Boksburg Commando
Boksburg Commando | |
---|---|
Founded | September 27, 1899 |
Disbanded | February 14, 2003 |
Country | South Africa |
Allegiance |
|
Branch | |
Type | South African Infantry Corps Army Territorial Reserve |
Garrison/HQ | Boksburg |
Boksburg Commando was a
History
Origin
The first Boksburg Commando was originally mobilised in 1899 and moved to the Transvaal border.[1]
Operations
With the Zuid Afrikaanse Republiek
When the Anglo Boer war was declared this commando crossed the border and occupied Newcastle in Natal.[2]
Under Commandant A.J. Dercksen, the Commando had a combined strength of 2,013 with the Germiston and Johannesburg Commandos.
The commando fought at Sandspruit,
Other operations in this era include:
- Battle of Elandslaagte (1899)
- Derailing of an armoured train near Colenso and capture of Winston Churchill[4]
- Battle of Colenso (1899)
- Battle of Spion Kop (1900)
- Battle of Bergendal (1900)
Under the Union Defence Force
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.
Rebellion Leaders
General C.F. Muller, a previous member of the Boksburg Commando, was one of the 1915 rebellion leaders.[5]
Under the SADF
During this era, the unit was mainly engaged in area force protection, search and cordons as well as other assistance to the local police.
As an urban unit, this commando was also tasked with protecting strategic facilities as well as quelling township riots especially during the State of Emergency in the 1980s.
Under the SANDF
Disbandment
This unit, along with all other
Unit Insignia
SADF era insignia
Leadership
From | Honorary Colonels | To |
From | Commanding Officers | To |
1900 | Field General G. Gravett | nd |
From | Regimental Sergeants Major | To |
References
- ^ "Nolte, J E. Burger". angloboerwar.com. 25 April 2015. Retrieved 20 December 2021.
- ^ "Anglo Boer War - Home". angloboerwar.com. Retrieved 20 December 2021.
- ISBN 9780869809495.
- ^ "Anglo Boer War - Boer forces". angloboerwar.com. Retrieved 20 December 2021.
- ^ Mill, G. (2000). The incredible saga of the Boksburg Commando 1899 to 1902. Boksburg Historical Association.
- ^ van Stade, Col L B (1997). "Rationalisation in the SANDF: The Next Challenge". Institute for Security Studies. Archived from the original on 16 March 2016. Retrieved 5 March 2015.
- ^ "About the Commando system". Archived from the original on 6 December 2007. Retrieved 17 January 2008.
- ^ de Lange, Deon. "South Africa: Commandos Were 'Hostile to New SA'". Cape Argus. Retrieved 5 March 2015.
See also
- South African Commando System