24 Field Artillery Regiment was an artillery
regiment
A regiment is a military unit. Its role and size varies markedly, depending on the country, service and/or a specialisation.
In Medieval Europe, the term "regiment" denoted any large body of front-line soldiers, recruited or conscript ...
of the
South African Artillery
South is one of the cardinal directions or compass points. The direction is the opposite of north and is perpendicular to both east and west.
Etymology
The word ''south'' comes from Old English ''sūþ'', from earlier Proto-Germanic ''*sunþaz ...
.
Origin
This unit was formed as 24 Field Artillery Regiment in 1976 and was based in
Durban
Durban ( ) ( zu, eThekwini, from meaning 'the port' also called zu, eZibubulungwini for the mountain range that terminates in the area), nicknamed ''Durbs'',Ishani ChettyCity nicknames in SA and across the worldArticle on ''news24.com'' from ...
.
As a composite unit, its structure consisted of:
* a couple of gun batteries,
* medium mortars and,
* counter artillery locating radar elements.(typically using the
Cymbeline Mk1 locating radar)
Commandant R. Pemberton was the Commanding officer.
Operations
The regiment was added to the operational control of
Natal Command. As a Citizen Force Regiment, its primary function was artillery support and it secondary function as infantry. The regiment did at least one tour of duty in South West Africa but mainly conducted training camps in northern Natal.
Traditions
The regiment had a typical artillery tradition and instead of having colours considered its cannons its colours.
References
* Further reading:
External links
Defenceweb fact fileGunner's Association
{{SAArmy Units
Artillery regiments of South Africa
Disbanded military units and formations in Durban
Military units and formations established in 1976
Military units and formations of South Africa in the Border War