Army veterans reminisce Border War days
Members of 61 Mechanised Battalion and 32 Battalion often fought side by side in support of each other in the Angola Border War.
The two legendary and sharp units in the South African Army recently got together at the Warriors Shell Hole as veterans and friends.
The two units – 61 Mechanised Battalion and 32 Battalion – often fought side by side in support of each other in the Angola Border War.
“We get together four times a year and attend various parades and memorial services,” says Mike Beyl, a veteran corporal and one of the organisers of the get-together.
“We have been back to our former battlefields in Angola a few times, which is quite an emotional experience.”
He says the get-together is not only for the former 61 and 32 Battalion members but includes all former army, navy and airforce members.
“All are welcome, even the wives! It doesn’t matter what your job description was, you are welcome to join us.”
Dr Louis Bothma, respected Afrikaans author of several books about the never-before-taught history of the Border Wars who has written about the battalions’ battles was among the guests.
He had brought copies of his books such as Die Buffel Struikel and the recently published Rebelspoor for those with an interest in what really occurred during the South-West African war.
“This is the first book in a 100 years detailing the 1914 Boer Rebellion. The end of the 1914 Boer Rebellion was the leading point towards the Border War.”
Anyone with a military background who would like to join the get-togethers can contact Beyl on 082 450 7697 or via email at zenocara@gmail.com.
