Identity
Person No.
30102
Service No.
84574821BG
Last Name
First Name
Jan Dirksie Lawrence
Initials
J D L
Date of Birth
Unknown
Est. Birth Year
Age at Death
19
Military Service
Rank
Lance Corporal
Regiment
Secondary Unit
Army
Death Record
Date of Death
Cause of Death
Died in Freak Accident, accidentally drowned with two others when they got into difficulties while swimming through one of the sluices at Cuquleti near the Calueque Dam. The Lieutenant jumped into a tube with a rope tied around it in an attempt to save the other two but the rope separated and he was also sucked into the sluice and drowned. Despite an intensive search over the next few weeks, only the body of Rifleman Howse was recovered. Lieutenant Thomas and Lance Corporal Dorfling have no known grave and remain unaccounted for. Declared dead on 13 March 1990
Grave Reference
Location
Country
Locality
Additional Information
Notes
Son of Mr. and Mrs. Dorfling
Citation
LG Sup 31 July 1945 pg. 3926 - "This officer has displayed the highest standard of efficiency and courage. He has completed a very large number of sorties including many reconnaissances. In April 1945, Lieutenant de Jongh was leading a formation of a strafing reconnaissance. A convoy of motor transport was observed in the Montebelluno area. Despite adverse weather and heavy enemy opposition, this officer led the formation into attack. Twelve of the enemy vehicles were subsequently destroyed and a further three damaged. In air fighting Lieutenant de Jongh has been responsible for the destruction of at least one enemy fighter and has damaged others."
External Source
Unknown
South African War Graves Project