82 Mechanised Brigade (South Africa)

82 Mechanised Brigade
82 Mechanised Brigade emblem
Active	1974–1992
Country	South Africa
Allegiance	South Africa
Branch	South Africa Army
Type	Mechanised Brigade
Part of	South African Composite Brigade
Garrison	Potchefstroom
Nickname(s)	82 Mech
Equipment	Ratel Eland Mk7 90mm and 60mm Armoured Cars Rooikat Buffel G2 howitzer
Engagements	South African Border War
Insignia
82 Mech Brigade Beret Badge
82 Mech Command Bar

82 Mechanised Brigade was a Formation of 8th South African Armoured Division, a combined arms force consisting of infantry, armour and artillery.

History

Establishment

82 Mech was established on 1 August 1974 as part of 8th South African Armoured Division, an armoured formation. By 1977, the Brigade comprised:

• Two Mechanised Infantry Battalions: Regiment de la Rey and Regiment Groot Karoo
• A Tank Regiment: Regiment President Steyn
• A Armoured Car Regiment: Regiment Mooirivier
• A Field Artillery Regiment: Regiment Potchefstroom University
• A Field Engineer Squadron: 13 Field Engineer
• A Signals Units: 82 Signals
• A Maintenance Unit: 3 Maintenance Unit
• A Field Workshop: 71 Field Workshop and
• A Field Ambulance:

Structure SADF 82 Mechanised Brigade circa 1988

Divisional Transfer

In 1985, 82 Mechanised Brigade was transferred to 7 Division.

South West Africa and Angola

Operations

As part of 7 Division, 82 Mech was primarily involved in:

• Operation Packer

During Operation Packer which succeeded Operation Hooper in March 1988, 82 Mechanised Brigade protected the eastern bank of the Cuito River. During this operation the FAPLA forces suffered losses and the situation on the eastern bank stabilised to such an extent that Operation Displace could start. During this phase the South African forces withdrew from Angola.

Disbandment

8th South African Armoured Division’s Brigades were disbanded in 1992 and the battalions and regiments came to answer directly to the divisional headquarters - the thinking was that these would be grouped into task forces as required.

Insignia

SADF 82 Mechanised Brigade 1 Regiment de la Rey Flash

SADF 82 Mechanised Brigade Regiment Groot Karoo Flash

SADF 82 Mechanised Brigade Regiment President Steyn Flash

SADF 82 Mechanised Brigade 13 Field Engineer Flash

82 Mechanised Brigade Operational Badge, field and office versions

SADF 82 Brigade Stable belt

SADF 82 Mechanised Brigade Pin

Roll of Honour

• Fincham, D.R. 1982
• Coleby, D.N. Sgt 1983

Honoris Crux Recipients

• Lewis, M.J. WO, 12 Sept 1990
• Du Plessis, R. S Sgt, 12 Sept 1990

Leadership

• Colonel Tobias Johannes Van Schalkwyk (1983)
• Colonel Paul Fouche (1988)

Further developments

82 Mech Brigade can be considered the Citizens Force version of 61 Mech, encompassing similar battlegroup or Task Force principles.