Sekhukhune Anti-Aircraft Regiment Explained

Unit Name:6 Light Anti-Aircraft Regiment
Sekhukhune Anti-Aircraft Regiment
Dates:1 April 1965 – present
Allegiance:
Branch:
    Type:Reserve Artillery
    Command Structure:
    Garrison:Brakpan
    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 circa 1992
    Identification Symbol 5:SAAR
    Identification Symbol 5 Label:Abbreviation

    The Sekhukhune Anti-Aircraft Regiment (formerly 6 Light Anti-Aircraft Regiment) is an air defence regiment of the South African Army. It is part of the South African Army Air Defence Artillery Formation. It is located in Johannesburg.

    History

    6 Light Anti-Aircraft Regiment was officially established on 1 April 1965 with its headquarters in Brakpan at the headquarters of Regiment Oos Transvaal until 1968.It transferred to Springs, and then moved to Johannesburg in 1979.[1]

    The first commanding officer was Commandant Dick Inngs, who retired in 1977. He was succeeded by Commandant Nick Irish.

    Border War

    The regiment took part in Operation Savannah in 1976 as part of 73 Brigade, part of 7 South African Infantry Division. Two batteries of 35mm Oerlikon GDF AA guns were mobilised for duty on the SWA border to protect Grootfontein and Rundu.

    Freedom of Entry

    The unit exercised its freedom of entry into Johannesburg on the 9th of November 2013 as part of the centenary celebrations of the City of Johannesburg withfixed bayonets, colours flying and drums beating.

    Name Change

    In August 2019, 52 Reserve Force units had their names changed to reflect the diverse military history of South Africa.[2] 6 Light Anti-Aircraft Regiment became the Sekhukhune Anti-Aircraft Regiment, and have 3 years to design and implement new regimental insignia.[3]

    Battle Honours

    Notes and References

    1. Web site: 6 Light Anti-Aircraft Regiment. Defence Reserves Republic of South Africa. 30 June 2018.
    2. News: New Reserve Force unit names. defenceWeb. 7 August 2019. 9 January 2021.
    3. News: Renaming process has resulted in an Army structure that truly represents SA. 16 August 2019. IOL. 8 January 2020.