Lichtenburg Commando

Lichtenburg 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.

Lichtenburg Commando
Lichtenburg Commando emblem
Country	South Africa
Allegiance	Zuid Afrikaanse 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 20
Garrison/HQ	Lichtenburg
Mascot(s)	lion of the west

History

Origins

Operations

With the Zuid Afrikaanse Republiek

This Commando was involved in numerous engagements during the Anglo Boer War such as:

• Battle of Kraaipan in 12 October 1899, capturing a British garrison between Vryburg and Mafikeng.[1]
• At Belmont, covering the retreat of General Prinsloo to Graspan
• Battle of Modder River, where trench warfare was first used in this war[2]

During the guerilla phase of this war:

• Battle of Donkerhoek/ Battle of Diamond Hill in 11 to 12 June 1900.

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.

UDF era National Reserve of Volunteers shoulder tab

With the SADF

During this era, this commando was mainly used for area force protection, search and cordons as well as stock theft control assistance to the rural police.

The unit fell under the command of the SADF's Group 20.

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 Lichtenburg Commando insignia

Leadership

• 1885 Cmdt Koos de la Rey [6]

References

1. https:hyperleap.com/topic/Battle_of_Kraaipan
2. https://www.sahistory.org.za/people/jacobus-herculaas-de-la-rey
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.
6. https://www.reformationsa.org/index.php/history/336-heroes-of-the-anglo-boer-war-general-de-la-rey-the-lion-of-the-transvaal

See also

• South African Commando System