[Guymullins]

South African Paratroopers celebrate Cassinga Day today. In 1978 a small force of 367 paratroopers dropped directly onto a fortified enemy camp containing more than 3000 enemy.The fortress was 200 miles behind enemy lines. After a full days battle the enemy surrendered having lost about 1000 of their soldiers. The SA Paratroopers suffered the loss of 4, one of whom was MIA presumed drowned or taken by a crocodile in the river bordering the camp. At the close of the battle, an armored column of 20 Cuban tanks and APCs arrived to attempt to save their comrades. This column was destroyed by the combined efforts of a small minefield the paratroopers had laid for just such an eventuality, air support from two mirages and a Buccanner aircraft and RPG and LMG fire by the anti-tank platoon of paratroopers. Cuba suffered its biggest single day loss during their Angolan adventure.
For the Cassinga Paratroopers
May the Fourth be with you.

Parabats,
Monday 4 May is the 37th Anniversary of the Battle of Cassinga. As customary, the nearest Sunday to that date, this year, Sunday the 3rd May (this coming Sunday) a commemorative parade will be held at the Johannesburg War Museum. Guests are asked to arrive at 9-30am for the 10am start of proceedings. This year, we are lucky to have as our guest speaker, Dave Barr, the world famous motorcyclist who is also a Parabat and a double amputee. Dave, an American volunteer, was injured when a landline detonated under the rear wheel of Colonel Breytenbach's jeep on which Dave was the machine gunner. His life was saved by Colonel Breytenbach, who, at considerable risk to himself, and despite personal injuries from the blast, went back into the inferno of burning fuel and exploding ammunition to pull Dave out.
Dave lost both legs and after recovering, embarked on a round the world trip, alone, on his Harley Davidson. This trip was to raise funds for others who had been injured like he had been, but were without the means to liberate themselves.
For as second year, Dave has returned to his adopted country, South Africa, to ride around the country again raising funds for those who can't help themselves. He is a fitting speaker at the Cassinga Day Memorial Parade for South African Paratroopers who have died in and out of service over the years.
Every Parabat in the Gauteng area should make the effort to come and listen to Dave and bring a small monetary donation to help his cause. His books will also be on sale and a signed copy is something for any South African to treasure.