Bluff Commando

Bluff Commando
Bluff Commando / Regiment Congella emblems
Active Congella (1980)
Country  South Africa
Allegiance
Branch
Type Infantry
Role Light Infantry
Size One Battalion
Part of South African Infantry Corps
Army Territorial Reserve, Group 10
Garrison/HQ Bluff, KwaZulu-Natal, Blamey Road Montclair Durban

Bluff 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

From Commando to Regiment

Congella Regiment can claim descent from Bluff Commando and other citizen force personnel in the Durban area. It was raised in 1980 and its first headquarters was at Bluff Commando HQ on Salisbury island on the SA Navy Base. The Regiment was later moved to Blamey Road Montclair.

By 1990, Durban Regiment, Congella Regiment and 12 Reception Depot were all placed under command of Group 10. The regimental badge was based on the Inniskilling Fusiliers castle.

Operations

Congella Regiment was deployed to South West Africa on border duties and also participated in numerous deployments within South Africa to combat internal unrest.

Congella Regiment had a unique composition in that it had specialist componenets such as

  • Tactical Support Team:
  • Dog handlers:

Disbandment

These units 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]

Leadership

Leadership
From Honorary Colonels To
From Commanding Officer To
From Regimental Sergeant Major To
  • Commandant I. Deetlefs 1980-1984
  • Commandant D. Edgecombe 1984-1989
  • Commandant K.R. Brewis 1989-1995
  • Lieutenant Colonel J.A. Moxham 1995

Insignia

Dress Insignia

SADF Bluff Commando Regiment Congella insignia

References

  1. ↑ 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.
  2. ↑ "About the Commando system". Archived from the original on 2007-12-06. Retrieved 2008-01-17.
  3. ↑ 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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