Name: |
MITTON |
Given Name: |
MARIUS JOHANNES |
Initials: |
M J |
Service No: |
83496166BG |
Rank: |
RiflemanOther Casualties of this Rank |
Regiment: |
South African Infantry Corps |
Unit: |
4 South African Infantry BattalionOther Casualties from this Unit |
Date of Death: |
1987-11-25Other Casualties on this
Date |
Date of Birth: |
1967-02-09 |
Age: |
20 |
Cause of Death: |
Died of wounds, critically wounded during Ops Modular on 11 November 1987 during an attack on the FAPLA 16 Brigade Tactical Group South of the Chambinga River. He was the Gunner in a 4 SAI Ratel 20, Callsign 12C and had just successfully knocked out a Soviet T-55 tank with his 20mm cannon before the Ratel received a direct in the drivers compartment from a 100mm High Explosive projectile from another T-55 tank. The Driver, Rifleman SCHUTTE was killed instantly but not knowing this, the critically wounded MITTON still rotated the turret to a position to enable the driver to get out of his hatch before he himself vacated the turret of the burning Ratel. He was evacuated to 1 Military Hospital in Pretoria but succumbed to his wounds on 25 November 1987. Both members were recommended for a posthumous award of the Honoris Crux for their Gallantry, but it appears that the recommendation was not approved by Higher Authority. |
Additional
Information: |
Son of Mrs. M. H. Mitton, of Carletonville |
This information was last verified for accuracy: 2025-03-29
 CEMETERY/CARLETONVILLE (WEST WITS) CEMETERY_mitton_mj.JPG)