regiment is considered to be a "fully integrated and representative" army unit. Members have been attached to the United Nations Operation in Burundi and recently a Rifle company returned from the Democratic Republic of the Congo after a six-month spell of active duty as part of MONUSCO. Leadership Regimental symbols Current regimental colour (since 2001): a dark green background with embroidered in the centre a wreath of ten proteas and two king proteas. Beneath the wreath and above the ribbon is an aloe with five blooms. This symbolises the BVR link with the Border region, the fact that some of its members are Xhosas from the greater Eastern Cape, and its status of the 5th Infantry Regiment from 1913 to 1933. Within the wreath is the regiment's Maltese cross (symbolic of the regiment's King's Royal Rifle Corps and German affiliations, as many of the Regiment's 19th century members were of German extraction) with a buffalo head in the centre, surrounded by two concentric circles. Between the circles the regimental motto, (meaning "Now with courage" or "Now without fear") is inscribed. At the top of the regimental crest is a powder horn, symbolizing the link with the British Royal Green Jackets regiment. East London bestowed the freedom of the city on the regiment on 25 May 1957. Previous Dress Insignia Current Dress Insignia The Buffalo Volunteer Rifles still utilize a British Infantry tradition where officers had a red backing and ranks were blackened out on fatigues. Alliances - The Rifles Battle honours Gaika-Gcaleka 1877, Bechuanaland 1897, South Africa 18991902, South-West Africa 19141915, Western Desert 19411943, Bardia, South-West Africa/Zambia 1979, South-West Africa/Angola 19751976, South-West Africa/Angola 19761989 The regiment claims four more battle honours, which have not been acknowledged: Transkei 1879, Transkei 18801881, Basutoland 18801881, Wepener Notes References External links The Buffalo Volunteer Rifles Infantry regiments of South Africa Military units and formations established in 1876 Military units and formations of South Africa in the Border War Military units and formations of the Second Boer War Military units and formations of South Africa in World War I 1876 establishments in the Cape Colony