Howitson , John Alexander Anderson (J A A)

The Late Capt John Howitson was my brother in Law, married to my sister Marianne (nee van Graan). Marianne was at the time of John`s death pregnant with their 4rd child, Jean who was born about 7/8 weeks after his death. Marianne did not marry again, and is a single mother to 4 lovely children, Basil, Catharine Conrad and Jean. She lives in Bellville and is proud grandmother of 3 grandchildren. John`s mother and sister, Joey and Dorothy Ann respectively, still lives in Kimberley.

DEATH OF CAPTAIN J.A.A. HOWITSON Captain John Howitson was killed late in 1979 on a Junior Leadership training camp (OSC) at the Letaba training camp, which I think was where the Letaba Ranch Game Reserve is today ? north of Phalaborwa and east of the Hans Merensky Nature Reserve. He was the officer in charge of the training course. I was on the course and it was the final stage of our training. He died after a ricochet bullet hit him where he was standing on one of the earth mounds (normally used for shooting against with the bigger machine guns), observing a shooting exercise ? half of the group was shooting from a lying (having taken cover) position at targets placed where the other half of the group had taken cover when the command was given. Those of us not shooting at that stage were all standing behind the mound. As candidate officers we did not necessarily get the exact details of the injury but as far as I know the bullet entered his chest somewhere below the right armpit (arms were raised holding the binoculars) and exited on the other side (or maybe the other way around). We used R1 7.62mm rifles, of course. He died instantly. As the officer second-in-charge (Lt. Fouche, cannot remember his first name) was killed in a car accident (his car, a BMW518, aquaplaned and rolled on his way home somewhere in the Delareyville area) earlier (in August or September, I think) we had lost both the senior officers during the course. His name is not on the roll of honour, presumably as his death was not related directly to military service. Andre Basson andre@andrebas

Funeral service: Tribute to late Capt John Howitson Dear friends, our comming together this afternoon, I believe is by no means just a formal duty, but our presence here is surely motivated by our deep affection and true respect for Capt John Hoiwtson, whose life had made a profound impression upon us. But we are here today, also to say to his loved ones and family, that we feel with them, our expression of sympathy would mean so much more than our inadequate words can say, for we all loved this outstanding young man. We want you to feel and to know that we are sharing with you in this hour of deep sorrow and heartache, for we know how precious he was to you and in some measure to us as well. This large congregation must surely bare witness of the high esteem in which he was held, both as valued friend and valuable soldier; may this in some measure bring consolidation to you. But we have also come to pay tribute to the late Capt John Howitson. His name will certainly mean something special to each one of us. Incidents come readily to mind as memories relive scenes in which John was the prominent person. Cherish those meories, let them live as an inspiration and challenge to us, so that he being dead continues to speak. But what do these meories say? I believe there is one word which could be written over the life of our brother and friend - which could sum up his way of life and why he made a success of it. The word I would use is DEDICATED. John Howitson was a dedicated man, which was reflected in every aspect and avenue of his life, whether home or in society or at work; he was dedicated in a quiet but dynamic way; his life showed it, his words did not need to say it. The reason for this must inevitably be found in the fact that there was oneo ver-riding dedication that dominated John's life and which influenced every other act of dedication, and that was his dedication to his God and Saviour, Jesus Christ. He was a dedicated Christian committed to the cause of Christ, and one sensed that his life in every aspect was controlled by Christ. I as a chaplain saw in John, a person who sought to plan and programme his life in the words of the Apostle Paul, "Whatever you do in word or deed, do all to the glory of God", and again, coupled with that, "whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might". This seemed to be John's motto, for with him there were no half-measures. Just so, as his Christian life was wholly dedicated, this same spirit found its way into his home, among his friends and into his service in the SADF. He was dedicated to his home, where he sought to live to the glory of God - for in him, was the protrayal of such a loving husband and such a caring father which made his home a happy unit, a father whom his children will never need to be ashamed, for his example was highly commendable. It was indeed a home centred around a father and husband his family adored. In his parent's home, as he gr