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.[1]
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.[2][3]
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 "Primusin 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.[4]
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 "Primusin 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
Battle Honours
Awarded to Durban Light Infantry
Service
South Africa, Anglo-Zulu War 1879
South Africa, Anglo-Boer War 1899–1902
Relief of Ladysmith 1900
Natal, Bambatha Rebellion 1906
South West Africa 1914–1915
East Africa 1916–1918
Rand Miners' Revolt 1922
World War II
Western Desert 1941–1943 (See 1st SA Infantry Division)
Bardia
Gazala
Alamein Defence
Alamein Box
El Alamein
Italy 1944–1945
Casino II
Florence
Gothic Line
Monte Stanco
Monte Pezza
Sole/Caprara
Po Valley
South West Africa – Namibia 1976–1994, five tours.
Internally in South Africa in support of the SAPS (SA. Police Service) in the following actions;
The regimental headquarters of the DLI has been declared as a National Monument.[6]
East Wing of the Drill Hall
Durban Light Infantry (DLI) HQ entrance detail of logo, Durban
RDLI Bowling Club Entrance
DLI Logo Window - Sgts Mess
DLI Consecrated Flag
DLI Clock Tower
DLI Clock Tower Plaque
Peacekeeping deployments and training
The Regiment is being deployed in Africa, Burundi, DRC; in support of the United Nations and African Union mandate
All members of the Regiment are volunteers, with employment in the civilian roles, they fulfil their responsibilities and duties on top of their duties and responsibilities to their Families and Employers. An enormous commitment to the safety and security of the Republic of South Africa.
Training is mandatory with the current requirements of Equality and Equity in line with the SANDF Policy. The duration of training places an enormous pressure on members to get Employers to relieve them to attend the courses and training exercises.
Regimental history
Martin, Lieut Col A.C. MCVD 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 1917. DLI Headquarter Board.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link) was published in 1969.[1][4] 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 SM MMM JCD (Retd.). The book is being sold by the Headquarters Board.
^ abMartin, Lt Col A. C. (1969). The History of the Durban Light Infantry incorporating that of The Sixth South African Infantry 1915–1918. Vol. I: 1854–1934. Durban: The Headquarter Board (Durban Light Infantry).
^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 1917
^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, 1935 to 1960
^ abMartin, Lt Col A. C. (1969). The History of the Durban Light Infantry incorporating that of The Sixth South African Infantry 1915–1917. Vol. II: 1935–1960. Durban: The Headquarter Board of the Durban Light Infantry.
^Gibson, Erika (1 October 2012). "CO of Durban Light Infantry in medals scandal". The Witness. Archived from the original on 26 October 2014. Retrieved 26 October 2014. THE commanding officer-designate of Durban Light Infantry (DLI) is being prosecuted for allegedly wearing the medals of a deceased chaplain of the unit during a parade. Lieutenant-Colonel Sibusiso Amos Mbuyazi (42) apparently wore the padre's Southern Cross medal, awarded for 30 years' service, and the Pro Patria decoration, among others, on August 22, when he was awarded his lieutenant-colonel's rank during a parade in Pretoria.
^"SAHRA – Durban Light Infantry Head Quarters 5 DLI Avenue Durban". SAHRA. South African Heritage Resources Agency. Archived from the original on 19 December 2014. Retrieved 19 December 2014.