Midmar Commando

Midmar Commando
Midmar Commando emblem
Active 1978-
Country  South Africa
Allegiance
Branch
Type Infantry
Role Light Infantry
Size One Battalion
Part of South African Infantry Corps
Army Territorial Reserve, Group 9
Garrison/HQ Howick
Motto(s) "Pro Aris et Focis" For Hearth and Home

Midmar 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

Raised in 1978 at Howick after a decision was reached that Umkomaas Commando was responsible for too large an area. C and D companies of Umkomaas Commando then formed the nucleus of this new unit. The units headquarters was situated in an old World War Two hospital on the outskirts of Howick.

A shoulder flash for the unit was designed representing the Midmar Dam wall and approved for use on 15 June 1982. Colonel M.O. Norton was appointed as the units Honorary Colonel on 29 November 1986.

Operations

In October 1987, the Commando was mobilised to assist with humanitarian operations caused by heavy flooding in the Howick and surrounding areas as a result of heavy rains. Midmar Commando was often deployed on operations to assist the South African Police during internal unrest.

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 Insignia

Leadership

  • Cmdt M.O. Norton 1979-1981
  • Cmdt A.M. Bosworth-Smith 1981-1984
  • Cmdt I.H.W Rottcher 1984-1986
  • Maj J.B. Weston 1986-1987
  • Lt Col J.H. Hughes 1987-

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.
  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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