Krugersdorp Commando

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Krugersdorp Commando
Krugersdorp Commando emblem
Country South Africa
Allegiance
Branch
TypeInfantry
RoleLight infantry
SizeOne battalion
Part ofSouth African Infantry Corps
South African Army Territorial Reserve
Garrison/HQKrugersdorp
EngagementsSecond Boer War

Krugersdorp Commando or Kommando was a light infantry regiment from Krugersdorp district of the South African Army. It was active as a part of the South African Army Infantry Formation as well as the South African Territorial Reserve.

Unit history

Origin

The Krugersdorp Commando, was formed in 1898 as part of the Boer Commando. Commanders from Krugersdorp were Sarel Oosthuizen (1862 – 1900), Frederik Jacobus Potgieter (1858 – 1924) and Sarel Francois Alberts (1872 – 1954).[1][2]

With the Zuid Afrikaanse Republiek

War against the Magato and Mpefu
Anglo Boer War

During the Anglo Boer War, this commando was involved in the following engagements:

During the guerilla phase of the war in the Western Transvaal, this commando was also involved in:

The battle of Nooitgedacht in the Krugersdorp area could have been a complete rout had the Boers not stopped to plunder the British camp.[3]

With the Union Defence Force (UDF)

Further information: Union Defence Force (South Africa)

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.

With the SADF

Further information: South African Defence Force

During this era, the unit was mainly engaged in area force protection, search and cordones and stock theft control assistance to the rural police.

The unit resorted under the command of the SADF's Group 17.

With the SANDF

Further information: South African National Defence Force
Disbandment

Krugersdorp Commando along with all other Commando units was disbanded in the 1990s after a decision by South African President Thabo Mbeki to disband all existing 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 Krugersdorp Commando insignia
SADF era Krugersdorp Commando insignia

Leadership

Leadership
From Honorary Colonels To
From Commanding Officers To
1989 Lt Col Charles Betts MBE 2003
From Regimental Sergeants Major To

See also

References

  1. ^ A.E., Onze Krijgs-officieren. Album van portretten met levens-schetsen der Transvaalse Generaals en Kommandanten (Translated title: Our Military Officers. Album of portraits with life sketches of the Transvaal Generals and Commandants), Volksstem, Pretoria 1904. Kommandant S. F. Alberts on page 46. In Dutch. PDF on Wikimedia Commons.
  2. ^ "Senator Sarel Francois Alberts". geni.com. Geni. A MyHeritage Company. 23 May 2023. Retrieved 28 September 2023.
  3. ^ "The West Rand During the Anglo-Boer War - eGGSA branch of the GSSA".
  4. ^ van Stade, Col L B (1997). "Rationalisation in the SANDF: The Next Challenge". Institute for Security Studies. Archived from the original on 16 March 2016. Retrieved 5 March 2015.
  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.


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