Brakpan Commando
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Brakpan Commando was a
light infantry Light infantry refers to certain types of lightly equipped infantry throughout history. They have a more mobile or fluid function than other types of infantry, such as heavy infantry or line infantry. Historically, light infantry often fought ...
regiment A regiment is a military unit. Its role and size varies markedly, depending on the country, service and/or a specialisation. In Medieval Europe, the term "regiment" denoted any large body of front-line soldiers, recruited or conscripted ...
of the
South African Army The South African Army is the principal land warfare force of South Africa, a part of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), along with the South African Air Force, South African Navy and South African Military Health Service. ...
. It formed part of the
South African Army Infantry Formation The South African Army Infantry Formation supervises all infantry within the South African Army. History Origins: Union Defence Force South African Infantry originated as the ''Infantry Branch'' of the Union Defence Forces in 1913. In 1915, ...
as well as the South African Territorial Reserve.


History


Origin

This unit was established in 1922 during the Rand Revolt as a rebel commando under "General" R.B. Waterston to help the striking miners.


Operations


Rebel Commando

During the revolt, this commando massacred 8 opposing mine officials and special constables. The leader at that time, John Garsworthy was sentenced to death but this was later commuted.


With the UDF

The commando that had started as a communist rebel movement was eventually incorporated as a normal commando of the Union Defence Force.


With the SADF

During the SADF period, this unit resorted under Group 16 in Marievale. During this era, the unit was mainly engaged in area force protection, search and cordons as well as other assistance to the local police. As an urban unit, this commando was also tasked with protecting strategic facilities as well as quelling township riots especially during the State of Emergency in the 1980s.


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. 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 Charles Nqakula (born 13 September 1942) is a South African politician who served as Minister of Defence from September 2008 to 2009. He also served as Minister for Safety and Security from May 2002 to September 2008. Nqakula is married to fo ...
.


Unit Insignia


Leadership


See also

*
South African Commando System The Commando System was a mostly voluntary, part-time force of the South African Army, but in their role as local militia the units were often deployed in support of and under the authority of the South African Police. Mission South Africa's ...


References

{{Greater Johannesburg, mil Infantry regiments of South Africa South African Commando Units Disbanded military units and formations in the East Rand