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De Klerk , Alan (A)

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Identity
Person No.
29981
Old ROH no.
307
Service No.
79232518BG
Last Name
First Name
Alan
Initials
A
Date of Birth
Unknown
Est. Birth Year
Age at Death
19
Death Record
Date of Death
Cause code
KIA 14,780
Killed in action
Cause of Death
Killed in action, shot down south-east of Cuvelai in Angola, in Aerospatiale SA3330 Puma C #132 together with 11 other soldiers of 1 Para Bn and 3 members of the SAAF
Military Service
Branch
Army
Rank
Rifleman
Secondary Unit
111 Harbor Protection Unit
Defence Force
SADF 3,823
South African Defence Force
Unit History
Role at time of death
Airborne light infantry (paratroops)
Status
Regular Force
Part of
Raised 1 April 1961 at Tempe. First battalion of 44 Parachute Brigade from 1978.
Awards
Pro Patria Medal
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

Next of kin, Mrs. A. J. De Klerk

Citations
Unknown
External References
Stories 3
on 31 December 2007 · via source
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
by C Daniel on 10 August 2010 · via source
I believe that he grew up in Rheederspark, Welkom, in the Free State and attended Welkom High School. The name, the date, the unit and the manner of KIA are all consistent.
by Anonymous on 17 March 2012 · via source
I remember meeting him in 1981 or 1982 when he was on leave. He had two younger brothers; I was friends with his youngest brother, Colin. Colin and I went to Christian Brothers College. This was in Welkom. He made a good impression and was obviously very paraat. Their father had been killed in a mine accident, if I recall correctly.
Dedications 1
on 18 September 2003 · via source
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