Johannesburg Regiment

Last updated

Johannesburg Regiment
SANDF Johannesburg Regiment emblem.jpg
SANDF Johannesburg Regiment emblem
Active1 July 1951 to present
CountryFlag of South Africa.svg  South Africa
Allegiance
Branch
Role Infantry
SizeOne Battalion
Part of
Motto(s)Fortiter et Recte (With Valour and Justice)
Anniversaries1 March (Regimental Day)
Commanders
Officer CommandingLt Col JN Nkosi
Honorary ColonelCol John Wilson
Regimental Sgt MajorCWO BC Masombuka
Insignia
Company level Insignia SA Army Company Insignia.png
SA Motorised Infantry beret bar circa 1992
SA Motorised Infantry beret bar SA motorised infantary beret bar.jpg
SA Motorised Infantry beret bar

The Johannesburg Regiment [1] is an infantry regiment of the South African Army. As a reserve unit, it has a status roughly equivalent to that of a British Army Reserve or United States Army National Guard unit.

Contents

History

Origins as Artillery

Johannesburg Regiment has been in existence since 1 July 1951. At the time it was an Artillery unit known as 8 Field Regiment South African Artillery. Colonel J. S. K. Brink was the Regiment's first commanding officer and following his retirement he became its honorary colonel. The Regiment's Headquarters were originally based at Auckland Park, where the current SABC offices are situated.

Re-mustered to Infantry

In February 1960, 8 Field Regiment disbanded and the unit officially became known as Johannesburg Regiment and was re mustered as an Infantry Regiment.

Regiment colours

In May 1962 the Johannesburg Municipality agreed that the Regiment could use the Municipal Coat of Arms as their Unit Emblem. Some minor changes were however done to the coat of arms, namely, the two sable antelope that acted as the supporters being replaced with two F.N. Rifles to give it a military touch. With this, the Regiment made history by being the first unit that used an F.N. Rifle in its armorial bearings. A badge that consists only of the shield, was also included. The motto is on a braid in Latin wording “Fortiter Et Recte” which means “With Valour and Justice”. The official Colour presentation parade was held at the Milnerpark Showgrounds stadium on 26 February 1966.

Operations

The Regiment mobilised for the first time in 1960 and saw initial service in Bloemfontein, Vereeniging and Sasolburg.

The Johannesburg Regiment has been actively involved in continuous and operational service since its founding in 1960.

Converted to Mechanised Infantry

The Regiment achieved a pinnacle in its history, becoming one of the first then citizen force units to be converted from a motorized to a mechanized unit in 1980 – the achievement occurred as the Regiment was voted the best unit in 72 Brigade on various evaluations during the year.

SADF era Johannesburg Regiment Outstanding Service badge with the ratel insignia denoting a mechanised unit (See 1 SAI emblems) SADF era Johannesburg Regiment Outstanding Service badge.png
SADF era Johannesburg Regiment Outstanding Service badge with the ratel insignia denoting a mechanised unit (See 1 SAI emblems)


Subsequent successes include amongst others the following operations/ exercises: Madimbo, Savannah, Caterpillar, Protea, Thunder Chariot, Ops Eardrum, Ops Paal, Excalibur 1&2, Eagle Hill, Kwiksilwer, Vincity and Southern Cross.

Peace keeping

The Regiment has also successfully participated in peace operations in Africa.

In 2005 Johannesburg Regiment again made history when it provided troops for the first Reserve Company to be deployed in Peace Support Operations in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Freedom of the City

In November 1964 the City Council presented the Regiment with their Colours and six years later bestowed on it the honour of Freedom of Entrance to the city of Johannesburg. This was largely due to the efforts of Councillor J. D. Opperman who became the unit's Honorary Colonel in 1979 until he died on 20 April 2000. The Unit Colours were officially handed over on 26 February 1966. National Colours were awarded to the Unit on 5 October 1991, and laid up in April 1994.

The Regiment today

Current command structure

  1. Honorary Colonel : Col John Wilson
  2. Chaplain : Currently Vacant
  3. RSM : CWO B C Masombuka
  4. Second-in-Command: Maj. M.J. Keretetse
  5. Officer Commanding: Lt. Col. D.S.S. Senkhane

Unit strengths

The Regiment is an active Regiment, with strong ties between the Unit, Sister Regiments and Higher HQ. The current senior structure is a well drilled, competent unit, and all incumbents have committed to staying on until proper succession planning can kick in. Currently the unit is actively recruiting and training. The unit is supported by a strong, active Association and a widespread network of old boys. The Unit is also settled in proper Headquarters, and has the services of a permanent clerical assistant.

General activities

The unit hosts a parade annually on the first Sunday in March. Traditionally this takes place in Johannesburg, as the Regiment has Freedom of Entry to the City. This parade also serves to commemorate the birthday of the Regiment, and is dedicated to the memory of all members of the regiment that has paid the highest price in defence of our country. A medal parade is also planned for annually, but is only held when applicable. The Regiment also participates in the annual "Poppy Day" parade in November. This event is always well supported by the regiment, as well as the Association.

The Association hosts a Semi Formal dinner annually. An annual golf day fund raiser rounds off the ongoing activities.

The Association also supports the Military Associations of Gauteng, and one of the highlights every year is the MAG picnic at the War Museum. the Associations meets once a months and the main purpose is still to support the Regiment.

Regimental symbols

In May 1962 the Johannesburg City Council gave permission to the unit to use the Johannesburg City Coat of Arms as the Regimental badge. The cap badge shows minor differences to the original, as the antelope supporting the shield was substituted with 2 F. N. Rifles. The lapel badge consists of the shield portion of the cap badge. The motto is in Latin: "FORTITER ET RECTE" loosely translated this means: With Valour and Justice.

Previous dress insignia

SADF era Johannesburg Regiment insignia SADF era Johannesburg Regiment insignia.jpg
SADF era Johannesburg Regiment insignia

Current dress insignia

SANDF era Infantry Formation insignia SANDF era Infantry Formation insignia.jpg
SANDF era Infantry Formation insignia

Battle Honours

Although the Regiment saw active duty both inside and outside the borders of South Africa, it never participated in a battle worthy of Battle Honors as a Regiment. Many of its members though were part of other formations that did earn Battle Honours.

Leadership
FromHonorary ColonelTo
30 October 2024Col J.S.K. Brink1979
1979Col JD Opperman20 April 2000
20 April 2000Col John WilsonPresent
FromCommanding OfficerTo
1 July 1951Col J.S.K. Brink30 October 2024
1960Cmdt B. Pretorius1964
1964Cmdt S. Van der Merwe1968
1971Cmdt D. Pretorius1976
1976Cmdt J. Swart1982
1982Cmdt J.H. Swanepoel1985
1985Cmdt L. Harding1989
1989Lt Col H. van Staden2000
2000Lt Col J. L. Immelman2010
2010Lt Col J Tshabalala2012
2012Lt Col D Motsemai2017
2017Acting OC2018
2018Lt Col JN Nkosi2024
2018Lt Col DSS SenkhanePresent
FromRegimental Sergeant MajorTo
1960WO1 J Hauptfleisch1969
1969WO1 M. P. Bezuidenhoudt1975
1976WO1 J. D. van Heerden1980
1980WO1 J. A. Vorster1985
1985WO1 P. J. Mostert1990
1990WO1 J. A. D. Viljoen1993
1993WO1 Jan Oosthuisen2005
2005WO1 J. A. van Straaten2006
2006CMW Jan Oosthuisen2016
2017CMW MS Dlamini2020
2020CMW BC Masombukapresent

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Royal Canadian Regiment</span> Infantry regiment of the Canadian Army

The Royal Canadian Regiment (RCR) is an infantry regiment of the Canadian Army. The regiment consists of four battalions, three in the Regular Force and one in the primary reserve. The RCR is ranked first in the order of precedence amongst Canadian Army infantry regiments, but in a quirk of the rules of seniority, its 4th battalion is ninth.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Canadian Grenadier Guards</span> Military unit

The Canadian Grenadier Guards (CGG) is a reserve infantry regiment in the 34 Canadian Brigade Group, 2nd Canadian Division, of the Canadian Army. The regiment is the oldest and second-most-senior infantry regiment in the Primary Reserve of the Canadian Army. Located in Montreal, its main role is the provision of combat-ready light infantry troops in support of Canadian regular infantry. It is a Household Foot Guard regiment and also provides soldiers for public ceremonial duties, performing similar ceremonial duties as the Guards regiments of the British Army. This primarily entails mounting the guard at Government House, the King's and Governor General's residence, and performing the "Changing the Guard" ceremony on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, a task it shares with Canada's senior Household Foot Guard regiment, the Governor General's Foot Guards of Ottawa. The Canadian Grenadier Guards is an allied regiment to the British Grenadier Guards.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Military colours, standards and guidons</span> Flags, coats of arms, and other signals used to aid in military navigation

In military organizations, the practice of carrying colours, standards, flags, or guidons, both to act as a rallying point for troops and to mark the location of the commander, is thought to have originated in Ancient Egypt some 5,000 years ago. The Roman Empire also made battle standards reading SPQR a part of their vast armies. It was formalized in the armies of Europe in the High Middle Ages, with standards being emblazoned with the commander's coat of arms.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Queen's Royal Hussars</span> Military unit

The Queen's Royal Hussars (The Queen's Own and Royal Irish) (QRH) is a British armoured regiment. It was formed on 1 September 1993 from the amalgamation of the Queen's Own Hussars and the Queen's Royal Irish Hussars. The regiment and its antecedents have been awarded 172 Battle Honours and eight Victoria Crosses. The regiment was based in Sennelager, Germany, until 2019 when it was relocated to Tidworth Camp, England. It is the armoured regiment for 20th Armoured Brigade Combat Team.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Queen Alexandra's Mounted Rifles</span> New Zealand Army unit

Queen Alexandra's Mounted Rifles (QAMR) is an armoured regiment of the New Zealand Army and forms part of the Royal New Zealand Armoured Corps. The regiment was formed in 1864 and is currently an armoured cavalry unit equipped with NZLAV.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cape Town Highlanders</span> Military unit

The Cape Town Highlanders is a reserve mechanised infantry regiment of the South African Army.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bambatha Rifles</span> Military unit

The Bambatha Rifles is a reserve mechanised infantry regiment of the South African Army.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Prince of Wales's feathers</span> Heraldic badge of the Prince of Wales

The Prince of Wales's feathers are the heraldic badge of the Prince of Wales, the heir to the British throne. The badge consists of three white ostrich feathers encircled by a gold coronet. A ribbon below the coronet bears the German motto Ich dien. As well as being used in royal heraldry, the feathers are sometimes used to symbolise Wales itself, particularly in Welsh rugby union and Welsh regiments of the British Army.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Durban Light Infantry</span> Military unit

The Durban Light Infantry is a Motorised Infantry regiment of the South African Army. It lost its status as a Mechanised infantry regiment in 2010 in line with the rationalisation of resources. As a reserve unit, it has a status roughly equivalent to that of a British Army Reserve or United States Army National Guard unit.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Princess of Wales' Own Regiment</span> Military unit

The Princess of Wales' Own Regiment (PWOR) is a Primary Reserve infantry regiment of the Canadian Army.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lincoln and Welland Regiment</span> Military unit

The Lincoln and Welland Regiment is a Primary Reserve infantry regiment of the Canadian Army based in St. Catharines, Ontario.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Royal Winnipeg Rifles</span> Military unit

The Royal Winnipeg Rifles are a Primary Reserve one-battalion infantry regiment of the Canadian Army. Nicknamed the "Little Black Devils", they are based at Minto Armoury in Winnipeg, Manitoba. The Royal Winnipeg Rifles are part of 3rd Canadian Division's 38 Canadian Brigade Group.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Andrew Mlangeni Regiment</span> South African Army reserve unit

Andrew Mlangeni Regiment is a reserve infantry regiment of the South African Army.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Johannesburg Light Horse Regiment</span> Reserve unit of the South African Army

The Johannesburg Light Horse Regiment, is a reserve armoured car reconnaissance unit of the South African Army.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Umvoti Mounted Rifles</span> Military unit

The Umvoti Mounted Rifles is an armoured regiment of the South African Army. As a reserve unit, it has a status roughly equivalent to that of a British Army Reserve or United States Army National Guard unit. It is part of the South African Army Armour Formation and is based in the town of Pinetown.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Autshumato Anti-Aircraft Regiment</span> Military unit

The Autshumato Anti-Aircraft Regiment is a reserve air defence artillery regiment of the South African Army.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Royal Rifles of Canada</span> Military unit

The Royal Rifles of Canada was a rifle regiment in the Canadian Army and fought alongside The Winnipeg Grenadiers in the Battle of Hong Kong during World War II. In November 1966, it was reduced to nil strength and placed on the Supplementary Order of Battle.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">OR Tambo Regiment</span> South African Army infantry regiment

The OR Tambo Regiment is a reserve infantry regiment of the South African Army.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">311th Cavalry Regiment (United States)</span> US Army unit

The 311th Cavalry Regiment was a cavalry unit of the United States Army during World War I and the interwar period. It was activated in early 1918 but broken up later that year to form new artillery units. The unit was recreated as a Texas Organized Reserve unit during the interwar period. It was disbanded after the United States entered World War II.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Coat of arms of Johannesburg</span>

The Johannesburg municipal council assumed a coat of arms in 1907, and had it granted by the College of Arms on 20 August 1907. The design, by W. Sandford Cotterill, consisted only of a shield : Vert, a fess between three battery stamps Or. The motto was Fortiter et recte.

References

  1. "Fact file: Johannesburg Regiment - defenceWeb". 6 January 2011.