Regiment Potchefstroom Universiteit

Regiment Potchefstroom Universiteit (Afrikaans for Potchefstroom University Regiment) is an artillery regiment of the South African Army. As a reserve unit, it has a status roughly equivalent to that of a British Army Reserve or United States Army National Guard unit. It is part of the South African Army Artillery Formation.

History

1 Observation Battery

The original regiment was formed in 1946, when the South African Army was reorganised for peacetime. It was initially called 1 Observation Battery, and in 1950 it was renamed 1 Observation Regiment.

On being affiliated with the Potchefstroom University in 1960, it was given the name Regiment Potchefstroomse Universiteit.

Structure

In terms of organisation the regiment was structured with:

• a RHQ and Radar Battery at University of Potchefstroom,
• a Survey Battery at the University of the Orange Free State and
• an Observation and Sound Ranging Battery at the University of Pretoria.

Affiliated Division

During the bush war the regiment served with:

• 8th South African Armoured Division
• 82 Mechanised Brigade It was mobilised with the brigade in 1988 for Operation Packer and Operation Displace.

and with

• 7 South African Infantry Division

Amalgamation with 25 Field Regiment

25 Field Regiment was amalgamated with Potchefstroom University (RPU) during September 1991.

Regimental Emblems

Insignia

References