Ficksburg Commando
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| Ficksburg Commando | |
|---|---|
 Ficksburg Commando emblem | |
| Disbanded | March 14, 2003 |
| Country |  South Africa |
| Allegiance | |
| Branch | |
| Type | Infantry |
| Role | Light Infantry |
| Size | One Battalion |
| Part of | South African Infantry Corps Army Territorial Reserve |
| Garrison/HQ | Ficksburg |
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Ficksburg 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[edit]
Origin[edit]
This commando can trace its origin to the Free State–Basotho Wars of 1858 -1868.
Operations[edit]
With the Orange Free State Republic[edit]
During the Anglo Boer War[edit]
The commando was again involved in the Anglo Boer War most notable being:
- Elements of this commando was engaged at the battle of Magersfontein on 11 December 1899.
- The battle of Biddulphberg in 1900.[1]
Surrender[edit]
On the morning of 30 July 1900, General Hunter received the surrender of Commandants Prinsloo and Crowther of the Ficksburg Commando and the Ladybrand Commando. The surrender took place on what would become known as Surrender Hill in the Brandwater Basin.[2][3]
With the UDF[edit]
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[edit]
This commando was primarily used in this era for area force protection, border operations and stock theft control.
With the SANDF[edit]
Disbandment[edit]
This unit, along with all other Commando units was disbanded after a decision by South African President Thabo Mbeki to disband all Commando Units.[4][5] 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.[6]
Unit Insignia[edit]
Leadership[edit]
| From | Honorary Colonels | To |
| From | Commanding Officers | To |
| 1900 | Commandant Paul de Villiers | nd |
| From | Regimental Sergeants Major | To |
References[edit]
- ^ "The Battle of Biddulphsberg". Archived from the original on 8 January 2019. Retrieved 8 January 2019.
- ^ Amery, L S, ed. (1909). The Times History of the War in South Africa, 1899-1902. London.
{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link) - ^ The South African War Record of the 1st Battalion, Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders, 1900-1902. Inverness. 1903.
{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link) - ^ 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}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - ^ "About the Commando system". Archived from the original on 6 December 2007. Retrieved 17 January 2008.
- ^ de Lange, Deon. "South Africa: Commandos Were 'Hostile to New SA'". Cape Argus. Retrieved 5 March 2015.
See also[edit]
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