In Memory Of

POTGIETER, JOHAN LOUIS

Service Details
Age:
 23
Date of Birth:
 1958-08-23
Service No:
 74503004BG
Rank:
 Corporal
Unit:
 1 South African Infantry Battalion
Unit 2:
 attd. 61 Mechanised Battalion Group
Regiment:
 South African Infantry Corps
Date of Death:
 1981-11-04
Cause of Death:
 Killed in action, in an act of heroism about two kilo's south of "Bravo Battalion's HQ" in the Chitequeta district, South-eastern Angola, during Ops Daisy. By doing so he specifically saved the wounded Rfn. Boorsma's life (diving onto him) and by doing so, he indicated to his Lieutenant where SWAPO was firing from and therefore saving more lives. A small group of FAPLA/SWAPO snipers had pinned a Ratel platoon for at least 10-15 minutes and killed two more Unita soldiers (travelling with them) and wounded another three. Was recommended for the Honoris Crux for his bravery, but army headquarters refused the recommendation
Commemoration
Grave Reference:
 Sector 14
Cemetery:
 BOKSBURG CEMETERY
Localitly:
 Gauteng
Country:
 South Africa
Additional Information
Son of Mrs. S. P. Potgieter, of Boksburg.