November - Department of Defence

The Battle of theYsterplaatBy Bibi MorgetsPhotos: Sgt Lebogang TlhaolePathfinders dropped by parachute before the main force to search forinformation on the ground to signal to incoming soldiers.22The Africa Aerospace ofDefence (AAD) Expo had somuch activity to offer, buttoday could have been thehighlight and the first to happenin the history of the AAD.The mini-war called "TheBattle of the Ysterplaat", demonstratedthe capabilities of all four Services inthe SANDF working together.This battle showcased the capabilitiesand the importance of the differentServices and demonstrated the magnificenttraining these soldiers undergo sothat we have fit and skilled soldierswho operate both on the ground andon air.Saturday, 20 September 2008, wasthe first day for the AAD to be open tothe public. In spite of being cloudy andwindy the day turned out to be a hugesuccess. The Ysterplaat community andneighbouring locations gathered inA mortar platoon exits the back of a Hercules C130 aircraft on Geckos totake their position.S A S O L D I E R • NO VEMB ER 2 0 0 8large numbers in support of the airshow as they came to broaden their aviationknowledge.Children were captivated by thecolourful merry-go-rounds and the foodstalls displayed on the sides of the pathway,as aircraft in the skies showcasedtheir skills. This was a well-planned dayby the members of the AAD. Peoplecongregated in the area demarcated forthe public as the mini-war commenced.It started with the Dakota aircraft droppingsix parachutists. The role of thesepathfinders is to search for informationon the ground to signal to incoming soldiersthat soon land with a HerculesC130 aircraft. The Hercules C130 aircraftlands, soldiers and Geckos exitfrom the back of the plane and take theirpositions in the field to hide in order toattack the enemy from the best positions.Bearing in mind that war is amessy business back-up plans of a highstandard are always put in place, whichis why the participation of the SAMedical Health Service (SAMHS) ispivotal to any operation. A CASA 212aircraft flies over the camouflaged soldiersdropping more equipment for theextra weapons needed. As the showprogressed we were fascinated by how"medics" operate in war. One wouldthink that SAMHS members belongedonly in hospitals and sickbays, but theyplay major roles in circumstanceswhere soldiers are in need of emergencymedical attention in a war situation.The Oryx helicopters brought in the soldierswho descended swiftly by ropeand who held a stretcher to their waiststo give assistance to the injured soldieron the ground.As the sounds of shootings echoedthrough the place, gunpowder smokecovered the landscape - children andadults were given an adrenalin rush. Ayoung onlooker, NtobizodwaMthimkhulu, said: "This is exactly whatwe see in Hollywood movies. I alwaysthought it was fiction, but today theSANDF showed me that it is real andwar is not a very nice place to be. I'mprivileged that we grow up in a countrywhere there's peace and stability."After all the drama that took place Inow understand the meaning of the SAArmy motto: "We train as we fight".This has been the best demonstration ofa war scenario. To our South Africansoldiers, perhaps we don't alwaysappreciate your great efforts to keepthis country in one piece, we are proudof you and thank you!