From left to right: Col (Ret) I.W. Rimmer ; Maj (Ret) J.A. Agenbag ; Maj Gen (Ret) R.C. Andersen ; MWO (Ret) P.D.A. Engelbrecht ; Maj (Ret) A.D. Pestana ; Lt Col (Ret) R.W.M. Bothé.
A distinguished career spanning 44 years in the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) was celebrated as Master Warrant Officer (MWO) P.D.A Engelbrecht was honoured with a farewell parade at the School of Artillery, Klipdrift North West Province. The event marked his final parade in uniform and the commencement of his retirement. MWO Engelbrecht served as the Regimental Sergeant Major of the Sandfontein Artillery Regiment (f Transvaal Horse Artillery) from 1993 to 2025.
The parade, held on Friday 30 May 2025, was attended by dignitaries including Major General (Ret) R.C. Andersen, National President of the Gunners Association, and Col F. Kemp CoS Directorate Material Division and Lt Col J. Cronje, Acting Officer Commanding School of Artillery. The event also saw the attendance of most of the serving warrant officers of the SA Army Artillery, as well as senior officers and NCOs in the South African Artillery.
The proceedings were opened by an address by the Master of Ceremonies, MWO J. Metswamere. The Final Shoot Ceremony began with the marching on of the GV1 Gun Detachment , which included Chief Warrant Officer (CWO) J. Niemand, MWO B. Havenga, MWO P. Dlamini, MWO K.J Ntsayagae, and Warrant Officer Class 1 (WO1) S. Yono.
MWO J. Metswamere, in a poignant tribute, commanded MWO Engelbrecht to “fire that gun today with the pride you carried the country flag with, your unit that you worked in and the guns that you served.” MWO Metswamere acknowledged MWO Engelbrecht’s obedience to orders and unhesitating years of service. He noted that a lifetime of service was concluding and that this would be MWO Engelbrecht’s “last salute in your uniform and Regiment you so proudly served.” It is testament to his good service that the event was attended by 5 previous Officers Commanding of the Sandfontein Artillery Regiment (THA). He also recognized that someone else would now take over MWO Engelbrecht’s role, carrying on the traditions and customs of the Regiment.
The parade marched off and the guests were treated to a sumptuous braai by the School of Artillery Mess at the Botsolano Guest House. The formal part of the event continued with speeches delivered by CWO C.D De Koker and MWO P.D.A Engelbrecht himself. CWO De Koker also led the remarks, awards, and gift presentations. The Transvaal Horse Artillery Heritage Trust presented a Ceremonial Pace Stick to MWO Engelbrecht in recognition of his many years of service to the Regiment. MWO Engelbrecht, affectionally known by all as “Flip” to some and “Saddam” to others, was accompanied by his wife Elsa and son André and Grandson Declan. A special spousal gift was presented to Mrs Elsa Engelbrecht by Mrs Niemand, the spouse of CWO Niemand.
The farewell concluded with closing remarks by MWO P.D.A Engelbrecht, marking the end of an era and the beginning of his retirement.
Gunner Flip is still an active member of the Gunners Association.