82 Mechanised Brigade (South Africa)

82 Mechanised Brigade was a Formation of 8th South African Armoured Division, a combined arms force consisting of infantry, armour and artillery.

82 Mechanised Brigade
82 Mechanised Brigade emblem
Active1974–1992
Country South Africa
Allegiance South Africa
Branch South African Army
TypeMechanised Brigade
Part ofSouth African Composite Brigade
GarrisonPotchefstroom
Nickname(s)82 Mech
Equipment
EngagementsSouth African Border War
Insignia
82 Mech Brigade Beret Badge
82 Mech Command Bar

History

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Establishment

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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:

 
Structure SADF 82 Mechanised Brigade circa 1988

Divisional Transfer

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In 1985, 82 Mechanised Brigade was transferred to 7 Division.

South West Africa and Angola

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Operations

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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]

 
SADF era Brigade level Sergeant Major insignia

Disbandment

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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

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82 Mechanised Brigade Operational Badge, field and office versions
 
SADF 82 Brigade Stable belt
 
SADF 82 Mechanised Brigade Pin

Roll of Honour

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  • Fincham, D.R. 1982
  • Coleby, D.N. Sgt 1983

Honoris Crux Recipients

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  • Lewis, M.J. WO, 12 Sept 1990
  • Du Plessis, R. S Sgt, 12 Sept 1990

Leadership

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Leadership
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

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82 Mech Brigade can be considered the Citizens Force version of 61 Mech, encompassing similar battlegroup or Task Force principles.

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "SADF.info". www.sadf.info. Retrieved 12 July 2017.
  2. ^ 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.
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