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Smithfield Commando

{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2019}}

{{Use South African English|date=October 2019}}

{{infobox military unit

|unit_name= Smithfield Commando

|image= SADF era Smithfield Commando emblem.jpg

|image_size= 160px

|caption=Smithfield Commando emblem

|dates=

|country= {{ZAF}}

|allegiance={{plainlist|

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|branch={{plainlist|

  • {{army|South Africa|1973}}
  • {{army|South Africa|1994}}

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|type= Infantry

|role= Light Infantry

|size= One Battalion

|command_structure=South African Infantry Corps
Army Territorial Reserve

|garrison= Smithfield Free State

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|disbanded= {{date and age|2003|03|14|p=y}}

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Smithfield 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

=Origin=

==With the Orange River Sovereignty==

In 1858, Smithfield was a frontier town between the Sovereignty and the Basotho. It was therefore involved in the Basotho Wars and even could muster its own cannon called "old grietjie."

==With the Orange Free State Republic==

The commando was again involved in the Anglo Boer War most notable being:

  • The Battle of Stormberg in 1899,
  • The Battle of Biddulphsberg in 1900.{{Cite web|url=http://www.biddulphsberg.com/anglo-boer-war-bull-anglo-boere-oorlog.html|title=Streaming film complet et séries en VF - " vfComplet "|access-date=8 January 2019|archive-date=8 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190108201138/http://www.biddulphsberg.com/anglo-boer-war-bull-anglo-boere-oorlog.html|url-status=dead}}

==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, the unit was mainly used for area force protection, search and cordones and assisting the rural police in stock theft control.

==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|archive-date=6 December 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071206150052/http://www.saps.gov.za/statistics/reports/rural_safety/eng/pages/no2e.htm|url-status=dead}} 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 Smithfield Commando insignia.jpg

Leadership

{{Post-start|caption=Leadership|float=}}

{{Post-header|post-name=Honorary Colonels}}

{{Post-header|post-name=Commanding Officers}}

{{Post-member|from-date=1899|post-incumbent=Commandant J Potgieter|to-date=nd}}

{{Post-member|from-date=1900|post-incumbent=Commandant Jan Le Roux Pieterse|to-date=nd}}

{{Post-header|post-name=Regimental Sergeants Major}}

{{Post-end}}

References

{{reflist}}

See also

{{portal|South Africa}}

{{SA Commandos}}{{SA Army Units}}

Category:Infantry regiments of South Africa

Category:South African Commando Units

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