Vrede Commando

Vrede Commando was a light infantry regiment of the South African Army, forming part of the South African Army Infantry Formation as well as the South African Territorial Reserve.

Vrede Commando
Vrede Commando emblem
Country	South Africa
Allegiance	Orange Free State 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 Army Territorial Reserve
Garrison/HQ	Vrede

History

Origin

With the Orange Free State Republic

This Commando was involved in the following:

• The battle of Rietfontein^[1] took place on 24 October 1899 between six commandos of the Free State Army commanded by General A Piet Cronje and a British Flying Column dispatched from Ladysmith under the command of Sir George White.

The Free State forces consisted of the following commandos:

• Harrismith Commando,
• Kroonstad Commando,
• Winburg Commando,
• Bethlehem Commando,
• Vrede Commando and
• Heilbron Commando.

With the SADF

During this era the Commando was mainly tasked with area force protection, search and cordones as well as stock theft control to the rural police.

The unit resorted under the command of Group 24.

With the SANDF

Unit Insignia

SADF Vrede Commando insignia

Leadership

Leadership

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