Identity
Person No.
32989
Old ROH no.
1997
Service No.
80200249BG
Last Name
First Name
Florence Cornelius
Initials
F C
Date of Birth
Unknown
Est. Birth Year
Age at Death
18
Military Service
Death Record
Date of Death
Cause code
KIA 14,414
Killed in action
Cause of Death
Killed in action, during the attack on "target yankee" during Ops Protea. He was rifleman 4 of Bravo section, platoon 1. He was part of the assault group and was busy with guard duties when a booby trap exploded above his head. It was not known whether it was electrically detonated or set off by a Ratel. He was evacuated by the Bravo section vehicle
Location
Country
Locality
Cemetery
Grave Reference
Coordinates
Operation
Operation
Dates
1981-08-23 to 1981-09-04
About
The largest SADF conventional operation since the Second World War at the time it was launched: a deep mechanised incursion into Cunene province, Angola, against SWAPO and Angolan (FAPLA) forces, resulting in the occupation of Xangongo and Ongiva and the capture of large quantities of Soviet-supplied FAPLA equipment.
Notes
Son of Mr. and Mrs. W. C. Smit
Research notes
Col (rt) Graham du Toit Last Post 24 Aug 2026: Killed in Action during the attack on "Target Yankee" in Southern Angola during Ops Protea. He was attached to Bravo Section, Platoon 1 that formed part of the assault group carrying out guard duties. When a Ratel drove past him, a booby trap that had been placed in a tree exploded just above his head, killing him instantly. It was not known whether the device was remotely detonated or whether it was detonated by the Ratel as it drove past and disturbed the tree branches.
Citations
Unknown
External References
-
Bushwar Books - Lest We Forget
24 Aug post, confirms Graham (less detail)
-
Col (rt) Graham du Toit Last Post
24 Aug 2026 post
-
SADF.info Border Roll of Honour
SADF.info Border RoH
- South African War Graves Project
-
The War in Angola
War In Angola Roll of Honour (warinangola.com, tabid=1175), pages 46-47 of 143: confirmed, no changes.
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Dedications
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