In Memory Of

MITTON, MARIUS JOHANNES

Service Details
Age:
 20
Date of Birth:
 1967-02-09
Service No:
 83496166BG
Rank:
 Rifleman
Unit:
 4 South African Infantry Battalion
Regiment:
 South African Infantry Corps
Date of Death:
 1987-11-25
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.
Commemoration
Grave Reference:
 A6
Cemetery:
 CARLETONVILLE (WEST WITS) CEMETERY
Localitly:
 Gauteng
Country:
 South Africa
Additional Information
Son of Mrs. M. H. Mitton, of Carletonville