Management Team
A Parabat who never left the brotherhood
As Chairman of The Bats, the Parabat Heritage Foundation and the SA Paratroopers Museum Exhibition Association (SAPMEA), and as Project Leader of Operation Restore the Glory, he has become a unifying force that bridges generations and restores pride across the airborne family.
Under his leadership, Phase 1 of Operation Restore the Glory delivered the complete restoration and rededication of the historic Aapkas Outdoor Exit Trainer at 44 Parachute Regiment on the 65th anniversary of 1 Parachute Battalion. Immediately thereafter, SAPMEA secured and opened a permanent exhibition in the new Regiments Room at the Ditsong National Museum of Military History — ensuring the full story of South Africa’s paratroopers is preserved with dignity for every generation.
Through practical action, unwavering standards and genuine respect for both the old and the new, he continues to lift the esprit de corps and spirits of 44 Parachute Regiment, breathing fresh life into a legacy that now proudly declares: Restore the Glory | Uniti Fortes Sumus | Second to None | Ex Alto Vincimus.
Military Service and Veteran Leadership
Glenn A. Lambert served in the South African Army Reserve Force for over 40 years, including 27 years with the Parachute Battalion Reserve. He served as Regimental Sergeant Major of 44 Maintenance Unit and later as Programme Sergeant Major of the University Reserve Training Unit, which piloted the SANDF's Reserve Officer Training programme.
He also served on the Defence Reserves Steering Committee, helping to implement the Professional Reserve Officer Training Programme across all Service Arms, and was a member of the Reserve Force Council.
A founding member of the South African Paratrooper Association in the early 1980s, Glenn has remained dedicated to supporting military veterans. He currently serves as Trustee and Treasurer of The Bats Association and the Parabat Heritage Foundation and is actively involved with the South African Paratroopers Museum Exhibition.
A Life Dedicated to Airborne Excellence
Mike McWilliams completed his National Service with 1 Parachute Battalion in 1970 before moving to Rhodesia, where he worked for Rhodesian Television as a cameraman, later advancing to Lighting Cameraman and Transmission Controller. Returning to South Africa in 1974, he joined the Wits University Educational Technology Studios as a Director-Cameraman while undertaking regular operational camps with 3 Parachute Battalion. In 1978, he participated in the Battle of Cassinga as a Rifleman-Cameraman with Attack Company.
A distinguished soldier and accomplished sport skydiver, Mike won five South African National Skydiving Championships and represented South Africa internationally, including a sixth-place finish at the World Championships in the USA and captaining the Springbok team to a bronze medal at the World Relative Work Championships. He later served as the first President of the Airborne Riders, the second President of the Parachute Veterans Organisation (PVO), and is a founding member of The Bats Association. Professionally, he was a Director of Pentagraph Design and Managing Director of Sans Serif Design, and is the author of The Battle for Cassinga and Osama's Angel.
Dedicated to South Africa's Airborne Legacy
Christiaan Koen completed his National Service with 1 Parachute Battalion in 1992 before studying Fine Arts, Art History and Graphic Design, graduating in 1995. Although he became South Africa's youngest book illustrator, he pursued a career in graphic design and the flexographic printing industry, producing artwork for leading retail packaging brands. For 13 years, he also served as the official artist for SA Rugby, creating action-sport portraits, most notably for the Springbok Sevens players' milestone match awards.
A dedicated member of the airborne veteran community, Christiaan serves as Chairman of the Cape Canopy of Paratroopers and as Liaison Officer for The Bats Association, the Parabat Heritage Foundation (PHF) and SAPMEA. He also conceived and designed the logos and brand identities for all three organisations, combining his creative expertise with his commitment to preserving and promoting South Africa's airborne heritage.
Airborne Veteran, Military Historian and Heritage Advocate
Lt Col Steve Camp (Retired) is a jump-qualified logistics officer who served with distinction in the South African Reserve Force for many decades. A passionate advocate for preserving the history and heritage of South Africa's Paratroopers, he has devoted several years to researching and co-authoring, with Maj Gen McGill Alexander, a comprehensive history of the SA Paratroopers, scheduled for publication in early 2027.
Beyond his military service, Steve is an accomplished endurance sportsman who regularly competes in events such as the Dusi Canoe Marathon, the Cape Town Cycle Tour and numerous mountain bike races, reflecting the determination and resilience that have characterised both his military and personal pursuits.