Beddy , Keith Charles (K C)

To the best of my knowledge Cpl. Truebody was with 2SSB armoured car unit. He was killed when the 90mm Eland he was a crew commander in, was hit, by a 106 recoiless, while going through a ditch. The projectile entered the turret from the top, exactly where the front crew commanders eppiscope is mounted. The driver and gunner escaped with minor wounds. The turret was replaced and the car went back into action. Unknown

I served with Herbert in this unit and was also in this bit of action. His car was taken back to the SSB Service Unit in Bloemfontein for a thorough investigation (which is why the later models had a more secure crew commander's setup) and then possibly the hull was put back into service after getting a new turret. Herbert WAS a hellava guy: good friend, good buddy. He was one of two to die in that action. Unknown

I also served with Herbert in 2SSB and can confirm he was a great guy. We did basics together in 1997 at Rooikop. Not sure what happened with the Eland 90 after the incident, but can confirm that he was a Troup Leader and the only person who died in this Eland as a result of the hit.

To back up my story about the 106 I have photos of the eland taken during the recovery Neville Bowden

I was in the same unit as Herbert. We started army in January 1977 at Rooikop base in Walvisbay. He was killed during Operation Reindeer during the assault of the so-called Vietnam base just north of the border in the Chetequera/Dombola area. The unit we were in was D Squadron of 2 SSB. Like 43 Battery, D Squadron was part of 2 SAI Battalion Group located in Walvisbay. Herbert was not only a great guy - always friendly and supportive - but also a leader. I was at the School of Armour when I read my mates fought in Op Reindeer on 4 May. His death, together with the death of Terry Bridgman on the same day, came as a shock. Late 2010 I travelled with 61 Mech Bn to Angola to visit some battlefields. We did not visit the Vietnam site but passed very close. My thoughts were with them.

Cpl. Truebody's call sign was 45 Charlie. His crew were evacuated under fire by Robert George Kanes who stuffed them into his own Eland. He then drove out with the damaged Eland thus recovering the body of the deceased team leader. Kanes was awarded the Honoris Crux for his actions. Kanes was my Squadon Sergeant Major at 1 SSB when I trained on the Rooikat. Very humble kind person. The whole story can be found in At van Wyk's book "Honoris Crux - Our Brave" p.90. Mail me If you would like a scan of the page.

Herbert Truebody, was one of the best ; great friendly guy, d squadron Rooikop Walvisbay 1977 . we were both in troop1 , he,s call sign was 41 bravo , my was 41 alfa. He was killed in combat on 4th may 1978 at the swapo camp [vietnam] Arnold Belo was the driver ,Van rensburg the gunner ,both injured but not serious. 41a stoped then 41b 41c and 41d next to each other; and fired across a little lake at thecamp. in just over an hour of combat , Herbert ,and in the eland next to him Terry Bridgeman were killed . Sadly these brave men almost forgotten by their mates.Long story to be told oneday. RIP my friends ; I Salute you .. J .

EK HET N MOOI FOTO VAN HOM EN ANGUS WAAR HULLE TAN OP ROOIKOP. DIT IS OP WESSEL STRYDOM SE FB. EK EN FERDIE BARNARD WAS SO 2MAANDE GELEDE BY ROOIKOP, MAAR MAG NIE INGAAN NIE.

I was in the same platoon as Herbert at Veld & Vlei (Sedgefield) in December 1975, never stayed in touch with him, but never forgot what a great person he was in all respects. I felt such sadness when I read in the papers that he was a casualty of war...

Harold Truebody was my Patrol Leader at 1st Windhoek Boy Scouts in Windhoek, Namibia. He was an incredible guy by all accounts. His death and the grief of his family had a profound effect on me. Later I too served in the Amoured Corps and faced my own fears. He is sorely missed.

One of the friendliest persons I ever known, always smiling. I will remember him always.