Witwatersrand Rifles Regiment honours the fallen
Commemorating the lives of brave soldiers who died in battle.
The Witwatersrand Rifles Regiment holds its annual Wits Week Parade at the regiment’s headquarters, Fort Bear, in Germiston, each year, on the Saturday closest to April 15.
The parade, along with a wreath-laying service, is to commemorate the many lives lost when the Witwatersrand Rifles joined the de la Rey (WR/DLR) Regiment and participated in the Battle of Caprara, in Italy, in 1945.
This year, the commemoration was held on April 13.
Veterans, civilians and members of the SAPS such as Brig Nkhensani Lemba, station commander of the Germiston Police Station, were transported back in time, to that fateful day by Honorary Lt Col Dr John Job who gave the keynote address.
His address honoured the lives of those who died in the war and those who died from other causes while part of the regiment.
“We are here to remember those who fought so bravely, and in fact, turned the tide against the enemy in Italy,” said Job.
“In as much as we will honour the fallen by reading the roll of honour and the laying of wreaths, we have to remember that our Wits Week functions are also a celebration.
“The celebration of achievements.
“The celebration of longevity.
“The celebration of this fine regiment which is 116 years old on May 1.
“And the celebration of all those who have served.”
He also thanked current members of the regiment who still honoured the regiment by partaking in the parade and Wits Week, as well as those in attendance at the auspicious ceremony.
Maj Terry O’Halloran read the dedication of the roll of honours, which was followed by the wreath-laying service.
Job and O’Halloran were joined by RSM Mike Mothloi, as well as Maj Allan Bouldrin in the laying of wreaths.
The Witwatersrand Regiment Association Pipe Band played soothing melodies on the day, while the platoon paraded, in remembrance of the fallen.
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