14 Field Artillery Regiment

September 2013 January 2024 December 2009 14 Artillery Regiment SADF 14 Artillery Regiment emblem.png 14 Artillery Regiment emblem 1962, reformed 1974 to 1990? South Africa 1928 Republic of South Africa South Africa 1981 Regular artillery Field Artillery Regiment South African Army Artillery CorpsArmy Conventional Bethlehem, Potchefstroom St Barbara Viso Et Vinco (Seek and Destroy) World War IISouth African Border War South-West Africa 200px|SANDF Artillery Battery emblems Artillery Battery Emblems 200px|SANDF Artillery Beret Bar Artillery Beret Bar circa 1992 14 Artillery Regiment was a South African Artillery unit whose name was used twice. It was re-established in Potchefstroom in 1974 and was a full-time unit responsible for the training of Permanent Force and National Service personnel. History The original 14 Field Regiment 14 Field Regiment was initially formed in Bethlehem in the Orange Free State in 1962 with only one Battery, namely 143 Battery with an intake from Commando Regiments for their basic and individual training on the G1 and G2 guns with additional basic training on smaller weapons such as the 60 and 81mm mortars as well as .50-calibre machine guns. During October 1967, 14 Field Regiment was relocated to Potchefstroom where it was disbanded on 7 November 1967 and its structures incorporated into 4 Artillery Regiment. Its operational Battery at Walvis Bay was renamed 43 Battery Walvis Bay. Rebirth of 14 Field Regiment On 13 May 1974 the unit was however reactivated and renamed to 14 Field Artillery Regiment and located outside Potchefstroom in September 1974. New requirements The SADF was interested in the 120 mm mortar system and the activation of an airborne artillery battery. There was also an emphasis on obtaining 155 mm guns. Gunners from 14 Field Artillery were therefore sent to Israel for training on the Israeli Defense Forces Soltam 120 mm Mortar.Monick, S. Dr. The Forging of a Strike Force, Scientia Militaria: South African Journal of Military Studies, Vol 23, Nr 3, 1993. http://scientiamilitaria.journals.ac.za Structure 14 Artillery Regiment comprised the following: A Regimental Headquarters, 141 Battery, Airborne Battery FOU (Forward Observation units), Attached to 141 Battery 142 Battery, 143 Battery, 2 Medium Battery, 144 Battery 32 Locating Battery. Operations 14 Artillery Regiment took part in Operation Savannah and provided the first troop of 25-pounders. It was involved in the Battle of Quifangondo. 14 Artillery Regiment was organized under 10 Artillery Brigade from 1983 forward for the final operations. Dress Insignia thumb|center|700px|SADF era 14 Field Artillery Regiment insignia Freedom of the City References South Africa 2 Category:Artillery regiments of South Africa Category:Military units and formations established in 1974 Category:Artillery units and formations of South Africa Category:Military units and formations of South Africa in the Border War