Regiment Molopo

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Regiment Molopo
SADF Regiment Molopo emblem.jpg
Regiment Molopo emblem
Active1960-1996
CountryFlag of South Africa.svg  South Africa
Allegiance
Branch
TypeArmoured Regiment
Size800 people
Part of South African Armoured Corps
Army Conventional Reserve
Garrison/HQ Zeerust Mafikeng, Potchefstroom
Motto(s)Gewapen maar Regverdig (Armed but Just)
Equipment Eland 90 armoured car Olifant Tanks
Battle honours
  • Operation Askari
  • Operation Modular
Insignia
Beret ColourBlack
Armour Squadron emblems SANDF Armour squadron emblems.jpg
Armour beret bar c.1992 SANDF Armour beret bar.jpg

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.

Contents

History

Origin

Regiment Molopo was raised in 1960 as an armoured regiment equipped with armoured cars. In 1986 Regiment Molopo was changed from an armoured 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 Olifant tanks under the command of Task Force Victor.

Eland facility marker at Tempe Noddysideview.png
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 SADF era Regiment Molopo insignia ver 2.jpg
SADF era Regiment Molopo insignia

Unit colours

Operations

Regiment Molopo participated in a number of operations including :

Leadership

Leadership
FromHonorary ColonelTo
FromOfficer CommandingTo
1960Cmdt N.J. Oosthuizenc.1970
1970Cmdt J. du Randc.1973
1974Cmdt G.L. Strydomc.1979
c.1979Cmdt P.J. Bekkerc.1979
c.1980Cmdt T. du Preez Snymanc.1984
c.1984Cmdt J van Loggerenbergc.1987
c.1987Cmdt J.L.S. Schoemanc.1991
c.1991Lt Col S.J. van Niekerkc.1995
c.1996Cmdt C.J. Fouriec.1996
FromRegimental Sergeant MajorTo
c.1960WO1 J.H. Houghc.1965
c.1966WO1 D.J. Kotzec.1983
c.1984WO1 J.A. Scholtzc.1987
c.1988WO1 D.W. Reynekec.1996

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References

  1. "South African Armoured Corps - SAAC".
  2. "S a Armour Corps".