101 Battalion (South Africa)

For the Libyan unit, see 101 Battalion (Libya). For other uses, see 101st Battalion (disambiguation).

35/101 Battalion

SWATF 101 Battalion emblem

Active| 1976-1989
Disbanded| 1989
Country|  South West Africa,  South Africa
Allegiance|  South Africa
Branch|  South African Army,
Type| Motorised Infantry
Part of| South West African Territorial Force
Garrison/HQ| Ondangwa, Etale, Rundu (17°57′55″S 19°43′56″E﻿ / ﻿17.96528°S 19.73222°E﻿ / -17.96528; 19.73222)
Equipment| Casspir, Buffalo, Kwêvoël and Bedford Trucks
Engagements|

* South African Border War
* Operation Reindeer (1979)(elements of)
* Operation Rekstok (1979) (elements of)
* Operation Sceptic (1980) (elements of)
* Operation Daisy (1981)(elements of)
* Operation Askari (1983/4)(elements of)
* Operation Afskeur (1983)
* Operation Zepplin (1985)
* Operation Egret (1985)
* Operation Cinema (1986)
* Operation Tremour (1986)
* Operation Pynappel (1987)
* Operation Moduler (1987)
* Operation Firewood (1987)

Commanders
Colonel of
the Regiment| Commandant Welgemoed
Insignia
Part of the South West African Territorial Force|
SWATF 101 Battalion beret badge|
101 Battalion Beret showing Unit Badge and Infantry Bar|

Military unit

101 Battalion (pronounced as one-o-one Battalion) was a quick-reaction unit of the South West African Territorial Force, composed of black and white commissioned and enlisted personnel.

## History

[edit]

### Origin

[edit]

The unit was formed in January 1976 as 1 Owambo Battalion,[1] renamed to 35 Battalion in January 1978,[1] 35 Battalion recruited exclusively among the Owambo. and were only given basic training, but this changed after 1978 when the training intensified with an emphasis on rural counterinsurgency operations.

### Renaming

[edit]

The South West Africa Territory Force, SWATF[2] renumbered battalion numbers according to their geographical positioning on the border. The prefix 10 pertained to battalions operating to the west of the Kavango River, 20 to the Kavango or central region and 70 to the eastern region. Under this system, 35 Battalion was renamed 101 Battalion in 1980.

SWATF Northern Sector Map

### Tracking

[edit]

Until 1980 101 battalion was used as small teams attached to SADF units as trackers and interpreters.

### Light Infantry

[edit]

By 1981 101 converted to a light infantry battalion.

By 1983 at least 2700 men had been recruited and trained, many converted SWAPO insurgents.

### Introduction of the Romeo Mike Concept

[edit]

A significant development in 101's operations occurred during 1982 with the adaption of Koevoet tactics to a military context. The Reaction Force concept or Romeo Mike developed into two Special Service Companies (901 and 903) in 1984 and a further two (902 and 904) by 1985.[3] Their purpose was to relentlessly track and surround exhausted insurgents. Once a track was detected, elements of a team would dismount from a Casspir and follow the track at a run with the remainder of the team rested and following in the Casspir, and swapping over with the runners frequently, thus sustaining a fast pursuit of the insurgents. When contact was made, the full team with Casspir would charge in. The Romeo Mikes's other three Casspirs would be close of each other and would also react.

### Structure

[edit]

101 Battalion consisted of:

* a HQ,
* a support company,
* a light workshop,
* a training wing,
* Special service companies, translating Police tracking concepts to suit Army operations:
* 901 and
* 903 Special Service Companies.

These Companies concentrated on external operations and pursuit of infiltrators. Another two reaction force companies was activated, and

* a Reconnaissance Wing.

SWATF era 101 Battalion insignia

### Equipment

[edit]

Each team in a company had:

* 4 X Casspirs
* 1 X Kwêvoël 50
* 2 X Hispano Suiza 20mm cannons,
* 6 X 50 cal Browning machine guns
* 4 X Light machine guns and
* 4 X 60mm patrol mortars

### Engagements

[edit]

101 Battalions reaction force teams averaged about 200 contacts annually.[4] By 1985 101 Battalion fought under its own command instead of being detached to external units.

101 Battalion was part of the Sector 10 response to the Cuban buildup and SWAPO incursions, known as the Merlyn Forces in 1989 South West Africa

### Disbandment

[edit]

101 Battalion was disbanded on 30 June 1989 upon the independence of Namibia in 1990-91.[1]

101 Battalion's Colours and Standard were finally laid up in the unit church of 5 Reconnaissance Regiment on 10 April 1990.

## Leadership

[edit]

Leadership  From | Officer Commanding | To

|
|

1981  | Cmdr W.H. Welgemoed  | c. 1988
1988  | Col L. Marais  | c. 1988
1988  | Col L. Kotze  | c. 1989
From | Regimental Sergeant Major | To
c. 1985 | WO1 C. Schutte  | c. Nd

## Decorations awarded to 101 Battalion members

[edit]

* Rifleman D. Hashihamwenda Honoris Crux Silver
* Lieutenant N. Prinsloo Honoris Crux
* 2 Lieutenant D. Bok Honoris Crux
* Corporal J.J. Bronkhorst Honoris Crux
* Corporal T. Stander Honoris Crux
* Corporal J. Theunissen Honoris Crux
* Corporal F. Frederick Honoris Crux
* Corporal J.H Steenkamp Honoris Crux
* L Corporal Roux Honoris Crux
* Rifleman Schoombee Honoris Crux

## Roll of Honour

[edit]

* 1987: Abraham,W., Rfn [5]: 35641
* 1985: Abrosuis,A., Rfn [5]: 34876
* 1979: Akaando,J., Lt [5]: 35161
* 1987: Alugodhi,H., Cpl [5]: 35702
* 1987: Alweendo,L., Rfn [5]: 35697
* 1986: Amupolo,P., Cpl [5]: 35689
* 1977: Analati,T., Lt [5]: 35168
* 1982: Andreas,R., Rfn [5]: 13
* 1985: Andreas,H., Rfn [5]: 35686
* 1989: Anunyela,E., Rfn [5]: 35724
* 1986: Boas,R., Rfn [5]: 35687
* 1987: Botes,D., 2Lt [5]: 127 [a]
* 1981: Briers,C.A., Maj [5]: 2080
* 1987: Cerement,P., Rfn [5]: 35700
* 1985: Daniel,T., Rfn [5]: 34883
* 1988: Diederichs,J.H., 2Lt [5]: 350 [a]
* 1988: Diedericks,J.H., 2Lt [5]: 35713
* 1979: Djolomien,M., Cpl [5]: 35162
* 1985: Domingos,M., Rfn [5]: 34881
* 1986: Domingus,J., Rfn [5]: 35690
* 1987: Dreyer,M.C.M., Lt [5]: 369 [a]
* 1987: Epafu,P., Rfn [5]: 35710
* 1985: Felosiano,J., Rfn [5]: 34879
* 1987: Fernando,M., L-Cpl [5]: 35696
* 1985: Fillemon,J., Rfn [5]: 34884
* 1983: Fillipus,N., Rfn [5]: 35170
* 1978: Frans,J., Lt [5]: 35157
* 1985: Gabriel,I., Rfn [5]: 482 [a]
* 1977: Gagiano,K., Lt [5]: 485 [a]
* 1979: Gottlieb,A., Lt [5]: 35159
* 1988: Haifiku,L., Rfn [5]: 35717
* 1988: Haimbodi,H., Rfn [5]: 35718
* 1988: Haindula,S., Rfn [5]: 35716
* 1983: Hamutenya,S., Rfn [5]: 35169
* 1986: Hochapfel,C.V., Cmdt [5]: 591
* 1985: Ismael,P., Rfn [5]: 35685
* 1985: Iyango,K., Rfn [5]: 34869
* 1981: Jacob,B., Lt [5]: 35167
* 1985: Jakob,S., Rfn [5]: 35684
* 1987: Job,T., Rfn [5]: 35704
* 1981: Johannes,A., Lt [5]: 35166
* 1985: Jonas,E., Rfn [5]: 34861
* 1986: Jonas,L.N.D., Rfn [5]: 35694
* 1985: Kandjii,J., Rfn [5]: 34877
* 1989: Kapentse,N., Rfn [5]: 35726
* 1980: Kapuna,S., Rfn [5]: 35163
* 1986: Kavari,K., Cpl [5]: 35691
* 1986: Kefas,T., Rfn [5]: 35693
* 1987: Leonard,E., Rfn [5]: 35699
* 1986: Londo,I., L-Cpl [5]: 35692
* 1978: Mandingi,N., Rfn [5]: 35158
* 1989: Mandume,J., Rfn [5]: 35725
* 1987: Martin,J., Sgt [5]: 35701
* 1977: Mathias,J., Sktr [5]: 35156
* 1985: Mbango,J., Rfn [5]: 34873
* 1989: McCann,M.S., 2Lt [5]: 34725
* 1982: Meulemo,N.K., Rfn [5]: 953
* 1987: Meyer,E.A., Spr [5]: 954 [a]
* 1985: Mikael,H., Rfn [5]: 959
* 1987: Moses,M., Rfn [5]: 35707
* 1982: Moses,R., Rfn [5]: 989
* 1984: Nangolo,J., L-Cpl [5]: 35171
* 1985: Nangolo,J., Rfn [5]: 35683
* 1987: Nangula,E., Rfn [5]: 35706
* 1987: Ndjolonimus,M., Rfn [5]: 35698
* 1987: Nyawala,E., Rfn [5]: 35695
* 1984: Paulus,J., Rfn [5]: 35682
* 1984: Paulus,A., Rfn [5]: 35472
* 1987: Petrus,V., Rfn [5]: 35709
* 1988: Petrus,F., L-Cpl [5]: 35720
* 1988: Petrus,J., Rfn [5]: 35721
* 1980: Phillipus,E., Rfn [5]: 35165
* 1987: Rademeyer,A.H. du B., Capt [5]: 1189 [a]
* 1988: Robert,W., Rfn [5]: 35719
* 1988: Savinga,J., Rfn [5]: 35723
* 1988: Semba,G.K., Rfn [5]: 35722
* 1979: Shangweni,S., Lt [5]: 35160
* 1987: Sheepo,T., Rfn [5]: 35712
* 1987: Shilulu,G., Rfn [5]: 35708
* 1980: Shipago,I., Lt [5]: 35164
* 1987: Shitongeni,W., Cpl [5]: 35703
* 1987: Simon,E., Rfn [5]: 35705
* 1987: Steyn,E.A., Spr [5]: 1347 [a]
* 1987: Strydom,H.L., Cpl [5]: 1365 [a]
* 1988: Sutter,M.C., Spr [5]: 35715
* 1987: Tamsen,E., L-Cpl [5]: 1398 [a]
* 1986: Thomas,N., Rfn [5]: 35688 [a]
* 1986: Thomas,N., Cpl [5]: 1422
* 1987: Uusshona,M., Rfn [5]: 35711
* 1988: Venter,H.J., L-Cpl [5]: 1582 [a]
* 1982: Vilho,H., Rfn [5]: 1599
* 1984: Ward,D.J., SSgt [5]: 1630 [a]
* 1984: Ward,D.J., SSgt [5]: 35172 [a]
* 1987: Wetton,C.D., Spr [5]: 1650 [a]
* 1988: Yeo,E.C., Cpl [5]: 1684 [a]

## Notes

[edit]

1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p This person is marked on the Fort Klapperkop Memorial wall with an * as having died during operations or in combat.

## See also

[edit]

* South African Border War

## References

[edit]

1. ^ a b c "Units of the South West African Territorial Force (SWATF)". sadf.info. Retrieved 8 November 2014.
2. ^ "Introducing the SWATF" (PDF). Financial Mail (Supplement). 10 July 1987. pp. 44–47. Archived from the original (PDF) on 8 February 2018.
3. ^ "Band of Brothers – 101 Romeo Mikes". 24 February 2016.
4. ^ Heitman,H.R. Modern African Wars(3): South West Africa, Osprey Publishing
5. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z aa ab ac ad ae af ag ah ai aj ak al am an ao ap aq ar as at au av aw ax ay az ba bb bc bd be bf bg bh bi bj bk bl bm bn bo bp bq br bs bt bu bv bw bx by bz ca cb cc cd ce cf cg ch ci cj ck cl cm cn co cp cq Dovey, John. "SA Roll of Honour". justdone.co.za. Just Done Productions Publishing. Retrieved 6 November 2014.

* Snyman, PHR (1989). Beeld Van Die SWA Gebiedsmag (in Afrikaans). Openbare Betrekkinge, SA Weermag. ISBN 9780621126426.

## Further reading

[edit]

* Helmoed-Romer Heitman (Author), Paul Hannon (Illustrator), Modern African Wars (3): South-West Africa (Men-At-Arms Series, 242), Osprey Publishing (November 28, 1991) ISBN 1-85532-122-X.

* v
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South African Army Units

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Divisions and Brigades

| Brigades|

* 43 South African Brigade
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|

Armour Formation (SAAAF)

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|

Tank|

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Armoured Car|

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Infantry Formation (SAAIF)

| Training|

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|

Parachute Infantry|

* Regular
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|

Regular|

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Reserve|

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Air Defence Artillery Formation

| Training|

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|

Regular|

* HQ
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Reserve|

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| Training|

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|

Regular|

* HQ
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Reserve|

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Training Formation

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Support Formation

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Signals Formation

| Regular|

* 1 Signal Regt
* 2 Signal Regt
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|

Reserve|

6 Signal Regt

* Gauteng Reserve Signal Unit

11 Field Postal Unit

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South African Defence Force (1957–1994)

| Commands|

* Eastern Province Command (Port Elizabeth)
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|

Corps|

* I South African Corps
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Divisions|

* 7 South African Infantry Division
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Brigades|

* 16 Brigade (see 81 Armoured Brigade)
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Battlegroups|

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UDF and SADF
Regiments and Battalions|

* Cape Regiment
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* 32 Battalion
* Modular Infantry Battalions under South West Africa Command
* 51 Battalion
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* 53 Battalion
* 54 Battalion
* 55 Battalion

Homeland Battalions|

* 111
* 112
* 113
* 115
* 116
* 117
* 118
* 151

Military Areas|

| Training Areas|

* Boschhoek
* Grahamstown
* Hellsgate
* Mosita
* Pomfret
* Riemvasmaak

|

* Heidelberg
* Madimbo Corridor
* Soutpansberg
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UDF and SADF Commando System|

* South African Commando System

State Presidents Guard|

* State Presidents Guard

Mobilisation Units (Reception Depots)|

* 14
* 15
* 16
* 17
* 19

Bantustan Defence Forces (1977/1981–1994)

| Bophuthatswana Defence Force
1977–1994|

* 1 BDF Infantry Battalion
* 2 BDF Infantry Battalion
* BDF Parachute Battalion
* BDF Military School
* BDF Special Forces
* 1 BDF Military Area
* 2 BDF Military Area
* 3 BDF Military Area
* BDF Signals Unit
* BDF Bafokeng base
* BDF Mankwe base
* BDF Odi base
* BDF Thaba'Nchu base
* BDF Taung base
* BDF Air Wing

|

Venda Defence Force
1979–1994|

* VDF Headquarters Sibasa
* 1 VDF Battalion Manenu
* 2 VDF Battalion Maunavhathu
* VDF Vuwani Military Base
* VDF Signals Unit
* VDF Air Wing

Ciskei Defence Force 1981–1994|

* 1 CDF Battalion
* CDF Special Forces

Transkei Defence Force
1981–1994|

* 1 TDF Battalion
* TDF Special Forces
* TDF Mounted Battalion

SWATF (1977–1989)

* Regular Infantry Battalions
* 31/201 Battalion
* 33/701 Battalion
* 34/202 Battalion
* 35/101 Battalion
* 301 Battalion
* 36/203 Battalion
* 37/102 Battalion
* SWATF Brigade
* 91 Reaction Force Brigade
* 41/911 Battalion/Regiment Windhoek
* 912 Battalion/Regiment Erongo
* 913 Battalion/Regiment Namutoni
* 91 Armoured Car Regiment
* 91 Composite Field Regiment
* 91 Engineers Squadron
* 91 Field Ambulance
* 91 Mobilisation Centre
* 91 Technical Workshop
* 91 Maintenance Workshop
* Support Structures
* Logistics Brigade
* SWA Mil School
* SWA Military Academy
* Special Forces
* 1 SWA Specialist Unit
* 2 SWA Specialist Unit
* 1 SWA Parachute Battalion
* Air Component
* 1 SWA Commando Squadron
* Alte Feste Commando (SWATF)
* Aranos Commando (SWATF)
* Auob Commando (SWATF)
* Bo-Nossob Commando (SWATF)
* Etosha Commando (SWATF)
* Gobabis Commando (SWATF)
* Grootfontein Commando (SWATF)
* Hochi Commando (SWATF)
* Karasburg Commando (SWATF)
* Keetmanshoop Commando (SWATF)
* Maltahohe Commando (SWATF)
* Mariental Commando (SWATF)
* Okanhanja Commando (SWATF)
* Omaruru Commando (SWATF)
* Oranjemund Commando (SWATF)
* Otjiwarongo Commando (SWATF)
* Outjo Commando (SWATF)
* Rehoboth Commando (SWATF)
* Swakopmund Commando (SWATF)

Union Defence Force 1912–1957

| Divisions|

| Infantry|

* 1
* 2
* 3

|

Armoured|

* 3
* 6

|

Brigades|

| Infantry|

* 1
* 2
* 3
* 4
* 5

|

* 1st Reserve
* 4th Field
* 7th Motorised
* 1st Armoured
* Field Artillery
* Coast Artillery

Citizens Batteries|

* 1st Citizen Battery
* 2nd Citizen Battery
* 3rd Citizen Battery
* 4th Citizen Battery
* 5th Citizen Battery
* 6th Citizen Battery
* 7th Citizen Battery
* 8th and 9th Citizen Batteries

|

Military Districts|

* 1st (Cape Town)
* 2nd (Port Elizabeth)
* 3rd (East London)
* 4th (Pietermaritzburg)
* 5th (Durban)
* 6th (Standerton)
* 7th (Potchefstroom)
* 8th (Johannesburg)
* 9th (Pretoria)
* 10th (Kroonstad)
* 11th (Bloemfontein)
* 12th (Prieska)
* 13th (De Aar)
* 14th (Worcester)

|

* South African Field Force
* Pioneer Battalion
* 1 Mobile Watch
* 1 Medium Regiment SAA
* 1 Special Service Battalion
* Cape Fortress Engineers
* Cape Light Horse
* Cape Mounted Riflemen
* Cape Peninsular Rifles
* Cape Garrison Force
* Cape Coast Defence Corps
* Durban Coast Defence Corps
* Regiment Onse Jan
* Regiment Kemp
* Transvaal Cycle Corps
* Western Province Mounted Rifles
* Ordnance Corps
* Native Military Corps
* Q Services Corps

World War I 1914–1918

| Europe Campaign 1914–1918|

* South African Overseas Expeditionary Force

| Brigades|

* 1st Infantry
* Heavy Artillery

|

Regiments|

* 1
* 2
* 3
* 4

|

* South African Native Labour Corps

East Africa Campaign 1914–1915|

* 1st Infantry ACF
* 2nd Infantry ACF
* 5th Infantry ACF
* 9th Infantry ACF

German South West Africa Campaign 1915|

| S.A.M.R. Regiments|

* 1
* 2
* 3
* 4
* 5

|

* Special Service Pioneer Corps
* 1st Permanent Force Artillery Battery S.A.M.R.
* 2nd Permanent Force Artillery Battery S.A.M.R.
* 4th Permanent Force Artillery Battery S.A.M.R.
* Transvaal Horse Artillery, attached S.A.M.R.
* Ammunition Column S.A.M.R.
* Botha's Berede Skutters
* Durban Light Infantry
* Duke of Edinburgh's Own Rifles
* Prince Alfred's Guards
* First Eastern Rifles
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* Cape Town Highlanders
* Kimberly Regiment
* Transvaal Scottish
* Cape Peninsula Rifles
* Witwatersrand Rifles
* Rand Light Infantry
* Pretoria Regiment
* Natal Light Horse
* Natal Carbineers

Volunteer Militias 1903–1909

| Field Artillery|

* Natal
* Prince Alfred's Own Cape

|

Horse|

* Diamond Fields Horse
* Natal Native Horse
* Royston's Horse

|

Light Horse|

* Border
* Cape
* Tembuland

|

Light Infantry|

* Durban
* Transvaal

|

Mounted Rifles|

* Border
* Natal
* Northern District
* Southern
* Transvaal
* Umvoti
* Zululand

|

Rifles|

* Cape Peninsular
* Eastern
* Kaffrarian
* Northern
* Uitenhage
* Western

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* Natal Rangers
* Natal Rifle Associations
* Transvaal Cycle Corps
* Transvaal Horse Artillery Volunteers
* Transvaal Scottish Volunteers

Non-Statutory Forces 1961–1994

* Umkhonto weSizwe
* Azanian People's Liberation Army

Boer Commandos

Colonial Armies 1885–1902

* Cape Colonial Forces

*[c.]: circa
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