Wow guys!! Well done. One of the best, if not the best interview on this channel Action packed and really adrenaline pumping stuff Only by the grace of God that you guys are still alive!! Blessings Leon
I worked with Jojo Bruyns in Iraq, excellent man. We lost quite a few people there but it was never the special forces guys. I was at 61mech 84, ratel 90mm 1SSB. It's really cool to listen to these clips. I think our military learned a lot by 84 and we were a force to be reckoned with. Just a pity the real war was being waged inside SA, politicians bought, bureaucrats filling their pockets. I'm impressed that you guys know the Almighty. That's the most important thing. Thanks for good memories. It was a privilege being part of a country that still stood for Christian values. We were always in awe of the recces. I remember in transit, being in a mess in Pretoria, a group of recces came in for dinner and the whole mess went quiet, everyone just observed them in awe. We were all 18 yr old conscripts.
I was a signaller with 5RR and as such was in the 2nd lead vehicle, directly behind the casspir of Col.Hills during Op Firewood. I was HQ Commando and thus did not participate in the attack. Where we remained was so far back that nothing of the attack was heard. After watching this conversation I've come to realize just how little I knew of the battle and the realities of that tragic day. Respect, gentlemen!
Brotherhood... manne, sterk manne! God bless you! I returned to rewatch this episode after watching Greg's interview (24 JUL 2022) - this episode makes way more sense to me now! Thanks again for sharing this perspective.
Good day, thank you for doing these interviews to keep the forgotten history alive. I was part of ops Firewood and in all the records I have read it never recorded that C company of 1 Para Bn was also part of the operation. We did not lose any men that day like D company did and 101, but I would like to see that C company gets included into the the records of ops Firewood. Keep doing the good work we are enjoying you channel.
These are the real warriors that we have never had enough chance to show our respect and admiration... for all that they did so bravely... and these accounts are so clear and accurate which well proves how much more professional these soldiers were than our national servicemen.. Well done telling us all this gentlemen,,, this was riveting footage and we who have been there can far better visualize this brave and incredible battle... thank you for this..
I was part of a RM team working north of the border at that time. We met a group of Bats going south with a 2 Rec WO in command. Had a TB that night and took them south the next morning where they had to be. I remember the Bats were talking that they lost 14 guys at the time. Quite emotional and the WO had his hands full. I was under the impression that they achieved the objective - according to Darryl we left before that happened. Really want to know the real ending. Keep digging Koos, this stuff is addictive.
Respect to you guys for sharing a personal experience and so glad the Lord brought you back to testify. Thanks Koos for tirelessly organising epic talks
That 101Bn 2lt was Deon Botes, my best friend. He was there in my Casspir. At the time, I was in Ops Moduler on KM's Casspir. Can't believe they gave the Recces buffels. I refuse to saddle a buffel to this day . . .
@ Deon Venter It is so sad when you hear of someone's passing and even more so in what I would termor refer to as "wasted battle or war" and the loss of your friend. Today, still, so many years after that battle, I get cold chills remembering the sound of the fear and impending outcome in his voice, over the VHF radio.
Shades of Eheke? The first time I have ever heard a first-hand account of Firewood - the fog of war is so apparent in their recount of events. As is their reliance on their Faith. Humbling, Concur - very well told! Greg - your eloqution lessons at WITS are very noticeable! The song by Dire Straits "Brothers in Arms" has gained greater meaning for me. Remembering the fallen so fitting,
Soldier: 'thankyou for saving me that day'. Other soldier: 'pleasure, any time, I'll do it again'. This is probably the most wonderful moment captured on 'Legacy Conversations. "Greater love hath no man, that he lay down his life for his friend" (John 15)
I haven't spoken about that day since it happened. I am a member of Delta 86/87 I was there and it's very interesting to hear some of the other guy's stories and experiences.
Thank you for the chat, brutal honesty, I always wondered what happened. Yup hated the buffel, my back can still feel it ! `great talk. Just a comment debriefing was not normal, pleased it happened after this op
It would be great to have the whole story. I lost my friend DW Van Rooyen that day. Burying his farther on this coming Friday. Please get the whole story out. Please
@Louis du Plessis - my condolences to everyone, I am sorry for the deaths, see also th-cam.com/video/sK6OvrGn8Uw/w-d-xo.html where Firewood is discussed and what Hans Louw, 5 Recce, said in his episode, Koos
Guys hi, although I understand the political situation at that time, is it practically impossible to feature black operators? Nice work keep them coming ❤❤❤
Something that need to be told in this story is,the base was never taken and SADF lost two vehicles in this battle captured intact. Few were knocked out too.This is one probably few battles SADF lost.
Ek was deel van die aanvals groep van Charlie en Delta kompanie 86/87 inname. Ek stem saam alles wat gese is hier. Was ook op die buffels en was een van die manne wat die Delta manne wat gesneuwel het moes uitken in die "jiffie bags" direk na hulle uitgehaal is soos hulle uit die Caspir geklim het. Direk in die lyn van vuur.
I still have a picture of the vehicle (Ural ) that was shot out going into the base , this brings back memories but that op was a cluster fuck, still remember being shot at by those idiots in the imps
I was part of a small stopper group for support of 101 at operation Firewood....it is true that unexpected support came from the North of the base but hit us from more of a westerly direction....the intel was a disaster and we at 101 lost more that one caspir ...just in our group of 12 we lost 5 if i remenber correctly...
@@LegacyConversations Hi Koos...i will reconnect with you as i may have some photos laying around....but just to confirm the operation remains a mystery for it was such a serious failure which remained very quiet. There were heavy losses from our side and after all the operations we were involved in the war, Firewood was the worst for three reasons that i believe....first the intel was on the base was definately not accurate...secondly the SAAF were no where near accurate with their targets on the Swapo base as they were meant to soften the base up before our advance...thirdly the communication and poor descion making within some of our teams añ leaders were not on the quality level as we were used to. We werent prepared correctly for this one and there were to many unaccounted swapo groups that were nearby the base, as they arrived quite quickly when they heard us attacking the base. We were in the north side as a stopper group and they came fom behind us...101 lost alot but i still believe that if were operated better even on the day, we would have had less casualties but we still would have had a failed operation as swapo had to many numbers and they were heavily armed this time around....it felt a kind of cursed operation from the start....will get back to you though...great channel..
Yes, great, we have Marius Scheepers coming on to explain more about Firewood as it is dealt with in one of his books. But all who participated there are welcome to tell their stories. Koos
Thanks to the maroon beret brothers of VK and Para Bn who fought like red devils against the odds. Saluut to Capt Kruys and Dodelike Delta. Was this due to planning negligence which cost 16 lives and wounded 56 ? Have you ever heard of a veggroep with 150 vehicles and 1070 troops and only 4 mortars for fire support attacking a well entrenched base?? Arogance? or Stupidity?
Let us speak to the other units as well before we blame the commanders. As is we just don't know. I will do my best to get an episode out that covers the entire ops, Koos
All the large weapons was tied up in Ops Modular at the time. According to legend Kat Liebenberg said we were going up against a few Swapos and we need to run them over with the Caspir's. I think this will answer your question/ statement of who made the decision. Thanks Chris
Wow guys!! Well done. One of the best, if not the best interview on this channel Action packed and really adrenaline pumping stuff
Only by the grace of God that you guys are still alive!!
Blessings Leon
I worked with Jojo Bruyns in Iraq, excellent man.
We lost quite a few people there but it was never the special forces guys. I was at 61mech 84, ratel 90mm 1SSB. It's really cool to listen to these clips. I think our military learned a lot by 84 and we were a force to be reckoned with. Just a pity the real war was being waged inside SA, politicians bought, bureaucrats filling their pockets.
I'm impressed that you guys know the Almighty. That's the most important thing.
Thanks for good memories. It was a privilege being part of a country that still stood for Christian values. We were always in awe of the recces. I remember in transit, being in a mess in Pretoria, a group of recces came in for dinner and the whole mess went quiet, everyone just observed them in awe. We were all 18 yr old conscripts.
I was a signaller with 5RR and as such was in the 2nd lead vehicle, directly behind the casspir of Col.Hills during Op Firewood. I was HQ Commando and thus did not participate in the attack. Where we remained was so far back that nothing of the attack was heard. After watching this conversation I've come to realize just how little I knew of the battle and the realities of that tragic day. Respect, gentlemen!
Brotherhood... manne, sterk manne! God bless you!
I returned to rewatch this episode after watching Greg's interview (24 JUL 2022) - this episode makes way more sense to me now! Thanks again for sharing this perspective.
Hi guys, it's good to read all your memories/flashbacks. I was part of Ops Firewood, and was in the casper with Brig James Hills. I salute you!
Then come and tell us what happened, please, Koos
Greg, one of the best analogies of what it was like on the back of a Buffel for hours, days and months that I have heard. Gentlemen, thank you!
Good day, thank you for doing these interviews to keep the forgotten history alive. I was part of ops Firewood and in all the records I have read it never recorded that C company of 1 Para Bn was also part of the operation. We did not lose any men that day like D company did and 101, but I would like to see that C company gets included into the the records of ops Firewood. Keep doing the good work we are enjoying you channel.
Hi Jurg - a quick question for you, why don't you chat with Koos and get your story recorded for the record? That will help spread the word! Thanks!
Fantastic interview gentleman! Thank you for taking the time to share and I look forward to the individual episodes.
These are the real warriors that we have never had enough chance to show our respect and admiration... for all that they did so bravely... and these accounts are so clear and accurate which well proves how much more professional these soldiers were than our national servicemen.. Well done telling us all this gentlemen,,, this was riveting footage and we who have been there can far better visualize this brave and incredible battle... thank you for this..
I was part of a RM team working north of the border at that time. We met a group of Bats going south with a 2 Rec WO in command. Had a TB that night and took them south the next morning where they had to be. I remember the Bats were talking that they lost 14 guys at the time. Quite emotional and the WO had his hands full. I was under the impression that they achieved the objective - according to Darryl we left before that happened. Really want to know the real ending. Keep digging Koos, this stuff is addictive.
They lost 5 guys killed and 12 wounded Another guy died later on his way to 1 Mil
Great and interesting story Darrell and Greg, salute and respect guy's. Thank you Koos, salute and respect.
Respect to you guys for sharing a personal experience and so glad the Lord brought you back to testify. Thanks Koos for tirelessly organising epic talks
That 101Bn 2lt was Deon Botes, my best friend. He was there in my Casspir. At the time, I was in Ops Moduler on KM's Casspir. Can't believe they gave the Recces buffels. I refuse to saddle a buffel to this day . . .
Deon Venter what eventually happened to him? Did he make it to safety? Some of my schoolmates died in this operation.
@ Deon Venter It is so sad when you hear of someone's passing and even more so in what I would termor refer to as "wasted battle or war" and the loss of your friend. Today, still, so many years after that battle, I get cold chills remembering the sound of the fear and impending outcome in his voice, over the VHF radio.
Shades of Eheke? The first time I have ever heard a first-hand account of Firewood - the fog of war is so apparent in their recount of events. As is their reliance on their Faith. Humbling, Concur - very well told! Greg - your eloqution lessons at WITS are very noticeable! The song by Dire Straits "Brothers in Arms" has gained greater meaning for me. Remembering the fallen so fitting,
Manne yr bravery,toughness and sacrifice is on a level i cannot fathom ...much respect ..God bless
Thank you Genleman and Koos as always good program.
Keep it up Koos
Thank you for sharing. AND BLESS YOU ALL. Thank you for your service.
Soldier: 'thankyou for saving me that day'. Other soldier: 'pleasure, any time, I'll do it again'. This is probably the most wonderful moment captured on 'Legacy Conversations. "Greater love hath no man, that he lay down his life for his friend" (John 15)
Beautiful words from the Bible. It was Jesus foretelling his sacrificial death for us sinners worldwide.
Amen to that
I haven't spoken about that day since it happened. I am a member of Delta 86/87 I was there and it's very interesting to hear some of the other guy's stories and experiences.
Did you get my email, Craig? Koos
@@LegacyConversations I did koos, thank you.
Thank you for the chat, brutal honesty, I always wondered what happened. Yup hated the buffel, my back can still feel it ! `great talk. Just a comment debriefing was not normal, pleased it happened after this op
Wonderful episode 👍👍
It would be great to have the whole story. I lost my friend DW Van Rooyen that day. Burying his farther on this coming Friday. Please get the whole story out. Please
@Louis du Plessis - my condolences to everyone, I am sorry for the deaths, see also th-cam.com/video/sK6OvrGn8Uw/w-d-xo.html where Firewood is discussed and what Hans Louw, 5 Recce, said in his episode, Koos
Dankie Koos
unless you were ever in a situation like you guys described here one should just reframe from commenting respect is all that counts stay strong
Heroes. And such modesty. Massive respect.
A2......nice to hear and see buddys again🤘
awesome recording, thankyou for sharing it, respect
Thanks all , would very much like hearing from a Parabats perspective, lost 2 Pinetown heroes that day RIP 🙏
We are in contact with a Bat to tell us their story, Koos
@@LegacyConversations Thanks Koos , thanks that’s gonna be a very sad and interesting listen , A story that must be told , Thank you
@Jayne Also note when Lt Col Stanley F Botten (2IC 2 Recce) comes up on 21 May (I think) - he speaks of Firewood too, Koos
@@LegacyConversations terrific I will keep an eye out
Hi Koos , Has Lt colonel Stanley F Botten , been on as yet ? Thanks
Utmost respect for all of you
Greg thats a honest answer. About jouning the milatary.
Guys hi, although I understand the political situation at that time, is it practically impossible to feature black operators? Nice work keep them coming ❤❤❤
See Hans Louw if able to speak Afrikaans - th-cam.com/video/fg1rRvZ1Reg/w-d-xo.html These men are not easy to convince to speak to us, Koos
Something that need to be told in this story is,the base was never taken and SADF lost two vehicles in this battle captured intact. Few were knocked out too.This is one probably few battles SADF lost.
There isn't a lot of information available when it comes to operation firewood. Some more insight from the bats and from 101 bn would be interesting.
Ek was deel van die aanvals groep van Charlie en Delta kompanie 86/87 inname. Ek stem saam alles wat gese is hier. Was ook op die buffels en was een van die manne wat die Delta manne wat gesneuwel het moes uitken in die "jiffie bags" direk na hulle uitgehaal is soos hulle uit die Caspir geklim het. Direk in die lyn van vuur.
@Roelie, kom vertel ons julle storie asb, is welkom hier, Koos
I still have a picture of the vehicle (Ural ) that was shot out going into the base , this brings back memories but that op was a cluster fuck, still remember being shot at by those idiots in the imps
Thank you. God is awesome.
I was part of a small stopper group for support of 101 at operation Firewood....it is true that unexpected support came from the North of the base but hit us from more of a westerly direction....the intel was a disaster and we at 101 lost more that one caspir ...just in our group of 12 we lost 5 if i remenber correctly...
@Mark, please come and tell us what happened, the battle is something of a mystery up to now, Koos
@@LegacyConversations Hi Koos...i will reconnect with you as i may have some photos laying around....but just to confirm the operation remains a mystery for it was such a serious failure which remained very quiet. There were heavy losses from our side and after all the operations we were involved in the war, Firewood was the worst for three reasons that i believe....first the intel was on the base was definately not accurate...secondly the SAAF were no where near accurate with their targets on the Swapo base as they were meant to soften the base up before our advance...thirdly the communication and poor descion making within some of our teams añ leaders were not on the quality level as we were used to. We werent prepared correctly for this one and there were to many unaccounted swapo groups that were nearby the base, as they arrived quite quickly when they heard us attacking the base. We were in the north side as a stopper group and they came fom behind us...101 lost alot but i still believe that if were operated better even on the day, we would have had less casualties but we still would have had a failed operation as swapo had to many numbers and they were heavily armed this time around....it felt a kind of cursed operation from the start....will get back to you though...great channel..
Yes, great, we have Marius Scheepers coming on to explain more about Firewood as it is dealt with in one of his books. But all who participated there are welcome to tell their stories. Koos
@@LegacyConversations I was in Sector two zero : at this time, Oshikati. Kleinspan patrols. as well as "mynvee' Oshikati to Ruacana.. . . . .
Saluut, and thank ypu.
Salute to the fallen
Salute / Saluut.
Thanks to the maroon beret brothers of VK and Para Bn who fought like red devils against the odds. Saluut to Capt Kruys and Dodelike Delta. Was this due to planning negligence which cost 16 lives and wounded 56 ? Have you ever heard of a veggroep with 150 vehicles and 1070 troops and only 4 mortars for fire support attacking a well entrenched base??
Arogance? or Stupidity?
Let us speak to the other units as well before we blame the commanders. As is we just don't know. I will do my best to get an episode out that covers the entire ops, Koos
For sure comment from Johan Kruys would be insightful
@@chrismccune3286 And James Hills
@@LegacyConversations
Genl Kat Liebenberg
Brig Bestbier
Col Eddie Viljoen
Col James Hills
All the large weapons was tied up in Ops Modular at the time. According to legend Kat Liebenberg said we were going up against a few Swapos and we need to run them over with the Caspir's. I think this will answer your question/ statement of who made the decision. Thanks Chris
What eventually happened with the 101 Lieutenant who was the sole survivor of the shot-out Casspir?
th-cam.com/video/sK6OvrGn8Uw/w-d-xo.html Ops Firewood discussed by Marius Scheepers
My ears were burning! lol
How's it Koos.