Active 1926 - present Type Military engineering | Country South Africa Size Regiment | |
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Allegiance Republic of South Africa
Republic of South Africa Branch South African Army
South African Army | ||
3 Field Engineer Regiment is a regiment of the South African Army Engineer Formation. The unit is based in Cape Town, Western Cape. The role of the Engineers is to maintain mobility and serviceability of own forces and counter mobility of enemy forces. Tasks include bridging, water purification, obstacles, demolition, infrastructure repair and development. As a reserve unit, it has a status roughly equivalent to that of a British Army Reserve or United States Army National Guard unit.
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History
3 Field Engineer Regiment was formed in 1926 as three engineer companies.
World War II
In 1940, 3 Field was mobilized for World War 2 and saw service in North Africa, where it participated in the desert campaign and the Battle of El Alamein.
By 1946 the unit was designated as 3 Field Squadron and along with 1 Field Squadron from Durban, 2 Field Squadron from Port Elizabeth and 8 Field Park Squadron from Cape Town, formed 2 Field Engineer Regiment.
Border War
By 1975, 3 Field was mobilised for service in South West Africa for Operation Savanah, and was in service until withdrawal in 1988.
Post 1994
Since 1994 the regiment maintained a small footprint due to financial restrictions. 3 Field still participates in Exercise Bailey each year.
3 Field celebrated its 80th anniversary in 2006.