Danie Theron Combat School

Danie Theron Combat School was a light infantry training regiment of the South African Army. It formed part of the South African Army Infantry Formation as well as the South African Territorial Reserve.

Danie Theron Combat School
Danie Theron Combat School
Active1967 (57 years ago) (1967)–1982 (42 years ago) (1982)
Country Republic of South Africa
Allegiance
Branch
TypeInfantry Training Centre
RoleLight Infantry
SizeOne Battalion
Part ofSouth African Infantry Corps
Army Territorial Reserve
Garrison/HQDiskolobos, Kimberley

History

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Origin

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Danie Theron Combat School was established near Kimberley around 1967, aimed at primary infantry training for the Commando system. The school was initially called the Commando Combat School, but by 1968 was renamed in honour of Danie Theron, a renowned Boer war soldier.

Operations

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The School was initially responsible for basic military training. The majority of the recruits were area bound farmers, business owners, or essentials services). These recruits were to be allocated to regional commandos after their initial training.[1]

The school was also responsible for promotional training of Civilian Force officers and non-commissioned officers.

Other training modules include conventional and rural counter insurgency training.

By 1973, the majority of the Danie Theron Combat School training/recruit wing staff were transferred to a new unit 11 Commando (South African).

Promotional and Corp specific Training was eventually transferred to other Infantry schools by the mid 1980s.

 
SADF era Danie Theron Combat School Commemorative letter

Unit Insignia

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SADF era Danie Theron Combat School insignia

Leadership

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Leadership
From Honorary Colonel To
From Officer Commanding To
1967 Col J. Fourie c. 1969
1969 Col P.E.K. Bosman c. 1973
1973 Col B. Redlinghuys c. 1974
1974 Col H.F.P. Riekert c. 1976
1976 Col J.S. van Heerden c. 1978
1978 Col M. Faul c. 1980
1980 Col G.C.M.G. Fourie c. 1982
1982 Col J.L. Jordaan c. 1985
1985 Col C.J. Bornman c. 1994
From Regimental Sergeant Major To
c. 1967 WO1 G.C. Heyns c. 1975
1975 WO2 J. Matthews c. 1975
1975 WO1 J.H. Burger c. 1977
1978 WO1 J.L. Scherman c. 1982
1983 WO1 J.F. Somers c. 1986
1986 WO1 H.A. Westraadt c. nd

References

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  1. ^ "South African Commandos".

See also

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