Summary
111 Battalion was a motorised infantry unit of the South African Army.
| 111 Battalion | |
|---|---|
 111 Battalion emblem | |
| Active | 1980–1994 |
| Country |  South Africa |
| Branch |  South African Army |
| Type | Motorised infantry |
| Part of | South African Army Infantry Corps |
| Garrison/HQ | New Amsterdam |
| Motto(s) | Luec Doctrinae Light of Knowledge |
| Equipment | Buffel APC, Samil 20 |
| Insignia | |
| Company level insignia |  |
| SA Motorised Infantry beret bar circa 1992 |  |
History edit
Origin of the black battalions edit
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.
The Swazi Battalion edit
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 edit
111 Battalion resorted under the command of Eastern Transvaal Command based in Nelspruit.
Operational Deployment edit
The battalion was responsible for patrolling the border between Swaziland and South Africa.
Disbandment edit
111 Battalion was disbanded around 1999.
Insignia edit
The badge was designed to represent the head ring and plumes of the Swazi King upon crossed assegais.
Leadership edit
Notes edit
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
References edit
- ^ "Truth Commission - Special Report - TRC Final Report - Volume 2, Section 1, Chapter".
- ^ 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.
- ^ 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.
