Piet Retief Commando
In this article we are going to explore the fascinating world of Piet Retief Commando, which covers a wide range of topics and aspects ranging from the personal to the social. Piet Retief Commando has been the subject of interest and analysis throughout history, and its impact has been felt in all areas of society. Through this article, we will seek to better understand Piet Retief Commando and its importance in our lives, as well as explore its implications in different contexts. From its origin to its evolution, Piet Retief Commando has been the subject of debate and study, and we hope to shed light on this topic in an informative and insightful way.
| Piet Retief Commando | |
|---|---|
 Piet Retief Commando emblem | |
| Country |  South Africa |
| Allegiance | |
| Branch | |
| Type | Infantry |
| Role | Light Infantry |
| Size | One Battalion |
| Part of | South African Infantry Corps Army Territorial Reserve |
| Garrison/HQ | Piet Retief, Mpumalanga |
Piet Retief 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
This Commando has its origins prior to the Anglo Boer War protecting the community of Piet Retief from incursions from Swaziland.
Operations
With the Zuid Afrikaanse Republiek
Defence of the ZAR border February 1900: The task of defending the eastern line became the responsibility of General Lucas Meyer, with the Vryheid, Utrecht, Swaziland, Piet Retief, Johannesburg, Krugersdorp and Middelburg commandos under his command.
With the Union Defence Force
With the SADF
During this era the unit was mainly used for area force protection, search and cordones as well asstock theft control assistance to the local police.
The unit resorted under the command of Group 12.[1]
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.[2][3] 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.[4][5]
Unit Insignia
 | This section is empty. You can help by adding to it. (October 2021) |
Leadership
| From | Honorary Colonel | To |
| From | Officer Commanding | To |
| c. 1900 | Cmdt Engelbrecht | c. |
| c. | Cmdt Kohlmeyer | c. |
| c. | Cmdt Hinze | c. |
| c. | Cmdt Labushagne | c. |
| c. | Cmdt Pretorius | c. |
| c. | Cmdt Meulke | c. |
| c. | Cmdt Johannes | c. |
| c. | Maj Bruwer | c. |
| c. | Maj van Wyk | c. |
| c. | Lt Col Trebel | c. |
See also
References
- ^ Volker.W, Piet Retief Commando, the story of a border commando 1880-2007 published 2012
- ^ 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". Retrieved 17 January 2008.
- ^ de Lange, Deon. "South Africa: Commandos Were 'Hostile to New SA'". Cape Argus. Retrieved 5 March 2015.
- ^ News, Excelsior (16 March 2017). "Ten Years Since the Closure of Piet Retief Commando | Mpumalanga News - Excelsior". Retrieved 19 December 2021.
{{cite web}}:|last=has generic name (help)
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