Ficksburg Commando

Ficksburg 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.

Ficksburg Commando
Ficksburg Commando emblem
Country South Africa
Allegiance
Branch
TypeInfantry
RoleLight Infantry
SizeOne Battalion
Part ofSouth African Infantry Corps
Army Territorial Reserve
Garrison/HQFicksburg

History

Origin

This commando can trace its origin to the Free State - Basotho Wars of 1858 -1868.

Operations

With the Orange Free State Republic
During the Anglo Boer War

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

  • Elements of this commando was engaged at the battle of Magersfontein on the 11th December 1899.
  • the battle of Biddulphberg in 1900.[1]
Surrender

On the morning of 30 July 1900, General Hunter received the surrender of Commandants Prinsloo and Crowther of the Ficksburg and Ladybrand commandos. The surrender took place on what would become known as 'Surrender Hill in the Brandwater Basin.[2][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

This commando was primarily used in this era for area force protection, border operations and stock theft control.

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
SADF era Ficksburg Commando insignia

Leadership
Leadership
From Honorary Colonels To
From Commanding Officers To
1900 Commandant Paul de Villiers nd
From Regimental Sergeants Major To

References
  1. http://www.biddulphsberg.com/anglo-boer-war-bull-anglo-boere-oorlog.html
  2. Amery, L S (ed), The Times History of the War in South Africa, 1899-1902, (London, 1909).
  3. The South African War Record of the 1st Battalion, Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders, 1900-1902, (Inverness, 1903).
  4. 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)
  5. "About the Commando system". Archived from the original on 6 December 2007. 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


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