Kimberley Commando

Kimberley 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.

Kimberley Commando
Kimberly Commando insignia
Active1964-2003
Country South Africa
Allegiance
Branch
TypeInfantry
RoleLight Infantry
SizeOne Battalion
Part ofSouth African Infantry Corps
Army Territorial Reserve
Garrison/HQKimberley

History

Origin

The origin of this unit is the Kimberley Town Guard which raised in October 1899 to defend the city from Boer Republican attack. By November 1899 the strength of the Town Guard, had been increased to 130 officers and 2,520 non-commissioned officers and men. During the siege of Kimberly, the Town Guard, held trenches and defensive works. [1]

With the UDF

The Kimberly Commando was originally established in Kimberly in 1936 as the West End Rifle Association. Members had to provide their own weapons and ammunition. By 1938, the Defence Rifle Association was created and weapons could then be bought directly from the Department of Defence.

With the SADF

As with other Rifle Associations, this unit was renamed in 1964.

Its headquarters was based in the private homes of its commanding officers.

In 1964, 1970, 1974 and 1980 the HQ was moved around until it finally shared space with Group 22 HQ at Scanlan Street. The units main function in this era was search and cordon assistance in the urban area of Kimberly in assistance to the Police.

Border War

From 1976, the unit provided troops for service in the operational area.

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.[2][3] 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.[4]

Leadership

Leadership
From Honorary Colonels To
XXX XXX XXX
From Commanding Officers To
1936 Lt Col J.C. O'Ehley nd
1942 Maj S.J. Scott nd
1964 Lt Col De Jager nd
nd Commandant H.L. Herholdt nd
1970 Commandant P.G. Slabbert nd
1974 Commandant M.K. Brits nd
1976 Commandant F. Schreck nd
From Regimental Sergeants Major To
XXX XXX MMM JCD XXX

Unit Insignia

SADF era Kimberly Commando insignia ver 2

References

  1. https://www.angloboerwar.com/unit-information/town-guards/356-kimberley-town-guard
  2. 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.CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  3. "About the Commando system". Archived from the original on 6 December 2007. Retrieved 17 January 2008.
  4. de Lange, Deon. "South Africa: Commandos Were 'Hostile to New SA'". Cape Argus. Retrieved 5 March 2015.

See also


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