Through the Army Talk mailing list I discovered the existance of the 61 Mechanised Battalion Group memorial in Lohathla. And, I was happy to see that the names of Lionel Van Rooyen and JL Potgieter were on the memorial. I have no further information on the memorial and I dont know how many ex-servicemen who served with 61 Mech are even aware of it. My thanks to John Dovey for permission to publish the photographs. During my meanderings over the internet I discovered that there was a memorial very similar to this one established at Omuthiya and when 61 Mech left the base this memorial was dismantled and transported to an unknown place (possibly Rooikop, and then Lohathla). It is probable that this memorial in Lohathla has parts from the original one incorporated in it. The tour group that visited Omuthiya in 2009 was able to see the remnants of the original memorial. With the closing down of the unit and the formation of the Mechanised Battalion Group Veterans Association, it was decided to move the memorial and unit memorabilia to the South African Museum of MIlitary History in Saxonwold. This was due to be unveiled in June 2010. Lionel Van Rooyen. 10 July 1981 Stellawood Cemetery Newspaper article (1983?) Corporal JL Potgieter's last moments are remembered by his Platoon Commander, Lt. Ariel Hugo: "On 4 November 1981, during Ops Daisy we were ambushed. When the first shots were fired, the enemy killed a UNITA Major, his orderly and Lt G van Zyl who were travelling on my Ratel (call sign 22). Gunner Peter Boorsma and Cpl Potgieter jumped off the ratel. In those critical first couple of seconds after the three soldiers were killed Peter Boorsma was seriously wounded in his legs and was pinned down 15 meters from his attackers under severe intense AK47 fire. Pottie dived forward to cover Boorsma, thereby saving Boorsma's life. But by that herioc act Cpl Potgieter was killed - a single shot in his mouth. In those chaotic moments Rfn CP Spangenberg (rifleman 5 of Bravo Section) jumped up, ran forward and shot the insurgent in his position at point blank range under cover from other platoon members. Cpl Potgieter was recommended for a Honoris Crux, but unfortunately it was declined. He was a brave man, a comrade, a friend and our cook of note in the platoon HQ vehicle". Lt. Hugo also remembers Peter Hall: "Peter Hall (1 March 1981) was a joyful character. I liked him and was shocked when he died as a result of playing with a fire extinghuisher". Please visit the SADF Honour Roll. and if you know of anybody who lost their lives in the border war help add to the information contained therein. Do not forget to visit the South African War Graves Project website while you are about it and contribute towards its database. Former members of 61 Mechanised Battalion Group are also invited to join The 61 Mechanised Battalion Group Veterans Association In Memorium..... Air Mechanic Robert Owen Turner. 1 April 1944. Laid to rest Heliopolis War Cemetary Egypt. Rifleman F.N.U. Van der Kolf. 01 July 1980. Member of E Company, 11 Commando, Jan Kemp Dorp. Rifleman Lionel Van Rooyen. 10 July 1981. Member Bravo Company, 61 Mechanised Battalion Group. Rifleman Peter Hall. 01 March 1981. Member Bravo Company, 61 Mechanised Battalion Group Corporal J.L. Potgieter. 4 November 1981. Member Bravo Company, 61 Mechanised Battalion Group. Photo's of 61 Mech Memorial courtesy of John Dovey. Photograph of L. Van Rooyen grave courtesy of Terry Cawood and The South African War Graves Project