82 Mechanised Brigade (South Africa)
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| 82 Mechanised Brigade | |
|---|---|
 82 Mechanised Brigade emblem | |
| Active | 1974–1992 |
| Country |  South Africa |
| Allegiance | South Africa |
| Branch |  South African Army |
| Type | Mechanised Brigade |
| Part of | South African Composite Brigade |
| Garrison | Potchefstroom |
| Nickname(s) | 82 Mech |
| Equipment |
|
| Engagements | South African Border War |
| Insignia | |
| 82 Mech Brigade Beret Badge |  |
| 82 Mech Command Bar |  |
82 Mechanised Brigade was a Formation of 8th South African Armoured Division, a combined arms force consisting of infantry, armour and artillery.
History[edit]
Establishment[edit]
82 Mech[1] was established on 1 August 1974 as part of 8th South African Armoured Division, an armoured formation. By 1977, the Brigade comprised:
- Two Mechanised Infantry Battalions: Regiment de la Rey and Regiment Groot Karoo
- A Tank Regiment: Regiment President Steyn
- A Armoured Car Regiment: Regiment Mooirivier
- A Field Artillery Regiment: Regiment Potchefstroom University
- A Field Engineer Squadron: 13 Field Engineer
- A Signals Units: 82 Signals
- A Maintenance Unit: 3 Maintenance Unit
- A Field Workshop: 71 Field Workshop and
- A Field Ambulance:
Divisional Transfer[edit]
In 1985, 82 Mechanised Brigade was transferred to 7 Division.
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SADF 82 Brigade with 7th Division Command Flash
South West Africa and Angola[edit]
Operations[edit]
As part of 7 Division, 82 Mech was primarily involved in:
During Operation Packer[2] which succeeded Operation Hooper in March 1988, 82 Mechanised Brigade protected the eastern bank of the Cuito River. During this operation the FAPLA forces suffered losses and the situation on the eastern bank stabilised to such an extent that Operation Displace could start. During this phase the South African forces withdrew from Angola.[2]
Disbandment[edit]
8th South African Armoured Division’s Brigades were disbanded in 1992 and the battalions and regiments came to answer directly to the divisional headquarters - the thinking was that these would be grouped into task forces as required.
Insignia[edit]
-
SADF 82 Mechanised Brigade 1 Regiment de la Rey Flash -
SADF 82 Mechanised Brigade Regiment Groot Karoo Flash -
SADF 82 Mechanised Brigade Regiment President Steyn Flash -
SADF 82 Mechanised Brigade 13 Field Engineer Flash
Roll of Honour[edit]
- Fincham, D.R. 1982
- Coleby, D.N. Sgt 1983
Honoris Crux Recipients[edit]
- Lewis, M.J. WO, 12 Sept 1990
- Du Plessis, R. S Sgt, 12 Sept 1990
Leadership[edit]
| From | Officer Commanding | To |
| 1983 | Col Tobias Johannes Van Schalkwyk | c. nd |
| 1992 | Col Paul Fouche | c. nd |
| From | Regimental Sergeant Major | To |
Further developments[edit]
82 Mech Brigade can be considered the Citizens Force version of 61 Mech, encompassing similar battlegroup or Task Force principles.
See also[edit]
References[edit]
- ^ "SADF.info". www.sadf.info. Retrieved 12 July 2017.
- ^ a b Scholtz, Leopold (2 February 2013). "The Lessons of the Border War". Scientia Militaria: South African Journal of Military Studies. 40 (3). doi:10.5787/40-3-1039. ISSN 2224-0020.
External links[edit]