Wolmaransstad Commando was a light infantry regiment of the South African Army. It formed part of the South African Army Infantry Formation as well as the South African Territorial Reserve.
Wolmaransstad Commando | |
---|---|
Country | South Africa |
Allegiance | |
Branch | |
Type | Infantry |
Role | Light Infantry |
Size | One Battalion |
Part of | South African Infantry Corps Army Territorial Reserve, Group 30 |
Garrison/HQ | Wolmaransstad |
History edit
Origin edit
Operations edit
With the Zuid Afrikaanse Republiek edit
Anglo Boer War edit
Elements of this commando was engaged at the Battle of Magersfontein on 11 December 1899.
With the UDF edit
By 1902 all Commando remnants were under British military control and disarmed.
By 1912, however previous Commando members could join shooting associations.
By 1940, such commandos were under control of the National Reserve of Volunteers.
These commandos were formally reactivated by 1948.
With the SADF edit
During this era, the unit was mainly used for area force protection, search and cordones as well as stock theft control assistance to the rural police.
The unit fell under the command of Group 30.
With the SANDF edit
Disbandment edit
This unit, along with all other Commando units was disbanded after a decision by South African President Thabo Mbeki to disband all Commando Units.[1][2] The Commando system was phased out between 2003 and 2008 "because of the role it played in the apartheid era", according to the Minister of Safety and Security Charles Nqakula.[3]
Unit Insignia edit
Leadership edit
From | Honorary Colonels | To |
From | Commanding Officer | To |
1997 | Cmdt Frans Marx | c. nd |
From | Regimental Sergeant Major | To |
References edit
- ^ Col L B van Stade, Senior Staff Officer Rationalisation, SANDF (1997). "Rationalisation in the SANDF: The Next Challenge". Institute for Security Studies. Retrieved 5 March 2015.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - ^ "About the Commando system". Retrieved 17 January 2008.
- ^ de Lange, Deon. "South Africa: Commandos Were 'Hostile to New SA'". Cape Argus. Retrieved 5 March 2015.
See also edit