Lichtenburg Commando

{{short description|Light infantry regiment of the South African Army}}

{{infobox military unit

|unit_name= Lichtenburg Commando

|image=SADF era Lichtenburg Commando emblem.jpg

|image_size=160px

|caption=Lichtenburg Commando emblem

|dates=

|country= {{ZAF}}

|allegiance={{plainlist|

{{flagicon|South African Republic}} Zuid Afrikaanse Republic
Union of South Africa
{{flag|South Africa|1928|name=Republic of South Africa}}
{{flag|South Africa|1994|name=Republic of South Africa}}

}}

|branch={{plainlist|

{{army|South Africa|1981}}
{{army|South Africa|1994}}

}}

|type= Infantry

|role= Light Infantry

|size= One Battalion

|command_structure=South African Infantry Corps
Army Territorial Reserve,Group 20

|garrison= Lichtenburg

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|mascot= lion of the west

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Lichtenburg 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.

History

=Origins=

=Operations=

==With the Zuid Afrikaanse Republiek==

This Commando was involved in numerous engagements during the Anglo Boer War such as:

Battle of Kraaipan in 12 October 1899, capturing a British garrison between Vryburg and Mafikeng.{{Cite web|url=https://hyperleap.com/topic/Battle_of_Kraaipan|title = Battle of Kraaipan}}
At Belmont, covering the retreat of General Prinsloo to Graspan
Battle of Modder River, where trench warfare was first used in this war{{Cite web|url=https://www.sahistory.org.za/people/jacobus-herculaas-de-la-rey|title=Jacobus Herculaas de la Rey | South African History Online}}

During the guerilla phase of this war:

Battle of Donkerhoek/ Battle of Diamond Hill in 11 to 12 June 1900.

==With the UDF==

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.

File:UDF era National Reserve of Volunteers shoulder tab.jpg

==With the SADF==

During this era, this commando was mainly used for area force protection, search and cordons as well as stock theft control assistance to the rural police.

The unit fell under the command of the SADF's Group 20.

==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.{{cite web|url=http://www.issafrica.org/Pubs/ASR/6No2/VanStade.html |title=Rationalisation in the SANDF: The Next Challenge |access-date=5 March 2015 |year=1997 |author=Col L B van Stade, Senior Staff Officer Rationalisation, SANDF |publisher=Institute for Security Studies |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160316204323/https://issafrica.org/pubs/asr/6no2/vanstade.html |archive-date=16 March 2016 }}{{cite web|url=http://www.saps.gov.za/statistics/reports/rural_safety/eng/pages/no2e.htm |title=About the Commando system |access-date=2008-01-17 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071206150052/http://www.saps.gov.za/statistics/reports/rural_safety/eng/pages/no2e.htm |archive-date=December 6, 2007 }} 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.{{cite web|last1=de Lange|first1=Deon|title=South Africa: Commandos Were 'Hostile to New SA'|url=http://allafrica.com/stories/200805290408.html|work=Cape Argus|access-date=5 March 2015|url-access=subscription }}

Unit Insignia

File:SADF era Lichtenburg Commando insignia ver 2.jpg

Leadership

1885 Cmdt Koos de la Rey{{Cite web|url=https://www.reformationsa.org/index.php/history/336-heroes-of-the-anglo-boer-war-general-de-la-rey-the-lion-of-the-transvaal|title = Heroes of the Anglo Boer War - General de la Rey - the Lion of the Transvaal - Reformation Society}}