Alexander , Henry Peter (H P)

Full Names: Jacques de Lange Unit: 5 Signal Regiment Date of Death: 21/02/1988 Place of Death: Angola during the war. Cause of Death: According to an official army report member was killed in an airstrike attack by enemy aircraft. J.A.

Little do people know in how much danger the troops of 5 Signal Regiment came into danger while in Angola. 5 Signal Regiment had 3 troops in Northern South West Africa, 511Tp, 512TP and 513Tp. Since most of us were foreign language speakers such as Spanish, Portuguese, Russian and others we were an essential part of the intelligence gathering information body at that time. We deployed many times with the forward recce units with the front line many kilometeres behind us. Even though I did not know De Lange personally I can testify of the courage we had to display while under attack. Our Vehicle were high priority targets for the FAPLA and Cuban Forces. When we got attacked by air everybody but us could run to their Fox holes or bunkers. We sat like siiting ducks in our vehicles doing our thing. We were not used but abused by the system. My self and a few others took place in OPS Modular, Hooper, Packer and Displace without leaving the bush. You will always be remebered by your friends: Mushky, Speedy Gonzales, Tony Villar, Granger, Frenchie Macquet, GV Smith, and others. I will never forget.

I klaared out some two months before De Lange was killed. I was part of the January 86 intake. Speedy, Villar and Granger were taught, "our thing", by me and a few other guys. I heard that Speedy was present when it happened and was wounded in the chest. I will never forget 513tp. I will never forget the day I left. Speedy, Villar, Granger and I cried like babies. It was something that one cannot explain. How can "manne" cry like that? I still remember the day that Speedy nearly electicuted himself, by cutting a live wire with his teeth, and the drum roll that Villar taught me. To all ex "BRUSH" operators I salute you. Unknown Unknown

Frik van Loggerenberg "Loggies" 511 TP, Mashari, Ondurorundu Loggies

Don't forget Sgt Gerrit Maritz who was killed at the same time. MTSRIP !!!! Good but scary days - still have dreams about them and was treated for PTSD about 7 years ago. John P Smith (GV)

Any guys out there from the Grootfontein 'BRUSH' base , from the 1981/82 days? Wishing all of you guy's the best. steve quirke

It is amazing that just because people heard that we were in Signals, that we had an easy time up there. I was 512 TP in Mpacha and I remember how the stuff used to fly there. Used to go out with 32 BN to triangulate enemy positions and get the noodles shot out of us. Has anyone got a copy of the B.R.U.S.H emblem to email to me Craig Oosthuizen

5 Signals Regiment links: Linked in Group Stuart's Story 5 SIG on Google Earth JD

You were one of our best drivers and you will be missed buddy. I would also like to say that there isn't a day that goes by, that I don't think of all the shit we had to go through when you were still with us, and after, at the notorious Battle of Cuito Cuanavale. I Really need to get hold of the rest of you who made it out alive. If any of you read this, e-mail me please!!! R.I.P De Lange You will always have a place in my heart. You were a GV of the highest order.

Hi Guys does anyone remember ME, my rattle name was MALLIE the one Speedy was in when he was shot by a missile from a mig 33 and was covered with shrapnal neck too toe on the left hand side of his body, this all happened after the attack of Cuito Cuanavale one of there biggest brigades ever recorded in the history of the angolain war, this all happened coming back. Pvt Jacques de Lange was my driver at that time and remember the whole thing as it was yesterday. Signing off Dimitri Malamatas Dimitri Malamatas