Cause of Death: |
Killed in action, against terrorists in the operational area. Killed whilst leading a small Special Forces team carrying out an operation against the Harare-Beira railway near Doeroi, in Mozambique, some 300 miles from the South African border. It would appear there was a premature detonation whilst they were laying their demolition charges, and Alan and three of his comrades were killed. FRELIMO found their bodies and equipment, but as per SOPs, nothing was being carried which would enable them to identify the men. |
Additional
Information: |
Husband of Mrs. Pauline Gingles, of Phalaborwa. From Larne, Co. Antrim, Northern Ireland. Having graduated from the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, he was commissioned into the Royal Irish Rangers, and served with the Second Battalion in Hemer, West Germany. Thirsting for adventure, and an opportunity to fight terrorism, Alan left the British Army and went to Rhodesia, where he passed selection and became a member of the Selous Scouts. Following the demise of Rhodesia, he joined the SADF. At the time of his death, he was serving with the 5th Reconnaissance Regiment at Phalaborwa, in the Eastern Transvaal. Alan was not forgotten by his brother officers of 2 Royal Irish. They commissioned a portrait of him, which was hung in the Officers' Mess |
