S.A. Special Forces: They Fear Nothing But God Quiz

Answer: The Recces

South African Special Forces were considered to be among the best in the world, especially when it came to bush warfare. As a result of the political changes in South Africa the Special Forces were disbanded on March 31, 1992, and re-formed with the name Directorate of Reconnaissance Regiments when the New South African National Defence Force came into being on April 27, 1994.

Answer: 1 October 1972

The name 1 Reconnaissance Commando had at first been chosen to be a cover so that the general public would not have an idea as to the unit's real purpose. The word 'Commando' had been used during the Boer War by units of men who had carried out similar tasks.

Answer: A monkey

A monkey chose to make Elephant Camp his home. He was given the name Doppies because he had an odd habit of chewing on spent cartridges. The name Elephant Camp was considered unusual as there were no elephants in the area.

Answer: A fire

In September 1974, the original Fort Doppies was completely destroyed by a fire which was caused by an exploding gas bottle in the kitchen. The monkey Doppies did in fact disappeared one morning but was quickly replaced by a new monkey who was given the same name.

Answer: They can come from all directions

The black and white Compass Rose symbolizes the commandos ability to operate in all locations no matter what the terrain, their ability to arrive at their objective by any method under any circumstances and at any time.

Answer: Sergeant L.J. Klopper

The Honoris Crux (HC) was instituted in 1952. In 1975, the original award was changed and awarded in four classes. The Honoris Crux diamond, Honoris Crux gold, Honoris Crux silver and The Honoris Crux. The Honoris Crux medals were discontinued by 2003. Sergeant Klopper received his HC on January 2, 1975. Major Stadler received his in 1991. Major Wilke received his in 1987 and Captain Callow received his in 1985. At the time of being discontinued the Honoris Crux diamond had never been awarded.

Answer: Gold inverted commando knife within a laurel wreath.

The commando knife is the recognized symbol of a Special Forces operator. The laurel wreath is a symbol of victory. The gold winged dagger is used by the SAS. The gold eagle and anchor are part of the Navy SEAL Trident. The gold parachute with wings is the parachutist badge.

Answer: Colonel Jan Breytenbach

Colonel Breytenbach started his career in tanks in the SA Army in 1950; he served in the British Royal Navy's Fleet Air Arm for 5 years from 1956, he re-joined the SA Army in 1961 and became a paratrooper. Colonel Breytenbach also founded 32 Battalion.

He is the author of several books including "Buffalo Soldiers" the story of 32 Battalion and is considered to be a living legend in South Africa.

Answer: Amphibious and airborne capability of SA special forces

Vikings were known for their ferocity and as the first real seaborne raiders. They traveled light and struck at their leisure the coastlines of Europe causing confusion amongst their enemy. The members of 4 "Recce" were specialized in these same tactics.

Answer: We Fear Naught But God

On December 5, 1976, Major Verster and 15 members of 1 "Recce" Commando were given the task of setting up a Special Forces group that included non-white members. By July 1977, 5 "Recce" existed and had 22 non-white members.