South African Marine Corps

South African Corps of Marines
Simonstown Naval Base entrances were protected by guns of the Marines coastal and AA artillery
Founded1951 (1951)
Disbanded1 October 1955 (1955-10-01)
Country South Africa
Branch South African Navy
RoleCoastal and anti-aircraft artillery
SizeDivision
1 Marine Brigade
1 Marine Bde crest
Active1979–1990
Disbanded1990
Country South Africa
Branch South African Navy
TypeAmphibious light infantry
RoleMarine infantry
SizeBrigade
Commanders
First OC 1 Mrn BdeCapt (SAN) R. (Dick) Shelver
Second and last OC 1 Marine BdeCapt (SAN) Michael St.J. Thomson
Insignia
1 Mrn Bde Marine Breast Badge

South Africa currently does not have a marine corps, though in the past it did. It was originally set up as a sub-branch of the South African Navy during the apartheid era, with the primary purpose of protecting the country's harbours (1951-1955). Then it was recreated in 1979 during the South African Border War as 1 Marine Brigade with the aim of serving as marine infantry (1979-1990). Today, the SAN Maritime Reaction Squadron is the closest analogue to a marine corps South Africa has.


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