South Africa. A Second World War South African Memorial Plaque for Killed in Action

A South African memorial plaque for 177865V MSKP. J.P. van der Westhuizen WR/DLR., Witwatersrand Rifles, Regiment De La Rey, South African Forces. Killed in Action during the attack on Monte Fili, Italy 1944. Bronze plaque in a wooden backing, 110mm x 135mm. In good condition. 

Jasper Petrus Van der Westhuizen, was born on 27th April 1919 in Kooifontein, Orange Free State, South Africa The son of Mrs Sarah van der Westhuizen of Elston Avenue, Benoni, Transvaal. The Regiment de la Rey had been amalgamated with the Witwatersrand Rifles in September 1943 to form the “Wits de La Rey”. They distinguished themselves in fierce fighting throughout the 1944 Italy Campaign as part of the 12th Motorised Brigade, 6th South African Armoured Division. They first distinguished themselves in the taking of Allerona on 15th June 1944, followed by fighting on Monte Querciabella and Monte Fili, later forcing the River Greve in July 1944. During the fighting on Monte Fili, Pte van der Westhuizen was killed in action on 22nd July 1944.