BRIEF HISTORY OF THE DEFENCE MECHANICAL TRANSPORT UNIT
The evolution of Def MT Bn can be traced to the pre-colonial era when human carriers were used as the sole means of transport to move supplies and the wounded during the Ashanti war of 1824 – 1826. This means of transporting supplies continued up to the outbreak of World War I (WWI).
During World War II (WWII), various transport units were formed in Accra. At the end of the war, most of these units were disbanded except the 89 Tpt Coy.
The precursor of the Unit after WWII was 89 Tpt Coy located at Rangoon Camp, Accra. On attainment of independence in 1957, the unit was designated as 1 MT Coy. In 1964, it was re-designated 4 MT Coy and disbanded on 10 March 1971. 1 MT Bn was formed on 20 May 1971 and disbanded on 20 June 1973. 4 MT Coy was reformed on 1 July 1973. In 1986 it was re-designated 1 MT Bn. Its current designated was made in 1987 as Def MT Bn.
The primary role of the unit is to provide second and third line transport support to units’ first line transport. It also provides drivers for staff cars of senior officers at GHQ.
ORGANISATION
The unit is under the command of Lt a Col. It is made up of a Bn HQ with 5 Coys and an LAD.
PARTICIPATION IN TRAINING AND MILITARY EXERCISES
The Unit plays an active role during exercises by various units. It is the main transporter of students on various courses at MATS to and from JWS, Achiase. It is also involved in moving troops from the various Garrisons to Bundase for pre-ops training for UN Peacekeeping Ops. During annual exercises such as Starlight Stretch, Tiger’s Path, the unit is the main provider of transport for the movement of troops of the various formation and services. It also provides potable water when troops are concentrated in the field during exercises.
PARTICIPATION IN INTERNATIONAL PEACE-KEEPING OPERATIONS
The Unit has provided and continues to provide men for past and current UN peace-keeping operations such as UNEF, UNTAC, UNAMIR, ECOMOG, UNAMSIL, UNIFIL, UNMIL and MONUC, members of the unit such as 185011 S/Sgt Novihoho L and 185883 Sgt Agyare K were awarded Grand Medals, Military Division for their exploits during UNAMIR Ops in Rwanda in 1994.
HISTORY OF INTERNAL OPS/CONTRIBUTION TO NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
The Unit provided and has continued to provide men for Op Gongong since its inception in 1993. Drivers and Vehicles of the unit are actively involved in the movement of troops and equipment for Op Calm Life. During the cocoa evacuation exercises in the early eighties, the unit’s articulated vehicles and drivers were actively involved.
