| 3rd South African Infantry Division | |
|---|---|
 South African infantry on parade prior to the Union of South Africa's entry into World War II | |
| Active | 23 October 1940 – 17 May 1943 |
| Disbanded | 4 April 1942 (re-designated as 3rd Arm Div) |
| Country |  South Africa |
| Allegiance | Allied forces of World War II |
| Branch |  South African Army |
| Type | Infantry |
| Size | Division |
| Garrison/HQ | Pretoria and later Ermelo |
| Commanders | |
| Until re-designation as 3rd Arm Div | Major General Hermanus Botha |
| Insignia | |
| Identification symbol |  |
TheSouth African 3rd Infantry Division was aninfantrydivision of theSouth African Army duringWorld War II.
This division was formed inSouth Africa on 23 October 1940[1]: 68 with its headquarters inPretoria.
The 3rd Infantry Division as a whole did not go into combat, but its 7th Motorized brigade group participated in the 1942 Invasion of Madagascar. The division organised and trained the South African home defence forces, performed garrison duties and trained and supplied replacements for the1st and2nd Divisions deployed to East Africa and later to the Western Desert.[1]: 100
The division was based in Pretoria until 1942, whereafter the division then moved toErmelo in the EasternTransvaal, although its constituent units were deployed as far as the thenSouth West Africa.
On 4 April 1942 the division was redesignated the South African 3rd Armoured Division. This division was disbanded on 17 May 1943, without ever having been deployed. However, one of the division's constituent units, the 7th Motorised Brigade, did take part in theinvasion of Madagascar.
Major General Hermanus Botha was the commander of the division from 23 August 1940 until its redesignation.
On formation in October 1940, the Division was structured as follows:[2]