Umvoti Mounted Rifles march through Pinetown

SOLDIERS from the Umvoti Mounted Rifles marched through Pinetown’s Kings Road on Saturday 17 May during the Freedom of Entry into the City parade, which marked its 150 years of existence.

Councillor Sibongiseni Mkhize, speaking on behalf of the city mayor, congratulated the regiment for their commitment and dedication in serving the country. The regiment has proudly served in various campaigns during the years, in so doing living up to its motto Toujours Pret – Always Ready.

Since 1910, the UMR, has served under the command of the Officer Commanding, Natal Command, as firstly a mounted regiment on horseback and then, from 1935 as a motorised infantry unit. During World War II, the regiment served as an infantry unit. In 1954 it was converted to a tank regiment and subsequently in 1962 the UMR became an armoured car regiment. At the parade on Saturday, the regiment continued to build on its long and illustrious history, with a parade which consisted of a marching column, an equestrian troop and a motorised column.

Mkhize read from a scroll bestowing the Freedom of the City on the regiment and saluted them as they exercised its Freedom of Entry into Pinetown.

Lt Col Titlestad, unit commanding officer of Umvoti Mounted Rifles said he was honoured and privileged to receive the Freedom of Entry into eThekwini. “The UMR has been in the Durban regiment since 1982, we have always felt part of the citizens and feel honoured to have this acknowledgement bestowed upon us,” said Titlestad.

The community gathered on Kings Road to witness this auspicious occasion, with children happy to see the military vehicles for the first time.

You can view a gallery of the parade here.