Hay Commando

Hay 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.

Hay Commando
Hay Commando emblem
Country	South Africa
Allegiance	Cape Colony Union of South Africa Republic of South Africa Republic of South Africa
Branch	South African Army  South African Army
Type	Infantry
Role	Light Infantry
Size	One Battalion
Part of	South African Infantry Corps Army Territorial Reserve
Garrison/HQ	Marydale, Northern Cape

History

Origin

As an isolated border town in the Cape Colony, Hay was allowed to protect itself from attack.^[1][2]

Operations

Republican Rebels

During the Anglo Boer War approximately 1000 commandos from this district sided with the Orange Free State and ZAR republics.^[3]

With the UDF

With the SADF

During this era, the unit was mainly engaged in area force protection, search and cordons as well as stock theft control assistance to the rural police.

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 Hay Commando insignia

Leadership

Leadership

From	Honorary Colonels	To
From	Commanding Officers	To
From	Regimental Sergeants Major	To