Smithfield Commando Explained

Unit Name:Smithfield Commando
Allegiance:
Branch:
    Type:Infantry
    Role:Light Infantry
    Size:One Battalion
    Command Structure:South African Infantry Corps
    Army Territorial Reserve
    Garrison:Smithfield Free State

    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.

    History

    Origin

    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 its 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.

    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.

    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.[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]

    See also

    Notes and References

    1. Web site: Streaming film complet et séries en VF - " vfComplet ". 8 January 2019. 8 January 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190108201138/http://www.biddulphsberg.com/anglo-boer-war-bull-anglo-boere-oorlog.html. dead.
    2. 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 .
    3. Web site: About the Commando system. 2008-01-17. 6 December 2007. https://web.archive.org/web/20071206150052/http://www.saps.gov.za/statistics/reports/rural_safety/eng/pages/no2e.htm. dead.
    4. Web site: de Lange. Deon. South Africa: Commandos Were 'Hostile to New SA'. Cape Argus. 5 March 2015. subscription .