7 Light Anti-Aircraft Regiment was a Citizen Force regiment of the South African Army.
History Origin
7 Light Anti-Aircraft Regiment was established on 1 April 1969, but was not actually formed until August 1971.Crook, Lionel (2019). Alta Pete – Air Defence Artillery : South Africa 1939 - 2016. Its initial manpower was made up of surplus members from the University of Cape Town Regiment.
The regiment was deployed in several operations, including Operations 'Askari' (1984), 'Donderslag', 'Lightning', 'Packer', 'Prone' and 'Agro' In 1988, during Operation Packer, 72 Battery supplied air cover at the Chambinga Gorge near Cuito Cuanavale in Angola.
The regiment was one of many Citizen Force units that was disbanded when the army was scaled down in 1997.
Command Affiliation Initially the regiment was assigned to 7 South African Infantry Division, but with the raising of 9 Division, it was transferred to the new organisation.
Regimental Symbols
Dress Insignia
Officers Commanding Cmdt Arthur Henry Morris 1971 - 1978 Cmdt Charles Withington 1978 - 1986 Cmdt J. Selfe 1986 - 1987 Cmdt J.W. Gafney 1987 - 1993 Lt Col A.J. Stofberg 1993–1997
Honorary Colonels Cmdt D.C. Robertson 1978 - 1981 Maj Gen Ian S. Guilford 1982 - 1988 W. Pretorius 1995 - 1997
Freedom of the City The regiment received the freedom of Goodwood on 31 March 1990.
References