater fever.

- 1918 8659 — Driver Charles Green, 9320, Remounts (South African Native Labour Bureau). Died of enteric fever, at Port Amelia.

- 1918 19349 — Private Jacob Olivier, 3077, 1st (Cape Corps). Died of tuberculosis, at Kimberley.

- 1919 11356 — Private William Johnston, 13631, 1st Regt. (South African Infantry). Died of pulmonary tuberculosis.

- 1919 22394 — Private Herman Schmidt, 262, 1st (Cape Coloured Labour Regiment), aged 21. Died of lobar pneumonia and pulmonary tuberculosis.

- 1923 32696 — Sapper Thomas Rivers, 878, SA Cape Corps (South African Mounted Rifles), aged 25. Died of tuberculosis, at Roberts Heights Hospital.

- 1940 9352 — Captain John Wyndham Hartigan, 66153, 2/5th Bn. (Sherwood Foresters (Notts and Derby Regiment)), aged 25. Killed in action.

- 1940 12223 — Corporal Frederick Harold Kimpton, CR/606, 1 Sqdn. (Southern Rhodesia Air Force), aged 25. Presumed that they lost their way in the extremely difficult country, and made a crash-landing. Months afterwards their aircraft was located.

- 1940 20117 — Flying Officer Hugh Chinnery Peyton, CR/2916, 1 Sqdn. (Southern Rhodesia Air Force), aged 21. Presumed that they lost their way in the extremely difficult country, and made a crash-landing. Months afterwards their aircraft was located.

- 1940 20960 — Second Lieutenant Richard Anthony Raikes, 76453, 1st Bn. Queen Victoria's Rifles (King's Royal Rifle Corps), aged 29. Presumed drowned. On May 21st 1940 1QVR set out at three hours' notice to Calais under orders to secure the town and await the arrival of the rest of 30 Brigade. 1QVR had been deployed in such a rush that no one seems to have considered that as a motorized battalion, a third of its men, classified as drivers, were armed only with revolvers, which were useless anyway as they had no ammunition. Many officers were not issued with weapons at all and no-one seemed to know what was going on. Their orders were to secure the harbour area, and to block the six roads leading to Calais. 1QVR secured the cable terminal at Sangatte, patrolled the beaches to prevent German aircraft from landing and dealt with the many refugees that were arriving. Nicholson was aware that an attack was imminent and on 23rd May recorded ""Calais is surrounded. Heavy bombing is expected tonight, and a powerful attack will probably be put in in the morning."" Mortar shells began to fall at dawn the following morning followed by the arrival of German tanks and infantry. 1QVR were ordered to withdraw to the line of Calais' ramparts and attacks continued all morning. It was clear by the late afternoon of May 24th that this defensive line could not be held much longer, and Nicholson ordered a withdrawal to an inner perimeter made up of various canals and waterways surrounding the old city of Calais Nord. On the 25th, the Germans offered Nicholson two chances to surrender, which he refused: ""Tell the Germans that if they want Calais they will have to fight for it."" Churchill sent the message: ""Every hour you continue to exist is of the greatest help to the BEF. Have greatest possible admiration for your splendid stand. Evacuation will not (repeat not) take place, and craft required for above purpose are to return to Dover."" On the afternoon of May 25th the fighting intensified still further and The Citadel, where Nicholson's headquarters were based, fell at 1630. What was left of 'B' Company of 1QVR was overwhelmed at around 1700. Two detached platoons of 'C' Company were among the last to surrender, having fought to the last around Place d'Angleterre and Place de l'Europe. By 1730, Calais had fallen. On June 4th 1940 Churchill made the following statement in Parliament: ""The Rifle Brigade, the 60th Rifles and the Queen Victoria's Rifles, with a battalion of British tanks and one thousand Frenchmen - in all about four thousand strong - defended Calais to the last. The British Brigadier was given an hour to surrender. He spurned the offer, and four days of intense street fighting passed before silence reigned over Calais, which marked the end of a memorable resistance. Only thirty unwounded survivors were brought off by the Royal Navy, and we do not know the fate of their comrades. Their sacrifice was not however, in vain. At least two armoured divisions, which otherwise would have been turned against the British Expeditionary Force, had to be sent to overcome them. They have added another page to the glories of the Light Division and the time gained enabled the Gravelines Walnlieu to be flooded and to be held by French troops; and thus it was that the port of Dunkirk was kept open."" The gallantry with which 30 Brigade held the town for four days won time for their hard-pressed comrades of the BEF to be evacuated from Dunkirk and the neighbouring beaches. A few minutes before the surrender, Raikes was seen unhurt and it is thought he had intended to make good his escape. It is known that several British escapers were killed attempting to swim across the various basins and waterways of Calais. Some men did manage to escape that night on board a Royal Naval vessel, the yacht Gulzar, and two members of 1QVR managed to cross the Channel in a dinghy and an old motor-boat, but no more was ever seen or heard of Raikes.

- 1941 16345 — Gunner Peter Gidean Meiring, 45746, South African Artillery. Died on active service.

- 1941 18347 — Second Lieutenant Andries Jacobus Raal Naude, 103409, 62 Air School (South African Air Force), aged 20. Died in Aircraft Accident, crashed 14 miles from Bloemfontein, in Avro 621 Tutor #724.

- 1941 21800 — Second Lieutenant Kenneth James Roos, 95814, 62 Air School (South African Air Force), aged 26. Died in Aircraft Accident, crashed 14 miles from Bloemfontein, in Avro 621 Tutor #724.

- 1942 1552 — Lance Corporal William Wouter Bendixen, 85294, 1 Field Coy. (South African Engineer Corps), aged 29. Killed whilst engaging in laying mine field.

- 1942 2474 — Private Victor Brammer, 252123, 1st Bn. (Royal Durban Light Infantry, S.A. Forces), aged 19. Died of wounds.

- 1942 6471 — Flight Sergeant Gordon Charles Edwards, 777621, 153 Sqdn. (Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve), aged 25. Died in Aircraft Accident, Bristol Beaufighter X7573, crashed in the townland of Moneyneagh near Loughguile in County Antrim during a training flight.

- 1942 7336 — Commander Albert Edward Ford, H.M.S. Lanka (Malayan Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve), aged 43. Died of malignant endocarditis.

- 1942 20411 — Private Hermanus Plaatjies, C/287061, Cape Corps, S.A. Forces, aged 22. Committed suicide, fracture of the sternum and rupture of the lungs caused by fall from a tree.

- 1942 22766 — Private Isaac P Serongoane, N/11232, Native Military Corps, S.A. Forces, aged 21. Died of wounds.

- 1942 23788 — Private John Soobramoney, M/11293, Indian and Malay Corps, S.A. Forces. Killed in action as a result of an air attack.

- 1942 28219 — Warrant Officer Class II Richard Thomas White, 114568, 1 Field Regt. (South African Artillery), aged 29. Killed in action.

- 1943 892 — Private James Bailey, C/17518, Cape Corps, S.A. Forces. Died of meningitis.

- 1943 17033 — Private Frans Mohale, N/9817, Native Military Corps, S.A. Forces. Died of fractured skull.

- 1943 26986 — Private Jan Van Rooyen, M/19127, Indian and Malay Corps, S.A. Forces. Died on active service.

- 1944 5078 — Flying Officer Paul Alexander Davidson, 159852, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, aged 25. Died in Aircraft Accident, LT746.

- 1944 7552 — Air Sergeant Cyril Matthew Francois, 578888V, South African Air Force, aged 46. Died on active service.

- 1944 24575 — Private Daniel Andries Swart, 590415, Royal Durban Light Infantry, S.A. Forces, aged 22. Drowned.

- 1944 27054 — Air Mechanic Gert Jacobus Petrus Van Tonder, 578025, South African Air Force. Died of malaria.

- 1945 9546 — Private Richard Hazell, M/26222V, Indian and Malay Corps, S.A. Forces, aged 43. Died of cerebral malaria.

- 1945 13792 — Sapper Jan Hendrik Schalk Lombard, 590224V, 82 Workshops and Park Coy. (South African Engineer Corps), aged 39. Died of heart disease.

- 1945 15113 — Air Corporal Petrus Paulus Mare, 46128V, South African Air Force, aged 50. Died of broncho pneumonia.

- 1947 148 — Private John Adams, M/23789, Indian and Malay Corps, S.A. Forces. Died after discharge.

- 1947 25308 — Corporal Lerato Tladi, N/65603, Native Military Corps, S.A. Forces, aged 26. Died of cardiac failure.

- 1947 28072 — Private James John Wentzell, 700284, Essential Services Protection Corps, S.A. Forces, aged 69. Died on active service.

- 1951 34878 — Constable Booi Alfred Haka, 127300, Special Duties Harding (South African Police), aged 38. Killed falling off a lorry.

- 1965 41631 — Captain Cornelius Petrus Johannes Van Tonder, 52640, 8 SAI Bn (South African Air Force), aged 46. Died of natural causes, in his home, at Pretoria.

- 1971 29380 — Major Nico Beetge, 01238484E, 24 Sqdn. (South African Air Force), aged 30. Killed in aircraft accident, flew into Devils Peak, Cape Town, whilst taking part in a rehearsal for the 1971 Republic Day celebrations, in Hawker Siddeley HS125 Mercurious #02.

- 1971 30272 — Major George Johannes Euvrard, 01240472E, 21 Sqdn. (South African Air Force), aged 32. Killed in aircraft accident, flew into Devils Peak, Cape Town, whilst taking part in a rehearsal for the 1971 Republic Day celebrations, in Hawker Siddeley HS125 Mercurious #02.

- 1971 30399 — Major Michael Christiaan De Graaf Genis, 01239243E, 21 Sqdn. (South African Air Force), aged 32. Killed in aircraft accident, flew into Devils Peak, Cape Town, whilst taking part in a rehearsal for the 1971 Republic Day celebrations, in Hawker Siddeley HS125 Mercurious #01.

- 1971 30553 — Corporal Renier Niccolaas Grobler, 05559893E, 21 Sqdn. (South African Air Force), aged 24. Killed in aircraft accident, flew into Devils Peak, Cape Town, whilst taking part in a rehearsal for the 1971 Republic Day celebrations, in Hawker Siddeley HS125 Mercurious #03. He was a Springbok rugby player who toured Britain in 1969/70.

- 1971 30659 — Lance Corporal Eugene Hayes, 65480436E, 21 Sqdn. (South African Air Force), aged 22. Killed in aircraft accident, flew into Devils Peak, Cape Town, whilst taking part in a rehearsal for the 1971 Republic Day celebrations, in Hawker Siddeley HS125 Mercurious #03.

- 1971 30691 — Commandant Lourens Adrian Francois Henning, 01217140E, 21 Sqdn. (South African Air Force), aged 40. Killed in aircraft accident, flew into Devils Peak, Cape Town, whilst taking part in a rehearsal for the 1971 Republic Day celebrations, in Hawker Siddeley HS125 Mercurious #02.

- 1971 31225 — Major Herwie Herman Albert Cornelius Lamoral, 01455849E, 21 Sqdn. (South African Air Force), aged 32. Killed in aircraft accident, flew into Devils Peak, Cape Town, whilst taking part in a rehearsal for the 1971 Republic Day celebrations, in Hawker Siddeley HS125 Mercurious #03.

- 1971 31361 — Captain Daniel Du Plessis Lombard, 01556794R, 21 Sqdn. (South African Air Force), aged 37. Killed in aircraft accident, flew into Devils Peak, Cape Town, whilst taking part in a rehearsal for the 1971 Republic Day celebrations, in Hawker Siddeley HS125 Mercurious #01.

- 1971 32595 — Major Willem Abram Prinsloo, 01204197E, 21 Sqdn. (South African Air Force), aged 32. Killed in aircraft accident, flew into Devils Peak, Cape Town, whilst taking part in a rehearsal for the 1971 Republic Day celebrations, in Hawker Siddeley HS125 Mercurious #03.

- 1971 33038 — Captain Gerald Nicol Snyman, 01520345E, 24 Sqdn. (South African Air Force), aged 27. Killed in aircraft accident, flew into Devils Peak, Cape Town, whilst taking part in a rehearsal for the 1971 Republic Day celebrations, in Hawker Siddeley HS125 Mercurious #02.

- 1971 33803 — Private George Henry Wasserman, 65533705E, 21 Sqdn. (South African Air Force), aged 21. Died in Aircraft Accident, Hawker Siddeley HS125 Mercurious #03, flew into Devils Peak, Cape Town, whilst taking part in a rehearsal for the 1971 Republic Day celebrations.

- 1973 30739 — Rifleman Jeffrey Gerald Holm, 70252598N, 8 Sqdn. (1 Parachute Battalion), aged 19. Died in Military Vehicle Accident, in Eastern Caprivi. While traveling in the back of a military vehicle, the truck hit a bump in the road. He was flung out and hit his head on the ground. He died on the scene.

- 1975 41180 — Private Ismael Njovana, 645201, Keep Protection (Rhodesian Army Service Corps), aged 20. Died in Shooting Incident, accidental shooting at the Inkomo Barracks, Salisbury.

- 1976 31170 — Private Jurie Kruger, 74803917, 32 (Buffalo) Battalion (South African Technical Services Corps), aged 18. Died of injuries, at 1 Mil Hospital, from head injuries received in a motor vehicle accident on 21 May.

- 1977 40036 — District Security Assistant Madiba Ncube, 666652, Keep Protection (Internal Affairs), aged 27. Killed in action, in a vehicle ambush in Bikita, Op Repulse.

- 1977 41236 — District Assistant Enos Sibanda, 11858, Keep Protection (Internal Affairs), aged 72. Killed in action, at Gwanda, Op Tangent.

- 1977 33561 — Rifleman Charles Henry Janse Van Noordwyk, 75398638BG, 3 South African Infantry Battalion (South African Infantry Corps), aged 18. Died of injuries, killed after suffering multiple shrapnel wounds in an accidental hand grenade explosion at Potchefstroom.

- 1979 36660 — Constable Enoch Mwandla, S162046W, Kwazulu Natal (South African Police), aged 28. Died in the execution of his duty as a member of the South African Police.

- 1980 33463 — Rifleman Johannes Stephanus Van Der Merwe, 76426964BG, H.q. (Sector 1), aged 20. Died in Shooting Incident, struck by a bullet resulting from an accidental discharge of a fellow soldiers rifle while serving at Oshakati.

- 1983 29371 — Corporal Guy Christian Beck, 82571241, 7 South African Infantry Battalion (South African Infantry Corps), aged 21. While on deployment in SWA, he underwent and appendix operation. Complications arose during the operation and he went into a coma, from which he never recovered.

- 1985 34584 — Alexander Louis Isodore Dumas, 2036737-6, South West Africa Division (South African Police), aged 24. Died on active service.

- 1985 36910 — Constable Leonard Nkosi, S152068N, Gauteng (South African Police), aged 24. Died in the execution of his duty as a member of the South African Police.

- 1986 29829 — Private Ivan Conradie, 85081909CK, South West Africa Police Counter-Insurgency Wing: Ops-K Division (KOEVOET) (South African Cape Corps), aged 21. Died in Military Vehicle Accident, at Oshakati.

- 1987 33701 — Corporal Willem Johannes Gysberg Venter, 81052813PE, Infantry School Oudtshoorn (Norther), aged 21. Died in Military Motorcycle Accident, at Cullinan.

- 1989 32915 — Warrant Officer Class I Roland Stanley Sheppard, 66015249PE, "A" Troop (South West African Medical Command), aged 50. Died in Military Vehicle Accident, on Tsumeb-Ondangwa Road.

- 1989 37552 — Detective Sergeant Sorab Shimange, S162951H, Meadowlands (South African Police), aged 35. Died in a Motor Vehicle Accident.

- 1990 29664 — Sapper Dale William Butler, 87407086BG, Engineer School (South African Corps of Engineers), aged 18. Died in a Motor Vehicle Accident, in Durban.

- 1991 36081 — Constable Mpinzi Mehlape, 0607254-2, Mpumalanga (South African Police), aged 45. Killed by exploding mortar bomb - Ovamboland.

- 1993 34353 — Sergeant Riann Coffee, 0437747-8, Middleburg, Cape Province (South African Police), aged 26. Died in the execution of his duty as a member of the South African Police.

- 1997 29565 — Flight Lieutenant Sharon Louise Bowles, 409420S, RAF Innsworth (Royal Air Force), aged 32. Died on active service.

- 1998 31540 — Private Ivan Maliavusa, 80891682, 104 Sqdn. (SA Army), aged 23. Committed Suicide, Gassed himself at Mutale.

- 1998 36166 — Sergeant Cornelius Ephraim Mkhawane, 600392-3, Gauteng (South African Police), aged 53. Died in a Motor Vehicle Accident.

- 2010 48619 — S Mama, South African Special Forces. Died in training (SASFA 2010; day, month, and cause not published).

- 2010 42643 — Lieutenant Colonel Pillay, 168472-8, South African Police Service. Died as a result of their duties.

We will remember them.

ON THIS DAY

26 May

On This Day — 26 May

Deaths on 26 May by Year