Name: |
PRETORIUS |
Given Name: |
JOHANNES LODEWICUS |
Initials: |
J L |
Service No: |
81285504BG |
Rank: |
RiflemanOther Casualties of this Rank |
Regiment: |
South African Infantry Corps |
Unit: |
4 South African Infantry BattalionOther Casualties from this Unit |
Date of Death: |
1984-01-04Other Casualties on this
Date |
Date of Birth: |
1965-01-30 |
Age: |
18 |
Cause of Death: |
Killed in action, contact with FAPLA T-54 NE of Cuvelai, Angola. Ratel became immobile after detonating landmine. Then knocked out by T-54 |
Additional
Information: |
Son of Mr. and Mrs. J. L. Pretorius, of Elsburg. Johannes Lodewicus Pretorius was killed during Ops Askari, the attack on Cuvelai on 4 January 1984. The Ratel in which he was an occupant was knocked out by a T-54 tank. Wikus and five fellow soldiers were killed. His parents learned of his death when a parcel they have sent him for his birthday at the end of January was returned with the word "oorlede" (died) written on it. This must be the worst case of parents learning of their son being killed in the war! Even today Wikus is not mentioned in publications about Ops Askari. Usually it is stated that five soldiers were killed in the Ratel. He has known grave |
This information was last verified for accuracy: 2018-02-25
 CEMETERY/PRETORIUS_JL.JPG)