Bester , Gideon Christiaan Matthys (G C M)

Alhoewel Freddie Zeelie se dood amptelik as in Suidwes sou plaasvind, was hy besig met 'n verkennings operasie in Angola. Hy was die eerste Recce om te sneuwel in Angola Leon

"On 23 June 1974, at about 17h45, Lieut Zeelie, 22, was on the left flank of a patrol combing thick bush in pursuit of terrorists. Two enemy machine-guns suddenly opened fire on Lieut Zeelie and Lance Corporal Hillebrand. Lieutenant Zeelie and L/Cpl Hillebrand immediately went on to the attack. Hillebrand was pinned down near to the enemy position but Zeelie, without thought for his personal safety and in spite of the extreme danger to which he was exposed, stormed the enemy position and forced one machine-gun to withdraw and overpowered the other, regrettably losing his life in so doing. As a result of this selfless act in the face of personal danger, the left flank of the patrol was able to re-deploy owing to the lessening of the enemy fire. The charge took place over a distance of 50 yards. His courage, determination and self-sacrifice received received recognition by the posthumous award of the Louw Wepener Decoration." Extracted from "Cross of Honour" by Ian Uys - Uys Publishers 1992.

Met him at the "1 st" Doppies during the operation refferred to in the very first Chapter of the book Silent War. You were a fine soldier sir !! Colonel Tiekie de Jager ( Ret) Proudly SA Police Security Branch Rundu

My broer was in dieselfde skermutseling as Lt Zeelie .Hulle was net n paar ouens van die recce kommando onder Lt Zeelie. Carin-Suzette