61 Mech Bn Ops Hooper/Modular

[buffalogolf18]

I served with 32 Bn Golf coy. . Johan Roelofse was the Ratel ZT 3 commander. The first batch of Matra missiles had a small problem with the photocell chips and would "lose" the target a few hundred meters before impact. Denel came up to the OPS area and rectified this and it sucessfully neutralised some T55's

[Krugerlotter]

@buffalogolf18 Staff Ogies Roelofse was the Squadron seargent major responsible for logistics etc for the entire squadron. He was not troop commander of the ZT3's at any stage. Initially the ZT3's were split up and integrated with the 90's. They were then commanded by Bary Preston and Lt Robinson who had two each under their command, as well as two 90's.

[Truthat77]

We were the best & severely kicked their ass. No South African soldier today can compare.

[Krugerlotter]

Guys, at 1:09 in this video 3 camoed ZT3 ratels can be seen. I would like to get in touch with the guy who took this picture, presumably in June '88, just before or just after Calueque, if I am not mistaken. How can I contact you?

[kelvinb369]

@Krugerl Its at 1:08...mate, and that would have been about May89 Oshikati I remember those Ratels when they first stated to appear about then, we thought they were beer trucks(for the morterests) or sieners, tiffys orbut they were rocket launchers or they werenew. 'Camo Ratels', obviously werent widely used and not often to be seen because of that, at the time, and then we (61) moved out from up North at the end of 89. So those vehic were probonly used in that region for about a yearIf that.

[Krugerlotter]

@kelvinb369 Kelvin, you are not quite correct. There were initially only 4 of those Ratels deployed and they were still in the experimental phase at the time. They were part of 32Bn, hence the camo pattern like all 32Bn Ratels. First use was in September 1987 on the Lomba, whereafter they were sent to Menongue area, Quito Cuanavale and 26 June 88 to Calueque where they were involved in the clash with a Cuban force, but due to terrain and distance restrictions they could not be used.

[acrylicrebel]

6.1 Mech was in the northen cape right and then the name changed to 8 SAI BN and then they incorporated it again in those big hangers that you get when you enter the maingate and drive straight through. PF living queters streets name was Park straat. And those sighns of " Beware low flying microlights" hehehe I heard that story from the RSM once.

[1967ricksta]

8 SAI was and always has been in Upington, I was there in 1986. 61Mech was based in SWA.

[1967ricksta]

@acrylicrebel 8

[gavinuki]

does any1 know a kpl M Hill( Michael hill) 61 meg

[marktheosmith]

it brings back great times with a lot of regret 20 odd years later ,great video.

mark 61 mech alpha comp op modular.

[marcshare]

i was an ops medic with 2ssb 61 mech ops hooper and we rocked the world miss the boys

[johannesfrederick]

He guys, do you still need any information? I know some of the older guys that will help. Some of them are in other parts of Africa.

[johannesfrederick]

Hi Lav,

Two good soldiers I know, 1 still in the SANDF and worked with 61 and 101. The other one is in Negeria. I will send the guy in Negeria this contact. See ya soon.

[Lav1lle]

JohannesFrederick - Thanks for this - I miss my boys .

Your mate has got a shit job -He is probably guarding oil fields in Nigeria -one of the most dangerous details in the world .

[Murmelmann]

How could this comment get 6 negative thumbs? Shame on you!

[nduuvu]

see you guys there.

[mompleks]

Anybody that would be willing and able to give a time line and events during the battle of the lomba (47 bgd), please contact me

[rianavdw]

I have a blog on 61 Mech and would love to hear from any1 who would like to respond to it. Plz get in contact with me. Its called "We will never forget" and can be found if u google 61 Mech.

[CH127]

"rianavdw" checked out your website!

Nice boet!

[rianavdw]

CH127, im a sus, LOL...But thanks all the same!!!

[rianavdw]

I can give any1 who would like the information to the ppl who r organising the 61 Mech reunion. Plz get in contact with me.

[optixit]

What did that black government do with all our emblems flags insignia and stuff. Is there a place we can visit and pay respect or just remember..... Thanks for the clip

[rooigladiator]

61 mech was my comando units "guests" during 94 elections,at nigel komando,i only have respect for these guys,amazing!!!

[umfums]

Good one !

[lipovan87]

Fine song. This is most likley a trite response but it a shame that the SADF was replaced with the SANDF.

[userblue]

SANDF, really not the same.

[Schaden99]

Please join SA Friends Reunited, 61 Mech is having a reunion in 2008 and you can get in contact through that site.

[ShanePre]

When and were?

[KalahariSurf]

Schaden99, please do me a favour at the reunion and ask the guys if anyone knows what happened to the dog mascot that 61 had in Tsumeb, also called Tsumeb. He was around in the late 70's early 80's. Thanks

[Schaden99]

Will check - meeting up with some of the guys in feb

[KalahariSurf]

cool, thanks a mill

[Schaden99]

Hey Kalahari, Sorry we were all 1Sai boys from Tempe, mostly in Bravo Coy - i.e. the infantry company and didn't get down to HQ at Tsumeb....I think I passed through there twice in 15 months so no one knew.

[KalahariSurf]

oh ok:(((

[optixit]

Did you know Kurt Balzun...

[NKASINI]

Absolutley brilliant and a great tribute to 61 MECH

[fishclint]

When are you going to post these photos on the SADF Photos website? There is a 61 Mech album just waiting for you to add your pics!

[wpforever]

GOOD ONE I was with eschalons that brought up new Olifants from School of Armour/Panserskool in to OMATIYA and returned the damaged ones to 4vrp in Pretoria and Bloemies,EENDRAG MAAK MAG mooi manne !

[HEIN007]

brilliant,just sad to see they dismantled another unit.more money for them bastards to steel.

[fishclint]

Nice one!