East London Commando
Military unit
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
East London 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.
| East London Commando | |
|---|---|
East London Commando emblem | |
| Country |  South Africa |
| Allegiance | |
| Branch | |
| Type | Infantry |
| Role | Light Infantry |
| Size | One Battalion |
| Part of | South African Infantry Corps Army Territorial Reserve, Group 8 |
| Garrison/HQ | East London, South Africa |
History
Origins
Operations
With the UDF
By 1940, rifle associations were under control of the National Reserve of Volunteers. These rifle associations were re-designated as commandos by 1948.
With the SADF
During this era, the unit was mainly used for area force protection, search and cordones as well as stock theft control assistance to the local police.
The unit resorted under the command of Group 8.
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.[1][2] 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.[3]
Unit Insignia
Leadership
| From | Honorary Colonels | To |
| From | Commanding Officers | To |
| From | Regimental Sergeants Major | To |
