Identity
Person No.
32552
Old ROH no.
2049
Service No.
74503004BG
Last Name
First Name
Johan Louis
Initials
J L
Date of Birth
Unknown
Est. Birth Year
Age at Death
23
Military Service
Rank
Corporal
Regiment
Secondary Unit
Air Force
Defence Force
SADF 3,283
South African Defence Force
Death Record
Date of Death
Cause code
Unknown
Cause of Death
Ops Daisy. Died in an act of heroism about two kilo's south of "Bravo Battalion's HQ" in the Chitequeta district, South-eastern Angola. By doing so he specifically saved the wounded Rfn. Boorsma's life (diving onto him) and by doing so, he indicated to his Lieutenant where SWAPO was firing from and therefore saving more lives. A small group of FAPLA/SWAPO snipers had pinned a Ratel platoon for at least 10-15 minutes and killed two more Unita soldiers (traveling with them) and wounded another three. Was recommended for the Honoris Crux for his bravery, but army headquarters refused the recommendation
Grave Reference
Location
Country
Locality
Cemetery
Coordinates
Notes
Son of Mrs. S. P. Potgieter, of Boksburg.
Citations
Unknown
External References
-
SADF.info Border Roll of Honour
SADF.info Border RoH
- South African War Graves Project
Stories 2
He was killed in Ops Daisy (somewhere in Nov 1981) a month and a half before we were due to klaar out. Also a member of Bravo company of 1 SAI which was stationed at 61 mechanised battalion group. When we left Omuthiya we enclosed an area of the base and made it into a "park" which was called "Potgieter Park". I dont have much more info on that incident as I had to return home because my father was critically ill in hospital. Unknown Unknown
I, Ariel Hugo, was his platoon commander and on the spot when he was shot in an act of heroism - diving on to my wounded gunner (Boorsma) - saving Boorsma's live and offering himself. That was the man he was. A hero of his time! He didn't receive an Honoris Crux, but the band of brothers of 61 Mech 1981 (Platoon 2, Bravo Co.) will always remember him as one of our true blue blood hero's! Rest in peace. I salute you!
Dedications 3
"Gone but not forgotten"
'Pottie' ~ We meet now & again, and when we do, you are always there too. Although quiet, your legacy reminds us of what truly brave men do. Until later ...
What a waste Ian Dunn ian.dunn@xtra.co.nz 2005-02-07 03:09:07