Soeiro, Ponciano Gomes Silva (P G S)

During a patrol near the Okavango river, a Wolf hit a landmine and was tipped over, killing Sgt P.G. Soeiro and crushing S/Sgt D. Roxo beneath it. The rest of the crew tried to lift it free, but it was too heavy, and he too subsequently died.

Attached to 32 Battalion when he died. Considered one of their own.

Ponciano Gomes Soeiro was born in Portugal, where he joined the Portuguese State Police. He was transferred to Angola, early in his career with the DGS, and was stationed in the Uíge Delegation with the rank of Agent 2nd Class. S sgt Soeiro, joined the SADF after the Portuguese revolution of 1974. Soeiro completed the Special Forces selection course in September of 1975 together with Roxo, Robbie Ribeiro and Mourão da Costa to became an Operator with 1 Reconnaissance Commando. Like Roxo, Ribeiro and Mourão da Costa, he was deployed to Angola during Operation Savannah as part of a Special Forces team. On his return to South West Africa, like his Portuguese colleagues, he remained with the group of Angolans they had fought alongside in Angola, the core of whom were to form 32 Battalion. Soeiro’s experience as a former policeman was put to good use many times during Ops Savannah. Soeiro was killed in combat on the 23rd August 1976 with Daniel Roxo on a operational mission on the way to Dirico in Angola. Unlike his friend Roxo, Soeiro did not die at the scene, but while being evacuated by road back to Woodpecker. S sgt Soeiro was awarded the PRO PATRIA (Cunene Clasp) and the SOUTHERN AFRICA medals. Ponciano was married and left behind a daughter.

Jaoa P G Soeiro Que Deus te guarde, meu Amigo Descanca em Paz Cobus Venter

Descanca em Paz camarada. Nao seras esquecido!