List of South African Battle Honours
Battle Honours of South Africa
Battle Honours with descriptions and listing the units for each Battle Honour awarded
[South West Africa] 1915
- Name: South West Africa 1915
- * Southern Rifles
- * Southern Rifles
- * Cape Town Highlanders, The Duke of Connaught and Strathearn's Own
- * Cape Garrison Artillery
- * Cape Field Artillery
[South West Africa] 1914–1915
- Name: South West Africa 1914–1915
- Description:
- * Witwatersrand Rifles Regiment
- * Western Province Mounted Rifles
- * Umvoti Mounted Rifles
- * Transvaal Scottish Regiment
- * Transvaal Horse Artillery
- * South African Heavy Artillery
- * SA MR Field Artillery
- * S.A. Police
- * S.A. Mounted Rifles
- * South African Irish Regiment
- * Royal Natal Carbineers
- * Royal Durban Light Infantry
- * Rand Rifles
- * Rand Light Infantry
- * Pretoria Regiment
- * Potchefstroom Ruiters
- * Noordelike Transvaal Berede Skutters
- * Natal Mounted Rifles
- * Natal Field Artillery
- * Midlandse Skutters
- * Midlandse Ruiters
- * Kimberley Volunteer Regiment
- * Kaffrarian Rifle Volunteers
- * Imperial Light Horse
- * Hartigan's Horse
- * Griqualand West Ruiters
- * Graaf-Reinet Ruiters
- * First City Volunteers of Grahamstown
- * Field Ambulance, 1st
- * Cape Town Rifles
- * Brand's O.V.S. Schutters
- * Bechuanaland Rifles, 9th Dismounted Rifles
- * Bechuanaland Rifles
[Bechuanaland] 1896–97
- Name: Bechuanaland 1896–97
- Description: Cape military and police operations against the Batswana from December 1896 to August 1897. Most of the fighting took place in the Langberg mountains. The battle honour was: Bechuanaland 1896–97 Burgher force units which took part were granted their own honours in 1938: Betsjoeanaland 1896 ? Langberg 1897.
- * Kimberley Volunteer Regiment
- * Cape Town Highlanders, The Duke of Connaught and Strathearn's Own
South Africa 1899–1902
- Name: South Africa 1899–1902
- Description: From October 1899 until May 1902, British, Cape and Natal forces fought the neighbouring Boer republics, which eventually capitulated. Battle honours were authorised by the British government
- * Umvoti Mounted Rifles
- * Uitenhage Volunteer Rifles
- * Transkei Mounted Rifles
- * Royal Natal Carbineers
- * Royal Durban Light Infantry
- * Queenstown Rifle Volunteers
- * Prince Alfred's Own Volunteer Guards
- * Natal Royal Regiment
- * Natal Mounted Rifles
- * Kimberley Volunteer Regiment
- * Kaffrarian Rifle Volunteers
- * Imperial Light Horse
- * First City Volunteers of Grahamstown
- * Cape Town Rifles
- * Cape Town Highlanders, The Duke of Connaught and Strathearn's Own
- * Border Mounted Rifles
Western Desert 1941–43
- Name: Western Desert 1941–43
- Description:
- * Umvoti Mounted Rifles
- * Transvaal Scottish Regiment
- * S.A. Police
- * South African Irish Regiment
- * Royal Natal Carbineers
- * Royal Durban Light Infantry
- * Regiment Vrystaat
- * Regiment Groot Karoo
- * Regiment Christiaan Beyers
- * Rand Light Infantry
- * Regiment President Steyn
- * Natal Mounted Rifles
- * Kaffrarian Rifle Volunteers
- * Imperial Light Horse
- * Cape Town Rifles
- * Cape Town Highlanders, The Duke of Connaught and Strathearn's Own
Gazala
- Name: Gazala
- Description:
- * Transvaal Scottish Regiment
- * S.A. Police
- * Royal Natal Carbineers
- * Royal Durban Light Infantry
- * Regiment Vrystaat
- * Regiment Groot Karoo
- * Regiment Christiaan Beyers
- * Rand Light Infantry
- * Regiment President Steyn
- * Natal Mounted Rifles
- * Imperial Light Horse
- * Cape Town Rifles
- * Cape Town Highlanders, The Duke of Connaught and Strathearn's Own
Alem Hamza
- Name: Alem Hamza
- Description:
- * Transvaal Scottish Regiment
- * Cape Town Highlanders, The Duke of Connaught and Strathearn's Own
Best Post
- Name: Best Post
- Description:
- * Natal Mounted Rifles
- * Cape Town Highlanders, The Duke of Connaught and Strathearn's Own
Alamein Defence
- Name: Alamein Defence
- Description:
- * Transvaal Scottish Regiment
- * Royal Natal Carbineers
- * Royal Durban Light Infantry
- * Regiment Vrystaat
- * Regiment Groot Karoo
- * Regiment Christiaan Beyers
- * Rand Light Infantry
- * Regiment President Steyn
- * Natal Mounted Rifles
- * Imperial Light Horse
- * Cape Town Rifles
- * Cape Town Highlanders, The Duke of Connaught and Strathearn's Own
Alamein Box
- Name: Alamein Box
- Description:
- * Royal Durban Light Infantry
- * Imperial Light Horse
- * Cape Town Highlanders, The Duke of Connaught and Strathearn's Own
El Alamein
- Name: El Alamein
- Description:
- * Transvaal Scottish Regiment
- * Royal Natal Carbineers
- * Royal Durban Light Infantry
- * Regiment Vrystaat
- * Regiment Groot Karoo
- * Regiment Christiaan Beyers
- * Rand Light Infantry
- * Regiment President Steyn
- * Natal Mounted Rifles
- * Imperial Light Horse
- * Cape Town Rifles
- * Cape Town Highlanders, The Duke of Connaught and Strathearn's Own
Italy 1944–45
- Name: Italy 1944–45
- Description:
- * Witwatersrand Rifles Regiment
- * Special Service Battalion
- * Royal Natal Carbineers
- * Royal Durban Light Infantry
- * Prince Alfred's Own Volunteer Guards
- * Pretoria Regiment
- * Natal Mounted Rifles
- * Kimberley Volunteer Regiment
- * Imperial Light Horse
- * First City Volunteers of Grahamstown
- * Regiment de la Rey
- * Cape Town Highlanders, The Duke of Connaught and Strathearn's Own
Casino II
- Name: Casino II
- Description:
- * Witwatersrand Rifles Regiment
- * Royal Natal Carbineers
- * Royal Durban Light Infantry
- * Kimberley Volunteer Regiment
- * Imperial Light Horse
- * First City Volunteers of Grahamstown
- * Regiment de la Rey
- * Cape Town Highlanders, The Duke of Connaught and Strathearn's Own
Chiusi
- Name: Chiusi
- Description:
- * First City Volunteers of Grahamstown
- * Cape Town Highlanders, The Duke of Connaught and Strathearn's Own
Florence
- Name: Florence
- Description:
- * Witwatersrand Rifles Regiment
- * Special Service Battalion
- * Royal Natal Carbineers
- * Royal Durban Light Infantry
- * Prince Alfred's Own Volunteer Guards
- * Pretoria Regiment
- * Natal Mounted Rifles
- * Kimberley Volunteer Regiment
- * Imperial Light Horse
- * First City Volunteers of Grahamstown
- * Regiment de la Rey
- * Cape Town Highlanders, The Duke of Connaught and Strathearn's Own
The Greve
- Name: The Greve
- Description:
- * Witwatersrand Rifles Regiment
- * Special Service Battalion
- * Royal Natal Carbineers
- * Prince Alfred's Own Volunteer Guards
- * Natal Mounted Rifles
- * Kimberley Volunteer Regiment
- * Imperial Light Horse
- * First City Volunteers of Grahamstown
- * Regiment de la Rey
- * Cape Town Highlanders, The Duke of Connaught and Strathearn's Own
Gothic Line
- Name: Gothic Line
- Description:
- * Witwatersrand Rifles Regiment
- * Special Service Battalion
- * Royal Natal Carbineers
- * Royal Durban Light Infantry
- * Prince Alfred's Own Volunteer Guards
- * Pretoria Regiment
- * Natal Mounted Rifles
- * Kimberley Volunteer Regiment
- * Imperial Light Horse
- * Imperial Light Horse
- * First City Volunteers of Grahamstown
- * Regiment de la Rey
- * Cape Town Highlanders, The Duke of Connaught and Strathearn's Own
Monte Stanco
- Name: Monte Stanco
- Description:
- * Witwatersrand Rifles Regiment
- * Royal Natal Carbineers
- * Royal Durban Light Infantry
- * First City Volunteers of Grahamstown
- * Regiment de la Rey
- * Cape Town Highlanders, The Duke of Connaught and Strathearn's Own
Monte Pezza
- Name: Monte Pezza
- Description:
- * Royal Natal Carbineers
- * Royal Durban Light Infantry
- * First City Volunteers of Grahamstown
- * Cape Town Highlanders, The Duke of Connaught and Strathearn's Own
Sole/Caprara
- Name: Sole/Caprara
- Description:
- * Witwatersrand Rifles Regiment
- * Royal Durban Light Infantry
- * First City Volunteers of Grahamstown
- * Regiment de la Rey
- * Cape Town Highlanders, The Duke of Connaught and Strathearn's Own
Po Valley
- Name: Po Valley
- Description:
- * Witwatersrand Rifles Regiment
- * Special Service Battalion
- * Royal Natal Carbineers
- * Royal Durban Light Infantry
- * Prince Alfred's Own Volunteer Guards
- * Pretoria Regiment
- * Natal Mounted Rifles
- * Kimberley Volunteer Regiment
- * Imperial Light Horse
- * First City Volunteers of Grahamstown
- * Regiment de la Rey
- * Cape Town Highlanders, The Duke of Connaught and Strathearn's Own
Gaika Gcaleka 1877
- Name: Gaika Gcaleka 1877
- Description: Operations by British and Cape Colony forces against the Ngqika and Gcaleka nations on the colony's eastern frontier, from September 1877 to June 1878.
- * Prince Alfred's Own Volunteer Guards
- * Kimberley Volunteer Regiment
- * Kaffrarian Rifle Volunteers
- * First City Volunteers of Grahamstown
- * Cape Town Rifles
Transkei 1879
- Name: Transkei 1879
- *A Cape unit, which was stationed in the Transkei to release a British regiment for active service, has this, its own honour for this period
- ** Cape Town Rifles
Basutoland 1880–81
- Name: Basutoland 1880–81
- *A campaign, conducted against the Basotho in Basutoland from September 1880 to June 1881. The Cape transferred the Basutoland protectorate to Britain in 1884. Burgher force units which served in this campaign were granted separate honours in 1938
- ** Prince Alfred's Own Volunteer Guards
- ** Kimberley Volunteer Regiment
- ** First City Volunteers of Grahamstown
- ** Cape Town Rifles
Bechuanaland 1897
- Name: Bechuanaland 1897
- Description:
- * Prince Alfred's Own Volunteer Guards
- * Kaffrarian Rifle Volunteers
- * First City Volunteers of Grahamstown
- * Cape Town Rifles
East Africa 1940–41
- Name: East Africa 1940–41
- Description:
- * South African Irish Regiment
- * Royal Natal Carbineers
- * Regiment Vrystaat
- * Regiment Christiaan Beyers
- * Regiment President Steyn
- * Natal Mounted Rifles
- * Cape Town Rifles
El Wak
- Name: El Wak
- Description:
- * Transvaal Scottish Regiment
- * Royal Natal Carbineers
- * Cape Town Rifles
The Juba
- Name: The Juba
- Description:
- * Transvaal Scottish Regiment
- * Royal Natal Carbineers
- * Cape Town Rifles
Combolcia
- Name: Combolcia
- Description:
- * Transvaal Scottish Regiment
- * Royal Natal Carbineers
- * Cape Town Rifles
Amba Alagi
- Name: Amba Alagi
- Description:
- * Transvaal Scottish Regiment
- * Royal Natal Carbineers
- * Cape Town Rifles
Sidi Rezegh
- Name: Sidi Rezegh
- Description:
- * Transvaal Scottish Regiment
- * South African Irish Regiment
- * Royal Natal Carbineers
- * Regiment Vrystaat
- * Regiment Christiaan Beyers
- * Regiment President Steyn
- * Cape Town Rifles
South Africa 1879
- Name: South Africa 1879
- Description: British and Natal forces invaded Zululand in January 1879 and conquered it after a hard 6-month campaign. The Natal government authorised a battle honour in 1909.
- * Umvoti Mounted Rifles
- * Royal Natal Carbineers
- * Royal Durban Light Infantry
- * Natal Mounted Rifles
- * Border Mounted Rifles
Relief of Ladysmith
- Name: Relief of Ladysmith
- Description: From October 1899 until May 1902, British, Cape and Natal forces fought the neighbouring Boer republics, which eventually capitulated. Battle honours were authorised by the British government
- * Umvoti Mounted Rifles
- * Royal Durban Light Infantry
- * Natal Royal Regiment
- * Imperial Light Horse
Natal 1906
- Name: Natal 1906
- Description: Natal operations against the Zulu and Zondi between February and August 1906. The Natal government authorised a battle honour in 1908
- * Zululand Mounted Rifles
- * Umvoti Mounted Rifles
- * Royal Natal Carbineers
- * Royal Durban Light Infantry
- * Northern Districts Mounted Rifles
- * Natal Royal Regiment
- * Natal Mounted Rifles
- * Imperial Light Horse
- * Border Mounted Rifles
Bardia
- Name: Bardia
- Description:
- * S.A. Police
- * Royal Durban Light Infantry
- * Regiment Groot Karoo
- * Rand Light Infantry
- * Kaffrarian Rifle Volunteers
- * Imperial Light Horse
Point 204
- Name: Point 204
- Description:
- * S.A. Police
- * Royal Natal Carbineers
Madagascar 1942
- Name: Madagascar 1942
- Description:
- * First City Volunteers of Grahamstown
Griqualand West 1878
- Name: Griqualand West 1878
- Description: A campaign by Cape Colony forces against the Koranna on the colony's northern border in 1878.
- * Kimberley Volunteer Regiment
Transkei 1880–81
- Name: Transkei 1880–81
- Description: One of two concurrent campaigns by Cape Colony forces against African subjects who resisted a government police outlawing ownership of firearms. This was conducted against the Xhosa in the Transkei from October 1880 until April 1881.
- * Kimberley Volunteer Regiment
Defence of Kimberley
- Name: Defence of Kimberley
- Description: From October 1899 until May 1902, British, Cape and Natal forces fought the neighbouring Boer republics, which eventually capitulated. Battle honours were authorised by the British government
- * Kimberley Volunteer Regiment
Celleno
- Name: Celleno
- * Special Service Battalion
- * Prince Alfred's Own Volunteer Guards
- * Natal Mounted Rifles
- * Kimberley Volunteer Regiment
- * Imperial Light Horse
Monte Porro del Bagno
- Name: Monte Porro del Bagno
- * Kimberley Volunteer Regiment
- * Imperial Light Horse
Monte Vigese
- Name: Monte Vigese
- * Royal Natal Carbineers
- * Kimberley Volunteer Regiment
- * Imperial Light Horse
Monte Salvaro
- Name: Monte Salvaro
- * Witwatersrand Rifles Regiment
- * Kimberley Volunteer Regiment
- * Imperial Light Horse
- * Regiment de la Rey
Defence of Ladysmith
- Name: Defence of Ladysmith
- Description: From October 1899 until May 1902, British, Cape and Natal forces fought the neighbouring Boer republics, which eventually capitulated. Battle honours were authorised by the British government
- * Royal Natal Carbineers
- * Natal Mounted Rifles
- * Imperial Light Horse
- * Border Mounted Rifles
Gibeon
- Name: Gibeon
- * Umvoti Mounted Rifles
- * Royal Natal Carbineers
- * Natal Mounted Rifles
- * Natal Mounted Rifles
- * Imperial Light Horse
MerSouth Africa Belafarit
- Name: MerSouth Africa Belafarit
- * Imperial Light Horse
Dadaba
- Name: Dadaba
- * Natal Mounted Rifles
Best Post
- Name: Best Post
The Tiber
- Name: The Tiber
- * Natal Mounted Rifles
Madagascar
- Name: Madagascar
- * Pretoria Regiment
- * Pretoria Highlanders
Bagno Regio
- Name: Bagno Regio
- * Pretoria Regiment
Sarteano
- Name: Sarteano
- * Pretoria Regiment
La Foce
- Name: La Foce
- * Pretoria Regiment
Catarelto Ridge
- Name: Catarelto Ridge
- * Pretoria Regiment
Transkei 1877–78
- Name: Transkei 1877–78
- Description: Operations by British and Cape Colony forces against the Ngqika and Gcaleka nations on the colony's eastern frontier, from September 1877 to June 1878.
- * Prince Alfred's Own Volunteer Guards
Umzintzani
- Name: Umzintzani
- Description: Operations by British and Cape Colony forces against the Ngqika and Gcaleka nations on the colony's eastern frontier, from September 1877 to June 1878.
- * Prince Alfred's Own Volunteer Guards
Allerona
- Name:Allerona
- * Witwatersrand Rifles Regiment
- * Regiment de la Rey
Monte Querciabella
- Name: Monte Querciabella
- * Witwatersrand Rifles Regiment
- * Regiment de la Rey
Monte Fili
- Name:Monte Fili
- * Witwatersrand Rifles Regiment
- * Regiment de la Rey
Campo Santo Bridge
- Name: Campo Santo Bridge
- * Witwatersrand Rifles Regiment
- * Regiment de la Rey
Kilimanjaro
- Name: Kilimanjaro
- * South African Infantry Regiment, 9th
- * South African Infantry Regiment, 8th
- * South African Infantry Regiment, 7th
- * South African Infantry Regiment, 6th
- * South African Infantry Regiment, 5th
- * South African Infantry Regiment, 11th
- * South African Infantry Regiment, 10th
- * South African Cape Corps Service Battalion
- * SA Horse, 3rd
- * SA Field Ambulance, 5th
- * SA Field Ambulance, 4th
- * SA Field Ambulance, 3rd
- * SA Field Ambulance, 2nd
- * SA Field Ambulance, 1st
- * Cape Corps
Behobeho
- Name: Behobeho
- * South African Infantry Regiment, 7th
- * South African Infantry Regiment, 6th
- * South African Cape Corps Service Battalion
- * Cape Corps
Nyangao
- Name: Nyangao
- * South African Infantry Regiment, 8th
- * South African Infantry Regiment, 7th
- * South African Cape Corps Service Battalion
- * SA Horse, 10th
- * Cape Corps
East Africa 1916–17
- Name: East Africa 1916–17
- * Cape Corps
East Africa 1917–18
- Name: East Africa 1917–18
- * Cape Corps
East Africa 1916–18
- Name: East Africa 1916–18
- * Transvaal Scottish Regiment
- * South African Infantry Regiment, 9th
- * South African Infantry Regiment, 8th
- * South African Infantry Regiment, 7th
- * South African Infantry Regiment, 6th
- * South African Infantry Regiment, 5th
- * South African Infantry Regiment, 11th
- * South African Infantry Regiment, 10th
- * South African Cape Corps Service Battalion
- * SA Horse, 9th
- * SA Horse, 8th
- * SA Horse, 4th
- * SA Horse, 3rd
- * SA Horse, 10th
- * SA Field Ambulance, 5th
- * SA Field Ambulance, 4th
- * SA Field Ambulance, 3rd
- * SA Field Ambulance, 2nd
- * SA Field Ambulance, 1st
- * S.A. Rifles
- * Cape Corps
Megiddo
- Name: Megiddo
- * South African Cape Corps Service Battalion
- * Cape Corps
Nablus
- Name: Nablus
- * South African Cape Corps Service Battalion
- * Cape Corps
Palestine 1918
- Name: Palestine 1918
- * South African Cape Corps Service Battalion
- * SA Field Ambulance, 5th
- * SA Field Ambulance, 4th
- * SA Field Ambulance, 3rd
- * SA Field Ambulance, 2nd
- * SA Field Ambulance, 1st
- * Cape Corps
Mega
- Name: Mega
- * Transvaal Scottish Regiment
- * South African Irish Regiment
Yonte
- Name: Yonte
- * Transvaal Scottish Regiment
Diredawa
- Name: Diredawa
- * Transvaal Scottish Regiment
Sollum
- Name: Sollum
- * Transvaal Scottish Regiment
- * S.A. Police
Alem Hamza
- Name: Alem Hamza
- * Cape Town Rifles
Acroma Keep
- Name: Acroma Keep
- * Transvaal Scottish Regiment
Egypt 1916
- Name: Egypt 1916
- * South African Field Ambulance, 1st
Somme 1916
- Name: Somme 1916
- * South African Field Ambulance, 1st
Delville Wood
- Name: Delville Wood
- * South African Field Ambulance, 1st
Arras
- Name: Arras
- * South African Field Ambulance, 1st
Scarpe 1917
- Name: Scarpe 1917
- * South African Field Ambulance, 1st
Ypres 1917
- Name: Ypres 1917
- * South African Field Ambulance, 1st
Menin Road
- Name: Menin Road
- * South African Field Ambulance, 1st
Selle
- Name: Selle
- * South African Field Ambulance, 1st
Sambre
- Name: Sambre
- * South African Field Ambulance, 1st
France and Flanders 1916–18
- Name: France and Flanders 1916–18
- * South African Field Ambulance, 1st
El Mughar
- Name: El Mughar
- * SA Field Ambulance, 4th
- * SA Field Ambulance, 2nd
- * SA Field Ambulance, 1st
Nebi Samwil
- Name: Nebi Samwil
- * SA Field Ambulance, 4th
- * SA Field Ambulance, 2nd
- * SA Field Ambulance, 1st
Tel Asur
- Name: Tel Asur
- * SA Field Ambulance, 5th
- * SA Field Ambulance, 4th
- * SA Field Ambulance, 3rd
- * SA Field Ambulance, 2nd
- * SA Field Ambulance, 1st
Sharon
- Name: Sharon
- * SA Field Ambulance, 5th
- * SA Field Ambulance, 4th
- * SA Field Ambulance, 3rd
- * SA Field Ambulance, 2nd
- * SA Field Ambulance, 1st
Narungombe
- Narungombe
- * South African Infantry Regiment, 8th
- * South African Infantry Regiment, 7th
German East Africa 1916–18
- Name: German East Africa 1916–18
- * S.A. Police
Halfaya
- Name: Halfaya
- * S.A. Police
Commonwealth Keep
- Name: Commonwealth Keep
- * S.A. Police
Tobruk
- Name: Tobruk
- * S.A. Police
Kunene
- Name: Kunene
- * Special Service Battalion
South West Africa/Angola 1975–1976
- Name: South West Africa/Angola 1975–1976
- * Special Service Battalion
- * Kaffrarian Rifle Volunteers
South West Africa/Angola 1976–1989
- Name: South West Africa/Angola 1976–1989
- * Special Service Battalion
- * Kaffrarian Rifle Volunteers
- * 61 Mechanised Infantry Battalion Group
Rhodesia 1967–75
- Name: Rhodesia 1967–75
- * S.A. Police
Gaza
- Name: Gaza
- * SA Field Ambulance, 4th
- * SA Field Ambulance, 2nd
- * SA Field Ambulance, 1st
Alem el Halfa
- Name: Alem el Halfa
- * Cape Town Highlanders, The Duke of Connaught and Strathearn's Own
Paliano
- Name: Paliano
- * Cape Town Highlanders, The Duke of Connaught and Strathearn's Own
Rome
- Name: Rome
The Tiber
- Name: The Tiber
South West Africa/Zambia 1979
- Name: South West Africa/Zambia 1979
- * Kaffrarian Rifle Volunteers
Cuito Cuanaval
- Name: Cuito Cuanaval
- * 61 Mechanised Infantry Battalion Group
Mulemba/Mulola
- Name: Mulemba/Mulola
- * 61 Mechanised Infantry Battalion Group
Xangongo/Ongiva
- Name: Xangongo/Ongiva
- * 61 Mechanised Infantry Battalion Group
Mavinga II
- Name: Mavinga II
- * 61 Mechanised Infantry Battalion Group
Mavinga III
- Name: Mavinga III
- * 61 Mechanised Infantry Battalion Group
Calueque
- Name: Calueque
- * 61 Mechanised Infantry Battalion Group
- * 8 South African Infantry Battalion
Bangui
- Name: Bangui
- Description: On 20 February 2014 three units were awarded battle honours to be displayed on the unit colours for their participation in the Battle of Bangui in the Central African Republic during March 2013.
- * 1 Parachute Battalion
- * 5 Special Forces Regiment
- * 7 Medical Battalion
Other
El Yibo
- Natal Mounted Rifles
Springbok Road
- Name: Springbok Road
- * Natal Mounted Rifles
Bir Temrad
- Natal Mounted Rifles