Smithfield Commando

Smithfield 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.

Smithfield Commando
Smithfield Commando emblem
Country South Africa
Allegiance
Branch
TypeInfantry
RoleLight Infantry
SizeOne Battalion
Part ofSouth African Infantry Corps
Army Territorial Reserve
Garrison/HQSmithfield Free State

History

With the Orange River Sovereignty

In 1858, Smithfield was a frontier town between the Sovereignty and the Basotho. It was therefore involved in the Basotho Wars and even could muster it own cannon called "old grietjie."

With the Orange Free State Republic

The commando was again involved in the Anglo Boer War most notable being:

With the UDF

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.

UDF era National Reserve of Volunteers shoulder tab

With the SADF

During this era, the unit was mainly used for area force protection, search and cordones and assisting the rural police in stock theft control.

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
SADF era Smithfield Commando insignia based on the old grietjie cannon

Leadership
Leadership
From Honorary Colonels To
From Commanding Officers To
1899 Commandant J Potgieter nd
1900 Commandant Jan Le Roux Pieterse nd
From Regimental Sergeants Major To

References
  1. http://www.biddulphsberg.com/anglo-boer-war-bull-anglo-boere-oorlog.html
  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". 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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