The Zambia Corps of Artillery

The Zambia Corps of Artillery (Field and Anti-Air) shares its birthday with the nation itself—24 October 1964, the day Zambia gained independence. Its story is one of transformation—from a handful of hastily trained gunners preparing for a ceremonial salute to a modern, combat-ready corps that has played a vital role in defending Zambia's sovereignty and supporting peace in the region.

Beginnings: Independence and the First 21-Gun Salute

In the months leading up to independence, Zambia's Defence Force was still finding its feet. The newly emerging nation inherited limited personnel and equipment from the dissolved Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland. Yet, the young country faced a symbolic but pressing military challenge: firing the 21-gun salute to mark independence day.

In July 1964, sixty-one soldiers began training at Demoline Barracks (now Kalewa Barracks). A smaller group of twenty-four was later sent to Lusaka under Warrant Officer Laimsdane to prepare for the ceremony. At Arakan Barracks, they encountered three 105mm pack howitzers—Zambia's first artillery pieces. Training was intense, as time was short. But on 24 October 1964, their rounds thundered across Independence Stadium, saluting the birth of a free Zambia. The cheers that followed marked not just the raising of a flag—but the birth of the Zambia Corps of Artillery.

Formation and Growth: The Rise of the Gunner Corps

Following independence, the first official artillery unit, 1 Light Battery (1 Lt Bty), was established in 1965. It was initially commanded by Captain J. Buss, a British officer seconded from the Royal Artillery. As the battery matured, more British instructors joined, including Major Dawling, Captain Neasmith, and Lieutenant Knight. The first Zambian officers began to emerge through mentorship and experience.

By the early 1970s, Zambia's regional environment had become tense. Liberation wars raged across Southern Africa, and internal dissident movements occasionally threatened national stability. In 1970, the introduction of 20mm anti-aircraft (AA) guns led to the formation of 21 Light Air Defence Battery (21 Lt AD Bty). Many of its pioneers came from the original 1 Lt Bty.

That same period saw the rise of exceptional Zambian leadership. In 1971, Major Peter Chitoshi became the first Zambian to command 1 Lt Bty. Under his leadership, the unit participated in multiple operations, including Operation Safeguard in Chililabombwe and Operation Ngwenya in Western Province.

Expanding Capabilities: Field and Air Defence Regiments

As regional threats grew, Zambia expanded its artillery strength. The government sought assistance from friendly nations, acquiring modern guns and training support from China and the Soviet Union.

In 1974, with the arrival of 37mm and 122mm guns, Zambia formed 25 Light Air Defence Regiment and 10 Medium Regiment, the latter under Major Chitoshi's command. These regiments diversified the country's artillery capabilities—field guns, medium howitzers, and anti-aircraft batteries formed the backbone of the young nation's firepower.

The 10 Medium Regiment soon became a versatile unit, operating both as artillery and infantry when required. In 1976, during Operation Bandit Nest to neutralize insurgent leader Adamson Mushala, the regiment was deployed in a direct infantry role under Lt Col M.S. Sikweti. The unit's adaptability became a defining trait of Zambian artillery.

By 1977, the regiment underwent reorganization and expansion, introducing new batteries such as "Romoe", "Papa", and "Quebec", each equipped with 122mm Type 54 howitzers and 85mm field guns. This structure marked the transition from a single battery to a fully-fledged regimental force.

Institutional Development: The School of Artillery

Recognizing the need for self-sustained training, the Zambia School of Artillery was established in December 1986 under Lt Col E.K. Mfula. The school's mission was to localize artillery education, ensuring officers and gunners could be trained domestically using Zambian instructors and equipment.

Courses offered covered a wide spectrum—from basic gunnery to advanced fire direction, radar operation, and command training. With instructors drawn from both 10 Medium Regiment and 25 Light Air Defence Regiment, the school became a hub for technical excellence.

In 1987, 1 Lt Bty fired 76mm guns for the first time at Lukanga Artillery and Bombardment Training Area—symbolizing both technical progress and professional confidence.

Ceremony and Tradition: The Saluting Troop

The Corps of Artillery has always carried a ceremonial role in Zambia's national life. The first independence salute of 1964 set a tradition that continues to this day.

By 1989, the need for a permanent Saluting Troop was recognized, and a detachment from 10 Medium Regiment was stationed at Army Headquarters in Lusaka. Equipped with 105mm pack howitzers, this troop became responsible for all state ceremonial salutes—a visible link between the military and the nation's civic pride.

A Corps as Old as the Nation

The Zambia Corps of Artillery is as old as Zambia itself. Its journey from three howitzers and a handful of trainees to a modern field and air defence force mirrors the country's broader national story—one of determination, unity, and growth.

From 1 Light Battery in 1964 to a network of regiments, batteries, and a dedicated school, the Corps has become a symbol of precision, discipline, and service. Its gunners have not only defended the nation's skies and borders but also upheld the honour of Zambia at every ceremonial salute fired in the name of freedom.

Legacy of Leadership

Over the decades, a distinguished line of commanders has guided the Corps—from Captain J. Buss in 1964 to Lt Col Shimala in the 2000s—each shaping its doctrine, discipline, and operational culture. Their combined efforts have ensured that the thunder of Zambian guns continues to echo in defence of peace, sovereignty, and national pride.