Guymullins
07-31-2015, 06:58
31070It is with great sadness that we learn of the death of Colonel Delville Linford. The Colonel was the founder of the formidable Bushman Battalion, 31 Bn, which later became 201Bn. The Bushman Battalion began in difficult circumstances in that they needed to be persuaded to fight alongside UNITA and FNLA , two groups that traditionally persecuted the bushmen and their families. Col. Linford , after much discussion with the Bushman leaders got their agreement to proceed so long as they could be led by white officers, there being much distrust between the tribes of the area. 31Bn became a formidable fighting force that excelled in tracking the enemy through any terrain and using the Bushmans supreme bushcraft to avoid ambush and navigate through the featureless bush with unerring accuracy. Both 31 Bn and 32 Bns were formed around the same time. 32 Bn was founded by Col Jan Breytenbach and the two units fought side by side in Angola forging a formidable multi-racial force against Communism.
Col Linford was well loved by his men and anyone who came in contact with him were impressed with his humanity and great leadership qualities.
All South African soldiers extend their deepest condolences to the family and friends of this great son of South Africa. We will never see his kind again.
The 31 Bn badge is the crow, a bird most sacred for the Bushmen and the name by which the Colonel was affectionately known.
Col Linford was well loved by his men and anyone who came in contact with him were impressed with his humanity and great leadership qualities.
All South African soldiers extend their deepest condolences to the family and friends of this great son of South Africa. We will never see his kind again.
The 31 Bn badge is the crow, a bird most sacred for the Bushmen and the name by which the Colonel was affectionately known.