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Smuts , Nicolaas Willem (N W)

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Photo of Smuts
Identity
Person No.
33029
Old ROH no.
1322
Service No.
81267130BG
Last Name
Smuts 13
First Name
Nicolaas Willem
Initials
N W
Date of Birth
Unknown
Est. Birth Year
1965 (±1 yr) 279
Age at Death
20
Death Record
Date of Death
05 November 1985 121
Cause code
KIA 14,778
Killed in action
Cause of Death
Killed in action 14,654
Killed in action, during ambush of SWAPO who had kidnapped Owambo children, about 15 km NNE of Etale
Military Service
Branch
Army
Rank
Rifleman
Regiment
1 Parachute Battalion 43
Corps
South African Infantry Corps 10,347
Unit
Unknown
Defence Force
SADF 3,852
South African Defence Force
Location
Country
South Africa 23,872
Locality
Gauteng 9,374
Cemetery
CENTURION CEMETERY 31
Grave Reference
HA1 1
Unit History
Attached To
53 Battalion
Role at time of death
Airborne light infantry (paratroops)
Status
Regular Force
Part of
44 Parachute Brigade
Raised 1 April 1961 at Tempe. First battalion of 44 Parachute Brigade from 1978.
Awards
Pro Patria Medal
Pro Patria Medal
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 Dr. and Mrs. J. Smuts, of George Road, Eldoraigne, Verwoerdburg. He had a sister and 2 brothers. Matriculated at the Voortrekkerhoogte High School.

Research notes

Col (rt) Graham du Toit Last Post 05 Nov 2025: 81267130BG Rifleman Nicolaas William Smuts, 1 Parachute Battalion, Killed in Action as MAG gunner when his patrol was ambushed near Alpha Tower by SWAPO/PLAN insurgents kidnapping local Owambo children; all insurgents killed; he was found dead behind his machine gun, age 20. ROH first name is Willem; unit was 35 Squadron (regiment already 1 Para); locality about 15 km NNE of Etale.
War in Angola forum post 48094 (Johan Schoeman, 9 Nov 2023): points to The Star 6 November 1985, 'Paratrooper (20) killed' — matches this 5 Nov 1985, age 20, 1 Parachute Battalion record.

Citations
Unknown
External References
Stories 1
on 27 August 2003 · via source
Rfn Smuts was a LMG gunner in Delta Company, I Para BN and stationed at Alpha Tower, Owamboland when he was killed. He was killed during an ambush for Swapo terrorists kidnapping local(Owambo) children from their villages. He was shot behind his LMG. During this ambush all the terrorists were killed.
Dedications 4
by Johan Kruys on 27 August 2003 · via source
Rfn Smuts died protecting innocent people.He was a friendly good hearted person and we will all miss him. He was also very proud to be a Parabat.He was due to finish his National Service in December 1985. Ons mis jou!
on 18 September 2003 · via source
Paratrooper?s Prayer Heavenly Father, King of the world I know that all things are in your hands, whatever happens to me. As a paratrooper I am prepared to suffer hardship. I am ready to endure danger and unrest, pain and hurt. I am willing to be hungry end thirsty. I am prepared to face the enemy fearlessly. Lord I am weak. I cannot depend on my own strength. I do not want to trust in my own abilities. Lord my God; Let me trust in you alone. Give me courage and strength, and, above all, faith to do my work fearlessly ?
by Phillip McNaughton on 25 February 2012 · via source
I did my basics in D company with Rfn Smuts, though in a different platoon...so he was not a close friend of mine. To me: He was reserved, honest and did what many couldn't. My respects to him. I have often thought of him and his family over the years.
by Johan Schoeman on 09 November 2023 · via War in Angola
See Paratrooper (20) killed - The Star 6 November 1985