Bloemfontein City Commando: Difference between revisions
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The commando was reactivated formally around 1948. |
The commando was reactivated formally around 1948. |
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By 1956 however the unit was divided into two separate commandos one for the city and one for the rural areas, [[Bloemfontein District Commando]]. |
By 1956 however, the unit was divided into two separate commandos one for the city and one for the rural areas, [[Bloemfontein District Commando]]. |
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====With the SADF==== |
====With the SADF==== |
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Revision as of 19:07, 19 December 2018
| Bloemfontein City Commando | |
|---|---|
 Bloemfontein City Commando emblem | |
| Active | 1848 - 2005 |
| Country |  South Africa |
| Allegiance | |
| Branch | |
| Type | Infantry |
| Role | Light Infantry |
| Size | One Battalion |
| Part of | South African Infantry Corps Army Territorial Reserve, Group 35 |
| Garrison/HQ | Bloemfontein |
| Motto(s) | Floreat (Flourish) |
Bloemfontein City 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.
History
Origin
With the Orange Free State Republic
This unit's predecessor had its origin around 1848 when Andries Pretorius called up a commando of about a 1000 men from the region of Bloemfontein, Caledon River and Winburg to defend the area against British ambitions and Basotho cattle theft.
With the UDF
The commando was reactivated formally around 1948.
By 1956 however, the unit was divided into two separate commandos one for the city and one for the rural areas, Bloemfontein District Commando.
With the SADF
By 1978, Bloemfontein City Commando was mainly made up of colored employees of the Musgrave weapons factory and by 1980 had a compliment of around 30 men led by a white officer.[1]
Operations
The unit conducted several tours in the South West African operational area around 1976 to 1982, but was mainly responsible for internal security and protection especially during the unrests in the 1980s.
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.[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]
Unit Insignia
Leadership
| From | Honorary Colonels | To |
| From | Commanding Officer | To |
| From | Regimental Sergeant Major | To |
See also
References
- ^ http://www.musgraverifles.co.za/
- ^ 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}}: Unknown parameter|deadurl=ignored (|url-status=suggested) (help) - ^ "About the Commando system". Archived from the original on 6 December 2007. Retrieved 17 January 2008.
{{cite web}}: Unknown parameter|deadurl=ignored (|url-status=suggested) (help) - ^ de Lange, Deon. "South Africa: Commandos Were 'Hostile to New SA'". Cape Argus. Retrieved 5 March 2015.
{{cite web}}: Unknown parameter|subscription=ignored (|url-access=suggested) (help)
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