111 Battalion

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111 Battalion
SADF 111 SA Battalion emblem.png
111 Battalion emblem
Active1980–1994
CountryFlag of South Africa (1928-1994).svg  South Africa
BranchEnsign of the South African Defence Force (1981-1994).svg  South African Army
TypeMotorised infantry
Part of South African Army Infantry Corps
Garrison/HQ New Amsterdam
Motto(s)Luec Doctrinae Light of Knowledge
EquipmentBuffel APC, Samil 20
Insignia
Company level insignia SA Army Company Insignia.png
SA Motorised Infantry beret bar circa 1992
SA Motorised Infantry beret bar SA motorised infantary beret bar.jpg
SA Motorised Infantry beret bar

111 Battalion was a motorised infantry unit of the South African Army.

Contents

History

Origin of the black battalions

By the late 1970s the South African government had abandoned its opposition to arming black soldiers. [1]

In early 1979, the government also approved a plan to form a number of regional African battalions, each with a particular ethnic identity, which would either serve in their respective homelands or under regional SADF commands.

Location of the 100 Battalions in relation to their respective homelands Location of the 100 Battalions in relation to their homelands ver 2.png
Location of the 100 Battalions in relation to their respective homelands

The Swazi Battalion

This policy led to the formation of 111 Battalion for Swazis. 111 Battalion was raised in 1980 at Amsterdam, Mpumalanga on the Swaziland Border in the then Eastern Transvaal where a purpose built base was developed for it. [2]

Troops for 111 SA Battalion were recruited from the self-governing territory of KaNgwane, where the SADF itself maintained a base. [3]

Higher Command

111 Battalion resorted under the command of Eastern Transvaal Command based in Nelspruit.

Operational Deployment

The battalion was responsible for patrolling the border between Swaziland and South Africa.

Disbandment

111 Battalion was disbanded around 1999.

Insignia

The badge was designed to represent the head ring and plumes of the Swazi King upon crossed assegais.

SADF era 111 Battalion insignia SADF era 111 Battalion insignia ver 2.jpg
SADF era 111 Battalion insignia

Leadership

Notes

    Peled, A. A question of Loyalty Military Manpower Policy in Multiethinic States, Cornell University Press, 1998, ISBN   0-8014-3239-1 Chapter 2: South Africa: From Exclusion to Inclusion

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    References

    1. "Truth Commission - Special Report - TRC Final Report - Volume 2, Section 1, Chapter".
    2. Nöthling, C. J.; Steyn, L. (1986). "The Role of Non-Whites in the South African Defence Force". Scientia Militaria: South African Journal of Military Studies. 16 (2): 47–54. doi: 10.5787/16-2-457 .
    3. Matloa, Abbey Oupa (February 2015). The formation of the SANDF: Integration experiences of former Transkei, Bophuthatswana, Venda and Ciskei Defence Force Members (PDF) (Thesis). University of South Africa.