South African

Gunner

AUTHORS NOTE AND

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
In his Foreword Maj Gen Andersen has expressed sincere
appreciation for the contributions made to this publication by
a number of Gunners. However, there are those who have not
specifically been mentioned or thanked for their input, which
has been made in one form or another. They should know that
that their contributions are in turn equally appreciated however
small they may have been.
Most of all, Jonathan Fisher, Director Operations, Blackmoon
Advertising and Research (Pty) Ltd, deserves the most
sincere thanks for his patience and understanding in dealing
with last minute alterations in text and layout. He and his team
also deserve the accolades due to them for this excellent
publication.
The abbreviated histories in this brochure have been written
from material gathered over many years and may in some
cases cause debate and even controversy. They have,
however, been sourced from official documentation and it is
believed they will bear scrutiny and argument.

Col (Ret) Lionel Crook

Index
Page

Foreword

General of the Gunners

South African Artillery and Air Defence Artillery

South African Army Artillery Formation

South African Army Air Defence Artillery Formation

School of Artillery

Air Defence Artillery School 11

4 Artillery Regiment 14
Artillery Mobilisation Regiment 16
Cape Field Artillery 17
Natal Field Artillery

20

Transvaal Horse Artillery

23

Vrystaat Artillerie Regiment

26

Regiment Potchefstroomse Universiteit

28

Transvaal Staatsartillerie

29

18 Light Regiment

31

10 Anti-Aircraft Regiment

34

Cape Garrison Artillery

35

Regiment Vaal Rivier

37

Regiment OosTransvaal

38

6 Light Anti-Aircraft Regiment

39

44 Anti-Aircraft Regiment

40

The Properties, Office and Dueties of a Gunner

41

Artillery Traditions

43

Code of Conduct for Artillery Soldiers

53

Code of Conduct for Air Defence Artillery Soldiers

54

The Gunners National Memorial

55

The Gunners Association

56

The Gunners Association Office Bearers

59

Page 

Foreword
by Major General Roy Andersen, SD, SM, MMM, JCD

We are deeply indebted to Col (Ret) L Crook who was

responsible for preparing large sections of this brochure. His
thorough and extensive research has contributed to what I
believe is an excellent abbreviated history of the South African
Gunners. Col L Crook was ably assisted by Mrs Sharon Moyes
who volunteered to do the typing.

Our thanks are also due to other Gunners who contributed

material. They include Col Lindsay, Col Oelofse, Lt Col (Ret)
Lovell-Greene, Lt Col Steyn, Maj Archer, Maj Grobler, Maj (Ret)
Louw, Maj Viljoen, Capt Pestana, Lt Joubert, WO1 Lennie,
WO1 Niemand and WO1 Brits.

he Gunners of South Africa have a proud history originating

both from within the former Statutory Forces and the

Non Statutory Forces. This lineage has been extended and

My sincere thanks also go to Sanlam for generously sponsoring

the printing of this brochure.

enhanced since the creation of the SANDF in 1994. It is fitting

therefore to pause to record for posterity this history as well as

I have no doubt readers will find this brochure both stimulating

the rich Gunner traditions that have been the built up over the

and enjoyable and that in many cases it will bring back fond

centuries.

memories of serving the Guns.

This brochure is important not only because it reflects the

Yours Ubique

heritage of the South African Artillery, the Air Defence Artillery

and The Gunners Association, but also because it provides
a foundation on which to build for the future. I trust that by
reflecting on the achievements of the past, the Gunners of

(R.C. ANDERSEN)

today, be they Regulars or Reserves, will be inspired to not

GENERAL OF THE GUNNERS: MAJOR GENERAL

only meet the challenges they will inevitably face, but also to
rise to even greater heights!

Page 

General of the Gunners

n the early 1980s it was decided that a very senior officer

The next incumbent of the post was a former Director, Artillery,

should be appointed to look after the interests of Gunners

Maj Gen P Lombard, then Lt Gen PO du Preez, Maj Gen CH

and so it was that Maj Gen, later Lt Gen, FEC (Frans) van den

van Zyl and Maj Gen JA Laubscher. The latter temporarily

Berg was appointed Master Gunner. But it was later realised

changed the title to General of the Artillery.

that all the officers and warrant officers who had attended the
two lengthy Long Gunnery Courses in the first years of the

Maj Gen R Andersen, a former commanding officer of Transvaal

1970s had each been named Master Gunner. The title of

Horse Artillery, Staff Officer on the strength of 7 S A Division

Master Gunner was therefore altered to that of General of the

and much later Chief of Defence Reserves, SANDF, is the

Artillery.

first Reserve officer to be appointed to the important post of

General of the Gunners.

The Field Branch Artillery and the Anti-Aircraft Artillery were

formally separated in 1988 and to preserve the Gunner
camaraderie between the two Corps, the title of the head Gunner
was again changed to that of General of the Gunners.

Page 

SOUTH AFRICAN ARTILLERY

Primus Incedere Exire Ultimus First In Last Out

AIR DEFENCE ARTILLERY

Alte Pete Aim High

he antecedents of the field and air defence units of today

in August 1914 and Britain itself needed all the guns it could

are the numerous volunteer corps that flourished in the

produce.

Cape Colony from 1855, many of which lasted only a few years
and some, less than months. At least two were active in Natal

On 1 July 1913, three months after the SAMR was established,

and, after the Anglo/Boer War when the Transvaal became a

three volunteer units, one each from the Cape (Cape Field

colony, a volunteer artillery corps was established there. One in

Artillery), Natal (Natal Field Artillery) and the Transvaal

each of these three former colonies is still alive today.

(Transvaal Horse Artillery), were incorporated into the Active

Citizen Force (ACF), and one, the Cape Garrison Artillery, into

Regular units were established in the former republics of the

the Coast Garrison Force. A new unit, the Durban Garrison

Transvaal and the Free State but they both disappeared during

Artillery was established on the same date. These units and

the South African War of 1899-1902. They had fought bravely.

the three SAMR batteries, together with two ACF batteries

raised specially for the campaign, saw action in German South

The South African Defence Act of 1912 (Act No. 13 of 1912)

West Africa during the period 1914/1915.

gave birth on 1 April 1913 to the five regiments of South African

Mounted Rifles (SAMR), all of which were to have included

In 1915, two Imperial Service units; titled South African Field

a battery of artillery. Only three batteries were formed due to

Artillery and the South African: Heavy Artillery, were raised

problems with the supply of guns; World War One had begun

from volunteers to fight in France and East Africa respectively.

Page 

Paid by the British Government, they were not part of the Union

The Artillery Corps consisted of the Field Branch and the Anti-

Defence Forces but nevertheless added lustre to the already

Aircraft Branch but in 1988 the two branches were seperated to

growing reputation of South African Gunners.

become the South African Artillery Corps and the South African
Anti-Aircraft Artillery Corps. In 1998 the latter was re-designated

The South African Permanent Force, created in 1913 as

Air Defence Artillery. With the creation of the SANDF in 1994,

the Permanent Force and re-designated with effect from

the gunners of the SADF, the former new statutory forces and

23 February 1923, included two units

the former TBVC forces were integrated.

The South African Field Artillery (SAFA), and

Both the South African Artillery and the Anti-Aircraft Artillery

The South African Permanent Garrison Artillery

had Directorates to manage the Permanent Force and Citizen

(SAPGA)

Force personnel and units, to manage projects undertaken for

the improvement of resources and to generally oversee the

Both had commenced operations some time before this date;

well-being of their corps.

the SAPGA when the coast defences of the Cape Peninsula

had been handed over to South Africa in December 1921.

This came to an end in 1994 with the complete re-organisation

of the Defence Force during which type formations were

The Governor General by Proclamation No. 246, 1934 changed

created. Thus today, the field and air defence units are under

the style and designation of the SAFA and the SAPGA with

the command of SA Army Artillery Formation and SA Army

effect from 1 September 1934 and created one Corps titled the

Defence Artillery Formation respectively. Each Formation is

South African Artillery.

commanded by a Brigadier General.

This is the Corps that provided field, medium, anti-tank and

Both Corps were allied to the Royal Regiment of Artillery on

anti-aircraft units that fought in East Africa, the Western Desert

5 June 1996.

of North Africa and Italy in 1940 1945, adding to the reputation

established by South African field and heavy artillery units in

The Official March of the Field branch is: Vuurmonde and that

1915-1918.

of the Air Defence branch : Alta Pete

Page 

SOUTH AFRICAN ARMY

ARTILLERY FORMATION

he South African Defence Force (SADF), TBVC forces

Bester Building with the SA Army HQ (Dequar Road). The

and the non-statutory forces (Umkhonto-we-Sizwe and

following Units and Regiments came under command of the

APLA) ceased to exist on 27 April 1994 when they were

SA Army Arty Fmn HQ.

integrated into the new South African National Defence Force

(SANDF), although the integration process relied on the

School of Artillery

structures and practices of the former SADF. As a result the

4 Artillery Regiment

South African Army (SA Army) became the largest ever Regular

Artillery Mobilization Regiment

Army in history of the country and came face to face with the

Cape Field Artillery

immediate challenges of reprofessionalism, representivity, the

Natal Field Artillery

accommodation of different military cultures, racial differences,

Transvaal Horse Artillery

and the changing of the language policy from predominantly

Vrystaat Artillerie Regiment

Afrikaans to entirely English.

Regiment Potschefstroomse Universiteit

Transvaal Staatsartillerie

The re-organisation of the SA Army was a lengthy process.

18 Light Regiment

The SA Army Office was established and 43 and 46 Brigade

Headquarters

were

retained

as

tactical

headquarters,

The SA Army Arty Fmn and all the Units and Regiments under

but without permanently assigned units. The Corps were

command signed the Code of Conduct on parade on 28 June

restructured with Regular and Reserve Regiments under

2000.

command. The so-called Type Formations were established

which assumed responsibility for the provisioning of combat-

WO1 FAW Botha took over the office from WO1 JA Boulter on

ready forces to be employed by the Chief of Joint Operations.

1 March 2001. WO1 JA Boulter retired after 41 years of service.

The South African Artillery Corps (SAA Corps) re-organised

The SA Army Arty Fmn redesigned its unit flag, insignia and

itself into the SA Army Artillery Formation with the SA Army

flashes to comply with the changes within the SA Army. The SA

Artillery Formation headquarters (SA Army Arty Fmn HQ) as the

Army Arty Fmn received approval for all the new designs on 30

command and control capability. Project teams were appointed

March 2001.

to facilitate the structuring of the Formation. Col CH Roux was

appointed as the Project Leader.

On 7 November 2001 Brig Gen MR Notshweleka took over

command from Brig Gen CH Roux. The change of command

The SA Army Arty Fmn HQ was then established in April

parade was held at 4 Arty Regment.

1999 with Brig Gen CH Roux appointed as the first General

Officer Commanding and WO1 JA Boulter the first Formation

The SA Army Arty Fmn (headquarters) HQ was for the first

Sergeant-Major. The SA Army Arty Fmn was located in the

time tasked to deploy a sub-unit internally. 4 Artillery Regiment

Page 

was tasked and a sub-unit was deployed from 29 June until 29

The SA Army Arty Fmn formally bid the General of the Artillery,

August 2003 in support of the SAPS.

Maj Gen JA Laubscher farewell in Potchefstroom on 10 June

2005. The General had the opportunity to develop and to fire

On 28 July 2003 the SA Army Arty Fmn HQ was for the first

a fire plan by himself. The newly commissioned Artillery Target

time tasked to deploy a Light Battery (in the parachute-and

Engagement System with all types of launchers participated in

helicopter assault mode). 41 Battery from 4 Artillery Regiment

the said fire plan. He then went back to the blunt-end to fire for

deployed externally to Burundi for six months.

the last time the MRL, GV6, GV5, M5 and GV1.

The SA Army Arty Fmn HQ was relocated to the newly upgraded

The night of 20 April 2006 marked the beginning of a new era

and restored facilities at Ad Astra on 5 December 2003. The

in the history of the artillery in South Africa. The induction of

Army Council and the Military Council approved the name

Maj Gen R Andersen (Chief of Defence Reserves) as the new

change of Ad Astra to that of Sebokeng. (Sebokeng means

General of the Gunners was a celebration of the recognition

A place where people with different backgrounds and from

of unity despite cultural diversity. The example of Simunye

different places stay and live together and work jointly towards

demonstrated very clearly that transformation was not only on

a common good). The SA Army Arty Fmn HQ was appointed

track, but is actively promoted in the artillery community.

as the chief executer for the opening ceremony of Sebokeng.

The Chief of SA Army, Lt Gen GL Ramano formally opened the

The SA Army Arty Fmn HQ is well established and well

facilities at Sebokeng on 2 July 2004.

positioned to provide strategic guidance to meet the objectives

set by the Army Strategy 2020 and the South Africa Defence

On 14 January 2005, WO1 J Niemand took over the office from

Strategy 2025.

WO1 FAW Botha. The Change of Office Parade was held at 4

Arty Regiment in Potchefstroom.

Page 

THE SOUTH AFRICAN ARMY

AIR DEFENCE ARTILLERY
FORMATION

newly structured South African Army was implemented

2003. The Army Council and the Military Council approved

after the integration of the old South African Defence

the name change of Ad Astra to that of Sebokeng. (Sebokeng

Force with other South African statutory and non-statutory

means A place where people with different backgrounds and

forces into the South African National Defence Force.

from different places stay and live together and work jointly

During 1999, the Directorate Anti-Aircraft became the South

towards a common good). The SA Army Arty Fmn HQ was

African Air Defence Artillery Formation, with a colonel as officer

appointed as the chief executer for the opening ceremony of

commanding. Later a Brigadier General was appointed as the

Sebokeng. The Chief of SA Army, Lt Gen GL Ramano formally

General Officer Commanding of two Regular Force units and

opened the facilities at Sebokeng on 2 July 2004.

four Reserve units.

The command structure to date is:
All the personnel, logistics and training responsibilities
previously conducted by the different Regional Commands,

became the responsibility of the SA Army ADA Formation and

SA Army Support Formation. This led to a rapid expansion in

1999 to 2000

personnel, which in turn led to an urgent requirement for more

office space.

Officer Commanding: Col P du T Walters

General Officer Commanding: Brig S Marumo

2001 to present

Formation Sergeant Major: WO1 DTW Lennie

1999 to present

The SA Army ADA Fmn HQ was relocated to the newly

upgraded and restored facilities at Ad Astra on 5 December

Page 

SCHOOL OF ARTILLERY
Per Scientiam Vires : Strength through Science

rior to the establishment of a South African artillery school

remained there until 1916 as part of the garrison but moved

in 1934 there were a number of earlier artillery training

to Tempe, later to Potchefstroom, and by 1918 they were

establishments The first was formed at the Cape in August

quartered at Roberts Heights, still loosely brigaded as they had

1786 with Lt. Louis-Michel Thibault, later better known as an

been since 1915. When the corps known as the South African

architect, as head of the Militaire School. It did not operate

Field Artillery (SAFA) was established in 1923 the SAMR

for long. Almost a hundred years later an artillery school was

batteries returned their 13-pdrs to Ordnance Stores and were

proposed by Capt W E Giles, RA, in a document submitted

instead issued with 4.5 inch howitzers for the 1st Battery and

to the Cape Colonial Government in March 1880. It was not

18 pounders for the 2nd and 3rd Batteries.

accepted.
During 1924/25 the SAFA were provided with a brigade
On 14th September 1912 when the five regiments of the S

establishment and a Headquarters staff. But in the next

A Mounted Rifles were about to be established a School of

financial year the brigade was disbanded as an economy

Gunnery was opened at Auckland Park, Johannesburg, in the

measure, with the last order issued on 26th July 1926. With the

lines of the Transvaal Horse Artillery. Its purpose was to train

disbandment the batteries changed from horse to field artillery.

officers and NCOs for the first three permanent batteries that

In the meanwhile training of all artillery recruits as drivers and

were to be established. The school closed down when war

gunners was conducted from 1920 at the South African Military

broke out in 1914 after only two courses had been completed.

School.

The next artillery training institution was the Artillery Training

Depot, established at Wynberg Camp, Cape Town, in August

By 1928 most of 3rd Battery had been transferred to the Free

1915 to train the artillery batteries that fought in East Africa,

State, one section going to Bloemfontein and one section to

and later in Palestine.

Bethlehem, to train two batteries of the OVSVA at those two

centres. Artillery training took place at Roberts Heights but each

With the establishment of the Permanent Force in April 1913

year the batteries trekked down to Potchefstroom with horses,

three artillery batteries were formed, each as an integral part of

guns and equipment for their annual live shell practices. They

a South African Mounted Rifleman (SAMR) regiment. A Training

were joined there by the Citizen Force batteries.

Depot for all Permanent Force recruits, including Gunners,

was established (co-jointly with the South African Police) in

To encourage esprit de corps a Corps of South African Artillery

Pretoria in 1913. Instruction in police duties was included in

was established by Proclamation on 1 September 1934 to

the training of SAMR infantry and artillery recruits but from

incorporate all the Permanent and Citizen Force units. And on

1922 the Permanent Force was no longer to be involved in any

7 September the two remaining permanent batteries lost their

way in policing duties.

battery status and were formed into an Artillery Training Depot,

armed with 4.5 inch howitzers, 18-pdrs and 3.7 inch howitzers.

The three SAMR batteries fought in GSWA in 1914-1915 and

The Depot staff was responsible for the training of all artillery
Page 

recruits and all artillery units, except Cape Field Artillery (CFA),

as a Permanent Force unit known as the School of Artillery

which was the responsibility of the Cape Command Training

and Armour. It was housed in the main camp but when 4 Field

Depot.

Training Regiment was formed in 1953 the School moved to

the former SA Air Force base below Hospital Hill.

By August 1935 the Artillery Training Depot was organized as

a Depot Headquarters with three batteries. And on 24 October

Armour training was moved to Bloemfontein in 1964, and the

1936 the title was altered to that of Artillery School. Citizen

School became a separate unit known simply as the School

soldiers were enrolled in the batteries, increased to four with

of Artillery on 1 February 1964, a name it has since retained.

the establishment of 1st Light Battery on 1 July 1936.

It was responsible for the training of the leader element of

National Servicemen, providing qualifying courses for Citizen

War was declared on 6 September 1939 and with no suitable

Force officers and (non-commissioned officers) NCOs and

area near Pretoria for gunnery practice the School moved

Permanent Force personnel as well as holding specialized

to Potchefstroom. During the war years an Artillery Training

courses for locating and observation technology.

Wing operated in East Africa and the Western Desert of North

Africa and an Artillery School formed part of the Reserve

The School was to remain at Potchefstroom from 1939 for 55

Artillery Regiment with the 6th SA Armoured Division in Italy

years, until transferred to the nearby Klipdrift Military Base

in 1944/45.

where it began operating in mid-January 1989. The School is

the centre of Gunner expertise and is today responsible for all

During the time the School was at Potchefstroom it underwent

Gunner training while continuing to provide qualifying courses

various changes of designation and became a unit of the Citizen

for both Regular and Reserve personnel.

Force when its title was altered to Artillery and Armoured Corps
Training School (V), South African Artillery from 1 January 1944.

It was awarded the Freedom of Potchefstroom on 10 March

When the war was over it was re-established on 14 June 1946

1978.

Page 10

AIR DEFENCE
ARTILLERY SCHOOL

ir defence in South Africa, as in Britain in the 1930s,

120 students, were due to move in after 15 June. The camp

originally formed part of the coast artillery organisation.

eventually housed 1200, in accommodation designed only for

500.

Anti-aircraft gunnery involved a certain technical ability, found

only among coast gunners where predictions, calibration and

A Searchlight School had meanwhile been established at

other intricate technical calculations were common practice.

Port Elizabeth where accommodation for WAAF personnel

Field gunners were still learning the trade.

was available but this was closed by August 1942 when

accommodation for the Womens Auxiliary Air Force became

And so it was then that the first air defence instructors in South

available at various gun sites. This enabled searchlight training

Africa were in fact coast gunners. The first formal training

to take place at unit level.

institution was the Anti-Aircraft Training and Reserve Depot (V)

situated on Robben Island and under the command of Director

By November 1942 an Anti-Aircraft Training Centre, consisting

Coast Artillery. It was established with effect from 1 May 1941.

of an HQ, the AA Dept and the School of AA Defence had

been established. The School was responsible for all technical

The title changed in April 1942 and for a short while it became

training and was assisted by a team of officers, warrant officers

the Coast Artillery and the Anti-Aircraft Training Dept (V). The

and NCOs sent from Britain. The Depot had a recruits wing

first (and newly appointed) Director, Anti-Aircraft Training

and a reservists wing but later functioned as a recruit, reservist,

(DAAT), Lt Col S Jeffrey had a few days earlier called for the

reinforcement and transit base for all AA personnel. And it had

formation of a separate School of Anti-Aircraft Defence. He

a SA Artillery Wing, and SA Air Force Wing and a NEAS Wing.

was successful and although written authority was only given

on 28 May 1942, the School of Anti-Aircraft Defence (V) was

The SA Air Force had assumed responsibility for air defence

formally established with effect from 1 May 1942. At the same

and coastal ports in May 1942 and because the Air Force was

time an Anti-Aircraft Depot to receive and train recruits was

drawing more recruits than the Army, the Training Centre was

also established.

transferred to the SAAF on 1 January 1944 and converted into

a Depot. With the war over in May 1945 it had by July lapsed

Training of anti-aircraft gunners had until that time been

into virtual hibernation.

undertaken by 3rd Anti-Aircraft Regiment at Pollsmoor, the

former motor racing track, at Tokai, Cape.

Transfer of the AATC to Land Forces took place in February 1949

and it was at the same time amalgamated with the Coast Artillery

Hurried arrangements were made to establish the School and

Training Centre as the School of Coast and Anti-Aircraft Artillery.

the Depot at the Forestry Department camp at Ottery, alongside

The School was transferred to the newly established South

a plantation called Rifle Range. Over 300 personnel, including

African Corps of Marines (they were very concerned that this

Page 11

correct title be used) in July 1952 and on the demise of the

This occurred as a result of heavy rains, which sent a brown

Marines and the disestablishment of the Permanent Force coast

torrent of death down river. The unit assisted by putting up

regiments, AA Citizen Force units returned to the SA Artillery in

tents, providing drinking water and undertaking many other

October 1955. Citizen Force coast regiments were transferred

tasks to assist townsfolk.

to the SA Navy and a year later were decommissioned.

The Minister of Defence then referred to ADAS/10 AA Regiment
The Anti-Aircraft Training Centre was appointed and established

as one of the best training establishments in the SADF, and

as a unit of the Permanent Force on 1 October 1955 with

said that ALTA PETE Aim High was a striking motto.

headquarters at Youngs Field but in February 1968 it was

replaced by the Artillery Air Defence School and 10 Anti-Aircraft

Perhaps the most unfortunate news the Anti-Aircraft gunners had

Regiment, which one year later combined as one unit.

ever received was recorded in the Cape Times of Wednesday

1 February 1989. The Defence Correspondent reported that

In 1969 the unit played a big role in helping the town of Tulbagh

the Artillery Air Defence School/10 Anti-Aircraft Regiment were

on the road of recovery after the devastating earthquake of

to move to another base somewhere up country, possibly a

29 September 1969. For other outstanding service to the local

more central location in the hinterland.

Western Cape community AA School/10 AA Regiment received

the Freedom of Entry to no less than 4 towns or cities: Wolesley

It was decided to move the unit to Kimberley at the end of 1990.

(1975), Cape Town (1980), Tulbagh (1983) and Touws River

The whole unit, with its personnel and equipment, moved to

(1987).

Kimberley under command of Col SK Warrren.

Just fifteen days after receiving the Freedom of Cape Town

From the start they joined in the activities of Kimberley. The unit

the units were again honoured when the State President, Mr M

is situated on the southern side of Kimberley, near the Airport,

Viljoen, presented Artillery Air Defence School/10 Anti-Aircraft

in an area known as Diskobolos. The unit, with its participation

Regiment with a Regimental Colour, in the presence of Gen

in the 1991 Kimberley Show, received the overall prize for the

CL Viljoen Chief of the SADF. Lt Gen JJ Geldenhuys, Chief of

most outstanding exhibition.

the Army and Brig SJ vd Spuy, Officer Commanding Western

Province Command. Mrs H Roux designed the colours, valued

The first black gunners of AAS/10 AA Regiment who reported

at R2000.00 in 1981, and made by the nuns of the Dominican

as volunteers on the 17 June 1992, completed basic training

School for the Deaf in Witteboom, Cape.

at 102 Battery. Two members were selected for junior leaders

course in Sept 1993. Gnr EV Banga and Gnr NM Ntsieng

Earlier in the year the unit had provided invaluable help at

became the first black anti-aircraft NCOs. The group was then

Laingsburg in the Cape Province, during the floods of 1981.

transferred to 101 Battery in 1993. The members were:

Page 12

AIR DEFENCE
ARTILLERY SCHOOL
CONTINUED

Banga EV

Still serving

In 1997, the first female anti-aircraft soldiers were trained at the

Ntsieng NM

Still serving

Anti-Aircraft School as junior leaders. This group consisted of

Monnye O

Still serving

four candidate officers and eleven non-commissioned officers.

Plaatjies L

Resigned

These members were trained as Bosvark 23mm Troop Second

Mothelisi

Deceased

in Command/Detachment Commanders and Observation Post

Officers/Non-Commissioned Officers. In 1999, the first Voluntary

In 1977, numerous members of the ANC (MK) and APLA went

Military Service female Anti-Aircraft troops were trained as gun

into exile in Tanzania and Angola where they were trained as

operators and drivers, at the Anti-Aircraft School.

Anti-Aircraft gunners.
In 2000, as a part of the transformation process of the South
The main AA weapons used by MK at that stage, were the

Africa National Defence Force, Anti-Aircraft School/10 Anti-

14,5mm single barrel gun and the SAM-7 shoulder launched

Aircraft Regiment was split into two separated units and

missile. An Anti-Aircraft Regiment was formed with the

renamed Air Defence Artillery School and 10 Anti-Aircraft

Regional Commander Comrade Marumo, now serving as Brig

Regiment, under command of Col C Lindsay and Lt Col

Gen Marumo, GOC SA Army ADA Formation. The MK soldiers

J Baird.

shared the camps with members of the Cuban Army.

At the beginning of 2001, the first black Officer Commanding
In 1990, some members arrived back to South Africa from exile

was appointed, namely Col L Dumakude. What made this

but some were arrested in Kimberley. Then in 1994, they joined

appointment so special was the fact that he was the first non-

the SANDF and were sent to Wallmansthal and from there they

gunner to be appointed in the post of Officer Commanding,

left for bridging training to different units in the country and were

coming from the non-statutory force.

sent to ADA School and 10 AA Regiment.

Since 2001 the ADA School has continued to produce the
In 1994, after the first democratic election in South Africa, the
South Africa National Defence Force was established. The unit
participated in the integration training of former non-statutory
force members from 1994 until 1999. The training of former
non-statutory members took place at 103 Battery, under
command of Maj J Keating and the Battery Sgt-Maj was WO2

quality of formal training that it was known for. In 2006, Col

L.G. Kekana was appointed as Officer Commanding, together
with WO1 D.A. Olivier who was appointed as the RSM of ADA
School after the departure of the previous RSM, WO1 P.A.
Kruger.

J Naude. Most of the members, about 600 from various corps

of the South Africa Army, who received training were females.

Page 13

4 ARTILLERY REGIMENT
Semper Adiuvamus Always in Support

he regiment has a curious and unsubstantiated link to

original 4 Field Regiment (V), South African Artillery which was

the Frontier Armed and Mounted Police (FAMP), formed

amalgamated with 22 Field Regiment on 1 October 1943

in 1855. The link is made more so because of an instruction

It was indeed a strange move. For more than a year until the

issued by the Deputy Chief of Staff in 1945.

original 4 Field Regiment (V) was established there was

thus two regiments bearing the same title, both with batteries

An FAMP artillery troop was raised at Komgha, Eastern Cape,

numbered, 10, 11 and 12!

in 1874, by Capt Robinson, RA, and when the FAMP was

replaced by the Cape Mounted Riflemen in 1878 it affected the

The decision was made stranger still when the Deputy Chief

troop very little. In July 1880 the troop became a battery under

of Staff decided and informed the Adjutant General on 25 June

the command of Maj Giles, RA, and known as the Cape Field

1945 that: It has been decided that the 4th. Fd. Regiment. in

Artillery.

the Union is the same as the 4 Fd. Regiment. now amalgamated

with the 22 Fd. Regiment. in C.M.F. and that it is to be a P.F.

By 1884 the battery had again become part of the CMR and

unit.The Adjutant Generals office had earlier pointed out that

drilled as a troop of Horse Artillery and in 1913 the troop

The 4 Fd. Bde S.A.A. (had been) brought on to full time service

became the 1 Battery, South African Mounted Rifles and in

in 1940.

st

1922 it was used in the Rand Rebellion as mounted riflemen.

In the same year it became the 1st Battery, South African Field

With this background the seniority of 4 Artillery Regiment could

Artillery and in 1934, 1st Field Battery, South African Artillery,

be seen as much earlier than presently thought.

and in 1940, 10 Field Battery, 4 Field Brigade, later 4 Field

th

th

Regiment.

lthough pre-war ACF (later CF, now Reserve) artillery

units were resuscitated in 1946; 4 Field Regiment was

treated differently.

thField Brigade was the first artillery unit to depart for

action in East Africa in World War II. At the end of

the East African Campaign the brigade moved to Egypt where

it was increased to regimental establishment. With only two
batteries the regiment took part in the battles of Bardia and

On 28 May 1945 authority was granted for the construction

Sollum. It moved thereafter to Gazala and later, badly under

and formation of 4 Field Regiment as a full time Permanent

strength took part in the battle of Alamein in July 1942 and the

Force regiment with effect from 1 April 1945. The instruction

final twelve day Battle of Alamein.

stated the new regiment was not to be confused with the

After returning to South Africa in December 1942, the regiment

Page 14

returned to North Africa and combined with 22 Field Regiment

as the self-propelled 4/22 Field Regiment. As such it fought
through the Italian Campaign from April 1944 until the collapse
of the German armies on 8 May 1945.

Based at Potchefstroom after the war, it became 4 Field

Training Regiment in 1953 with 10, 11 and 12 Field Batteries at
Potchefstroom, Bloemfontein and Oudtshoorn respectively. It
was disestablished as a Training Institution in November 1967
and became instead, 4 Field Regiment responsible for training
all National Servicemen allotted to Field and Medium Artillery
units of the Citizen Force.

Seven years later the regiment became a unit of 10 Artillery

Brigade but when the need for an artillery brigade was no
longer a necessity, 4 Artillery Regiment remained and 14
Artillery Regiment closed down in 1993.

The regiment has taken part in most if not all the cross-border
operations since Operation Savannah in 1976, in which it was
also involved.

It became the first Permanent Force artillery regiment to be

presented with a Regimental Colour and claims to be the first
Permanent Force unit to have appointed an Honorary Colonel.
The regiment was awarded the Freedom of Potchefstroom in
1984.

The regiment is currently organised as a composite unit and

has the growth capability for the establishment of additional
regular regiments as well as providing personnel for the
Reserve regiment.

Page 15

ARTILLERY MOBILISATION
REGIMENT

n 1999 the focus of the SANDF changed and it was decided

maintain artillery prime mission equipment at 4 VRP, now known

that training institutions must concentrate only on training.

as MOSDW (Main Ordinance Sub Depot Wallmannsthall).

Maintenance of equipment and provision of transport and guns,

The unit began sending a troop each quarter to maintain

etc, for the School of Artillery was to be moved to another unit

this equipment and in 2003 established a satellite to ensure

that would be in support of the School itself.

sustained maintenance.

Lt Col H.J. Claase and WO1 M.H. Swanepoel were appointed

By 2004 it became apparent the Transvaal Staatsartillerie could

as the project leaders to plan and implement the new unit. At

not provide detachments for gun salutes in the Pretoria area

the end of 2000 the plan was presented to the Chief of the

and later in the year the Artillery Mobilisation Regiment took

Army and it received approval. The new unit, titled Artillery

over this responsibility. The regiment now executes an average

Mobilisation Regiment was established on 2 February 2001

of 21 gun salutes per year. In co-operation with the Transvaal

and it was situated in the lines of School of Artillery. Lt Col

Horse Artillery, it is currently in a process of establishing

H.J. Claase was appointed as the first Officer Commanding,

whether this ceremonial task can be undertaken by the Horse

Maj E.C.D Steyn as the second in command and WO1 M.H.

Gunners.

Swanepoel as the RSM.

Due to the large amount of GV1 ammunition available in
The gun park, transport and other logistic sections of the School

depots and the enormous cost of larger calibre rounds and

were therefore transferred to the newly established unit. It was

charges (which was not always readily available) it was in 2004

to focus on the issue of all primary equipment to the School of

decided to again use the GV1 (the old Ordinance QF 25 pdr

Artillery for training purposes and also provide support to the

Reserve units undergoing continuous training.

gun/howitzer) as the primary equipment for training and live

shell firing. The regiment implemented the use of this famous
World War Two gun.

The regiment is a composite unit consisting of six of each type of

equipment in service i.e. GV5, GV6, MRL and 120mm Mortars.
Ratel 12.7 and Ratel 60s are also held for sharp-end training
and a minimum number of B-vehicles for support services.

In 2007 the Artillery Mobilisation Regiment moved to the old

lines of the School of Artillery below Hospital Hill that had
been taken over by SAI in 1993 when the School moved to
Klipdrift. It is currently in the planning phase to implement the

In 2002 the regiment moved to the old lines of 14 Artillery

Regiment, then sharing the lines with 4 Artillery Regiment at
what is now Sheldons Rust Military Base. It was tasked to

Page 16

first Warehouse storage to fit in with the SANDFs Vision 2025

project.

CAPE FIELD ARTILLERY

hen the East Indian crew steamship Madras reached

force of only one battery, was mobilised in October for service

Cape Town on 6 August 1857 with news of the Indian

in the Boer War.

Mutiny, Sir George Grey, Governor of the Cape did not hesitate.
He sent almost every available man of the Cape garrison to

The corps spent much of its service on Lines of Communication

India. It left the Colonys forces badly depleted.

duties, guarding vulnerable points on the railway line to the

North. Two guns were for some months each allotted to the

The volunteers of the Cape Royal Corps (today the Cape Town

defence of Koffiefontein and Jacobsdal. One section operated

Rifles (Dukes)) offered their services. Some of the men soon

for some while in a roving capacity with Scotts Railway Guards

found themselves drilling on the Great Guns of the batteries

and the Right Section, which saw more action than the others,

defending Table Bay, under the watchful eye of the Chevalier

was seconded to the Colonial Division, which moved from

Alfred Duprat. Duprat was a member of the Anglo-Portuguese

Naauwpoort, through Aliwal North, Wepener, the eastern Free

Commission dealing with captured slaves. He was second-in-

State to Kroonstad and finally Zeerust. The Right Section had

command of the Rifles but more importantly he had been a

been entirely responsible, by its coolness under heavy Boer

Gunner in the Portuguese Army.

fire, for saving Sir Edward Brabants advance guard which had
been advancing to relieve Wepener.

Soon, as a result of their work on the batteries, a new volunteer

unit, was born, the Cape Town Volunteer Artillery being formed

By now known as Prince Alfreds Own Cape Artillery, (the

on 26 August 1857. The enthusiasm of the new gunners knew

Princes name had been bestowed on the corps in 1867) it was

no bounds. They paraded several times a week, before and

demobilised in January 1902.

after their days work and were a proud and efficient group of
men.

Only 12 years of peace followed before it was again mobilised

for war, in August 1914. Following some three months with

Their first call to arms came in October 1877 and their first

Gen Bothas forces in suppression of the Rebellion, the battery

action was that at Umzintzani on 2 December 1877, followed

moved to Upington to act as garrison troops while waiting to

by Quintana on 7 February 1878. The volunteers spent four

move into German South West Africa with Col van Deventers

months on the Northern Border in 1879 and within a few

Southern Force. Patrols were carried out and the guns fought a

months were back in the Transkei for five months in 1880/81.

small action against the Germans at Schuits Drift. The battery

From December 1896 to the end of August 1897 the Langeberg

was fortunately in Upington when the republican rebel, Maritz,

Campaign claimed their attention and just over two years later

with a force accompanied by a battery of German guns and two

the Corps, which had in January 1899 become a partially paid

pom-poms, attacked the town.

Page 17

The guns of Prince Alfreds Own were rapidly brought into action

After returning to South Africa in December 1942, a depleted

and after a four hour artillery duel the rebels surrendered. A

regiment returned to North Africa in 1943 to marry with 6

writer to the Sunday Times stated that The town was saved by

Field Regiment to become 1/6 Field Regiment (V), South

the Cape Field Artillery. The C.F.A. covered themselves with

African Artillery (P.A.O.C.F.A.). With 6th SA Armoured Division

glory and deserve every praise, as they saved Upington and

it moved to Italy in April 1944. It fought in the last battle for

acted as seasoned soldiers.

Monte Cassino and in all the battles and actions in which the
6th Div were involved. The young unit commander, Lt Col L

There appeared to have been attempts in the inter-war years to

Kay, believed in close support and close support was always

retain the Cape Field Artillery in the coast artillery organisation.

given. On one occasion a forward observer found himself just

The unit was initially ignored in the mobilisation in September/

behind the engineers in advance of the Division sweeping the

October 1939 for service in World War II. But the call came on 6

road for mines. On another occasion a battery was actually

December and the first battery arrived at Potchefstroom before

ahead of the American infantry, who advanced through the gun

Christmas. It was followed by two more. Two other batteries

positions.

eventually became anti-aircraft units.

On 1 January 1946 the regiment was resuscitated as a Citizen
1st Field Battery (C.F.A.) served as an independent battery in

Force unit and in the years since then has been mobilised for the

a divisional artillery role in East Africa but was lost to the unit

National Emergency in 1960, Operation Savannah in January/

when it was incorporated into 7 Field Regiment in Egypt.

March 1976 and other terms of service on the SWA/Namibia

border, as well as for the periods of unrest in the 1980s.

Cape Field Artillery had in February 1940 become 1st Field

Brigade and in January 1941, 1 Field Regiment (V), South

It provided a 140mm battery for 10 Artillery Brigade in August/

African Artillery (P.A.O.C.F.A.). As such it fought at Bardia,

September 1988 when the SADF established a force to counter

Sollum, Halfaya Pass and Gazala. 2 Field Battery was lost

Cuban forces which had given an indication of possibly moving

at Tobruk where it fired the first and last rounds before the

over the SWA/Namibian border.

Fortress surrendered on 21 June 1942. 1 and 3 Field Batteries,

joined by 14 Field Battery, fought at Alamein from the German

In remembrance of the 40 years spent as both field and garrison

assaults in July to the final battle that began on 23 October

artillery the three batteries of the unit are named after the coast

1942. On one crucial day in July the three batteries fired over

batteries on which personnel of the unit served: P (Amsterdam)

9000 rounds to break up heavy attacks on the Alamein Box.

Battery, Q (Imhoff) Battery and R (Wynyard) Battery. Cape

Field Artillery is affiliated to 29 Commando Regiment, RA. The

Page 18

CAPE FIELD ARTILLERY

CONTINUED

antecedent of the latter was 25 Field Regiment, under whose

The Headquarters of the unit moved from Wingfield to Fort

command 2 Field Battery PAOCFA was placed in Tobruk in

Ikapa in 2008. The Officers Mess is still maintained in the

June 1942.

castle .

The regiment, the senior unit of the SA Artillery, celebrated its

The CFA is currently classified as a GV5 155mm Towed/

150th Birthday in August 2007.

Howitzer regiment.

Page 19

NATAL FIELD ARTILLERY

Armis, Arte, Audacia With Arms, Skill and Courage

he unit began as the Artillery Company of the Durban Rifle

Artillery from June 1903 with A and B Batteries but it was

Guard (DRG) in September 1862 and when the DRG was

disestablished on 30 June 1913 and was removed from the War

disbanded on 5 November 1869 the Artillery Company refused

Establishment Table (now Force Structure). Many members

to be extinguished and applied to the Colonial Government

joined the newly raised Durban Garrison Artillery which was

to form an independent corps. It was revived on 3 June 1870

equipped with four 15-pdr field guns previously used by the

as the Durban Volunteer Artillery and almost their first official

disbanded First Brigade Natal Field Artillery.

duty was to fire a 17-gun salute at the Coronation of King

Cetshwayo kaMpande in September 1873. It also fired the

Minute Guns when the remains of the Prince Imperial moved
slowly through Durban before being placed aboard a ship for

A separate field battery was raised in Pietermaritzburg in

transport to England.

1902 as part of the Natal Royal Regiment (NRR) but it was

found a year later that it would be preferable to administer

In

1891,

the

battery

fired

salutes

at

Charlestown,

the battery as a distinctly separate component. The two arms

Pietermaritzburg and Durban when President Kruger visited

of the NRR thus separated on 11 June 1904 and the battery

Natal on an official visit, surprising him by the number of

became C Battery, Natal Field Artillery, with HQ remaining in

batteries Natal possessed. In April 1892 the designation of

Pietermaritzburg.

the unit was changed to Natal Field Artillery (N.F.A). It was

mobilised on 29 September 1899 to serve in the Anglo/Boer

It was, despite the name, Natal Field Artillery, a totally separate

war with its 2.5 inch mountain guns. They were, however, no

unit to the two batteries in Durban, with its own badge, uniform

match for the longer range guns possessed by the Boer forces.

and motto and it was from all reports a more efficient unit

The unit was withdrawn to Ladysmith but sent out of the town

than either of the Durban batteries. It did, however, have the

just before it was encircled by the Boer forces. It was then split

advantage of the countryside in which to train.

into sections and spent time on Lines of Communication duties,

before being demobilised on 1 October 1900.

The battery served in the Poll Tax (Bhambatha) Rebellion of

1906/07 as did the Durban batteries. It was notable that it did

Two more batteries were raised in March 1903 designated

not form part of the First Brigade Natal Field Artillery. It was the

B and C batteries but an independent battery raised in

only one of the three batteries to be accepted into the Active

Pietermaritzburg claimed the designation C Battery. The third

Citizen Force on 1 July 1913, from which date its designation

Durban battery, re-titled D Battery was disbanded in 1905.

became 7th Citizen Battery (N.F.A.).

The unit designation was changed to First Brigade Natal Field

Page 20

In January 1914 the battery was mobilised to guard portions

training, live shell shoots and practice in desert navigation the

of the railway, including stations and bridges, as a result of

Regiment formed the Oasis Group, formed to protect Siwa

unrest and riots on the Rand which was expected to overflow

and Giarabab. E Force consisting of 4 Field Battery and 3/2

into Natal. It was again mobilised at the outbreak of World War

Punjab Regiment moved off in November to protect Gialo. After

1 and left Pietermaritzburg on 6 September 1914. Leaving by

the various actions that followed, the battery returned to South

steamship from Cape Town, the battery landed at Luderitzbucht

African command at Gazala.

on 20 September and was attached to the Central Force until

the capture of Aus. Thereafter it moved to Walvis Bay, handed

While 4 Field Battery was engaged in its peregrinations in the deep

in its 15-pdrs and was issued with 13-pdrs, before joining Gen

desert, the remainder of 2 Field Regiment had been engaged

Bothas Northern Force with which it took part in the forced

in the battles of Sollum and Bardia. RHQ and the two batteries

march of 230 miles in 13 days to Otavifontein. It was awarded

had thereafter moved to Tobruk where they were joined by 4

the Battle Honour S.W. Africa, 1914-1915 for its services

Field Battery. From Tobruk columns were sent out and various

during the campaign.

boxes (defended positions) manned, to prevent the enemy from

reaching the coast road and Tobruk. Thus in mid-June 6th Field

The battery was demobilised in August 1915. The unit went into

Battery found itself at Rigel Ridge where, it was heavily attacked

virtual suspended animation before being resuscitated in 1927,

by 21st Panzer Division. The battery fought until all of its guns were

by which time the designation had become 2nd Citizen Battery

put out of action in what is described as the most glorious

(N.F.A.). Many men volunteered for service with Imperial

action fought by the South African Artillery during this period.

Service units in East Africa and Europe.

5th Field Battery was similarly destroyed in an action against
Again mobilised for full-time service in October 1939 the unit

German Panzers at Kings Cross, Tobruk, on 20 June 1942. The

arrived at Potchefstroom on 30 November to become Natal Field

balance of the regiment was captured when the Fortress fell to

Artillery Brigade. On 1 February 1940 the designations of all the

Rommels Afrika Korps the next day.

brigades changed and it became 2nd Field Brigade (Natal Field

Artillery). The title changed once again in January 1947 when the

The regiment was resuscitated as a unit of the Active Citizen

brigades were upgraded to regiments. 2nd Field Brigade (N.F.A.)

Force on 1 January 1946 and resumed normal peace time

became 2 Field Regiment, South African Artillery (N.F.A.).

training. In 1959 the NFA became a university unit with the title
Natal University Regiment (N.F.A.) and it operated as such until

The regiment sailed from Durban in July 1941, as a unit of 2 SA

its name was restored in 1966. In the same year the HQ was

Division and in Egypt was issued with 25-pdr guns. Following

transferred to Durban.

nd

Page 21

The regiment provided support for 84 Motorised Brigade and

An alliance was formed with 159 (Colenso) Battery RA on 15

underwent various tours of duty on the SWA/Nambian border,

December 1999.

twice in an infantry roll. In its final tour in 1988 the unit supplied
a battery during Operation Prone and it underwent various

The unit headquarters is currently located at Lords Ground,

tours of duty during the unrest situation prior to 1994.

Durban.

In honour of its war time activities the three batteries of the

Natal Field Artillery is currently equipped with GV6 155mm

regiment are titled: 4 (E Force) Battery, 5 (Kings Cross)

self-propelled gun/howitzers.

Battery and 6 (Rigel Ridge) Battery. The regiment was awarded

the Freedom of Pietermaritzburg and of Durban on 28 and 29
September 1962 respectively.

Page 22

TRANSVAAL HORSE ARTILLERY

he long and hard fought war in South Africa, which

took part in the remarkable desert march of 376 miles in 21

culminated in the Treaty of Vereeninging, signed on 31

days from Usakos to Namutoni which outflanked the German

May 1902, and the withdrawal of the bulk of British forces from

defences. The last 200 miles had been covered in ten days

the country led eventually to the establishment of volunteer

and from Lemputz the battery had moved 52 miles in 52 hours,

corps in the new Crown Colony of the Transvaal. One of these

without water.

units was the battery of artillery known as the Lys Volunteer

Corps, named after its founder, Maj G Lys. Established on 17

There was little training in the years after the war due to the

March 1904, the first volunteers were enrolled on 30 March. Six

economic situation but the battery was mobilised when martial

months later the title of the battery was changed and became

law was declared in March 1922 as a result of an armed strike

The Transvaal Horse Artillery Volunteers. In January 1907 it

by miners. The 1930s saw an increase in the establishment

was renamed: The Transvaal Horse Artillery (THA).

of THA to a brigade of three batteries. Mobilised for war in

1939 the THA Brigade moved to Potchefstroom at the end

A second battery was raised in 1905 and a section was later

of October where, on 1 February 1940, it became 3rd Field

formed in Pretoria but only one battery was accepted into the

Brigade (T.H.A.).

Active Citizen Force when the latter was established with effect
from 1 July 1913.

The brigade left Potchefstroom for East Africa in September

1940 with 18-pdr MK II and MK IV guns but in January 1941 9th

At the outbreak of war in August 1914, the THA volunteered to

Field battery were ordered to exchange their guns for the 4.5

serve as the THA Battery (S.A.M.R.) and it was in this guise

inch howitzers of 11th Field Battery. The brigade fought through

that one section of the battery fought its first war-time action

the rigours of the campaign in support with other South African

at Sandfontein, in German South West Africa (GSWA), in

artillery units, of the 1st SA Division and 12th African Division

September 1914. Unfortunately the small force which included

together with 4th and 7th Field Brigades and 1st Field Battery

the two guns had been led into a trap and was forced to

(CFA).

surrender.
Once the campaign was nearing its end, the South African
Reformed as a four-gun battery, the THA returned to GSWA by

artillery units moved to Egypt in August 1941. THA handed in

way of Walvis Bay in late February 1915 and joined Col Coen

its old guns and was issued with 25-pdrs, at the same time

Brits mobile column. The Gunners distinguished themselves

undergoing conversion, to become 3 Field Regiment (V) South

at Riet, completely outshooting the six German guns in the

African Artillery (T.H.A.).

foothills of the Langer Heinrich. With 1st Mounted Brigade THA

Page 23

The regiment moved to Mersa Matruh and with the

Mersa Matruh. A few more trickled in over the coming days.

commencement of the Crusader offensive it went forward with

The regiment had managed to extract five of its 24 guns from

1st SA Division to become involved in what a brigadier later

the scene of battle and later recovered ten guns from the

described as . the bloodiest and most heroic encounter of

battlefield, seven of which were those of THA.

the war, - the Battle of Sidi Rezegh. It took place on

23 November, Tottensondag to the Germans; the Sunday of

Reinforced and re-equipped but lacking adequate transport, 8th

the Dead was to live up to its name.

Field Battery moved to Gazala at the end of January 1942,

followed by 7th Field Battery a month later. RHQ and 9th Field

Attacked by the Afrika Korps, the gunners fought over open

Battery remained at Matruh to calibrate guns and provide live

sights in rising smoke and dust. Casualties were heavy on

shell shoots for courses, before moving to Tobruk at the end of

both sides. The war diary of 22nd Armoured Brigade recorded

April. They were joined by 8th Field Battery and most personnel

that the South African gunners had been magnificent, and a

were taken prisoner when Tobruk fell to the Afrika Korps on 21

simple soldier said .. they gave it stick, they never faltered.

June 1942. A party of 8th Field Battery managed to escape with

the Reserve Company of the Coldstream Guards.

Remnants escaped the irrestible tide of German armour but

7th Field Battery attached to the 7th Field Regiment, was badly

by 1 December 375 officers and men answered roll call at

hurt in the withdrawal from Gazala, the entire regiment reaching

Page 24

TRANSVAAL HORSE ARTILLERY

CONTINUED

Alamein in a parlous state. Reinforced by officers and men from

COIN roles during the periods of unrest which preceded the

5 Field Regiment, 7th Field Regiment (with the THA battery)

change of government in 1994.

fought at Alamein from July to the final battle in October.

The Freedom of Johannesburg was awarded to the regiment
The Transvaal Horse Artillery (V) was depleted at Tobruk, and

in 1964 and in 1986 THA took part in a mechanised parade to

was removed from the Order of Battle, together with 2 Field

celebrate the Centenary of the City of Johannesburg. Four years

Regiment (NFA).

later Johannesburg Artillery Regiment (previously 2 Locating

Regiment) and 7 Medium Regiment were amalgamated with

Transvaal Horse Artillery was represented during the Italian

THA, the latter retaining its traditional name.

Campaign of 1944/45 by 7/64 Field Artillery (V), South African

Artillery (T.H.A.) one of three batteries combined with those of

The regiment celebrated its centenary in March 2004 with a

22 Field Regiment to form 4/22 Field Regiment, equipped first

well attended dinner at the Rand Club and by exercising its

with 105mm Priests and later 25-pdr Sextons.

freedom of entry into the City of Johannesburg with both a

mechanised and a marching column. In 2006 the THA was

The pre-war brigade was resuscitated on 1 January 1946 as

tasked with providing ceremonial gun salutes within the

Gauteng province.

rd

Field Regiment (T.H.A.) and commenced annual peace-

time training camps. Its next call to action was in January

1976 in support of 72 Motorised Brigade in Operation Budgie,

The regiment was affiliated with the Honourable Artillery

following Operation Savannah. Recalling its war-time activities

Company on 13 August 1937 and on 11 June 2007 was given

the batteries of the regiment were, as in 1946, numbered 7,

the privilege of sharing with the HAC an official 62-gun salute

8 and 9 and 8 Battery was the first, during the Operation to

at the traditional saluting base, Tower of London, in honour

be equipped with the 140mm gun (GV2) whilst the other three

of the official Birthday of the Duke of Edinburgh, husband of

batteries were equipped with 25pdrs (GV1s). The fourth battery

Queen Elizabeth II. It was the first time that any foreign country

was (incorrectly) numbered 10 Battery.

had participated in such an event.

Several tours of duty on the SWA/Namibian border were

The regiment is currently located at Mount Collins, Kelvin,

subsequently undertaken including Operation Protea where

Sandton.

th

th

the THA was equipped with the GV4 155mm gun. On two
occasions the THA was employed as infantrymen in Northern

The THA is currently equipped with GV6 155mm Self-Propelled

South West Africa and Angola. The regiment also served in

Gun/Howitzers.

Page 25

VRYSTAAT ARTILLERIE REGIMENT

Aequo Animo et Virtute With Equal Heart and Courage

hen the Active Citizen Force (ACF) was established

Chief Justice of South Africa, the Hon. J de Villiers, and had

from 1 July 1913, three former volunteer batteries

many months before officiated at the funeral of Maj Albrecht,

were incorporated into the ACF and numbered 6 , 7 and

the former commander of Het Artillerie Corps van den Oranje-

8th Citizen Batteries. They were allowed to retain their former

Vrijstaat.

th

th

titles in brackets behind their new names. At the same time

9th, 10th and 11th Citizen Batteries were also established, to

The titles of the Free State batteries changed in 1934 when

be headquartered at Pretoria, Bloemfontein and Kimberley

they became 1ste and 2de Oranje Vrystaatse Veldartillerie, but

respectively.

at this stage they were moribund. All the permanent personnel

were deployed on the Bechuanaland (now Botswana) border

Due to the problem of supply of guns during the Great War of

because of an alarming outbreak of foot and mouth disease.

1914-1918 and the subsequent economic problems that beset

Despite this, the 1ste OVSVA was able to form a Guard of

the Union Government, the 9th, 10th and 11th Batteries were not

Honour for HRH Prince George when he visited Bloemfontein

formed. They were eventually disestablished from 30 June

in 1934. This battery had an unofficial band from December

1926.

1931 but six months after it was recognised officially it was

transferred to Regiment President Steyn.

The original 6th, 7th and 8th Citizen Batteries had been renumbered
1st, 2nd and 3rd from 1 July 1926 and three new citizen batteries

Both units were mechanised in July 1934 and Leyland

were established from the same date. They were the 4th and 5th

lorries and motor cars were used at the 1935 training camp at

Citizen Batteries Oranje Vrystaatse Veldartillerie (OVSVA) and

Potchefstroom. Porte vehicles (with the gun and limber carried

the 6th Citizen Battery (Transvaalse Veldartillerie). They were

on the vehicle) were issued in 1939.

to be headquartered at Bloemfontein, Bethlehem and Pretoria,

respectively.

When war was declared in September 1939 not enough

personnel volunteered to enable either battery to be called

The two Free State batteries were only formed in 1928 and were

up for full-time service and those men who did volunteer were

diluted units under the new policy of one third Permanent Force

transferred to 4th Field Brigade.

and two thirds ACF personnel. All the key posts were retained
by the permanent soldiers. Due to a shortage of permanent

The war ended in May 1945 and the five pre-war ACF batteries

staff the three older Citizen batteries escaped dilution.

were all resuscitated as regiments with effect 1st January

1946. The 1ste and 2de Oranje Vrystaatse Veldartillerie were,

1ste OVSVA fired a 64 gun salute in 1932 at the funeral of the

Page 26

however, combined under the title: 6th Field Regiment, South

African Artillery (O.V.S.V.A.). It was based in Bloemfontein.

units, personnel strength dropped with the introduction of

Peace Training as it was called, begun in 1947 with annual

voluntary service. But new life was injected by the transfer

continuous training camps at Potchefstroom.

from Sandrivier Commando of a commanding officer and a

large number of personnel who are undergoing conversion to

Another artillery unit, the Regiment Universiteit Oranje-Vrystaat

become Gunners. After more than 80 years in Bloemfontein,

was established in January 1960 but on 1 February 1974 the

the headquarters moved to Kroonstad in January 2007.

two units amalgamated under the title: 6 Veldregiment (V.S.A.).

The unit suffered another change of title in January 1960

The regiment has an affiliation with Q (Sannas Post battery,

when it became Vrystaatse Staatsartillerie. The officers were

RA), effective from 19 August 2000.

not happy with the title and on 1 September 1966, it became

instead Oranje-Vrystaatse Veldartillerie. The hyphen was

A paper published in the late 1970s describes the unit as one

removed from the title in March 1968.

with the most name changes! It was however, not the last that
writer was to see. Effective from 1st February 1988 the title

6 Veldregiment received the Freedom of Bloemfontein in March

became: Vrystaatse Artillerie Regiment.

1982.
The VAR is currently equipped with GV5 155mm Towed Gun/
The unit underwent tours of service on the SWA/Namibian

Howitzers.

border and was also mobilised during the unfortunate unrest

situation in the mid-1980s. After 1994 in common with other

Page 27

REGIMENT POTCHEFSTROOMSE
UNIVERSITEIT

he regiment was established and designated as a unit of

The regiment was converted to a Medium Artillery establishment

the Citizen Force with effect from 1 January 1960.

in 1969 and in 1974 was placed under command of 82

Mechanised Brigade. It was mobilised with the brigade in 1988

This is recorded as such in a Defence Force Order which gave

for Operations Packer and Displace, the final operation in

the impression that it was an entirely new unit. But the origins

which the SADF was involved.

of the regiment go back to 1 Observation Battery, South African

Artillery (A.C.F.), established in the Witwatersrand Command,

RPU crossed the border with only two batteries, one with GV5

with Headquarters at Krugersdorp from 1 August 1946. The

gun-howitzers and the other with GV-2 140mm guns. The

letters (A.C.F.) were removed from the title in 1949.

regiment was among the first in action, the GV5 battery firing
harassing fire and engaging opportunity targets on 11 March,

The battery struggled to attract recruits but the situation

while it was still undergoing conversion training to the GV5.

improved dramatically when the Headquarters moved to

It took part in the attack on Jumbo which commenced on 22

Potchefstroom and it was coupled to the university. Two years

March with a bombardment of the main objective, later coming

later it was expanded into a regiment with:

under fairly accurate enemy artillery fire. The regiment was

RHQ and Radar Battery at University of Potchefstroom, Survey

in action several times before finally moving back across the

Battery at the University of the Orange Free State and an

Kavango River on 8 May, the first element of 82 Brigade to

Observation and Sound Ranging Battery at the University of

enter Angola for Operation Packer and the last to leave.

Pretoria.
In the re-organisation of 1991, RPU and 25 Field Regiment
By 1953 the locating functions of the regiment had been

amalagamted on 23 September with the name of Regiment

abandoned and normal field artillery training was being

Potchefstroomse Universiteit being retained. The end of

undertaken. In January 1960 RHQ and the original Radar

National Service and the literal disappearances of most of

Battery, by then known as P Battery, became Regiment

those on strength left the regimental with nothing more than a

Potchefstroom Universiteit.

few volunteers.

With its own cap badge from 1962 the regiments designation was
altered on 1 October 1963 to read: Regiment Potchefstroomse
Universiteit (RPU).

Page 28

TRANSVAAL STAATSARTILLERIE

lthough attempts were made in 1913 and again in

17 Field Regiment (P.A.) was amalgamated with TSA with

1926 to form an artillery battery in Pretoria, neither

effect from 1 October 1991, the combined regiment retaining

were successful. But, the Minister of Defence in the 1950s

the title Transvaal Staatsartillerie. The unit was until recently

was obsessed with ridding the Defence Force of any link

responsible for all gun salutes in Pretoria.

whatsoever, with British connotations. The opportunity arose in

1953 with the reorganisation of the Citizen Force, to establish
an artillery unit that would bear a title to connect it to the ZuidAfrikaansche Staatsartillerie (the Z.A.R.), the Republican
Artillery of 1874-1901.

And so, on 1 January 1954, 9 Veldregiment (Staatsartillerie),

S.A.A., as one of the twelve units designed to cope with the
increased number of ballotees being called up for military
service, was established. Within a few weeks the title was
altered to read: 9 Veldregiment (STAATSARTILLERIE), S.A.A.
The badge of the new unit was based on the sabretache badge
of the Z.A.R. On 1 January 1960 the regiments title changed
and it became the Transvaal Staatsartillerie.

The regiment became a four-battery unit and was allocated to

8 SA Armoured Division as the divisional medium regiment. It
had undergone conversion to the GV-2 (140mm) gun in May
1974 and it was as a medium regiment of two batteries and a
troop that it took part in Operation Savannah in February/April

The regiment undertook subsequent tours of duty on the SWA/

Angolan borders during 1980 and 1982. During 1984, the Unit
formed part of the Joint Monitoring Commission (GMC) initiative
and in 1986 they helped with the protection of the strategic
Ruacana water supply project, and was amongst the units to
withdraw from Angola in 1988.

On 19 August 2000 TSA affiliated with 101 (Northumbrian)

Regiment (v), RA and the ceremony took place at the Green
Magazine (Groen Magazyn) the headquarters of TSA, which
is situated close to both Army Headquarters and SA Air Force
Headquarters in Pretoria. The function was attended by Maj
Gen Chris van Zyl, General of the Gunners and Brig Mike
Raworth, British Military attach as well as Maj Gen (Ret) Phil
Pretorius, President of the Gunners Association.

TSA is currently a rocket regiment scheduled to be equipped

with the 127mm multiple rocket launcher (Bateleur).

1976 under the command of Cape Field Artillery and, in the

last weeks of Transvaal Horse Artillery (TSA). The regiment
undertook subsequent tours of duty on the SWA/Namibian
border. From the abbreviation of its title came the humorous
appellation: Tour and See Angola.

Page 29

Page 30

18 LIGHT REGIMENT
Primus Inte pares First Among Equals

any South African Artillery units are old units whose

On 25 May 1981 Col Jan Breytenbach, the OC of 44 Parachute

proud history can be traced to days before the Anglo

Brigade, visited the unit. The future airborne strategy and role

Boer War .18 Light Regiment is one of the more modern

that the Regiment had to play was spelled out by him. The main

artillery regiments that was created to cope with new warfare

objective of the Regiment was to support the newly formed

requirements.

44 Parachute Brigade with artillery firepower during airborne

operations.

The need for a light artillery regiment that could support

paratroopers during air assault operations was identified in the

In June 1982, the Regiment was incorporated into the newly

early 1970`s. The Soltham M5 120mm mortar was chosen and

formed 44 Parachute Brigade and was based at Murray Hill

several purchased in 1974. Staff tables were set up in June

north of Pretoria. Attempts were made by the Brigade to change

1975, but the Regiments official birth date can be pinned down

the Regiments name to 44 Light Regiment, but this idea did

to January 1977.The Regiment was when formed as part of 1

not meet with the approval of the then Chief of the Army.

SA Corps, with its Headquarters in the old OK Bazaars building,

Randburg. The units name,18 Light Regiment, was allocated

As a Light Regiment, the unit was structured slightly differently

by the then Master Gunner, Lt Gen FEC van den Berg.

from the other conventional medium artillery regiments. The

Regiment consisted of a small RHQ element and 3 Batteries,

The Regiments initial intake consisted of the Ops Savannah

namely 181,182 and 183 Battery. Each battery consisted of

veterans of 141 Battery of 14 Field Regiment and 41 Battery of

two troops, each with four 120 mm mortars. Each detachment

4 Field Regiment. None of the troops allocated to the unit was

consisted of five Gunners.

parachute trained. Cmdt G. C. Olivier from 7 Medium Regiment

was appointed as the first OC on 15 November 1977.

To meet its airborne objective, the Regiment would only consist

of Gunners that qualified as paratroopers. The existing officers

1 SA Corps was disbanded in 1978 and the Regiment was

and men took the new airborne roll of the Regiment as a

transferred to 8 Armoured Division. The first call up of the

challenge and in March 1982 the leader element was sent to 1

Regiment took place from 13 November to 8 December 1978

Parachute Regiment in Bloemfontein for parachute training. The

at the then Army Battle School at Lohathla.

Regiments traditional blue artillery berets were exchanged for

the maroon paratroopers berets. New terminology and orders

During 1979 WO2 Tinus Delport was transferred from 8

such as Port and Starboard, Fit Chutes, Action Stations, Stand

Armoured Division to the Regiment as the first RSM.

Up Hook Up, Stand in the Door and DZ , soon became part

of the Gunners new language.

Page 31

History was made at the General Piet Joubert Training Area

Battery was deployed at Kirkwood in the Eastern Cape. The

in November 1982, when 181 Battery, as the first Airborne

Battery did a lot of work to improve the conditions of the local

Battery, was deployed by parachute. The Battery jumped with

Community and was awarded with the Chief of Army merit

its mortars, ammunition and equipment.

certificate for exceptional duty.

This jump was followed up by Exercise Ubique. On 11 December

Border patrol duties at Madimbo in the Soutpansberg Millitary

1984, the Regiment was able to deploy all 3 batteries in a single

Area followed for 181 Battery in September 1985. During

airborne drop. The Regiment was now moulded into a true

1987 the whole Regiment was called up for the purpose of

airborne unit. The gunners with their mortars, equipment and

maintenance of law and order.

first line ammunition were airdropped. Three C130`s carried

the mortars, equipment and ammunition. The gunners followed

During Operation Hooper/Packer in March 1988, 182 Battery

in three C160 troop carriers. A total of 200 men, NCO`s and

participated in the third attack on Quito Cuanavale in Southern

Officers took part in this drop.

Angola. As part of 82 Brigade, the battery was in direct support

of 32 Battalion.

The jump was attended by various high ranking officers

including Lt Gen F.E.C. van den Berg, the Master Gunner, Col

During 1989, the Regiment assumed a completely new role.183

A. Moore, the new OC of 44 Parachute Brigade and Col P.C.

Battery exchanged their maroon paratroopers berets for the

De Beer Venter, Director Artillery. During the same exercise the

light blue berets of the UN peace keeping force. The battery

three batteries were also airlifted and deployed by helicopter.

formed part of the Joint Military Monitoring Group (J.M.M.C.)

which had to oversee the withdrawal of the SADF from Namibia

The vision of the 1970`s to have a Airborne Artillery Regiment

and the Cubans from Angola.

was now a reality.18 Light Regiment could now truly claim the
title: The only Airborne Artillery Regiment in Africa.

The last citizen force camp of 2 months duration was experienced

by 182 Battery in 1989. The Battery was tasked with monitoring

The Regiments light capability was further demonstrated

when it participated in an amphibian exercise in July 1988.
181 Battery was landed by landing craft from SAS Tafelberg in
Exercise Strandloper.

Page 32

Battery was based at Almond base in the Weipe District.

A very popular event on the Brigade calendar was the annual

The Regiment was one of the first Citizen Force units to be

deployed for internal unrest operations.

the border of South Africa with Botswana and Zimbabwe. The

During 1985,181

water jump. All paratroopers of the various units of 44 Parachute

Brigade, could participate in this jump. It was usually held at

18 LIGHT REGIMENT
CONTINUED

Roodeplaat or Hartebeespoort dam. The jump was followed by

a family fun day.

1991 was a year that saw many changes to the Regiment. 44

Parachute Brigade HQ moved to Bloemfontein. The Regiment
moved from Murray-Hill to the Paulshof Building in Pretoria.

With the creation of the SANDF in 1994, it was decided

to downscale 44 Parachute Brigade to 44 Parachute
Regiment.18 Light Regiment was transferred to the SA Army
Artillery Formation in Pretoria. The Regiment is now located at
Magazine Hill, with TSA as its neighbour.

A unit flag was approved in July 1986 and a National Colour

was presented to the unit in March 1993.

The Regimental shoulder badge was designed by Lt G

Gravette (Jnr). It consists of the 44 Parachute Brigade Griffon
on a maroon background, with the Artillery flash above. This
symbolises both the unique airborne and artillery characteristics
of the regiment.

18 Light Regiment is currently equipped with the M5 120mm

Light Mortar.

Page 33

10 ANTI-AIRCRAFT REGIMENT
Alte Pete Aim High

he regiment was established as 10 Anti-Aircraft Battery S.A.A.

10 AA Regiment was involved in several deployments and exercises from

(AA) with effect 1 January 1962 as a unit of the Permanent Force.

January 1999 until December 2005; different batteries within the unit were

Headquarters was at Youngs Field and it was under the command of Maj

internally deployed at Mpumalanga in Macadamia, Lesotho border, Kwa-

DDG Steenkamp.

Zulu Natal, and support of the GSB (Kimberley) in Ceremonial parades. At

the beginning of 2006 the Regiment sent two batteries to Pont Drift on the

Because the value of carrying on traditions, and seniority of units was

Zimbabwe border on border patrol duty.

not understood or often not considered at Defence Headquarters, 10

Anti-Aircraft Regiment was formally established and designated from

10 AA Regiment also provided three batteries for external deployment (in

1 February 1968 as though it was a new unit of the Permanent Force

its secondary role) in Burundi. The first battery was 102 Battery under

without any mention of the fact that it was obviously a reconstruction of

Command of Maj L Puckree. After 6 months 101 Battery relieved them in

10 Anti-Aircraft Battery.

Burundi under command of Maj SG Hlongwa. 103 Battery prepared for the
deployment to relieve 101 Battery in Burundi. After 18 months of external

Headquarters remained at Youngs Field where the Artillery Air Defence

deployment the regiment returned to normal activities. The regiment lost

School had been established from the same date.

five of its gunners during these deployments.

From the beginning it was not possible, owing to the acute shortage of

From 40mm Bofors, 3,7 inch heavy AA guns to the GA1-CO1 20mm light

personnel, to run the two units separately. Consequently, 10 Anti-Aircraft

gun and the GDF-002 twin 35mm automatic gun with its Super Fledermaus

Regiment was tasked with the administration of the School. The first two

fire control system, and captured ZU-23-2 twin 23mm and 20/3 M55 A2

months were marked by a series of crises, with the result that the unit

anti-aircraft guns, the regiment has now entered the missile age with

could scarcely cope with the National Service intake.

training being undertaken on the Starstreak ground-to-air missile.

A partial solution to the problem was the formal amalgamation of the two

In November 2007, members from 10 AA Regiment participated in the first

units under the title: Artillery Air Defence School/10 Anti-Aircraft Regiment.

live firing of Starstreak missiles on African soil. This firing took place at the

The regiment which consisted of Regimental Headquarters, Support

Overberg Test Range at Bredasdorp and this was seen as the start of a

Battery and 101,102 and 103 Batteries transferred to Kimberley at the

dynamic period for the Air Defence gunners! The exercise was conducted

end of 1990.

jointly by the project team (Lt Col H.J. Baird) and the members of 10 AA
Regiment, under command of Lt Col S.G. Hlongwa.

After the first democratic elections and the formation of the SANDF in
1994 the bridging training of former members of the non-statutory forces

On 12 October 2007, 10 AA Regiment was also involved in a tragic training

took place at 103 Battery. The marriage with AADS came to an end on

accident at the SA Army Combat Training Centre, whilst participating

31 March 1999 when the two units again became independent entities.

in the annual SA Army Exercise SEBOKA. Nine (9) soldiers were killed
and eleven (11) others were wounded when a critical mechanical failure

The regiment is currently responsible for the force training of combat-

occurred on a 35mm Mk V Gun, when the interface between the hand/

ready forces including Reserve units and the operational deployment in

motor actuator selector lever and the traverse gearbox broke during

support of the SA Army.

ground target engagement.

Page 34

CAPE GARRISON ARTILLERY

reviously known as the University of Cape Town Regiment,

heavy anti-aircraft regiment with three batteries of two troops

the title Cape Garrison Artillery became effective from 1

each and one radar troop. It trained on the 3.7 inch heavy AA

February 1974.

guns. The regiment was re-designated Cape Garrison Artillery

at its own request with effect from 1 February 1974.

The regiment has its origins in 54 Composite Anti-Aircraft

Troop, SAAF, established with effect from 1 August 1946. The

Headquarters were at Youngs Field but transferred to Wingfield

troop became a battery from 1 July 1947 and was transferred

in 1969. Through the efforts of the commanding officer at the

to Land Forces as a unit of the SA Artillery in February 1949

time the headquarters transferred in 1992 to Fort Wynyard,

as 54 Anti-Aircraft Battery, South African Artillery (to give the

near the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront. The old fort at which the

full official title).

original CGA underwent training is today in a unique position to

th

become a showcase artillery museum.

In July of 1951, together with all the other anti-aircraft and
coastal artillery units, it was transferred to the South African

The regiment has undertaken tours on the SWA/Namibian

Corps of Marines, but four years later reverted to under

border and in 1982 operated as an infantry battalion in the

command of the SA Artillery when the SACM was disbanded.

Northern Province and on the Border. It was one of many units

All Citizen Force coast regiments, including those that bore the

that participated in Operation Jumbo to ensure that the first

appellation C.G.A., were transferred to the SA Navy to become

democratic elections in 1994, were peaceful.

stone frigates. They were disestablished almost exactly one

year later.

The unit absorbed the volunteer personnel of 7 Light Aircraft

Regiment when the latter was closed down in April 1997.

On 1 November 1956, 54 Anti-Aircraft Battery was placed

Originally struggling to exist, as many other units were, Cape

under the operational control of Headquarters, 4 Heavy Anti-

Garrison Artillery has under its current commanding officer

Aircraft Regiment, together with other independent batteries,

become a vibrant, energetic entity, operating as a training

i.e. 52 Radar Battery and 53 and 54 Anti-Aircraft Batteries.

base for Air Defence Reserve personnel. It has recruited and

th

taken on strength a large number of members of the former

The sub-units never trained together and stagnation resulted.

Blaauwberg and Two Oceans Commandos.

With the re-organisation of the Citizen Force in 1959/60 the

headquarters and the four sub-units were chosen to become

An aggressive training policy was adopted in 2005 and since May

the local university regiment with the designation University of

of that year numerous training camps have to date been held. Its

Cape Town Regiment from 1 January 1960. The latter was a

organisation is based on that of a three-battery 35mm regiment.

Page 35

The Right of Civic Entry into the City of Cape Town was

The present honorary colonel is Sir David Graaff, Bart, son of

awarded to the regiment in November 1980 and it received

the late Sir de Villiers Graaff who was the previous honorary

the Freedom of Bellville in September 1989. A National Colour

colonel.

was presented to the regiment at the Army Battle School on 30

September 1990 during Exercise Genesis and was laid up in
1994.

Page 36

REGIMENT VAALRIVIER
Ad Infinitum - Forever

he regiment was established on 1 January 1960 as one

and Ruacana and at Oshakati and once again Ruacana in

of the Afrikaans-medium anti-aircraft units. Headquarters

1980. Again called up in 1983 and 1984 it served at Oshakati,

of the unit was at Vereeniging. It replaced 1 Anti-Aircraft

Ondangwa and Ruacana and was involved in a later cross-

Regiment which was shortly afterwards disestablished but

border operation.

most of the personnel of the new unit were transferred from

the latter. Regrettably the seniority of 1 AA Regiment did not

A National Colour was presented to the regiment on 31

devolve upon RVR.

October 1992 and a regimental Colour was presented by the

State President, Mr FW de Klerk on 24 July 1993. It had earlier

In March of 1960 the regiment was undergoing continuous

received the Freedom of Vereeninging on 27 April 1963 and

training at Youngs Field when a State of Emergency was

the Freedom of Vanderbijlpark on 31 October 1970.

declared. Personnel found themselves manning cordons at

Langa and Nyanga until the regiment was relieved by Cape

Personnel of Regiment Overvaal were absorbed when the

Field Artillery.

latter was disbanded in 1997.

From the outset the regiment was a combined 35mm Oerlikon

In 2008 the HQ was moved to Apex Military Base, Brakpan.

and 40mm Bofors unit but by the beginning of 1975 it had

become a three battery 35mm unit of 12 guns per battery.

RVR is currently equipped with the OQF 35mm MKV gun.

The unit provided air defence on the SWA/Namibian border

in 1976, with batteries at Grootfontein, Rundu, Ondwanga

Page 37

REGIMENT OOS-TRANSVAAL

ater known as die Rotte from ROT, the official abbreviation

had made it so. Renamed Apex Military Base, it was opened

of the regiments name, it was appointed and established

officially by Lt Gen Geldenhuys in 1976.

with effect from 1 October 1964. The first commanding officer

was obliged to make his home available as headquarters until

The regiment supplied R Battery for service in Operation

suitable office space became available in the Magistrates Court

Savannah in January/March 1976 while P Battery served in

complex in Brakpan in 1968.

the same border area from March to May. It formed part of

a reaction force in 1980 and in 1983 members of the unit

It was originally determined that the unit be equipped with

were involved in a number of operations. By 1977 it had been

35mm Oerlikon but by December 1964 it had been decided

organised as a 20mm regiment, with six batteries each of 18

that ROT and RVR would become Bofors/Oerlikon regiments,

guns.

comprising an RHQ for a Bofors regiment, two 40mm Bofors

batteries and a 35mm Oerlikon battery.

The Freedom of Brakpan was granted to the regiment on 14

April 1984.

By the beginning of 1975 the Headquarters had moved to

Benoni, also on the East Rand, where a disused mine compound
was made available and converted into a well-built ten-roomed
regimental headquarters. Much hard work by members of the
regiment, with financial assistance of the local City Council,

Page 38

ROT is currently equipped with the OQF 35mm MKV gun.

6 LIGHT ANTI-AIRCRAFT
REGIMENT

he regiment was officially established with effect 1 April

and later, under Eastern Transvaal Command. During the

1965 but remained a paper unit until activated in May

intervening years it had operated on a couple of border tours

1966 with its headquarters in Brakpan at the headquarters of

as an infantry unit.

Regiment Oos-Transvaal when excess personnel from the

latter were transferred into the new unit.

In 1986, 6 Light Anti-Aircraft Regiment was transferred to

under command 8 Armoured Division and five years later to

With minimal facilities available, the regimental commanders

7 SA Division. From the latter formation it was placed under

home was used as a headquarters until 1968. Four years

command of 73 Brigade.

later the Chief of the SA Army authorised the transfer of the

headquarters to Springs. It moved to Johannesburg in 1979.

It was awarded the Freedom of the City of Johannesburg on 9

November 2002, presented with a National Colour in August

The regiment had a normal three-battery organisation and

1992 and on 12 January 2000 was affiliated with 14 (Coles

was equipped with the 35mm Oerlikon AA gun, including the

Kop) Battery, RA.

Fledermaus Radar system.

In 2008 the HQ was moved to Apex Military Base, Brakpan.
During 1976 two batteries were mobilised for duty on the
SWA/Namibian border with 61 Battery deployed to protect

6 LAA is currently equipped with the OQF 35mm MKV gun.

Grootfontein Military Base and 62 Battery at Rundu. After six

weeks their locations were switched but 62 Battery was later
moved to Ondangwa where its task was to protect the airfield.

Originally under the administrative command of Witwatersrand

Command, it was transferred to 1 SA Corps but in February
1979 placed under command of Northern Transvaal Command

Page 39

44 ANTI-AIRCRAFT REGIMENT

44

Anti-Aircraft Regiment was appointed and designated

It was not until Exercise Vlakwater in September 1989 that a

as a unit of the Citizen Force w.e.f. January 1985 with

full troop with two gun sections of 14.5mm AA guns and one

headquarters at Murrayhill (Hammanskraal).

Jakkals vehicle with a Mamba double barrelled 12.7mm AA

gun, was deployed in an air drop.

The unit struggled to obtain any National Service intake as

Gunners posted to the Parachute Brigade were being passed

On 14 July 1992 at approximately 23h30 during Exercise

to the battalions and were not being released for the AA unit.

Pegasus at the then Army Battle School parachute-qualified

air defence Gunners were dropped over the General De Wet

When the first exercise was held, only 18 parachute trained

Training Area. Two 24ft pallets were dropped from a C-130

gunners were available. They were dropped over the exercise

transport aircraft. At 07h00 on 16 July the ground forces were

area from C130s by what the commanding officer at the time,

attacked by air (in the form of Skylift radio-controlled aircraft)

Maj Paddy Case, referred to as the nerve wracking tailgating

which were repelled by eight 14.5mm double-barrelled AA guns

method. Their armament and equipment, dropped before

and two shoulder-launched missiles.

them, consisted of SAM 7 missiles and Russian 14.5mm AA

guns and they also had .50 Brownings mounted on Jakkals

The regiment, a Reserve unit of 44 Parachute Brigade, has

airborne mini-jeeps. The men felt they were the finest AA

taken part in brigade water jumps over the Roodepoort Dam

Gunners in the world.

each year since 1990 with the last recorded jump by volunteers
in 1997.

In 1988 a huge airborne operation was planned. The Gunners

were to be dropped with the pathfinders on Mocamedes. They

A unit flag was approved by Chief of the then SADF on 15 July

were to receive and undergo training from Unita on Stinger

1986.

missiles before the main force dropped. The operation never

took place.

Page 40

THE PROPERTIES, OFFICE AND

DUETIES OF A GUNNER
As written in old english

ymbolising many Gunner traditions are these words

as well as to render an account, as to consider the want of such

written by Cyprian Lucar who was born in 1544:

necessaries as to the Artillerie apperteineth.

A Gunner ought to be sober, wakeful, lustie, hardie, patient,

Also when a Gunner shall be appointed to an exployte, he

prudent and a quick spirited man, he also to have a good

must lay his powder twenty paces from his peeces in such a

eyesight, a good judgement and perfect knowledge to select a

place where no fire, water or hurt may come unto it through any

convenient place in the day of service, to plant his Ordinance

person, or by reason of any winde, weather or otherwise, and

where it may do most hurte unto the enemies, and be least

annoyed by them, and where his Ordinance may not be
surprised by the enemie.

keeping his powder always covered, he must not be unmindful

of this, that it is a very dangerous thing for a Gunner to trust
many, because a general hurt and death may thereupon
followe.

A Gunner ought to be skilful in Arithmeticke, and Geometrie,

to the end he may be able by his knowledge in those artes,
to measure heights, depthes, breadthes, and lengthes, and to
drawe the plat of any peece of ground, and to make mines
and countermines, artificial fireworkes, rampiars, gabbions or
baskets of earth, and such like things which are used in times
of warre to be made for offensive and defensive service.

Also a Gunner ought not to sleepe much at time of the day,

or night when he is appoynted to serve in the fielde, or in any
other place, nor to eate or drinke in any other roome than where
his Peeces of Artillierie are planted, because in his absence
the same Peeces may be choked, poysoned, and harmed by
divers wayes that he may many times uppon a sudden have

A Gunner ought also to procure with all his power the friendship

good occasion to discharge all his Peeces.

and love of every person, and to be careful for his own safetie,
and for the preservation of all those that shall be about him.

And it is requisite for a Gunner to fixe uppon the tayle of the

carriage of his Peece a cheft to holde his necessary things, and

Also he ought to be NO surfeter, not a great or sluggish sleeper,

to defende him from small shot when he shall serve in a place

but he must governe him selfe in all times as a wise, modest,

where no baskets of earth are set to defend him.

sober, honest, and skilful man ought to doe, that through

want of understanding he may never loose his credit, not an
universal victorie which oftentimes by means of good Gunners
well managing their peeces is gotten.

Also a Gunner in time of service ought to forbyd with meake

and courteous speeches all manner of persons other than his
appoynted assistants, to come neere his Peeces, to the end
that none of his Peeces may be choked, poysoned or hurt and

Also a Gunner ought at the receipt of his charge to make an

he ought not for any prayers or regards to lende any peece of

Invitorie of all such things as shall be committed to his charge

Page 41

his gunmatch to another person, because it may be very hurtful

dartes, earthen pottes halfe baked, copper cauldrons, mortars,

to him in time of service to lacke the same.

pestels, and scarces that will be needeful for him in his sea
service, and also of the measure of several oyles, and quantity

Also a Gunner which shall serve upon the sea in any Galleon

of gummes, camphire, and all other materials and needeful

or other ship, or in any great or small Galley, ought before he

things for firewoorkes, of these things shall he consider is

is going to sea to consider well the number of trunkes, pykes,

much needful.

Page 42

ARTILLERY TRADITIONS

radition cannot be created. It is born of many things

same stamp of men as those South African gunners who fought

and is generally a tale, belief or practice, more often

and died in Flanders in 1916-18, in East Africa and Palestine in

the latter in the military context, which has been handed

1915-18, in East Africa, North Africa and Italy during 1940-45

down and kept alive in a regiment through many years

and in Angola in the late 1970s and 1980s.

as a symbol of individuality as a unit, or as a reminder of

valour, endeavour or of some other incident which set that

As a result of their traditions gunners have over the ages

unit apart from all others.

developed a feeling of superiority, and correctly so, for they

serve the Gun to which Louis XV gave the proud title of Ultima

Such traditions might appear to be almost meaningless

Ratio Regis (the Last Argument of a King), an inscription

to others, but will be guarded jealously and can hold a unit

borne on his orders on all French guns. And Joseph Stalin of

together and bond into it a fierce pride and esprit de corps that

the USSR referred to his guns as The Gods of War.

no other could have.

The first permanent force of artillery
Gunners are particularly fortunate in enjoying an almost world-

The first permanent force of gunners, a master gunner and

wide tradition of service to the Gun that welds them into a

12 paid gunners was appointed at the Tower of London in the

unique body of men and women proud to be GUNNERS,

1400s. It was their duty to look after the equipment and to train

and part of the Gunner Fraternity. In the accepted sense, the

certain partly paid civilians in the art of gunnery.

forerunners of the gunners today were not soldiers at all. For

well over a century, by reason of origin and characteristics, the

The traditions that Gunners hold dear began to form from this

artillery developed as something of a distinct entity, almost a

early date and have spread to many countries throughout the

separate force, and hence Gunners have been regarded, even

world.

in this day and age, as somewhat different from the ordinary

soldier. Rightly so, for they serve the GUN, an equipment

Right of the line

that provides firepower above and beyond the capacity of all

The excellent work achieved by the gunner in the war between

other weapons, in all weathers, twenty four hours per day if

the French and the English in 1742 1748 led to his acceptance

necessary, to dominate a battlefield such as no other weapon

as part of the large brotherhood of the army; a more material

can do.

gesture being the granting of the privilege in 1756 of taking

that ancient post of honour the right of the line on all parades.

The gunners who fought at Crecy on 26 August 1346 (the first

This tradition has survived to the present day in most armies of

fully recorded use of guns then called Bombards) are the

the British Commonwealth.

Page 43

The South African Artillery

never manufactured) also bears the battle honour, UBIQUE.

While many artillery traditions are followed world-wide, South

Resulting from the unique South African regimental tradition,

Africa has developed its own unique traditions. Only individual

a number of artillery units have their own cap badges and

batteries existed prior to 1913 and from the time that artillery

mottos,

was first placed on an organized footing in South Africa.

In 1934 the two original corps, the SA Field Artillery and SA

Gunpowder

Permanent Garrison Artillery, created in February 1923, were

Gunpowder or Black Powder, as it was also known altered

re-designated to form the South African Artillery Corps. It was

forever the centuries old art and warfare. Claims for its

to consist of all units whether they be SAPF or ACF and it

invention have come from all over the world and although a

signalled the beginning of the unique family spirit that South

Franciscan monk, Michael Schwartz of Goslar, Brunswick, is

African Gunners have always enjoyed. It is the regiments of the

generally credited with the discovery, the honour seems to

SA Artillery that to-day hold the traditions of the Corps and its

go to the English friar and philosopher, Roger Bacon (1214

esprit de corps and the regiments that carry their own traditions

1294) whose recipe is the earliest known to us.

that inspire pride, courage, discipline, comradeship and loyalty

to the regiment.

The date is somewhat obscure, since Bacon did not make his
discovery public, instead concealing it in cryptic writings was

Artillery motto

only solved many years later. One work, however, suggests

By 1882, and in spite of occasional periods of unpopularity, the

that an explosive powder was used in the war between the

artillery could claim a glorious and long record of battle honours.

Chinese and the Tartars in 1232. Bacon apparently used his

Each unit wore its own individual battle honours, but these

gunpowder to make crackers for children and though he may

had become so numerous that in 1883 the word UBIQUE

have envisaged its use in guns, did not live to see it put into

(Everywhere) was granted to replace them. At the same time

practice.

the privilege of bearing the motto QUO FAS ET GLORIA

DUCUNT (Whither Right and Glory lead) was granted. The

Birth of the gun

gun, probably a 9-pdr, was a design of one used at Waterloo

Within 20 years, Roger Bacons secret was out, but it was not

and has remained the gunner symbol and cap badge all over

until 1313 that a German monk, Berthold Schwartz, who lived

the world in countries of many different nationalities.

in Flanders, made the first gun with gunpowder as a propellant.

They were called Vasi or Pot de Fer, a vase-shaped receptacle

The motto of the South African Artillery is PRIMUS INCEDERE

into which powder was placed. An arrow was shot out of the

EXIRE ULTIMUS, meaning First In and Last Out, an inspired

Pot de Fer and it was fired by means of a hot iron applied to a

motto produced in 1976, but the cap badge (approved but

Page 44

ARTILLERY TRADITIONS
CONTINUED

touch-hole, a method to be used with minor improvements for

the next 500 years or more.

Early guns
The new weapon could not throw the same weight of projectile
as a catapult, trebuchet or other similar machines and the gun
did not replace these for 100 years or more.

A report of the battle of Crecy in 1346 speaks of the English

using bombards which with fire throw little balls to frighten and
destroy horses.

The barrel of a gun

Desire for bigger guns eventually lead to cannon being made
of wrought iron. Typical of the method of manufacture was that
used for a gun made for Henry VI in 1440: 14 long bars in a
circle like staves in a barrel (hence the word Barrel applied
to the piece) imperfectly welded together and strengthened by
hoops of iron shrunk onto the staves.

The bore
In 1739 an invention made it possible to cast a gun in one
solid mass and then to bore the chamber afterwards (hence

Spiking the guns

This is a Gunner term for rendering guns useless to an enemy
when it has proved utterly impossible to save them. It refers
to the old method of driving a spike or wedge into the touchhole or vent so that the gun could not be fired and was thus
completely neutralised. Today it implies destroying a gun by
other means.

Naming of guns
Guns were originally named individually and according to size
after all kinds of monsters. Mortars, first recorded in 1495,
were used extensively by the artillery; the word mortar being
derived from the German meerthier, meaning seabeast.

Heavy guns (bombards) in Germany gave way as early as

1385 to lighter ones mounted on wood and supported on a
fork or hood, hence the word Hakenbsche (corrupted by the
English to Hackbutt, Hagbush and finally to Harquebus). A
later improvement was the fitting of a stock to the piece, the
whole small enough to be carried by hand. Thus the rifle was
a development of the gun and not vice versa, as might be
supposed.

the word bore).

Another example is the word Howitzer from the German

The piece
Guns were collectively known as Ordnance, and cannon
individually were thus called Pieces of Ordnance hence the
word piece as applied to the gun today.

Haubitze, which came into use about 1750.

Pride in the gun

Gunners take great pride in themselves, their drill and their
guns and this was so even in the 1500s when the popularity
of the artilleryman with members of the other arms was small

Page 45

indeed. The infantrymen was of the opinion that the gunner

prerogative of the King and from the late 1300s the practice

was conceited and gave himself airs, those of a superior

grew of storing the Royal guns in some secure and guarded

person moving in higher spheres. At the time gunners had

park when they were not in use. Hence the term Gun Park.

an evil reputation all over Europe for profane swearing, a

Because of the veneration with which the guns are treated,

failing attributed to his commerce with infernal substances,

the gun park is always regarded by gunners as the holy of

but the real reason was probably due to the fact that being

holies, to be kept as clean and tidy as the guns themselves,

less perfectly organised he was less amenable to discipline.

as befitting the resting place of the Colours.

Nevertheless, gunners took great pride in themselves and their

guns. There was, for instance (as there is today) a definite

It is much the same as a parade ground, which is considered

drill laid down for working the guns in action, with thirteen

to be a sacred place. In days of old when a unit re-assembled

words of command for the wielding of ladle and sponge. A

after a battle to call the roll and count the dead a hollow square

gun detachment consisted of three men the gunner, his mate

was formed. The dead were placed within the square and it was

(mattross) and an odd-job man who gave general assistance;

therefore not used as a thoroughfare. Today the parade ground

and the number of little refinements in their drill showed that

represents the square and is treated as Hallowed Ground.

artillerymen took great pride in themselves. Thus withdrawal

of the least quantity of powder with the ladle after loading was

In one South African Unit (CFA), the Gun Park is used for the

esteemed a foul fault for a gunner to commit while the spilling

units annual Birthday Church Service.

of even a few grains on the ground was severely reprobated

it being a thing uncomely for a gunnery to trample powder

The Colours

under his feet. Lastly, every gunner was exhorted to set forth

Traditionally the Colours of the artillery have been its guns.

himself with as comely a posture and grace as he can; for

This is now interpreted as including any piece of artillery or

agility and comely carriage in handling the ladle and sponge

guided weapon launcher. When on ceremonial parades, the

doth give great content to standers by.

guns or launchers are accorded the same compliments as the

Standards, Guidons or Colours of the cavalry and infantry.

The last and greatest honour that could be accorded an

artilleryman was to be buried over the metal, on a gun

It is impractical to accord the guns as Colours on non-ceremonial

carriage.

occasions but they are nevertheless treated with reverence,

dignity and respect. Sitting or standing on the trail, decorating

The Gun Park

them for social occasions or leaving them unguarded in public

Ownership of such a powerful weapon as a Gun was the

are practices not tolerated by Gunners.

Page 46

ARTILLERY TRADITIONS
CONTINUED

When Gunners had ordnance such as 13-pdrs, 18-pdrs, and

the ubiquitous 25-pdr, or more fully Ordnance QF 88-mm
gun/howitzer, it was a simple matter to dress it for ceremonial
occasions, with snow-white drag ropes, picks and shovels
scraped and varnished, aiming posts painted and brass work
gleaming.

Regimental Colours
At some time before the 1930s provincial helmet flashes
in distinctive colours were allocated to Active Citizen Force
units. Cape Field Artillerys colours were gold and orange and
Natal Field Artillery colours were green and blue while those
of Transvaal Horse Artillery were silver and red. To-day CFA
wear a lanyard of scarlet and blue, the traditional colour of

Its replacement, the old 5.5-inch medium gun or 140-mm as it

later became known, did not lend itself to these refinements.
So when they received the Freedom of Benoni in August, 1981,
7 Medium Regiment (since disestablished) draped an artillery
flag over the breech of each gun.

This was immediately

acceptable and became standard practice when their guns

their mess kit, whilst NFA wear a red and blue lanyard and
THA wear a white plaited lanyard. One or two other units wore
blue and yellow, colours that were introduced into the Corps in
the 1960s and have since, generally, disappeared. The Corps
lanyard of today is red and blue with a much smaller yellow
stripe between the two major colours.

were on a ceremonial parade.

Trooping the Colour

Trooping the Colour, in this case a beautifully restored 13-pdr
and limber, was actually performed with full Ceremonial on
the Grand Parade, Cape Town, by the Cape Field Artillery, the
infantry drill having been amended to allow for a larger Colour
party and for the fact that the gun could not be trooped through
the ranks. This received full approval of Army Headquarters
and was accepted as standard drill.

Corps Colours
The traditional colours of the artillery are red and blue. The
significance of this choice is not known but the earliest record of
their use in gunner dress is in the inventory for the clothing of a
trayne dated 1662. In Flanders in 1699 gunners were dressed
in crimson coats faced with blue, wearing (in reverse order of
prominence) the colours that have been retained until today.

Detachment
The men who man a gun are often called a gun crew or even
team. A crew is a ships company and a team is a set of
animals harnessed together. The original company of artillery
was not a company at all but a pool of trained gunners. When
required for any service be it in a fortress, field army or fixed
coast battery NCOs and men were detached from the company,
hence the correct artillery term detachment.

Bombardier
The rank bombardier is purely a gunner rank and was created
in 1686. Holders of this rank worked directly under the fireworkers (firemasters assistants) in specialised duty with
mortars. The word corporal was an artillery rank until 1920,
coming below sergeant and above bombardier (the rank of
mattross was abolished in 1783). The rank of Lance Bombardier

Page 47

came into use with the disappearance of the Corporal as an

(so loved by the infantry) evolve from an instrument used by

artillery rank.

the artillery to measure the correct spacing between guns in

the strict line of deployment of guns for battle. It was possibly

Limber Gunners
The Limber Gunner was a member of a gun detachment whose
special duty was the care and cleanliness of the gun. Such

in use up the days of the Boer War.

The Gunner Officer

men took an almost holy pride in their work and the competition

From the start it was the practice to promote artillery officers

in a battery for the cleanest gun was intense. They were almost

from the ranks because of the specialised knowledge required

specialists at cleaning guns. The limber gunner disappeared

of them. In the 18th century gunnery was considered a science

from the SA Artillery in 1939.

and gunner officers had to be prepared for really hard study

to acquire a grounding in many subjects: mathematics,

The Number One and his rammer

ballistics, chemistry as well as man-management and horse-

Warrant officers of Cape Field Artillery each carry a ceremonial

management. As a result the artillery tended to attract men

25-pdr (88 mm) rammer as instead of the usual pace stick as a

of a different stamp from the dashing and socially conscious

reminder of this practice of chiding a member of a gun detachment

regiments of cavalry and infantry.

who failed to perform a duty satisfactorily. It stems from the days

when the unit operated with smooth bore field and coast guns.

In the social climate of those days artillery officers and gunners

They were swabbed out with a wet sponge after each round

in general were cold-shouldered and for very many years,

fired in order to extinguish any smouldering powder remaining in

even into the early 20th century, there existed a rather broad

the bore. As an additional precaution one man placed his thumb

prejudice or distrust against the artillery as a body of pampered

over the vent when the gun was rammed to prevent the rush

specialists, perhaps one of the reasons for the gunners feelings

of air causing any remaining small spark to flare up and ignite

of himself as a superior.

the new powder charge. This action was known as serving the
vent. If the gunner failed to perform this duty he received the

Lanyards on the right shoulder

attention of the rammer. The practice of carrying a rammer has

Why do Gunners wear lanyards on the right shoulder and not

been adopted by appointed Regular Force warrant officers. THA

on the left?

Warrant Officers carry a riding crop.

The Gunners and the cavalry were the first to wear lanyards on

Pace Stick

the left shoulder, with jack-knife on the end and housed in the

Much as the rifle evolved from early guns so did the pace stick

top shoulder pocket. The blade was used to cut horses loose
and a spike on the knife was for removing stones from horses

Page 48

ARTILLERY TRADITIONS
CONTINUED

hooves. Recruits unskilled in rifle drill were apt, when ordering

South African gunners wear silver in common with the rest of

arms from slope, to disarrange the lanyard as the rifle passed

the SANDF but some units, CFA and CGA as example continue

down the left shoulder. It also shifted the bandolier.

to wear brass buttons while Regiment Vaalrivier wear black

grenades.

In 1924 the lanyard and bandolier were transferred to the right

shoulder, and on the right it has since remained; but bandoliers

In the volunteer units that existed prior to Union in 1910,

had to be altered by the saddler if so to be worn. This change

it was a general principle that officers wore gilt badges and

was not adopted.

accoutrements and other ranks wore silver. This arrangement is

retained to a degree in THA where officers wear a black badge,

Swords

NCOs wear silver and gunners wear a bronze beret badge. All

Swords appear to have been developed from the knife between

ranks of CFA wear bronze beret badges. This caused much

1500 and 1100 BC. It was originally regarded as a sacred object

annoyance in the 1960s to a former Commandant General

hence the drill of bringing the hilt to the face, to symbolically

who insisted that it should be brass, but who admitted defeat

kiss it, after drawing or before sheathing it. The sword has

after two almost disastrous confrontations with the regimental

always been carried by officers but in 1974 in South Africa both

commander.

the Sam Browne belt and sword disappeared when the new
loosely cut uniform jacket was introduced into the SADF. Some

The cap badges had erroneously been issued by QMG in

Reserve regiments have retained the belt and the sword as

bronze and bronze the unit decided they should remain.

part of their dress code.

Battery Honour Titles

Black Badges

Until February, 1940 batteries were lettered A, B and C and

All over the world it will generally be found that gunner officers

thereafter 1, 2, 3, etc. in accordance with the numerical

and warrant-officers wear black cap and collar badges. This

designation of the regiment. For instance, batteries of 1 Field

is a symbol of the days when gunners were allowed to wear

Regiment (PAOCFA) were 1, 2 and 3 whilst the batteries of 4

wooden or leather buttons because the gun powder continually

Field Regiment were numbered 10, 11 and 12, and in 23 Field

blackened their brass buttons and badges. The grenade collar

Regiment they were 67, 68 and 69.

badge is also international and is worn by most artillery forces

throughout the world. The detail varies from country to country

In 1959 Cape Field Artillery gave their batteries honour titles

but the basic design is still the grenade.

in remembrance of the days when the unit was engaged in

coast defence as well as acting as horse and field artillery, ie P

Page 49

(Amsterdam) Battery, Q (Imhoff) Battery, R (Wynyard) Battery

narrow trousers, not quite skin tight, such as horsemen used

and, for a short time before the establishment again changed,

to wear). They and the THA also order mount and dismount

S (Craigs) Battery. All the names are those of actual batteries,

instead of embus and debus for the same reason. Similarly

part of the Table Bay defences on which the unit manned the

the Transvaal Horse Artillery and the NFA continue even today

old coastal guns, until the newly formed Cape Garrison Artillery

to wear Box spurs with their undress blues and mess kit, a

took over in 1897.

tradition that seems to have been dropped by CFA (apart from

being Coast and Field gunners, they were also for a number of

Transvaal Horse Artillery have retained the titles of 7, 8 and 9

Batteries of Second World War vintage.

years trained as horse artillery).

Social

Natal Field Artillery have awarded honour titles to their

South African gunner officers began the practice in 1972 of

batteries based on notable engagements in North Africa during

gathering socially once a month and this soon became referred

the Second World War and have retained their numerical

to as a Tiddler, the code name for a Quick Fire Plan.

designations as well, ie.

4 (E Force) Battery

This is now accepted as part of South African Gunner

5 (Kings Cross) Battery

tradition.

6 (Rigel Ridge) Battery

In line with the practice that follows the unit number, the

Honorary Appointments

batteries of 4 Artillery Regiment are numbered 41, 42, 43, 44

From about the same date members of the SADF, Armscor

and 45.

and other companies that rendered significant service to the

South African Artillery were at various times honoured by their

The Gunner and the Horse

appointment as Limber Gunners, entitled as all Gunners do, to

Since the early days of artillery, gunners relied on horses and

wear an Artillery tie on Fridays.

the units of the SA Artillery were mounted until 1936. Because

the artillery stayed a mounted corps almost to the last, many

Mess Traditions

South African traditions are attributed to this fact, such as use

It is in Gunner Messes (some regiments use the American

of the phrase Wagon Lines instead of a more modern term.

term Club) that a number of traditions and quiffs are to be

In addition undress blues are worn by some units where the

seen, such as that of 4 Artillery Regiment who display their

jacket is cut in cavalry style while the dress regulations of one

Regimental Colour during formal dinners. On these occasions

unit includes wearing overalls instead of trousers (overalls are

they also place on the table before the most senior and junior
Regular Force Officer respectively, a model 13-pdr and a model

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ARTILLERY TRADITIONS
CONTINUED

18-pdr gun, (presented by the 3rd Long Gunnery Course and

Brig H (Paul) Roos, respectively).

ARTILLERY FLASH
The well known zig-zag of the gunner symbolises thunder and
lightning, perhaps emanating as a result of the noise and flash

THA hammer the table by hand instead of indicating applause

by clapping. Jugs of beer are also passed around the table

of a gun, but also having a bearing on the story of St Barbara,

the patron saint of all artillerymen.

after dinner and they also serve beer at breakfast the morning
after a Mess evening.

Although apparently removed from the Church Calendar in

1969 for lack of proper evidence of sainthood, she nevertheless

In both CFA and THA, newly joined or commissioned officers

must purchase a beer mug on which is inscribed their name

remains the patron Saint of artillerymen and feast day occurs

annually on 4 December.

and date of commission or joining. These always remain in

the Mess. In THA, however, the mug must be pewter and must
have a glass bottom. On the decease of an officer the bottom
is broken with a special boot.

Her saint day is celebrated with much ceremony in Germany,

France and Switzerland, in the Ukraine and Palestine and
possibly many other countries. The French set aside a whole
week for festivities and at Basel in Switzerland after a day of

THA light an eternal flame before diners at formal Mess

dinners may sit. CFA always toast the unit by name, a practice
they started in 1960, a few days after the unit was renamed
Regiment Tygerberg, in order that their true name should
not be forgotten. Four years later they were re-named Cape
Field Artillery but the toast continues to this day. In 4 Artillery

celebration and gun drill by the National Artillery Association of

Basel City, founded in 1834, members fire 23 rounds from a 75
mm field gun of 1905 vintage at 18h15, where-after they drink
to the health of Saint Barbara. In the Ukraine potato dumplings
are boiled in oil on her feast day and the Palestinian Christians
go further and prepare a sticky pudding called Burbara.

Regiment a practice, which has spread to other units, was

commenced some few years ago of toasting THE GUNS.

South African Gunners have no tradition of celebrating Saint

Barbaras feast day but about 1982 Col Lionel Crook, then

On their formal Mess nights Regular Force warrant officers and

NCOs provide a detachment to bring a gun into action before
the dinner. The gun remains at the entrance to the Mess until
the end of the evening.

chairman of the Gunners Association, Western Province

Branch, felt that the Saint Day was rather a good reason to
have a party. And so the Branch has held a function on the
Friday nearest to 4 December every year since then. It is now
held in alternative years in the NCOs Mess of CFA and CGA.

Page 51

Air Defence Artillery hold rather a curious parade each year

Barbara descended from the tower to see the bath-house he

on the first Monday after 4 December to commemorate Saint

was constructing. She noted that it had only two windows. So

Barbara and, it is suspected, to pay homage to Skinny Liz, a

she commanded the workmen to make a third window and she

15-pdr field gun that was converted and saw action in German

defaced the idols her father worshipped, placing the sign of the

South West Africa as the South Africas first anti-aircraft gun.

cross on them.

It is a ceremony attended by warrant officers.

Seven are

When her father at last returned he was enraged to find the

seated in front of Skinny Liz in order of seniority of those having

three windows, which Barbara informed him represented the

attended previous ceremonies from the right, with eight jugs

Holy Trinity. He dragged her before the Prefect of the Province

made from Bofors cartridge cases in a semi-circle immediately

and denounced her. She was beaten until her body was all

in front of the gun. At 18h30 with everyone in position the senior

bloody and was then thrown into prison. Led later through the

RSM fills the jugs with a Harry, a mixture of Red Hart rum and

streets she was again beaten and brought before a judge who

Sparberry. The eighth jug is poured down the barrel of Skinny

ordered her to be beheaded. Her enraged father, merciless to

Liz, members seated pick up their jugs (again in seniority) and

the last, took her up a mountain and slew with his sword.

down the contents. They then return to their Mess.

As Dioscuros descended a fearful tempest arose with thunder

and lightning, and fire fell upon the cruel man and consumed him
utterly ...so that nothing of his body but only ashes remained.

SAINT BARBARA

arbara was the daughter of Dioscuros, a very wealthy

heathen of Nicomedia. He built a tower in which he kept

the young and beautiful Barbara jealously secluded so that no

man should behold her beauty. In her enforced solitude she

aint Barbara is invoked against fire, thunder and lightning,

accidents arising from explosion by gunpowder and

gave herself to prayer and study. Many princes asked for her

against death by artillery. Whatever you do, avoid expressing

hand in marriage but she refused them all. After refusing her

any opinion of Saint Barbara during a thunderstorm!

fathers choice he went down into the town to see the work on
which his men were busy, and he thereafter left for a lengthy
visit to another country.

Page 52

CODE OF CONDUCT FOR

ARTILLERY SOLDIERS

The status now conferred on me, as an Artillery Soldier, carries a special responsibility
and demands of me a special sense of duty. I will, therefore, also be held accountable by
law and code, for the manner in which I carry out my duty.
I, as an Artillery Soldier, solemnly take the following pledge:
a. I will, at all times:

i.apply the three golden rules of the Artillery:

(1) Do an independent check on all technical work.

(2) Think and plan in advance.
(3) Ensure that simultaneous actions take place.

ii. have a sense for urgency.

iii. p
 rotect my launcher at the risk of my own life.

iv. ensure that all Artillery equipment remains serviceable and maintained according to
doctrine.

v. e
 nsure that Artillery teamwork is done professionally to enhance comradeship and the
sharing of Artillery common goals and values.

vi. ensure that my physical fitness is up to standard as required for an Artillery Soldier.

vii. Obey and apply the SANDF Code of Conduct

THIS IS MY SOLEMN
PLEDGE, SO BE IT

Page 53

CODE OF CONDUCT FOR AIR

DEFENCE ARTILLERY SOLDIERS

I, as an air defence artillery gunner, take the following pledge to apply the rules associated
to our motto alta pete.

ALWAYS NEAT
LOYAL AND NEVER COMPLAIN
TAKE SECURITY AND LOOSE TALK SERIOUSLY
AN ASSET TO THE CORPS
PROUD OF MY EQUIPMENT
ENERGETIC
TOUGH AND FIT
ENTHUSIASTIC IN EXECUTING COMMANDS

And to obey and apply the south african national defence force code of conduct
and to uphold the customs and traditions of the air defence gunner.

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THE GUNNERS NATIONAL

MEMORIAL

he Gunners National Memorial is situated in Potchefstroom

of all Gunners who laid down their lives for South Africa.

on a site originally owned by the government but transferred

Refurbishing of the Memorial took place in the year 2000 which

to the Town Council of Potchefstroom in 1972. The location of

included the construction of two dwarf brick memorial walls to

the Memorial was selected adjacent to the now closed No:3

accommodate extra plaques. Further refurbishment occurred

Gate of the Military Base through which, over a period of time,

in 2007/8 following two acts of vandalism. This included the

all gunners passed on entering or leaving the camp.

building of a podium and a wall on which to hold wreaths before

being layed.

The design of the memorial was conceived by the eminent

architect, Dr Gordon Leith, himself a gunner, who had served

Three quick firing guns, which were deployed by the SA field

overseas with the SA Artillery during World War I.

gunners in German East Africa during World War I, flank and

embellish the Memorial. The fourth gun is a World War II 3.7

The Memorial was unveiled on 10 May 1952 by the Chief of

inch Anti-Aircraft gun.

Staff, SA Army, Lt Gen Matie CL De Wet du Toit and entrusted

for safekeeping by the Gunners Association to the then
Officer Commanding Western Transvaal Command. It was
consecrated by Chaplain Tom Harvey, war time chaplain of the
Transvaal Horse Artillery.

The original plaque on the Memorial reads To the glory of God

and the memory of all Gunners who lost their lives in two World

A focal scenic panorama is formed by the mature poplar trees

growing in a semi-circle on the periphery of the site. The ashes
of deceased Gunners are from time to time scattered in the
gardens. The garden surrounds are maintained by the Town
Council of Potchefstroom and the ancillary equipment by 4
Artillery Regiment and the Artillery Mobilisation Regiment.

Wars, 1914-1918; 1939-1945.

The Memorial is administered by the Gunners Memorial Trust
At the 47th Annual Gunners Memorial Service held on 19 April

in collaboration with the Gunners Association in terms of a

1998 the Memorial was rededicated with the unveiling of an

National Deed of Trust dated 25 July 1955.

additional plaque reading To the glory of God and the memory

Page 55

THE GUNNERS ASSOCIATION

Service Gunner units the SA Field Artillery and the SA Heavy

rather to the Gunners and Signal Corps personnel in Camp at

Artillery, formed Associations to retain the camaraderie of the

Potchefstroom in 1940/41.

hen the Great War of 1914/18 (now known as World

War I) ended, men who had served in the two Imperial

mprobable as it may seem, The Gunners Association of today

does not owe its origins to either of these organisations, but

war years. Both had branches throughout the country.

There were no sports facilities or entertainment and men in
The SAFA Association appears to have lasted until 1939 but
the SAHA gunners soldiered on until 1970.

The 1920s and early 1930s were the early days of broadcasting
and of crystal radio sets and Gunner Kahn always sent
messages to branches of the SAHA by .. air from the
Wireless Station. Johannesburg. He warned branches in
advance and asked them to report if reception was good. There

camp were initially left to their own devices. In November,

1939, the Transvaal Horse Artillery, one of the first units to
report for full-time war service, started a series of open-air
concerts on Saturday evenings and when the YMCA opened a
branch in the camp in December, open-air cinema shows were
organised. Two concerts were given in early 1940 by visiting
artistes, also in the open.

was always a good response to dinners, smoking concerts and

the like. The Service of Remembrance in Johannesburg in

The YMCA began construction of a permanent hall in February

1929 for instance, drew 3000 people.

1940 and a camp concert party was formed in September

1940. A group of men drawn mostly from 5th Field Brigade, the

They were an active group of men and two of these, heavy

Port Elizabeth Gunners, and the SA Corps of Signals, staged a

gunners, Basil Scholefield (a musician, company secretary and

variety show called Finding our Feet. It was a huge success. A

member of the SA Rugby Board) and JC Kemsley, were the

revue was next with Bdr.Frank Rogaly as producer. Full Speed

prime movers in forming the SA Referees Society.

Ahead although scheduled for two nights, ran for five. Due to
demand it was staged at the Town Hall, Potchefstroom before

By 1969 the Cape Town Branch was the only one still active and

an enthusiastic audience. Again the run had to be extended.

the last three or four members voted to hand their memorial, a 6

inch howitzer known as THE GUN, to the Gunners Association.
A suitable plaque was affixed to the plinth and unveiled by the
National President, Colonel Ian Whyte, on Sunday, 26 April
1970. The last two surviving members of the SAHA, Mr Harry
Clain and Mr Guy Tarleton, laid their last wreaths at THE GUN

Springbok Frolics. The versatile soldiers excelled themselves

and by arrangement with African Consolidated Theatres Ltd, it
was staged before crowded houses at the Standard Theatre,
Johannesburg during the Christmas and New Year holidays,

in April 1971.

Page 56

Full Speed Ahead was followed by the hugely successful

1940.

A follow-up of the first Springbok Frolics was approved on 7

Most units had left for East Africa and others were preparing to

January 1941 and a second series of the show, composed

leave for North Africa and this is possibly why the Trust Deed

entirely of SA Artillery personnel gave performances at the

was only, much later, followed by a Constitution giving life to

larger Empire Theatre during January and February. Audiences

the Gunners Association. It was signed on 2 July 1943.

were wildly enthusiastic. Major contributors to the success of

the shows was the producer Bdr. Frank Rogaly of 5th Field

Signatories were Col Adler, the SSO Artillery, Capt ESK Ostler,

Brigade and his Stage Manager, Sgt. Lionel Roche. It was a

Maj Guy Featherstone of the Artillery Depot and Maj G.P.

major effort from everyone. The Corps de Ballet, for instance,

Jacobs who commanded the Artillery School.

included a Lieutenant, a bombardier, two lance bombardiers

and four gunners. Music was provided by the Potchefstroom

The Gunners Association grew, once the war was over in

Military Concert Party Theatre Band.

1945, into an organisation of 14 or more branches. The raising

of funds to operate the Association took months of efforts and

The authorities were obviously concerned at the training time

organisation but by October 1947 the Associations financial

that was being lost by the Gunners Frolics and no more

position was reasonably healthy.

shows were produced. The Gunners went back to the more

serious business of preparing for war.

One of the earliest projects was the erection of a memorial

to those Gunners who gave their lives for the country. First

The funds they had generated were distributed, 1000 going

discussed on 3 October 1947, the memorial at Potchefstroom

to the SA Troops Gifts and Comforts Fund, and 250 to the

was opened by Gen Matie C.L. de Wet du Toit, himself a

National War Fund. 100 was given to the regimental fund for

Gunner, on 10 May 1952. It was consecrated by Canon Tom

5 Field Brigade and the balance was given in trust to Col F.B.

Harvey, war-time Chaplain to Transvaal Horse Artillery.

th

Adler, then Director, Field Army Artillery Training.

To ensure the maintenance of the memorial, which became
In an article written by the then Lt-Col Fritz Adler in April 1937

the rallying point for the annual national memorial service, a

he had called for a South African Artillery regimental esprit de

Notarial Deed of Trust dated 25 July 1955 established The

corps. Now was the time to weld Gunners into one family and

Gunners Memorial Trust.

the first step was to form a Trust Fund.

The memorial was fully refurbished in 2007/8, following two acts
With the balance of 458,63 handed to him after distribution of the

of vandalism. Similarly the Gunners Memorials in Durban and

Springbok Frolics revenue, Colonel Senator the Hon FB Adler, MC,

Cape Town were refurbished in 2007 and 2008 respectively.

VD, established the South African Artillery Trust Fund by Notarial

Deed of Trust. This document was signed on 9 October 1941.

Page 57

In September 1964 a film premiere on the same day on no

In June 2008 the Johannesburg Branch completed the full

fewer than eight major centres, accompanied by pomp and

restoration of the Zoo Gun, a memorial to the members of the

ceremony netted a considerable sum which was wisely invested

SA Heavy Artillery who died in World War I.

to provide todays financial base.

The Gunners Association has made a significant contribution
The Gunners Association was the prime mover in establishing

to The Council of Military Veterans Organisations with Neil

a complex for senior citizens in Johannesburg. GEM Homes,

Webster, Roy Andersen, Ivor Rimmer, Lawrie Poorter and

Roosevelt Park, a venture with the Sappers Association and

Colin Doyle filling the role of chairman of the CMVO.

the MOTH organisation, was completed in 1973. A second

such project, GEM Village, first discussed in 1977 was later

A turning point in the history of the Association occurred at the

completed in the 1980s, at Irene.

20th Triennial Congress held at the SA National Museum of

Military History in May 1985. The objectives of the Association

Messing facilities for National Service Gunners at Potchefstroom

were reformed to then prevalent standards.

had been vastly improved with funds supplied by the

Association, in co-operation with the Commanding officer of 4

The mission statement of the Association is:

Field Regiment. A recreation hall was built in 10 Batterry lines.

And, from an idea first discussed in 1979 by Cmdt Feliz Hurter

It is the mission of the Gunners Association to promote

with the commanding officer of Cape Field Artillery, a committee

fellowship and camaraderie amongst Gunners (field or anti-

of serving Gunners and members and lead by OC Transvaal

aircraft, serving or retired), to promote Gunner traditions and

Horse Artillery (Cmdt Roy Andersen) with the support of the

chairman of the Gunners Association (Col Butch Mathias)
was established, resulting in the construction of an Artillery
Club House at the Army Battle School (now Combat Training
Centre). The architect was Sgt MacPhearson of the Transvaal
Horse Artillery and the construction was executed mainly by
members of Transvaal Horse Artillery and 7 Medium Regiment
under the supervision of Lt Rodney Ward. It was opened by
a former Chief of the SADF, Gen Constand Viljoen (himself a
gunner), on 11 September 1984.

Page 58

heritage and to provide welfare and educational support to

Gunners and their families.

THE GUNNERS ASSOCIATION

OFFICE BEARERS

NATIONAL PRESIDENTS

HONORARY LIFE VICE PRESIDENTS

1943-1945

No appointment

1976

JN Biermann

1945-1964

FB Adler

1976

HH Greenwood

1964-1975

IB Whyte

1976

GM Harrison

1975-1976

AA Lloyd

1976

CG Kerr

1976-1988

LH Walton

1976

AA Lloyd

1988-

P Pretorius

1976

RK MacWilliam

1976

L Roche

1976

NN Webster

NATIONAL CHAIRMEN
1943-1945

FB Adler

1982

AWW Prevost

1945-1947

IB Whyte

1982

E Papert

1947-1950

LWK Stephens

1982

RTC Taylor

1950-1952

HK Hull

1982

FEC van den Berg

1952-1958

CG Kerr

1985

PWS Mathias

1958-1962

NN Webster

1985

Mac C Pott

1962-1970

LH Walton

1985

L Alexander

1970-1974

JR Addison

1988

FHG Cochran

1974-1982

AWW Prevost

1988

JAS Heron

1982-1985

PWS Mathias

1988

LA Crook

1985-1988

RC Andersen

1988

PH Adler

1988-1993

IW Rimmer

1988

RW Anderson

1993-1998

FJR Louw

1989

RC Andersen

1998-2005

PC de B Venter

1991

DD Hall

2005-2007

C Doyle

1991

HL Shein

2007-

R Ludeman

1993

LGF Wolf

1993

AF Brown

1993

IW Rimmer

HONORARY LIFE PRESIDENT

1982-2007

L Roche

1996

DG Hoepfl

2008

W Prevost

1996

K Gillings

1997

R Ludeman

1998

2006

PC de B Venter

2007

C Doyle

2007

L Human

2007

R Lovell-Green

FJR Louw

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THE GUNNERS

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