32 Battalion veterans honour David Yates’ memory
His widow, Theresa was presented with her late husband's pewter mug, which in keeping with tradition had its glass bottom shattered.
Veterans from 32 Battalion honoured their fallen comrade, David Yates, at the memorial service at the NG Kerk Moedergemeente on Saturday.
Yates was a former member of the Battalion and died last week of a suspected heart attack, in his holding cell in Ladysmith. He was arrested and placed in custody in June, on suspicion of gunning down two suspected drug dealers and wounding another in Dundee and Richards Bay.
Since news of his death broke, tributes have poured in for the man described as an animal lover, an extraordinary soldier, and a loving father and husband. After the service, former Officer Commanding of the 32 Battalion, General Eddie ‘Big Daddy’ Viljoen handed Yates’s widow, Theresa the traditional 32 Battalion pewter mug which belonged to her late husband.
Barry Roper, who helped arrange the service and is also a Battalion veteran, explained tradition ruled each group leader be given a glass-bottomed pewter mug with his name engraved on it, to hang at the 32 Battalion bar. If the member died, a short ceremony would be held during which the mug’s bottom would be shattered, so no one else could drink from it.
This tradition was also carried out to honour Yates, who as a Staff Sergeant was asked by Gen Viljoen to lead a company of men into action. This was deemed an unusual command.
“But it was a command Dave carried out brilliantly and I remain proud of this man who was an extraordinary soldier,” said Gen Viljoen, who is now retired and lives in Amanzimtoti.
See below as General Viljoen hand Theresa the mug
READ MORE: Shooting accused Yates dies in prison
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