The Durban Light Infantry is a motorised infantry regiment of the South African Army. It lost its status as a Mechanised infantry regiment in 2010 in line with the rationalisation of resources. As a reserve unit, it has a status roughly equivalent to that of a British Army Reserve or United States Army National Guard unit.
History
The full history of the regiment is recounted in an exhaustive but vivid and readable two-volume history by Lt.Col A.C.Martin, M.C., V.D., B.A.(Cape), Hon Ph.D (Natal). The first volume (368 pages) cover the period 1854-1934, and the second (487 pages) the period 1935-1960. The volumes are illustrated with over 100 photographs and maps.Martin, Lieut Col A.C. MC VD BA (Cape) Hon.PhD (Natal) (1969). Durban Light Infantry: The History of the Durban Light Infantry Incorporating that of the Sixth South African Infantry, 1915 to 1917Martin, Lieut Col A.C. MC VD BA (Cape) Hon.PhD (Natal) (1969). Durban Light Infantry: The History of the Durban Light Infantry Incorporating that of the Sixth South African Infantry, 1935 to 1960
Origin The Regiment was formed as the D’Urban Volunteer Guard, in May 1854. In 1859 the unit became the Durban Rifle Guard. In 1873 the unit became known as the Royal Durban Rifles. In 1889 the unit became known as the Natal Royal Rifles (Left half Battalion). In 1895 it became the Durban Light Infantry.
With the Union Defence Force On the constitution of the Union Defence Force in 1912, the Unit became the Durban Light Infantry, renamed the 1st Infantry, (Durban Light Infantry). In consequence the Unit was permitted to add to its badge " in Africa", the motto retained by the unit today in recognition of its foundation.
Seniority In 1935, King George V conferred the title Royal on two Regiments being the Royal Durban Light Infantry and the Royal Natal Carbineers, as a recognition of their seniority and service.
In 1961 with the formation of the Republic, the title "Royal" was considered incompatible and the Regiment reverted to being the Durban Light Infantry.
Regimental Colours At the centre of the 'Regimental Colour' is the badge worn by the Regiment since 1961. It consists of the recognised Infantry Silver Bugle with tassels and a shield with two wildebeest and a crown. The wildebeest are symbolic of the Province, while the crown retained as a traditional device is reminiscent of the title "Royal" bestowed upon the Regiment by King George V in 1935.
The words " in Africa" are superimposed within a scroll.
The crest is composed of a lion passant guardant on three mounds – the centre mound being charged with a pyramid. The lion is symbolic of strength, courage and fortitude. The three mounds are symbolic of the battles fought in World War II – Monte Stanco, Monte Peza and Monte Sole/Caprara. The pyramid is symbolic of the 1941–1943 Egyptian Campaign.
The garland which surrounds the coloured badge comprises the Thistle of Scotland, the Tudor Rose of England and the Shamrock of Ireland – symbols taken from the old colour – and the other two flowers, the Protea, the National flower of South Africa, and the Strelitzia, the flower of Natal (now KwaZulu-Natal).
Previous Dress Insignia
Current Dress Insignia
Active Service Battle Honours
Service South Africa, Anglo-Zulu War 1879 South Africa, Anglo-Boer War 18991902 Relief of Ladysmith 1900 Natal, Bambatha Rebellion 1906 South West Africa 19141915 East Africa 19161918 Rand Miners' Revolt 1922 World War II Western Desert 19411943 (See 1st SA Infantry Division) Bardia Gazala Alamein Defence Alamein Box El Alamein Italy 19441945 Casino II Florence Gothic Line Monte Stanco Monte Pezza Sole/Caprara Po Valley South West Africa – Namibia 19761994, five tours. Internally in South Africa in support of the SAPS (SA. Police Service) in the following actions; 1949, 1960, 1961 1985, 1986, 1987, 1989, 1991, 1992 (mainly rural areas) 1994 Elections. 1996 Elections. 1999 Elections. 2006 Op in Burundi. Detached members to Standing Army control structures. 20072014. Internal operations.
Leadership
Regimental Headquarters The regimental headquarters of the DLI has been declared as a National Monument.
Peacekeeping deployments and training Members of the Regiment have been deployed in Africa, including Burundi and DRC; in support of the United Nations and African Union mandates. The battalion as a whole has not been deployed as a unit for many years, and most of the more recent deployments have been ad hoc with individual members slotting into other unit's ranks.
All members of the Regiment are volunteers, and often have civilian employment. They often endure hardship balancing their military service and civilian employment commitments, especially when they are required to attend lengthy training and courses.
Regimental history was published in 1969. It is out of print.
An illustrated history of the 150 years of the Regiment has been prepared by Prof. Brian Kearney, Mr Dave Matthews and Lieut Col "Bill" Olivier (Retd.). The book is being sold by the Headquarters Board.
Affiliations The Rifle Brigade 1920 The Royal Green Jackets (RGJ) 1966
Notes
References
External links Record of the Durban Light Infantry