Identity
Person No.
29986
Service No.
83302422BG
Last Name
First Name
Matthys Michael
Initials
M M
Date of Birth
Unknown
Est. Birth Year
Age at Death
20
Military Service
Rank
Lance Corporal
Secondary Unit
111 Harbor Protection Unit
Death Record
Date of Death
Cause of Death
Killed in action. Due to tactical circumstances, the troop got stuck in the mud of a shona near the Lomba River during a tank fight, and the Ratel 90 was destroyed at point blank by a T55 tank. The commander, 2Lt Alves, his crew as well as 32 Bn members were killed instantly. The tank round penetrated the Ratel through the side door, detonated in the main ammunition storage container and resulted in an explosion causing the vehicle to catch fire. (Operation Modular)
Grave Reference
Location
Additional Information
Notes
Son of Mr. and Mrs. J. J. de Klerk
Citation
LG Sup 31 July 1945 pg. 3926 - "This officer has displayed the highest standard of efficiency and courage. He has completed a very large number of sorties including many reconnaissances. In April 1945, Lieutenant de Jongh was leading a formation of a strafing reconnaissance. A convoy of motor transport was observed in the Montebelluno area. Despite adverse weather and heavy enemy opposition, this officer led the formation into attack. Twelve of the enemy vehicles were subsequently destroyed and a further three damaged. In air fighting Lieutenant de Jongh has been responsible for the destruction of at least one enemy fighter and has damaged others."
External Source
Unknown
South African War Graves Project