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31 Battalion (SWATF)

January 07, 2023

31 Battalion was a light infantry battalion in the South African Army and in later years became part of the SWATF. The battalion consisted of men recruited from the hunter-gatherer San people. It was later called 201 Battalion.

31 Battalion/201 Battalion
SWATF / SADF 201/31 Battalion emblem
Active1974 Alpha Group, 1975 Battalion
Disbanded7 March 1993
Country Namibia,  South Africa
Allegiance South Africa
Branch South African Army
TypeLight Infantry
RoleCounter Insurgency
Part ofSouth African Defence Force, later South West African Territorial Force
Garrison/HQOmega
Nickname(s)Bushman Battalion, The Crows
Motto(s)Alpha et Omega English: First and Last
Commanders
OC 1974-1977Commandant Delville Linford
OC 1977-1978Major C.P. Upton
OC 1978-1980Commandant P.W. Hall
OC 1980-1982Commandant F.A. Botes
OC 1982-1986Commandant B.M.Adams
OC 1986-1986Commandant J. Jooste
OC 1986-1987Commandant P.D. van der Merwe
OC 1987-1989Commandant C.J. Saunders
Insignia
Identification
symbol		Crow
Part of the South West African Territorial Force
Company Insignia
SWATF 31 Battalion bonnie cap
SADF 31 Battalion beret badge

History

Tribal origin

The majority of this unit stem from two San tribes, namely the Khwe and !Xun. The Baraquenas tribe came from Cuando-Cubango region of Angola and the Vasquelas tribe from the Southern regions of Angola and north-eastern South West Africa.[1]: Pt2Ch3  31 Battalion started out as Alpha Group in 1974. It was renamed 31 Battalion in 1975. 31 Battalion was initially headquartered at Alpha Base and later Omega Base.[1]: Pt2Ch1  It was formed by Colonel Delville Linford.[1]: Pt2Ch1 

The majority of San soldiers have their origins as members of the Portuguese Army during the Angolan War of Independence.[1]: Pt2Ch1  They had been part of the Flechas, a unit of the Portuguese Special Forces.[1]: Pt2Ch1  With the Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA) assuming power in Angola in November 1975, many joined the SADF.[1]: Pt2Ch1 

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, 31 Battalion was renamed 201 Battalion in 1980.

 
SWATF Northern Sector Map

Structure

By the late 1980s, 201 Battalion comprised:

  • a HQ,
  • Support Company,
  • a Maintenance Workshop,
  • 2 Operational Groups of 3 tracker companies (early 80's 2 companies) each with 3 Platoons, 6 teams, 25 – 30 men each with 3 Buffel APCs and,
  • a Reconnaissance Wing, 6 Tracker Groups of 5 or 6 men.

Insignia

  •  

    SWATF 201 Battalion pocket fob

  •  

    SWATF 201 Battalion patch badge

  •  

    SWATF 201 Battalion stable belt

Tours

Two companies of 201 Battalion were always in the bush for six-week tours, while the remaining companies rested and retrained at Omega. After the bush tour, these companies returned to Omega and their place would be taken by the other half of the battalion. At least half of the battalion would be on operations at all times and the rotational schedule insured that fresh troops were in the bush hunting SWAPO at all times.

Operation Savannah

During Operation Savannah in Angola, members were deployed in a conventional role as Battle-Group Alpha, part of Task Force Zulu, and advanced approximately 2,000 kilometers in a month.

Specialization

Some of the San were trained as parachutists and served in the units reconnaissance wing behind enemy lines.[1]: Pt2Ch3  Others were attached to various units as trackers and guides.

Similar to its historically closely related twin unit 32 Battalion, it was a permanently operational unit and had its own in-house reconnaissance wing[3][1]: Pt2Ch1 

The recce wing was used primarily for surveillance or clandestine missions in its operational area. This involved dangerous behind-the-line incursions-such as in the bush looking for SWAPO bases or arm caches, or gathering information and intelligence on SWAPO units moving in the area. These operations required stealth, steady nerves, and well-trained, disciplined troops. To be successful, their presence would have to remain undetected by SWAPO or by SWAPO sympathizers.

Withdrawal of 31 Battalion to South Africa

The Battalion reverted to its 31 Battalion name in 1989 when it transferred back to the SADF.

UN Resolution 435 called on South Africa to reduce its forces in Namibia to 12,000 before the start of any peace process and finally to 1500 by 1989.

Several thousand San, fearing reprisal or intimidation, left for South Africa with the SADF.

The soldiers of 31 Battalion and their families were settled near Schmidtsdrif in the Northern Cape.

 
SADF 31 Battalion with Northern Cape Command Tupper Flash

Disbandment

Sunday, 7 March 1993, 31 Battalion was disbanded at a public ceremony in the Cape Province.[4]

About 1000 soldiers were transferred to other units in the Northern Cape and would help patrol the Namibian border.[5]

Roll of Honour

  • 1982: Andonio,F., Cpl [6]: 12 
  • 1991: Andrade,J., Rfn [6]: 34905 
  • 1984: Arico,, Rfn [6]: 34889 
  • 1991: Augusto,J., Rfn [6]: 34906 
  • 1976: Bambo,J., Sgt [6]: 34847 
  • 1977: Bango,M., Pte [6]: 34853 
  • 1982: Bango,K., Rfn [6]: 42 
  • 1977: Bernado,A.D.B., Sgt [6]: 34850 
  • 1977: Boma,J., Pte [6]: 34855 
  • 1982: Catumbele,D., Rfn [6]: 202 
  • 1981: Chamba,M., Pte [6]: 34866 
  • 1986: Chilunku,T., Rfn [6]: 34897 
  • 1990: Chimongaia,C., L-Cpl [6]: 34903 
  • 1977: Chuca,M., Pte [6]: 34852 
  • 1982: Comoxoxo,K., Rfn [6]: 34874 
  • 1979: Conga,J., Pte [6]: 34863 
  • 1981: Dala,A., Pte [6]: 34867 
  • 1981: Dala,A., Rfn [6]: 34868 
  • 1984: Dala,J., Rfn [6]: 34888 
  • 1984: Dala,L., Cpl [6]: 34891 
  • 1984: Dala,L., Rfn [6]: 34892 
  • 1977: Deacon,G.A., Cpl [6]: 339 
  • 1977: Desenga,, Pte [6]: 34860 
  • 1985: Difransa,P., Rfn [6]: 34894 
  • 1982: Dimbo,J., Rfn [6]: 355 [a]
  • 1977: Dindo,B., Pte [6]: 34858 
  • 1980: Du Preez,I.P., 2Lt [6]: 34864 
  • 1980: Du Preez,I.P., 2Lt [6]: 1704 [a]
  • 1988: Du Toit,P.G.V., L-Cpl [6]: 400 [a]
  • 1981: Elefanti,, Pte [6]: 34865 
  • 1987: Emmanuel,L., Rfn [6]: 34899 
  • 1982: Francesco,L., Rfn [6]: 477 
  • 1985: Gobe,J., L-Cpl [6]: 34896 
  • 1985: Gore,J., Cpl [6]: 34895 
  • 1984: Jepau,R., Rfn [6]: 34890 
  • 1990: Joaquim,J., Rfn [6]: 34904 
  • 1992: Johannes,J., Rfn [6]: 34910 
  • 1982: Kademba,P., Rfn [6]: 668 
  • 1977: Kambinda,M., Pte [6]: 34851 
  • 1991: Kambinda,S., Rfn [6]: 34907 
  • 1983: Kanheto,T., Sgt [6]: 672 [a]
  • 1982: Kapango,P., Rfn [6]: 34875 
  • 1982: Katibelo,D., Rfn [6]: 34872 
  • 1992: Kavenga,K., Rfn [6]: 34912 
  • 1977: Luciano,J., Pte [6]: 34856 
  • 1991: Makuwe,E., Rfn [6]: 34908 
  • 1982: Masonga,J, Rfn [6]: 34880 
  • 1976: Matendi,A., Pte [6]: 34849 
  • 1976: Matoko,P., Pte [6]: 34848 
  • 1984: Matsetse,D., Cpl [6]: 34893 
  • 1993: Mbangu,J., Rfn [6]: 34913 
  • 1993: Mukelenge,M., Rfn [6]: 34914 
  • 1982: Nando,, Rfn [6]: 34878 
  • 1979: Njunge,D., Pte [6]: 34862 
  • 1992: Pontes,T., Rfn [6]: 34909 
  • 1992: Ponto,K., Rfn [6]: 34911 
  • 1988: Prinsloo,A., Cpl [6]: 34902 
  • 1983: Riem,, Rfn [6]: 34887 
  • 1982: Rodriques,M., Rfn [6]: 34871 
  • 1977: Ruaro,J., Pte [6]: 34854 
  • 1977: Shorty,, Pte [6]: 34857 
  • 1975: Teteko,R., Pte [6]: 34845 
  • 1986: Tjenda,B., Rfn [6]: 34898 
  • 1983: Van den Berg,J.G.J., Pte [6]: 34885 
  • 1976: Van der Westhuizen,T.J., Lt [6]: 1575 [a]
  • 1982: Van Heerden,W.E., Rfn [6]: 34882 
  • 1978: Van Rooyen,N.M.H.G.D.S., Pte [6]: 1497 
  • 1982: Verwey,L., Rfn [6]: 34870 
  • 1988: Wama,P., Rfn [6]: 34901 

201 Battalion

  • 1985: Aupindi,D., Rfn [7]: 36059 
  • 1981: Van Zyl,J., CO [7]: 1880 

Leadership

Leadership
From Honorary Colonel To
From Officer Commanding To
1974 Cmdt D. Linford 1977
1977 Major C.P. Upton 1978
1978 Cmdt P.W. Hall 1980
1980 Cmdt F.A. Botes 1982
1982 Cmdt B.M. Adams 1986
1986 Cmdt Johan Jooste[b] 1986
1986 Cmdt P.D. van der Merwe 1987
1987 Cmdt C.J. Saunders 1989
From Regimental Sergeants Major To


Notes

  1. ^ a b c d e This person is marked on the Fort Klapperkop Memorial wall with an * as having died during operations or in combat.
  2. ^ Later Commanding Officer of 8 South African Infantry Battalion

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h Stadler, Koos (2015). Recce: Small Team Missions Behind Enemy Lines (Kindle ed.). Tafelberg. p. 384. ASIN B0156QMG90.
  2. ^ (PDF). Financial Mail (Supplement). 10 July 1987. pp. 44–47. Archived from the original (PDF) on 8 February 2018.
  3. ^ "Death in the Desert: The Namibian Tragedy: Namibianizing The War | Namibia". www.namibweb.com. Retrieved 12 July 2017.
  4. ^ "Remembering SAN heroes who died in the war (SADF)". sabcmedialib.blogspot.co.za. 17 September 2012. Retrieved 12 July 2017.
  5. ^ Anonymous (16 March 2011). . www.sahistory.org.za. Archived from the original on 17 November 2017. Retrieved 12 July 2017.
  6. ^ 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 Dovey, John. "SA Roll of Honour". justdone.co.za. Just Done Productions Publishing. Retrieved 6 November 2014.
  7. ^ a b Dovey, John. "SA Roll of Honour". justdone.co.za. Just Done Productions Publishing. Retrieved 6 November 2014.

January 07, 2023
battalion, swatf, battalion, light, infantry, battalion, south, african, army, later, years, became, part, swatf, battalion, consisted, recruited, from, hunter, gatherer, people, later, called, battalion, battalion, battalionswatf, sadf, battalion, emblemactiv. 31 Battalion was a light infantry battalion in the South African Army and in later years became part of the SWATF The battalion consisted of men recruited from the hunter gatherer San people It was later called 201 Battalion 31 Battalion 201 BattalionSWATF SADF 201 31 Battalion emblemActive1974 Alpha Group 1975 BattalionDisbanded7 March 1993Country Namibia South AfricaAllegiance South AfricaBranch South African ArmyTypeLight InfantryRoleCounter InsurgencyPart ofSouth African Defence Force later South West African Territorial ForceGarrison HQOmegaNickname s Bushman Battalion The CrowsMotto s Alpha et Omega English First and LastCommandersOC 1974 1977Commandant Delville LinfordOC 1977 1978Major C P UptonOC 1978 1980Commandant P W HallOC 1980 1982Commandant F A BotesOC 1982 1986Commandant B M AdamsOC 1986 1986Commandant J JoosteOC 1986 1987Commandant P D van der MerweOC 1987 1989Commandant C J SaundersInsigniaIdentificationsymbolCrowPart of the South West African Territorial ForceCompany InsigniaSWATF 31 Battalion bonnie capSADF 31 Battalion beret badge Contents 1 History 1 1 Tribal origin 1 2 Renaming 1 3 Structure 1 4 Insignia 1 5 Tours 1 6 Operation Savannah 1 7 Specialization 1 8 Withdrawal of 31 Battalion to South Africa 1 9 Disbandment 2 Roll of Honour 3 Leadership 4 Notes 5 ReferencesHistory EditTribal origin Edit The majority of this unit stem from two San tribes namely the Khwe and Xun The Baraquenas tribe came from Cuando Cubango region of Angola and the Vasquelas tribe from the Southern regions of Angola and north eastern South West Africa 1 Pt2Ch3 31 Battalion started out as Alpha Group in 1974 It was renamed 31 Battalion in 1975 31 Battalion was initially headquartered at Alpha Base and later Omega Base 1 Pt2Ch1 It was formed by Colonel Delville Linford 1 Pt2Ch1 The majority of San soldiers have their origins as members of the Portuguese Army during the Angolan War of Independence 1 Pt2Ch1 They had been part of the Flechas a unit of the Portuguese Special Forces 1 Pt2Ch1 With the Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola MPLA assuming power in Angola in November 1975 many joined the SADF 1 Pt2Ch1 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 31 Battalion was renamed 201 Battalion in 1980 SWATF Northern Sector Map Structure Edit By the late 1980s 201 Battalion comprised a HQ Support Company a Maintenance Workshop 2 Operational Groups of 3 tracker companies early 80 s 2 companies each with 3 Platoons 6 teams 25 30 men each with 3 Buffel APCs and a Reconnaissance Wing 6 Tracker Groups of 5 or 6 men Insignia Edit SWATF 201 Battalion pocket fob SWATF 201 Battalion patch badge SWATF 201 Battalion stable belt Tours Edit Two companies of 201 Battalion were always in the bush for six week tours while the remaining companies rested and retrained at Omega After the bush tour these companies returned to Omega and their place would be taken by the other half of the battalion At least half of the battalion would be on operations at all times and the rotational schedule insured that fresh troops were in the bush hunting SWAPO at all times Operation Savannah Edit During Operation Savannah in Angola members were deployed in a conventional role as Battle Group Alpha part of Task Force Zulu and advanced approximately 2 000 kilometers in a month Specialization Edit Some of the San were trained as parachutists and served in the units reconnaissance wing behind enemy lines 1 Pt2Ch3 Others were attached to various units as trackers and guides Similar to its historically closely related twin unit 32 Battalion it was a permanently operational unit and had its own in house reconnaissance wing 3 1 Pt2Ch1 The recce wing was used primarily for surveillance or clandestine missions in its operational area This involved dangerous behind the line incursions such as in the bush looking for SWAPO bases or arm caches or gathering information and intelligence on SWAPO units moving in the area These operations required stealth steady nerves and well trained disciplined troops To be successful their presence would have to remain undetected by SWAPO or by SWAPO sympathizers Withdrawal of 31 Battalion to South Africa Edit The Battalion reverted to its 31 Battalion name in 1989 when it transferred back to the SADF UN Resolution 435 called on South Africa to reduce its forces in Namibia to 12 000 before the start of any peace process and finally to 1500 by 1989 Several thousand San fearing reprisal or intimidation left for South Africa with the SADF The soldiers of 31 Battalion and their families were settled near Schmidtsdrif in the Northern Cape SADF 31 Battalion with Northern Cape Command Tupper Flash Disbandment Edit Sunday 7 March 1993 31 Battalion was disbanded at a public ceremony in the Cape Province 4 About 1000 soldiers were transferred to other units in the Northern Cape and would help patrol the Namibian border 5 Roll of Honour Edit1982 Andonio F Cpl 6 12 1991 Andrade J Rfn 6 34905 1984 Arico Rfn 6 34889 1991 Augusto J Rfn 6 34906 1976 Bambo J Sgt 6 34847 1977 Bango M Pte 6 34853 1982 Bango K Rfn 6 42 1977 Bernado A D B Sgt 6 34850 1977 Boma J Pte 6 34855 1982 Catumbele D Rfn 6 202 1981 Chamba M Pte 6 34866 1986 Chilunku T Rfn 6 34897 1990 Chimongaia C L Cpl 6 34903 1977 Chuca M Pte 6 34852 1982 Comoxoxo K Rfn 6 34874 1979 Conga J Pte 6 34863 1981 Dala A Pte 6 34867 1981 Dala A Rfn 6 34868 1984 Dala J Rfn 6 34888 1984 Dala L Cpl 6 34891 1984 Dala L Rfn 6 34892 1977 Deacon G A Cpl 6 339 1977 Desenga Pte 6 34860 1985 Difransa P Rfn 6 34894 1982 Dimbo J Rfn 6 355 a 1977 Dindo B Pte 6 34858 1980 Du Preez I P 2Lt 6 34864 1980 Du Preez I P 2Lt 6 1704 a 1988 Du Toit P G V L Cpl 6 400 a 1981 Elefanti Pte 6 34865 1987 Emmanuel L Rfn 6 34899 1982 Francesco L Rfn 6 477 1985 Gobe J L Cpl 6 34896 1985 Gore J Cpl 6 34895 1984 Jepau R Rfn 6 34890 1990 Joaquim J Rfn 6 34904 1992 Johannes J Rfn 6 34910 1982 Kademba P Rfn 6 668 1977 Kambinda M Pte 6 34851 1991 Kambinda S Rfn 6 34907 1983 Kanheto T Sgt 6 672 a 1982 Kapango P Rfn 6 34875 1982 Katibelo D Rfn 6 34872 1992 Kavenga K Rfn 6 34912 1977 Luciano J Pte 6 34856 1991 Makuwe E Rfn 6 34908 1982 Masonga J Rfn 6 34880 1976 Matendi A Pte 6 34849 1976 Matoko P Pte 6 34848 1984 Matsetse D Cpl 6 34893 1993 Mbangu J Rfn 6 34913 1993 Mukelenge M Rfn 6 34914 1982 Nando Rfn 6 34878 1979 Njunge D Pte 6 34862 1992 Pontes T Rfn 6 34909 1992 Ponto K Rfn 6 34911 1988 Prinsloo A Cpl 6 34902 1983 Riem Rfn 6 34887 1982 Rodriques M Rfn 6 34871 1977 Ruaro J Pte 6 34854 1977 Shorty Pte 6 34857 1975 Teteko R Pte 6 34845 1986 Tjenda B Rfn 6 34898 1983 Van den Berg J G J Pte 6 34885 1976 Van der Westhuizen T J Lt 6 1575 a 1982 Van Heerden W E Rfn 6 34882 1978 Van Rooyen N M H G D S Pte 6 1497 1982 Verwey L Rfn 6 34870 1988 Wama P Rfn 6 34901 201 Battalion 1985 Aupindi D Rfn 7 36059 1981 Van Zyl J CO 7 1880 Leadership EditLeadership From Honorary Colonel ToFrom Officer Commanding To1974 Cmdt D Linford 19771977 Major C P Upton 19781978 Cmdt P W Hall 19801980 Cmdt F A Botes 19821982 Cmdt B M Adams 19861986 Cmdt Johan Jooste b 19861986 Cmdt P D van der Merwe 19871987 Cmdt C J Saunders 1989From Regimental Sergeants Major ToNotes Edit a b c d e This person is marked on the Fort Klapperkop Memorial wall with an as having died during operations or in combat Later Commanding Officer of 8 South African Infantry BattalionReferences Edit a b c d e f g h Stadler Koos 2015 Recce Small Team Missions Behind Enemy Lines Kindle ed Tafelberg p 384 ASIN B0156QMG90 Introducing the SWATF PDF Financial Mail Supplement 10 July 1987 pp 44 47 Archived from the original PDF on 8 February 2018 Death in the Desert The Namibian Tragedy Namibianizing The War Namibia www namibweb com Retrieved 12 July 2017 Remembering SAN heroes who died in the war SADF sabcmedialib blogspot co za 17 September 2012 Retrieved 12 July 2017 Anonymous 16 March 2011 SADF s 31 Battallion sic is disbanded www sahistory org za Archived from the original on 17 November 2017 Retrieved 12 July 2017 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 Dovey John SA Roll of Honour justdone co za Just Done Productions Publishing Retrieved 6 November 2014 a b Dovey John SA Roll of Honour justdone co za Just Done Productions Publishing Retrieved 6 November 2014 South Africa portal Retrieved from https en wikipedia org w index php title 31 Battalion SWATF amp oldid 1110101044, wikipedia, wiki, book, books, library,

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