Page 7 - Dellano CBA History1

WO Rick Greyvenstein was stationed in Pretoria
from January 1980 until August 1987. During this
period, he was directly involved in the South-West
Africa & Angola Bush War in Rhodesia/Namibia
ensuring Ground to Air Communication Systems

were maintained operational 24/7.

While on active duty in the South-West African &

Angola “Bush” War (1966 – 1989), Rick
Greyvenstein was a qualified Electrician holding
the Rank of Sgt, he was commanded to travel per
road to the Northern region of Namibia to repair
and re-establish Ground to Air radio

communications as they were lost.

Communication being a crucial part of any operation especially during War, it

was essentially vital that communication be re-established. Issued with a
significant amount of ammunition and the
necessary electronic radio parts, he and
two Aircraft Mechanics set out to carry out
this dangerous mission.

The two Aircraft Mechanics were dropped
off at a designated place where an aircraft
made an emergency landing and needed

repairs. My grandfather was left on his
own to perform the necessary radio
communication repairs.

He arrived at the temporary Airfield Camp
and witnessed an intensive bombardment
of mortar and machine gun fire between

the South African Armed Forces and the
Enemy who were attempting to cross the border from Angola into South West
Africa, Namibia.

While the intense fighting commenced in the background, Sgt Rick
Greyvenstein felt the pressure as he carried out the necessary radio repair. An

agonising two hours had passed since arriving at this camp, Sgt Rick
Greyvenstein had successfully re-established Ground to Air communication

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