Regiment Overvaal Explained

Unit Name:Regiment Overvaal
Dates:
  • 1 April 1969 to form 8 Light Anti-Aircraft
  • 27 April 1973 as Regiment Overvaal
Allegiance:
Branch:
    Type:Reserve Artillery
    Command Structure:
    Garrison:Vereeniging, Gauteng
    Motto:Ense Et Aratro Serving in war and peace
    Commander1:Commandant R.D.J. Coetzee
    Commander1 Label:OC 1969-1973
    Commander2:Commandant L. Human
    Commander2 Label:OC 1973-1983
    Commander3:Commandant P.J. Viljoen
    Commander3 Label:OC 1983-1988
    Commander4:Commandant P.J. Roetz
    Commander4 Label:OC 1988-1991
    Commander5:Lt Colonel J.C. Zelie
    Commander5 Label:OC 1991-1997
    Identification Symbol:Bursting grenade with seven flames
    Identification Symbol Label:Collar Badge
    Identification Symbol 2:Oxford Blue
    Identification Symbol 2 Label:Beret Colour
    Identification Symbol 3 Label:Battery emblems
    Identification Symbol 4 Label:Beret bar

    Regiment Overvaal is a reserve force regiment of the South African Army Air Defence Artillery Formation.

    History

    Origin

    8 Light Anti-Aircraft (8 LAA) was established in 1969 as a Medium Light Anti-Aircraft Regiment and was based on the Vereeniging Military Base. The unit was established without any troops. P Battery of Regiment Vaalrivier was therefore subsequently transferred on 1 October 1969 to form 8 LAA.[1]

    Organisation

    The first Officer Commanding was Commandant R.D.J. Coetzee and the first RSM WO1 C.S. Feldtmann.[2]

    Major R.D.J. Coetzee was appointed as the acting Commanding Officer on formation of the unit and was accompanied by 420 members consisting of:

    Renamed

    8 LAA was renamed on 27 April 1973 as Regiment Overvaal.

    Higher HQ

    Regiment Overvaal fell under the regional jurisdiction of Witwatersrand Command from 1969 to 1974.

    Divisional Command

    Regiment Overvaal was assigned to support 8th Armoured Division from 1974 to 1984.

    Regiment Overvaal then was assigned to Far Northern Command from 1984 to 1987.

    The regiment was finally returned to 8th Armoured Division from 1987 to 1997.

    Freedom of Entry

    The Regiment was awarded the Right and Privilege of Freedom of Entry into Vereeniging on the 6 September 1986 with Commandant. P.J. Viljoen accepting that honour. This Freedom was exercised in the 15 September 1990 with Commandant. P.J.Roetz commanding.

    Equipment

    Regiment Overvaal is a unit which executes the Anti-Aircraft task independently, or in support of other arms using radar controlled Oerlikon GDF guns.These cannon can be used in all-weather conditions against low flying aircraft and can, if necessary be used in a ground role as well.

    Operational Service

    Riot Control

    Mamelodi, Shoshanguwe and KwaNdebele - 1987/1988

    Insignia

    Previous Insignia

    Notes and References

    1. Book: REGIMENT VAALRIVIER EENHEIDSORDER (DEEL 2) NR. 15/69. South African Army Orders.
    2. Web site: Schoeman. Johan. South African Unit Profiles. War in Angola. 30 July 2016.
    3. Book: Zelie. Lt Col. J.C.. History of Regiment Overvaal. Unpublished Manuscript.