3 Parachute Battalion

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3 Parachute Battalion
SANDF 3 Para emblem
ActiveJuly 1977 – present
Country South Africa
Allegiance
Branch
Type
South African Infantry Corps
Army Conventional Reserve
Garrison/HQTempe, Bloemfontein
Nickname(s)Parabats

3 Parachute Battalion is a Citizen Force

paratroop unit of the South African Army. It was established in July 1977 within the formation of the Parachute Battalion. Later it was a battalion within 44 Parachute Brigade. As a reserve unit, it has a status roughly equivalent to that of a British Army Reserve or United States Army National Guard
unit.

History

With the implementation of one year National Service in South Africa in 1968, 1 Parachute Battalion struggled to administer the Permanent Force and the Citizen Force Parabats.[1] To prevent the loss of these trained national servicemen at the end of their one-year service to other units of the South African Defence Force, it was decided to form a new citizen force parachute unit to take these men. The battalion was formed at Tempe in July 1977 of five rifle companies.

On 20 April 1978, 3 Parachute Battalion and other parachute units became part of the newly formed 44 Parachute Brigade.

Operations

3 Parachute Battalion would take part in Operation Reindeer in Angola during 1978, Elements of this battalion took part in the parachute drop over Cassinga.[2]

Leadership

Leadership
From Honorary Colonel To
From Officer Commanding To
From Regimental Sergeants Major To

Battle Honours

Battle Honours
Awarded to 3 Parachute Battalion
Cassinga/Chetequera


References

  1. ISBN 1855322943
    .
  2. ^ Angola, The War In. "War In Angola: - HOME". www.warinangola.com. Retrieved 2017-07-13.

Further reading

  • Pitta, Robert (27 May 1993). South African Special Forces (eBook). Elite (Book 47). Osprey Publishing.
    ISBN 1855322943
    .
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