Autshumato Anti-Aircraft Regiment

The Cape Garrison Artillery (CGA) is an artillery regiment of the South African Army. As a reserve unit, it has a status rougly equivalent to that of a British Territorial Army or United States Army National Guard unit. It is part of the South African Army Artillery Formation.

History

Second Anglo-Boer War

The Cape Garrison Artillery and Engineer Corps was formed in 1859, initially know as the Cape Engineers or Cape Town Volunteer Engineers. In 1897 it became known as the Cape Garrison Artillery. The first commanding officer of the unit was Major le Vicomte de Montfort and it consisted of four companies of artillery and one of engineers. The Regiment had an authorised strength of 320 men and was trained by the Royal Garrison Artillery. The badge of the CGA was that of the Cape of Good Hope and its motto was Spes Bona (Good Hope).

In 1898 the CGA was changed to a partially-paid unit and thus lost its volunteer status. It was mobilized for participation in the Second Anglo-Boer War in 1899. Initially the Regiment had 373 members, but the figure increased to 560 (with some recruits arriving from overseas) by February 1900.

During 1900 the CGA was mainly used on the main western railway line of Cape Colony, as well as west of that line, assisting in garrisoning important posts. A small number of CGA members were also under the command of Sir C Warren in Griqualand West. Parts of the Regiment als joined Kitchener’s Horse.

Elements of the CGA were also involved in the attack on Jacobsdal on 25 October 1900.

During 1901 detachments of the Regiment were often stationed alongside the Cape Town Highlanders as well as other local troops in the west of Cape Colony and other areas, up to the German South West Africa border.

Other actions that elements of the CHA were involved in during the war were: Brugspruit (October 1900), Wonderfontein (February 1901), Naauwpoort (February 1901), Mafeking (November 1901), Omkyk (January 1902), Okiep (April 1902) and Daspoort near Pretoria (May 1902).

On 30 June 1902 the unit was demobilised; it continued as a part-time volunteer unit.

World War I

In 1912 the Coast Garrison Force of the Union Defence Force was divided into two Corps, the South African Garrison Artillery (SAGA) and the South African Coast Defence Corps.

SAGA was organised into two Divisions. 1 Division was the Cape Garrison Artillery while 2 Division was converted from A and B Batteries of the Natal Field Artillery and renamed the Durban Garrison Artillery. CGA manned batteries at Sea Point, Fort Wynyard and the Castle of Good Hope in Cape Town as well as at "Noah's Ark" and other batteries at Simonstown.

In 1915, when the decision was made to invade German South West Africa, a Heavy Artillery Brigade was formed in order to accompany the S outh African Expeditionary Force. In addition to the elements of the Royal Marine Artillery stationed in South Africa, companies of the Cape and Durban Garrison Artilleries were also included.

On the successful conclusion of the South West Campaign, these troops were available for service elsewhere. The Heavy Artillery Brigade subsequently provided the 7lst/75th Siege Batteries and the 50th S.A. Brigade, Garrison Artillery for service in France. These units served with great distinction and were later commemorated by the South African Heavy Artillery memorial below the Union Buildings in Pretoria.

In 1921 the South African Permanent Garrison Artillery was established, with the CGA (consisting of 18 officers and 346 men) being one of its constituent parts.

World War II

The approach of World War II led to the expansion of the South African military and in 1934 the Cape Garrison Artillery became 1 and 2 Batteries of the Cape Artillery Brigade (sometimes called the Cape Peninsula Artillery Brigade); the Cape Field Artillery was also attached to the Brigade for a while. This brigade was equipped with Heavy Coast Batteries, two medium Batteries with 60-pounders and 6-inch howitzers. It also operated No.1 Armoured Train.

Later, with the aid of the part-time Coast Defence Corps that was specially created to assist the Permanent Force units, many troops of the CGA were released for service in North Africa and Italy. The Kriegsmarine did not attack any South African port during the war. The only instance of a shot being fired in anger was when the Portuguese frigate Alfonse d'Albuquerque did not respond to signals when it passed a shore station. However, one round brought her to and she was identified.

In 1949 the Coast Garrison Artillery became part of the Active Citizen Force.

Current Status

The CGA still currently (as of 2006) exists, as an Anti-Aircraft Regiment. During a 2005 revival initiative, the unit now has become active in key initiatives such as Force Preparation, Force Support and Force Training. The unit is housed in the historic and unsung jewel of Cape Town, Fort Wynyard. As from December 2005, the OC of the unit, Major Vidius Archer, started an unofficial initiative to save the Fort from further decay. 24 Hour security was put in place, the gardens of the Fort resurrected, and the whole Fort was cleaned. Currently buildings and facilities are being rehabilitated and restored by the unit without any funding.

Regimental Symbols

• First Regimental motto: Spes Bona (Good Hope). Today it is QUO FAS ET GLORIA DUCUNT.

Battle Honours

• South West Africa 1915

It should be noted, however, that this honour was granted to the original CGA and it is not certain whether it has been inherited by the present regiment, which was formed in 1942 and took over the Cape Garrison Artillery's name in 1974. The Battle Honour is currently housed in the Regiment's Officers' Mess in The Castle of Good Hope. During a small official cermony, it was manually carried from the Cape Town Libary by the Regimental Association Chairman, Lt Col Marius van der Westhuizen and the Officer Commanding, Major Vidius Archer

References

• The Armed Forces of South Africa 1659 – 1954. Tylden, G, Major. City of Johannesburg Africana Museum. Frank Connock Publication No.2. Facsimile 1982.