Identity
Person No.
33029
Old ROH no.
1322
Service No.
81267130BG
Last Name
First Name
Nicolaas Willem
Initials
N W
Date of Birth
Unknown
Est. Birth Year
Age at Death
20
Military Service
Rank
Rifleman
Regiment
Unit
Secondary Unit
attd. 53 Battalion
Defence Force
SADF 3,263
South African Defence Force
Death Record
Date of Death
Cause code
KIA 14,310
Killed in action
Cause of Death
Killed in action, during ambush of SWAPO who had kidnapped Owambo children, about 15 km NNE of Etale
Grave Reference
Location
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.
Citations
Unknown
External References
-
SADF.info Border Roll of Honour
SADF.info Border RoH
- South African War Graves Project
Stories 1
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 3
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!
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 ?
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.