Umkhonto Field Engineer Regiment
The Umkhonto Field Engineer Regiment (formerly 19 Field Engineer Regiment) is a regiment of the South African Army Engineer Formation. The unit is based in Durban with the HQ being at Old Fort Military Base, Lord's Grounds . As a reserve unit, it has a status roughly equivalent to that of a British Army Reserve or United States Army National Guard unit. The role of the Engineers is to maintain mobility and serviceability of own forces and counter mobility of enemy forces. Tasks include bridging, water purification, obstacles, demolition, infrastructure repair and development. History Origin 19 Field Engineer Regiment was established as a Squadron in 1970 directly under Natal Command and was the first Engineer Squadron to be formed in Durban since the Second World War. Border War The squadron and later the Regiment was called up for a number of border duty camps during the 1970s and 1980s. Post 1994 During the 1994 election, the unit was called up and deployed in the Eshowe area under command of the Durban Light Infantry. In 1995 and 1996 the unit participated in training camps in Lohatla. With the formation of the 'type' formations, including the South African Army Engineer Formation (SAAEF),