Identity
Person No.
29778
Old ROH no.
230
Service No.
83561928BG
Last Name
First Name
Dylan Chevalier
Initials
D C
Date of Birth
Unknown
Est. Birth Year
Age at Death
20
Death Record
Date of Death
Cause code
KIA 14,780
Killed in action
Cause of Death
Killed in action, at Nindango Angola, in Operation Firewood against Swapo
Military Service
Branch
Army
Rank
Second Lieutenant
Regiment
5 Reconnaissance Regiment 72
Later renamed
5 Special Forces Regiment
(1995)
Unit
Unknown
Secondary Unit
Army
Defence Force
SADF 3,821
South African Defence Force
Location
Country
Locality
Cemetery
Grave Reference
Operation
Unit History
Role at time of death
Special Forces (reconnaissance)
Status
Regular Force
Each numbered Reconnaissance unit was renamed over time: "X Reconnaissance Commando" -> "X Reconnaissance Regiment" (1981) -> briefly a Parachute Battalion designation (1992/93, under "45 Parachute Brigade", a Special-Forces-only designation distinct from the real 44 Parachute Brigade) -> "X Special Forces Regiment" (1995). The parent formation itself changed name several times before 1995 (Special Forces Headquarters, then Directorate Reconnaissance(Forces)) with disputed exact dates between sources -- 1995 is the one date sources agree on. Corps classified as SAIC (South African Infantry Corps) per this site's own records; no independent source found confirms that for Special Forces units specifically -- treat as owner-asserted pending a better citation.
Awards
South Africa
Pro Patria Medal warrant, Government Gazette No. 5171 (25 Jun 1976), Rule 5, as amended by GG No. 5575 (3 Jun 1977); discontinued by GG No. 25213 (25 Jul 2003, Schedule corrected by GG No. 26778, 17 Sep 2004) for service on/after 27 Apr 2003. Gazette extracts: https://rohsa.co.za/award.php?id=24
Notes
Son of Mr. and Mrs. R. C. Cobbold. Formerly buried in Winterton Cemetery
Research notes
31/201 Battalion Veterans Association (Ziggy Hentze / Rowley Medlin, omega-vets 12 Jan 2011): named 2Lt DC Cobbold 5 RR, Op Firewood 31 Oct 1987 Nindango. ROH unit 1 Construction Regiment; Unit2 already 5 Recce. 26 Aug 2026: Unit was leftover "1 Construction Regiment". SAWGP Regiment 5 Reconnaissance Regiment with no separate unit.
Citations
Unknown
External References
Stories 3
I was in the same action as Dylan, base attack on SWAPO. Dylan was one of the intelligence officers, his grave is in Winterton, near where his family farmed and near where I farmed. We used to visit every year when I lived in the country and we planted a paper bark and thorn tree there over his grave so he would have a little shade where he rests. Even though it was long ago I remember it like yesterday, the caspar's of 101 driving past they were to be the "stopper group" Dylan was with one of these vehicles. The base was bigger than thought and as always polititions wouldn't allow the neccessaty support required to attack a base as big as this one, so no support 2 81 mortars and a half arsed impala attack, 11 died on that day and a lot of wounded of which I was one, so perhaps this is why I feel it more than most when I limp along But I always think of Dylan most. I've been to his grave several times since leaving SA but not for some 9 years now I hope he is resting well under the shade of the tree near to the Drakensberg, his body ests there and my heart still longs to be there Sean
Bob was a wonderful chap. I have visited his grave and praised God for his life. I knew him at 5 Recce. More some other time.
Bobsfamily have lifted his remains and donated the tomb stone to Maritzburg College. We had a fitting unveiling at the College chapel on Saterday 25th of May 2013. His Dad and brothers were there. It was such a fantastic day and brings some closure. Dylan would be proud!!
Dedications 1
Dylan "bob" Cobbolt, a brave guy who gave his life to his country. I will remember you as a good friend at Merchiston Prep and Maritzburg College. You were a brave scrumhalf and loyal friend. Twenty five years ago we left school to go to the army. On that day i will never forget ,being on orders and hearing your name. God took his son home. RIP you will never be forgotten. miles jackson