Worcester Commando

Worcester Commando
Active 1883-
Country  South Africa
Allegiance
Branch
Type Infantry
Role Light Infantry
Size One Battalion
Part of South African Infantry Corps
Army Territorial Reserve, Group 2
Garrison/HQ Worcester

Worcester 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

Worcester Commando was the second oldest unit in South African military history. It started as the Worcester Volunteer Rifles on the 21st June 1883 and had many name changes over the years such as:

Operations

This unit volunteered members for both World Wars and was involved in border duty during the Border War as well as during internal unrest.

The units banner was unveiled in 1910. The unit received the Freedom of Worcester in 1982 and received its colours in 1992.

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.[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 emblems


Leadership

Leadership
From Honorary Colonels To
From Commanding Officer To
From Regimental Sergeant Major To

References

  1. ↑ 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.
  2. ↑ "About the Commando system". Archived from the original on 2007-12-06. Retrieved 2008-01-17.
  3. ↑ de Lange, Deon. "South Africa: Commandos Were 'Hostile to New SA'". Cape Argus. Retrieved 5 March 2015. (Subscription required (help)).

See also


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