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HISTORY Origins The Transvaal Horse Artillery was formed on 17 March 1904 as ''Lys' Volunteer Corps'' (after its first commanding officer, Major Godfrey Lys) and was a regiment dependent on horse transport from the start. The regiment's name was changed six months later to the ''Transvaal Horse Artillery Volunteers'', which it retained until 1911 , when the present name was adopted. World War I The regiment was part of the Northern Force sent to invade (the then) German South West Africa at the outbreak World War I . It first saw action in September 1914 at Sandfontein and later distinguished itself at Riet and Namutoni . Volunteers from the Transvaal Horse Artillery also later fought as part of the South African Heavy Artillery in Palestine , Egypt and Europe . Inter-War In the inter-war period the regiment grew from a single battery to a three battery Brigade ; it was also mechanised by the introduction of Truck s. During the 1922 strike the THA took part in the Battle of Brixton Bridge and in the clearing of Fordsburg . World War II During World War II , the THA first saw action against the Italians in Abyssinia . The regiment's most memorable action during the war was during the battle of Sidi Rezegh in the Western Desert on 23 November 1941 . As a part of 5 South African Infantry Brigade Group, the THA suffered considerable losses during heavy action which saw it firing over open sights at the Panzer s of the Afrika Korps . After the collapse of Tobruk in June 1942 , the regiment lost its headquarters unit as well as its 8th and 9th batteries, except for one troop of 8th Battery. This troop, together with the Coldstream Guards , were the only units to drive out in formation. The remaining (7th) battery of the regiment was first attached to 7 Field Regiment and took part in the fighting at El Alamein in October 1942. It subsequently joined 4/22nd Field Regiment, South African Artillery and saw action throughout the Italian Campaign . Post-War During the post-war period, the regiment was often mobilised to take part in South Africa's Border War , including:
The Transvaal Horse Artillery is currently ( 2006 ) located in Johannesburg. The main ordnance of the regiment is the world-class G5 155mm Gun/Howitzer. The THA consists of four batteries: Regimental Headquarters Battery, 7 Battery, 8 Battery and 9 Battery. REGIMENTAL SYMBOLS
BATTLE HONOURS
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