3 Parachute Battalion is a Citizen Force paratroop unit of the South African Army. It was established in July 1977 within the formation of the Parachute Battalion. Later it was a battalion within 44 Parachute Brigade. As a reserve unit, it has a status roughly equivalent to that of a British Army Reserve or United States Army National Guard unit.
3 Parachute Battalion | |
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Active | July 1977 – present |
Country | South Africa |
Allegiance | |
Branch | |
Type | Infantry (Paratroopers) |
Role | Airborne infantry |
Size | Battalion |
Part of | South African Infantry Corps Army Conventional Reserve |
Garrison/HQ | Tempe, Bloemfontein |
Nickname(s) | Parabats |
History
editWith the implementation of one year National Service in South Africa in 1968, 1 Parachute Battalion struggled to administer the Permanent Force and the Citizen Force Parabats.[1] To prevent the loss of these trained national servicemen at the end of their one-year service to other units of the South African Defence Force, it was decided to form a new citizen force parachute unit to take these men. The battalion was formed at Tempe in July 1977 of five rifle companies.
On 20 April 1978, 3 Parachute Battalion and other parachute units became part of the newly formed 44 Parachute Brigade.
Operations
edit3 Parachute Battalion would take part in Operation Reindeer in Angola during 1978, Elements of this battalion took part in the parachute drop over Cassinga.[2]
Leadership
editFrom | Honorary Colonel | To |
From | Officer Commanding | To |
From | Regimental Sergeants Major | To |
Battle honours
editAwarded to 3 Parachute Battalion |
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References
edit- ^ Pitta, Robert (1993). South African Special Forces. Osprey Publishing. ISBN 1855322943.
- ^ Angola, The War In. "War In Angola: - HOME". www.warinangola.com. Retrieved 2017-07-13.
Further reading
edit- Pitta, Robert (27 May 1993). South African Special Forces (eBook). Elite (Book 47). Osprey Publishing. ISBN 1855322943.