Ladybrand Commando
Ladybrand Commando was a light infantry regiment of the South African Army from Ladybrand, Orange Free State. It formed part of the South African Army Infantry Formation as well as the South African Territorial Reserve.
| Ladybrand Commando | |
|---|---|
 Ladybrand Commando emblem | |
| Disbanded | March 14, 2003 |
| Country |  South Africa |
| Allegiance | |
| Branch | |
| Type | Infantry |
| Role | Light Infantry |
| Size | One Battalion |
| Part of | South African Infantry Corps Army Territorial Reserve, Group 36 |
| Garrison/HQ | Ladybrand |
.svg.png.webp){kind=small}
.svg.png.webp){kind=small}
.svg.png.webp){kind=small}
.svg.png.webp){kind=small}
History
During the Anglo Boer War
Elements of this commando were engaged at the battle of Magersfontein in 11 December 1899.
Surrender
On the morning of 30 July 1900, General Hunter received the surrender of Commandants Prinsloo and Crowther and of the Ficksburg and Ladybrand commandos. The surrender took place on what would become known as 'Surrender Hill in the Brandwater Basin.[1][2]
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.
With the SADF
During this era, the commando was mainly used for air force protection, cordon and search operations, as well as stock theft control assistance to the rural police.
The Commando was also involved in border protection with Lesotho.
The unit resorted under the command of the SADF's Group 36.
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.[3][4] 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.[5]
Unit Insignia
Leadership
| From | Honorary Colonels | To |
| From | Commanding Officers | To |
| 1900 | Commandant Jan Crowther | nd |
| From | Regimental Sergeants Major | To |
References
- Amery, L S (ed), The Times History of the War in South Africa, 1899-1902, (London, 1909).
- The South African War Record of the 1st Battalion, Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders, 1900-1902, (Inverness, 1903).
- Col L B van Stade, Senior Staff Officer Rationalisation, SANDF (1997). "Rationalisation in the SANDF: The Next Challenge". Institute for Security Studies. Archived from the original on 16 March 2016. Retrieved 5 March 2015.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - "About the Commando system". Archived from the original on 6 December 2007. Retrieved 17 January 2008.
- de Lange, Deon. "South Africa: Commandos Were 'Hostile to New SA'". Cape Argus. Retrieved 5 March 2015.