Lichtenburg Commando
Lichtenburg Commando emblem
Country South Africa
Allegiance
Branch
TypeInfantry
RoleLight Infantry
SizeOne Battalion
Part ofSouth African Infantry Corps
Army Territorial Reserve,Group 20
Garrison/HQLichtenburg
Mascot(s)lion of the west

Lichtenburg 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.

History

Origins

This section is empty. You can help by adding to it. (March 2015)

Operations

With the Zuid Afrikaanse Republiek

This Commando was involved in numerous engagements during the Anglo Boer War such as:

During the guerilla phase of this war:

With the UDF

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.

UDF era National Reserve of Volunteers shoulder tab

With the SADF

During this era, this commando was mainly used for area force protection, search and cordons as well as stock theft control assistance to the rural police.

The unit fell under the command of the SADF's Group 20.

With the SANDF

Disbandment

This unit, along with all other Commando units was disbanded after a decision by South African President Thabo Mbeki to disband all Commando Units.[3][4] 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.[5]

Unit Insignia

SADF era Lichtenburg Commando insignia
SADF era Lichtenburg Commando insignia

Leadership

This section is empty. You can help by adding to it. (March 2015)

References

  1. ^ "Battle of Kraaipan".
  2. ^ "Jacobus Herculaas de la Rey | South African History Online".
  3. ^ Col L B van Stade, Senior Staff Officer Rationalisation, SANDF (1997). "Rationalisation in the SANDF: The Next Challenge". Institute for Security Studies. Archived from the original on 16 March 2016. Retrieved 5 March 2015.((cite web)): CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  4. ^ "About the Commando system". Archived from the original on 6 December 2007. Retrieved 17 January 2008.
  5. ^ de Lange, Deon. "South Africa: Commandos Were 'Hostile to New SA'". Cape Argus. Retrieved 5 March 2015.
  6. ^ "Heroes of the Anglo Boer War - General de la Rey - the Lion of the Transvaal - Reformation Society".

See also


Categories