1 SWA Specialist Unit

Former South African Army unit November 2018 1 SWA Specialist Unit SWATF 1 Spes emblem.jpg 200px SWATF 1 Spes emblem 1977 Namibia, South Africa 1928 South Africa 1928 South Africa 1981, Infantry South West African Territorial Force Oshivelo Casspir, Buffel, Honda XR 500 Major David Mentz 125px Part of the South West African Territorial Force 1 South West African Specialist Unit, also known as 1 SWASpes, was part of the South West African Territorial Force.South African Unit Profiles http://www.warinangola.com/Default.aspx?tabid=1239&Parameter=316 2021-09-01 www.warinangola.comModern African Wars (3): South West Africa (Men-At-Arms Series, 242) by Helmoed-Romer Heitman, Osprey Publishing (28 November 1991) 1-85532-122-X and 978-1-85532-122-9 History The South West African Territorial Force Command identified an urgent need for horse mounted and motorbike mounted units and dogs for the operational areas. The conclusions reached was for a unit organisation such as 202 Battalion to be adjusted so as to accommodate horse and dog units for operational use, and specifically, the urgent need for the acquisition of two platoons of mounted infantry. This included the furnishing of horses and equine related equipment, as well as the training and appointing of a qualified platoon commanding officer, full-time veterinarian and farriers. The Equestrian Centre became involved in the first purpose-built frontline horse and motorcycle mounted infantry base in the Operational Area. By 1978, 1 SWASpes had diversified into the application of motorcycles, trackers and later the introduction of tracking and explosives detection dogs. 1 SWASpes was among the first to combine conventional infantry forces on the ground with the skills of trackers, the abilities of dogs and the quick reaction abilities afforded by horses and motorcycle units. Equestrian platoons were detached to bases across the Operational Area, though the main equestrian unit in South West Africa was stationed at Oshivelo. 1 SWASpes introduced to counter insurgency, the application of the Packhound; using dogs to track, run down, and corner quarry for infantry or mounted soldiers to interdict. These packs could keep a speed of 15 km for over four hours, peaking at 30 km for 15 minutes. Organization By 1978, it comprised two companies of mounted infantry, two platoons of trackers and two platoons of motorcyclists, and a force of 60 dogs. Demobilisation 1 SWASpes was demobilised in 1989 during the negotiation and transition phase of Namibian independence. Prominent serving officers at the time of demobilisation included the last commanding officer, Major David Mentz, and Lieutenant David Durrheim, who was the last medical officer of 1 SWASpes. See also Namibian War of Independence South African Border War References PHR Snyman http://www.abebooks.co.uk/Beeld-SWA-Gebiedsmag-Snyman-P.H.R-Openbare/4596576505/bd Beeld Van Die SWA Gebiedsmag 1989 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20141107074052/http://www.abebooks.co.uk/Beeld-SWA-Gebiedsmag-Snyman-P.H.R-Openbare/4596576505/bd 2014-11-07 Further reading Helmoed-Romer Heitman (Author), Paul Hannon (Illustrator), Modern African Wars (3): South-West Africa (Men-At-Arms Series, 242), Osprey Publishing (November 28, 1991) 1-85532-122-X Category:South West Africa Territorial Force Category:Military units and formations of South Africa in the Border War Category:Military history of Namibia Category:Military units and formations established in 1977 Category:Military units and formations disestablished in 1977