In Memory Of

THOM, ADRIAN MURRAY

Service Details
Age:
 19
Date of Birth:
 1968-01-15
Service No:
 85487072BG
Rank:
 Rifleman
Unit:
 4 South African Infantry Battalion
Regiment:
 South African Infantry Corps
Date of Death:
 1987-11-09
Cause of Death:
 Killed in action, during Ops Modular when their Ratel 20, Callsign 21C was knocked out while trying to engage a Soviet T-55 tank with the Ratel 20mm Cannon. The Ratel Gunner, Rifleman Adrian Murray THOM successfully shot out the T-55 tank when the 20mm armour-piercing rounds penetrated the T-55 between the Turret and the Tank Hull. Unfortunately, the T-55 tank was able to return fire and the 100mm High Explosive projectile penetrated the Ratel through the drivers-cap killing both men instantly. Both young men were posthumously awarded the Honoris Crux for their heroism and self-sacrifice in the face of extreme danger and overwhelming odds
Commemoration
Grave Reference:
 Military Stone - 5 (52)
Cemetery:
 BELLVILLE (STIKLAND) CEMETERY
Localitly:
 Western Cape
Country:
 South Africa
Additional Information
Decorations:
 Honoris Crux (Posthumous)
Son of Mr. Cecil Thom