Grave information needed
Friends of the late Fred Zeelie would like to replace the name plate which was stolen from his grave, but they are looking for information
ALERTON – Fred Zeelie was the first man to pass away in action on the border war in 1974 and was buried at the Alberton cemetery.
Unfortunately the name plate on his grave stone was stolen. Now, one of his friends from Fiji would like to replace the plate with the original writing, however it is unknown what the original wording was.
Friends are trying to locate someone who might be a family member or friend or someone who might have taken a photo of the grave, who could help with the needed information.
Freddy Zeelie went to school in Alberton, where he became a champion backstroke swimmer at the town club. In 1970 he attended the Army Gymnasium in Heidelberg and became a candidate officer.
On June 23, 1974 he was in pursuit of terrorists. Two enemy machine guns suddenly opened fire on Zeelie and Lance-Corporal Hillebrand.
Lieutenant Zeelie stormed the enemy position and forced one machine gun to withdraw and overpowered the other, regrettably losing his life in doing so.
Shortly after his death Zeelie was awarded the Louw Wepener Decoration which his father received on his behalf.
If anybody has any information about Fred Zeelie or his grave, please contact Koos van der Merwe 082 549 9682.
