25 Field Artillery

25 Field Artillery Regiment was an artillery regiment of the South African Artillery.

25 Field Artillery Regiment
25 Field Artillery Regiment emblem
Active	1977-1988
Country	South Africa
Allegiance	Republic of South Africa
Branch	South African Army
Type	Artillery
Size	Regiment
Part of	South African Army Artillery Corps Army Conventional Reserve
Garrison/HQ	Potchefstroom
Insignia
Collar Badge	Bursting grenade with seven flames
Beret Colour	Oxford Blue
Artillery Battery Emblems
Artillery Beret Bar circa 1992

Origin

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

SADF era 25 Field Artillery Regiment insignia

SADF 25 Field Artillery Regiment cravat

References

• Further reading: Wilsworth, Clive (2010). First In, Last Out: The South African Artillery in Action: 1975-1988. 30 Degrees South. ISBN 978-1-920143-40-4.

External links

• Defenceweb fact file
• Gunner's Association