Legacy Conversations - Ops Sceptic - The Heroes

SADF Ratel IFVs attacked an enemy base called "Smokeshell" during Ops Sceptic on 10 July 1980 in Southern Angola. Three vehicles were shot out almost immediately and a running battle for survival started. Two medals for bravery were issued but there were many more soldiers unrecognised. In this episode, 61 Mech Veteran and Legacy Host, Andrew Whitaker, who was also at Smokeshell Base that day, investigates and speaks to the survivors in an attempt to give credit where due. If you have questions for our panel, please leave them below. Subscribe and activate the bell to be informed of new episodes.
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[@pauldanos6917]

proud of our boys!! my unit 8 SAI participated in this Op as well.I was not in smokeshell, i served in 85 to 87.

[@brucemorris9187]

I was in the practice for Protea 1981 when 5 X 120mm morters fell in front of my ratel 23B between the riflemen who were out of the Ratel on the ground in which I was the 20mm gunner. It was deverstating.

[@deniscoyne5671]

Thank you, Andrew, and to everyone that shared. Huge respect. I salute you all.

[@charlesschoeman9488]

The fallen will be forever young. I have the highest regard for the heroes of Op Sceptic - Smokeshell and the greater 61 Mech family. I feel extremely honoured to have come to know so many of you. 👊

[@kempvdwesthuizen9245]

Thanx Andrew. I really enjoyed listening to these Heros. God Bless

[@shaunhall7997]

Thanks guys 61Mech truly great fighting unit. And to all the service men that served in the Angola war great hero's

[@brucemorris9187]

Good morning soldiers. I was living in Bluewater Bay just outside of Port Elizabeth at the time of Smokeshell. I was big mates with Martin Taylor and Michael Jubber and Johan van Tonder who were part of Smokeshell. Very sadly Michael Jubber shot himself a few years later. Never heard or sore of Martin and Johan again. I was 20mm gunner on 23B in ops Protea and Daisy the following year. 1981. Respect and Salute brother's.

[@andrewwhitaker7313]

Martin lives in Gansbaai

[@fredpieterse5939]

Proud to have been part of the war..well done and God Bless to you all..80/81 intake

[@marclange1177]

Incredible young men on the battlefield that day

[@zanebeswick3551]

Thank you Andrew for your commitment in pursuing the recognition all these men of men deserve God Bless, from a fellow ex St Patricks Boy

[@hennies9509]

If you came out of that fight without a scratch it was your duty to be with your wounded buddy. How can you sleep with your wounded buddy crying and even dying alone. I would like to believe he did not. For those of us that served you meet so many people of different classes of life. I always helped others which did not have much of what was needed to get through your first month of training.

[@andrewwhitaker7313]

It’s very different under fire, when your platoon has been decimated

[@chrismoll6862]

Hello SAW,Andrew , Koos Dankie almal

[@AW-rj6qf]

Salute / Saluut.

[@BenBadenhorst-zh3pf]

3 Onderhoudseenheid Ondwagwa, was deel van hierdie operasie. Rondoene voorsien.

[@NickSchoonwinkel]

Respect

[@johankilian47]

Sluut 🛡️⚔️🗡️

[@wettham715]

Fuckin oath mate. Heroes the lot of them.