Jump to content

Operation Sceptic: Difference between revisions

Add links
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous editNext edit →
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
Improved format
improved referencing format
Line 51: Line 51:


==Overview==
==Overview==
Operation Sceptic was launched on 10 June 1980 as a lightning attack on a SWAPO base in Southern [[Angola]] but developed into an extended operation as more and more SWAPO caches were discovered in the territory. Sceptic was due to end on the 16 June<ref>Steenkamp, Willem (1989). ''South Africa's Border War 1966 – 1989.'' p. 93.</ref> but due to additional bases being discovered from intelligence gathered during the operation, the clashes continued and finally ended on 30 June with all [[South African Defence Force]] (SADF) forces back in [[South-West Africa|SWA/Namibia]] by 1 July 1980.<ref>Nortje, Piet (2004). ''32 Battalion. The Inside Story of South Africa's Elite Fighting Unit.'' p. 156.</ref>
Operation Sceptic was launched on 10 June 1980 as a lightning attack on a SWAPO base in Southern [[Angola]] but developed into an extended operation as more and more SWAPO caches were discovered in the territory. Sceptic was due to end on the 16 June<ref name=Steenkamp>{{cite book|last=Steenkamp|first=Willem|title=South Africa's border war, 1966-1989|year=1989|publisher=Ashanti Pub.|location=Gibraltar|isbn=0620139676}}</ref>{{rp|93}} but due to additional bases being discovered from intelligence gathered during the operation, the clashes continued and finally ended on 30 June with all [[South African Defence Force]] (SADF) forces back in [[South-West Africa|SWA/Namibia]] by 1 July 1980.<ref name=Nortje>{{cite book|last=Nortje|first=Piet|title=32 Battalion : the inside story of South Africa's elite fighting unit|year=2004|publisher=Zebra Press|location=Cape Town|isbn=1868729141}}</ref>{{rp|2156}} Operation Sceptic included serious clashes be­tween the SADF and the People's [[Armed Forces for the Liberation of Angola]] (FAPLA).
Operation Sceptic included serious clashes be­tween the SADF and the People's [[Armed Forces for the Liberation of Angola]] (FAPLA).


==Order of Battle==
==Order of Battle==


===South African forces<ref>Nortje, Piet (2004). ''32 Battalion. The Inside Story of South Africa's Elite Fighting Unit.'' p. 153.</ref>===
===South African forces<ref name=Nortje/>{{rp|153}}===
'''Battle Group 61''' – Commandant Dippies Dippenaar
'''Battle Group 61''' – Commandant Dippies Dippenaar
* [[61 Mechanised Infantry Battalion Group|61 Mechanised Battalion]]
* [[61 Mechanised Infantry Battalion Group|61 Mechanised Battalion]]
Line 79: Line 78:


==Planning==
==Planning==
[[61 Mechanised Infantry Battalion Group]] had to destroy the SWAPO command, control and logistic structures at Chifufua (aka Smokeshell or QFL)<ref>Steenkamp, Willem (1989). ''South Africa's Border War 1966 – 1989.'' p. 92.</ref> and Ionde complexes on 10 and 11 June 1980 respectively and thereafter conduct area operations east of the general line AFL, Dova and Muleme as well as north of the general line Dunafuao, Mulavi and Ionde for approximately 10 days. Chifufua was 180&nbsp;km north of the South-West African border and consisted of thirteen sub-bases over an area of 45 square kilometres and under the command of [[Dimo Hamaambo]].<ref>Steenkamp, Willem (1989). ''South Africa's Border War 1966 – 1989.'' p. 92.</ref>
[[61 Mechanised Infantry Battalion Group]] had to destroy the SWAPO command, control and logistic structures at Chifufua (aka Smokeshell or QFL)<ref name=Steenkamp/>{{rp|92}} and Ionde complexes on 10 and 11 June 1980 respectively and thereafter conduct area operations east of the general line AFL, Dova and Muleme as well as north of the general line Dunafuao, Mulavi and Ionde for approximately 10 days. Chifufua was 180&nbsp;km north of the South-West African border and consisted of thirteen sub-bases over an area of 45 square kilometres and under the command of [[Dimo Hamaambo]].<ref name=Steenkamp/>{{rp|92}}


The plan called for 54 Battalion to enter Angola, clear and control the region from the border to Mulemba, 90&nbsp;km to the north and establish a forward helicopter landing base.<ref>Steenkamp, Willem (1989). ''South Africa's Border War 1966 – 1989.'' p. 92.</ref> This would occur two weeks before the operation was to begin. Then Battle Groups 10, 53 and 61 would cross into Angola and head for Chifufua. Battle Group 53 would operate in the vicinity of Chitumba close to Mulemba while Battle Group 10 and 61 would carry on to Chifufua and attack the PLAN bases in the vicinity.<ref>Steenkamp, Willem (1989). ''South Africa's Border War 1966 – 1989.'' p. 92.</ref>
The plan called for 54 Battalion to enter Angola, clear and control the region from the border to Mulemba, 90&nbsp;km to the north and establish a forward helicopter landing base.<ref name=Steenkamp/>{{rp|92}} This would occur two weeks before the operation was to begin. Then Battle Groups 10, 53 and 61 would cross into Angola and head for Chifufua. Battle Group 53 would operate in the vicinity of Chitumba close to Mulemba while Battle Group 10 and 61 would carry on to Chifufua and attack the PLAN bases in the vicinity.<ref name=Steenkamp/>{{rp|92}}


The ground troops were to be supported by the [[South African Air Force]] (SAAF) in the form of bomber aircraft and helicopters such as gunships, troop transporters and medivac. Intelligence gathered for the planning could not establish the quantity of the enemy at each of the thirteen complexes and believed the facilities to be above ground and not in the form of bunkers and trenches.<ref>http://www.61mech.org.za/operations/5-operation-sceptic</ref>
The ground troops were to be supported by the [[South African Air Force]] (SAAF) in the form of bomber aircraft and helicopters such as gunships, troop transporters and medivac. Intelligence gathered for the planning could not establish the quantity of the enemy at each of the thirteen complexes and believed the facilities to be above ground and not in the form of bunkers and trenches.<ref>http://www.61mech.org.za/operations/5-operation-sceptic</ref>


==Battle==
==Battle==
On the 25 May, 54 Battalion crossed the border into Angola and begun to secure the route of advance the other battle groups would take in the following weeks. 54 Battalion secured the area up to Mulemba which was 90&nbsp;km into Angola establishing the [[Advance airfield|HAA]] and staging area.<ref>Steenkamp, Willem (1989). ''South Africa's Border War 1966 – 1989.'' p. 92.</ref> During this period leading up to D-day, the group came into contact with PLAN soldiers and destroyed caches losing two men with one missing in action and secured the route by 9 June.<ref>Nortje, Piet (2004). ''32 Battalion. The Inside Story of South Africa's Elite Fighting Unit.'' p. 155.</ref>
On the 25 May, 54 Battalion crossed the border into Angola and begun to secure the route of advance the other battle groups would take in the following weeks. 54 Battalion secured the area up to Mulemba which was 90&nbsp;km into Angola establishing the [[Advance airfield|HAA]] and staging area.<ref name=Steenkamp/>{{rp|92}} During this period leading up to D-day, the group came into contact with PLAN soldiers and destroyed caches losing two men with one missing in action and secured the route by 9 June.<ref name=Nortje/>{{rp|155}}


By 1 June, the remaining three battle groups began to train and conduct mock simulated attacks on the planned targets at various bases in SWA/Namibia.<ref>Steenkamp, Willem (1989). ''South Africa's Border War 1966 – 1989.'' p. 92.</ref> On 7 June, SAAF conducted two attacks, the first by [[Dassault Mirage F1|Mirages]] on the PLAN base near [[Lubango]] and which two Mirages were damaged and the second attack at "Smokeshell" by Mirages and [[Blackburn Buccaneer|Buccaneers]] where no resistance was encountered.<ref>Nortje, Piet (2004). ''32 Battalion. The Inside Story of South Africa's Elite Fighting Unit.'' p. 155-6.</ref> Training finally ended and the three battle groups met up at [[Eenhana]] on 9 June.<ref>Steenkamp, Willem (1989). ''South Africa's Border War 1966 – 1989.'' p. 92.</ref>
By 1 June, the remaining three battle groups began to train and conduct mock simulated attacks on the planned targets at various bases in SWA/Namibia.<ref name=Steenkamp/>{{rp|92}} On 7 June, SAAF conducted two attacks, the first by [[Dassault Mirage F1|Mirages]] on the PLAN base near [[Lubango]] and which two Mirages were damaged and the second attack at "Smokeshell" by Mirages and [[Blackburn Buccaneer|Buccaneers]] where no resistance was encountered.<ref name=Nortje/>{{rp|155-6}} Training finally ended and the three battle groups met up at [[Eenhana]] on 9 June.<ref name=Steenkamp/>{{rp|92}}


On the early morning of the 10 June, the three battle groups left Eenhana and advanced towards Mulemba and the staging area.<ref>Nortje, Piet (2004). ''32 Battalion. The Inside Story of South Africa's Elite Fighting Unit.'' p. 156.</ref> By 08h00, SAAF consisting of Mirages, Buccaneers and [[Aermacchi MB-326|Impala's]] attacked various targets at "Smokeshell", Mulola and Ondova which would become the targets of the battle groups later in the afternoon.<ref>Nortje, Piet (2004). ''32 Battalion. The Inside Story of South Africa's Elite Fighting Unit.'' p. 155.</ref> This time PLAN was prepared and anti-aircraft fire was received by the SAAF Mirages over "Smokeshell" from [[ZU-23-2|23 mm AA guns]] and [[Strela 2|SA-7]] missile fire.<ref>Nortje, Piet (2004). ''32 Battalion. The Inside Story of South Africa's Elite Fighting Unit.'' p. 155.</ref> Due to the failure of the arrival of aviation fuel at the HAA, the helicopters were unable to deploy SADF troops to stop the retreat of any fleeing soldiers from "Smokeshell".<ref>Nortje, Piet (2004). ''32 Battalion. The Inside Story of South Africa's Elite Fighting Unit.'' p. 156.</ref>
On the early morning of the 10 June, the three battle groups left Eenhana and advanced towards Mulemba and the staging area.<ref name=Nortje/>{{rp|156}} By 08h00, SAAF consisting of Mirages, Buccaneers and [[Aermacchi MB-326|Impala's]] attacked various targets at "Smokeshell", Mulola and Ondova which would become the targets of the battle groups later in the afternoon.<ref name=Nortje/>{{rp|155}} This time PLAN was prepared and anti-aircraft fire was received by the SAAF Mirages over "Smokeshell" from [[ZU-23-2|23 mm AA guns]] and [[Strela 2|SA-7]] missile fire.<ref name=Nortje/>{{rp|155}} Due to the failure of the arrival of aviation fuel at the HAA, the helicopters were unable to deploy SADF troops to stop the retreat of any fleeing soldiers from "Smokeshell".<ref name=Nortje/>{{rp|156}}


Battle Group 53 attacked the PLAN positions east of Mulemba while Battle Groups 61 and 10 headed towards Chitumba attacking "Smokeshell" later than planned around 14h30.<ref>Steenkamp, Willem (1989). ''South Africa's Border War 1966 – 1989.'' p. 93.</ref> Initially the defenders were caught by surprise but regrouped and fought back. What was supposed to be above ground defences turned out to be camouflaged bunkers and trenches.<ref>http://www.61mech.org.za/operations/5-operation-sceptic</ref> Elements of Battle Group 61 came under 23&nbsp;mm AA fire used in a ground attack role that caused damage to several [[Ratel IFV|Ratel's]], resulting in South African casualties in those vehicles and to soldiers attempting to escape them.<ref>http://www.61mech.org.za/operations/5-operation-sceptic</ref> By nightfall the Battle Groups 61 and 10 had to withdraw. The attacks resumed in the morning of the 11 June with the South African's attacking and clearing the now empty bases and on withdrawing that evening had only cleared 10 percent of the bases.<ref>Nortje, Piet (2004). ''32 Battalion. The Inside Story of South Africa's Elite Fighting Unit.'' p. 156.</ref> The target was spread over thirteen bases over forty five square kilometres.<ref>Nortje, Piet (2004). ''32 Battalion. The Inside Story of South Africa's Elite Fighting Unit.'' p. 156.</ref>
Battle Group 53 attacked the PLAN positions east of Mulemba while Battle Groups 61 and 10 headed towards Chitumba attacking "Smokeshell" later than planned around 14h30.<ref name=Steenkamp/>{{rp|93}} Initially the defenders were caught by surprise but regrouped and fought back. What was supposed to be above ground defences turned out to be camouflaged bunkers and trenches.<ref>http://www.61mech.org.za/operations/5-operation-sceptic</ref> Elements of Battle Group 61 came under 23&nbsp;mm AA fire used in a ground attack role that caused damage to several [[Ratel IFV|Ratel's]], resulting in South African casualties in those vehicles and to soldiers attempting to escape them.<ref>http://www.61mech.org.za/operations/5-operation-sceptic</ref> By nightfall the Battle Groups 61 and 10 had to withdraw. The attacks resumed in the morning of the 11 June with the South African's attacking and clearing the now empty bases and on withdrawing that evening had only cleared 10 percent of the bases.<ref name=Nortje/>{{rp|156}} The target was spread over thirteen bases over forty five square kilometres.<ref name=Nortje/>{{rp|156}}


Battle Group 10 was due to attack at Mulola but had been called in to assist Battle Group 61. That attack was postponed until the 14 June but PLAN withdrew on 12 June with the SADF stopper groups failing to prevent the withdraw and by the time Battle Group 10 arrived it was deserted.<ref>Nortje, Piet (2004). ''32 Battalion. The Inside Story of South Africa's Elite Fighting Unit.'' p. 156.</ref>
Battle Group 10 was due to attack at Mulola but had been called in to assist Battle Group 61. That attack was postponed until the 14 June but PLAN withdrew on 12 June with the SADF stopper groups failing to prevent the withdraw and by the time Battle Group 10 arrived it was deserted.<ref name=Nortje/>{{rp|156}}


On 29 June, Battle Group 10 was attacked by FAPLA troops as it was withdrawing to South-West Africa/Namibia.<ref>Nortje, Piet (2004). ''32 Battalion. The Inside Story of South Africa's Elite Fighting Unit.'' p. 156.</ref> The SAAF was called to assist and FAPLA forces were attacked and forced to withdraw. By 1 July, all SADF forces had crossed back into SWA/Namibia.
On 29 June, Battle Group 10 was attacked by FAPLA troops as it was withdrawing to South-West Africa/Namibia.<ref name=Nortje/>{{rp|156}} The SAAF was called to assist and FAPLA forces were attacked and forced to withdraw. By 1 July, all SADF forces had crossed back into SWA/Namibia.


==Aftermath==
==Aftermath==
During the operation the South African forces clashed for the first time with mechanised elements of SWAPO.<ref>Hamann, Hilton (2001). ''Days of the Generals.'' eBook. Chapter 4.</ref> SWAPO lost its forward base facilities and 380 killed.<ref>Steenkamp, Willem (1989). ''South Africa's Border War 1966 – 1989.'' p. 93.</ref> Several hundred tons of equipment and supplies as well as many vehicles were captured by the security forces.<ref>Hamann, Hilton (2001). ''Days of the Generals.'' eBook. Chapter 4.</ref> Seventeen members of the SADF force were killed.<ref>Steenkamp, Willem (1989). ''South Africa's Border War 1966 – 1989.'' p. 93.</ref><ref>http://www.sadf.info/SWATF%20Operations.html</ref>
During the operation the South African forces clashed for the first time with mechanised elements of SWAPO<ref name="Hamann">{{cite book|last=Hamann|first=Hilton|title=Days Of The Generals: The Untold Story of South Africas Apartheid-era Military Generals|year=2007|publisher=Struik Publishers|isbn=1868723402}}</ref>{{rp|Chpt4} SWAPO lost its forward base facilities and 380 killed.<ref name=Steenkamp/>{{rp|93}} Several hundred tons of equipment and supplies as well as many vehicles were captured by the security forces.<ref name=Hamann/>{{rp|Chpt4}} Seventeen members of the SADF force were killed.<ref name=Steenkamp/>{{rp|93}}<ref>http://www.sadf.info/SWATF%20Operations.html</ref>


==External links==
==External links==

Revision as of 04:48, 19 May 2014

Operation Sceptic (June 1980) was the largest anti-South West Africa People's Organization (SWAPO) sweep during the South African Border War up to that point. The operation was also known as Smokeshell though this was the codename for the People's Liberation Army of Namibia (PLAN) base which was the main focus of the attack. This operation followed Operation Safraan and preceded Operation Klipklop.

Operation Sceptic
Part of South African Border War
Location
Angola

Operation Sceptic is located in Angola
Ionde
Ionde
Mulemba
Mulemba
Cuamato
Cuamato
Operation Sceptic (Angola)
TargetVarious places
Date10 June – 1 July 1980

Overview

Operation Sceptic was launched on 10 June 1980 as a lightning attack on a SWAPO base in Southern Angola but developed into an extended operation as more and more SWAPO caches were discovered in the territory. Sceptic was due to end on the 16 June[1]: 93  but due to additional bases being discovered from intelligence gathered during the operation, the clashes continued and finally ended on 30 June with all South African Defence Force (SADF) forces back in SWA/Namibia by 1 July 1980.[2]: 2156  Operation Sceptic included serious clashes be­tween the SADF and the People's Armed Forces for the Liberation of Angola (FAPLA).

Order of Battle

South African forces[2]: 153 

Battle Group 61 – Commandant Dippies Dippenaar

Battle Group 10 – Commandant Chris Serfontein

  • two companies – 1 Parachute Battalion
  • one Eland 90 squadron – 61 Mechanised Battalion
  • one engineer section – 25 Field Squadron
  • one 81mm motar group – 6 SAI Battalion

Battle Group 53 – Commandant Jorrie Jordan

  • Bravo company – 32 Battalion
  • two armoured car troops
  • one 81mm motar group – Army HQ
  • two engineer sections – 25 Field Squadron

54 Battalion – Commandant Anton van Graan

  • Delta & Echo companies – 32 Battalion
  • one company – 1 Parachute Battalion
  • one 81mm motar platoon – 32 Battalion
  • two engineer sections – 25 Field Squadron

Planning

61 Mechanised Infantry Battalion Group had to destroy the SWAPO command, control and logistic structures at Chifufua (aka Smokeshell or QFL)[1]: 92  and Ionde complexes on 10 and 11 June 1980 respectively and thereafter conduct area operations east of the general line AFL, Dova and Muleme as well as north of the general line Dunafuao, Mulavi and Ionde for approximately 10 days. Chifufua was 180 km north of the South-West African border and consisted of thirteen sub-bases over an area of 45 square kilometres and under the command of Dimo Hamaambo.[1]: 92 

The plan called for 54 Battalion to enter Angola, clear and control the region from the border to Mulemba, 90 km to the north and establish a forward helicopter landing base.[1]: 92  This would occur two weeks before the operation was to begin. Then Battle Groups 10, 53 and 61 would cross into Angola and head for Chifufua. Battle Group 53 would operate in the vicinity of Chitumba close to Mulemba while Battle Group 10 and 61 would carry on to Chifufua and attack the PLAN bases in the vicinity.[1]: 92 

The ground troops were to be supported by the South African Air Force (SAAF) in the form of bomber aircraft and helicopters such as gunships, troop transporters and medivac. Intelligence gathered for the planning could not establish the quantity of the enemy at each of the thirteen complexes and believed the facilities to be above ground and not in the form of bunkers and trenches.[3]

Battle

On the 25 May, 54 Battalion crossed the border into Angola and begun to secure the route of advance the other battle groups would take in the following weeks. 54 Battalion secured the area up to Mulemba which was 90 km into Angola establishing the HAA and staging area.[1]: 92  During this period leading up to D-day, the group came into contact with PLAN soldiers and destroyed caches losing two men with one missing in action and secured the route by 9 June.[2]: 155 

By 1 June, the remaining three battle groups began to train and conduct mock simulated attacks on the planned targets at various bases in SWA/Namibia.[1]: 92  On 7 June, SAAF conducted two attacks, the first by Mirages on the PLAN base near Lubango and which two Mirages were damaged and the second attack at "Smokeshell" by Mirages and Buccaneers where no resistance was encountered.[2]: 155–6  Training finally ended and the three battle groups met up at Eenhana on 9 June.[1]: 92 

On the early morning of the 10 June, the three battle groups left Eenhana and advanced towards Mulemba and the staging area.[2]: 156  By 08h00, SAAF consisting of Mirages, Buccaneers and Impala's attacked various targets at "Smokeshell", Mulola and Ondova which would become the targets of the battle groups later in the afternoon.[2]: 155  This time PLAN was prepared and anti-aircraft fire was received by the SAAF Mirages over "Smokeshell" from 23 mm AA guns and SA-7 missile fire.[2]: 155  Due to the failure of the arrival of aviation fuel at the HAA, the helicopters were unable to deploy SADF troops to stop the retreat of any fleeing soldiers from "Smokeshell".[2]: 156 

Battle Group 53 attacked the PLAN positions east of Mulemba while Battle Groups 61 and 10 headed towards Chitumba attacking "Smokeshell" later than planned around 14h30.[1]: 93  Initially the defenders were caught by surprise but regrouped and fought back. What was supposed to be above ground defences turned out to be camouflaged bunkers and trenches.[4] Elements of Battle Group 61 came under 23 mm AA fire used in a ground attack role that caused damage to several Ratel's, resulting in South African casualties in those vehicles and to soldiers attempting to escape them.[5] By nightfall the Battle Groups 61 and 10 had to withdraw. The attacks resumed in the morning of the 11 June with the South African's attacking and clearing the now empty bases and on withdrawing that evening had only cleared 10 percent of the bases.[2]: 156  The target was spread over thirteen bases over forty five square kilometres.[2]: 156 

Battle Group 10 was due to attack at Mulola but had been called in to assist Battle Group 61. That attack was postponed until the 14 June but PLAN withdrew on 12 June with the SADF stopper groups failing to prevent the withdraw and by the time Battle Group 10 arrived it was deserted.[2]: 156 

On 29 June, Battle Group 10 was attacked by FAPLA troops as it was withdrawing to South-West Africa/Namibia.[2]: 156  The SAAF was called to assist and FAPLA forces were attacked and forced to withdraw. By 1 July, all SADF forces had crossed back into SWA/Namibia.

Aftermath

During the operation the South African forces clashed for the first time with mechanised elements of SWAPO[6]{{rp|Chpt4} SWAPO lost its forward base facilities and 380 killed.[1]: 93  Several hundred tons of equipment and supplies as well as many vehicles were captured by the security forces.[6]: Chpt4  Seventeen members of the SADF force were killed.[1]: 93 [7]

Further reading

  • Hamann, Hilton (2001). Days of the generals (1st ed. ed.). Cape Town: Zebra. ISBN 978-1868723409. {{cite book}}: |edition= has extra text (help)
  • Nortje, Piet (2004). 32 Battalion : the inside story of South Africa's elite fighting unit. Cape Town: Zebra Press. ISBN 1868729141.
  • Steenkamp, Willem (1989). South Africa's border war, 1966-1989. Gibraltar: Ashanti Pub. ISBN 0620139676.
  • 61 Mechanised Battalion Veterans Group http://www.61mech.org.za/operations/5-operation-sceptic

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k Steenkamp, Willem (1989). South Africa's border war, 1966-1989. Gibraltar: Ashanti Pub. ISBN 0620139676.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l Nortje, Piet (2004). 32 Battalion : the inside story of South Africa's elite fighting unit. Cape Town: Zebra Press. ISBN 1868729141.
  3. ^ http://www.61mech.org.za/operations/5-operation-sceptic
  4. ^ http://www.61mech.org.za/operations/5-operation-sceptic
  5. ^ http://www.61mech.org.za/operations/5-operation-sceptic
  6. ^ a b Hamann, Hilton (2007). Days Of The Generals: The Untold Story of South Africas Apartheid-era Military Generals. Struik Publishers. ISBN 1868723402.
  7. ^ http://www.sadf.info/SWATF%20Operations.html

Preceded by Battles and operations of the South African Border War
June 1980 		Succeeded by
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Operation_Sceptic&oldid=609191950"