Bluff Commando

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Bluff Commando
SADF Bluff Commando Regiment Congella emblems.jpg
Bluff Commando / Regiment Congella emblems
ActiveCongella (1980)
CountryFlag of South Africa.svg  South Africa
Allegiance
Branch
Type Infantry
RoleLight Infantry
SizeOne Battalion
Part of South African Infantry Corps
Army Territorial Reserve, Group 10
Garrison/HQ Bluff, KwaZulu-Natal, Blamey Road Montclair Durban

Bluff 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.

Contents

History

Origin

From Commando to Regiment

Congella Regiment can claim descent from Bluff Commando and other citizen force personnel in the Durban area.

Operations

With the SADF

It was raised in 1980 and its first headquarters was at Bluff Commando HQ on Salisbury Island on the SA Navy Base. The Regiment was later moved to Blamey Road Montclair.

By 1990, Durban Regiment, Congella Regiment and 12 Reception Depot were all placed under command of Group 10. The regimental badge was based on the Inniskilling Fusiliers castle.

Congella Regiment was deployed to South West Africa on border duties and also participated in numerous deployments within South Africa to combat internal unrest.

Congella Regiment had a unique composition in that it had specialist components such as a tactical support team and dog handlers.

With the SANDF

Disbandment

These units 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]

Leadership

Leadership
FromHonorary ColonelsTo
FromCommanding OfficerTo
1980Commandant I. Deetlefs1984
1984Commandant D. Edgecombe1989
1989Commandant K.R. Brewis1995
1995Lieutenant Colonel J.A. Moxhamnd
FromRegimental Sergeant MajorTo

Insignia

Dress Insignia

SADF Bluff Commando Regiment Congella insignia SADF Bluff Commando Regiment Congella insignia.jpg
SADF Bluff Commando Regiment Congella insignia

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References

  1. Col L B van Stade (1997). "Rationalisation in the SANDF: The Next Challenge". Institute for Security Studies. Archived from the original on 16 March 2016. Retrieved 5 March 2015.
  2. "About the Commando system". Archived from the original on 6 December 2007. Retrieved 17 January 2008.
  3. de Lange, Deon. "South Africa: Commandos Were 'Hostile to New SA'" . Cape Argus. Retrieved 5 March 2015.

See also