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Potchefstroom Commando

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

Potchefstroom 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

At the beginning of the Second Boer War, its commandant was A.P.J. Cronje, who was later replaced by P.J. Liebenberg. The commando had an initial strength of 1,249. It fought at Ottoshoop, the Siege of Mafeking, the Battle of Modder River, the Battle of Magersfontein, the Battle of Poplar Grove, the Battle of Donkerhoek, the Battle of Bronkhorstspruit, the Battle of Bergendal, the Brandwater Basin, the 1st de Wet hunt, at Gatsrand and at Hartbeesfontein.[1]

Operations

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 Potchefstroom Commando insignia
SADF era Potchefstroom Commando insignia

Leadership

References

  1. ^ Hall, Darrell (1999). The Hall Handbook of the Anglo-Boer War, 1899-1902. Pietermaritzburg: University of Natal Press. pp. 13, 17. ISBN 9780869809495.
  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. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)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. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |subscription= ignored (|url-access= suggested) (help)

See also


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