Ladybrand Commando

Last updated

Ladybrand Commando
SADF era Ladybrand Commando emblem.jpg
Ladybrand Commando emblem
DisbandedMarch 14, 2003(20 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, Group 36
Garrison/HQ Ladybrand

Ladybrand Commando was a light infantry regiment of the South African Army from Ladybrand, Orange Free State. It formed part of the South African Army Infantry Formation as well as the South African Territorial Reserve.

Contents

History

Origin

Operations

With the Orange Free State Republic

During the Anglo Boer War

Elements of this commando were engaged at the battle of Magersfontein in 11 December 1899.

Surrender

On the morning of 30 July 1900, General Hunter received the surrender of Commandants Prinsloo and Crowther and of the Ficksburg and Ladybrand commandos. The surrender took place on what would become known as 'Surrender Hill in the Brandwater Basin. [1] [2]

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.

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

These commandos were formally reactivated by 1948.

With the SADF

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

The Commando was also involved in border protection with Lesotho.

The unit resorted under the command of the SADF's Group 36.

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 Ladybrand Commando insignia SADF era Ladybrand Commando insignia.jpg
SADF era Ladybrand Commando insignia

Leadership

Leadership
FromHonorary ColonelsTo
FromCommanding OfficersTo
1900Commandant Jan Crowthernd
FromRegimental Sergeants MajorTo

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Carolina Commando</span> Military unit

Carolina 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.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ficksburg Commando</span> Military unit

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.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Frankfort Commando</span> Military unit

Frankfort 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.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Heilbron Commando</span> Military unit

Heilbron 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.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vrede Commando</span> Military unit

Vrede 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.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Wolmaransstad Commando</span> Military unit

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.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Winburg Commando</span> Military unit

Winburg 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.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Wepener Commando</span> Military unit

Wepener 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.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Senekal Commando</span> Military unit

Senekal 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.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rustenburg Commando</span> Military unit

Rustenburg 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.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Smithfield Commando</span> Military unit

Smithfield 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.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rouxville Commando</span> Military unit

Rouxville 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.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hoopstad Commando</span> Military unit

Hoopstad 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.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lichtenburg Commando</span> Light infantry regiment of the South African Army

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.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Magdol Commando</span> Military unit

Magol 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.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Middelburg Commando</span> Military unit

Middelburg 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.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pietersburg Commando</span> Military unit

Pietersburg 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.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Potchefstroom Commando</span> Military unit

Potchefstroom 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.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Boksburg Commando</span> Military unit

Boksburg 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.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Waterberg Commando</span> Light infantry regiment of the South African Army

Waterberg 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.

References

  1. Amery, L S (ed), The Times History of the War in South Africa, 1899-1902, (London, 1909).
  2. The South African War Record of the 1st Battalion, Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders, 1900-1902, (Inverness, 1903).
  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.

See also