The Regiment

The Transvaal Scottish Regiment forms part of the South African National Defence Force.

Members have civilian occupations, and the battalion is roughly equivalent to a British Territorial Army unit or the US Army National Guard. However in South Africa the Part-Time Component is in fact the main striking force of the country's army (as in Israel or Switzerland). Its members are thus required to be far more than mere "reservists".

The regiment was established in 1902 after the conclusion of the "The Second Anglo-Boer War" also known as "The Boer War" or "The Second South African War".

The founding members were raised as volunteers originating from members of Scottish units whose members chose to demobilise and remain in the colony.

The Transvaal Scottish proudly carry 18 Battle Honours on their Colours:

NATAL 1906
 SOUTH WEST AFRICA 1914-15 
EAST AFRICA 1940-41
EL WAK
THE JUBA
YONTE
DIREDAWA
COMBOLCIA
AMBA ALAGI
 WESTERN DESERT 1941-43 
SOLLUM
SIDI REZEGH
GAZALA
ALEM HAMZA
ACROMA KEEP
ALAMEIN DEFENCE
MEGA
EL ALAMEIN
Colours.JPG (32245 bytes)

"What a proud record theirs is."

"I remember them before Aus in 1914 and at Trekkopjes in 1915; their famous march from Erongo to Otaviefontein made military history."

"I saw their tartan again in the mud of France at Flanders when men of this fine Regiment were fighting with the South African Scottish (4th S.A. Infantry)"

"In 1940 as Commander-in-Chief of the S.A. Forces I chose the 1st battalion to represent the Transvaal in my hand-picked 1st S.A. Infantry Brigade; I saw two battalions of the Regiment in Kenya and followed their progress through Abyssinia with pride"

"I saw all three battalions in Libya and admired their spirit; I mourned the annihilation of the 3rd battalion at Sidi Rezegh; sorrowed at the loss of the 2nd battalion at Tobruk rejoiced at the resistance and determination of the 1st battalion at Alamein…."

"Their proud record of service to South Africa through this stormy era stands, and I thank them for a great service greatly rendered."

J.C. Smuts, Irene, 6th September 1950

The Regimental tartan is the Murray of Athol, except the Pipers wear the Murray of Tullibardine.

The Regimental March is the Athol Highlanders.

The Transvaal Scottish Regiment is a member of:

    Freedom Regiments Association of Johannesburg (FRA)
    These are military units that enjoy the freedom of the entry to city of Johannesburg with "bayonets fixed and drums a beating."

    South African Scottish Regiments Association (SASRA)
    These are Scottish affiliated regiments in South Africa.

    Herritage Units (Traditional Units) in Gauteng which include:

The Transvaal Scottish Regiment have received the Freedom to the Cities of :

  • Johannesburg - Gauteng Province
  • Benoni - Gauteng Province
  • Barberton - Mpumalanga Province

The Commanding Officer is Lieutenant Colonel D.D.Smythe, JCD,
The Regimental Sergeant Major is Warrant Officer Class 1, G.J.H.(Deon) Schoeman.

Please visit our online Regimental Museum.  We also have data on the Regimental Memorials and camp badges.

When considering a venue for your next meeting or for management training, please consider 'The View' as your business venue.  Top financial institutions in South Africa utilise this site for some of their training needs.
Contact Information
 
Telephone : +27 (0)11 417 6116
 		 FAX : +27 (0)11 417 6115
 		 FAX : +27 (0)86 671 5183
 
Physical address
   "The View"
   18 Ridge Road
   Parktown
   Johannesburg
   Gauteng
   South Africa
 Postal Address
   Transvaal Scottish
   The Officer Commanding
   PO Box 66283
   Broadway, 2020
   South Africa

Email :Webmaster
 

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