84 Motorised Brigade (South Africa)

84 Motorised Brigade
84 Motorised Brigade emblem
Active 1974–1992
Country  South Africa
Allegiance  South Africa
Branch  South African Army
Type Motorised Brigade
Part of South African Composite Brigade
Garrison Durban
Nickname(s) 84 Mot
Motto(s) Ubukhali besizenze (The sharp end of the axe)
Equipment
Engagements South African Border War
Insignia
84 Mot Brigade Command Bar

84 Motorised Brigade was a formation of 8th Armoured Division (South Africa), a combined arms force consisting of infantry, armour and artillery.

History

Origin

84 Motorised Brigade was formed on August 1, 1974 in Durban as part of the 8th Armoured Division. The Brigade was located at Lords Grounds, which has a military history since 1842.

Initial Structure

Under this reorganisation, the following units were transferred from Natal Command to the new command:

Structure SADF 84 Motorised Brigade

Higher Command

84 Motorised Brigade then resorted under the new 8 Division.

SADF era Brigade level Sergeant Major insignia

Operational Activation

As a Citizen Force structure, 84 Motorised Brigade would make use of call-up orders for its personnel to generally report for 3 months service. Headquarters staff would then leave for Lohatla, where a transfer camp would be established to process troops en route to the operational area in northern South West Africa. Processing of units would include personal documentation, a medical examination, inoculation and the issuing of equipment and weapons. Each unit on completion of the necessary processing, would entrain to the Olienhoutplaat Station for a six-day journey to Grootfontein, the railhead near the Operational Area. All 84 Brigades units had at one time or another served in the Operational Area and at the end of the Republic Festival celebrations in 1981 elements of 84 Motorised Brigade were airlifted from Durban for border duties.[1]

Insignia

SADF era 84 Motorized Brigade insignia

Leadership

84 Motorised Brigade Leadership
From Officers Commanding To
1974 Brigadier G.J. Wolmarans n.d.
n.d. Colonel H.F.P. Riekert n.d.
n.d. Colonel F.J.van Tonder n.d.
n.d. Colonel P.J.W. Hall 1982 [lower-alpha 1] n.d.

See also

  • South Africa portal

Notes

  1. ↑ Former OC of Bushmen Battalion at Omega in the Caprivi

References

  1. ↑ The Natal Mercury Supplement Thursday March 9, 1982
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