Nigel High School Reunions » Andrew Madden and Robert De Vito
Andrew Madden and Robert De Vito
Operation Sceptic, launched in June 1980 as a lightning attack on a SWAPO base in South Angola, developed into an extended operation as more and more SWAPO caches were discovered in the territory.
Operation Sceptic also saw the first serious clashes between the SADF and the Angolan forces (FAPLA).
During the operation the South African forces clashed for the first time with mechanised elements of SWAPO. SWAPO lost its forward base facilities and 380 terrorists were killed. Several hundred tons of equipment and supplies as well as many vehicles were captured by the security forces.
Seventeen members of the SA force were killed, including our Andrew Madden.
An eyewitness account of his death:
“Andrew died in my arms in Angola 10th June 1980. Operation Sceptic as smoke shell took us 80km into Angola on counterinsurgency. One of the bravest of our group, he fought to stay alive for four hours after his fateful injury. He lay under my close and desperate medical attention as the life slowly drained away. We prayed together and he gave me his rosary which he had been given by his grandmother. Rescue was delayed further and futility and sickening sadness closed over us as the sun set and the night took hold. Andrew was a gentle giant who we all respected and on occasion shielded me and other meeker comrades from some of the rougher types that were to be found in the army.
Andrew was such a good all rounder and an excellent soldier. He had severe shrapnel wounds caused by anti aircraft rounds that had penetrated the inside compartment of the Ratel. He had a hole in the back of his neck and under his arm. Shock and loss of blood had caused his veins to collapse . There was no pain as I spoke gently with him all the while.
He died peacefully.”
1.
Axel Braumann | April 14, 2010 at 2:13 pm
One eyewitness account was given in Gareth Rutherford’s War Diary, which I was fortunate to read at Gareth’s home in Cape Town. A detail omitted here is that when Andrew put the rosary into Gareth’s hand it felt like a burning coal. I did considerable research into the background of Andrew’s death – and found a number of leads in Willem Steenkamp’s book of the Cross border action. The diary itself has to be the most moving testament to selfless friendship I have read – both in this particular conflict and in earlier ones.
Axel B.
2.
Yvonne Cox (nee Doyle) | April 26, 2010 at 10:00 pm
I remember Andrew well, my heart goes out to Andrew’s family and all the friends. He was ‘The gentle giant’ a gentleman of note and also a very good friend. Always something to nice t say to everyone and always smilling. We really lost a man of good values and morals.
Andrew you will always be missed and most of all remembered, you are in our hearts and thoughts always.
3.
Hugh Madden | June 3, 2010 at 9:53 am
Hi Yvonne
Thanks for the kind words about Andrew.
Yes he is very dearly missed.
Hugh Madden
4.
Daryl Lello | August 5, 2011 at 6:09 pm
My brother was in the Ratel as well, RFN Francis John Lello, so long ago but always in my thoughts, they were only kids, missed and remembered always.
5.
Andrew Freeman | August 8, 2011 at 6:47 pm
I was an Airforce pilot flying a Bosbok during Sceptic. It was a great shock that day when I witnessed one of the Ratels “brewing up”. We were such youngsters then, but grew up rather quickly. I never met Andrew, or his mates, but will never forget that specific day. Rest in Peace.
6.
Brian James | June 10, 2012 at 12:10 pm
As always on this day 10th June we will never forget…….They do not grow old as we that are left grow old, Age shall not weary them nor the years condem. At the going down of the sun and in the morning, We will remember them. To Andrew and Robbie, two great young soldiers and friends, We will always remember you.