Kirkwood Commando

Kirkwood 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.

Kirkwood Commando
Kirkwood Commando emblem
Active	15 February 1950 - 2003
Country	South Africa
Allegiance	Republic of South Africa  Republic of South Africa
Branch	South African Army  South African Army
Type	Infantry
Role	Light Infantry
Size	One Battalion
Part of	South African Infantry Corps Army Territorial Reserve
Garrison/HQ	Kirkwood
Motto(s)	Unitas

History

Origin

Operations

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 local 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.[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]

Unit Insignia

SADF era Kirkwood Commando insignia

The cap badge represents an iconic elephant from the Addo Elephant National Park called Hapoor due to a missing piece. The three oranges represent the citrus produce of the area.

Leadership

References

1. 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)
2. "About the Commando system". Archived from the original on 6 December 2007. Retrieved 17 January 2008.
3. de Lange, Deon. "South Africa: Commandos Were 'Hostile to New SA'". Cape Argus. Retrieved 5 March 2015.

See also

• South African Commando System