Hercules 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 initially established as the Pretoria North West Rifle Association in 1923.

Operations

With the UDF

By 1925, the name was changed to the Pretoria Moot Rifle Association. Rifle Association s were however disbanded with the outbreak of WW2. By 1948, skietkommandos were established and Hercules Commando was initially based in the Pretoria suburb of Hercules. A total of 490 men were recruited.

With the SADF

=Upgraded to Regiment

= By 1983 the existing elements of the commando was converted into Regiment Pretorius. The unit served in the operational areas of South West Africa and the Far Northern Transvaal. The Regiment continued to wear the infantry Bok up to 1989 when a new badge with a caracals head was introduced. The Regiment received its National Colours on 31 May 1990. The Regiment was converted to an urban coin unit, now with Northern Transvaal Command. The Regiment was moved to a new HQ at Voortrekkerhoogte in May 1992.

With the SANDF

=Amalgamation into Tshwane Regiment

= In December 2002, Regiment Pretorius with other structures in the Greater Pretoria area was amalgamated into the new

Tshwane Regiment Tshwane Regiment is an infantry regiment of the South African Army. As a reserve unit, it has a status roughly equivalent to that of a British Army Reserve or United States Army National Guard unit. History This Regiment was originally establ ...

History

Origin

Operations

With the UDF

With the SADF

=Upgraded to Regiment

With the SANDF

=Amalgamation into Tshwane Regiment

Leadership

Insignia

Dress Insignia

References

See also