82 Mechanised Brigade (South Africa)

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82 Mechanised Brigade
SADF 82 Brigade Flash.jpg
82 Mechanised Brigade emblem
Active1974–1992
CountryFlag of South Africa (1928-1982).svg  South Africa
AllegianceFlag of South Africa (1928-1982).svg  South Africa
BranchEnsign of the South African Defence Force (1981-1994).svg  South African Army
TypeMechanised Brigade
Part ofSouth African Composite Brigade
GarrisonPotchefstroom
Nickname(s)82 Mech
Equipment
Engagements South African Border War
Insignia
82 Mech Brigade Beret Badge SADF 8 Mech Beret Badge.jpg
82 Mech Command Bar SADF 82 Mech Brigade Command Bar.jpg

82 Mechanised Brigade was a Formation of 8th South African Armoured Division, a combined arms force consisting of infantry, armour and artillery.

Contents

History

Establishment

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:

Structure SADF 82 Mechanised Brigade circa 1988 Structure SADF 82 Mechanised Brigade circa 1988.jpg
Structure SADF 82 Mechanised Brigade circa 1988

Divisional Transfer

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

South West Africa and Angola

Operations

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

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. [2]

SADF era Brigade level Sergeant Major insignia SADF era Brigade level Sergeant Major insignia.jpg
SADF era Brigade level Sergeant Major insignia

Disbandment

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.

Insignia

82 Mechanised Brigade Operational Badge, field and office versions SADF Mechanised Infantry Operational Badge.jpg
82 Mechanised Brigade Operational Badge, field and office versions
SADF 82 Brigade Stable belt SADF 82 Brigade Stapel Belt.jpg
SADF 82 Brigade Stable belt
SADF 82 Mechanised Brigade Pin SADF 82 Mechanised Brigade Pin.jpg
SADF 82 Mechanised Brigade Pin

Roll of Honour

Honoris Crux Recipients

Leadership

Leadership
FromOfficer CommandingTo
1983Col Tobias Johannes Van Schalkwykc.nd
1992Col Paul Fouchec.nd
FromRegimental Sergeant MajorTo

Further developments

82 Mech Brigade can be considered the Citizens Force version of 61 Mech, encompassing similar battlegroup or Task Force principles.

See also

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References

  1. "SADF.info". www.sadf.info. Retrieved 12 July 2017.
  2. 1 2 Scholtz, Leopold (2 February 2013). "The Lessons of the Border War". Scientia Militaria: South African Journal of Military Studies. 40 (3). doi: 10.5787/40-3-1039 . ISSN   2224-0020.