Basson , Andries (A)

The photos are: Robin 1 & 2 is the newspaper article on Lt. C. Robin, Rinty 1 & 2 is the newspaper article on Rfn Schonfeldt Rinty 3 is the photo of Scheunfeldt and his dog Rinty Brand is the unveiling of the Gunners Memorial at 4th Field Regiment November 1976 by Lt. Brand (in uniform) and myself NS12_01 & NS12_02 is an article and photo of my wedding day. This is the first time I have ever written a detailed account to someone about the incident other than for my own records. So I would appreciate it and I am sure you will, to use your discretion as to where and how it will be made public. The story...................... (I almost want to head it "The forgotten soldiers" as we seem to have been forgotten so early on in the Bush War and it needs to be recorded) I commenced my National Service in January 1974. I was told to report to 4th Field Regiment, Potchefstroom. I was 18 years old. At this stage all National Servicemen were called up for a period of one year. After about six weeks of basic training, were called up to parade and informed that National Service had now been extended to either 18 months or 2 years. I chose the two year period as I wanted to get my National Service over and done with. I then attended Artillery School and became an instructor. Lt. Chris Robin was my Lt. for our platoon and I, his platoon bombardier. We were both in 42 Battery, 4th Field Regiment. Our Regiment Commander was Commandant Nel. Our Battery Commander was Captain Theron. The following year our Regiment was due for border duty. After a while in the Caprivi, our Regiment being based at Kwando and Mpacha, was informed that we were going into Angola. We left our base in Kwando and set off in convoy and arrived south of Luiana and set up our base camp. We set out on patrols and gathered whatever information we could on any form of movement by insurgents in the area. I had become great friends with Rfn. Scheunfeldt as he was our dog handler for our platoon. On the 12th November 1975, a message was recieved by our base that Lt Brand and his platoon had to go and set up an ambush about 5-6 hours drive north of Luiana. This area was known to be a SWAPO infiltration area. I asked to go with so as to give a bit more firepower for the platoon. Two vehicles, a Hippo and an Unimog, were loaded with all ou

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A great soldier and friend who was devoted to his duty and his dog, Rinty.