Identity
Person No.
1679
Service No.
590935V
Last Name
First Name
William Robert Overton
Initials
W R O
Date of Birth
Unknown
Est. Birth Year
Unknown
Age at Death
Unknown
Death Record
Date of Death
Cause code
MVA 2,626
Motor vehicle accident
Cause of Death
Died in Motor Vehicle Accident, at Silverton, Pretoria
Military Service
Location
Country
Locality
Cemetery
Grave Reference
Unknown
Coordinates
Unit History
Attached To
Notes
Son of Mr. W. Best, of Thaba N'chu.
Citations
Unknown
External References
Stories 2
One of a squad of Parabats from 1 Parachute Battalion, he was flying in a SAAF SA-330C Puma helicopter, # 132, which was transporting men from 1 Parachute Battalion, when the helicopter was shot down by enemy 23 mm AA fire south-east of Cuvelai in Angola, crashing inverted. None of the Parabats or SAAF crew survived. The Parabats who died that day are commemorated on the Wall of Rememberance at 1
Andre matriculated with me in 1979 at Volkskool in Heidelberg (Gauteng). I remember him as a quiet and gentle person. I saw him only once after school and then read in the newspaper of his death on the border. A 30 year reunion was held at our old school in 2009 which I did not attend as I live in Canada now. Obviously we thought back of days long gone by and friends we met along the way. Rest in peace friend. We salute you. (on behalf of the Volkies of 1979) Pierre
Dedications 1
Paratrooper's Prayer Heavenly Father, King of the world I know that all things are in your hands, whatever happens to me. As a paratrooper I am prepared to suffer hardship. I am ready to endure danger and unrest, pain and hurt. I am willing to be hungry end thirsty. I am prepared to face the enemy fearlessly. Lord I am weak. I cannot depend on my own strength. I do not want to trust in my own abilities. Lord my God; Let me trust in you alone. Give me courage and strength, and, above all, faith to do my work fearlessly,