Archive for September, 2011
Two Bulperd and two MACK recovery vehicles have been released from 4VRP to SA Armour Museum. Two are on loan to Sandstone Heritage Trust, and two will be kept at the Museum at Tempe seehttp://www.sandstone-estates.com/index.php/military-vehicles/40-military-vehicles/2674-co-operation-between-the-south-african-armour-museum-and-sht-goes-from-strength-to-strength . Andy
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Two Bulperd and two MACK recovery vehicles have been released from 4VRP to SA Armour Museum. Two are on loan to Sandstone Heritage Trust, and two will be kept at the Museum at Tempe seehttp://www.sandstone-estates.com/index.php/military-vehicles/40-military-vehicles/2674-co-operation-between-the-south-african-armour-museum-and-sht-goes-from-strength-to-strength . Andy
Ummmmmm, I think somebody placed his add on the wrong forum. Tubtub plse remove your @#$%&, and if you are spam, take this
Ummmmmm, I think somebody placed his add on the wrong forum. Tubtub plse remove your @#$%&, and if you are spam, take this
Language : Regarding the language policy in the unit : Almost all of the white leaders, especially on platoon level, were required to reach a fluency level, in about the first 6weeks with the unit. That would mean the ability to give orders, under ny circumstance, and also to be able to understand what wa happening around you, as well as "admin" tasks - assisting with paperwork, and any other administrative tasks, such as any platoon commander or sargeant would have to complete on any given day. Some of us were "blessed" with a natural ear for languages, and to those it came quicker. The rest had to work at it. But pressure, stress and danger is a great and precise teacher... The official language policy, for communication with the troops, was English - if it was unit Orders and such, that was paper based. Any reports from platoon and company level upward in the chain of command, was usually subject to general SADF policies, i.e. English and Afrikaans, alternating. Most of the soldiers could understand English and / or Afrikaans to some extent, some better than others. But as to gaining their respect, the "language of command" was one of the avenues, ableit lesser than your ability as a soldier and leader. The soldiers had, in general the following as a language background : Soldier X, may have had a father who was Gangela, and his mother may have been Chokwe. His wife could have been from Luchazi/Kwanyama descent. This means, that the mother would teach her children her preferred language, and the father would teach his (some paternal bias would be common, as token of respect in the home, and to the elders). To assist the children in communicating with the rest of the neighbourhood, they would learn Portuguese in school, and also from the rest of the society, in which they grew up. Thus, Portuguese was the main link between all the different tribal languages and dialects. And there were language/dialects spoken in the unit, than the number that South Africa has as its' official languages. Some soldiers spoke mainly French or Spanish, and only became proficient in Portuguese, after joining the unit. Today, many of those soldiers have added languages, i.e., Tswana, Xhosa, Zulu, Pedi, or whichever they came in contact with, living inside RSA. The parents, who most were growing up in the midst of civil war, had mostly elementary shool education, although some highly learned and qualified persons were from that era. Some were teachers, others were tending to the needs of the soul. But none ever, were unwilling to teach, and share their language, knowledge and experience. This, and the solid training foundations, laid by the general levels of proficiency (as was expected of any junior leader in the Infantry), in my opinion, helped the unit in cementing the generally great relationships that were formed between the lower rank and file - from Rifleman to Lieutenant, to Colonel and Warrant Officer. Any former member who wishes to share / add or suggest : you are welcome. Regards. Nico Até amanha...
I first my training at 8 SAI Upington then our whole base was moved over to 4SAI Middleburg. I was in section 83 same unit as Richard Wiles we all saw action between Sep 87 till Dec 87 in OPs Modular. I have some photo's from OPs Modular and just wanted to know how one could load them onto the gallery.
I first my training at 8 SAI Upington then our whole base was moved over to 4SAI Middleburg. I was in section 83 same unit as Richard Wiles we all saw action between Sep 87 till Dec 87 in OPs Modular. I have some photo's from OPs Modular and just wanted to know how one could load them onto the gallery.
Ammazulu and Dougbev-- I'm grateful for your memories of your time there. The recollections from you and the others, coupled with a fix from Google Earth, have pretty much put everything into proper focus and allow a good estimate on how long it would take a 101 Bn Casspir carrying a SAMS team to get from Etale to the 21D Security Branch base at Ohangwena. There are times when it's much better to rely on the experience of others than my own memory. Many thanks, Jim
Image by Anton Crone
You can view this film here
See another article on this production here.
In the last Great War, South Africa committed 120,000 soldiers to the battlefields of North Africa & Europe.
11,900 soldiers did not return.
The Fallen is a short film in memory of those brave soldiers who lost their lives and a tribute to the families they left behind.
The Fallen, a film by Bauke Brouwer.
You can view this film here
PLEASE VOTE FOR THE FILM!
Thanks, Johan - I look forward to both. Regards Phillip