Regiment University of Pretoria

Regiment University of Pretoria was an artillery regiment of the South African Artillery. As a reserve unit, it had a status roughly equivalent to that of a British Army Reserve or United States Army National Guard unit. It was part of the South African Army Artillery Corps.

In the 1950s in South Africa, military units were attached to each large university. The University of Pretoria acquired an artillery capability. The concept was for long term students to complete their obligatory military training in these units. Training would also be organised so as not to unduly interfere with university work.

On 1 May 1950 an observation and sound measurement battery affiliated to the existing 1 Observation Battery was established at the University of Pretoria under a Captain L.J. Le Roux.

By 1957 this battery was renamed P Battery. When 1 Observation Battery was divided on 1 January 1960, the elements at the university was renamed the Regiment University of Pretoria (SAA).

On 1 February 1974, the Regiment was renamed 17 Field Artillery Regiment and ended its close association with the university.

The insignia in the middle depicts that of University of Pretoria Military Unit. UPMU formed circa 1981 and disbanded in circa 1990.

• Further reading: Wilsworth, Clive. First In, Last Out: The South African Artillery in Action: 1975–1988. 30 Degrees South. ISBN 978-1-920143-40-4.

• Defenceweb fact file
• Gunner's Association