03 May 1983 Camene

On 3 May, one of the reconnaissance teams of 32Bn set up an observation post on the Camene hill, and at 17h30 another team, scouting the area east of the hill, reported hearing voices and what sounded like people stacking ammunition crates. Similar sounds were picked up the next day, and at 11h30 the team on the hill made contact with nine SWAPO, who more than likely had also hiked up the slopes with the intention of establishing an observation post.



At 14h45 Echo and Golf companies 0f 32Bn were moved into the area to prepare for the attack, and at 15h30 the recce team closest to the base reported a vehicle leaving and heading east. As expected the evacuation had begun, and time was of the essence. Deployment of stopper groups was influenced by the fact that the Air Force had strict orders not to enter the airspace east of the hill. At 16h00 the Officer Commanding Sector 10 halted the advance because the helicopter gunships were not yet ready to take off. Permission was denied for the ground troops to attack without air support. The advance resumed at 16h25, with the ground force drawing heavy fire from three 14,5-mm anti-aircraft guns. The first three gunships joined the battle at 17h55, one immediately being hit by anti-aircraft fire, forcing it to land. It was well after last light before the three 14,5-mm guns were knocked out and the enemy withdrew. – Operation Dolfyn