Van Der Westhuizen, Daniel Rudolf (D R)

Hi Craig, That civilian you are talking about was my father. He was a farmer, but he also worked with 61 Mech when there was swapo infiltrations? My mother had her radio station on the farm, and my father had the bushman trackers. She took the casavac report down that day they died. Its been 28 years this year. My Mum passed away in '95.

Hello Riana, First of all, allow me to say how terribly sorry I am for your loss. I knew all the men who died in the Ratel that fateful day. I got to know your dad, Lt van der Westhuizen and brother-in-law, Sktr J.H. Potgieter through operations in 61 Mech. I can't begin to tell you what good men they were. I remember both your Dad and brother-in-law as true Sons of Africa, who loved their country, but also loved the people they served with. They could be serious on the job, but also enjoyed a good laugh in between tough situations. They were true heroes, who gave their lives so others may live in freedom. It is now long ago, but I will pass on to you what I remember about the brave, fearless men of 61 Mech. Operation Yahoo was in the making of what started on Friday, April 9th, 1982. About 190 terrorists had made their way past Tsumeb and past 61 Mech base at Omuthiya. A Koevoet group tracked them and made contact. There was also a farmer, who's name I don't remember, who helped in the attack by flying over the battle with his private plane and dropped grenades on the ters. Unfortunately the ters shot his plane down and also shot out a Caspir belonging to Koevoet, in the process killing 6 of our men. The Koevoet group continued to track this group as they dispursed into smaller groups, making it difficult to attack all together. On Wednesday, April 14th, we (Alpha and Bravo company of 61 Mech) attended a concert in Tsumeb. I don't remember too well, but I think the performer was Geraldine, who came up to Tsumeb to raise the troops' morale a little. Halfway through the show, our RSM, Sergeant Major Smith (Killer Smith), got on stage, told the singers to stop and made an announcement for 61 Mech to dispurse immediately and go to our vehicles. We left immediately back to 61 Mech base, Omuthiya. Once there, we were pulled together and received our orders. Left over groups of April 9th were tracked and spotted and we were to track them down and eliminate them. We started arming ourselves and loading up the Ratels with ammunition for a full scale attack. Operation Yahoo officially began the morning of Aril 15th at 2:30 AM as we left Omuthiya. We reached Tsintsibis at about 4:00AM the morning of April 15th. We monitored the radios as we heard various groups, including ourselves, observing ter movements, tracks on the "Kaplyne". Three Alpha company Ratels were following the track of a larg

Hi Riana, My name is Craig Dunbar, at the time of your dad's contact I was a driver in one of the follow up groups, based out of Tsintsibis, where some of us had been suconded from 61 Mech. Myself and a handful of Artillery Drivers (14 Field Artillery - Jan 82 - july 82 Umuthiya) had been placed there to drive the Buffels for a few weeks, and to look out for the ters that were moving to Tsumeb. Most of my crew were South West Territorials and we had been on patrol when the light aircraft mentioned buzzed us to set up an ambush for the ters on one of the kaplyne's. We did so, and because I was the only radio operator being artillery, I was following the action as it got closer. Unfortunately, the ter group missed us and passed by us hundreds of metres further east of us. We meet the following group and my Bushman tracker was put with the lead vehicle to help the chase. I tailed into the battle group from there. The contact happened just after a wadi, when my tracker said the tracks were fresh and that the lead vehicle would continue pursuit. The rest is very much like told in the story before. I knew some of the guys in passing in that lead ratel and we all felt the loss. My tracker was hit by shrapnel and tried to run home to the Tsintsibis base where his family was. One of the units coming to our aid stopped him a couple of km's away and he promptly died. The one image I take from this was the Gunship that flew in and killed the ters from the air and some of the ratels on that side of the wadi who joined in. I swore never to drive a ratel again after this contact and haven't. Also killed in this action in the ratel was a civilian, whose wife was handling the radio net on the day. The name escapes me but hopefully someone will remember. Side story - We had been in Tsintsibis for a few weeks and before our Bushman tracker was killed, we had spent many days on patrol in the Mangeti Block around Tsintsibis. He became fasinated with UB40, because I had a tape deck rigged to the Buffel battery while we drove and he would sit on the spare tyre next to me as we drove patrols, and jive to this UB40 tape. Anyway, one evening about two weeks before he was killed, I was invited to his Hut which was just outside the base camp. I took a collegue of mine, Greg Basson with me and we went. This bushman tracker lined up his seven wifes and said he would swap one for the tape - well forgive me, but I declin

I will never forget that fateful day in SWA and I'll never forget you my friend. May God keep you until

He was my DAD, one of the greatest and bravest men I ever knew. He was a dedicated dad, husband, farmer and one hell of a soldier who didn't think twice about giving his life 4 a cause he believed in. He was taken from me at an early age, I only had nearly 12 years with him, but it was the best 12 years of my life. He was a great guy who didn't believe in violence, but said the tongue was mightier than the sword... We will remember him allways as the wonderfull man with the big heart who allways had a smile to spare 4 everyone. A true friend to many a loving dad and husband and an exceptional human being. He will live in our memories 4 ever!!