1 SWASpes was part of the

South West African Territorial Force The South West Africa Territorial Force (SWATF) was an auxiliary arm of the South African Defence Force (SADF) and comprised the armed forces of South West Africa (now Namibia) from 1977 to 1989. It emerged as a product of South Africa's politic ...

History

The South West African Territorial Force Command identified an urgent need for horse mounted and motorbike mounted units and dogs for the operational areas. The conclusions reached was for a unit organisation such as 202 Battalion to be adjusted so as to accommodate horse and dog units for operational use, and specifically, the urgent need for the acquisition of two platoons of mounted infantry. This included the furnishing of horses and equine related equipment, as well as the training and appointing of a qualified platoon commanding officer, full-time veterinarian and farriers. The Equestrian Centre became involved in the first purpose built frontline horse and motorcycle mounted infantry base in the Operational Area. By 1978, 1 SWASpes had diversified into the application of motorcycles, trackers and later the introduction of tracking and explosives detection dogs. 1 SWASpes was among the first to combine conventional infantry forces on the ground with the skills of trackers, the abilities of dogs and the quick reaction abilities afforded by horses and motorcycle units. Equestrian platoons were detached to bases across the Operational Area, though the main equestrian unit in

South West Africa South West Africa ( af, Suidwes-Afrika; german: Südwestafrika; nl, Zuidwest-Afrika) was a territory under South African administration from 1915 to 1990, after which it became modern-day Namibia. It bordered Angola (Portuguese colony before 1 ...

was stationed at Oshivelo. 1 SWASpes introduced to counter insurgency, the application of the Packhound; using dogs to track, run down, and corner quarry for infantry or mounted soldiers to interdict. These packs could keep a speed of 15 km for over four hours, peaking at 30 km for 15 minutes.

Organization

By 1978, it comprised two companies of

mounted infantry Mounted infantry were infantry who rode horses instead of marching. The original dragoons were essentially mounted infantry. According to the 1911 ''Encyclopædia Britannica'', "Mounted rifles are half cavalry, mounted infantry merely specially m ...

, two platoons of trackers and two platoons of motorcyclists, and a force of 60 dogs.

Roll of honour

* Colling, H. Rifleman 1980 * Beyleveld, M. Rifleman 1984 * Briggs, R.P. Corporal 1984 * Brindle, R.O. Rifeman 1981 * Dossenno Paul, Sergeant, 1977 * Devereaux, S.V.P. Rifleman, 1977 * Jordaan, H.K. Wrn 1981 * Mostert, A.D. Lance Corporal 1983 * Roos, D.N. Corporal 1979 * Mostert, E.C. Rifleman 1983 * Ross, T.A. Rifleman, 1983 * Venter, P.J. Wrn, 1981 * Swanepoel, P. Lance Corporal 1981 * Barth, A.C. Corporal 1984

History

Organization

Roll of honour

See also

References

Further reading