62 Mechanised Battalion Group
| 62 Mechanised Infantry Battalion Group | |
|---|---|
62 Mech emblem
|
|
| Active | 1982 – 1994 |
| Country |
 South Africa
|
| Allegiance |
South Africa
|
| Branch |
 South African Army
|
| Type | Mechanised Infantry Battalion Group |
| Part of | South African Infantry Corps |
| Garrison/HQ | Middelburg |
| Nickname(s) | 62 Mech |
| Equipment |
|
| Engagements | South African Border War |
| Disbanded | 1989 |
| Commanders | |
| OC 1989 | Commandant Izan Leibrand |
62 Mechanised Infantry Battalion Group was a unit of the South African Army (SADF); although it was classed as mechanized infantry, it was a combined arms force consisting of a Mechanised Infantry Battalion forming the core of the group, Main Battle Tank Squadron, Armoured Car Squadron, Air-defence Battery, Engineer Squadron, Artillery Battery, specialists i.e. EW, MAOT, etc. and all the supporting staff and functions required for such a force.
4 South African Infantry Battalion was transformed from a Motorised Infantry Battalion to a Mechanised Infantry Battalion in the early 1980s. The name 62 Mechanised Battalion Group was used to indicate when the unit was grouped with the other elements allocated to the battalion for conventional warfare, but was never formally approved as the unit name. This grouping only took place when the unit deployed for operational purposes as a mechanised force.
Designated Combat Group Charlie – Commandant Leon Marias.
62 Mech actively participated, on a permanent basis, in the operations carried out in SWA from June 1988 to November 1989 as part of 60 Brigade. The complete battle group was effectively deployed to the operational area from September 1987 to November 1989. Various bases were used for the HQ, i.e. Etale, Namibia, Eenhana, Ondangwa, Okatope and Rooikop (Walvisbay).
62 Mech Group withdrew with the majority of SADF Forces from Namibia on 31 Nov 1989.
It must be noted that the badge for the operational battle group was the same as 4 SAI's beret badge. The G5 Battery was named Quebec Battery which was 42 Battery or 142 Battery depending on if it was 4 Artillery or 14 Artillery Regiment that was supplying the personnel.
The allocated elements returned to their respective mother units. This took place in 1989 after the withdrawal from South West Africa.
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Wikipedia