Armoured support for the 2nd Task Force of the FAPLA was provided by T-54s and T-55s of the 2nd Tactical Group — a battalion sized formation
including two companies of tanks, and one of BRDM-2s. As usual, its T-55s were left in olive green overall and wore small, hand-applied, three-digit turret numbers in white. In terms of firepower and protection, the T-55 was vastly superior to most of the SADF-deployed light armour, and at least matching the Olifant Mk.1. However, it lacked the mobility of the Ratel and could not traverse its turret at a speed sufficient for the short-range clashes common in the bush. Moreover, it lost at least three T-54s to Ratel ZT-3s in the battle on the Lomba River on 10 September while attempting to protect the bridge defended by the 21st Infantry Battalion, FAPLA. (Artwork by David Bocquelet)