Hay Commando

Hay Commando
Hay Commando emblem
Country South Africa
Allegiance
Branch
TypeInfantry
RoleLight Infantry
SizeOne Battalion
Part ofSouth African Infantry Corps
Army Territorial Reserve
Garrison/HQMarydale, Northern Cape

Hay 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

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Origin

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As an isolated border town in the Cape Colony, Hay was allowed to protect itself from attack.[1][2]

Operations

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Republican Rebels

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During the Anglo Boer War approximately 1000 commandos from this district sided with the Orange Free State and ZAR republics.[3]

With the UDF

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With the SADF

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During this era, the unit was mainly engaged in area force protection, search and cordons as well as stock theft control assistance to the rural police.

With the SANDF

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Disbandment
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This unit, along with all other Commando units was disbanded after a decision by South African President Thabo Mbeki to disband all Commando Units.[4][5] 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.[6]

Unit Insignia

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SADF era Hay Commando insignia
SADF era Hay Commando insignia

Leadership

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Leadership
From Honorary Colonels To
From Commanding Officers To
From Regimental Sergeants Major To

References

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  1. ^ Boer War Memorial Hay - Traces of War
  2. ^ "Anglo Boer War - Hay District Mounted Troops".
  3. ^ De Wet, C.R. Three Years War, Galago Press, Alberton, 1986 pp127
  4. ^ Col L B van Stade (1997). "Rationalisation in the SANDF: The Next Challenge". Institute for Security Studies. Archived from the original on 16 March 2016. Retrieved 5 March 2015.
  5. ^ "About the Commando system". Archived from the original on 6 December 2007. Retrieved 17 January 2008.
  6. ^ de Lange, Deon. "South Africa: Commandos Were 'Hostile to New SA'". Cape Argus. Retrieved 5 March 2015.

See also

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