Asia , Lim (L)

Cpl. Koorts was my platoon seargent when I was busy with Basics at 8SAI in Upington in 1988. Later in 1988, Koorts was posted to the operational area and was patrolling near Cuito Cuanavale. They were attacked one afternoon by Cuban MIGS, and the story we heard whilst busy with 2nd Phase training at Riemvasmaak, was that one of the MIG21's? released a bomb that dropped into a Buffel troop carrier - Koorts and Tucker (his Lieutenant) were in the Buffel when the bomb exploded. Sadly, Koorts was not a well liked person - of all the guys in my platoon not one dwelt too long on hearing the news of his death. Tucker was different though - he was a brilliant bloke....really sad to have seen him go.

We were together from the first day. He was most of the time a cheerfull lad. Always found new ways to p$%* off the Cpl. He always took training with a spoon. He was my pole buddy and my room buddy. Golf coy lost a good soldier and I a good friend. I saw the buffel at ruacanna a while later and could not help bursting into tears. Always questions but no answers. You will be missed mate.

Ons was gedurnde 1988 op die grens toe EP Koorts en die ander dood is. Ek was in Bravo komponie (Peleton 2) van 8 SAI en dis die eerste maal dat ek gesien het hoe n Kaptein (Harde PF man) in trane uitbars. EP was ook saam met my in die skool in Tulbagh. Hy is gebore in 1968 en sy graf is in Tulbagh.

Koortsie was with me at Oudtshoorn in the same bungelo. I will never forget how we cleaned the floors with an blanket with a trommel on top of it. We polished the floor made someone sit on top of a army trommel and dragged it down to the entrance door good fun. The hole platoon stayed in the bungelo, and we always wanted to ride the trommel. After we got our stripes as Platoon Sargent we were placed. Koortsie landed up with me in Upington. We were ready for the new intake for basic training. As Platoon Sargent we all had our own rooms in a double story building. Koortsie was two rooms away from my room. Will never forget the order to pack his belongings for his parents. Remember the radio that we listen to some nights. Rest in peace Koortsie will not forget.

I remember the day very well, we were busy with our 2nd phase of training when the news came in, they were all good men from 8Sai that died that day, and they will never be forgotten.

Mate? Yeah he was a good mate and a good buddy. Was almost always late and last but a good leader. He was with me in the hard and good times. He will be missed as a still but determined guy. God bless.

GONE BUT NEVER FORGOTTEN ....... WAS ALWAYS GOOD TO THE END , GAVE CREDIT WHEN CREDIT WAS DUE .