Identity
Person No.
32203
Old ROH no.
1037
Service No.
79395984BG
Last Name
First Name
Dudley
Initials
D
Date of Birth
Unknown
Est. Birth Year
Age at Death
18
Death Record
Date of Death
Cause code
KIA 14,778
Killed in action
Cause of Death
Killed in action. Nel was stationed at Etale, 18 km from the Angolan border. Assigned to an escort detail that was to protect a Water Works JCB that had the task of repairing the water pipeline between Charlie Tower at Engela hospital and Eenhana. On the way there the JCB got stuck in the mud on several occasions. Nel and his buddy (Reyneke), got off the armoured vehicle and stayed close to the JCB with the intention of assisting it through the mud whenever it got close to getting stuck. From this point on, the going was really good, until the JCB detonated a land mine with one of it's back wheels. They were both was killed instantly
Military Service
Location
Country
Locality
Grave Reference
Coordinates
Unit History
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 Mrs. G. F. Nel, of Alberton.
Citations
Unknown
External References
- South African War Graves Project open source ↗
-
The War in Angola
open source ↗
War In Angola Roll of Honour (warinangola.com, tabid=1175), pages 46-47 of 143: confirmed, no changes.
-
The War in Angola
open source ↗
War in Angola Member Dedications forum (www.warinangola.com), Excel export supplied by Johan Schoeman, 1 Sep 2026. Forum post(s): 20803.
Stories 2
Nel ), got off the armoured vehicle and stayed close to the JCB with the intention of assisting it through the mud whenever it got close to getting stuck. From this point on, the going was really good, until the JCB detonated a landmine with one of it's back wheels. Reyneke was killed instantly. Unknown
Rfn Nel was a member of 4 SAI Bn, attached to 53 Bn (Alpha Coy). He was stationed at Etale, 18 km from the Angolan border. In early 1982, Nel was assigned to an escort detail that was to protect a Water Works JCB that had the task of repairing the water pipeline between Charlie Tower at Engela hospital and Eenhana. On the way there the JCB got stuck in the mud on several occasions. Nel and his buddy (
Dedications 3
To Dudley. It was 20 years ago whilst I was doing my national Service in the South African Air Force that I heard that you were killed on the border. Since then I have thought about you often and always wondered what had happened. Although we didn't know each other that well at school, I will never forget your fierce determination and courage. You will always be remembered. Steve Wayne (L/Cpl 2SRS Ellisras)
From Craig O'farrell: Here is a picture of Dudly Nel Killed 82. I got the pic from his brother Kevin Nel (school friend)
I dont know you, but you died with my uncle