I was on the SAS President Kruger when it sank!
This blog is an attempt to get more light on the subject. I have a created two full scrapbooks of the newspaper coverage of the event and the inquest that followed which I will scan and upload as I get the time.
I am interested in finding anyone else who may have been on the ship, or has documentation or photographs of the ship.
I was also on the PK at the time, I was a conscript in the RA department, I am busy writing a short story of my experience for my own benefit, hence finding this website
By: Lawrence Batchelor on January 14, 2009
at 4:33 pm
Hi, Lawrence.
i am collecting stories of this incident and would love to har yours.
is there somewhere i can locate your story?
you can contact me at cosec@znc.co.za.
thanks.
andrew
By: Andrew on August 3, 2011
at 11:04 am
Good evening all,
The 30th anniversary of the loss of the SAS President Kruger will be commemorated over the weekend of 18th/19th Feb 2012 in Simon’s Town.
Please pass the info on to anyone you know who might be interested.
Anyone wishing to attend needs to register for the events on the website http://www.saspresidentkruger.com. If anyone has any problem registering on the website you can contact
cameron.kinnear@saspresidentkruger.com for help or if in SA you can also contact Steve Johns 082 320 1923 or 021 7612039 and I will try to register you.
The proposed format for the 30th Commemoration of the loss of the SAS President Kruger:
(NOTE: This is a preliminary programme of events, and further details and times will be advised as they become available)
On Saturday 18th February, 2012, mid to late afternoon, survivors, family and other guests will gather at the Naval Fleet Headquarters building in East Yard Simon’s Town to lay wreaths at the SAS President Kruger memorial plaque.
Padre L. Ngesi will offer a reading and a prayer. Thereafter, a small reception will be held at a Naval venue close by. (Venue to be confirmed shortly.)
On Sunday 19th February 2012 at 10h00 a service will commence at the Naval Dockyard Chapel in West Yard Simon’s Town.
The service will include an opportunity for families to light a candle for each of the crew members lost, while the names are being read out. The Reverend Errol Sadler will conduct the service.
Those wishing to bring their own floral tributes are welcome.
Thereafter there will be an opportunity to view some of the SAN Museum’s memorabilia of SAS President Kruger whilst enjoying a cup of tea/coffee and a sandwich.
We appreciate the generous support and facilities being provided by the SA Navy for these events.
By: Steve Johns on October 3, 2011
at 10:00 pm
I was Lt L.P. Trauernicht. I was the Log Officer on board.
By: Uil Trauernicht on February 18, 2009
at 8:47 am
I was not on the ship, but I can connect you to the ships coxwain at the time, Warrant Planck. Also I have contact via Face Book with Carol Whiteley, the wife of PO Mike Whiteley who passed away. My dad is Jimmy Gleeson WO1, we lived in Da Gama Park at the time, the Whiteley’s were our next door neighbours. My brothers were friends with the Mc Masters, one of the Mc Masters was in the 16 that died on that day.
I was a 2nd year apprentice in the dockyard when the news broke, I was in the factory next to Mine sweeping base at the time.
By: Kevin Gleeson on February 20, 2009
at 6:30 am
Hi kevin
My dad was PO William van der Westhuizen he was he Barber in the Navy at the time his number is 082 4381268 maybe he can help you with some info as he knew most of the people as I mentioned he was the Barber there we stayed in 3rd Avenue Da Gama at the time of the sinking of the ship.
By: Marcelle on December 20, 2010
at 2:50 pm
I was working in the dockyard at the the time, and I remember the day very clearly. Our workshop (Refrigeration and Air Conditioning ) knew Jimmy Gleeson very well and reading this and seeing his name brings back good memories.
By: Eddie Graham on March 13, 2012
at 4:49 pm
My late father Francois Botha served on the PK for many years . He was also involved with the refurbishment of the “Taffies” to a troop carrier whilst subconded to Armscor in Durban .
By: Chris Botha on February 20, 2009
at 5:12 pm
Hi
I was on the PP serving as a radar operator and can remember the event as if it were yesterday, the howling winds, the inky blackness of the sea, the enormous swells. I remember the PK pointing up, fires burning and seeing silhouettes of seaman jumping over the side. I was on the port boat deck when we rescued the first survivor a PO in his underpants who if I remember rightly was the only mess 9 survivor.
Images that stick in my head are the gunners shooting the empty life rafta and the families waiting on the quay in Simonstown when we returned.
One person who I remember being sad about losing was a steward AB Benjamin, he was a small guy, very paraat and had a really good nature, at the time i remember thinking he would do really well in the Navy. i could go on, but just to say i am glad this site exists and well done, i will return with more contributions
By: david karpierz on March 14, 2009
at 1:15 pm
Hi David,
I am one of the Producers for the TV series ONTHOU – you might have picked up from the string of conversations on this sight – our 2nd episode was about the sinking of PK – Would you be willing to talk to us about your experiences that night?
We are looking at doing a follow up show on all the episodes in the series as so many people have come forward after seeing the show.
Really looking forward to hearing from you.
Gen
gen@plan-c.co.za
By: Gen Bow on March 24, 2010
at 11:38 am
Dear Madam,
I am Jan C. Jansen ( Chief Petty Officer – Honourable Discharge 1987)
Was on board the submarine during the exercise and am still haunted by the experience.
Is there anyone that could supply videos, newsclippings of the tragedy???
Looking forward to hearing from you soonest,
Regards,
Jannie
By: Jan Christoffel Jansen on September 15, 2011
at 12:32 pm
Hi David
my name is Vanessa, the wife of G.W.De Villiers do you have any where abouts of Ab Benjamins parents, it was so sad for he was their only son.
Kindest regards
Vanessa
By: vanessa on March 27, 2010
at 4:44 pm
I was the Chief Tel onboard at the time of the sinking. Mike Whitely was second in charge of the BWO and a good friend.
I still have the crypto office keys, offered to the naval museum but had no reply
By: Geoff Neil on March 22, 2009
at 9:21 am
Wo Geoff Neil I had no idea you are still going how the devil are you and what are you doing with your self these days. Are you in contact with any of the other comms rates or EW people from the PK
By: Wynne fourie on July 13, 2009
at 7:31 pm
Howzit Wynne
what are you up to these days. Spoke briefly to WO Eilbeck about a year ago, he’s retired and living in the UK now.
I’ve been living in the US (Florida) for quite a while now.
Drop me a line. Would love to hear about any other ex-EW operators.
Cheers mate
Francis Palm
By: Francis Palm on February 3, 2012
at 3:32 am
Hi Geoff,
I think the museum would be very interested – you just have to mail the right guy.
Try Warrant Office Andre Wessels, wesselsa1@telkomsa.net
Gen
By: Gen Bow on March 24, 2010
at 11:44 am
Mike Whiteley was my grandfather. Love to hear some stories about him if possible. He is still very much missed by my nan Carol and his three children. Thank you
By: Wayne Whiteley on August 2, 2010
at 4:04 pm
Your grandfather worked with me, I was the ctel. Your grandmother will you that mike was quiet grey. He arrived at work one morning and his hair had been dyed pitch black, No one in the office said a word or mentioned his hair. Later that afternoon your grand father swore and shouted :please somebody comment on my hair.
regards
By: Geoff Neil on August 26, 2010
at 5:12 pm
David Karpierz, I think that would have been my father. He always used to tell us that he should have been in the mess with the other men, except he didnt smoke and they all did.
He used to wake up at night, screaming that they were standing around the bed, coming to fetch him.
He was CPO, and Gunnery Instructor.
By: Daniel Botha on May 5, 2009
at 9:18 pm
I was radar operator, tanky, helmsman on the PK fething the sub MARIA VAN RIEBEECK in TOULON – FRANCE 1971 with capt GREEN
By: Gerhard van Rensburg on May 25, 2009
at 9:41 am
I was woken up in the comms mess with the impact and was tossed out of my hammock. I recall the awful noise and thought we had hit the submarine. If my memory servers me correctly I do believe I heard the action station alarm sound so I ran up to the EW office which had two of my crew mates sleeping in there at the time. I banged on the door for them to open up. Joe alexander and Fin Straugh were in the office at the time. What I found really weird was Fin was picking up his chess set and packing it away and joe was just looking around the office which was in a shambles. All our equipment was on the floor and the FH5 had ripped out the bulkhead and fallen on the floor. all Jo could say was ” We are in the kak for captains rounds today”. At this time I was still not sure what had happened. I saw a lot of the crew running up from below coming up the stairs in the captains flat and where ever they put their hands they left ffo on the bulkheads which I had cleaned the night before for captains rounds. I freaked out and shouted at them to clean up their mess. Of course no one gave a shit about what I was saying. all the while the noise was deafening. It then dawned on me to go on to the port waste and have a look what was happening. when I opened the Watertight door leading on to the port waste I saw Taffies right next to us but travelling in the opposite direction. the tought crossed my mind that I could just jump over the guard rails. Some of the Taffies crew were standing on deck staring at the pk with really blank expressions on their faces. I still had no idea what had happened. It was only when I looked aft that I saw and understood the trouble we were in. I ran in side and told Fin and Jo to get their lifejackets and I ran down to the mess to get mine. I had not yet even got dressed yet I was still in my underwear. I dashed down to the mess got a shirt my life jacket and my brand new non-skid shoes. ran back on deck. By this time the water was coming up the main alleyway by the galley and the ship was listing heavily. I climbed the stairway to the bridge which was quite difficult
By: Wynne fourie on July 13, 2009
at 7:29 pm
HI Wynn,
I am one of the Producers for the TV series ONTHOU – you might have picked up from the string of conversations on this sight – our 2nd episode was about the sinking of PK – Would you be willing to talk to us about your experiences that night? They sound very interasting indeed!
We are looking at doing a follow up show on all the episodes in the series as so many people have come forward after seeing the show.
Our deadline is next week so I would love to hear from you asap!
Gen
gen@plan-c.co.za
By: Gen Bow on April 19, 2010
at 3:28 pm
I am one of the wives who lost there husband in this accident. My son was 5 months old at the time, he has turned 28 o the 8/9/2009. He went for the first time August 2009 to look at the wall of remembrance. Only to find that the plauqe was smashed. What was very upseting is when he said, mom we tried picking up pieces to see if we could even find my fathers intials, but there was nothing. I still feel there is much more to this accident than what we know.
By: vanessa on September 11, 2009
at 9:44 pm
Hi Vanessa,
See my comments on the blog below yours dated September 11, 2009
Please feel free to contact me if you wish.
Steve
By: Steve Johns on January 11, 2010
at 9:30 pm
Hi Vanessa
I am the daughter of PO Lotter and I couldnt agree more – I so would love to find out what really happened to my Dad
By: Nicci Bosman on September 9, 2010
at 2:34 pm
By the way – I often used to go and sit on the wall where the plaque was – I understand your feeling when you got there and it was smashed. I did the same for my Dad’s birthday in April -
By: Nicci Bosman on September 9, 2010
at 2:36 pm
Hi Vanessa,
I also went to see the plaques not so long ago and found a lot of damage.
I have discussed this with the PRO and the WoiC of the Navy Museum.
Those plagues were on resin copies and not the originals.
If you would like to know more about where the original are, and how to get to view them I suggest yo contact Warrant Andre Wessels at the museum, via the Navy Switchboard 021 787 3911.
By: Steve Johns on September 9, 2010
at 4:51 pm
That is so sad Vanessa, I recall a few of the ladies who became widows were either pregnant or had very young children. We were the eldest children to lose there father. I was 13 years when Dad passed away. 30 years may have past but I still remember that day as if it were yesterday. At least we have fond memories to cherish. Those people who desigrated the plaque should be named and shamed. It is sad to think the S.A. Navy would leave it ike that for families of loved ones who tragically lost their lives see. Regards Allison Bigmore (nee Whiteley) daughter of PO Michael Whiteley
By: Allison Bigmore on March 4, 2012
at 5:20 pm
HI, I was the Chief Yeoman on board at the time of the demise of the PK.
I was one of a total of 6 (as far as I know) who never found a life raft, and with Cdr RAS Myers and two junior engine room ratings stayed afloat with 2 life jackets (mine and the XO’s) and a mess coffee table with a piece of winch cover with some air trapped in it, until recovered from the water by PP, about an hour and a half later.
The two others who never got into a life raft were CPO Mack and PO Chris Roodt who both got sucked out of the hole in the ships side when Tafies broke away, and I think, were the first survivors recovered.
Plenty more to tell if anyone wants to hear!!
Vanessa, I think I have spoken to you before, but if it would help to put your mind at rest I am more than happy to explain to you the exact happenings on that terrible morning. I was also required to testify at the Inquest in to the death of CPO (Spider) Webb.
stevejohns3@gmail.com
By: Steve Johns on January 11, 2010
at 9:28 pm
Hi there Steve
Will one ever have closure to what really happened to our loved ones. If there are any truthful answers it might just help., without trying to sound bitter because Im over all this just that it hurts not knowing the truth. Granville was my life, it is different when you divorce, but to lose someone in the way we lost our husbands its not fair. This neglent situation turned our lives upside down.
Kindest Regards
Vanessa
By: vanessa on January 24, 2010
at 7:45 pm
Hi Vanessa,
I have recently, after watching the TV programme “Onthou”, done quite a bit more research and have come across probably the most in depth , accurate and most probably only report compiled on exactly what happened that terrible morning. It is written by Admiral Chris Bennett and I am happy to pass this on to you if you would like to let me have an e-mail address (it is too big a document to place on this site). To prevent you having to put your address on this site for all to see, you may contact me via mine – stevejohns3@gmail.com if you wish. I am sure this, plus some explanation if required (I can probably provide), will give you the facts of what happened and the truthful answers you seek, even if not closure. Steve Johns
By: Steve Johns on January 27, 2010
at 2:38 pm
Hi Steve
I am the blog owner and i am looking for a high resolution scanner so I can actually show you guys
what I have available
Regards
Isak
By: saspresidentkruger on January 28, 2010
at 11:59 am
Isak, can you let me have your have current e-mail address please?
By: Steve Johns on October 14, 2011
at 9:07 am
I Found the text of my “ad” that was printed in the Argus and in the Independent Community Newspapers (Constantiaberg Bulletin, the Fish Hoek Echo etc) in 2007 in my attempt at a “reunion”/get together.
Honour drowned sailors
Steve Johns, Plumstead
On Sunday February 18, it will be 25 years since the South African Navy Frigate SAS President Kruger sank in the early hours of the morning after a collision with the Navy’s replenishment vessel SAS Tafelberg, with the loss of 16 lives.
It is strange that it appears that the Navy has not arranged any form of memorial service for those lost (in fact I found out later that one had been arranged but poorly promulgated, and I attended), or a reunion for the survivors.
I understand that it was not a very proud moment in the history of the South African Navy, but even if the Navy wishes to forget, we, the survivors should not.
Those survivors who would like to get together, and any others interested, should meet at the Birkenhead Pub, Main Road, Plumstead at 3pm on Sunday for a chat and a bit of reminiscing. You can call me on 082 320 1923 for details.
The attendance was not not as many as I/we would have liked but it was a lovely afternoon, with a number of ex shipmates and also a couple of the widows (and in some cases their children) attending and, I think, enjoying the time together.
Steve Johns
By: Steve Johns on January 27, 2010
at 9:26 pm
Dear Steve,
I was the Signalman (Bunter) on watch, who sent out the new “screen orders” to the fleet. Most of you remember me as Stompie Williams. I turned 21 years on the 18th February 1982.
I joined the Dept of Foreign Affairs, now the Dept of International Relations and Cooperation, and am presently serving at the South African Embassy in Nouakchott, Mauritania.
Kind regards
Derrick Williams
By: DERRICK WILLIAMS on January 28, 2010
at 11:32 am
Hi all. I wanted to see the show on Kyknet, unfortunetly I dont have DSTV. If anyone recorded it or has it on DVD, please let me know, I’d love to see it!! jog5000@hotmail.com
Thanks all
By: Daniel Botha on January 28, 2010
at 11:58 am
Hi Daniel,
I remember your father “Piet” the GI very well.
I don’t know where abouts you are, but if you still need to get a copy of the tv programme I may be able to help.
Let me know
stevejohns3@gmail.com
By: Steve Johns on February 5, 2010
at 2:41 pm
Hi Derrick,
I certainly do remember you along with others of the tactical department, Nick Carstens, Makeleni, van Leeve, Cummings, and I think de la Cour. There were probably some other during the time but those are the names that stand out!!
It certainly was not a nice way to see in your 21st birthday.
I also remember you from your time in the service after that terrible day, but obviously lost contact when you went over to Foreign Affairs. I think I saw you once at Sig School when you returned for a visit.
Pleased to hear you are well!!
By: Steve Johns on January 31, 2010
at 9:32 am
Hi Isak,
Can’t help with a high resolution scanner unfortunately!!
Can’t say I specifically remember you from PK, but we had a lot of people on board!!
I do have a copy of the paper used by Adm Chris Bennett when talking to the Military History Society and it is very interesting. Unfortunately it is to big a documnet to post here.
If you wish to let me have your e-mail address, I will be happy to e-mail a copy to you.
As Adm Bennett says in his e-mail to me ” As far as I know this is the only attempt anyone has made to try and explain that disastrous morning although there is now a President Kruger web site (I did send a copy to the website owners but have not checked to see whether or not they have used it but it is also available on the Defenceweb.co.za site)”
Steve Johns
stevejohns3@gmail.com
By: Steve Johns on January 31, 2010
at 9:41 am
I was GDP lookout at the time and witnessed the collision. Having recently done basics and my first time at sea, it was quite an unpleasant experience.
By: Craig on March 18, 2010
at 6:45 pm
Hi Craig,
I am one of the Producers for the TV series ONTHOU – you might have picked up from the string of conversations on this sight – our 2nd episode was about the sinking of PK – Would you be willing to talk to us about your experiences that night?
We are looking at doing a follow up show on all the episodes in the series as so many people have come forward after seeing the show.
Really looking forward to hearing from you.
Gen
gen@plan-c.co.za
By: Gen Bow on March 24, 2010
at 11:36 am
Thanks for the invite. Unfortunatley, I now live in the UK. It would have been quite interesting.
By: Craig on March 26, 2010
at 6:55 pm
hi craig.
you say you witnessed the collision?
would you have anything against recounting the story?
i am trying to collect stories of this incident and this would be a very interesting addition to the collection.
you can mail me at cosec@znc.co.za.
thanks.
By: Andrew on August 3, 2011
at 10:56 am
Hi Craig,
That is a pity but it doesn’t make things impossible. We have a crew in the UK that could possibly do the interview with you.
Where abouts are you?
G
By: Gen Bow on April 17, 2010
at 2:21 pm
Littlehampton on the South Coast
By: Craig on April 20, 2010
at 2:12 pm
Ok Great! let me see if I could some guys out to you. Do you prehaps have an email adress I could contact you on…. the suspense on waitng for a reply from this site is killing me;-)
If you would prefer, my email adress is gen@plan-c.co.za.
Chat soon,
Gen
By: Gen Bow on April 20, 2010
at 2:25 pm
HI Craig,
We can get a crew to you but I will need some more contact info from you pls.
An email adress & a phone number would be great!
If you can mail me on gen@plan-c.co.za with this info asap I would really appreciate it!
Thanks a mil & I look forward to hearing from you.
By: Gen Bow on April 21, 2010
at 11:50 am
Hi. I am Mike Whiteley’s grandson. So touched to see some comments about him. My mum Karen Whiteley has a few newspaper cuttings, a picture of the ship and one of the crest. We now live in the UK.
By: Wayne Whiteley on July 19, 2010
at 12:19 am
Hi Wayne,
I knew your grandpa pretty well, we were both in the Comms branch, although he was radio and I was tactical. I was the Chief Yeoman on board when the ship sank.
If you let me have your e-mail address I have some documents that I have researched to do with the demise of the PK that you will probably find pretty interesting.
My e-mail address is stevejohns3@gmail.com.
All the best
Steve Johns
By: Steve Johns on July 25, 2010
at 8:50 pm
I was a radar operator on that fateful morning, just coming off watch at approximately 03:50B. We will always treasure the fond memories and sad farewells of 18th february 1982. It is inspiring to see some caring folks out there keeping the memories alive.
Brian
By: Brian Ackers on August 31, 2010
at 11:53 am
Hi Brian
not sure if you or any one else that served on the PK remember me i was also a radar operator and was fortunately transfered off the PK just before she sailed to do trials,i was transfered onto the strike craft PW Botha and we sailed out just before the PK ,it was the following morning we heard on the radio of the PK going down, although it is sol long ago i am trying to recall all our shipmates which we has such fun times and fond memories, i served on the PK for 2 years and previous the President steyn.
My condolences to all the families who lost loved ones and my shipmates RIP
Craig Freshwater
By: Craig Freshwater on September 11, 2011
at 9:22 am
My father was on board when she went down.. TA Viljoen ( Arno ) , I grew up hearing stories about it.. My father misses the old days. We also have many photo’s and clippings.
Any friends of my dad can contact me…
By: Bernadette Viljoen (Orton) on October 7, 2010
at 12:31 pm
Hi Bernadette,
Yes, I remember your dad!! we were both in the “chiefs’” mess – Mess 1.
He was a chief storekeeper and the “victualing chief” onboard, making sure we always had sufficient fresh bread and milk as well as all the other food!!
If I remember correctly he left the Navy not so long after that and went to work at Koeberg Power Station?
I haven’t heard anything of him since those days, so hope he is well.
All the best
Steve Johns
By: Steve Hohns on October 8, 2010
at 9:15 am
Sorry “finger trouble” on the surname!!
By: Steve Johns on October 8, 2010
at 9:16 am
Sub LT Pickstock was our CO during basic at Saldanha during April 1982. Personally, I hated his guts, but I suppose he carried some nightmares! He nearly cracked when we were laughing and fooling around during Man Overboard training. We heard stories but were never sure who contradicted who that fatefull night.
By: ANDREW NYCE on November 9, 2010
at 9:03 pm
By the sound of it you spent “half a dog-watch” in the SAN and didn’t learn much in that time.
Lt Pickstock could not have been your CO (Commanding Officer) very likely your DO (Divisional Officer).
If you let me have an e-mail address I will send you a couple of very interesting documents which are most probably the most comprehensive report of proceeding that led to the demise of the PK, and hopefully that will help you understand thing a little better.
stevejohns3@gmail.com
By: Steve Johns on November 11, 2010
at 5:31 pm
29 Years ago today!!!!!
Who remembers????
By: Steve Johns on February 18, 2011
at 8:35 pm
I remember 18th February 1982 only too well as I am one of the children who so tragically lost their Dad on that fateful morning. I am the daughter of Michael Whiteley who was only 38 when he was taken from us. I am now 43 and think of Dad all the time and what he would be like today. Time passes but the memories always stay with you, I was 13 when Dad died and too young to understand what was happening. My Dad emigrated to South Africa in 1975 with his family for a better life which was cut so short. We have fond memories of old friends especially the Gleeson and Bevan family. I have a photo of the ship and crest proud of place in our lounge. After the tragedy Mum (Carol Whiteley) wanted to be back in the U.K. to have her family around her as she was only 36 when widowed with 3 children. The hardest thing to have dealt with was not being able to bury Dad. May he continue to rest at the bottom of the ocean with his fellow seaman and know that we love and miss him very much.
By: Allison Bigmore on April 12, 2011
at 10:15 pm
Hi there, my name is Ian, my father WO Langdon served on the Kruger from about 1969 onwards, I do have many photos and a few stories of his that I can recount. By the way in your picture above, the ship that you have tagged as President Kruger is in fact a Leander class frigate, note that there is no quarter deck, note the funnel and, there is no gun director as the PK had above the bridge, the radar mast is differently shaped and the PK had bofors on the helicopter hanger not sea slug launchers. Judging by the fact that the outer basin has not yet been built and the fact that the Tafelberg has not been fitted with a flight deck, I can only assume that this photo was taken prior to 1970, therefore the rear ship would in fact be the PK as when she collected the first submarine in 1970, she had already been fitted with her hanger.
By: Ian Langdon on April 17, 2011
at 11:09 pm
My late dad Warrant Langdon served on the PK from 1970, he was on board for the collection of the first submarine, the visit to America, as I recall, he was drafted onto PS when PK was taken in hand by the dockyard for her last refit. I reacall the fateful morning very clearly. I have many photos of the 3 frigates as well as many stories of my father’s that I can recount.
By: Ian Langdon on May 7, 2011
at 12:49 pm
I served on the pk having decommissioned the Steyn, I suppose in a way, I was fortunate as I was not onboard for that last fatefull cruise. PO Mack took my place as weapons tech along with Mike killian. As the years have gone by I have never forgotten those who died and in a way felt I should have died that fateful morning. I pray that all those ago still mourn our friends will find peace. God bless you all.
By: Malcolm Monteiro on June 3, 2011
at 6:23 pm
I am the daughter of William Smith who was killed on that terrible day…. I was only a 5 week old baby when he died….. my dad was only 25 years old…
By: Jaclyn on July 25, 2011
at 1:42 pm
Isak, the e-mail address I have for you is no longer and mail sent is returned as undleiverable. I need to get some info to you re the 30th anniversary events. please let me have your current e-mail address. Thanks. Steve Johns
By: Steve Johns on October 9, 2011
at 9:42 am
Please go to the website saspresidentkruger.com to see the 30th anniversary plans for 18/19 Feb 2012. this give you the options of reading articles, registering to attend the events and being aware of what is taking place.
Thanks
Steve Johns
steve.johns@saspresidentkruger.com
082 320 1923
By: Steve Johns on October 14, 2011
at 8:59 am
I am looking for information with regard to the inquest please.
By: Shirley Hansen on October 17, 2011
at 5:04 pm
Probably the best information you will find is the document written by Adm Chris Bennett as the the full report of the inquest is massive (volumes!) and not easy to locate. I suggest you go to the website saspresidentkruger.com click on articles then click on 18th February 1982 by……….. it is very interesting reading. I hope this helps
You can also contact me direct via steve.johns@saspresidentkruger.com
By: Steve Johns on November 4, 2011
at 6:13 pm
Hi all,
My brother was CPO Challis, and was about to go on duty when the accident occurred. It really was a terrible time for some, and for others utter horror. I was there when the families who lost loved ones found out, and that howling/crying/sobbing is something I will never ever forget. By God’s grace my brother was one who survived. There are in my opinion no secrets that need stop you finding closure in this thing. Someone made a mistake, a serious life costing mistake, but a mistake nonetheless. I lost friends that day too, and God forbid we do not make mistakes like that again, but in the business of preparing for war, things go horribly wrong. I am truly sorry for your loss, and hope that the Lord of all Grace will give you comfort and Grace to truly move on. Someone did make a mistake, and we can all make educated guesses, but more important is that we also hope that this never ever happens again.
By: Peter on November 30, 2011
at 6:30 pm
I played cricket for a Navy side that PO Chris Roodt also played in.
He once told us about the night that it happened, though he did not say that he was washed out the hole that the SAS Tafelberg made, but rather was lifted out of the messdeck by two very brave National Servicemen who came back to check if there were survivors.
I can tell you more but I suppose it would be better coming from the man himself (Chris Roodt). If he is not contactable, then I will help where necessary.
Regards
Dave
By: Dave Robbins on December 14, 2011
at 4:45 pm
I served on the PK after 12 weeks trainer as a gunner 1st Class at Scala in 1967. At a recent visit to Scala last year I saw nothing left of the assault course and the foofy slide over the valley going up to Scala. I was a crew member on the PK during the visit to Argentina in 1967 working in the wheelhouse steering the ship on the gyro compass. On this cruise I was given a double command from the bridge to steer at 270 which sounded to me as 240. Why give a double command when the Bridge officer can see the ship is on 270. Any way after going to port for about 20 I realised something must wrong and I reversed to 270. I was called up to the bridge to expalin what happened by Capt Kinkhead- Weeks. ( I am sure he was the Commanding Officer on the PK on the visit to Argentina ). Some of my fellow gunner mates that was working in front of the 4.5 gun told me that they were starting to run for life rafts because they saw a terrible sea accident between PK and ” Taffies was about to happen. This was in 1967!!!. When we came back the PK was converted to a helicopter carrier on the aft deck ( where the 40 / 60 Bofor anti aircraf gun was. I remember many days firing the Bofor at Lower North at Airforce Buccaneers coming in low over False Bay and then going up over Scala during practices. Those days we were firing guns a lot at Lower North. Recently I saw nearly nothing left there.
I remember the two 9 inch guns at Scala. They were so neat and good looked after. Everyone had in those days a caretaker who was proud to look after them. Today they are rusted. I wonder if they can ever work again.??
I was also one of the gunners firing a 21 gun salute for the HMS Eagle aircraft carrier from the UK at the guns at Signal Hill in 1967. Two things happened here. The GI missed to count the 14 gun and I showed him by lip language and he counted to 22. At the first gun when the British flag was pulled open it was upside down. I think it was to far to see from the ship. After the ceremony we all went for a visit to the HMS Eagle
Above is only for a matter of iterest. My heart also go out to those who lost love ones in the sea accident between the PK and Tafelberg. As a remebrance to the PK I had the crest of the ship tattoed on my left arm.
African Mirror news reel made a film when we were firing the 4 inch guns from Lower North battery. I was myself was loading the 4 inch and saw it in a cinema. I think the old Monte Carlo in Cape town the next week.
Above is a short memory of my service time in the SA Navy. If any one maybe remember me my nickname in the Navy was ” Boertjie ” My basic Training at Simonsberg was in CLass D with a CPO Combrinck as Class Instructor in the beginning of 1967.
By: Hans Groenwald on January 11, 2012
at 2:48 pm
SAS President Kruger – 30th Anniversary Commemoration.
Bookings, for the events on 18th and 19th Feb 2012, which can only be made on the website saspresidentkruger.com, will close on 31st Jan 2012 and no late booking can be accepted.
As these are non-official events there is likely to be a small cash charge levied at each event to cover costs – please keep this in mind and see the website after the bookings close to check on the amount etc. This will mean “CASH” collected at the event!! no other payment method.
We are obliged to supply numbers attending to the SAN for catering and access control purposes so attendance is only for those booked. No booking – No entry – NO Attendance!
To those who have previously booked – Please ensure you contact cameron.kinnear@saspresidentkruger.com to confirm which events you are going to attend – he has sent everyone an e-mail in this regard, but not all have responded.
To those not yet booked – Please book on the website for the events on the Saturday, or Sunday, or both, as soon as possible – this is the only way to be able to attend the events.
Remember !! keep checking the website for information and any changes!!
By: Steve Johns on January 16, 2012
at 6:15 pm
I served on President kruger from 1973 to 1976 in the comms branch. among the staff in the TO(T) on board at that time were Charlie Bonhuys, Selk Petty Officer rattery and Wo Buckinon, AB Dagleish , Fritz Syman an myself. The day PK was in collision with Tafelberg i landed up with emergency appenidix
By: Owen McGrane on January 23, 2012
at 1:33 pm
Iam michael Whiteley,s only son. My oldest sister Karen is on her way over from England today on behalf of our family.my wish is to come over myself oneday and pay tribute to my dad and hopefully the navy will organise a trip to lay reaths at the spot where my dad and his ship mates lost their lives needlessly,Iam so dissapointed I can’t be there with my sister at the moment but maybe one day.
By: andrew whiteley on February 14, 2012
at 4:12 pm
30 years ago, but I still remember it as if it was yesterday. Doing duty in the engine room and then this big bang. Can still remember that I were told that it may have been a FFO tank that exploded untill I saw the massive hole in the port-side of the engine room.
Can remember the chaos in the alley where we had to slide in the oil on the floor and the command came to clear lower decks.
Standing on the weather deck, looking over the dark waters, we knew it was over when the command came to abandone ship.
CPO Webb, you were there with me, even helped lowered the rope ladders but you did not make it. I will wonder about this for the rest of my life.
Next thing I was in n life raft that got stuck on the ship’s stabilisers and then offered to get out of another to make room for an older man. Then about 4 hours in that water untill being picked up by the SAS President Pretorius.
Today I’m thinking of the lives lost that day. It was so unneccessary.
To those families who lost a loved one, I wish you well and hoped that with 30 years gone by, you have managed to come to terms with the loss of a loved one.
To all the rest of the survivors, I’m happy that you also made it.
Then only known as Seaman Bezuidenhout, I only spent about 5 months on the flag ship as ERM whilst doing my 2 years national service but it was the best time of my life.
By: Arnold Bezuidenhout on February 18, 2012
at 12:55 am