DIE SUID-AFRIKAANSE MOTORFIETSKORPS

Abstract

With the conclusion of the German South West African campaign. the ImperialGovernment requested the participation of the Union Defence Forces in the German East African campaign. As a result of experience acquired during the former campaignas well as knowledge of the rugged East African terrain. the need for a highly mobileand independent unit was considered essential. This heralded the establishment ofthe South African Motor Cycle Corps.During the East African campaign this Corps served with General Van Deventer's2 Division as a support and reconnaissance unit. In 1917 the Corps was attached to theforces under General Northey. where it saw action both in infantry and reconnaissancecapacities.When peace negotiations got underway in 1918. the Germans had retreated to Abercorn,and the South African Motor Cycle Corps returned to the Union. On arrival theCorps was immediately disbanded. and. while having no battle honours conferred nevertheless had done excellent work and had become the first unit in South Africanmilitary history to be equipped with motor cycles.

Keywords

• German South West African campaign
• Union Defence Forces
• German East African campaign
• highly mobile and independent unit
• South African Motor Cycle Corps
• General Van Deventer's Division
• infantry and reconnaissance capacities