2 Special Service Battalion

Last updated
2 Special Service Battalion
SADF era 2 Special Service Battalion emblem.png
2 Special Service Battalion emblem
ActiveMay 1946-1997
CountryFlag of South Africa.svg  South Africa
BranchFlag of the South African Army.svg  South African Army
Type Armoured
Part of South African Armoured Corps
Garrison/HQZeerust
Nickname(s)
Motto(s) Agere Victoriam” (Strive for Victory)
ColorsOrange over Blue which must be divided by Silver and where it is not possible to use silver white will be used in place
Equipment
Engagements
Websitewww.saarmour.co.za
Insignia
Beret ColourBlack
Armour Squadron emblems SANDF Armour squadron emblems.jpg
Armour beret bar circa 1992 SANDF Armour beret bar.jpg

2 Special Service Battalion (usually abbreviated to 2SSB) was an armoured regiment of the South African Army and only one of two such in its regular force. The Regiment was based at Zeerust. It was previously known both as in English 2 Special Service Battalion, and in the Afrikaans Language as 2 Spesiale Diens Bataljon (2 SSB and 2 SDB).

Contents

History

2 Special Service Battalion was founded on 1 May 1946 at Potchefstroom. The S.S.B. was a military unit formed to take in unfortunate young men who were unable to find employment at the time. Before World War II the Special Service Battalion was re-organized into 2 battalions – 1st and 2nd Special Service Battalion. In 1946 after World War II the South African Armoured Corps, was thus officially proclaimed and the Special Service Battalion was included in the corps as the only full-time unit, its symbols and colours were incorporated.

Infantry

Initially, the sole purpose of 2 SSB was to train members of the Permanent Force as Infantrymen. 2 SSB was put into service officially on 21 February 1947 and on 26 January 1951 the name changed from 2 SSB to 1 South African Infantry Battalion (1 SAI). 2 SSB can thus be seen as the founding unit of the South African Infantry Corps.

Armour changeover

C-Squadron of 2 Armoured Car Regiment was founded during February 1962 with its official base at Zeerust. On 22 December 1966 the name was adapted to C-Squadron 1 SSB.

On 1 October 1973 2 SSB, born from C-Squadron 1 SSB was resettled. The headquarters of the Regiment as well as C-Squadron 1 SSB was stationed at Zeerust, while D-Squadron 1 SSB was detached to 2 South African Infantry Battalion at Walvis Bay.

Border War

Several squadrons have taken part in the war in Namibia and Angola since 1974. From 8 October 1975 to 31 January 1976, B-, C- and D-Squadron took part in Operation Savannah. This border duty was continued with significant participations in Operation Protea, Daisy, Hooper and Modular.

On 25 January 1988, 2 SSB became the first unit in South Africa to receive the Right Of Free Admission to a coloured community, namely Henryville. [1]

2 SSB squadron training exercise 2 SSB squadron training exercise.jpg
2 SSB squadron training exercise

Bophuthatswana coup d'état

On 10 February 1988, 2 SSB took part in Operation Adding during which President Lucas Mangope and his government was returned to power, after a failed coup d’état.

Rooikat Conversion

In May 1990, 2 SSB received the first Rooikat armoured cars and on 30 June its National Colours.

Corps Change ARMOUR to INFANTRY

On 31 December 1992, as part of the reduction of the SA Army after withdrawal from SWA- Namibia (Resolution 435), 2 SSB underwent a change in role. The unit was transformed from an Armoured Car Regiment to a Motorised Infantry Battalion and provided with an operational company (A-Company) which was transferred from Group 20.

During the historical General Elections of 1994, 2 SSB took part in Operation Baccarat (stability in Mmabatho and Passado (border protection) as a peace force to ensure stability in the North West Province).

On 19 December 1994, the Bophuthatswana Defence Force Parachute Battalion at Gopane was placed under operational command of 2 SSB, as part of the founding of the SANDF. 2 SSB withdrew simultaneously from Nietverdiend and Nooitgedacht. From August 1994 to 15 June 1995 successful bridging training was provided for 550 formerly non-statutory force members.

Disbandment

Early in 1997 the rationalisation of the Defence Force was announced and 2 SSB was one of the battalions that had to close down. 2 SSB amalgamated with 10 SAI on 1 April 1997 in Mafeking. 2 SSB was closed down on 30 August 1997 after the handing over of the base to 2 SAI Battalion.

Regimental symbols

Dress Insignia

SADF era 2 Special Services Battalion insignia SADF era 2 Special Services Battalion insignia.jpg
SADF era 2 Special Services Battalion insignia

Honour Roll

Alliances

Leadership

Leadership
FromHonorary ColonelTo
6 March 2022Unknown6 March 2022
FromOfficer CommandingTo
October 1973Colonel G.D.M. CoetzeeJanuary 1975
February 1975Colonel A.J. SnymanDecember 1977
January 1978Commandant J.W. RoosJune 1978
June 1978Commandant A.C SlabbertDecember 1981
December 1981Commandant T.B. BeyleveldtDecember 1984
December 1984Commandant H.J. KriekDecember 1986
January 1987Commandant C.J. du RuanDecember 1988
December 1988Commandant J.C. SmithDecember 1990
December 1990Commandant A.J. van JaarsveldDecember 1992
FromRegimental Sergeant MajorTo
October 1973WO1 L.J. FourieDecember 1977
January 1978WO1 R.D. OosterlaakNovember 1980
December 1980WO1 F. KretsingerDecember 1986
January 1987WO1 H.J. VenterJune 1992
July 1992WO1 D.J. CloeteDecember 1992

See also

South African Armoured Corps

Notes

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    References

    1. "EASTERN CAPE Newsletter - February 2018 - South African Military History Society - Title page".
    2. "The South Africa War Graves Project - Search Results".