Ladybrand Commando

Ladybrand 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.

Ladybrand Commando
Ladybrand Commando emblem
Country	South Africa
Allegiance	Orange Free State Republic Union of South Africa  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, Group 36
Garrison/HQ	Ladybrand

History

Origin

Operations

With the Orange Free State Republic

During the Anglo Boer War

Elements of this commando were engaged at the battle of Magersfontein in 11 December 1899.

Surrender

On the morning of 30 July 1900, General Hunter received the surrender of Commandants Prinsloo and Crowther and of the Ficksburg and Ladybrand commandos. The surrender took place on what would become known as 'Surrender Hill in the Brandwater Basin.[1][2]

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.

UDF era National Reserve of Volunteers shoulder tab

These commandos were formally reactivated by 1948.

With the SADF

During this era, the commando was mainly used for are force protection, cordones and search operations, as well asstock theft control assistance to the rural police.

The Commando was also involved in border protection with Lesotho.

The unit resorted under the command of the SADF's Group 36.

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.[3][4] 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.[5]

Unit Insignia

SADF era Ladybrand Commando insignia

Leadership

Leadership

From	Honorary Colonels	To
From	Commanding Officers	To
1900	Commandant Jan Crowther	nd
From	Regimental Sergeants Major	To

References

1. Amery, L S (ed), The Times History of the War in South Africa, 1899-1902, (London, 1909).
2. The South African War Record of the 1st Battalion, Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders, 1900-1902, (Inverness, 1903).
3. 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)
4. "About the Commando system". Archived from the original on 6 December 2007. Retrieved 17 January 2008.
5. de Lange, Deon. "South Africa: Commandos Were 'Hostile to New SA'". Cape Argus. Retrieved 5 March 2015.

See also

• South African Commando System