History
Origin
The unit was formed in January 1976 as ''1 Owambo Battalion'', renamed to 35 Battalion in January 1978, 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 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.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 ofStructure
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 XEngagements
101 Battalions reaction force teams averaged about 200 contacts annually.Heitman,H.R. Modern African Wars(3): South West Africa, Osprey Publishing By 1985 101 Battalion fought under its own command instead of being detached to external units.Disbandment
101 Battalion was disbanded on 30 June 1989 upon the independence ofLeadership
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 CruxRoll of Honour
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *Notes
See also
*References
*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) . {{SA Army Units South West Africa Territorial Force Military units and formations of the Cold War Military units and formations of South Africa Military units and formations of South Africa in the Border War Military units and formations established in 1976 Military units and formations disestablished in 1991