National Service / Diensplig.

Platoon and Section News.

PLATOON 2

2nd July 1985, D-Day in most of our lives. Two years of military service lay ahead, "but not to worry, we're going to Personnel Services School" was what we said. Our luck was short lived, as we were posted out to 3 SAI. Now, if that name conjures up images of lots of guys running around in brown clothes, lots of sweat and hard work, well then you're right !

Our training took place in and around Potchefstroom, after which we were sent to Kempton Park to do riot control in Tembisa. This was something totally new to us and we thoroughly enjoyed it. While on patrol we would indulge in mielie braai's thanks to the farmers in the area who are probably still wondering where their crops went to, and also the occasional watermelon fights at the Power Station.

On leaving Tembisa we completed our training at Modderfontein. This is a period that L/Cpl Webster won't forget as he fired off a shot, narrowly missing the captain. The captain obviously wasn't too pleased and Webster subsequently made acquaintance with Beacon 49 on the horizon. Rfn Buckley found himself in a similar situation when doing safety precautions on the LMG. On declaring the weapon safe, he fired a shot. The captain then vowed that Buckley would not sleep in peace again. Rfn J.B. Smith at that time was dragging an empty polish tin behind him and he said that it was his pet dog "Fuggles". The Commandant of 3 SAI found this quite funny when introduced to "Fuggles". Rfn Winchester and Rfn Schutzler at the same time would like to make it quite clear that they are in no way related to each other, as since BASICS people have not been able to differentiate between the two of them.

Staff Claasen was famous for his 2,4's and Rfn Schoeman took pride in seeing how long he could take to do them as he inevitably came in last. Section 3 were always competing to see who could do the least work and succeeded in their goals. Rfn Abrantes was probably the biggest "gypo". Rfn Kennedy you could say was the "disaster-master". He had the ability to cause the most chaos around him and yet always came out of it unharmed. His favourite was to somehow always break the plastic bags in a Rat pack and thereby spray everyone with milkshake or colddrink. Rfn Grobler, the other extreme, was known for his shiny boots and neat clothes and went by the name of "Paratus".

After completion of riots came the border trips. Oshivelo was a new challenge and milestone in our military careers. One day Rfn Schutzler let off a "Min Day" flare in the tent that subsequently went through the roof of the tent. The Commandant passing by was not amused and this led to Schutzler doing a 20km route march as punishment.

At a later stage, during the evaluation, some of the platoon mortarists decided that the mortar bombs were a bit too heavy and buried them in the sand along the route. The authorities however found out and gave us a speech on our departure that is best forgotten.

Contrary to what it may seem, the border trips went smoothly. The platoon was later split up into the various platoons because of it becoming too small. Platoon 2 was known as the English platoon or the "Souties". Although they may never have been the most prestigious platoon through achievements, it was probably the most closely knit platoon with the best spirit. Rfn. Gatto was the break-dancing champion of the company, an achievement no other platoon can boast of.

PLATOON 3

The platoon formerly known as platoon 5 has also had a mixed bag of fortunes in their two years of national service. Apart from a few bad elements in the platoon they managed to carry out their tasks successfully and effectively.

They were one of the first platoons to be given the task of guarding the residence of the late Chief Minister of the KwaNdebele government, Mr Simon Skosana. Minister Skosana's family on many occasions shared their meals with them while they were on duty. The guys also guarded other key positions within this homeland.

During June 1986, while in Lebowa, the platoon was also sent to Sekekhuneland where they resided on a farm estate. The farm house was theirs for two weeks. While their friends at a temporary base at Malaita (Lebowa) were suffering, they had all the luxuries one could ask for : running water, fridge, stove, hot water, electricity, and plenty of fresh vegetables; not to mention the trips to the nearby telephone and post office. If the food needed a bit of spicing up, trips were made to the Steelpoort shopping centre. It was a sort of holiday while working.

After a well-deserved rest, came the border trips. First Oshivelo and then Okatope. Who will forget the braais in the veld with the number 6 Rat pack (goat, sheep, wild duck, and cows). There were many trips to JPM Wholesalers (the yellow one half way between Okatope and Ondangwa) for the necessary refreshments. On hot days tanning and sunbathing at the Shonas were the order of the day (and you were thinking your hubby/son/boyfriend was having a hard time ?).

After missing another Christmas (at home) we returned to the border with mixed feelings. First we had to share facilities at "Oshigambo Sands" with 5 SAI "rowers" and then we moved on to Ogongo "Ski-Resort" with 1 SAKK "rowers". Ogongo base was known as the "Ski-Resort" due to the vast mud pools in which many members had a tumble or two.

Platoon fashions on patrol varied from day to day. The guys dressed a la code 9 (Browns), code 1 (P.T. clothes), code 2 (underpants), and code 3 (birthday suit). Fashion accessories were headbands for the Rambo's, Koevoet boots, Rhodesian Army camo, bangles made out of Makalani palm leaves, and earrings for those who missed the fairer sex back home.

The platoon had the highest membership supporting the illegal AMM (Anti-Moffie Movement), these guys worked in the dark hours of night, and under cover, trying to stop the activities of the well known VVEK (Vroue Vereniging van ECHO-Kompanie [more about this later]).

The platoon also boasts with the most creative person in the company when it comes to writing. At times he gets so carried away by his fantasy thoughts he does not realise he is actually writing to his girlfriend. In the end she had to hear how he was guarding a bridge in Angola with only his R4 rifle and minimum ammunition. Apart from that he had lifted numerous landmines and escaped from many contacts. Our commander one day confronted and asked him if he was the "grensvegter" of the company. [ Well Cpl Steyn you're a genius when it comes to creative writing (Editor) ]. Here follows another of his masterpieces :

Verjaardag-gedagtes ! Die gekrap-krap van die radio laat jou geirriteerd daarna staar. "Twee-zero, twee-zero, zero" kom die stem weer oor die handstuk en verergd gaan jy aan om die diensboekregister in te vul ... Weet nie waarom die Staf my juis vanaand - op my verjaarsdag - laat diens doen nie. Hier gebeur dan net mooi niks nie ... in elk geval niks waarvan jy hoor of weet want in die basis is alles doodstil met slegs die gekraak van 'n paar droe makalaniboom-takke wat in 'n windvlaag versteur word. Aan die ander kant van die wal buite die basis is daar ook maar net sand, 'n paar verspreide bossies, en hier en daar 'n Owambomeid wat haar so van 'n plaaslik-vervaardigde reukwater bespuit het dat dit jou na die vars lug van die "states" laat verlang. Ja die "states". Toe jy daar was, was dit verveeld en het jy gesmag na 'n bietjie opwinding. Die woeste rock-partytjies, die skelm rook gewoontes en laatnag kapperjolle deur Hillbrow se strate het jou nie meer bevredig nie en het jy opgewonde daardie dag jou oproepinstruksies oor en oor gelees. R4's, Noord Suid-wes, en wilde jaagtogte agter "terrs" aan het jou avontuurlus aangewakker en het jy geweet dat jy elke oomblik daarvan sou geniet. Uiteindelik, het jy gesug toe die trein daardie koue oggend vanaf Sturrockparkstasie af weggeruk het. Weg van pa se alewige gepreek, weg van ma se "gekerm". Nou sal hulle weet wat ek vir hulle beteken het. Ek sal nie bel of skryf nie ... net as ek moet, en die gedagte daaraan het jou laat glimlag terwyl jy nog 'n trek van 'n Chesterfield tussen jou vingers gevat het. Op 7 SAI het die bombastiese houding van die korporaal jou egter vinnig 'n ander deuntjie laat sing. "Rowers julle gaan .*&@&*%*(& ", het 'n paar van die ou-manne gereeld van hulle laat hoor en kort-voor-lank was jy ongeduldig-wagtend in die lang ry voor die telefoon. "Ag nee dit was nie so "bad" nie, het jy nog selfvertroostend" oor die telefoon aan jou ma gese. "Klink nie eers bly om my te hoor nie," het jy nog gedink toe jy in die donker terug gestrompel het bungalow toe en skielik het jy verskriklik huistoe verlang. Selfs ma se "gekerm" sou nou welkom gewees het. Ek is tog lief vir daardie ma van my ... "Korporaal, ek gaan nou my aflos wakker maak," ruk die seiner se woorde jou skielik terug. Jy knik met jou kop en hy verdwyn in die donker waar die laag geel streep van die opskamerligophou. "Twee-zero, twee-zero, zero," gaan die radio weer af. Kan die vervlakste ding nie 'n "fuse" of iets blaas nie? Stadig, verveeld steek jy 'n sigaret op. Nie meer lank nie, dink jy terwyl jy terugdruk op die stoel en die rook satisfakterend in jou longe afsuig, nie meer lank nie dan is die geraas van 'n weermag radio in jou ore iets van die verlede ...

HQ PLATOON

HQ Platoon, probably the laziest platoon of the company. Well that is what everyone else thinks, but in actual fact the company would not be able to function without the help of these guys. The HQ platoon is made up of clerks, drivers, chefs, intelligence officers, signallers, and medics. Certain of these members have a twenty-four hour job and work very hard. Here now are a few of their interesting stories :

Chefs

The four main chefs were L/Cpl W. Ghirlanda, Rfn J. Ceronio, Rfn D.A. Doherty, and Rfn JJ Posthumus. They were the first group of chefs in a long time to be sent to Catering School in Pretoria for training. It was here that these chefs learnt to prepare the quality meals that the troops were getting since mid-December 1985. Cooking was not the only thing they did at Catering School. They, in the eight weeks of training, became expert guards, gardeners, scrap metal collectors, waiters, and furniture removers. They could have been an opposition for the ECHO Handyman Services Inc if it wasn't for the kitchen obligations. This team of chefs was also given a twelve minute exposure on national television on the "Uit en Tuis" programme.

The chefs however will be remembered for their hard work and dedication with the Christmas meal at Kempton Park, the Easter meals, the various platoon braai's and the 40 Day lunch. No one will forget Posthumus and Ghirlanda's vetkoek den and their tasty hot chips. Three members who today still carry visible evidence of these guys good food is Staff Claasen, Staff Botes, and Sergeant Scrivener. Sergeant Scrivener also agreed that one of the chefs meals always had to be complimented with a "Horri-Borri". This refreshing drink consisted of a tot or two of everything the bar had in stock, added to a Coke.

The chefs worked hard at trying to satisfy everyone, but at times it was quite difficult because of the poor rations. They did their best under the circumstances and no one can actually complain about the food they prepared. Thanks must also be given to all the pseudo-chefs : J.B. Beynon, R.D. Schoeman, C. Lerm, A. Buckley, I. Burns, M. Geeringh, D. Bode, M. Fusco, L. Bezuidenhout, G.L. Kerr-Phillips, and W.L. Smith.

Clerks

Klerke! Ops-klerke, Inligting klerke, Betaal klerke, Pos klerke en Pers klerke - "sleg klerke". Hulle wat niks doen nie, wat skuil in donker klein kantore agter die baas se rug, wat skielik besig is as daar werk uitgedeel word.

So word gese: "Vra die klerke, hulle sal weet, hulle weet mos alles - hulle is mos die kaptein se pel, vra hulle, hulle sal weet wat ons volgende week gaan doen. So dink almal, of : "waarheen gaan ons, ag toe, se tog ek sal vir niemand se nie".

"Wat doen julle, julle lyk so besig?" "Ag, nooit die klerke werk nie, dit lyk net so. Ja, wel ons doen nie veel nie. Elke dag presies dieselfde op die uur, Sondae ook."

"Het jy onthou om die verslag weg te stuur". "Ja kaptein reeds gestuur". "Oppas julle tens my op, julle gatte gaan slae kry!"

Eintlik is ons nie so sleg nie, net keelvol van die selfde werk oor en oor, en elke dag presies soos gister, vandag en soos more s'n ook, vir agtien maande lank al. Maar dis ook oraait daar was lekker tye ook!

Medics

Na 6 weke van basiese opleiding te 3 SAI, is nege kandidate vir die gevegs mediese ordonnanskursus gekeur. Die kursus het gestrek oor 12 weke waarvan 4 weke te Klipdrift en 8 weke te SAGD Kollege Voortrekkerhoogte was.

Die 4 weke te Klipdrift (of te wel Sifdrif) was 'n heel nuwe ondervinding vir ons 9 rowers. Dit het egter nie lank geduur voordat ons gestreep was van die tipiese infanterie dissipline waaraan 3 SAI baie immers vir 6 weke aangewerk het nie. Ons is afgebring tot SAGD vlak. Die vier weke opleiding te Klipdrift het 'n "crash-course" in Basiese Noodhulp, Fisiologie en Anatomie behels. Na suksesvolle voltooiing van die ergste fase is ons sak en pak Voortrekkerhoogte toe om die tweede fase te takel.

Die verwelkoming by SAGD Kollege was alles behalwe vriendelik. Sommer gou gou was dit draad toe en terug, vyftig "push-ups" met jou voete teen die muur, en makeer-die-pas met jou trommel in die hoogvoor posisie. Die verwelkoming was egter van korte duur, want met die aanvang van die tweede fase is ons kompanie in 4 peletons ingedeel. Elke peleton het op 'n rotasie basis praktiese ondervinding by Tembisa, Kalafong en 1 Militere Hospitaal opgedoen.

Teoretiese kennis is verbreed in die klaskamer deur vakke soos Farmakologie, Militere Higiene, Noodhulp en Verpleegkunde. Ons moes deurgans hard gewerk het om die vereiste 60% te behaal - 3 SAI kan opreg trots voel oor die feit dat dit die enigste SAI eenheid was waar al die lede die kursus suksesvol afgele het.

Op 6 Desember 1985 het nege gekwalifiseerde "tampax-tiffies" na 3 SAI teruggekeer. Agtien maande van diensplig het ons nog in die gesig gestaar, 18 maande van swoeg, sweet, baklei, soebat, lag ...

Signallers

Is it a bird ? ... Is it a plane ? No ! it is a signalman ! We have finally made it through two years of sleepless nights. For some of us there are still feelings of unreality about the whole thing and we can see many of them standing at the breakfast table, bleary-eyed on the first day at home, asking whether he has missed roll-call. Mom astounded whispers to dad "they've driven our son crazy. Did they make them climb trees for breakfast ?"

Platoon signallers of course did just that. On any fine Owamboland morning you could look into the trees dotting the semi-desert landscape and you would see a poor idiot reaching for the sky with a radio in his hand and chanting to some distant god : "two-zero, two-zero". Slightly different from a stateside breakfast show but just as amusing if you happen to be watching.

Communication between HQ and platoons on patrol were on the whole pretty good except perhaps for the time we lost comms with 21 Charlie for five days. The last rumoured transmission was, "but this is a lekker game reserve hey !" Wonder, if the game wardens of Etosha saw this, what would they have said about this new breed of "Buffels" ?

It is comforting to know that no matter where you are in the bush, information like the latest rugby score, or the position of your favourite song on the Top-Twenty is just a radio call away, for signallers are on duty 24 hours a day. If one were to ask if we'll be just a little sad to say goodbye to all those crazy times, places and ugly voices the answer would be : "that is a positive !" But the best of all, if anyone asks if we are happy to be going home it would have to be : "dit is 'n groot papa daai, nogiets ... Dan gaan ons af (vir die laaste keer)."

81mm Mortarists (By J.S. Lavers)

ECHO COMPANY HANDYMAN SERVICES Inc., or better known as 81mm Mortarists (not the pea-shooter type, but 81mm).

This statement sounds very impressive. When volunteers were asked for, a very doubtful section was chosen. Captain Wessels (3 SAI) who had completed the course on the 81s, filled our hearts with pride and great hopes of becoming at that stage the BRAVO COMPANY 81mm Mortar section. What he did not tell us was the side effects of such an achievement. We had to do training at Modderfontein (a few kms outside Potchefstroom), and at the same time achieve one of the highest scores in 3 SAI for mortarists. Rfn W. Mack (Stipper) scored 100%, and the section scored an average of 92%.

Our first border trip came about, and our destination was Okatope. This trip brought about much deflating of our alter egos, and the start of the Handyman Services Inc. Our section of hopefuls were miraculously converted into electricians, pool renovators, kitchen experts, builders, bricklayers, gardening experts, infact the odd-job kings of the company (81 se moer). In fact our reputation, due to an extensive and extremely effective advertising campaign by Captain Hattingh, got so widespread that our services were suddenly urgently needed at 101 BN in Ondangwa. We literally rebuilt the entire base.

101 BN became a milestone in our two year service as one fateful night we were asked to shoot illumination. Normally we would have fulfilled this task without a hitch, but the control post which we were building had no lights, and consequently Rfn Mack made a slight plotting error causing the illumination to open ontop of a helicopter. It was the first time we had ever seen an Allouette helicopter do a complete 360 degree turn.

Next stop was 7 SAI and then on to Oshigambo. Part of the company were at ECHO-Tower. This was probably the most uneventful border trip of the three. Sunbathing was the order of the day.

On the last trip, Captain Combrink with Staff Botes brought us back to Oshigambo, and we doubled with a section of mortarists from Oscar Company 7 SAI; this trip proved to be the best trip as the days grew few.

Well that's all from us mortarists except a last farewell to BRAVO/ECHO COMPANY, and thanks for the good times.

From : Cpl Du Toit, E. De Beer, W. Mack, J.C. Herselman, J.S. Lavers, L. Cizlak, W. Britz, C.J. Van Schalkwyk, G. Murphy, and S. McIvor.

Copyright © 2000 S. Le Roux AND OpsMedic. All rights reserved.