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
Secondary Unit
attd. 53 Battalion
Defence Force
SADF 3,296
South African Defence Force
Death Record
Date of Death
Cause code
KIA 14,313
Killed in action
Cause of Death
Killed in action, during ambush of SWAPO who had kidnapped Owambo children, about 15 km NNE of Etale
Location
Country
Locality
Cemetery
Grave Reference
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 Sqdn. (regiment already 1 Para); locality about 15 km NNE of Etale.
Citations
Unknown
External References
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Col (rt) Graham du Toit Last Post
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 Sqdn. (regiment already 1 Para); locality about 15 km NNE of Etale.
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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.