Venter, Phillipus Francois (P J)

Battle of Bridge 14 It was about November or December 1975 at Bridge 14 in Angola where Myself (Private Kevin Bowden) and Docter Andre Heyns under enemy mortar fire were requested to accompany 3 Recce's on foot to cross the river behind enemy lines to evacuate Rfn PJ Venter who had been shot in the chest by the Cubans. When we arrived at his side he was already pretty weak as he had been laying there for many hours with only his comrades as company and none of them had any medical training. Myself and Doc Heyns stabilised him and loaded him on a stretcher for the hike back to our base which felt like 500 kilometers. While we were staggering through the bush I remember seeing a small white bible in his top shirt pocket close to where the bullet had entered. I just thought to myself "What chance do I have of surviving if he had his Bible on him and he was in such a bad shape". Myself and Doc Heyns spoke to him every now and again telling him to hold on we would have in safe hands shortly. He was looking up at us and nodded his head that he understood. Looking down at him like that I just prayed that we could keep him alive long enough for the chopper to Casevac him to Cela Hospital where Colonel Dippenaar and his medical team where on alert. I know that Colonel Dippenaar was not the most liked officer back in the States but he used to work tirelessly throughout the night trying to save the lives of our soldiers. I have the greatest respect for him. When we got back to base we loaded him in a vehicle and drove Ventertjie (Doc Heyns and myself's affectionate name for him) to the Casevac point where the chopper picked him up and flew him to Cela Hospital. We were so excited knowing that he was still alive and on his way to the capable hands of Colonel Dippenaar and his team. Much to our dismay a radio report came a little while later telling us he had passed away just as they put him on the operating table. This was a terrible blow to us and we felt if only we had got to him sooner he may still be alive today.

I was with C company 2 SAI and lost two of my friends the day before the Bridge14 attack. They had also crossed the river and were attacked by whom they thought were freedom fighters. An added thought. When we attacked Periera De Eche another of my friends was shot in the chest, but the AK bullet had been stopped by those tissue paper Bibles the army distributed. I feel for your friend and loved ones.

Just wanted to update my email address from kevin@unify.com to kevinb@internode.on.net Kind Regards Kevin Kevin

The story that Rfn B Venter died at Bridge 14 is incorrect and must refer to another person. Barthlomeus "Bart" Venter died of mortar wounds sustained on 11 November 1975 in a battle north of Lobito and 13kms south of Novo Redondo (Sumbe), just north of the Kikombo Rivier, close to the coastal town of Quicombo. Bart was part of the mortar platoon from 11 Commando. Of the ca 31 men of the mortar platoon, 19 were wounded, of which only Bart Venter died. Bart died on 12 November 1975 probably on the aeroplane being casavaced from Lobito. For his roll in recovering his wounded men, 2 Lt PJ Aucamp received the Honoris Crux medal (second type). For more details of the battle, read http://www.samagte.co.za/weermag/hc/lubbe.html Deon du Plessis

RIP.