82 Mechanised Brigade (South Africa)

82 Mech[1] was established on 1 August 1974 as part of 8th South African Armoured Division, an armoured formation. By 1977, the Brigade comprised:

• Two Mechanised Infantry Battalions: Regiment de la Rey and Regiment Groot Karoo
• A Tank Regiment: Regiment President Steyn
• A Armoured Car Regiment: Regiment Mooirivier
• A Field Artillery Regiment: Regiment Potchefstroom University
• A Field Engineer Squadron: 13 Field Engineer
• A Signals Units: 82 Signals
• A Maintenance Unit: 3 Maintenance Unit
• A Field Workshop: 71 Field Workshop and
• A Field Ambulance:

Structure SADF 82 Mechanised Brigade circa 1988

In 1985, 82 Mechanised Brigade was transferred to 7 Division.

As part of 7 Division, 82 Mech was primarily involved in:

• Operation Packer

During Operation Packer[2] which succeeded Operation Hooper in March 1988, 82 Mechanised Brigade protected the eastern bank of the Cuito River. During this operation the FAPLA forces suffered losses and the situation on the eastern bank stabilised to such an extent that Operation Displace could start. During this phase the South African forces withdrew from Angola.[3]

SADF era Brigade level Sergeant Major insignia

8th South African Armoured Division’s Brigades were disbanded in 1992 and the battalions and regiments came to answer directly to the divisional headquarters - the thinking was that these would be grouped into task forces as required.