Umvoti change of command parade successful

LT COL William Titlestad took a bow from his duties and handed the ropes to Major David Qyuinton on Saturday, 25 July at the Umvoti change of command parade.

William Patrick ‘Pat’ Titlestad was born in the Umvoti district on 11 November, 1951. He matriculated from Greytown High School in 1969 and went on to receive a diploma in Agriculture from the Cedra Agriculture College.

In 1970 he was called up to do Basic Military Training at School of Armour, Bloemfontein. After completing a junior leader’s course he accepted a temporary commission as 2nd Lt in December 1970 and was then transferred to 1 SSB.

In 2000, Lt Col Titlestad accepted the post of Officer Commanding Umvoti Mounted Rifles, following in the foot steps of his father, Cmdt AZ Titlestad, JCD who was Officer Commanding of the Regiment from 1965 to 1967. To date, very few regiments have had a father and son as Officer Commanding of the same regiment.

The new commander, David Quinton, was born on 22 January, 1966 in Pinelands, Western Cape. He is the second eldest of four children. In 1984, he matriculated from the Hottentots Holland High School, Somerset West.

In 1987 he began his basic military training at 8 SAI BN, based in Upington, and was chosen to attend the Junior Leader’s Course. He completed his second year of military service at 2 SACCBN as acting 2IC to Alpha Company. He stayed in the Western Cape and went on to study for his BCom at Stellenbosch University. He joined Stellenbosch Commando as Log Officer, and while there did his OSC course to Captain.

Having been in infantry and finding a new home in armour, he completed the relevant armour courses. He took the post of Adjutant of the Unit and then 2IC when the post became available. Maj Quinton has a love for the bush and is involved in conservation and enjoys hunting in his free time.

After the change of command and handing over, guests enjoyed dinner and live music by the marching band.