Bethal Commando

Bethal Commando
Bethel Commando emblem
Country  South Africa
Allegiance
Branch
Type Infantry
Role Light Infantry
Size One Battalion
Part of South African Infantry Corps
Army Territorial Reserve
Garrison/HQ Bethal

Bethal 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.

History

Origin

The Bethal Commando was originally established as a commando of the South African Republic (Transvaal) The commando fought in the Second Boer War and was led by Commandant H.F. Grobler; it had an initial strength of 737. It fought at Sandspruit, Talana, Ladysmith, Hlangwane, Donkerhoek, in South Eastern Transvaal, and Bergendal.[1]

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.[2][3] 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.[4]

Unit Insignia

Leadership

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

References

  1. ↑ Hall, Darrell (1999). The Hall Handbook of the Anglo-Boer War, 1899-1902. Pietermaritzburg: University of Natal Press. pp. 12, 17. ISBN 9780869809495.
  2. ↑ Col L B van Stade (1997). "Rationalisation in the SANDF: The Next Challenge". Institute for Security Studies. Archived from the original on 16 March 2016. Retrieved 5 March 2015.
  3. ↑ "About the Commando system". Archived from the original on 2007-12-06. Retrieved 2008-01-17.
  4. ↑ de Lange, Deon. "South Africa: Commandos Were 'Hostile to New SA'". Cape Argus. Retrieved 5 March 2015. (Subscription required (help)).

See also


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