In Memory Of
NEL, PETRUS JOHANNES STEPHANUS
Service Details
Age:
19
Date of Birth:
1962-05-17
Service No:
78440187PF
Rank:
Second Lieutenant
Unit:
32 (Buffalo) Battalion
Regiment:
South West African Territory Force
Date of Death:
1982-03-13
Cause of Death:
Killed in action. Swapo had set up a new infiltration route into the Kaokoveld towards the end of 1981. When the South African army learned of this it was decided to assault the transit camp based at Cambeno 40 kms north of the Cunene River. Puma helicopters airlifted the assault force but as the choppers lifted off they found that the enemy was only 50 metres away from the LZ. Fortunately for Nel the helicopter gunships managed to neutralize some of the enemy and gave him a chance to consolidate his position. An intense fire fight developed and Lieutenant Nel's position was being assaulted on both flanks simultaneously. He then called for air support but as this was not available he and two men charged the enemy to try and eliminate the threat to his troops. During this selfless act his was killed. A 45 strong force of 32 Battalion with gunship support killed 201 SWAPO as well as captured vast amounts of equipment in the rugged terrain of Kaokaland desert
Commemoration
Cemetery:
VRYBURG CEMETERY
Localitly:
North West Province
Country:
South Africa
Additional Information
Decorations:
Honoris Crux (Posthumous)
Next of kin, Mr. J. A. Nel, of Vryburg. Came from Pomfret. (also known as Fanus Nel)
