Frankfort 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.

Frankfort Commando
Frankfort Commando emblem
Country South Africa
Allegiance
Branch
TypeInfantry
RoleLight Infantry
SizeOne Battalion
Part ofSouth African Infantry Corps
Army Territorial Reserve, Group 25
Garrison/HQFrankfort

History

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Origin

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During the Anglo Boer War with the Free State Republic

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With the UDF

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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

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During this era, the unit was mainly utilised for area force protection, police assistance and stock theft control.

The unit resorted under the command of Group 25.

With the SANDF

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Disbandment
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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

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SADF era Frankfort Commando insignia

Leadership

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Leadership
From Honorary Colonels To
From Commanding Officers To
From Regimental Sergeants Major To
  • Commandant Alex Ross 1900

References

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  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.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  2. ^ "About the Commando system". Archived from the original on 6 December 2007. Retrieved 17 January 2008.
  3. ^ de Lange, Deon. "South Africa: Commandos Were 'Hostile to New SA'". Cape Argus. Retrieved 5 March 2015.

See also

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