Wolmaransstad Commando

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.

Wolmaransstad Commando
Wolmaransstad Commando emblem
Country South Africa
Allegiance
Branch
TypeInfantry
RoleLight Infantry
SizeOne Battalion
Part ofSouth African Infantry Corps
Army Territorial Reserve, Group 30
Garrison/HQWolmaransstad

History

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Origin

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Operations

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With the Zuid Afrikaanse Republiek

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Anglo Boer War
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Elements of this commando was engaged at the Battle of Magersfontein on 11 December 1899.

With the UDF

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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

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During this era, the unit was mainly used for area force protection, search and cordones as well as stock theft control assistance to the rural police.

The unit fell under the command of Group 30.

With the SANDF

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Disbandment
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This unit, along with all other Commando units was disbanded after a decision by South African President Thabo Mbeki to disband all Commando Units.[1][2] 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.[3]

Unit Insignia

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SADF era Wolmaransstad Commando insignia

Leadership

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Leadership
From Honorary Colonels To
From Commanding Officer To
1997 Cmdt Frans Marx c. nd
From Regimental Sergeant Major To

References

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  1. ^ Col L B van Stade, Senior Staff Officer Rationalisation, SANDF (1997). "Rationalisation in the SANDF: The Next Challenge". Institute for Security Studies. Retrieved 5 March 2015.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  2. ^ "About the Commando system". Retrieved 17 January 2008.
  3. ^ de Lange, Deon. "South Africa: Commandos Were 'Hostile to New SA'". Cape Argus. Retrieved 5 March 2015.

See also

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