82 Mechanised Brigade (South Africa)

82 Mechanised Brigade was a Formation of 8th South African Armoured Division, a combined arms force consisting of infantry, armour and artillery.
History.
Establishment.
82 Mech was established on 1 August 1974 as part of 8th South African Armoured Division, an armoured formation.
By 1977, the Brigade comprised:
Divisional Transfer.
In 1985, 82 Mechanised Brigade was transferred to 7 Division.
South West Africa and Angola.
Operations.
As part of 7 Division, 82 Mech was primarily involved in:
During Operation Packer which succeeded Operation Hooper in March 1988, 82 Mechanised Brigade protected the eastern bank of the Cuito River. During this operation the FAPLA forces suffered losses and the situation on the eastern bank stabilised to such an extent that Operation Displace could start. During this phase the South African forces withdrew from Angola.
Disbandment.
8th South African Armoured Division’s Brigades were disbanded in 1992 and the battalions and regiments came to answer directly to the divisional headquarters - the thinking was that these would be grouped into task forces as required.
Further developments.
82 Mech Brigade can be considered the Citizens Force version of 61 Mech, encompassing similar battlegroup or Task Force principles.