In Memory Of

PRETORIUS, JOHANNES LODEWICUS

Service Details
Age:
 18
Date of Birth:
 1965-01-30
Service No:
 81285504BG
Rank:
 Rifleman
Unit:
 4 South African Infantry Battalion
Regiment:
 South African Infantry Corps
Date of Death:
 1984-01-04
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
Commemoration
Grave Reference:
 Memorial Stone - Body not recovered
Cemetery:
 GERMISTON (SOUTHPARK) CEMETERY
Localitly:
 Gauteng
Country:
 South Africa
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