Cassinga, One Of The Worlds Last Large Combat Jumps

[@HistoricMilitaryInterviews]

Interesting story of one of the last last large airborne combat assault.

[@mrfrankdoss]

Hi Mike, fascinating account of the Cassinga operation. I was with Delta Company 1978-1979, we had just qualified in April when we had to pack all the parachutes into the bedfords for the Cassinga drop. The sad news and honour was that I was also part of the funeral procession in Pongola for one of the guys that died in that operation. The Cassinga operation was so hush hush and was never spoken about even in 1 Parachute Bn, so good to hear something about what actually happened there, thank you for your recollection of the event.

[@HistoricMilitaryInterviews]

Thanks for contributing to the story.

[@mikemcwilliams2432]

Hey Frank. Thanks for the parachutes, they worked fine.I wonder whose funeral in Pongola you attended? It can only have been Martin Kaplan's or Kokkie de Waal's as I attended Eddie Backhous' funeral in Stilfontein and Skillie Human didnt have one as he was MIA.

[@tonyaughney8945]

An excellent interview with a very modest and competent veteran.

[@HistoricMilitaryInterviews]

Thanks for watching

[@wouterswanepoel5753]

A truly outstanding interview with a brilliant and informed guest. #Respect
At the time I was a citizen force Intelligence officer working on aerial photography interpretation after hours, but can happily say that I had nothing to do with the Cassinga project and the scaling errors! 😉

[@HistoricMilitaryInterviews]

Thanks for sharing.

[@royallen1711]

Excellent!! I was in the SAP Special Task Force in 1976 and both 'jumped,' and served in SWA. SALUUT!

[@HistoricMilitaryInterviews]

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[@johannesmeintjes4237]

One of the best told stories. Good info, bit of humour, not too lengthy, too the point. Very informative.👍

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[@Friday773]

My deepest respect to all the soldiers involved. You were so brave. Men amongst men. Deep respect to you all. Lest we forget.

[@HistoricMilitaryInterviews]

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[@neilblunt1926]

Mine as well. And to all those who fought in Angola and Namibia. You are all hero's. I so wanted to be a paratrooper but my intake in Sep.1968 would not allow me to transfer from the Army Gym. They said I'd have to restart in Jan.1969, but by then I was already posted to Rundu with 3SAI for my border stint.

[@Toncor12]

A brilliant interview. Brilliant because of the detail covered and the way Mike delivered it. Kudos to the interviewers for letting Mike talk and asking pertinent questions. I am so glad I have discovered this series. Well done.

[@HistoricMilitaryInterviews]

Thanks Toncor12 for the constructive feedback. We appreciate all input.

[@karlgiel8891]

What a nice guy and story teller. Would not think he is a man with steel balls..... well done mate, you have my infinite respect!!

[@HistoricMilitaryInterviews]

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[@daverhodesFD]

Great summary of the war story. Well told. Love the parabat confident and daring spirit that came through in the interview. Thank you for your service in the Cold War, Mike. Thank you also to the Historic Military Interviews team.

[@HistoricMilitaryInterviews]

Thanks Dave for watching and the feedback.

[@stephenshort4281]

One word - Brilliant!

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[@drieslombard6046]

Excellent program thank you.

[@HistoricMilitaryInterviews]

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[@gerhardmichau4829]

Great chat

[@HistoricMilitaryInterviews]

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[@christianbarr8157]

Great story telling

[@HistoricMilitaryInterviews]

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[@henniebotha1034]

Brilliant.

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[@allanrichts7620]

Salute

[@HistoricMilitaryInterviews]

Thanks for watching Allan.

[@JamesMoore-dk4xe]

What a remarkable man

[@HistoricMilitaryInterviews]

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[@trevorpalmer1891]

Salute!

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[@koosbos1114]

WAARDEER!!!!!!!!!!

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[@williamlebotschy2729]

Amazing.

[@platvis379]

Respect

[@HistoricMilitaryInterviews]

Thanks for contributing.

[@johanclaassen5915]

Great...bloedbroers vir altyd
👍👌

[@HistoricMilitaryInterviews]

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[@craigeastmure7320]

You do what you needed to do .
We are South Africans

[@HistoricMilitaryInterviews]

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[@angloaust1575]

Kolwezi another airborne assault 1978 foreign legion 2rep
Also grenada 1983 usa versus
Cubans!

[@peetoosthuizen2738]

SALUUT ALL RSA CRD.32B.
SPECIAL COL.JAN BREYTENBACH 32.
BRIG HANS DREYER
WELL DONE COM. WE SALUUT YOU WITH PROUD.

[@HistoricMilitaryInterviews]

Thanks for watching Peet

[@robert-trading-as-Bob69]

May the forth be with you.

[@peetsnort]

I was in 6 sai in 78 and when the parabats came to interview me the only thing i remember was if i wanted to killK.
I was a lazy conscript and declined.

[@HistoricMilitaryInterviews]

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[@andrejansen9003]

A Buccaneer did NOT have afterburners

[@HistoricMilitaryInterviews]

Thanks for commenting Andre

[@mikemcwilliams2432]

You are correct. I Buccaneerly got it right. The pilot must have gone to full throttle as he overflew the tanks because there was a massive increase in sound.

[@stewartw.9151]

That is correct. The SAAF Bucs however were the only ones ever sold with the Hydrogen-Peroxide Rocket Boosters which were designed to assist Hot and High take-offs when heavily loaded. These were available to the SAAF but apparently never actually used.

[@andrejansen9003]

@@stewartw.9151 Not really used operationally though

[@stewartw.9151]

@@andrejansen9003 That is what I said -"...but apparently never actually used."