Regiment Molopo

Regiment Molopo was an armoured regiment of the South African Army. As a reserve unit, it had a status roughly equivalent to that of a British Army Reserve or United States Army National Guard unit.

Regiment Molopo
Regiment Molopo emblem
Active1960-1996
Country South Africa
Allegiance
Branch
TypeArmoured Regiment
Size800 people
Part ofSouth African Armoured Corps
Army Conventional Reserve
Garrison/HQZeerust Mafikeng, Potchefstroom
Motto(s)Gewapen maar Regverdig (Armed but Just)
EquipmentEland 90 armoured car Elephant Tanks
Battle honours
  • Operation Askari
  • Operation Modular
Insignia
Beret ColourBlack
Armour Squadron emblems
Armour beret bar circa 1992

History

Origin

Regiment Molopo was raised in 1960 as an armoured regiment equipped with armoured cars. In 1986 Regiment Molopo was changed from an amoured car unit to a tank regiment.

Border War

Regiment Molopo saw active service in the South West Africa/Angola campaign.[1] The regiment participated in Operation Askari and Operation Moduler. It provided elements to combine with Regiment Mooirivier to form a composite unit of Elephant tanks under the command of Task Force Victor.

Eland facility marker at Tempe

Brigade affiliation

Regiment Molopo was affiliated with 73 Motorised Brigade from 1983 until 1991.

Disbandment

Regiment Molopo closed around 1995 and its memorabilia and colours were transferred to the Pretoria Regiment for safekeeping.[2]

Regimental symbols

Dress Insignia
SADF era Regiment Molopo insignia

Operations

Regiment Molopo participated in a number of operations including :

Leadership
Leadership
From Honorary Colonel To
From Officer Commanding To
1960 Cmdt N.J. Oosthuizen c. 1970
1970 Cmdt J. du Rand c. 1973
1974 Cmdt G.L. Strydom c. 1979
c. 1979 Cmdt P.J. Bekker c. 1979
c. 1980 Cmdt T. du Preez Snyman c. 1984
c. 1984 Cmdt J van Loggerenberg c. 1987
c. 1987 Cmdt J.L.S. Schoeman c. 1991
c. 1991 Lt Col S.J. van Niekerk c. 1995
c. 1996 Cmdt C.J. Fourie c. 1996
From Regimental Sergeant Major To
c. 1960 WO1 J.H. Hough c. 1965
c. 1966 WO1 D.J. Kotze c. 1983
c. 1984 WO1 J.A. Scholtz c. 1987
c. 1988 WO1 D.W. Reyneke c. 1996

References
  1. http://www.warinangola.com/default.aspx?tabid=1453
  2. http://www.saarmour.co.za/units.cfm?pagez=349


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