Honoris Crux (1975)

This article is about the Honoris Crux of 1975. For other uses, see Honoris Crux.
Honoris Crux (1975)
Awarded by the State President and, from 1994, the President
Country South Africa  South Africa
Type Military decoration for bravery
Eligibility All Ranks
Awarded for Bravery in dangerous circumstances
Campaign 1966-1989 Border War
Status Discontinued in 2003
Post-nominals HC
Statistics
Established 1975
First awarded 1976
Last awarded 2003
Total awarded 201
SADF pre-1994 & SANDF post-2002 orders of wear
Next (higher)
SADF precedence:
SANDF precedence:
Next (lower)
SADF succession:
SANDF succession:

Ribbon bar

The Honoris Crux (Cross of Honour) of 1975, post-nominal letters HC, is a military decoration for bravery which was instituted by the Republic of South Africa on 1 July 1975. The decoration was awarded to members of the South African Defence Force for bravery in dangerous circumstances. It was the junior in a set of four Honoris Crux decorations in four classes, which together replaced the discontinued Honoris Crux of 1952.[1]

The South African military

The Union Defence Forces (UDF) were established in 1912 and renamed the South African Defence Force (SADF) in 1958. On 27 April 1994, it was integrated with six other independent forces into the South African National Defence Force (SANDF).[2][3][4][5][6]

Institution

The Honoris Crux (Cross of Honour) of 1975, post-nominal letters HC, was instituted by the State President on 1 July 1975.[2][7]

Award criteria

The decoration was awarded for bravery in dangerous circumstances. It was the junior of four classes of Honoris Crux decorations, the Honoris Crux Diamond, Honoris Crux Gold, Honoris Crux Silver and Honoris Crux, which together replaced the discontinued Honoris Crux of 1952.[3]

Altogether 201 Honoris Crux decorations were awarded between 1976 and 2004. Most of the awards were won in action, but some were awarded for bravery in non-combat situations. After the institution of the Army Cross, Air Force Cross, Navy Cross and Medical Service Cross in 1987, the award criteria were amended in 1993 to restrict awarding of the Honoris Crux to deeds of bravery in action, while in mortal danger facing the enemy.[3]

The South African military units which were awarded the most Honoris Crux decorations are the Special Forces of the South African Reconnaissance Commandos, whose operators were awarded a total of forty-six Honoris Crux Decorations during the 1966-1989 Border War, in three of the four classes.

Order of wear

The position of the Honoris Crux of 1975 in the official order of precedence was revised twice after 1975, to accommodate the inclusion or institution of new decorations and medals, upon the integration into the South African National Defence Force in 1994 and again upon the institution of a new set of awards in 2003.

South African Defence Force until 26 April 1994

South African National Defence Force from 27 April 1994

The position of the Honoris Crux of 1975 in the order of precedence remained unchanged, as it was on 27 April 1994, when a new series of military orders, decorations and medals was instituted on 27 April 2003.[9]

Description

Obverse

The Honoris Crux of 1975 is a silver Maltese cross, which fits in a 45 millimetres diameter circle, with two swords in saltire surmounted by a circular protea wreath, the arms of the cross in white enamel, with a roundel in the centre, tierced horizontally in the orange, white and blue bands of the national flag, framed in a double silver circle containing 24 stones.[10]

Reverse

The reverse has the pre-1994 South African Coat of Arms, with the decoration number impressed underneath.

Ribbon

The ribbon is 32 millimetres wide, with a 2½ millimetres wide white band, a 3 millimetres wide orange band and a 1 millimetre wide white band, repeated in reverse order and separated by a 19 millimetres wide orange band.[10]

Discontinuation

Conferment of the decoration was discontinued in respect of services performed on or after 27 April 2003, when the Honoris Crux of 1975 was replaced by the new Nkwe ya Selefera (NS).[3]

Recipients

Name Rank Year
awarded		 HC
no.		 Date
of action		 Unit Corps Service
Arm
Holtzhausen, L.J. Maj 1976 001 5 Oct 1975 Inf School SAIC SA Army
Holm, Johan Wolfgang  † Capt 1976 002 23 Nov 1975 DTCS SAIC SA Army
Potgieter, Johannes Hendrik Capt 1976 003 4 Jan 1976 4 FR SAAC SA Army
Van Wyk, J.C. Lt 1976 004 18 Oct 1975 1 RR SAIC SA Army
Aucamp, Pieter Joshua 2 Lt 1976 005 11 Nov 1975 11 Comdo SAIC SA Army
Blaauw, Johan 2 Lt 1976 006 17 Dec 1975 1 PB SAIC SA Army
Fountain, Ted Stewart 2 Lt 1976 007 10 Dec 1975 2 FER SAEC SA Army
Nicolau, Alexander 2 Lt 1976 008 24 Nov 1975 1 SSB SAAC SA Army
Prins, Michael John 2 Lt 1976 009 21 Dec 1975 14 FR SAAC SA Army
Steyn, Daniel 2 Lt 1976 010 20 Dec 1975 2 FR SAAC SA Army
Van Vuuren, L.M.J. 2 Lt 1976 011 12 Dec 1975 1 SSB SAAC SA Army
Venter, P.M. 2 Lt 1976 012 12 Jan 1976 1 SSB SAAC SA Army
Burger, Joseph Johannes WO2 1976 [11] 013 1 Jun 1976 2 SAI SAIC SA Army
Conradie, Johannes Lambertus VRM WO2 1976 [12] 014 7 Dec 1975 1 RR SAIC SA Army
Lubbe, P.S. WO2 1976 015 11 Nov 1975 2 FR SAAC SA Army
Paulo, D. (Danny Roxo) S Sgt 1976 016 1 Nov 1975 1 RR SAIC SA Army
Steenkamp, J.H. S Sgt 1976 017 23 Nov 1975 4 SAI SAIC SA Army
Diedericks, André ♥ Cpl 1976[13][14] 018 2 Dec 1975 1 RR SAIC SA Army
Rosenstrauch, E.J. Cpl 1976 019 25 Jan 1976 WP Comd SATSC SA Army
Kussendrager, J.L. ♦ Pte 1976 020 25 Jan 1976 WP Comd SATSC SA Army
Janse van Rensburg, Stephanus Petrus ♦ Tpr 1976 021 24 Nov 1975 1 SSB SAAC SA Army
Atkinson, David Frank Lt 1976 [11] 022 1 Aug 1976 16 Sqn SAAF SAAF
Milbank, C.C. Lt 1976 023 12 Feb 1976 16 Sqn SAAF SAAF
Troup, Trevor Owen Lt 1976 [11] 024 1 Sep 1976 17 Sqn SAAF SAAF
Winterbottom, Kevin Roy †♦ 2 Lt 1976 [11] 025 9 Jul 1976 4 Sqn SAAF SAAF
O'Neil, Pieter du Toit F Sgt 1976 026 21 Dec 1975 19 Sqn SAAF SAAF
Becker, L. (Boertjie) Sgt 1976 027 1 Sep 1976 87 HFS SAAF SAAF
Kriel, Gabriel Gerhardus Sgt 1976 [11] 028 1 Jun 1976 17 Sqn SAAF SAAF
Not awarded, museum exhibit [15] 029
Hougaard, Johannes Jacobus ♦ 2 Lt 1978 [11] 030 9 Dec 1976 3 SAI SAIC SA Army
Mostert, Daniel Nicolaas Johannes ♦ 2 Lt 1978 [11] 031 9 Dec 1976 3 SAI SAIC SA Army
Viljoen, M. Sgt 1978 032 28 Oct 1977 1 RR SAIC SA Army
Douglas, R.A. Lt 1978 033 16 May 1977 CTH SAIC SA Army
Kruger, D.A. Lt 1978 034 16 May 1976 RLW SAIC SA Army
Van Schalkwyk, Josias Johannes ♦ 2 Lt 1978 [11] 035 9 Dec 1976 3 SAI SAIC SA Army
Gildenhuys, W.H.B. †♦ Sgt 1978 036 25 May 1977} CTH SAIC SA Army
Van Aswegen, H.W. Sgt 1978 037 22 Apr 1976 RCB SAIC SA Army
Wasserman, J.A.vR. Cpl 1978 038 16 May 1976 RLW SAIC SA Army
De Kock, A.D. Rfn 1978 039 16 May 1976 RLW SAIC SA Army
Oberholzer, S.E.H. Rfn 1978 040 16 May 1976 RLW SAIC SA Army
Van der Merwe, J.J. Rfn 1978 041 4 May 1978 2 PB SAIC SA Army
Van der Zee, L.F. Rfn 1978 042 22 Apr 1976 RCB SAIC SA Army
Van Vuuren, J.W. Rfn 1978 043 16 May 1976 RLW SAIC SA Army
Kanes, R.G. Cpl 1978 044 4 May 1978 2 SAI SAIC SA Army
Saunders, M. ♦ Tpr 1978 045 13 Sep 1976 PAG SAIC SA Army
Wiggill, Peter Noel † Cpl 1978 [11] 046 15 Dec 1976 Algoa SATSC SA Army
Church, John Maj 1978 047 4 May 1978 19 Sqn SAAF SAAF
Marais, A.L. (Dries) Capt 1978 [15] 048 4 May 1978 24 Sqn SAAF SAAF
Klopper, L.J. Sgt 1978 049 2 Jan 1975 1 RR SAIC SA Army
Fourie, D.H. Lt 1979 050 6 Sep 1978 4 RR SAIC SA Army
Engelbrecht. D.P. Cpl 1979 051 4 May 1978 3 PB SAIC SA Army
Delport, J.C. Rfn 1979 052 13 Sep 1978 RDP SAIC SA Army
Packham, D.E. Rfn 1979 053 4 May 1978 3 PB SAIC SA Army
Grinaker, O. (Ola) Lt 1979 054 7 Sep 1978 17 Sqn SAAF SAAF
Mouton, A.A. (Riem) Lt 1979 055 9 Sep 1978 24 Sqn SAAF SAAF
Jooste, Johannes Cornelius †♦ Pte 1979 056 28 Oct 1978 SAMS SAMS
Smith, Frederik Johannes †♦ Pte 1979 057 28 Oct 1978 SAMS SAMS
Van Papendorp, Burgert van Dyk †♦ Pte 1979 058 28 Oct 1978 SAMS SAMS
Koen, P.G.L. ♦ Maj 1979 059 25 Jan 1979 SAOSC SA Army
Du Toit, J.J. † Lt 1980 060 1 Jun 1980 1 SAI SAIC SA Army
Parkin, J.G. 2 Lt 1980 061 18 Oct 1979 1 PB SAIC SA Army
Greyling, C.P. Sgt 1980 062 28 Oct 1977 1 RR SAIC SA Army
Christie, Gavin M. Cpl 1980 [12] 063 1 Sep 1979 4 RR SAIC SA Army
Potgieter, J.J. Cpl 1980 064 1 Sep 1979 4 RR SAIC SA Army
Conga, J. † Rfn 1980 065 12 Sep 1979 31 Bn SAIC SA Army
Rice, K.B. Cpl 1980 066 13 Apr 1976 5 SAI SAIC SA Army
Rutherford, G.T. L Cpl 1980 067 10 Jun 1980 5 SAI SAIC SA Army
De Kock, P.P. Rfn 1980 068 29 Jun 1980 1 PB SAIC SA Army
De Lange, A.S. Rfn 1980 069 18 Oct 1979 1 PB SAIC SA Army
Gibson, B.J. Rfn 1980 070 18 Oct 1979 1 PB SAIC SA Army
Mare, B. Rfn 1980 071 18 Oct 1979 1 PB SAIC SA Army
McNamara, C.N. Rfn 1980 072 18 Oct 1979 1 PB SAIC SA Army
Southey, L.B. Rfn 1980 073 18 Oct 1979 1 PB SAIC SA Army
Kruger, P.E. (Polla) Maj 1980 074 18 Oct 1979 19 Sqn SAAF SAAF
Stannard, P.J. (Crow) Maj 1980 075 1 Sep 1979 19 Sqn SAAF SAAF
Hoebel, S. (Sieg) F Sgt 1980 076 18 Oct 1979 19 Sqn SAAF SAAF
Viljoen, E.G. Maj 1981 077 1 Feb 1978 32 Bn SAIC SA Army
Keulder, H. Capt 1981 078 2 Dec 1979 3 SAI SAIC SA Army
Johnston, Andrew Lawrence[lower-alpha 1] S Sgt 1981 079 28 Jan 1981 1 RR SAIC SA Army
Terblanche, J.C.G. Sgt 1981 080 25 Jun 1980 5 RR SAIC SA Army
Smith, Michael Anthony[lower-alpha 1] Cpl 1981 081 28 Jan 1981 1 RR SAIC SA Army
Du Plessis, I.C. Capt 1981 082 7 Jun 1980 85 CFS SAAF SAAF
Bouwer, J.S. ♦ Lt 1981 083 4 May 1981 SAMS SAMS
Whiteman, J.A. Cpl 1982 084 23 Aug 1981 201 Bn SAIC SA Army
Burgers, G.D. L Cpl 1982 085 26 Aug 1981 1 SAI SAIC SA Army
Van der Westhuizen, R. 2 Lt 1982 086 14 Apr 1981 Etosha SAIC SA Army
Joao, E. Cpl 1982 087 29 Nov 1979 32 Bn SAIC SA Army
Owen, David Douglas (Stoof) Capt 1982 088 5 Jul 1981 17 Sqn SAAF SAAF
Hattingh, A.A. (André) Capt 1982 089 5 Jul 1981 17 Sqn SAAF SAAF
Laubscher, D.J. (Danie) Capt 1982 090 24 Aug 1981 42 Sqn SAAF SAAF
Anderson, L.A. Maj 1982 091 5 Nov 1981 101 Bn SAIC SA Army
Fourie, F.E. Lt 1982 092 1 Jan 1981 1 RR SAIC SA Army
Greeff, J.deV. (Jack) S Sgt 1982[16] 093 1 Jan 1981 1 RR SAIC SA Army
Fourie, J.G.J. Cpl 1982 094 1 Jan 1981 1 RR SAIC SA Army
De Nobrega, A. Cpl 1982 095 10 Sep 1981 SWAMS SAIC SA Army
Kloppers, J.S. Cpl 1982 096 1 Jan 1981 1 RR SAIC SA Army
Helm, A.J.H. CO 1982 097 28 Aug 1981 2 SSB SAAC SA Army
Grové, J.J. 2 Lt 1982 098 25 Aug 1981 2 SSB SAAC SA Army
Bovy, S.J.Y. (Serge) Lt 1982 099 29 Dec 1981 17 Sqn SAAF SAAF
Berry, R.M. ♦ AB 1982 100 4 May 1981 SAS PK SAN SAN
Warren, S.B. ♦ Sea 1982 101 4 May 1981 SAS PK SAN SAN
Breytenbach, Cornelius Noël HCS Col c. 1982 [17] SAAF SAAF SAAF
Anderson, H.F. Capt 1983 2 Aug 1982 AFB Oa SAAF SAAF
Ellis, Neall (Nellis) Maj 1983 13 Mar 1982 AFB Oa SAAF SAAF
Hill, M.A. Capt 1983 9 Aug 1982 AFB Oa SAAF SAAF
Nel, P.J.S. † 2 Lt 1983 13 Mar 1982 32 Bn SAIC SA Army
Steyn, S.S. 2 Lt 1983 30 Jul 1982 SAAC SAAC SA Army
Coetzee, S. Sgt 1983 13 Mar 1982 AFB Oa SAAF SAAF
Dracula, V. Sgt 1983 109 13 Mar 1982 32 Bn SAIC SA Army
Domingos, B. Rfn 1983 110 13 Mar 1982 32 Bn SAIC SA Army
De Villiers, C.M. ♦ Maj 1983 4 Feb 1983 SAMS SAMS
Radmore, D.W.J. ♦ Col 1983 17 Aug 1982 SWATFHQ SASC SA Army
Alberts, C.F.W. (Carl) Capt 1984 4 Jan 1984 AFB Oa SAAF SAAF
Macaskill, A. 2 Lt 1984 4 Jan 1984 SAIC SA Army
Le Roux, H.C. 2 Lt 1984 22 Mar 1983 61 Mech SAIC SA Army
Wright, T. S Sgt 1984 11 Feb 1983 TSR SAIC SA Army
Callow, Tim J. Capt 1986[12] 1 Jan 1985 SFHQ SAIC SA Army
Matias, N.T. Sgt 1986 1 Jun 1985 SFHQ SAIC SA Army
Dobe, P. Sgt 1986 1 Jan 1985 SFHQ SAIC SA Army
Clarke, C.T.D. Cpl 1986 24 May 1984 DLI SAIC SA Army
Halgryn, Ronnie Rfn 1986 [11] 31 Dec 1983 RGK SAIC SA Army
Lochner, Johannes Willem Rfn 1986 [11] 31 Dec 1983 RGK SAIC SA Army
Schoombe, A. Rfn 1986 24 Jun 1984 101 Bn SAIC SA Army
Fritsch, R. Pte 1986 12 Jun 1983 5 Med SAMS SAMS
Jacobs, J.L. Pte 1986 12 Jun 1983 5 Med SAMS SAMS
Maree, D.H. ♦ WO2 1986 7 Feb 1985 SAOSC SA Army
Coetzee, Theuns J. Maj 1986 14 Sep 1985 Artillery Sc SAAC SA Army
Philipson, Leon Lt 1986 14 Sep 1985 14 FR SAAC SA Army
Queiroz, A.M.R. S Sgt 1986 1 May 1985 4 RR SAIC SA Army
Vorster, C. ♦ F Sgt 1986 20 May 1985 AFB Swkp SAAF SAAF
Barnes, L.E. ♦ Sgt 1986 20 May 1985 AFHQ SAAF SAAF
Scobbie, J. ♦ Amn 1986 20 May 1985 AFB Swkp SAAF SAAF
Whyte, A. ♦ LS 1986 18 Aug 1982 SAS PK SAN SAN
Fisher, Matthew Joseph Pte 1986 [11] 31 Dec 1983 5 Med SAMS SAMS
Winn, Kenneth John Pte 1986 [11] 31 Dec 1983 5 Med SAMS SAMS
Van Zyl, G.P. ♦ Bdr 1987 25 Sep 1985 SAAC SA Army
Roux, A.L. L/Cpl 28 Jan 1987 SAMS SAMS
Van Zyl, H.G. Lt 1987 SAMS SAMS
Vermaak, J. S Sgt 1988 20 Sep 1987 1 RR SAIC SA Army
Steynberg, F.J. L Cpl 1988 13 Mar 1987 SAMS SAMS
Wilke, Coenraad Frederick Maj 1988 [11] 25 Aug 1987 4 RR SAIC SA Army
Beukman, Anton S Sgt 1988 [12] 25 Aug 1987 4 RR SAIC SA Army
Heydendrych, Gerhardus Johannes S Sgt 1988 [11] 25 Aug 1987 4 RR SAIC SA Army
Burt, Richard Brent Sgt 1988 [11] 25 Aug 1987 4 RR SAIC SA Army
De Wet, Jacobus Sgt 1988 [11] 25 Aug 1987 4 RR SAIC SA Army
Herbst, Philippus Jacobus Sgt 1988 [11] 25 Aug 1987 4 RR SAIC SA Army
Liebenberg, Henk Sgt 1988 [11] 25 Aug 1987 4 RR SAIC SA Army
Manuel, Adriano Nelson Sgt 1988 [11] 25 Aug 1987 4 RR SAIC SA Army
Oettle, Johannes Lochner Sgt 1988 [11] 25 Aug 1987 4 RR SAIC SA Army
Van der Merwe, Johannes Hendrik Sgt 1988 [11] 25 Aug 1987 4 RR SAIC SA Army
Van Niekerk, Pieter Gideon Cpl 1988 [11] 25 Aug 1987 4 RR SAIC SA Army
Wessels, Leslie Petrus Sgt 1988 [11] 25 Aug 1987 4 RR SAIC SA Army
Pyper, D.F. Capt 1988 23 Mar 1988 RPS SAAC SA Army
Bock, David A.C. 2 Lt 1988 157[11] 31 Oct 1987 101 Bn SAIC SA Army
Lehman, J. (Johan) Cmdt 1988 5 Oct 1987 SAMI SAAF
Van Dyk, P.R. (Flip) Sgt 1988 1 Oct 1987 24 Sqn SAAF SAAF
Nortman, J.H. Cmdt 1988 13 Sep 1987 32 Bn SAIC SA Army
Bremer, H.M. 2 Lt 1988 16 Sep 1987 61 Mech SAIC SA Army
Kooij, J. 2 Lt 1988 13 Sep 1987 61 Mech SAIC SA Army
Rupping, R. Sgt 1988 13 Sep 1987 32 Bn SAIC SA Army
Green, G.W. Rfn 1988 3 Oct 1987 61 Mech SAIC SA Army
Gregory, A.T. ♦ Rfn 1991 28 Jan 1987 Insele SAIC SA Army
Bronkhorst, J.J. Cpl 1988 31 Oct 1987 101 Bn SAIC SA Army
Cronje, D.L. Cpl 1988 114 31 Oct 1987 Sec 10 Command SA Army
Frederick, F. Cpl 31 Oct 1987 101 Bn SAIC SA Army
Prinsloo, N.J.A. Lt 1988 31 Oct 1987 101 Bn SAIC SA Army
Stander, T. Cpl 1988 31 Oct 1987 101 Bn SAIC SA Army
Theunissen, J. Cpl 1988 31 Oct 1987 101 Bn SAIC SA Army
Thom, A.M. † Rfn 1991 9 Nov 1987 4 SAI SAIC SA Army
De Vos, T.J.D. Lt 1988 11 Nov 1987 32 Bn SAIC SA Army
Labuschagne, J.H. Sgt [11] 11 Nov 1987 4 SAI SATSC SA Army
Van Zyl, P.J. Capt 1988 11 Nov 1987 32 Bn SAIC SA Army
Moos, P. 2 Lt 1988 22 Mar 1988 6 MU SAOSC SA Army
Louw, G.M. Cmdt 1988 23 Mar 1988 ACTS SAAC SA Army
Dreyer, Willem Adriaan Lt 1988 2 May 1988 102 Bn SAIC SA Army
Nel, Stephanus Gerhardus Johannes Capt 1988 2 May 1988 102 Bn SAIC SA Army
McCarthy, Alan John Maj 1990 2 Apr 1989 16 Sqn SAAF SAAF
Eksteen, A. Capt 1990 3 Apr 1989 31 Sqn SAAF SAAF
Vergottini, Mario Capt 1990 2 Apr 1989 17 Sqn SAAF SAAF
De Roubaix, Emmanuel Marthinus Sgt 1990 2 Apr 1989 17 Sqn SAAF SAAF
Fourie, G. Sgt 1990 3 Apr 1989 87 HFS SAAF SAAF
Steyn, E.E. F Sgt 1990 2 Apr 1989 17 Sqn SAAF SAAF
Thomas, J.A. † [18] Lt 1991 29 Feb 1988 701 Bn SAIC SA Army
Hulley, C.C. 2 Lt 1991 9 Sep 1990 Hoëveld SAIC SA Army
Lewis, M.J. ♦ WO1 1991 12 Sep 1990 82 Mech SAIC SA Army
Du Plessis, R. ♦ S Sgt 1991 12 Sep 1990 82 Mech SAIC SA Army
Maloy, J.A. ♦ Rfn 1991 30 Jan 1990 1 SACC SAIC SA Army
Rosenberg, E.D. †♦ Rfn 1991 30 Jan 1990 1 SACC SAIC SA Army
Geldenhuys, A. ♦ Lt Cdr 1991 [19] 4 Aug 1991 Diving Sch SAN SAN
Mostert, F.H. ♦ CPO 1991 [19] 4 Aug 1991 Diving Sch SAN SAN
Brown, D.M. ♦ LS 1991 [19] 4 Aug 1991 Diving Sch SAN SAN
Dicks, L.J. ♦ LS 1991 [19] 4 Aug 1991 Diving Sch SAN SAN
Mertz, P.J. Cmdt 1992 19 Jul 1980 31 Sqn SAAF SAAF
Reesch, N. 2 Lt 1992 1980 SAIC SA Army
Francis, C.T. S Sgt 1992 1989 SA Army
Joubert, J. F Sgt 1992 1984 SAAF SAAF
Fidler, Bruce Andrew. † [lower-alpha 2] Cpl 1992 15 Sep 1985 7 Med SAMS SAMS
Alexander ♦ Cpl 1995 SAMS SAMS
De Villiers, J. Cpl 1995 SAMS SAMS
Meulenbeck, F.A.  † Rfn 1995 SAIC SA Army
Fonette, Manuel Rfn [12] SAIC SA Army
Sterzel, Stuart Sgt [12] 1987 SAIC SA Army

Note 1: † denotes a posthumous award.
Note 2: ♦ denotes a non-combat or non-operational act of bravery.
Note 3: ♥ André Diedericks was also awarded the HCS in 1985.

Actions cited for

  1. 1 2 Johnston, Andrew Lawrence and Smith, Michael Anthony: During a special forces operation, conducted at night in an urban area, a hand grenade exploded, seriously wounding a four man team. Staff Sergeant Johnstone, Corporal Smith and another team member from a different team came to the assistance of the four wounded operators of the first team. The explosion had caused a fire which then ignited further grenades, carried in the webbing of the injured. Johnstone, Smith and their colleague remained with the wounded and returned enemy fire, allowing the wounded to be extracted and ensuring the eventual success of the mission.[11]:77
  2. ↑ Fidler, Bruce Andrew. – In the early 1980s, the South African Reconnaissance Commandos (now the South African Special Forces Brigade) identified the need for a special medical unit to support Special Forces on operations and the Detachment Medical Special Operations was formed. Under command of the Surgeon General, a group of 9 doctors with Commandant Wouter Basson at the head, founded what would later become 7 Medical Battalion Group at Special Forces Brigade Headquarters (Speskop) south of Pretoria in 1984. Corporal Bruce Andrew Fidler, an operational medical support operator of 7 Med Bn Gp with Special Forces training, was killed in action in Angola on 15 September 1985. The details are sketchy, but it is understood that Corporal Fidler supported a clandestine unit of the SADF, most probably 1 Parachute Battalion, tasked to train UNITA.
    Corporal Fidler was attached to 44 Parachute Regiment during operations in Southern Angola, in support of UNITA. His unit was ambushed and in the ensuing firefight, he was captured by enemy forces and was reported missing. Fidler was brutally tortured and interrogated by the enemy before being executed, but he never revealed the presence of his nearby unit, thereby enabling the 7 Medical Battalion Group Surgical Team of between 5 and 10 doctors to successfully evade capture and reach South African lines. His remains were repatriated to South Africa in June 1992 and he was cremated on 15 September 1992. Corporal Fidler was posthumously awarded the Honoris Crux for his bravery and selfless devotion, above and beyond the call of duty in the face of brutal torture. He was 22.[20][21][22]

References

  1. ↑ South African Medal Website - Post-nominal Letters (Accessed 28 April 2015)
  2. 1 2 South African Medal Website - SA Defence Force : 1952-1975 (Accessed 30 April 2015)
  3. 1 2 3 4 South African Medal Website - SA Defence Force : 1975-2003 (Accessed 30 April 2015)
  4. ↑ Suid-Afrikaanse militêre dekorasies: 1952-1975
  5. ↑ Suid-Afrikaanse militêre dekorasies: 1975-2003
  6. ↑ Republic of South Africa Government Gazette Vol. 457, no. 25213, Pretoria, 25 July 2003
  7. 1 2 Republic of South Africa Government Gazette no. 15093, Pretoria, 3 September 1993
  8. 1 2 3 Republic of South Africa Government Gazette Vol. 477, no. 27376, Pretoria, 11 March 2005, OCLC 72827981
  9. 1 2 Monick, S (1988). South African Military Awards 1912-1987. South African National Museum of Military History. p. 49.
  10. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 Uys, Ian (1992). Cross of Honour. Germiston: Uys. pp. 43, 47, 49, 106, 124, 134–135, 137. ISBN 0-9583173-2-1.
  11. 1 2 3 4 5 6 "SA Special Forces League". Honoris Crux Decoration. Retrieved 12 April 2012.
  12. ↑ Diedericks, André (2007). Journey Without Boundaries (2nd ed.). Durban, South Africa: Just Done Productions Publishing (published 23 June 2007). ISBN 978-1-920169-58-9. Retrieved 29 September 2014.
  13. ↑ "André Diedericks". Justdone.co.za. Retrieved 5 November 2014.
  14. 1 2 Steenkamp, Willem (2006). Borderstrike: South Africa in Angola: 1975 - 1980 (Third ed.). Durban: Just Done Productions Publishing. p. 445 of 499. ISBN 978-1-4475-3486-0.
  15. ↑ Greef, Jack (2008). A Greater Share of Honour (2nd ed.). Durban, South Africa: Just Done Productions Publishing (published 17 July 2008). ISBN 978-1-920315-06-1. Retrieved 8 October 2014.
  16. ↑ My Boss at 19 Sqn & AFB PE. RIP. Posted by Thomas Langenhoven on 10 November 2015
  17. ↑ "View Person Information: Thomas, JA, Lt". SA Roll of Honour. Retrieved 8 October 2014.
  18. 1 2 3 4 "Dié helde word met medaljes vereer (These Heroes honoured with medals)". Die Burger. 31 August 1991.
  19. ↑ "South African War Graves Project". Bambatha Rebellion / Rand Revolt / Korea / Border War / Non World War / Police Casualties (E-F).
  20. ↑ The SWA / Angolan Border War 1966-1989 group on Facebook, comment by Gary Landman on a post by Graham du Toit
  21. ↑ "View Person Information: Fidler, BA, Cpl". SA Roll of Honour. Retrieved 8 October 2014.
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