Mervyn Mitton Posted July 8, 2009 Share Posted July 8, 2009 (edited) Sporran for the band of the Witwatersrand Rifles - usually known as the Wits. Rifles.They were raised in 1903 on the West Rand - outside of Johhanesburg - and were entirely recruited from miners. There were 8 companies numbering 1200 men. The Boer War had finished in 1902 and many British units had returned home - Wits Rifles were to fill the gap. The centre of their badge shows their origins, since it show mine winding head-gear. They were allied with the Scottish Rifles - hence the Scottish influence.During WW1 they served in the ccampaign in German South West Africa. In WW2 , there were two Battalions and both saw much service - they were joined with other units and became part of 12 S.A. Motorised Infantry Brigade, which was active in the Appenine Mountains of Italy in 1945.Their motto is : Pro Deo Rege Patria - For God King and Country.They are still a serving Territorial unit and were recently serving with the UN in Zaire (old Belgian Congo)17.5 inches overall (44cm) Edited July 8, 2009 by Mervyn Mitton Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mervyn Mitton Posted July 8, 2009 Author Share Posted July 8, 2009 I think this top part of a sporran is called the cantle ? You will see they shortened the motto after 1964 to leave off KING. Because S.A. opted out of the Commonwealth at that time a lot of our regiments had to take off their affiliation with the Crown. Not at all popular. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mervyn Mitton Posted July 8, 2009 Author Share Posted July 8, 2009 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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