Oshakati
After Elundu we had a short 10 days leave, returned and prepared for our second deployment to the border, Oshakati for 6 Months (increased to 7 months).
Scotty the Platoon Medic
On arrival, 2nd February 1986, we bivvied for 5 nights at SAS Makalani Base.
Makalani is the name of a Palm Tree and the seeds look like small coconuts, troops became expert carvers creating art from the nuts such as keyrings.
Puma Helicopter
10 Panzer Squadron, in the background a Puma Helicopter can be seen coming in for landing on the Oshakati runway.
L Cpl. Garth Benneyworth inside a watchtower
Oshakati Base
Watchtower at Oshakati
L Cpl. Garth Benneyworth
Brian Fritz standing alongside a SAMIL 20 Truck
Buffel Patrols
Section 2 – Surfing on a Buffel to the North of Oshakati also known as Ovamboland (Owamboland)
Section # – Buffel surfing
Ready for the next wave – Couto, Jackson, McCue, LCpl Korte & Semet
Chris Yzel (Fanta and a Smoke) and Warren Hardwick
Lunch – Couto, McCue, LCpl Benneyworth & Churchill
10 Panzer Division Patrols
Out with the “Eland” Armoured Cars (Nicknamed Noddy cars) doing a mine sweep for them.
Noddy car surfing in the Owamboland
Eland breaking waves
Eland exiting from the surf
Foot Patrols
LCpl. Jannie Goodchild
Churchill, Volmhagen, Couto and LCpl. Pantazis
McCue, LCpl. Korte and Volmhagen
Time Out
Grensvegter Hardwick
During the 1980’s a TV show name “Grensvegter” aired, Warren and Craig shooting the shit with their imitations, cigars and all.
There were others…..go on…admit it.
Grensvegter Hewkins
Hardwick and Hewkins having lunch on an abandoned car.
Donkey Race – Brian Fritz and Warren Hardwick
L Cpl Russel Korte caught napping
Lole Hirschfield’s min day countdown. The disaster was a mortar attack and an additional month on the border due to the lack of replacements.
Dr. Anthony Turton
Website: http://www.anthonyturton.com/
1975 – 1986 is mostly about the external conflict.
1987 – 2011 transition to an internal conflict after the Battle of Cuito Cuanavale.