After its return from this conflict the unit recognised the possibilities of mechanisation and members of the regiment manufactured three armoured cars, creating a motorised fighting unit.[3] This led to the renaming of the unit in 1909 to the Transvaal Cycle and Motor Corps.[2]
On 1 July 1913 the regiment was renamed the 11th Infantry (Rand Light Infantry) and transferred to the Active Citizen Force of the Union Defence Force.[3] Simultaneously, the unit was converted to a normal infantry regiment. The regiment's Pretoria detachment was transferred to the 12th Infantry (Pretoria Regiment).[2]
World War One
During World War I the regiment took part in the South-West Africa, suffering light casualties – only two dead and eleven wounded.[2]
In 1932 the regiment was renamed the Rand Light Infantry.[2][3]
The RLI exercised its freedom of entry into Johannesburg on 9 November 2013 as part of the centenary celebrations of the City of Johannesburg with
fixed bayonets, colours flying and drums beating.
Regimental Symbols
Regimental motto: Vincit qui patitur (He conquers who endures)[3]
The RLI were allied to the Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry in 1932. This alliance later fell into abeyance but was resurrected in April 1995, when the regiment became allied with The Light Infantry Regiment[3]: 22
Regimental March: One and All and Trelawney.
Regimental slow march: Duke of York and Preobajensky March.
The RLI has been awarded the following Battle Honours:[3]: 21
South West Africa 1914-1915, Western Desert 1941 – 1943, Bardia, Gazala, El Alamein, Alamein Defence
^Mulligan, Kevin (March 2009). Carry On Regardless. Durban, South Africa: Just Done Productions Publishing. ISBN 978-1-920169-87-9. Archived from the original on 4 September 2014. Retrieved 23 October 2014.
Recent Comments