https://www.bikesquadrider.org/press daily 0.75 2025-05-09 https://www.bikesquadrider.org/press/tour-dates-g78je monthly 0.5 2022-04-15 https://www.bikesquadrider.org/press/bar-band-km62k monthly 0.5 2022-04-15 https://www.bikesquadrider.org/press/charity-show-j36t5 monthly 0.5 2022-04-15 https://www.bikesquadrider.org/press/twinning-4cxdb monthly 0.5 2022-04-15 https://www.bikesquadrider.org/press/indie-film-jns43 monthly 0.5 2022-04-15 https://www.bikesquadrider.org/press/worldwide-7b5fc monthly 0.5 2022-04-15 https://www.bikesquadrider.org/home daily 1.0 2023-02-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/aee41788-f811-461b-84a0-bfab6ebc3494/298494_2629959432007_1345989213_5041639_262291924_n---Copy-p-500.jpeg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/469ca139-07e6-42e7-aa8f-689e7759aef2/1495226_389024991241005_2065800703_o.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ec321c2af33de48734cc929/1618497259178-6XJGK9GR6YAVBQL5L519/20140301_Trade-151_012-2.jpg Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ec321c2af33de48734cc929/1607694583486-2PQT0LQ193RL7MCB6DX4/20140228_Trade+151_0046.jpg Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ec321c2af33de48734cc929/1607694644871-IC85FNH781UNZSZEGHDR/Aro+Ha_0428.jpg Home https://www.bikesquadrider.org/about daily 0.75 2022-06-25 https://www.bikesquadrider.org/contact daily 0.75 2022-07-13 https://www.bikesquadrider.org/articles daily 0.75 2022-07-13 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/8358c2d6-5527-4be8-8d4d-e632868f5cda/Bike-squad-SOF--1.jpg Articles https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/586806f1-137b-4a19-8840-1d4ff2e0275a/Bike-squad-SOF--3.jpg Articles https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/5b0af691-8805-4335-9ba1-5dee91e5b3c8/Bike-squad-SOF--2.jpg Articles https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/e1ccc30c-4c4d-49e0-bec7-9ce1314e77e9/Bike-squad-SOF--4.jpg Articles https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/fe1970c0-3f93-4065-962f-94af3a512f73/Bike-squad-SOF--5.jpg Articles https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/b5848ab2-edbd-4ccd-8b07-d51b07d7a447/Bike-squad-SOF--6.jpg Articles https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/0f86179d-2dbe-4ab8-8aae-2e44f98e5add/Bike-squad-SOF--7.jpg Articles https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/eea419a7-8540-41d2-ac13-2f91112da936/6258ea797f82a07d7629c358_30.jpg Articles https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/1657724303806-TB7AD97A1JTDNFLQ2YX4/BS-article-SCOPE-2.jpg Articles https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/1657724267019-GVI4GF6NH0X4351ANJBO/BS-article-SCOPE-1.jpg Articles https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/73d1d73f-6421-4ad5-9de6-1efc679067cc/BS-article-SCOPE-5.png Articles https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/15f2c815-0139-4c10-8b04-a682b2e81d4a/BS-article-SCOPE-3.png Articles https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/4454594c-86ae-4149-a460-be3b7e320696/BS-article-SCOPE-4.png Articles https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/99002ecf-3a85-41fa-a925-38fa3c5ad9ec/BS-article-SCOPE-6.png Articles https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/94b5e1be-89b4-47f6-9ada-550466da2a4e/resized.jpg Articles https://www.bikesquadrider.org/links daily 0.75 2022-06-25 https://www.bikesquadrider.org/sadf-manual daily 0.75 2022-06-25 https://www.bikesquadrider.org/platoons daily 0.75 2022-07-28 https://www.bikesquadrider.org/bases daily 0.75 2022-07-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/c577cb47-ba11-4738-94af-dd53af8e9f5f/SWASPES.jpg Bases Otavi area, including the western end of the valley. In 1982 there were no crop circles or development west of the railway line in town (the black line), or south of town. The entire area including the valley was densely bushed. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/011ec0ff-74b3-4107-b336-8281af99ee00/6250c5722b11b335dad3b47d_Otaviandswaspes+-+Copy.jpg Bases Otavi and the old SWAPES base in 2022. Road at bottom right corner goes to Grootfontein, top right corner to Tsumeb, bottom centre to Otjiwarongo. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/899f9316-0fc5-4d37-a935-a6a08a0f4b41/SWASPES-Kombat.jpg Bases Otavi/Grootfontein area in 2022. The narrow valley east of Otavi is clearly visible. Kombat copper mine ceased operations due to corruption and flooding in 2008 and was reopened under new management in late 2021. Just north of the mine was 'Kombat MX', a nice sand track that served Platoons 11 and 12 well. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/c07f7a58-26c7-4aa1-9a3a-0068a7e73bbf/SWASPES-area.jpg Bases The Tsumeb/Otavi/Grootfontein 'triangle' seen from space. The agricultural engine of northern Namibia (SWA as it was in 1982) was the target area for SWAPO's 'Volcano' terrs every autumn, after the rains stopped and allowed travel through the bush. Platoon 11's participation in Ops Yahoo covered this entire area to 80 or so km south of Otavi and Grootfontein. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/06864781-5e81-4903-86da-78e53e9d12b4/15spescampview---Copy.jpg Bases View of SWASPES looking north-east from the bike park. Bike and horse office at left, the mess hall beyond that. Open area in the distance was used for training, chopper pad, parade ground, PT area etc. The stables and dog kennels were at the northern end, behind the trees at left, and 'Back of the Stables' track in the bush beyond that. This part of the base was terraced, the gate is behind and to the right of the photographer's position. (2/Lt. JJN Hagen photo) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/30cc950d-a196-4f2a-aeee-08165b6930ca/otavi.jpg Bases Otavi main street looking east. The Otavi Hotel was (is?) one of the buildings at left. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/caba7fec-3fb1-44f0-a604-2dfb77ab3597/Tisntsbis3.jpg Bases Google Earth image of Tsintsabis. Note the two 90-degree corners in the Bravo cutline just north-west of the base. In the early 1980s the diagonal white road leading north did not exist, and Tsintsabis itself was little more than a name on a map. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/ea348754-82f0-4479-abab-f4de18de9e45/Tisntsbis2.jpg Bases Wider view of the Tsintsabis area. The Bravo cutline continues west to Oshivelo, out of frame to the left. Tsintsabis to Oshivelo is 90 km. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/10278ea4-a67a-4553-bd5f-a0e41b49c127/Tisntsbis.jpg Bases Area view of Tsumeb/Tsintsabis/Oshivelo. The roads from Tsumeb to Tsintsabis and Oshivelo are clearly visible. At Oshivelo 'gate' the road passed through an agricultural barrier into Ovamboland. Otavi and SWASPES is out of frame at the bottom, with the Etosha Pans at left. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/821df78f-40e2-4837-8df7-0d26c91c1f7a/Ogongo-3.4.2022.jpg Bases Ogongo area in 2022. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/dd56b810-1466-4d75-9839-0a752da5f690/Ogongo-Dec-2015.jpg Bases Ogongo in 2015. The area around the yellow pin is believed to be the old base, with a water tower visible at the northern edge of the bushed area. Does anyone have an accurate memory of the place? ‍ https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/f14d2f01-b4d2-49dc-9b4d-fa6eead58d30/Ogongo-2022.jpg Bases Ogongo in 2022 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/f629ae3d-5c63-4203-9808-ab839d2f8c91/Mahanene-2-.1.22.jpg Bases Mahanene in January 2022. The base is on the north side of the fish farm, Ruacana road visible bottom left. The extent of deforestation since 1982/3 is quite frightening. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/de0ed5ee-563d-4f3c-acc4-57cd5522ca9b/Mahanene-2-.1.22-2.jpg Bases Closer view of Mahanene. The north-south narrow rectangular shape is clearly visible, the gate was in the lower right corner where the two dirt roads meet. Around 2006/7 the shapes of the pool and the officer/NCO bar were still clearly visible on Google Earth. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/692ea4c4-4c1b-4e74-b853-dfae30b4ac0e/Mahanene-base-2.jpg Bases Drawings from memory of Mahenene by Cpl. Jakes Louw of 3 SAI, who was in the base during Platoon 12's abbreviated stay in late 1982. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/afda2225-8d78-4bb7-9549-9df7bbc549b6/Mahanene-base-1.jpg Bases https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/cb62eaba-8d87-49d6-88b9-0b5e90208c8a/IMAGE-73.jpg Bases Tony Foster of Platoon 13 photo, 1983. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/790c882d-52a7-4b0b-900d-5cff572986f6/okatope2.jpg Bases Okatope around September 1980, with a (good) drawing of the same scene below. ‍ https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/b0344c23-b5d2-48e9-9d8e-c0ab9e1b7b41/okatope.jpg Bases https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/82a78474-7baa-4a35-8063-2ec0a1714cc9/okalongo.jpg Bases Okalongo https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/cb6addf3-0180-4b25-ac44-5a31bff70ddb/okalnogo2.jpg Bases Okalongo, looking east (?) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/0fe6eb58-1ef8-4fc0-b5f3-e557700c4242/Oshigambo.jpg Bases Oshigambo https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/eb7f1fc2-1908-4f6c-a70f-da263fc42a02/Oshigambo-east-wall.jpg Bases Oshigambo's east wall, date unknown but many years later. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/56da53c9-d3cd-4102-96e3-014f3c958240/ombalantu.jpg Bases Ombalantu, details unknown. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/2bbf5171-1a67-4f7a-aabb-33fd1432e13e/ombalantu3.jpg Bases Ombalantu, details unknown but appears to be in the early days, a work in progress. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/3521f145-ee7f-4988-8b12-f91250a2838f/ombalantu2.jpg Bases Inside Ombalantu base. https://www.bikesquadrider.org/maps daily 0.75 2022-07-13 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/754a3611-93ef-4bf3-b230-5196c24223c2/Ovamboland-Map.png https://www.bikesquadrider.org/pagehq daily 0.75 2023-02-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/b214b55a-d17b-4453-8a18-98d624cfa398/jon1.jpg HQ Lt. Jon Stroebel on his blueprinted XR500, riding the quarry track about a km behind Berede named 'Carlsbad'. It was the hottest XR 500 in bike squad and revved like a modern four stroke. The chassis was a different story. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/976bcf11-9e5e-4d78-b46f-86546af30c0f/jon2.jpg HQ An unidentified Corporal on a Suzuki SP 370 in the bike park, with Honda XL 350s under the tent and the bike workshop behind. Judging by the condition of the bikes, especially the 370, this was in 1980, maybe even 1979. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/aeee26c6-1d12-44a5-83be-0590e79efe9d/bikesquad-Xr-1---Copy.jpg HQ Public Relations photos taken somewhere in the Berede training area. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/70f01788-682a-48a8-aaea-686a23a97830/bikesquad-Xr-2.jpg HQ Public Relations photo taken at Berede, believed to be 1983 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/cc365d01-0d28-46ae-acf5-ff8aaac503fb/Potch-training--1.jpg HQ Riding course at Berede, early 1983. Standing at left without helmet is Bike Squad CO and chief instructor Captain Stroebel. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/1656438446285-SSPU4DK6UOTU92F7AID5/Potch-training--2.jpg HQ Riding course at Berede in early 1983 with the Platoon 13 intake. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/1656438468566-R02C284VJKJL0GTX4E21/Potch-training--3.jpg HQ Riding course at Berde in ealry 1983 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/1656438514096-GFZOPX0UOM3YGJ68T069/Potch-training--8.jpg HQ Bikes squad NCOs playing at Berede in winter ie. mid-1983 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/1656438600525-TALORKLC36NT4IPTSQQK/Potch-training--5.jpg HQ Bike squad NCOs playing at Berede, 1983 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/1656438584558-NND1CZ1NX70WZIEC70HX/Potch-training--6.jpg HQ Riding course with Platoon 13 intake at berede, 1983. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/1656438622411-G3EMMH3OR5BSIKSQF09T/Potch-training--4.jpg HQ Riding course, 1983. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/1656438419021-UCG3H6LFJ5ER7Y8CU915/Potch-training--9.jpg HQ Bike squad NCOs at play, winter 1983. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/1656438554204-EGC6UEEO5JCF2X5I8PKU/Potch-training--7.jpg HQ Bike squad NCOs at play. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/1656438487635-BTR5YTAMTT8CKA6ATTZJ/Potch-training--13.jpg HQ Bike squad NCOs playing on an improvised track that evolved from a mudhole in the Berde training area. Any play riding in any area invariably turned into races, even in Angola. https://www.bikesquadrider.org/demo-team daily 0.75 2023-02-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/d1323644-3ce4-4a3f-b24c-278781ff7abd/8901_10151539715148283_983495741_n-2.jpg Demo Team Demo Team in action, 1980 or 81 ‍ https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/0f7388b6-7afa-4aa7-ab10-0526d0818070/demolump8-1.jpg Demo Team One of Demo Team's signature stunts, the figure 8 jump. It caused a number of broken legs and assorted bones. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/7071c3ce-d6ac-4c87-8094-feb1854cd161/10516867_10204844190727317_6243647286122400124_n.jpg Demo Team Practising '7 men on a bike' on the Equestrian Centre parade ground. The bike is a Honda XL 350 with square metal tubing in place of shocks. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/dcea7c55-bb7d-45d7-b278-07c46bb4dc22/11026174_945041138852131_9090786941579497789_o-2-p-800.jpeg Demo Team Same stunt, same place, different day https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/5ec22da7-ceb4-4ba7-9e68-3346cd2b6960/XL350.jpg Demo Team Different stunt, same place, same day. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/9d0dca79-620e-461e-83c6-b43fb2ba2d12/pl6-demo-8.jpg Demo Team Photos taken by a press photographer, believed to be a demo in Windhoek by Platoon 4. The rider with the glasses may be Murray Hoffman, a MX racer from Johannesburg who was in Platoon 4. Please contact us with definite information, and to claim ownership/copyright of these photos. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/e1907d15-6b42-4629-8fa0-baf86ab85ae1/pl6-demo-5.jpg Demo Team https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/20cfad2b-b2f7-4b6c-b77c-cabcbd61e32f/pl6-demo-1.jpg Demo Team https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/0934c984-1082-4201-8eed-d89af6748a16/pl6-demo-4.jpg Demo Team https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/36e5d067-7313-409f-9d49-e9a3c01d03a5/pl6-demo-2.jpg Demo Team https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/548ddead-86d0-47fa-baa6-1aaa970deef5/pl6-demo-7.jpg Demo Team https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/75667bdd-4513-4b2e-965b-1962900edb40/pl6-demo-3.jpg Demo Team Just to remind the spectators of the actual purpose of bike squad. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/9cc9feea-b6ef-4298-a7f5-c441b6cbf44c/pl6-demo-10.jpg Demo Team In bike squad, a dust cloud means things are not going as planned. Two riders hit each other, resulting in one broken arm. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/3fae9178-99ac-4574-98f9-7e4f813128c9/pl6demo.jpg Demo Team https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/cc712d67-fd13-4979-b701-04ead6be6135/pl6-demo-9.jpg Demo Team https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/31e55c65-ee62-4b58-8178-a597ea557033/pl6-demo-6.jpg Demo Team Before the platoon 4 (?) demo in Windhoek, the snorre inspected everything. The rider is believed to be Murray Hoffman from Joburg, and General Jannie Geldenhuys is at centre. The oke ahead of him who looks like Bricktop (Snatch) in a tuxedo was some or other Minister. Note smoke grenade tied to swingarm. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/3c9fe3e2-69b0-484a-bae2-2b62f28b8de6/deglon-2.jpg Demo Team Demo Team 1983/4. Mike Deglon playing on a XR 200 at the Lowveld Show in Nelspruit in 1983. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/f539e337-ae79-45ab-94ab-5d733f82151c/deglon-1.jpg Demo Team SA Trials Champion Mike Deglon playing on a trials bike at the Nelspruit show, 1983. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/6d2bcc82-67da-4944-b9c6-619aa3ca5810/134demomckellar.jpg Demo Team Bruce McKellar, 'Mackie' playing on the parade ground at Potch in 1984. No, he was just tapping the rear fender. 'Mackie don't flip' https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/587125f3-8962-4581-9e76-a0f75eb8327c/135demoteam1.jpg Demo Team Another bike squad signature stunt, 'Watch yer bollocks' on the Potch parade ground. The rider is believed to be Bruce McKellar, and standing at left is Patrick Devy. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/75bc4373-f6de-4093-823f-56cfb10a5f05/demo84.jpg Demo Team Demo Team practising on the Berede parade ground. Judging by the new appearance of the XR 200s, this was in winter 1983. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/fffff601-074b-4a3a-b2f7-e9ad0a8c9138/BS+demo+team+-+Copy.jpg Demo Team Demo Team 1981-82. (Thanks John Amiradaki, standing 2nd from left) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/82d9c7ff-f1ce-42d2-97f7-9cc30c5ae657/Keyser.jpg Demo Team Magazine photo of Johannesburg area high school MX racers receiving trophies, 1979 or 1980.. Future bike squad demo team rider Gary Keyser at centre, with a few other familiar names of the late 70s SA MX scene https://www.bikesquadrider.org/equipment daily 0.75 2023-02-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/5dd911b4-ea86-4834-b232-7ae1d5e95bda/a5fda1feb58aa0c7c0d2cd52ac9d21ee+-+Copy.jpg https://www.bikesquadrider.org/platoon-2 daily 0.75 2022-07-17 https://www.bikesquadrider.org/platoon-3 daily 0.75 2022-07-17 https://www.bikesquadrider.org/platoon-1 daily 0.75 2022-07-17 https://www.bikesquadrider.org/platoon-4 daily 0.75 2022-07-17 https://www.bikesquadrider.org/platoon-5 daily 0.75 2022-07-17 https://www.bikesquadrider.org/platoon-6 daily 0.75 2023-02-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/dce8e301-0e6b-46d1-83c2-a439213fafe1/624e69ce0dad03a44a58144a_Patrick.jpg Platoon 6 RIFLEMAN Patrick Devy on a cold morning in Ovamboland, Sgt. Cle da Mata in background https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/d52a9725-45ad-4eb5-8bb6-684e58b4227d/62564af3667f5f2bc0e65b0f_bike2.jpg Platoon 6 The remains of Swannie's bike, bent R4 barrel at left. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/b54139eb-e3fe-4022-8f4a-c00ae15f8bb4/62564aa4766b5835e24404ae_bike1.jpeg Platoon 6 Swannie's bike, note bent R4 at left. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/2700f2e4-df53-4285-8d10-d74b9f1b59d6/62564b19766b581fef44963f_grave.jpg Platoon 6 Swannie's grave in Fochville cemetery. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/d86aaef9-3e4a-4fd3-b14a-8b33775ff6a5/62564b4304dd7970ef960232_detail.jpg Platoon 6 Grave detail. https://www.bikesquadrider.org/platoon-7 daily 0.75 2022-07-17 https://www.bikesquadrider.org/platoon-8 daily 0.75 2022-07-28 https://www.bikesquadrider.org/platoon-9 daily 0.75 2023-02-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/9b7b6886-7a80-43c5-8c3a-5e9c05c6a8be/624e68a666cd8f4aa2503e26_PL10+%282%29.jpg Platoon 9 Cpl. John Alexander wheelying near Oshigambo, taken by Peter Dalton. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/be2bc44c-d863-4917-9505-d763bdcc77a7/624e68f76fe63e88933d53f4_PL10+%283%29.jpg Platoon 9 John Alexander at Oshigambo https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/70671460-3d16-4af4-892b-16d7415ae2f9/6250ebf730a642883f507a92_Alexander+Pl+9+%281%29.jpg Platoon 9 Platoon 9 at Rosie's Cuca shop at Oshigambo. Leon Els at left rear with cap, Peter Dalton at his feet, John Alexander at right with R4 between his legs. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/3beaa983-ed7b-49d3-abf4-123ecfe95d36/6250eb57fd9d21557af34fd5_Alexander+Pl+9+wheelie+%281%29.jpg Platoon 9 John Alexander at Oshigambo https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/7fa42c4f-f7cf-4d54-9f67-6c10d0c630f0/6250ec3730a642590f50cb37_Alexander+Pl+9+%282%29.jpg Platoon 9 John Alexander after his crash at Oshigambo in November 1981, he was casevaced to 1 Mil in Pretoria. https://www.bikesquadrider.org/platoon-10 daily 0.75 2023-02-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/f566fc2d-ad8d-4233-a255-f9b1df874eb8/6250ef9ffd9d21198bf5a369_Alexander+Pl+10+Angola+%281%29.jpg Platoon 10 Platoon 10 in Angola, John Alexander photo. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/27a8e630-2f47-4c1f-9402-3444e329d3a0/62532877e7c0e926530165b4_bicycle+squad+4.jpg.jpg Platoon 10 John Alexander with his 2-wheeled PB conveyance, taking a break. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/cfb5a408-6fd7-44db-a939-20a76cba6457/625325e2cf92c80645d1b63c_bicycle+squad+1.jpg+-+Copy.jpg Platoon 10 Bicycle Squad ....when Platoon 10 first arrived in Ovamboland, no XR 500s available so an enterprising Base Commander organised 30 PB bicycles and a lorry to reduce transit time to patrol areas. The show must go on! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/fc0a3e7e-316e-41be-91f5-32bb30bacb51/62532760a7941e8f44ea6dfc_bicycle+squad+3.jpg+-+Copy.jpg Platoon 10 Platoon 10 working on their fitness. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/bf5e0c69-f020-4ae6-aff8-4ce7d65da31c/6250ed60fd9d21be4ff4727d_Alexander+Pl+10+Ogongo+%283%29.jpg Platoon 10 Max Backman on a donkey at Ogongo. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/49e9b92e-c8b8-4d93-b640-30af72241cf9/6250f03c77dfca3e63684e30_Alexander+Pl+10+Angola+%286%29.jpg Platoon 10 Platoon 10 in Angola, note Russian GAZ truck on the road facing the three Buffels. John Alexander photo. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/c84f104e-cc0f-4fd1-996b-d896edd89959/6250ecec2fc1c5113a22b667_Alexander+Pl+10+Ogongo+%281%29.jpg Platoon 10 Platoon 10 at Ogongo. Backman on donkey, Emmerich holding donkey, Allanson laughing, can't remember the guy's name starting the engine. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/67a7155c-0fc8-4ac4-b73b-9bafc8b5103b/6250ed9a2fc1c510b923bb46_Alexander+Pl+10+Ogongo+%282%29.jpg Platoon 10 Debus off the donkey, Ogongo. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/fc39fbf6-0ac0-4ae9-8770-a48d196d9fd6/6250efe4f5acdf26795c30de_Alexander+Pl+10+Angola+%282%29.jpg Platoon 10 Platoon 10 in Angola, John Alexander photo. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/b7384ec2-6648-4b5a-a86b-93d82660e335/6250f0038798f76b48bb0176_Alexander+Pl+10+Angola+%283%29.jpg Platoon 10 Platoon 10 in Angola. Destroyed vehicles in some small town, John Alexander photo. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/f9aee54c-a91b-492d-916a-799a4efc06da/6250f11fdb42f4ff08863cac_Alexander+Pl+10+Angola+%285%29.jpg Platoon 10 A good but faded photo of the cutline, the physical border between SWA and Angola. John Alexander photo. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/2a1850cf-d0b8-4f45-aad6-767c4858fc31/623cf4c9aeecff4a73856e44_PL10+%281%29.jpg Platoon 10 John Alexander with friends and a souvenir, in his cyclist days. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/fe3fbcc5-bbe8-4ea7-97d5-a71b7b33bf29/6253265b8e3e9314e983ab1e_bicycle+squad+2.jpg+-+Copy.jpg Platoon 10 Dad's Army reactivated! Actually, Platoon 10 on patrol in Ovamboland, winter 1981. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/2e1516af-3cce-4a42-968e-1a3bd2ad5fbd/6253292a70db629110cf6656_finding+signal.jpg+-+Copy.jpg Platoon 10 Trying to extend the range of the A53 VHF radio, which operated line-of-sight. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/5509a981-b8d9-4557-8a3b-c53c87a3d13d/6250eccf2fc1c53bb3228c8a_Alexander+Pl+10+Angola+%284%29.jpg Platoon 10 John Alexander in Angola: "I made friends with one of the Kwevoel drivers and in long stretches rode in air conditioned cabin instead of dusty hot Buffel. He also had good food and beer". https://www.bikesquadrider.org/platoon-11 daily 0.75 2023-02-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/3ded4ef1-9c52-4de8-983e-aa85dcfb5c53/624e7976fc9ab4c297c167bb_6.jpg Platoon 11 Plt Sgt Yuri Maree on a new bigwheel XR somewhere in the Otavi/Tsumeb area during Ops Yahoo. Note lack of brush bars and light "protection" just visible on the bike at left. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/e4cfaa67-dbc9-4e45-b8bf-5b875bc830f4/6268795da17cc20695dc26b2_14spesbraai.jpg Platoon 11 Weekend braai at the school in Otavi. L to R: three veterinarians, Earl Pheiffer (Platoon 12) in white T-shirt, Herbert Schubert (Platoon 11), berede Platoon 28? pelbev Buks Pretorius, a vet staff corporal, Yuri Maree (Platoon 11) in red. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/5222c444-d70e-4afd-84dd-8db7b6b3bb82/625f647b7a9af3a3e361bbe5_07.png Platoon 11 Corporal Trevor White, Platoon 11 section leader with newish XR 500s, outside the bike office at SWASPES. Note new ProLinks under tents in background, which dates this photo to May/June 1982. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/afeacee1-4d25-411a-9ed5-3a888aefbd7c/625f643319c27f6b9305a0eb_the-covert-war-koevoet-operations-in-namibia-peter-stiff-1919854029.jpg Platoon 11 Peter Stiff's book about Koevoet provides an excellent overview of Operation Yahoo, which Platoon 11 was heavily involved in. All we knew at the time was, we were chasing SWAPO's 'special forces' terrs. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/fa706bcd-a38c-42cb-8f3c-90abc97c54da/624e7a5692020a04d95dfbe3_8.jpg Platoon 11 Pl. 11 after riding up and down the Otavi/Tsumeb railway line all night during Ops Yahoo, shooting off large amounts of ammo and flares to scare SWAPO away from the line. Schubert left, Maree right, McNeil right behind with light on, everybody dilly from sleep deprivation. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/43cd45cc-9cd2-46c3-9b31-80ca925ea85f/624e747e785b053dc3ae61ad_22.jpg Platoon 11 Giraffes in Etosha https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/5954a1fa-15b1-4baf-b8e4-596396991fbc/624e751136a544e322e2faa4_24+-+Copy.jpg Platoon 11 Giraffe crossing one of the roads in Etosha that we sweeped for spoor for a week. Saw thousands of animals but not a single terr or his tracks. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/e41ae9eb-31eb-4acb-88b0-690157039791/624e702036a54465a3dd7a90_12.jpg Platoon 11 Alouette gunships at SWASPES during Ops Yahoo, early 1982 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/0fbe6352-bc77-463f-88fb-bed9db17dcde/624e70ac18ffccd638d70303_13.jpg Platoon 11 Two Pumas and an Alouette at SWASPES during Ops Yahoo https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/d918af41-0498-43c0-ac89-80e343424e4c/624e721f1b1bcdad25b77b9d_18.jpg Platoon 11 Pl. 11 TB in Etosha, early morning. In hindsight, not very tactically sound, Buffels can't go very fast in reverse! But the drivers parked like that, and we didn't know what we were up against: 3 groups of 40 each of SWAPO's elite Volcano terrs. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/09db0b23-49b1-4b22-8257-356a341359a9/624e70575fcf7950fc048857_9.jpg Platoon 11 Gunships at SWASPES https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/3a7814cb-e55c-48ff-b8f4-33864a2fc58d/624e7afd64dc21a6f22f9e74_10.jpg Platoon 11 SWAPO alpha-sierra (AS) spoor on a farm about 80 k's south of Otavi. Typical early morning follow-up, we tracked it for a few k's before losing it on the rocky ground. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/664d3423-a6c6-434a-89a3-c9e18460e0fd/624e73a1fc9ab4d0b6bed327_16.jpg Platoon 11 Ready for another thrilling day of crawling along at 15 km/h looking for SWAPO spoor on the white roads and cutlines running east-west through Etosha Park. Above "sad" is section leader Raymond Verster, behind him Van Graan, then Billy Cilliers, and possibly Jacques Neale on the rear bin. Far right is Albert Hufnagel. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/7f836c3e-02a5-4f67-b873-11f80682747d/624e72aa36a54439dfe06155_23.jpg Platoon 11 TB in Etosha, early morning. The western part of the Park is quite densely bushed. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/7c19cdbd-f7fb-45c1-869d-b07c7104089f/624e73ee8188e7f2b4e5ce0c_21.jpg Platoon 11 Different morning, different TB in Etosha. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/58ae6386-00dc-4dd0-9789-0476565e08bb/624e77b4cb75c3e5c0b5b4dd_image.jpeg.jpg Platoon 11 Interesting photo of some Pl. 11 okes with brand new ProLinks and one bigwheel XR at an unidentified base, not SWASPES. At centre in the raincoat is Hufnagel, at right Russell? Please advsie https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/7d72a13e-46a1-4a28-9bb1-d78716aa39f7/624e6eed5c8ab38bd5a6d072_5.jpg Platoon 11 Platoon 11 departing a farm near Otavi after spending a few days there as protection against SWAPO attacks during Operation Yahoo from Feb--May 1982 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/0f41e5bf-75a3-43a9-8ac2-e392c5d57a7b/624e70f136a5440326de5962_15.jpg Platoon 11 Puma at SWASPES https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/94154e7e-4a3b-4a0e-9185-a6265cc07567/624e7578df34e478c4158e0d_17.jpg Platoon 11 'Kin teerist........2/Lt Schubert "on safari" in Etosha. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/83327f0a-6560-45c0-af56-029a29fcae98/624e763fdf34e4698815d186_31.jpg Platoon 11 Day 1 in Etosha, the learning curve was still steep. Buffel stuck on one of the smaller pans west of Etosha Pan. By rocking back and forth the driver managed to get it free and reverse to dry ground. Rfn Franken at right. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/560193ea-0026-433f-8ec6-4fda0ef123ad/624e6edd8188e73539e1df16_4.jpg Platoon 11 Platoon 11 on new bigwheel Honda XR 500s on a farm tweespoor somewhere near Otavi during Ops Yahoo. The limitations of bikes in dense bush are very obvious. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/4270619d-f4ec-4820-9e86-6d7d9fc741b0/624e783ca1765f57d61dadee_Herbert1+-+Copy+%282%29.jpg Platoon 11 Herbert Schubert (centre) and his famous red VW Golf, which he drove to Otavi and featured in many drunken adventures during Ops Yahoo. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/a705cb2e-8ffc-44b3-a0a0-5d863c520a5b/Appie_Badenhorst_Coetzee_Von+Greuning+%282%29.jpg Platoon 11 Platoon 11 left to right: Appie Groenewald, Badenhorst, Coetzee, Von Greuning (Michael McNeil photo) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/c27946ec-7fbc-46a9-865a-3705cbe16735/Braai+which+led+to+Flames+jumping+off+bunker+%282%29.jpg Platoon 11 Platoon 11 "braai that led to Flemington jumping off the bunker", Oshigambo late 1982. Identified are: 2nd head from left is Visser, lower head Flemington, standing in blue shorts Barnard, in front left Miller, standing at centre in blue shorts White, Van Graan at right with cocked elbow. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/ec8b03ed-4052-4663-86f4-5317202e43a8/Flemington+jumping+off+bunker.jpg Platoon 11 "Flemington jumping off the bunker" at Oshigambo, photo from Michael McNeil https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/64036eca-6c18-4b3f-a670-320c1dd7a4a6/Bikes+1.JPG Platoon 11 Platoon 11 wheelying in Ovamboland, per Mike McNeil https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/4ee2f73d-1b52-419a-b22d-874de62f1e57/Random+Pets_RG%27s.jpg Platoon 11 Platoon 11 pet wars, per Mike McNeil. Note red SADF-issue MX boots which were not worn much on ops, if at all. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/4c458224-dda5-4b06-92c2-f2195572cbbe/Swimming+in+water+tank+Echo+Tower+-+Min+Dae%21+-+Copy.JPG Platoon 11 "Swimming in the water tank Echo tower" identified are, front L to R Kriel ? White, Coetzee. Behind them L to R: Russell, Von Greuning, Barnard. Far right is Scholtz. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/862f3d2a-2a41-4f74-8ed6-9930892b9c10/Gavin+Visser+%28Elvis%29.jpg Platoon 11 Gavin Visser aka "Elvis" https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/af8da550-ad74-4350-8182-74b896a855d8/8e65fdbd-7dc4-4224-8255-f0d831b9034e.jpg Platoon 11 Nice photo of a braai in Ovamboland, L to R: Seb Barnard, Trevor White, Phillip Miller, Mike McNeil, Ray Verster, Hans van Graan, ?, Gavin Visser. (Credit Trevor White via Mike McNeil) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/71aa80db-04e6-4ce1-8bac-2f1b69cd1004/Wheelie+practice+Otavi+airstrip+-+Copy+-+Copy.jpg Platoon 11 "Wheelie practice, Otavi airstrip". Did Otavi have an airstrip? News to me! Maybe SWASPES parade ground/training area? It's a Bigwheel XR, ie. first half of 1982, and the mountians behind are definitely Otavi area. https://www.bikesquadrider.org/platton-12 daily 0.75 2023-02-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/fced5576-16e5-4773-9c8c-7ebcb785e09f/625f6e832b5d3069855bbdf9_spesquarry5.jpg Platoon 12 Quarry races at SWASPES https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/b1a2d92f-76a7-46d5-a007-1a792ff3660b/625f71b02b5d3029795bc616_tsintsabiscamp.jpg Platoon 12 Pl. 12 was not allowed into Tsintsabis, a preview of Ovamboland later, and slept in a small rectangular livestock camp south of the base. Note water cart, the only amenity. We slept along the fence, just visible where the bush starts. SADF at its best! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/a078d8c0-5925-46f7-96ca-e5ad0c66aea9/626ed1aa328aede99fb57c89_Helmet.jpg Platoon 12 Bike training at Potch, note bungalow number T260 and round bike squad insignia, which was the symbol for 'C Company' in the rest of the army. L to R: Rick Myburgh, Colin Blignaut, Fritz Beudeker. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/ee95b0ca-4b08-41f9-9a9b-3ff9e1c64675/62607985ad482eb7662471d9_36+spesrally1.jpg Platoon 12 Soon after 2/Lt Hagen arrived Platoon 12 took part in the Otavi Rally, a social event organised by the German Club in town. Before the start, L to R: Le Roux, Reeves, Welsh, Beudeker, De Jager, Douglas, Hagen. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/68fa8a33-57ea-4447-872d-e898a48eb46d/624e7cc19b1a66594b625cc7_pl12.jpg Platoon 12 Platoon 12 at Tsintsabis, late 1981 or early 82 . L to R: Colin Blignaut, Fritz Beudeker, Dave Nieuwoudt, Eddie Heath. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/533d84ef-9068-48b5-b83c-6ba564b51c63/624fc5953d1a7a49573a4cd1_30tsumebrailway.jpg Platoon 12 Another training ride, from Tsumeb to Otavi on the rail line service road. The XR in front is a 1981 model, at right a 1982. Only difference was the shape of the front fender. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/d31a5dba-24a0-4bfc-a635-c4cdacd677f2/625f77d3c5df35f121efc780_spestent.jpg Platoon 12 New XR ProLinks in the bike park at SWASPES. The condition of the paint on the bikes date this to May or June 1982. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/8feed8ba-8fc3-4d92-8109-847e5f20392d/626892e84e5356735c7bf9af_greenbuffel.jpg Platoon 12 Kawasaki KX Buffel. Landmines were a constant threat in Ovamboland and SWAPO specifically targeted pipelines. Water Dept. aka 'waterwese' okes drove around like this. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/48993b08-cc72-4a59-a805-9909e192b497/62608271d31d8a2641552e2a_samil1.jpg Platoon 12 Returning to SWASPES from Oshivelo to fetch the bikes. Along the edge L to R: Beudeker, Le Roux, Reeves, Van Rensburg (standing), De Jager, ? medic, Luwes, HAPS du Plessis, Geeringh. In the Kwevoel bed, front to rear: Steinvaart, Sutton, Heath, Steyn. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/9936db1e-42b1-4c27-b9c5-99218ac682a1/62607e80ebcf9fd045b1724a_speslwtme.jpg Platoon 12 Cold morning at the SWASPES LWT in Otavi, Yuri Maree looking unimpressed. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/44d2a1fa-528c-494d-ad21-ec4f8351b64a/625f7e89a10c087634565801_spesquarry+8.jpg Platoon 12 Platoon 12 training in the gravel quarry just east of SWASPES after getting brand new XR 500R ProLinks in May 1982. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/e49d5af8-a467-48df-93ac-1306b68d178f/6260872084a7ea0d441aa82f_samil3.jpg Platoon 12 Kwevoel ride back to SWASPES from Oshivelo. Steinvaart's best side at centre and clockwise from left: Geeringh, Welsh, medic corporal assigned to Pl. 12 for the COIN refresher at Oshivelo, Hagen, Maree, Vorster, ?, Beudeker. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/6d6250ff-0cae-49ac-8f5b-0b4ffe593806/62607f72aecd6b7be78297c9_25spesovershoot.jpg Platoon 12 On the railway service road between Tsumeb and Otavi. Reeves (L) and Welsh overshoot a blind corner at 80 while playing 'falling behind and catching up' games. Note the rest of the platoon at top left, enjoying the show. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/5e1f91ec-4dde-4145-ad70-77754bdccb2b/624e7c0e80be13515f1fd520_Tsintsabis.jpg Platoon 12 Pl. 12 boyz with their collective girlfriend 'Sandy' at Tsintsabis around Christmas 1981. L to R: MJG du Plessis, Eddie Heath, Ricky 'Brommer' Myburgh, Colin Blignaut, Dave Nieuwoudt. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/2bfad62c-7b87-46a0-ae69-fff981e3ace7/626889eaa55742a612a46604_59+opsearlymeangola.jpg Platoon 12 GRENSVEGTER!! An embarrassing but informative shot of Yuri Maree on a recce ride into southern Angola. Note bush hat instead of helmet, and position of R4 which was the result of a learning moment during Ops Yahoo six months before. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/37d71730-830c-4991-b4f7-3fe1f30452a1/626085203e308c72c86801c1_samil2.jpg Platoon 12 Same bunch, L to R: Le Roux, Reeves, Steyn, 'Van', De Jager, berede medic. In front, L/Cpl. Steinvaart with Sutton under his armpit. At right, front to rear: Welsh, Geeringh, HAPS du Plessis, Luwes. Photo taken on the road between Tsumeb and Otavi. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/33e58568-55b7-466e-ae54-1fd5686f148a/6272dfb7c30f4841baa858b8_Pee.jpg Platoon 12 'Decanting Windhoek Light after a night of Windhoek Lager in Tsintsabis'. Fritz Beudeker caught with his pants down. Note open ventilation panel on driver compartment, tree dragged behind the Buffel to sweep the cutline, and apparent babalas casualties. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/daeaf41c-fb18-4a35-87dd-b19f0889ff66/626ed273fadae316bb64aa98_Mike+Richard+and+Dawid.jpg Platoon 12 Platoon 12 party some time after klaaring out, per Fritz Beudeker. At left is Mike Burley, right Dave Nieuwoudt, front Richard Sutton. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/e216b364-406e-4ffb-91a8-a32d349db5da/6268847c20a39f27a23865fe_52+ogongomehagen.jpg Platoon 12 First week at Ogongo, Hagen and Maree with Luwes at right. Of note is the high sand wall, the water tower, and the fool at left doing PT while bike squad does 'onderhoud'. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/486bccc6-7f9a-43d9-984c-5c35f0ac61ac/626885110e717b657a024191_opsearly4.jpg Platoon 12 Platoon 12's first patrol, in southern Angola north of Ogongo/Okalongo. The learning curve was steep despite all previous experience. Note bush hats instead of helmets and bright headlight on the bike at left. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/6adbc9a6-2951-4129-9f16-39cb8343f7bf/62688d2a5b837220c803dac1_63+opsfixflats2.jpg Platoon 12 Interestingly, almost all the flats we had occurred in the first two or three weeks in Ovamboland. Note red foot pump front left, borrowed from the family in the kraal. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/6c7ca3ce-9f9d-4723-b046-1737daeb45dc/6258df2a1013c6678ec9ddaf_speslwt1+-+Copy.jpg Platoon 12 Bike maintenance at the SWASPES LWT (Light Works Troop) aka workshop, a former petrol station in Otavi. The sergeant at far right was in charge of the LWT, at far left is Richard Sutton, 3rd from left looks like Vorster. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/1d8459f5-d928-45e5-983d-bec139ae34f7/624fc310f4ad7726ff7cdc6f_spescaptaindown.jpg Platoon 12 A XR 500 is not a horse, as Captain Gobrechts of Ops Wing found out when he rode with us during training at SWASPES. He was a nice oke, so we didn't laugh at him. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/b5a21813-b47d-4e31-8811-8fd3639c9f48/625f6e0ebb35a121ccad3568_spesquarryme2.jpg Platoon 12 Same quarry, same clown. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/ffe46c22-0807-4558-b984-e706ab4b3c49/62687b226c1acbb71178d0ae_12civviedirtbikes+-+Copy.jpg Platoon 12 Civvie dirtbikes at SWASPES HQ in Otavi. L to R: 2/Lt Herbert Schubert tying down his 1982 Honda CR 480; 2/Lt Kevin Robinson (RIP) the SWASPES Adjudant and his 1982 Suzuki RM 250; Angus du Toit, Colin Blignaut (hidden) and Mike Burley in foreground. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/b5df75c8-511b-4be5-92ec-f234571d50c5/626ed10b6888be148a4b51dd_250R.jpg Platoon 12 Mike Burley on a bigwheel XR at SWASPES. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/3612b73c-cd38-42bf-8a33-87d3c645fba4/624fc3fde4f30a3beb980649_spesbikestent.jpg Platoon 12 ProLinks in the bike park at SWASPES. The condition of the paint was a chronological marker, this photo was taken in June, 99% certain. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/d5b08604-7678-4ed4-afe5-b3f9ef0357da/62687f76e52f3a5d79c61841_29+Tourney.jpg Platoon 12 Staff-Sergeant Tourney, who fulfilled an unknown role at SWASPES, maybe the chief tracker? He could be difficult at times but was a decent oke, especially after he got his "own" XR 500. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/5885bda8-d8ab-4c13-800a-0ff43382cc5b/625f7dd43233a45410f0329f_spesquarry+3.jpg Platoon 12 Quarry racing (as most rides turned into) at SWASPES, May 1982. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/a0233ec9-bf9c-4f97-aaf4-1af10c06f568/624fbd0054cdbd00639a7861_spesmybike1.jpg Platoon 12 New ProLink at SWASPES, May 1982. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/a7fe850b-c11b-41b4-a50f-33de3b4880ef/6272e1360cf797526ac2fc24_Potch.jpg Platoon 12 Bike squad bungalows at Potch were basically plywood huts. Beudeker in front, Vorster flexing at right rear. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/c7600611-9f78-4034-821f-b7e58b285b16/624fbea37309bc3a7207560d_spesridepl12.jpg Platoon 12 Training ride in the area south-east of Otavi, May 1982. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/c9e83f6c-0554-45bc-b68e-3b6f5fb32425/624fbed2a4fd2f68972b5b02_23spesridePL12.jpg Platoon 12 Training ride south-east of Otavi. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/eea419a7-8540-41d2-ac13-2f91112da936/6258ea797f82a07d7629c358_30.jpg Platoon 12 Staff Tourney was semi-famous for being on the cover of Soldier of Fortune magazine after Operation Sceptic (Smokeshell) in late 1980, when he was a sergeant. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/0a82c768-9451-48e7-a1dc-6545ce599d41/626075ee6f99fae0d53fa3de_meraces7+%281%29.jpg Platoon 12 Just west of Kombat was another primitive MX track at the entrance to a farm on the south side of the tar road. Cpl. Maree photos. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/850a0b2a-9dce-4638-a56a-f02e94d16731/6272e0797d74e920ba74aa71_Walking+Patrol.jpg Platoon 12 Training at Potch, winter 1981. Rear, L to R: Van Nieuwenhuizen, Botha, Welsh, Heath, Beudeker. Front, L to R: Blignaut, Banks, Sutton. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/d57dd13c-54b0-47dd-9c6e-4e5676c7bd2d/62607a56a11f70143a4ab142_37+spesrally2.jpg Platoon 12 After the Otavi Rally, having achieved the official result of DQ. L to R: Maree, Hagen, Douglas. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/2c85bff9-eaac-42e5-8491-8a40f9c5b244/6272dd7ac30f484523a71108_Ovamboland+Jaccuzzi.jpg Platoon 12 'Ovamboland jacuzzi'....Tsintsabis actually, but same thing. Front to rear: Colin Blignaut, Johnny Welsh, Fritz Beudeker, Eddie Heath. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/1b584363-8339-4449-8f88-e7bb4d514cd2/625f66cb73ced0efefa5fc70_Pl+12+oshivelo+cutline.jpg Platoon 12 On the Bravo cutline between Tsintsabis and Oshivelo. 'Brommer' Myburgh sitting on the bike, Cpl. Fourie next to him and standing far right is Eddie Heath. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/95eaf541-64b4-4169-a87e-a98b4e560931/625f73c2a10c0818b952a757_tsintsabisme.jpg Platoon 12 Maree in one of the 90 degree turns on the Bravo cutline, a few kays west of Tsintsabis. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/2b978809-dd71-4466-825c-d0eb4e16b542/626887652221b08aa6b9b7b0_opsearly3.jpg Platoon 12 Platoon 12's first patrol was a day trip recce ride into southern Angola. Crossing a fence by pushing the wires down instead of cutting them. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/0cdd8834-5a96-4412-b66b-7c46ff32fe42/624fc46e0a5c957f272b24a0_petersengoat.jpg Platoon 12 Cpl. Grant Petersen wins a bet. Officers and NCOs were standing around the bike office when this goat ran past and someone told Grant "bet you a Rand (or was it a beer?) you can't catch it". This was him almost an hour later, a winner. Note MX boots. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/177d18f8-e2d9-45c0-b702-a5204283da23/6260816423be2261284be5eb_38.jpg Platoon 12 All units entering Ovamboland had to do a 'COIN refresher' course at Oshivelo. 10 days of infantry rondfok without bikes was NOT well received. L to R: Hagen, Maree, SWASPES medic, De Jager. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/4816a2d2-5276-4c42-bb4d-8f506acdc014/62688ab710763b0269b25b4e_65+ovamboswim2.jpg Platoon 12 Platoon 12 swam in every dam we saw. Early patrol with no helmets, identified are: far left 'Van', standing side-on Geeringh, at centre Maree, standing right Steinvaart's best side and HAPS du Plessis https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/a2c3be76-e400-4246-a61f-b9a060165eb9/625f7594a5b6700d8339d571_51+tsumebroad.jpg Platoon 12 Platoon 12 on the road between Tsumeb and Otavi, after we laughed at the camper Colonel at Tsintsabis who made a fool of himself on the Bravo cutline and were promptly sent back to SWASPES. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/d454bfd0-7df4-4b70-ad86-eb7c88c6df76/625f74d369175450a6cf98ef_46+tsinrsbisraces+-+Copy+%283%29.jpg Platoon 12 Tsnintsabis races, outside the south wall of the base. Rider in white helmet is on starting line. Note large and enthusiastic crowd. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/4de20b55-0190-4907-a712-eb86b90d3f02/624fbff37309bc1a480757db_22platoon12ridespes+-+Copy.jpg Platoon 12 Smoke break on a training ride south-east of Otavi, May 1982. At centre without helmet is JT du Plessis, with Banks' backside at right and Steyn beyond him. Far right is Cpl. Grant Petersen returning to SWASPES with a flat front tyre. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/c039d10c-741a-4b23-9396-8a1b93e89f70/625f7b91c59e4d53cdb05087_kombatride.jpg Platoon 12 Platoon 12 leaving the Kombat MX track, in the clearing at right. Looking south, Kombat mine is behind the trees in background, 500m away. This road goes north, and was an interesting longer route back to SWASPES. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/dab8cdd9-dffd-4eed-8a03-098302896b80/624fc1515b5f71d6b09640f9_29backofstables+-+Copy.jpg Platoon 12 Practice track in the bush behind the stables and dog kennels at SWASPES, named 'Back of the Stables' after the MX track 'Back of the Moon' near Pretoria in SA. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/049448de-615d-4798-b45b-d50d3f628d14/625f67b6d64cf366c078d029_spesquarry1+001.jpg Platoon 12 Photos of Cpl. Maree riding at the Otavi quarry, May 1982. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/1f900fab-d3e2-4f7d-98eb-f46d105f8a48/62687cade52f3a339bc357d8_spesbraailootsme.jpg Platoon 12 Another weekend, another braai at the school in Otavi. Cpl. Yuri Maree with the necessary and the SWASPES Signals NCO Cpl. Loots. 2/Lt at left was an unidentified berede pelbev. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/b21b2782-a700-415c-9495-f6272ba88b2d/6260766cebcf9ff2acac968f_meraces5.jpg Platoon 12 Another improvised MX track at the entrance to a farm a few kays west of Kombat.. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/27ba09bd-93e8-49d6-9189-ecb31978585e/625f787e12a6c0b48d28c9d8_28+kombatme2.jpg Platoon 12 Kombat MX, Yuri Maree running the track anti-clockwise. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/e75fc3c3-361d-4a83-a69c-e03e51286eb6/625f6f863abeab6c17c58e64_tsintsabisroad.jpg Platoon 12 Platoon 12 went to Tsintsabis for the second time in early June 1982, this time with bikes. On the road south of the base after arriving late in the afternoon, waiting for the PFs to decide where we would sleep. Shades of things to come..... https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/7355f1d0-bb02-49cb-b79e-42096e57e556/626075ee6f99fae0d53fa3de_meraces7.jpg Platoon 12 Kombat farm MX. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/285304ad-7c78-48a3-ac24-493d2ca25819/6260885ba81f2df42c821f20_suttonheath.jpg Platoon 12 Richard Sutton and Eddie Heath at Oshivelo. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/61507bbb-beba-45f5-b5bc-a3a6fc02f81e/62688e90ab9105a2741691ce_opsfixingflats3+-+Copy.jpg Platoon 12 Fixing flats, September 1982 in Ovamboland. L to R: Le Roux, Hagen, Fourie, De Jager. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/167c7f3d-0f1f-42da-92b3-e00aed354b22/62795ef40683943e535e1099_Image+%286%29.jpg Platoon 12 Sweeping the cutline at Tsintsabis, rear L to R: Beudeker, Sutton, Myburgh. Front L to R: Welsh, Blignaut, Heath or Banks?, Nieuwoudt, Fourie https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/a089dc26-224b-438c-855d-6eae5e8b9472/624fbd6d54cdbd739e9ab0b0_16+spesjumphagenbanks.jpg Platoon 12 Rfn. Patrick Banks, at 16 the youngest and one of the best riders in Platoon 12, showing 2/Lt. Hagen how to jump a XR 500 during training at SWASPES. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/23ba5637-c584-4350-833b-1aeb1b99e18c/626886a023507f4aedcd4dde_firstpatrol.jpg Platoon 12 Platoon 12's first patrol, Maree in front in southern Angola. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/74f50e03-5f4d-41db-a622-7ab372f41153/625f732ab904177bc0ecdd96_48+tisntsabiscutline1.jpg Platoon 12 Smoke break on the Bravo cutline, returning to Tsintsabis from Oshivelo. Yuri Maree airing his armpits, Eddie Heath at right with cigarette. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/3a9bbbac-a029-47fe-ab1d-ac545c65aa31/624fbe318d11b27ff5f2729a_spesjump2.jpg Platoon 12 Refresher training -- and ProLink familiarisation -- at SWASPES, May 1982. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/03429935-ad45-4d56-aed8-21794898af5f/624fbcca6e251c1fe5ed615b_spesmybike2.jpg Platoon 12 In May 1982 the first batch of Honda XR 500R 'ProLinks' arrived at SWASPES. Cpl. Maree's first ProLink at SWASPES, paint still mostly intact. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/0ffcf51d-ecdd-4522-8263-fda94d82884a/626886232221b08491b9a371_opsearly1.jpg Platoon 12 First patrol in perfect bike terrain. Hagen standing at left. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/8c86bf0d-93e3-43ff-bc78-0726057dd3b2/62607623980875325bbb400e_meraces4.jpg Platoon 12 Maree at 'Kombat west MX' https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/faffcb30-15d3-4d82-a583-b5cf19d52235/625f764f54abe70ea6568d48_speskombatracesdaveN.jpg Platoon 12 Kombat MX! Dave Nieuwoudt catchin' air. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/c0fac6f9-7311-46dc-822b-06219ee91f02/62688be210763b137fb2f5c8_61+opswelshturban.jpg Platoon 12 Bush hats no good: Johnny Welsh after another Ovamboland-early-days lesson when the platoon hit a dormant mahangu field in single file at 70 km/h. He got scalped by his R4 and the M79 'snotneus' he carried, and we wore our pisspot helmets religiously from then on. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/70a99c50-2f62-4250-80e4-e94a8a69a7d0/625f65434be5f0479f3a1f7a_12243247_10208302300338912_2768609730356959380_n.jpg Platoon 12 Platoon 12's ride back to Otavi from Tisntsabis after teaching a camper Colonel about riding in deep sand. This was taken at the junction where the road splits, right to Oshivelo gate and straight on, through Tsumeb to Otavi. 2/Lt Hagen standing. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/b3a00107-4108-4c05-a97e-6c3e1055e07e/625f76c8d7d41a07f4d1dc27_kombatvorster.jpg Platoon 12 Kombat races. Nieuwoudt at speed in the sand. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/4961d84e-e9de-46ac-9df3-1d186344a770/6260817fe5205068fd8060aa_37.jpg Platoon 12 Last day at Oshivelo. Hagen and Maree before Platoon 12 was 'evaluated' on a live-ammo night ambush. We aced it, of course....."fuck this land". https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/6de0fadf-9595-4011-871e-0b184b1e12c2/625f78b7c1a80dc4621b4dda_27kombatme.jpg Platoon 12 Kombat MX, Maree going clockwise. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/d9d3870b-5c49-4fb1-982f-d4ed8506d5ee/62607faf8005953dde015a2e_Hagen+at+spes.jpg Platoon 12 2/Lt. J J N Hagen at SWASPES, May 1982. Note bike park full of new ProLinks in background. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/0feb99b0-a547-4aed-b35e-19e8a1b9c31f/62688e2c37da514e4ecdb37a_62+opsfixflats1.jpg Platoon 12 Fixing flats, note red pump at left. Standing at right are L to R: 'Van' van Rensburg, MJG du Plessis, Douglas. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/e3658703-12d6-41b4-bd61-2b92c1013d19/6268881863ec7c298869d539_54opsmeanthill.jpg Platoon 12 First patrol, a day trip into Angola. Yuri Maree looking neat and well-dressed compared to later. Note bush hat on handlebar, ie. no helmets, and large anthill leaning north. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/151c7af0-af67-4100-8ff3-13ca4f1a2a0a/46+-+Copy.jpg Platoon 12 Platoon 12 almost lost a man in the first weeks in Ovamboland, when Luwes rode through a steel wire fence at 60 km/h and the top wire caught him by the neck. Here he is standing 4th from right after getting up slowly and painfully. He was emergency caseveaced shortly after this photo was taken when his neck started swelling up from air escaping under the skin through his torn windpipe. From L to R: ?, Johnny Welsh, Geeringh kneeling, Sutton, Heath, HAPS du Plessis, Hagen (rear view), ?, ?, ?, Luwes, Reeves, JT du Plessis, Vorster. The photo doesn't convey it, but it was well after sunset. Luwes only rejoined the platoon in mid-December when we left for SWASPES and SA. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/495a4f50-8c86-4e1e-b49b-6b7528b524de/48.jpg Platoon 12 Another hot day in Ovamboland, another cool swimming hole. Note PB woman fetching water, and half the platoon swimming and half keeping watch. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/94634669-cf69-4be1-93ce-403d3396f189/50++a.jpg Platoon 12 Part of Platoon 12 in Ovamboland, shortly after our mortal enemy the Ogongo 2IC, an "Intelligence" Corps Captain, made us get buzz cuts just because he could. Le Roux was the only escapee, for some reason he wasn't present when the platoon was rounded up. Rear row, L to R: Banks, Sutton, Hath, Douglas, Vorster. 2nd row from rear L to R: Ingalls, Beudeker, Steinvaart, Geeringh. 2nd row from front L to R: Welsh, Reeves, Le Roux, HAPS du Plessis. Front: Van Rensburg, Maree. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/de4bd686-22b0-4e09-bf8a-e75ffb55cb96/79.jpg Platoon 12 Taken seconds after the previous one, almost everyone is laughing and Steyn the Wheelie King crashed the shot at right rear. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/7bc7a23c-a6ba-47b2-bcb6-27e8ee824f9b/60.jpg Platoon 12 A school in western Ovamboland, far from the bigger towns like Oshakati and Ondangwa. Can't remember where this was, but near the cutline. https://www.bikesquadrider.org/platoon-13 daily 0.75 2022-07-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/06fe3bfe-5fff-42c8-91dd-5edb1f6fa564/62549cae01e6142084554c1d_pl13-3+-+Copy.jpg Platoon 13 The terrain west of Ruacana is very different from the open shonas of Ovamboland. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/3630d9f3-d2fd-472e-8fa3-d0236a70af94/62549c8b7142ae09b71c59a8_pl13+-+Copy.jpg Platoon 13 Platoon 13 section based at Ruacana. Far left is Ben Neumann, 3rd left Mike Bahnhoff. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/1e208be3-3324-4001-8b13-ca0ada141fc7/62561e3b9eb5e02c766f9232_IMAGE+73.jpg Platoon 13 Okatope base. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/1ce10168-2a93-4dd7-b6df-5c11dff8c546/625f60c07a9af3e9f75c63f6_bikesquad009fz5.jpg Platoon 13 The wide open shonas of Ovamboland turned into shallow lakes with the summer rains. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/b6feda16-23fc-49fa-846c-69a06127668a/625f6195c9935b1d5b7a74ac_image004.png Platoon 13 Tar road wheelying. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/6c05be29-8e3f-4459-85fc-afb4683f66c4/625497567142ae01c7173330_IMAGE+78.jpg Platoon 13 Tony Foster's certificate of qualification as a civvy parabat. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/d1708baf-36c9-4d7f-8c29-8506769f8da4/62549e904a47dfa85ae73d03_166991_2145808890395_1401458230_32128809_1571206636_n+-+Copy.jpg Platoon 13 Platoon 13's Ruacana section, doing what bike squad does. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/b9a9f210-df98-4e0c-920e-7a83c37025bf/62549dc34a47df6de2e644b1_jeff+1.jpg Platoon 13 Jeff van Pletzen near Ruacana Dam https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/032e8065-8089-40cb-a0c9-6d6116fa257d/625492c08ffe98831f5d6131_bikesquad005dz8+-+Copy.jpg Platoon 13 Platoon 13 servicing their bikes after a training ride at Potch. By 1983 the bike squad compound was well-organised. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/8ccef514-4020-497b-b0bd-26f90db90a56/6254997e2531e605b9b67d63_74176_492758217753_722237753_7140131_1248364_n+-+Copy.jpg Platoon 13 Pl. 13 section based at Okatope, somewhere in Ovanboland. At rear facing the camera is Aubrey Kavanaugh, 2nd from right 'Plakkies' van Rensburg. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/b6cbd690-e4a7-429c-8b19-ec58ba03e32f/625f61ff6cbd105eaccf78c9_image005.png Platoon 13 Obviously not Ovamboland..............west of Ruacana. Good terrain for an enduro. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/d277d435-e4e1-4071-84b1-7f7be65ac45b/6254942aedce420f2b9b03ee_2015-11-16+15_49_22+-+Copy.jpg Platoon 13 Platoon 13 was the first to do street training and get 'R' motorcycle licences. Before a training ride to Klerksdorp, some 50 km away. At right is Sgt. JJ Ueckermann, a horse type who became a bike squad instructor in 1983. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/d425bae0-407d-4c17-a949-ed4b5a80aeba/626ed6295b4c1a1589bf14a5_Picture+007+-+Copy+%282%29.jpg Platoon 13 West of Ruacana. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/a0e5ed51-03cd-4094-8d41-eced85038317/62549d88c829f5843d577e08_jeff+2.jpg Platoon 13 Jeff van Pletzen on the tar road to Ruacana Dam. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/68adb9d5-1824-4d08-ae82-e04d8128fe66/6254961f969b08d10e554826_IMG_0092+-+Copy.jpg Platoon 13 Lt. Devy decided chasing a ball or jogging were not worthwhile sporting pursuits for bike squad, and Platoon 13 took up skydiving in Klerksdorp during sports parades on Wednesdays. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/611a9673-5d91-401b-a0f2-fa43deef8a64/624fb91d5b5f717d1d962e08_3bitethedust.jpg Platoon 13 Dust, speed and large rocks don't mix, as 'Kat' Matthews learned on 'Operation VSA' (ref. Tony Foster) during training at Potch. Dave Inglis holding the bike. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/126d1430-c376-4974-8a83-d3819fb6ed0d/62549df406542d1aaa869529_2015-11-16+16_11_45+-+Copy.jpg Platoon 13 Jeff van Pletzen doing what is known as a "wheelie" in motorcycle circles. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/5a5efeb9-9d34-4aee-b9f2-bc96e2a222d6/625494f193884269bf05f585_bikesquad006jx2+-+Copy.jpg Platoon 13 Training for 'R' licences on the street-legal Suzuki DR 500s, the first platoon to do so. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/f0904f0d-946d-477a-bf81-862a1333ed35/626ed5cfe7cd2b4a717ecd28_Picture+002+-+Copy+%283%29.jpg Platoon 13 Ben Neumann, aka 'Alfred E' https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/b0d58bcd-9291-4266-bc36-89aa18756f97/625f60437fa545d6927414c6_bikesquad008fu1.jpg Platoon 13 Excellent shot of a Platoon 13 bike and a Noddy Car on the tar road in the wet season. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/6ee6a30b-6c9f-464d-b3d2-1b78598f4424/62561f125d21e5241dc7f3cc_ARMY+PHOTO%27S8TONY.jpg Platoon 13 Tony Foster with Yati Spider's toy. 'Yati Spider' was Captain Barnard, a berede company commander who was in charge of Okatope at the time. How he got his nickname is explained elsewhere. It is not a heroic story. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/98052ca6-d8a7-448e-869e-b1ad7f1026d0/62549d564a47df9d38e5c443_jeff.jpg Platoon 13 Jeff van Pletzen of the Ruacana section. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/6bfe1888-29ce-48f9-a776-f79f8bcfd262/625f617926a56f3af79875c1_image003.png Platoon 13 Some more wheelies on the tar road. ID, anyone? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/cd144f5b-8401-4e97-adb3-879099636834/6254933d3d93fc5ab31fd372_bikesquad003hc3+-+Copy.jpg Platoon 13 Platoon 13 in training at Potch. Rfn. Carl Barnard, a top national level trials rider, demonstrates how to ride a rocky downhill. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/3eff8a5c-43db-4827-bd44-2bd11865f9b2/62549d0d01e6142acb55ca35_pl13-2+-+Copy.jpg Platoon 13 Ruacana section in real bush, not perfect bike terrain like Ovamboland. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/f74dd5c1-5178-4563-8fd5-1a5fd2d222a7/62561e98b232ec9c3969c971_img0019.jpg Platoon 13 Miershoop base. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/c32b6f68-dc23-472c-b561-8d856deedfb2/626ed611554c634665310c54_Picture+007.jpg Platoon 13 Unidentidied riders, terrain is clearly Ruacana and west, not Ovamboland. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/e799c10a-2109-4015-93eb-4f49905f0cb0/62561ee1f6f5d10c0a78ed5e_bike+squad+2.jpg Platoon 13 'Pad spook', bike squad style. Is that you Tony? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/08bb9171-415a-481d-b74b-399d54b3d389/62549494095b37a20fe5213e_bikesquad002tf2+-+Copy.jpg Platoon 13 Lunch break on the Klerksdorp training ride. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62b64737517ea57188559635/0f943d70-3d85-4fac-ab95-71e9453efbe3/62549b755b26715f52d72259_37150_492758262753_722237753_7140132_3492963_n+-+Copy.jpg Platoon 13 The Okatope section. https://www.bikesquadrider.org/platoon-14 daily 0.75 2022-07-17