Phillipolis Commando Explained

Unit Name:Philipolis Commando
Allegiance:
Branch:
    Type:Infantry
    Role:Light Infantry
    Size:One Battalion
    Command Structure:South African Infantry Corps
    Army Territorial Reserve,Group 26
    Garrison:Philippolis

    Philipolis 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

    With the Orange Free State Republic

    With the outbreak of the Anglo Boer War, the republic activated this Commando.

    This Commando considered of two was (veld cornetcies), Knapzakrivier led by a Commandant J.A.M. Hertzog and Dwarsrivier led by Commandant J.H. du Toit.

    The combined unit engaged in the Battle of Stormberg as well as the Battle of Colesberg.

    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.

    With the SADF

    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.

    This unit resorted under the command of Group 26.

    With the SANDF

    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]

    See also

    Notes and References

    1. Web site: Rationalisation in the SANDF: The Next Challenge . 5 March 2015 . 1997 . Col L B van Stade, Senior Staff Officer Rationalisation, SANDF . Institute for Security Studies . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20160316204323/https://issafrica.org/pubs/asr/6no2/vanstade.html . 16 March 2016 .
    2. Web site: About the Commando system. 17 January 2008.
    3. Web site: de Lange. Deon. South Africa: Commandos Were 'Hostile to New SA'. Cape Argus. 5 March 2015. subscription .