Worcester Commando

Worcester 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.

Worcester Commando
Active1883-
Country South Africa
Allegiance
Cape Colony

Union of South Africa

Branch
TypeInfantry
RoleLight Infantry
SizeOne Battalion
Part ofSouth African Infantry Corps
Army Territorial Reserve, Group 2
Garrison/HQWorcester

History

Origin

Worcester Commando was the second oldest unit in South African military history. It started as the Worcester Volunteer Rifles on 21 June 1883 and had many name changes over the years such as:

  • Western Rifles A Company
  • Worcester Skiet Kommando

Operations

With the UDF

This unit volunteered members for both World Wars and was involved in border duty during the Border War as well as during internal unrest.

The units banner was unveiled in 1910.

With the SADF

The unit received the Freedom of Worcester in 1982 and received its colours in 1992.

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 emblems
SADF era Worcester Commando emblems

Leadership
Leadership
From Honorary Colonels To
From Commanding Officer To
From Regimental Sergeant Major To
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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


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