A GROUP of about 30 former members of the South African 1 Parachute Batta-lion, Echo Company, that served from July 1978-June 1980, reunited for the first time in forty-two years in Oudtshoorn this passed weekend, all in order to pay respects to their former Company Commander and then Captain / Major, Leon Groenewald, affectionately known as Sloegies.
Known to the members as Easy Echo, they decided to congregate in the Klein Karoo town as Groenewald calls the town his home, and ran a guesthouse here for many years.
“The reason for having this extremely special reunion in Oudtshoorn, is that Leon and his wife Rita have been residents of Oudtshoorn for many years,” said Neil McNamara, member of Easy Echo.
Kleinplaas Holiday Resort played host to the members that came from all over South Africa, and even from elsewhere around the globe.
According to McNamara, Groenewald eventually ended his military career with the rank of Colonel in the SADF and SANDF.
“In his prime Leon was highly regarded by his superiors, peers, junior officers, and troops. He was regarded as one of the very best leaders and most professional soldiers in the battalion. He was a soldier’s soldier, one of the fittest, most determined, best disciplined, and utmost resilient soldiers on the battlefield. He is befitting of the title of a true Officer and a Gentleman, and a splendid human being,” McNamara said.
He added that Groenewald, who uses a wheelchair due to illness, deserves much recognition for the fact that this company, after more than forty years, is still the most highly decorated in the history of this elite miliary battalion.
“Easy Echo Company has a distinguished operational record, having fought ‘The Bush War’ upon the theatres of war and battlefields of South West Africa (Ovamboland), Angola, Zambia, and Rhodesia. His men were privileged to have him as their commander; leading and setting the example to follow into their first ‘contacts / battles’ with the enemy. An experience that any soldier remembers for life,” McNamara said.
The 30-odd ex-parabats at the reunion were unanimous in agreeing that it is a humbling experience to witness the courage and never say die attitude that Groenewald demonstrates in dealing with his health and related challenges.
“Leon Groenewald, Easy Echo salutes you, a truly inspiring leader!” (By Stefan Skapie Goosen)
Echo Company reunion in Oudtshoorn, honours former commander
The group of members from Echo Company at Kleinplaas in Oudtshoorn. Photo: Stefan Skapie Goosen