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84 Motorised Brigade (South Africa)

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84 Motorised Brigade
84 Motorised Brigade emblem
Active1974–1992
Country South Africa
Allegiance South Africa
Branch South African Army
TypeMotorised Brigade
Part ofSouth African Composite Brigade
GarrisonDurban
Nickname(s)84 Mot
Motto(s)Ubukhali besizenze (The sharp end of the axe)
Equipment
EngagementsSouth African Border War
Insignia
84 Mot Brigade Command Bar

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

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

Initial Structure

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

Structure SADF 84 Motorised Brigade
SADF era Brigade level Sergeant Major insignia

Brigade Training and Exercises

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As a Citizen Force formation, 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

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SADF era 84 Motorized Brigade insignia

Leadership

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84 Motorised Brigade Leadership
From Officers Commanding To
1974 Brigadier G.J. Wolmarans 20 November 2024
20 November 2024 Colonel H.F.P. Riekert 20 November 2024
20 November 2024 Colonel F.J.van Tonder 20 November 2024
20 November 2024 Colonel P.J.W. Hall 1982 [a] 20 November 2024

Notes

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

References

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