RARE S.A. TANK CORPS BADGE

[Mervyn Mitton]

Looking through some badges the other day, I came across this unusual brass beret badge for the South African Tank Corps. I checked up on it and was surprised to find this unit was only formed in 1940 - and even more unusual was that this badge was the first issue and dates only between May 1940 and September 1941.

The Tank Corps was formed from a number of armoured car recon. units - but, surely - this late date for formation means that South Africa was one of the last of the Allies to have tanks ? The short life of the brass badge can be explained by the shortage of brass.

The reason for the Tank Corps must be linked with Sth. Africa's support for Britain in North Africa. Our expeditionary Force drove right from Capetown - across Africa, via Kenya and the 30,000 men fought 250,000 Italians - who retreated. However, it must be understood that few Italian troops really supported the fascists.

I hope some members with more knowledge on tank units will be able to contribute - for example - what tanks did they first have ?

[Tony]

Hello Mervyn,

I know nothing about the SATC but wonder if they worked together with British tank crews until their own corps formed 24 years later in 1940.

Tony

[Arthur R]

The SATC was formed in 1940. An interesting thing about the it is that, despite its name, it operated armoured cars (mostly Marmon-Herringtons), not tanks. SATC companies and battalions fought in Italian East Africa and in North Africa.

The corps was disbanded in 1943, to be replaced by the SA Armoured Corps, which was formed by converting several infantry regiments to armour and equipping them with tanks (mainly Shermans IIRC).

There were several versions of the SATC badge. There was one which had a springbok head in a circle at the top of the wreath, and I think there was also a version which had the motto 'Ons Is' on the scroll.

[leigh kitchen]

I've got the version with springbok at the top..........