In Memory Of

SHILEMBA, ARAU

Service Details
Age:
 24
Date of Birth:
 -0001-11-30
Service No:
 77121838
Rank:
 Rifleman
Unit 2:
 attd. "D" Sqdn. Rhodesian Special Air Service
Regiment:
 5 Reconnaissance Regiment
Date of Death:
 1978-09-02
Cause of Death:
 Died in Aircraft Accident, deployed from Grand Reef by helicopter. As he de-bussed from the helicopter he was struck by the blade and died instantly. The helicopter blade was damaged and as it was late in the afternoon they could only repair it the next day (new blades). The helicopter brought him back the next morning.
Commemoration
Grave Reference:
 Grave 994.
Cemetery:
 THABA TSHWANE (NEW) MILITARY CEMETERY
Localitly:
 Gauteng
Country:
 South Africa
Additional Information
First black man to be buried in the cemetery. Born Bailundo, Angola. ref. "Rhodesian Roll of Honour" by P. Geldenhuys (Roll compiled by Dr. J. R. T. Wood). ***His date of death given here corresponds with the Special Forces Roll of Honour whereas the date on his Grave Headstone incorrectly reads 18 August 1978).