84 Motorised Brigade (South Africa) Explained

Unit Name:84 Motorised Brigade
Dates:1974–1992
Country: South Africa
Allegiance: South Africa
Type:Motorised Brigade
Command Structure:South African Composite Brigade
Garrison:Durban
Garrison Label:Garrison
Nickname:84 Mot
Motto:Zulu: Ubukhali besizenze (The sharp end of the axe)
Equipment:
Battles:South African Border War
Identification Symbol 2 Label: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

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

Brigade Training and Exercises

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]

Notes and References

  1. The Natal Mercury Supplement Thursday March 9, 1982