Wepener Commando

Wepener 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.

Wepener Commando
Wepener 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
Garrison/HQ	Wepener

History

Origin

This commando was named in honour of Commandant Louw Wepener, a boer leader from the Basotho wars.[1][2]

Operations

With the Orange Free State Republic

During the Basotho Wars

During the Anglo Boer War

The commando was involved in the Anglo Boer War most notable being:

• the battle of Biddulphberg in 1900.[3]

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

The unit was also used for border protection with Lesotho.

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

Leadership

Leadership

From	Honorary Colonels	To
From	Commanding Officers	To
1900	Commandant Paul Roux	nd
From	Regimental Sergeants Major	To

References

1. https://web.archive.org/web/20141011020928/http://www.afrikanergeskiedenis.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/Louw-Wepener.pdf
2. http://www.sahistory.org.za/dated-event/comdt-louw-wepener-53-killed-combat-during-attack-moshesh-thaba-bosigo-free-state
3. http://www.biddulphsberg.com/anglo-boer-war-bull-anglo-boere-oorlog.html
4. Col L B van Stade, Senior Staff Officer Rationalisation, SANDF (1997). "Rationalisation in the SANDF: The Next Challenge". Institute for Security Studies. 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