Carolina Commando

Previously a part of the Lydenburg Commando, Carolina Commando was formed around 1859.

This commandos first engagements included;

• Opposing the Jameson Raid in 1896.
• The war against the Mphephu (1897-98).

The commando was involved in the following engagements in the Anglo Boer War:[1]

• The Battle of Modderspruit 30 October 1899.[2]
• The Battle of Platrand 6 January 1900, the Carolina Commando attacked Ladysmith to prevent reinforcements from being sent to Platrand.
• The Battle of Spioenkop where the Commando formed part of the reserve. [3]
• The Carolina and Lydenburg commandos defended Botha's Pass on 6 June 1900.
• The battle of Bergendal, August 1900.[4]
• The remaining members laid down the arms at Twyfelaar in June 1902.

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

These commandos were formally reactivated by 1948.

Under the SADF, this Commando was seconded to Group 28's Command. It was utilised in the area protection role.

Under the SANDF's Group 12 situated in Ermelo made use of the commandos at Carolina, Ermelo and Piet Retief for some borderline functions.[5]

This unit, along with all other Commando units was disbanded after a decision by South African President Thabo Mbeki to disband all Commando Units.[6][7] 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.[8]