2 South African Infantry Battalion

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2 South African Infantry Battalion
SADF 2 SAI emblem.jpg
2 SAI emblem
Active1 January 1962 to present
CountryFlag of South Africa.svg  South Africa
BranchFlag of the South African Army.svg  South African Army
TypeMotorised infantry
Part of South African Infantry Formation
Garrison/HQ Walvis Bay previous Zeerust
Motto(s)In Utrumque Paratus (Prepared for all situations)
Engagements South African Border War
Battle honours Angola 1975
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

2 South African Infantry Battalion is a motorised infantry unit of the South African Army.

Contents


History

Origin: Walvis Bay and South West Africa

2 SAI was established on 1 January 1962, at Walvis Bay an enclave of South Africa surrounded by South-West Africa (Namibia). [1] The first officer to command the battalion was Major G.N. Mcloughlin and the first RSM was WO1 J.A.J. Steenkamp. [1] Initially the base consisted of tents, but was later replaced by prefabricated buildings. [1] Basic training took place in the desert and running up Dune 7 became part of that regime. [1]

SADF 2 SAI exercise on Dune 7 SADF 2 SAI exercise on Dune 7.jpg
SADF 2 SAI exercise on Dune 7
SADF era 1 SSB D Squadron with 2 SAI insignia SADF era 1 SSB D Squadron with 2 SAI insignia.jpg
SADF era 1 SSB D Squadron with 2 SAI insignia

Units Colours

The unit was awarded its colours by the local municipality in 1969, and adopted the town's motto and flamingo emblem as a consequence.

Freedom of Walvis Bay

On 30 August 1974, the freedom of Walvis Bay was granted to 2 SAI.

Mechanised Battlegroup

While at Walvis Bay, 2 SAI was organised as a battlegroup when on 1 October 1973, an armoured car subunit, D Squadron, from 1 Special Service Battalion's became a part of 2 SSB and subsequently 2 SAI.

Delta Armoured Squadron with 2 SAI SADF era 2 SAI Delta Squadron insignia.jpg
Delta Armoured Squadron with 2 SAI

An artillery battery, 43 Field Battery, was also added.

43 Field Artillery with 2 SAI SADF 43 Field Artillery.jpg
43 Field Artillery with 2 SAI

This accounts for the unit insignia including at the top the number "2" in infantry colours, with the St Barbara's lightning flash representing the artillery in the middle and armour's old heraldic colours at the bottom.

SADF 2 SAI Battalion Group elements SADF 2 SAI Battalion Group elements.jpg
SADF 2 SAI Battalion Group elements

These elements and the Transport Park and quartermaster were based at Rooikop, a distance inland because of the rust at the coast.

Training the fledgling SWATF

Since 1981, national servicemen of the SWA Territorial Force were also trained by the battalion. 2 SAI FN MAG1987.tif

Operations

2 SAI first saw deployment to the South-West Africa/Angola border in 1968. [1]

2 SAI took part in Operation Savannah during 1975, when South African troops covertly involved themselves in the Angolan Civil War. [1]

Disbandment

The unit disbanded at the end of 1989 when Namibia gained independence.

Reactivation in South Africa

Pomfret, South Africa

On 1 July 1993, the unit was reformed at Pomfret from old members of 32 Battalion, it then resorted under Northern Cape Command. [1]

Zeerust, South Africa

By 1998, the unit was transferred to North West Command and then based in Zeerust.

2 SAI today: SANDF Motorised Infantry

On its reactivation back in South Africa, 2 SAI was transformed into a motorised infantry unit using mostly SAMIL Trucks, Mamba APC's or other un-protected motor vehicles. SAMIL 20, SAMIL 50 and SAMIL 100 trucks transport soldiers, towing guns, and carrying equipment and supplies. Samil trucks are all-wheel drive, in order to have vehicles that function reliably in extremes of weather and terrain. Motorised Infantry have an advantage in mobility allowing them to move to critical sectors of the battlefield faster, allowing better response to enemy movements, as well as the ability to outmanoeuvre the enemy.

Leadership

Leadership

Leadership
FromHonorary ColonelTo
FromOfficer CommandingTo
1962Maj G.N. McLoughlinc.1964
1964Cmdt J.S. Hauptc.1964
1965Cmdt A.J. van Deventerc.1968
1968Cmdt C.F. Vermeulenc.1970
1970Cmdt A. Potgieterc.1971
1971Cmdt I.R. Gleesonc.1972
1972Cmdt D.S. du Toitc.1976
1976Cmdt W.G. Kritzingerc.1977
1978Cmdt J.L. Jordaanc.1980
1980Cmdt C.E. Le Rouxc.1980
1981Cmdt F.J. van den Bergc.1982
1983Cmdt J. Coetzerc.1983
1984Cmdt J.M.R. van der Rietc.1986
1987Col T.J. van Schalkwykc.nd
FromRegimental Sergeants MajorTo
1962WO1 J.A.J. Steenkamp1965
1965WO1 P.J. Badenhorst1970
1970WO1 P.H. Kieser1970
1970WO1 J.J. Roberts1972
1972WO1 J.H. Gagiano1975
1975WO1 D.A. Vorster1977
1976WO1 F.H. Smit1981
1981WO1 S. Mew1982
1983WO1 P.J. Steyn1985
1986WO1 W.M. de Jagernd

Insignia

Previous Dress Insignia

SADF era 2 SAI insignia SADF era 2 SAI insignia ver 3.jpg
SADF era 2 SAI insignia

As a national servicemen at 2 SAI in 1975, I can categorically state that the beret badges for 1975 were small brass Springboks, without a bar underneath. The instructors still wore the large brass Springbok on their berets.

Current Dress Insignia

SANDF era Infantry Formation insignia SANDF era Infantry Formation insignia.jpg
SANDF era Infantry Formation insignia

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References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 "Fact file: 2 SA Infantry Battalion". defenceWeb. Retrieved 9 February 2014.