In Memory Of

JANSE VAN RENSBURG, DAVID NICOLAS

Service Details
Age:
 20
Date of Birth:
 1960-10-13
Service No:
 76389444BG
Rank:
 Rifleman
Unit:
 5 South African Infantry Battalion
Unit 2:
 "B" Coy.
Regiment:
 South African Infantry Corps
Date of Death:
 1981-08-27
Cause of Death:
 Killed in action, at Ongiva during Ops Protea. 5SAI B Coy Platoon 3 had penetrated the airport about midway down with minimal resistance from NE and then moved NW along the runway. Three PLAN Companies were by now concentrated at the NE Corner of the runway on the NE side of the tar road. They were keeping the Ratels at bay with Anti-Aircraft fire. We were tasked with eliminating those positions. We managed to get very close to the PLAN trenches without casualties, despite drawing heavy fire. About an hour into the 4-5 hour battle, Dave stood up to throw a grenade into the trench about 30m away and was shot in the stomach. The medic had gone down about 50m back and refused to come forward. Dave cursed him for about 2.5 hrs and then went quiet.
Commemoration
Cemetery:
 NABOOMSPRUIT CEMETERY
Localitly:
 Limpopo Province
Country:
 South Africa
Additional Information
Son of Mr. and Mrs. Janse Van Rensburg