SAVATE Day 2015

Daniels name appears on the South African Special Forces Roll of Honour as well as the South African Parabat Roll of Honour and until December 2012 on the 32 Battalion Roll of Honour. To my, as well as others disappointment, Daniel’s as well as Jose Ribeiro, Carlos Ribeiro and Ponciano Soeiro’s names were removed from that ROH as well as the 32 Battalion Tree of Honour, the reasons for this development had been well communicated to me by a former RSM of 32 Battalion and as I have stated, while disappointed in the decision I had come to terms with it and decided to respect the decision made.

While I may have made peace with the decision my good friend and Portuguese SADF veteran, Mr. Manuel Ferreira had not and on 26 August 2014 after having asked me to write a motivation as to why Daniel, Jose, Ponciano and Carlos should in fact be re-instated on 32 Battalions ROH, Manuel sent the following e-mail to the 32 Battalion Veterans association.

32 Battalion Veterans Association

Attention Mr. Roy Marais, Secretary 32 VA

26 August 2014

Mr Roy Marais,

I hereby respectfully request that the following deceased Servicemen are posthumously made members of the 32 VA:

S Sgt Daniel Francisco Roxo HC "Paulo"

Force no 75014399 PN

Born 01/02/1933

Died 23/08/1976

S Sgt Ponciano Gomes Soeiro

Force no 75014431 PN

Born 21/04/1941

Died 23/08/1976

Sgt José Correia Pinto Ribeiro (Robbie)

Force no 76080159 PG

Born 24/12/48

Died 25/08/76

LCpl Carlos Alberto Correia Pinto Ribeiro (Little Robbie)

Force no 75090423 PG

Born 25/11/50

Died 19/08/76

Supporting Documentation:

Motivation by Mr. Stephen Dunkley, supported and signed as well by WOI Paul J Els and myself.

Statement by Col J Breytenbach

Note that in Col Breytenbach's statement, it is clearly spelled out that the servicemen were deployed with and remained with 32 BN until their death.

Service and Privation Allowance

I have more documentation that can be made available.

Your consideration to this application will be highly appreciated.

Yours sincerely,

Manuel Ferreira

The proposal to reinstate the 4 men posthumously as members of 32 Battalion was put to the vote twice and both times approved by the committee. Manuel was phoned a few minutes after the second approval to be informed of the positive outcome. I was informed that Col Breytenbach was approached before the vote and asked for his opinion on the matter, which was positive and he also told Manuel at the formal dinner over the weekend of 15-17 May 2015 that he had been very upset when told that the names were no longer part of the 32ROH and that their names had been removed from the tree.

On 17 May 2015 during 32 Battalions veterans association SAVATE day memorial service at Freedom park the legendary, Colonel Jan Breytenbach unveiled the names of Daniel, Jose, Ponciano and Carlos on the Tree of honour.

The Tree was at Buffalo base from 1983 to 1989 when it was removed to Pomfret and here it proudly bore the names of 32 Battalions dead from 1989 to 1997. In 1997 a decision was made to move it to Zeerust and in 2009 it was moved to the Voortrekker monument, Pretoria.

In his address prior to the unveiling of the names on the Tree of Honour, Colonel Breytenbach gave a moving and emotional speech about the four men being honoured that day. During his speech Colonel Breytenbach said that those Portuguese who had joined the SADF in 1975, had done so to defend South Africa from Communism after they themselves had lost all in Angola and Mozambique and Guinea Bissau due to the Communists or Chinese backed liberation movements. Colonel Breytenbach also stated that the four were very committed to the SADF and miles ahead of any South African soldier at the time, as they had been fighting terrorists for more than a decade. Colonel Breytenbach also hinted that they had been considered dispensable by the SADF, so that no harm fell on South African kids, and in saying that Colonel Breytenbach became very emotional and began to cry, as did a good number of those men and women present, many hardened 32 Battalion or SADF border war veterans.

While I was unable to attend both Manuel Ferreira, Paul Els and Carla Ribeiro (Jose’s daughter) were present. All four men were presented with a framed 32 Battalions veterans association commendation certificate and Manuel (on behalf of the Roxo family) received Daniels from Colonel Breytenbach.

The certificate says Awarded to Daniel Francisco Roxo HC; “for performing an act that distinguished you in furthering and enhancing the aims and goals of the 32 Battalion veterans association in an exceptional manner”

Perhaps it’s pertinent at this point to share a Faced book message that Manuel received from Peter Williams soon after the weekend.

“This is one of those epic moments of 32 Battalion Veterans Association (captured in the blink of the lens) that stops our history in its tracks! This is especially unsurpassed to me because it is a culmination of many hours, days and months of lobbying for a cause we felt passionate about. The remembering of our hero soldiers who willingly gave their yesterday that we can have and enjoy our today and secure prosperity for our decedents in the future. This was a heartrending weekend of activity in so many ways with an abundance of unique one of a kind moments that most of us hardened 32 Battalion vets don’t even realise. Some of those firsts include the following.

The Savate weekend was attended by the living Officer Commanding’s, a set of red wines with the OC’s and RSM’s pictures and a commemorative knife was launched; a new 32 Bn Chairman, Leon Grobelaar was appointed, two books “The battle of Savate”by Piet Nortje and the Battle of Lomba by Dave Mannall were released, a mystery security force legend attended; two children who had never met their hero fathers attended for the first time; one received medals of his fallen father; the operation Savannah, Bravo Group Portuguese 3 names were unveiled on the roll of the Tree of honour by founding member Colonel Breytenbach; a mother of a fallen son attended for the first time in 34 years and the heart rendering memorial parade was attended by 259 people.

Thanks to all those veterans who went the extra mile all over the world to make this a Savate that will go down in the annals of our 32 Battalion VA as a great success (Peter Williams)

Thanks to Manuel’s tenaciousness, the lobbying of Colonel Jan Breytenbach and Peter Williams, as well as support of the 32 Battalion VA secretary, Colonel Roy Marias and its President General Gert Nel; Daniel, Jose, Carlos and Ponciano, the 4 Portuguese, Bravo Group comrades in arms have been give the recognition they not only earned but certainly deserve.

“Thank you gentlemen for the time and effort you gave to ensure that Daniel as well as his comrades in arms were made part of the 32 Battalion family once again”

Letter of motivation to the 32 Battalions veterans association

There seems to be some debate regards Daniel Roxo, Jose Ribeiro, Carlos Ribeiro and Ponciano Soeiro being members or founder members of 32 battalion or not. This post by Manuel Ferreira on the 38^th anniversary of their deaths in the defence of South Africa and its citizens seems to have started the debate afresh

“Was S Sgt Daniel Roxo HC ever a member of 32 Battalion? Foi o 1º Sargento Daniel Roxo membro do Batalhão Búfalo? This has been a long hot contentious debate and seeing that the subject has now surfaced in this group, herewith a few facts”:

Daniel Roxo was a 1 Reconnaissance Commando Special Forces Operator who was seconded to Charlie Coy of Bravo Group as a platoon Leader during Operation Savannah. Daniel Roxo went on to serve with Bravo Group until the 23rd of August 1976, the tragic day he was killed during an ambush (R.I.P.) It is important to highlight that the white elements of Bravo Group, from its inception until the formation of 32 Battalion, were seconded from several different SADF units. For a period of time after the formation of 32 Battalion, many of the white elements were still seconded from other SADF units. 

32 Battalion was officially established on the 27 March 1976. The name change from Bravo Group to 32 Battalion happened in October of 1976.  My conclusion: Despite Daniel Roxo being a member of 1 Reconnaissance Commando, by virtue of service, he was also a founder member of 32 Battalion as well as a rightful member of Buffalo Battalion.

I have been asked by Mr. Ferreira and Mr. Paul Els to motivate as to why these men who gave their lives for South Africa while serving for 32 Battalion should be posthumously recognized as member of 32 Battalion. Please excuse my lack of military etiquette as I was never in the SADF. My interest in this matter is due to my passion in Southern African military and political history as well as over the last 9 years having researched the life of Staff Sergeant Daniel Roxo.

While I do not intend to give you a history lesson regards how 32 battalion came to be I would like to give you a brief synopsis as to Daniels as well as his 3 comrade’s movements after arriving in South Africa mid-September 1974

After having arrived in Pretoria Daniel along with a number of other Portuguese men that had escaped Mozambique were accommodated in the Union hotel, Here Daniel met up with other Portuguese men, 6 from Mozambique, as well as numerous others from Angola and Guinea Bissau. Men that had been identified, as future candidates for the SADF amongst them Ponciano, Jose and Mourão. After accepting conditions of employment they signed up to join the SADF. From Voortrekkerhoogte they Daniel and the other Portuguese men were flown from Waterkloof airbase in Pretoria to Rundu in South West Africa and from there transported to Fort Doppies. Here Daniel Roxo, Jose Ribeiro, Ponciano Soeiro, Almarinda da Costa and other former Portuguese servicemen as well as DGS operatives were brought in to participate in a cross over course to teach them SADF methods of combat as well as use of South African weapons, they would also have received training in medical, demolitions, special weapons, and tracking. “Orientation and integration are I believe the correct words used to describe the above”.

Sometime in March 1975 while still at Fort Doppies a few of the Portuguese including Daniel were given “unofficial” parachute training a fact that is confirmed in a letter that Daniel wrote to his South African contact who he had last seen in LM during the LM coup, it’s also dated March 1975 and gives one of the clearest insights as to what Daniel had been doing since leaving Mozambique. (Translated from Portuguese), This letter also shows Daniel was committed to the defence of Southern Africa as well as his new Home South Africa.

“I trust your health is well and that of your wife and children have my greatest wishes. I am luckily also well, I give you my apologies for not having written sooner, but as you must know the adaption to this new life always with new things to learn, with the little time available has not allowed me to do so. I would like to thank you for everything you have done for me and my family, for in the era we now live in it is not easy to find a person who without self-interest will do so much to whom he owes nothing. These are the people who honour their country, their fatherland with dignity.

Because of this I am ready to serve you whatever it is for, because I am certain that when I serve you I am serving South Africa. I have already done various courses the last one was a paratrooper course, I already have 9 jumps now I am convinced that a person is never too old, when there is a will. (Daniel was 41 years old). Everything will be used to be useful to a nation who helped me in the most difficult moment of my life, South Africa which I now consider as being my homeland. When I finish this course I don’t know what the General will decide, but anything he may decide I will consider just and adequate.

I am only sorry I cannot begin to give my contribution to South Africa because I am very anxious to say thank you for everything that has been done for me. Assuring you the wishes of good health I have the opportunity to present to you and your family, my respect and thanks and best wishes.

Always completely at your disposal

Daniel Roxo

Daniel, Ponciano, and a number of other Portuguese as well as South African’s started their selection course for 1 Reconnaissance Commando in July 1975, the course was held in Mtubatuba, Ngodweni, Sibaya in North Zululand all the way to Ndumu game park where it ended.

Sgt Daniel Roxo joined the fledgling 32 Battalion, then known as Battle Group Bravo in mid-October 1975 where he was used by Commandant Breytenbach to assist in training FNLA troops. Daniel together with 11 other instructors amongst them Jose, Mourão, Ponciano and Carlos were to become known as the “Dirty Dozen” (Buffalo soldiers by Col Jan Breytenbach page 12)

Daniel was used expansively during operation Savannah and was recommended for and awarded the HC for his actions at Bridge 14 (The first non-South African to be awarded this decoration). As you are aware Daniel and Ponciano died in an Ambush on 23 August 1976 with Jose dying 2 days later in an accident transporting wounded from that ambush to Rundu. A week prior to that Jose’s younger brother Carlos had also died in an Ambush.

It’s no secret that all three of us believe that these men deserve to be considered members of 32 Battalion and as you can see by the supporting documentation attached to this motivation. There can be no doubt that the 4 men where founder members of the Battalion having been seconded from 1 reconnaissance Commando.

When Mr Paul Els, Mr. Manuel Ferreira and I took the initiative to find their last resting place as well as erect a headstone some 29 years after their deaths and after having been disgracefully buried without honour or fanfare, many 32 Battalion members not only generously contributed to the erection of the headstone and attended its unveiling; many covering long distances.

To the haunting sound of the Last Post, Major General Fritz Loots* unveiled the headstone and thereafter wreaths where laid by General Nel, Barry Roper, Mrs Margarida Oliviera, Adelino Pires and his wife Fiona as well as Paul Els, Manuel Ferreira and myself. All present where then invited to place a white rose on the grave while a lone piper played. The Homage ceremony was both dignified and a fitting way to say Goodbye to Daniel, Jose and Ponciano and as Adelino Pires pointed out in his speech “Finally honour is being paid to these 3 valiant men who have been spared the ignominy of an unmarked grave. Now Roxo, Soeiro and Ribiero can rest in peace, they will never be forgotten”

Carlos Ribeiro who was killed during a contact between Luenge and Coutada du Mucusso on or around 16 - 19 August 1976, Carlos was driving a vehicle transporting explosives and the vehicle he was driving was hit during an ambush by an RPG rocket, his body was never recovered, Paul, Manuel and myself had an idea that we needed to also ensure the he had a place where his name is written and would not be forgotten. Mr. Paul Els came up with the idea of adding a small memorial/headstone to the original one erected 2 years previously, so on 29 August 2007 a number of people gathered to unveil this headstone.

It’s also interesting to note that until the release of Piet Nortjes definitive book on 32 Battalion “The Terrible Ones”, it was generally accepted that the 4 where part of 32 Battalion and first and foremost seen as Buffalo soldiers rather than Reconnaissance Commandos

Even though the Reconnaissance Commando was their home unit Daniel, Ponciano, Jose and Carlos not only played an integral role in getting what was to become 32 Battalion off the ground they paid the ultimate sacrifice while serving with the unit and their adopted country, It’s our belief that even though their home unit was 1 Reconnaissance Commando they deserve to be remembered first and foremost as Buffalo soldiers, having given their lives while serving under its banner, hopefully this was not futile.

We trust that the 32 Battalion veterans associations will remember their contribution to the founding of the unit as well as their sacrifice and consider honouring them by posthumously granting them that honour.

Mr. Paul Els, Mr. Manuel Ferreira, Mr. Stephen Dunkley

Follow the lives of these as well as other brave Portuguese men who fought and in many cases died for South Africa on this Facebook group that is dedicated to keeping their memories and sacrifices alive.  (Forgotten Heroes / The Portuguese contribution to the defence of Africa)