SA-born marine dies in Iraq

Amanzi · #1 Postby **Amanzi** » Mon Mar 31, 2003 4:06 pm

March 24 2003 at 10:16AM

A South African serving with the Royal Marines was killed in action in the opening hours of the war on Iraq.

Sholto Hedenskog, just 26, has become Africa's first known casualty. His mother, Tertia, lives in Claremont.

Hedenskog was killed in the helicopter crash which claimed the lives of eight British and four American soldiers near the Kuwaiti border with Iraq on Friday.

Military officials said the crash was an accident.

'It was his life's ambition to be a marine'
The officials said no hostile fire was reported in the area of the CH-46 Sea Knight helicopter crash, about 15km south of the key Iraqi border port of Umm Qasr.

The crash happened as allied soldiers surged across the Kuwaiti border into southern Iraq on Thursday and Friday, working at first to secure the region's oil wells, several of which had been set afire.

The young South African was born in Pretoria and joined the British Marines just four years ago.

The Cape Argus spoke to his mother last night. But she asked that Sholto's uncle, Bruce Hedenskog, act as their family spokesperson.

"It was his life's ambition to be a marine," Bruce Hedenskog said from Somerset West last night.

'I've joined as a soldier. I'll go wherever is my duty'
Sholto had matriculated in Centurion, Gauteng, and gone on to get a human movement degree at Rhodes.

But on completion in 1999, he had set out to realise his life's dream: to join the marines.

After passing the requisite psychological and physical tests, he had been accepted into the United Kingdom's special forces.

He graduated from marine school in November 2000 and opted not to study further.

"He wanted to stay with his group," Hedenskog said.

Last year, he had served his first tour of duty as part of the British force which joined the US elite forces in Afghanistan, searching the caves for al-Qaeda operatives soon after September 11.

"He was totally apolitical," Bruce Hedenskog said of his nephew. "He would say: 'I've joined as a soldier. I'll go wherever is my duty.'"

Sholto had last been home in December, for a holiday after his tour of duty in Afghanistan.

His cousin, Sean, said: "He was totally dedicated. After becoming a marine, he became so strong and confident. He loved it. He knew the dangers involved."

Hedenskog is survived by his mother and two sisters, Megan and Eva, who live in Cape Town.

They expressed "heartfelt thanks" to marines based in South Africa at the British High Commission.

#2 Postby **streetsoldier** » Mon Mar 31, 2003 4:08 pm

I have no words, Bronwyn... :cry:

#3 Postby **bfez1** » Mon Mar 31, 2003 4:08 pm

Everytime I hear of another casuality my heart sinks deeper. So, so sad :cry:

Lindaloo · #4 Postby **Lindaloo** » Mon Mar 31, 2003 4:12 pm

Always devastating to hear of a casualty. Hang in there Amanzi.

Amanzi · #5 Postby **Amanzi** » Mon Mar 31, 2003 4:25 pm

I posted this because I am proud of that marine!

http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?click_id ... 2&set_id=1

The anti-war sentiment in South Africa is Massive and the anti US sentiment is growing by the day. The South African government makes me sick to the pit of my stomach! They are planning on boycotting US made products and companies (GET A LIFE SOUTH AFRICA YOU CANT EVEN TIE YOUR OWN SHOE LACES!!!!!!)

I am so angry at what I have been reading lately. The people of South Africa (generalising here!) have no clue as to what this is about. I know the media sources in SA print what they are told to. They are going on and on about the loss of civilian lives and calling President Bush guitly of war crimes. If they only knew. I am a South African and VERY VERY embarassed about that fact. These people were not here to feel the tangible loss of those on 9\11. Fight AMERICA fight! You get every last one of those sick people who did this to a nation who is proud and strong. As for those in South Africa look around you, even the young people would rather leave and go die for a country who has morals and a back bone. I never ever thought this day would come. I am embarassed of my flag and a nation who supports terrorism.[/url]

TexasStooge · #6 Postby **TexasStooge** » Mon Mar 31, 2003 4:32 pm

I have nothing to say. :cry:

Lindaloo · #7 Postby **Lindaloo** » Mon Mar 31, 2003 4:42 pm

That is truly sad Amanzi.

#8 Postby **pojo** » Mon Mar 31, 2003 7:56 pm

I'm truly sad to hear about the SA casualty bronni

Rainband · #9 Postby **Rainband** » Mon Mar 31, 2003 8:14 pm

My respect and prayers go to the family! :cry:

Johnathan

Steve H. · #10 Postby **Steve H.** » Mon Mar 31, 2003 10:57 pm

Believe I head that one of the four killed in that car bomb was from out town. PFC Weldon from Palm Bay FL. Caught it on the radio briefly;trying to confirm. Bad show

Steve H. · #11 Postby **Steve H.** » Tue Apr 01, 2003 8:17 am

A 20-year old Soldier from our town was killed in the Car Bomb Terrorist attack at the checkpoint. PFC John Weldon was his name. He leaves behind his mother (retired military), younger brother and fiance who live here in Palm Bay Florida, along the Space Coast. Tragic news, but the family is proud to serve and sacrifice. A fine young man who believed in our cause, and his mother is proud as well. Thank You Private Weldon. You will be missed, but not forgotten!!

SA-born marine dies in Iraq

SA-born marine dies in Iraq

Local Kid identified

Confirmed

Who is online