fbpx
Wikipedia

101 Battalion (South Africa)

April 25, 2023

For the Libyan unit, see 101 Battalion (Libya). For other uses, see 101st Battalion (disambiguation).

101 Battalion (pronounced as one-o-one Battalion) was a quick-reaction unit of the South West African Territorial Force, composed of black and white commissioned and enlisted personnel.

35/101 Battalion
SWATF 101 Battalion emblem
Active1976-1989
Disbanded1989
Country South West Africa,  South Africa
Allegiance South Africa
Branch South African Army,
TypeMotorised Infantry
Part ofSouth West African Territorial Force
Garrison/HQOndangwa, Etale, Rundu (17°57′55″S 19°43′56″E / 17.96528°S 19.73222°E / -17.96528; 19.73222Coordinates: 17°57′55″S 19°43′56″E / 17.96528°S 19.73222°E / -17.96528; 19.73222)
EquipmentCasspir, Buffalo, Kwêvoël and Bedford Trucks
Engagements
Commanders
Colonel of
the Regiment		Commandant Welgemoed
Insignia
Part of the South West African Territorial Force
SWATF 101 Battalion beret badge
101 Battalion Beret showing Unit Badge and Infantry Bar

History

Origin

The unit was formed in January 1976 as 1 Owambo Battalion,[1] renamed to 35 Battalion in January 1978,[1] 35 Battalion recruited exclusively among the Owambo. and were only given basic training, but this changed after 1978 when the training intensified with an emphasis on rural counterinsurgency operations.

Renaming

The South West Africa Territory Force, SWATF[2] renumbered battalion numbers according to their geographical positioning on the border. The prefix 10 pertained to battalions operating to the west of the Kavango River, 20 to the Kavango or central region and 70 to the eastern region. Under this system, 35 Battalion was renamed 101 Battalion in 1980.

 
SWATF Northern Sector Map

Tracking

Until 1980 101 battalion was used as small teams attached to SADF units as trackers and interpreters.

Light Infantry

By 1981 101 converted to a light infantry battalion.

By 1983 at least 2700 men had been recruited and trained, many converted SWAPO insurgents.

Introduction of the Romeo Mike Concept

A significant development in 101's operations occurred during 1982 with the adaption of Koevoet tactics to a military context. The Reaction Force concept or Romeo Mike developed into two Special Service Companies (901 and 903) in 1984 and a further two (902 and 904) by 1985.[3] Their purpose was to relentlessly track and surround exhausted insurgents. Once a track was detected, elements of a team would dismount from a Casspir and follow the track at a run with the remainder of the team rested and following in the Casspir, and swapping over with the runners frequently, thus sustaining a fast pursuit of the insurgents. When contact was made, the full team with Casspir would charge in. The Romeo Mikes's other three Casspirs would be close of each other and would also react.

Structure

101 Battalion consisted of:

  • a HQ,
  • a support company,
  • a light workshop,
  • a training wing,
  • Special service companies, translating Police tracking concepts to suit Army operations:
    • 901 and
    • 903 Special Service Companies.

These Companies concentrated on external operations and pursuit of infiltrators. Another two reaction force companies was activated, and

  • a Reconnaissance Wing.
 

Equipment

Each team in a company had:

  • 4 X Casspirs
  • 1 X Kwêvoël 50
  • 2 X Hispano Suiza 20mm cannons,
  • 6 X 50 cal Browning machine guns
  • 4 X Light machine guns and
  • 4 X 60mm patrol mortars

Engagements

101 Battalions reaction force teams averaged about 200 contacts annually.[4] By 1985 101 Battalion fought under its own command instead of being detached to external units.

 
101 Battalion was part of the Sector 10 response to the Cuban buildup and SWAPO incursions, known as the Merlyn Forces in 1989 South West Africa

Disbandment

101 Battalion was disbanded on 30 June 1989 upon the independence of Namibia in 1990-91.[1]

101 Battalion's Colours and Standard were finally laid up in the unit church of 5 Reconnaissance Regiment on 10 April 1990.

Leadership

Leadership
From Officer Commanding To
1981 Cmdr W.H. Welgemoed c. 1988
1988 Col L. Marais c. 1988
1988 Col L. Kotze c. 1989
From Regimental Sergeant Major To
c. 1985 WO1 C. Schutte c. Nd

Decorations awarded to 101 Battalion members

  • Rifleman D. Hashihamwenda Honoris Crux Silver
  • Lieutenant N. Prinsloo Honoris Crux
  • 2 Lieutenant D. Bok Honoris Crux
  • Corporal J.J. Bronkhorst Honoris Crux
  • Corporal T. Stander Honoris Crux
  • Corporal J. Theunissen Honoris Crux
  • Corporal F. Frederick Honoris Crux
  • Corporal J.H Steenkamp Honoris Crux
  • L Corporal Roux Honoris Crux
  • Rifleman Schoombee Honoris Crux

Roll of Honour

  • 1987: Abraham,W., Rfn [5]: 35641 
  • 1985: Abrosuis,A., Rfn [5]: 34876 
  • 1979: Akaando,J., Lt [5]: 35161 
  • 1987: Alugodhi,H., Cpl [5]: 35702 
  • 1987: Alweendo,L., Rfn [5]: 35697 
  • 1986: Amupolo,P., Cpl [5]: 35689 
  • 1977: Analati,T., Lt [5]: 35168 
  • 1982: Andreas,R., Rfn [5]: 13 
  • 1985: Andreas,H., Rfn [5]: 35686 
  • 1989: Anunyela,E., Rfn [5]: 35724 
  • 1986: Boas,R., Rfn [5]: 35687 
  • 1987: Botes,D., 2Lt [5]: 127 [a]
  • 1981: Briers,C.A., Maj [5]: 2080 
  • 1987: Cerement,P., Rfn [5]: 35700 
  • 1985: Daniel,T., Rfn [5]: 34883 
  • 1988: Diederichs,J.H., 2Lt [5]: 350 [a]
  • 1988: Diedericks,J.H., 2Lt [5]: 35713 
  • 1979: Djolomien,M., Cpl [5]: 35162 
  • 1985: Domingos,M., Rfn [5]: 34881 
  • 1986: Domingus,J., Rfn [5]: 35690 
  • 1987: Dreyer,M.C.M., Lt [5]: 369 [a]
  • 1987: Epafu,P., Rfn [5]: 35710 
  • 1985: Felosiano,J., Rfn [5]: 34879 
  • 1987: Fernando,M., L-Cpl [5]: 35696 
  • 1985: Fillemon,J., Rfn [5]: 34884 
  • 1983: Fillipus,N., Rfn [5]: 35170 
  • 1978: Frans,J., Lt [5]: 35157 
  • 1985: Gabriel,I., Rfn [5]: 482 [a]
  • 1977: Gagiano,K., Lt [5]: 485 [a]
  • 1979: Gottlieb,A., Lt [5]: 35159 
  • 1988: Haifiku,L., Rfn [5]: 35717 
  • 1988: Haimbodi,H., Rfn [5]: 35718 
  • 1988: Haindula,S., Rfn [5]: 35716 
  • 1983: Hamutenya,S., Rfn [5]: 35169 
  • 1986: Hochapfel,C.V., Cmdt [5]: 591 
  • 1985: Ismael,P., Rfn [5]: 35685 
  • 1985: Iyango,K., Rfn [5]: 34869 
  • 1981: Jacob,B., Lt [5]: 35167 
  • 1985: Jakob,S., Rfn [5]: 35684 
  • 1987: Job,T., Rfn [5]: 35704 
  • 1981: Johannes,A., Lt [5]: 35166 
  • 1985: Jonas,E., Rfn [5]: 34861 
  • 1986: Jonas,L.N.D., Rfn [5]: 35694 
  • 1985: Kandjii,J., Rfn [5]: 34877 
  • 1989: Kapentse,N., Rfn [5]: 35726 
  • 1980: Kapuna,S., Rfn [5]: 35163 
  • 1986: Kavari,K., Cpl [5]: 35691 
  • 1986: Kefas,T., Rfn [5]: 35693 
  • 1987: Leonard,E., Rfn [5]: 35699 
  • 1986: Londo,I., L-Cpl [5]: 35692 
  • 1978: Mandingi,N., Rfn [5]: 35158 
  • 1989: Mandume,J., Rfn [5]: 35725 
  • 1987: Martin,J., Sgt [5]: 35701 
  • 1977: Mathias,J., Sktr [5]: 35156 
  • 1985: Mbango,J., Rfn [5]: 34873 
  • 1989: McCann,M.S., 2Lt [5]: 34725 
  • 1982: Meulemo,N.K., Rfn [5]: 953 
  • 1987: Meyer,E.A., Spr [5]: 954 [a]
  • 1985: Mikael,H., Rfn [5]: 959 
  • 1987: Moses,M., Rfn [5]: 35707 
  • 1982: Moses,R., Rfn [5]: 989 
  • 1984: Nangolo,J., L-Cpl [5]: 35171 
  • 1985: Nangolo,J., Rfn [5]: 35683 
  • 1987: Nangula,E., Rfn [5]: 35706 
  • 1987: Ndjolonimus,M., Rfn [5]: 35698 
  • 1987: Nyawala,E., Rfn [5]: 35695 
  • 1984: Paulus,J., Rfn [5]: 35682 
  • 1984: Paulus,A., Rfn [5]: 35472 
  • 1987: Petrus,V., Rfn [5]: 35709 
  • 1988: Petrus,F., L-Cpl [5]: 35720 
  • 1988: Petrus,J., Rfn [5]: 35721 
  • 1980: Phillipus,E., Rfn [5]: 35165 
  • 1987: Rademeyer,A.H. du B., Capt [5]: 1189 [a]
  • 1988: Robert,W., Rfn [5]: 35719 
  • 1988: Savinga,J., Rfn [5]: 35723 
  • 1988: Semba,G.K., Rfn [5]: 35722 
  • 1979: Shangweni,S., Lt [5]: 35160 
  • 1987: Sheepo,T., Rfn [5]: 35712 
  • 1987: Shilulu,G., Rfn [5]: 35708 
  • 1980: Shipago,I., Lt [5]: 35164 
  • 1987: Shitongeni,W., Cpl [5]: 35703 
  • 1987: Simon,E., Rfn [5]: 35705 
  • 1987: Steyn,E.A., Spr [5]: 1347 [a]
  • 1987: Strydom,H.L., Cpl [5]: 1365 [a]
  • 1988: Sutter,M.C., Spr [5]: 35715 
  • 1987: Tamsen,E., L-Cpl [5]: 1398 [a]
  • 1986: Thomas,N., Rfn [5]: 35688 [a]
  • 1986: Thomas,N., Cpl [5]: 1422 
  • 1987: Uusshona,M., Rfn [5]: 35711 
  • 1988: Venter,H.J., L-Cpl [5]: 1582 [a]
  • 1982: Vilho,H., Rfn [5]: 1599 
  • 1984: Ward,D.J., SSgt [5]: 1630 [a]
  • 1984: Ward,D.J., SSgt [5]: 35172 [a]
  • 1987: Wetton,C.D., Spr [5]: 1650 [a]
  • 1988: Yeo,E.C., Cpl [5]: 1684 [a]

Notes

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p This person is marked on the Fort Klapperkop Memorial wall with an * as having died during operations or in combat.

See also

References

  1. ^ a b c "Units of the South West African Territorial Force (SWATF)". sadf.info. Retrieved 8 November 2014.
  2. ^ (PDF). Financial Mail (Supplement). 10 July 1987. pp. 44–47. Archived from the original (PDF) on 8 February 2018.
  3. ^ "Band of Brothers – 101 Romeo Mikes". 24 February 2016.
  4. ^ Heitman,H.R. Modern African Wars(3): South West Africa, Osprey Publishing
  5. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z aa ab ac ad ae af ag ah ai aj ak al am an ao ap aq ar as at au av aw ax ay az ba bb bc bd be bf bg bh bi bj bk bl bm bn bo bp bq br bs bt bu bv bw bx by bz ca cb cc cd ce cf cg ch ci cj ck cl cm cn co cp cq Dovey, John. "SA Roll of Honour". justdone.co.za. Just Done Productions Publishing. Retrieved 6 November 2014.
  • Snyman, PHR (1989). Beeld Van Die SWA Gebiedsmag (in Afrikaans). ISBN 9780621126426.

Further reading

  • Helmoed-Romer Heitman (Author), Paul Hannon (Illustrator), Modern African Wars (3): South-West Africa (Men-At-Arms Series, 242), Osprey Publishing (November 28, 1991) ISBN 1-85532-122-X.

April 25, 2023
battalion, south, africa, libyan, unit, battalion, libya, other, uses, 101st, battalion, disambiguation, battalion, pronounced, battalion, quick, reaction, unit, south, west, african, territorial, force, composed, black, white, commissioned, enlisted, personne. For the Libyan unit see 101 Battalion Libya For other uses see 101st Battalion disambiguation 101 Battalion pronounced as one o one Battalion was a quick reaction unit of the South West African Territorial Force composed of black and white commissioned and enlisted personnel 35 101 BattalionSWATF 101 Battalion emblemActive1976 1989Disbanded1989Country South West Africa South AfricaAllegiance South AfricaBranch South African Army TypeMotorised InfantryPart ofSouth West African Territorial ForceGarrison HQOndangwa Etale Rundu 17 57 55 S 19 43 56 E 17 96528 S 19 73222 E 17 96528 19 73222 Coordinates 17 57 55 S 19 43 56 E 17 96528 S 19 73222 E 17 96528 19 73222 EquipmentCasspir Buffalo Kwevoel and Bedford TrucksEngagementsSouth African Border War Operation Reindeer 1979 elements of Operation Rekstok 1979 elements of Operation Sceptic 1980 elements of Operation Daisy 1981 elements of Operation Askari 1983 4 elements of Operation Afskeur 1983 Operation Zepplin 1985 Operation Egret 1985 Operation Cinema 1986 Operation Tremour 1986 Operation Pynappel 1987 Operation Moduler 1987 Operation Firewood 1987 CommandersColonel ofthe RegimentCommandant WelgemoedInsigniaPart of the South West African Territorial ForceSWATF 101 Battalion beret badge101 Battalion Beret showing Unit Badge and Infantry Bar Contents 1 History 1 1 Origin 1 2 Renaming 1 3 Tracking 1 4 Light Infantry 1 5 Introduction of the Romeo Mike Concept 1 6 Structure 1 7 Equipment 1 8 Engagements 1 9 Disbandment 2 Leadership 3 Decorations awarded to 101 Battalion members 4 Roll of Honour 5 Notes 6 See also 7 References 8 Further readingHistory EditOrigin Edit The unit was formed in January 1976 as 1 Owambo Battalion 1 renamed to 35 Battalion in January 1978 1 35 Battalion recruited exclusively among the Owambo and were only given basic training but this changed after 1978 when the training intensified with an emphasis on rural counterinsurgency operations Renaming Edit The South West Africa Territory Force SWATF 2 renumbered battalion numbers according to their geographical positioning on the border The prefix 10 pertained to battalions operating to the west of the Kavango River 20 to the Kavango or central region and 70 to the eastern region Under this system 35 Battalion was renamed 101 Battalion in 1980 SWATF Northern Sector Map Tracking Edit Until 1980 101 battalion was used as small teams attached to SADF units as trackers and interpreters Light Infantry Edit By 1981 101 converted to a light infantry battalion By 1983 at least 2700 men had been recruited and trained many converted SWAPO insurgents Introduction of the Romeo Mike Concept Edit A significant development in 101 s operations occurred during 1982 with the adaption of Koevoet tactics to a military context The Reaction Force concept or Romeo Mike developed into two Special Service Companies 901 and 903 in 1984 and a further two 902 and 904 by 1985 3 Their purpose was to relentlessly track and surround exhausted insurgents Once a track was detected elements of a team would dismount from a Casspir and follow the track at a run with the remainder of the team rested and following in the Casspir and swapping over with the runners frequently thus sustaining a fast pursuit of the insurgents When contact was made the full team with Casspir would charge in The Romeo Mikes s other three Casspirs would be close of each other and would also react Structure Edit 101 Battalion consisted of a HQ a support company a light workshop a training wing Special service companies translating Police tracking concepts to suit Army operations 901 and 903 Special Service Companies These Companies concentrated on external operations and pursuit of infiltrators Another two reaction force companies was activated and a Reconnaissance Wing Equipment Edit Each team in a company had 4 X Casspirs 1 X Kwevoel 50 2 X Hispano Suiza 20mm cannons 6 X 50 cal Browning machine guns 4 X Light machine guns and 4 X 60mm patrol mortarsEngagements Edit 101 Battalions reaction force teams averaged about 200 contacts annually 4 By 1985 101 Battalion fought under its own command instead of being detached to external units 101 Battalion was part of the Sector 10 response to the Cuban buildup and SWAPO incursions known as the Merlyn Forces in 1989 South West Africa Disbandment Edit 101 Battalion was disbanded on 30 June 1989 upon the independence of Namibia in 1990 91 1 101 Battalion s Colours and Standard were finally laid up in the unit church of 5 Reconnaissance Regiment on 10 April 1990 Leadership EditLeadership From Officer Commanding To1981 Cmdr W H Welgemoed c 19881988 Col L Marais c 19881988 Col L Kotze c 1989From Regimental Sergeant Major Toc 1985 WO1 C Schutte c NdDecorations awarded to 101 Battalion members EditRifleman D Hashihamwenda Honoris Crux Silver Lieutenant N Prinsloo Honoris Crux 2 Lieutenant D Bok Honoris Crux Corporal J J Bronkhorst Honoris Crux Corporal T Stander Honoris Crux Corporal J Theunissen Honoris Crux Corporal F Frederick Honoris Crux Corporal J H Steenkamp Honoris Crux L Corporal Roux Honoris Crux Rifleman Schoombee Honoris CruxRoll of Honour Edit1987 Abraham W Rfn 5 35641 1985 Abrosuis A Rfn 5 34876 1979 Akaando J Lt 5 35161 1987 Alugodhi H Cpl 5 35702 1987 Alweendo L Rfn 5 35697 1986 Amupolo P Cpl 5 35689 1977 Analati T Lt 5 35168 1982 Andreas R Rfn 5 13 1985 Andreas H Rfn 5 35686 1989 Anunyela E Rfn 5 35724 1986 Boas R Rfn 5 35687 1987 Botes D 2Lt 5 127 a 1981 Briers C A Maj 5 2080 1987 Cerement P Rfn 5 35700 1985 Daniel T Rfn 5 34883 1988 Diederichs J H 2Lt 5 350 a 1988 Diedericks J H 2Lt 5 35713 1979 Djolomien M Cpl 5 35162 1985 Domingos M Rfn 5 34881 1986 Domingus J Rfn 5 35690 1987 Dreyer M C M Lt 5 369 a 1987 Epafu P Rfn 5 35710 1985 Felosiano J Rfn 5 34879 1987 Fernando M L Cpl 5 35696 1985 Fillemon J Rfn 5 34884 1983 Fillipus N Rfn 5 35170 1978 Frans J Lt 5 35157 1985 Gabriel I Rfn 5 482 a 1977 Gagiano K Lt 5 485 a 1979 Gottlieb A Lt 5 35159 1988 Haifiku L Rfn 5 35717 1988 Haimbodi H Rfn 5 35718 1988 Haindula S Rfn 5 35716 1983 Hamutenya S Rfn 5 35169 1986 Hochapfel C V Cmdt 5 591 1985 Ismael P Rfn 5 35685 1985 Iyango K Rfn 5 34869 1981 Jacob B Lt 5 35167 1985 Jakob S Rfn 5 35684 1987 Job T Rfn 5 35704 1981 Johannes A Lt 5 35166 1985 Jonas E Rfn 5 34861 1986 Jonas L N D Rfn 5 35694 1985 Kandjii J Rfn 5 34877 1989 Kapentse N Rfn 5 35726 1980 Kapuna S Rfn 5 35163 1986 Kavari K Cpl 5 35691 1986 Kefas T Rfn 5 35693 1987 Leonard E Rfn 5 35699 1986 Londo I L Cpl 5 35692 1978 Mandingi N Rfn 5 35158 1989 Mandume J Rfn 5 35725 1987 Martin J Sgt 5 35701 1977 Mathias J Sktr 5 35156 1985 Mbango J Rfn 5 34873 1989 McCann M S 2Lt 5 34725 1982 Meulemo N K Rfn 5 953 1987 Meyer E A Spr 5 954 a 1985 Mikael H Rfn 5 959 1987 Moses M Rfn 5 35707 1982 Moses R Rfn 5 989 1984 Nangolo J L Cpl 5 35171 1985 Nangolo J Rfn 5 35683 1987 Nangula E Rfn 5 35706 1987 Ndjolonimus M Rfn 5 35698 1987 Nyawala E Rfn 5 35695 1984 Paulus J Rfn 5 35682 1984 Paulus A Rfn 5 35472 1987 Petrus V Rfn 5 35709 1988 Petrus F L Cpl 5 35720 1988 Petrus J Rfn 5 35721 1980 Phillipus E Rfn 5 35165 1987 Rademeyer A H du B Capt 5 1189 a 1988 Robert W Rfn 5 35719 1988 Savinga J Rfn 5 35723 1988 Semba G K Rfn 5 35722 1979 Shangweni S Lt 5 35160 1987 Sheepo T Rfn 5 35712 1987 Shilulu G Rfn 5 35708 1980 Shipago I Lt 5 35164 1987 Shitongeni W Cpl 5 35703 1987 Simon E Rfn 5 35705 1987 Steyn E A Spr 5 1347 a 1987 Strydom H L Cpl 5 1365 a 1988 Sutter M C Spr 5 35715 1987 Tamsen E L Cpl 5 1398 a 1986 Thomas N Rfn 5 35688 a 1986 Thomas N Cpl 5 1422 1987 Uusshona M Rfn 5 35711 1988 Venter H J L Cpl 5 1582 a 1982 Vilho H Rfn 5 1599 1984 Ward D J SSgt 5 1630 a 1984 Ward D J SSgt 5 35172 a 1987 Wetton C D Spr 5 1650 a 1988 Yeo E C Cpl 5 1684 a Notes Edit a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p This person is marked on the Fort Klapperkop Memorial wall with an as having died during operations or in combat See also EditSouth African Border WarReferences Edit a b c Units of the South West African Territorial Force SWATF sadf info Retrieved 8 November 2014 Introducing the SWATF PDF Financial Mail Supplement 10 July 1987 pp 44 47 Archived from the original PDF on 8 February 2018 Band of Brothers 101 Romeo Mikes 24 February 2016 Heitman H R Modern African Wars 3 South West Africa Osprey Publishing a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z aa ab ac ad ae af ag ah ai aj ak al am an ao ap aq ar as at au av aw ax ay az ba bb bc bd be bf bg bh bi bj bk bl bm bn bo bp bq br bs bt bu bv bw bx by bz ca cb cc cd ce cf cg ch ci cj ck cl cm cn co cp cq Dovey John SA Roll of Honour justdone co za Just Done Productions Publishing Retrieved 6 November 2014 Snyman PHR 1989 Beeld Van Die SWA Gebiedsmag in Afrikaans ISBN 9780621126426 Further reading EditHelmoed Romer Heitman Author Paul Hannon Illustrator Modern African Wars 3 South West Africa Men At Arms Series 242 Osprey Publishing November 28 1991 ISBN 1 85532 122 X Retrieved from https en wikipedia org w index php title 101 Battalion South Africa amp oldid 1106751765, wikipedia, wiki, book, books, library,

article

, read, download, free, free download, mp3, video, mp4, 3gp, jpg, jpeg, gif, png, picture, music, song, movie, book, game, games.