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Operation Firewood
Operation Firewood
Operation Firewood was a secretive military operation in 1987 by the South African Defence Force (SADF) during
the Angolan Civil War and South African Border War.
28.1 Background
The PLAN Northern Command base was said to be found 35 km north of the town of Techamutete at a place called
Indungo.[1]:350 A SADF battle group was formed and consisted of elements of 1 Parachute Battalion, 5 Reconnais-
sance Regiment and 101 Battalion.[1]:252 This battle group would be a mechanised force and consisted of Ratels,
Casspirs and Buffels.
28.2 Order of Battle
28.2.1 South African and South West Africa Territorial Forces
• 101 Battalion
• elements – 1 Parachute Battalion
• elements – 5 Reconnaissance Regiment
• elements – 2 Reconnaissance Regiment
28.3 Battle
The attack occurred on 31 October 1987. The PLAN base, set in a dense wooded area, was attacked from the west by
recce’s and the parabats while 101 Battalion covered the base from north, east and south, the direction PLAN forces
were expected to flee.[1]:252[2]:37 The fighting was said to be intense lasting seven hours with PLAN putting up a fight
against the SADF.[1]:252[2]:37 The base was not taken and the SADF forces withdrew when PLAN reinforcements
were said to be on their way.[1]:252
28.4 Aftermath
The South African forces are said to have incurred 12 killed and 47 wounded,[1]:252 while other sources say it was as
high as 19 killed and 64 wounded.[1]:489 On the SWAPO side, the casualties were said to be high too with at least 150
PLAN soldiers killed.[2] Honoris Crux medals were awarded to five 101 Battalion members for gallantry in action.
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28.5. FURTHER READING
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28.5 Further reading
• Scholtz, Leopold (2013). The SADF in the Border War 1966-1989. Cape Town: Tafelberg. ISBN 978-0-624-
05410-8.
• Heitman, Helmoed-R (1991). Modern African Wars (3): South-West Africa. Men-at-arms series. Osprey
Publishing. ISBN 9781855321229.
28.6 References
[1] Scholtz, Leopold (2013). The SADF in the Border War 1966-1989. Cape Town: Tafelberg. ISBN 978-0-624-05410-8.
[2] Heitman, Helmoed-R (1991). Modern African Wars (3): South-West Africa. Men-at-arms series. Osprey Publishing. P.
37. ISBN 9781855321229.