Origin

The Witwatersrand Rifles (often familiarly known as the "Wits Rifles or the Wit Rifles") was formed by proclamation on 1 May 1903 and absorbed the members of the Railway Pioneer Regiment and the Rand Rifles, both of which had fought on the British side during the Second Anglo-Boer War of 1899 – 1902.

As befitted a regiment based from the gold-rich Witwatersrand region, it had a very close relationship with the mining establishment of the time; and its cap badge further emphasised this link.

Bambatha Rebellion

The regiment first saw action during the Bambata Rebellion of 1906, when it deployed a contingent to (the then) Zululand.

Absorption of the Transvaal Light Infantry

Transvaal Light Infantry insignia

In 1907 the regiment was further strengthened when it absorbed the Transvaal Light Infantry Regiment.

World War 1

The regiment was mobilised again when World War I broke out.

Rand Revolt

The inter-war years saw the regiment deployed during the 1922 Rand Revolt, when rebellious South African Communist Party miners attempted to overthrow the government of General Jan Smuts.

In the early 1930s the regiment affiliated with the Cameronians (Scottish Rifles) Regiment of the British Army. As a consequence, the Witwatersrand Rifles adopted the uniform and many of the traditions of this Scottish Lowland regiment. Despite the Cameronians' disbandment in 1968, the Wits Rifles still continues this heritage today.

World War 2

As a result of the outbreak of World War II in 1939, the regiment was expanded to two battalions. However, due to the battalions being used to supply replacements in a piecemeal fashion to depleted South African units taking part in the North African campaign, the Witwatersrand Rifles was only deployed as a coherent unit (to Egypt) in 1943.

During its service in North Africa, the Witwatersrand Rifles was amalgamated with Regiment de la Rey. This combined regiment, was nicknamed the "Royal Boere" and saw extensive action in Italy as part of the South African 6th Armoured Division, particularly at Monte Caprara and Monte Stanco.

Border War

From 1970 until the first all-race democratic elections in 1994, the regiment saw action in the South African Border War in South-West Africa (now Namibia) and Angola as well as on the South Africa/Botswana border and in South African townships.

Post 1994

When conscription ended in 1993, the regiment began an active recruitment drive to maintain reserve troop strength. During South Africa's second democratic election in 1999, the regiment deployed 180 volunteers in support of the South African Police Service (SAPS).

Late in its history the Witwatersrand Rifles Regiment attracted volunteers for regular part-time training.

Peacekeeping

The Witwatersrand Rifles Regiment provided troops for internal operations in support of the South African Police Service and on the border (as part of Operation Corona) as well as for United Nations peacekeeping operations in the DRC and the Sudan.^[1]

Name Change

In August 2019, 52 Reserve Force units had their names changed to reflect the diverse military history of South Africa.^[2] The Witwatersrand Rifles became the Bambatha Rifles, and have 3 years to design and implement new regimental insignia.^[3]

Colonel-in-Chief

(This Honorary post officially fell away in 1961 when the Union of South Africa became a Republic)

• HM Queen Elizabeth (The Queen Mother) (1947–1961) (unofficially 1947 – 2002)

Railway Pioneer Regiment

• Lt Col.J.E. Capper, RE (1899–1903) (Later Maj Gen. J.E. Capper, KCB KCVO)

Witwatersand Rifles

Previous Dress Insignia

SADF era Witwatersrand Rifles insignia

Current Dress Insignia

SANDF era Infantry Formation insignia

Battle honours

As a Rifle regiment, the Witwatersrand Rifles did not carry colours. Instead the honours banner was displayed on the pipes of the Pipe Major. The Witwatersrand Rifles had the following battle honours:

• First World War:

South West Africa 1914–1915

• Second World War:

Italy 1944–45, Cassino II, Allerona, Florence, Monte Querciabella, Monte Fili, The Greve, Gothic Line, Monte Stanco, Monte Salvaro, Sole/Caprara, Po Valley, Campo Santo Bridge

Battle Honours

Awarded to Witwatersrand Rifles

Sister Regiments

•  South Africa – Transvaal Scottish Regiment
•  South Africa – Regiment de la Rey

Alliances

•  United Kingdom – The Royal Scots Borderers
•  United Kingdom – Cameronians (Scottish Rifles)