25 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 originally formed as 25 Composite Regiment on 17 May 1977 and was based in Potchefstroom. As a composite unit, it comprised * a couple of gun batteries, * heavy mortars and, * counter artillery locating radar elements.(typically using the Cymbeline Mk1 locating radar)

Conversion to a Medium Regiment

By 1984 the regiment was altered with the removal of its mortar and radar and its conversion to a medium regiment.

Operations

On 3 May 1984 the regiment was added to the operational control of Far North Command. As a Citizen Force Regiment, its primary function was artillery support and it secondary function as infantry. The regiment was operational in the border area with Zimbabwe in 1980 and in South West Africa in 1983.

Traditions

Emblem design

The regiment had a typical artillery tradition and instead of having colours considered its cannons its colours. The unit received its ceremonial emblems on 21 September 1984. The emblem has the traditional artillery background colours of red and dark blue separated by a gold glowing line depicting the Mooi River. The gold penny represents efficiency while the strikes typify artillery fire. This design also can be seen to show the radar element which was previously part of the unit.

Commanding Officer saber

Commanding officers were issued a ceremonial saber for the taking over of command.

Commanding officers

*Commandant J.P. Aukamp *Commandant H.A. Labuschagne

Insignia

Dress Insignia

References

* Further reading:

External links

Defenceweb fact file

Gunner's Association
{{SAArmy Units Artillery regiments of South Africa Military units and formations established in 1977 Military units and formations of South Africa in the Border War Military units and formations of South Africa Military units and formations disestablished in 1988