The Buffalo Volunteer Rifles Activities 2008

Article by: Major A.J. Step, The Buffalo Volunteer Rifles, Museum Curator/Heraldry

The year was very eventful for The Buffalo Volunteer Rifles, Regimental Head Quarters situated in East London. The Regiment took over additional facilities at Woodbrook Base which had been vacated with the disbandment of Commando units which had used these facilities. With the rapid expansion of the Army Conventional Reserve, it has become imperative that additional facilities be required. Fortunately, the Regiment was able to move its logistical, transport and training facilities to this historic base. Woodbrook Base was used as a training base during World War II under the Empire Training Scheme as 41 Air School, where many Royal Air Force and South African Air Force members were trained in navigation and air gunnery. On closure of their units many commando members were absorbed into the regiment and had to undergo conversion training as their previous role had been of a counter-insurgency and support nature to the police. Conversion training ensured that these troops could be utilised in a conventional warfare role. Once the conversion training had been completed, suitably qualified members then entered into the pre-deployment training phase with a view to imminent deployment in a peacekeeping role in unstable States in Africa.

The Buffalo Volunteer Rifles on Parade

The highlights for the year took place at the end of September 2008 when the Regiment celebrated its 132nd Birthday. During the birthday weekend, the Regiment held its annual Regimental dinner, a fun run and on the Sunday a medal parade was held. Brigadier General K.E. Nel SM, SD, MMM, Chief of Staff SA Army Infantry Formation, presented medals to members. The Second-in-Command, Major Errol Frohbus, JCD, was awarded the Good Service Medal with the 40 Year bar in gold for his services of more than 40 years.

From Left to Right: Brigadier K.E. Nel (Chief of Staff SA Army Infantry Formation) congratulates Major E.K. Frohbus after presenting him with the Good Service Medal with Bar for 40 Year Service

After the medal parade a memorial and wreath laying service was held to commemorate all the members who had made the supreme sacrifice during all campaigns and wars involving the regiment.

Wreath-laying, Lieutenant Colonel M. Cock, Officer Commanding the Buffalo Volunteer Rifles

On the same day regrettably the regiment bade farewell to its Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel Tony Clegg, JCD, who had commanded the Regiment since 1999 when it changed its title from The Kaffrarian Rifles to its present title. He had to relinquish command near the end of his second term of office, due to taking up a post as Headmaster of the Stutterheim High School. During his term as officer commanding he played a leading role in the transformation of the regiment, developing and expanding the regimental museum.

From Left to Right: The outgoing officer commanding, Lieutenant Colonel A.C.M. Clegg hands over the sword of command to incoming officer commanding, Lieutenant Colonel M.J. Cock

He has been succeeded by Lieutenant Colonel Malcolm Cock, JCD, who was the Second-in-Command and has been a long serving member of the Regiment since 1970 when he joined as a Corporal. He recently completed his Battalion Commanders course at the SA Army Infantry School.

Officer Commanding, The Buffalo Volunteer Rifles, Lieutenant Colonel Malcolm Cock

He was involved in external operations in Angola and Ovamboland in 1976 to 1979 and it was during that time that he became a Junior Officer. It can be seen by all that the Regiment is in good hands, with a well qualified as well as an experienced leader who will guide and lead the Regiment for the next few years. He has been awarded numerous medals and decorations which are indicative of his devotion to duty over many years. Among them for operational deployments, the Pro Patria Medal with Cunene Clasp, Southern Africa Medal and the General Service Medal. He is also the holder of The John Chard Medal and Decoration with Clasp for long service. He was awarded the Unitas Medal which was instituted and awarded to all members of the newly reformed Defence Force when all statutory and non statuary forces were integrated during the first democratic elections in 1994.

The officer commanding, Lieutenant Colonel M.J. Cock takes the salute

Inspection Party, the outgoing officer commanding, Lieutenant Colonel A.C.M. Clegg inspects members on parade

On the re-formation of the unit in 1883 as the Kaffrarian Rifles, it was decided to adopt the full-dress uniform of the King Royal Rifle Corps. All the characteristics such as the Maltese Cross and the black buttons with the bugle horn, insignia of all rifle regiments at that time were adopted and are still worn today. Over the years regimental devices have changed but even today the badges are still black, mounted on red felt. The Commanding Officer wears the silver bugle mounted on a red seven corded boss on his beret with pride . The museum is at present preparing two display cases to display memorabilia of The Rifles and its predecessors as well as affiliated units.

Colour Party, Colour Ensign, RSM Claude Hundermark and Colour Sergeants