Krugersdorp Commando

Krugersdorp Commando or Kommando was a light infantry regiment from Krugersdorp district of the South African Army. It was active as a part of the South African Army Infantry Formation as well as the South African Territorial Reserve.

Krugersdorp Commando
Krugersdorp Commando emblem
Country	South Africa
Allegiance	South African Republic 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 South African Army Territorial Reserve
Garrison/HQ	Krugersdorp
Engagements	Second Boer War

Unit history

Origin

The Krugersdorp Commando, was formed in 1898 as part of the Boer Commando. Commanders from Krugersdorp were Sarel Oosthuizen (1862 – 1900), Frederik Jacobus Potgieter (1858 – 1924) and Sarel Francois Alberts (1872 – 1954).^[1][2]

With the Zuid Afrikaanse Republiek

War against the Magato and Mpefu

Anglo Boer War

During the Anglo Boer War, this commando was involved in the following engagements:

• rearguard for Dundee
• Battle of Elandslaagte
• Battle of Modderspruit
• Battle of Colenso capturing General Buller's artillery
• Battle for Pietershoogte

During the guerilla phase of the war in the Western Transvaal, this commando was also involved in:

• Battle of Vlakfontein
• Battle of Moedswil
• Battle of Driefontein
• Battle of Yzerspruit
• Battle of Tweebosch
• Battle of Boschbult and
• Battle of Rooiwal

The battle of Nooitgedacht in the Krugersdorp area could have been a complete rout had the Boers not stopped to plunder the British camp.^[3]

With the Union Defence Force (UDF)

Further information: Union Defence Force (South Africa)

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.

With the SADF

Further information: South African Defence Force

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

The unit resorted under the command of the SADF's Group 17.

With the SANDF

Further information: South African National Defence Force

Disbandment

Krugersdorp Commando along with all other Commando units was disbanded in the 1990s after a decision by South African President Thabo Mbeki to disband all existing 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 Krugersdorp Commando insignia

Leadership

Leadership

From	Honorary Colonels	To
From	Commanding Officers	To
1989	Lt Col Charles Betts MBE	2003
From	Regimental Sergeants Major	To

See also

• South Africa portal

• South African Commando System