RHODESIANS AND THE PRETORIA REGIMENT. By Lewis Walter (Intaf)

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Eddy Norris

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Aug 5, 2013, 11:22:10 PM8/5/13

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Our Rhodesian Heritage
(Compiled and Administered by ORAFs)

RHODESIANS AND THE PRETORIA REGIMENT.
By Lewis Walter (Intaf)

The Pretoria Regiment of the South African National Defence Force was formed on 1st July, 1913, and this year marks its Centenary. During World War 2 many Rhodesians of the Southern Rhodesia Armoured Car Regiment served with distinction as members of the Pretoria Regiment.

They started their training in Umtali in 1942 with the Southern Rhodesia Reconnaissance Regiment, which later became the Southern Rhodesia Armoured Car Regiment. The Regimental badge was the well-known Sable, with the original Sindebele motto ASI SABI LUTO – “We fear nothing”. In November 1942 the Regiment was moved to Pietermaritzburg in South Africa for further training, and on 1st December 1942 its members were attested into the Union Defence Force. In 1943, as members of the Pretoria Regiment – Princess Alice’s Own - they moved on to Egypt undergoing further extensive training in tank warfare. Finally the time for action came, and in April 1944 they found themselves in Italy as part of the 6th South African Armoured Division.

Most of the Rhodesians were now in “A” Squadron of the Pretoria Regiment. They fought their way relentlessly Northwards, being joined by the British 24th Guards Brigade and earning the right to wear the Guards’ Flash. The war wound on to its inevitable conclusion, and in June 1945 the Pretoria Regiment, with its Rhodesians, proudly took part in the Victory Parade in Monza.

In this Centenary Year of the Pretoria Regiment, it is fitting that Rhodesians who served with it during World War 2 should be remembered, and that those recorded below who lost their lives should be honoured:

Cpl. B.Bowley and Tpr. G.F.B.Hamman : 12th June 1944. L/Cpl. W.J. van Rooyen : 15th June 1944. Cpl. P.A.H.Wiley : 26th June 1944. Tpr. J.H.Bodington, Tpr. J.W.Crawford, Tpr. J.I. Harvard and Tpr. S.J.Meyer : 1st July 1944. Lt. J.Walker : 5th July 1944. Tpr. J.P.Davidson : 27th July 1944. L/Cpl G. de W. Kitcat : 2nd August 1944. Sgt. D.Den : 22nd November 1944.