Legacy Conversations - Smokeshell Group Discussion with Andrew Whitaker

A great group discussion between veterans of Operation Sceptic about the lead-up and attack on the Smokeshell base. Insight given for the first time, by the commanding officer, ret General Johan Dippenaar, discussion with leaders and soldiers injured during the battle, those involved in moving the injured out of the immediate danger zone and a Puma pilot involved in the Casevacs. One of those that you do not want to miss...
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[@garethrutherford]

I was one of the group that withdrew to oñdangwa to escort injured troops and damaged vehicles out and then you collect fuel tankers which we brought back to refuel all waiting force.. yes Andrew we had a movie.. a shower and a few beers before going back.. I with you when we slept in middle of angora with the chains and AK fire.. yes it was terrifying..

[@andrewwhitaker7313]

Don’t think you were with us. We hit tree stump at about 14.00. You were busy with B Co

[@garethrutherford7686]

@@andrewwhitaker7313 I was there,, noddy was towed too fast arounf corner hit stump.. We were in the escort and had to sleep overnight with the noddy until the tiffies came the next day.. I was there and stood guard that night,, as OP .. was terrifying..

[@andrewwhitaker7313]

@@garethrutherford7686 not us. I was 12 ratel 20. Hit a tree stump, broke wishbone

[@douglaslombard8371]

Thanks Andrew and fellow soldiers this makes all sense what Peter Williams said.We from the artillery side plotted the targets taken of the earial photos drawn over on topagrafical maps and on the day bombed the anti aircraft bunkers that was clearly seen but yes now we know they were empty 3mnth old photos

[@robgillies1500]

The Recce’s who did all observations before the attack missed to report on AAC. That 14,7 should have disabled before the attack

[@adriaanvanantwerp1813]

How can I get into contact with Theuns Meyer?. We met in Cabinda Angola some years ago and we lost contact when I left Cabinda.

[@friedagrobler3059]

Thanks for the info shared with us. I am the brother of Kempie, who was the driver of 21 A. We as a family was left in the dark for many, many years. So much unanswered questions. But thanks to social media and legacy conversations, we were able to put the puzzle together. Paul I would like to read my Brother last letter. I was not aware of the letters, in your position. I salute you all. In my view, all of you were Heroes that day.

[@garethrutherford]

Gert died as I attended him.. his last breath.. and my prayers..

[@andrewwhitaker7313]

I have met up with your mother in Warden and your brother, Ampie. May Kempie continue to Rest in Peace

[@deons5462]

Thank you, interesting interview. Knew Pip Warriner from school. RIP to him and those who perished on this day 10 June 1980.

[@garethrutherford]

This was a wonderful regrouping of accounts and I'm so sorry to have missed this group discussion because of the detailed diary accounts I have of all the actions discussed from arrival at grootfontein right through skeptic pl 1 through to end July.. where all these accounts discussed fitted in so well with my own exact accounts written on the smokeshell target ... I have so many of the missing parts here with me.. forever written..

[@garethrutherford]

Torur and Peter wagener our platoon sets.. were incredible on smokeshell right in the thick of the Frontline trauma.. they played a very important role in regrouping the shattered remains of the devastated platoon into a protective formation and trench clearing ...

[@allanthomson4639]

thanks+interesting

[@whangjohnlizhao550]

I love these recollections from the past, salute to the men and women who partook in this history. These chats are entertaining for the viewer, fascinating and obviously very cathartic for some of the soldiers involved... I loved my national service and I regret not appreciating the value of duty and service, it is only now that I appreciate what duty and discipline mean in a life well lived. Thank you

[@kempvdwesthuizen9245]

Thanx Andrew for hosting this very interesting conversation. Really enjoyed it and it is good for the guys to talk about these experiences. Please keep up the good work

[@StardustViking]

Interesting