In Memory Of

DE JAGER, FREDERICK

Service Details
Age:
 19
Date of Birth:
 1967-10-17
Service No:
 83472712BG
Rank:
 Trooper
Unit:
 61 Mechanised Battalion Group
Regiment:
 South African Armoured Corps
Date of Death:
 1987-10-08
Cause of Death:
 The South African armoured column had penetrated deep into Angola and had just formed a laager to take bearings on their position and objectives. Two Angolan Mig 23 fighter jets had spotted the column, making a low pass initially they turned and came in for the attack. The Migs each dropped 500lbs parachute retarded bombs, one bomb landing just behind the Ratel IFV, literally driving the back axle into the ground and igniting the Ratel's 90mm ammunition. The second 500lb bomb landing just next to the Ratel. The Ratel's driver Frikkie de Jager was taking a break and resting in the back of the Ratel when the bombs hit and he died a little later of his injuries caused when the ratel's ammunition detonated.
Commemoration
Grave Reference:
 B8 Block 19
Cemetery:
 RUSTENBURG (DONKERHOEK) CEMETERY
Localitly:
 North West Province
Country:
 South Africa
Additional Information
Son of Mr. and Mrs. L. T. de Jager