| 4 Reconnaissance Commando | |
|---|---|
| Active | 17 July 1978 |
| Disbanded | 31 July 1993 |
| Country | South Africa |
| Allegiance |  Republic of South Africa |
| Branch |  South African Army |
| Type | Special forces |
| Role | Reconnaissance |
| Part of | South African Defence Force |
| Garrison/HQ | Langebaan, Western Cape |
| Motto(s) | Iron Fist From The Sea |
The 4 Reconnaissance Commando is a defunct South African Special Forces unit of the South African Defence Force that was formed in July 1978, specialising in amphibious operations.
In 1976, during Operation Savannah, a need was identified for more operational special forces units and in particular units with more specialised skills. [1] :Ch2 In March 1976, Major Malcolm Kinghorn formed a sub-unit specialising in amphibious operations for use in Angola during Operation Savannah. [1] :Ch2 It was formed at Salisbury Island, Durban and consisted of a headquarters unit of Kinghorn and a NCO and two units of six men each and was called Charlie (C) Group of 1 Reconnaissance Commando. [1] :Ch2
On 1 May 1976, the Defence Minister approved the formation of 4 Reconnaissance Commando but it would take a further two years before it was formally established. [1] :Ch2 The unit was formed on the 17 July 1978 as 4 Reconnaissance Commando at Langebaan with Major Kinghorn as the first commanding officer and the first RSM was Warrant Officer “Chili” du Plessis. [1] :Ch2 It was initially made up of members of 1 Reconnaissance Commando. [2] On 1 January 1979, Major Kinghorn was given a temporary rank of Commandant. During the 1981 reorganisation, 4 Reconnaissance Commando was renamed 4 Reconnaissance Regiment (4RR). [2] The unit was said to be small with mainly white soldiers who operated in Angola and Mozambique [3] :Chp3
In 1978, 4 Reconnaissance Commando was initially structured into three groups: [1] :Ch3
but when 4 Reconnaissance Commando was renamed 4 Reconnaissance Regiment in 1981 it was structured as:
4.1 Commando – operational component with five teams: [1] :Ch3
4.2 Commando – training element later called Special Forces Amphibious and Urban School [1] :Ch3
The next reorganisation occurred in 1992 when the Special Forces HQ was disbanded and renamed the Directorate Reconnaissance Forces and 4 RR remained but 2RR, the citizen force unit, was disbanded. [2] In 1993, a further reorganisation occurred when the Directorate Reconnaissance Forces was renamed as the 45 Para Brigade and 4 Reconnaissance Commando was renamed the 453 Para Battalion. [2] The last change occurred in 1995, 45 Para Brigade became the Special Forces Brigade and subsequently 453 Para Battalion is now called 4 Special Forces Regiment. [2]
Officers commanding were: [4]
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