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Cmdt Philip Oosthuizen was in command of the ZARP commando at the battle of Bergendal [Dalmanutha], 27/08/1900, the last set-piece battle of the South African War.
Oosthuizen's unit of 57 men fought with great courage, facing hours of intense artillery bombardment and then receiving a bayonet charge. Over 40 ZARPs were killed, wounded, and captured. Oosthuizen was wounded and taken prisoner. He died in 1906, aged 40.
His un-marked grave in Cape Town has been identified, and there is a little project to place a grave stone there. The total cost will be about £300, and pledges for over half of this have been received. If anyone would like details of the project, PM me and I'll send details of the organisers.
Rob

Update: This project is going ahead, starting work soon; they have been able to get materials and engraving at a low cost, though still need a small amount of funds. The grave stone will have Oosthuizen's details and the ZARP emblem. Contact me if you'd like to contribute! Rob

Here's the design for Cmdt. Flip Ootshuizen's gravestone. The broken boulder of South African stone from which it will be carved recalls the boulders on ZARP koppie at Bergendal, which today still show the effect of the British bombardment.

The stone is ready.

Well done to all involved.

Bravo Zulu you all the best on your very worthwhile project.....

Mike