Ficksburg Commando

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Ficksburg Commando
SADF era Ficksburg Commando emblem.jpg
Ficksburg Commando emblem
DisbandedMarch 14, 2003(21 years ago) (2003-03-14)
CountryFlag of South Africa.svg  South Africa
Allegiance
Branch
Type Infantry
RoleLight Infantry
SizeOne Battalion
Part of South African Infantry Corps
Army Territorial Reserve
Garrison/HQ Ficksburg

Ficksburg 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

This commando can trace its origin to the Free State–Basotho Wars of 1858 -1868.

Operations

With the Orange Free State Republic

During the Anglo Boer War

The commando was again involved in the Anglo Boer War most notable being:

Surrender

On the morning of 30 July 1900, General Hunter received the surrender of Commandants Prinsloo and Crowther of the Ficksburg Commando and the Ladybrand Commando. The surrender took place on what would become known as Surrender Hill in the Brandwater Basin. [2] [3]

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 UDF era National Reserve of Volunteers shoulder tab.jpg
UDF era National Reserve of Volunteers shoulder tab

With the SADF

This commando was primarily used in this era for area force protection, border operations and stock theft control.

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. [4] [5] 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. [6]

Unit Insignia

SADF era Ficksburg Commando insignia SADF era Ficksburg Commando insignia.jpg
SADF era Ficksburg Commando insignia

Leadership

Leadership
FromHonorary ColonelsTo
FromCommanding OfficersTo
1900Commandant Paul de Villiersnd
FromRegimental Sergeants MajorTo

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References

  1. ↑ "The Battle of Biddulphsberg". Archived from the original on 8 January 2019. Retrieved 8 January 2019.
  2. ↑ Amery, L S, ed. (1909). The Times History of the War in South Africa, 1899-1902. London.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)
  3. ↑ The South African War Record of the 1st Battalion, Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders, 1900-1902. Inverness. 1903.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)
  4. ↑ 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)
  5. ↑ "About the Commando system". Archived from the original on 6 December 2007. Retrieved 17 January 2008.
  6. ↑ de Lange, Deon. "South Africa: Commandos Were 'Hostile to New SA'" . Cape Argus. Retrieved 5 March 2015.

See also


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