OR Tambo Regiment

The OR Tambo Regiment (formerly Regiment Oos Rand)[1] is a reserve infantry regiment of the South African Army.

Regiment Oos Rand
OR Tambo Regiment
SANDF Regiment Oos Rand emblem
Active1 January 1960 to present
Country South Africa
Branch South African Army
TypeInternal Stability
Part ofSouth African Infantry Formation
Garrison/HQBenoni, Germiston
Motto(s)Wees Sterk (Be Strong)
Insignia
Company level Insignia
SA Motorised Infantry beret bar circa 1992
SA Motorised Infantry beret bar
AbbreviationORTR

History

Origin

In the period before 1960, 4 military units existed on the East Rand:

  • 7 Medium Artillery Regiment,
  • 2 Light Anti-Aircraft Regiment,
  • Regiment Kemp (an armoured regiment) and
    UDF era Regiment Kemp beret badge
  • Regiment Andries Pretorius (a motorised infantry battalion)

With the re-organisation of the military, the four units were disbanded and Regiment Oos-Rand was formed from the integration of Regiment Kemp and Regiment Andries Pretorius. The April 1960 Government Gazette declared that Regiment Oos-Rand was activated on 1 January 1960 as a Citizen Force Unit.

Under the SADF

Just one week after it was activated, the regiment was mobilised for Operation Duiker and within 24 hours, 240 members were available. The regiments first Honorary Colonel was Senator C.C, Schabort on 9 August 1960. From 1976 to 1979, Regiment Oos-Rand called up members for the border war.

By September the unit received it regimental emblem. During 1962 the regiment was re-organised as a motorised infantry battalion and on 14 September 1963 it received its Colours.

Freedom of Benoni

The regiment received the Freedom of Benoni in 1967.

The regiment received its ceremonial sword on 18 October 1969.

Operations

From 1983 onward, Regiment Oos-Rand was involved in internal stability and township control.

Motorised to Mechanised

In 1990 the regiment was converted to a mechanised infantry battalion.

Divisional Command

Regiment Oos-Rand was assigned to the command of 73 Brigade in this era.

Under the SANDF

Today Regiment Oos-Rand, is a typical reserve light infantry battalion.

Deployments

Regiment Oos-Rand is also involved with Operation Corona,[2] a continuous anti poaching operation in the Kruger National Park.[3][4]

Name change

In August 2019, 52 Reserve Force units had their names changed to reflect the diverse military history of South Africa.[5] Regiment Oos Rand became the OR Tambo Regiment, and have 3 years to design and implement new regimental insignia.[6]

Leadership
Leadership
From Honorary Colonel To
From Officer Commanding To
1989 Cmdt W.N. Louw c. nd
1990 Cmdt J.H. de Beer c. nd
From Regimental Sergeants Major To

Regimental Symbols

Previous Dress Insignia
SADF era Regiment Oos Rand insignia

Current Dress Insignia
SANDF era Infantry Formation insignia

Training

Regiment East Rand specialised in 81 mm Mortar platoons, Medics, Signals and Drivers

References
  1. Engelbrecht, Leon. "Fact file: Regiment Oos Rand - defenceWeb". www.defenceweb.co.za.
  2. Helfrich, Kim. "December a busy month for Operation Corona border forces - defenceWeb". www.defenceweb.co.za.
  3. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 28 May 2015. Retrieved 28 May 2015.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  4. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 19 April 2017. Retrieved 18 April 2017.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  5. "New Reserve Force unit names". defenceWeb. 7 August 2019. Retrieved 9 January 2021.
  6. "Renaming process has resulted in an Army structure that truly represents SA". IOL. 16 August 2019. Retrieved 8 January 2020.


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