Hay Commando

Hay 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.

Hay Commando
Hay Commando emblem
Country South Africa
Allegiance
Branch
TypeInfantry
RoleLight Infantry
SizeOne Battalion
Part ofSouth African Infantry Corps
Army Territorial Reserve
Garrison/HQMarydale, Northern Cape

History

Origin

As an isolated border town in the Cape Colony, Hay was allowed to protect itself from attack.[1][2]

Operations

Republican Rebels

During the Anglo Boer War approximately 1000 commandos from this district sided with the Orange Free State and ZAR republics.[3]

With the UDF

With the SADF

During this era, the unit was mainly engaged in area force protection, search and cordons as well as stock theft control assistance to the rural police.

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.[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
SADF era Hay Commando insignia

Leadership
Leadership
From Honorary Colonels To
From Commanding Officers To
From Regimental Sergeants Major To
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References
  1. https://www.tracesofwar.com/sights/94674/Boer-War-Memorial-Hay.htm
  2. https://www.angloboerwar.com/unit-information/dmt/2540-haydmt
  3. De Wet, C.R. Three Years War, Galago Press, Alberton, 1986 pp127
  4. 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.CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  5. "About the Commando system". Retrieved 17 January 2008.
  6. de Lange, Deon. "South Africa: Commandos Were 'Hostile to New SA'". Cape Argus. Retrieved 5 March 2015.

See also
  • South African Commando System


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