Regiment Vanderbiljpark
- Republic of South Africa
- Republic of South Africa
- South African Army
- South African Army
Army Territorial Reserve
Vanderbijlpark Regiment 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 unit was originally known as the Vaal/Vanderbijlpark Commando which itself had originated as a shooting commando in 1953 when it divided from the Vereeniging Commando. The Vanderbijlpark Commando was formally militarised in 1961 when all members received their Force Numbers and placed in companies. From 1961 to 1969 the unit was responsible for the security of Vanderbijlpark and ISCOR, the Iron and Steel Corporation of South Africa facilities.
The daughter commando
The ISCOR Commando itself was formed in 1969 and the town was no longer its responsibility. The Vanderbijlpark Commando was now responsible for all other factories and installations in the larger district.
The Border War
The unit conducted its first border duty during 1976.
The unit received a new headquarters on 9 September 1978.
The unit received Freedom of Entry to Vanderbijlpark on 20 February 1982 and exercised its right.
From Commando to Regiment
The development of more industries in the area increased the responsibility on the Vanderbijlpark Commando as workers of these industries with Citizen Force Camp requirements were also transferred to the Vanderbijlpark Commando. The unit was officially reclassified a regiment on 31 January 1986, although a parade on 3 January 1986 through the streets of Vanderbijlpark allowed the public to interact with the new Regiment.
The counter-insurgency battalion
In 1986 a decision was made that the Regiment would also be utilised as a counter insurgency battalion and meant that it could be utilised in the black townships for riot control as well.[1]
Command
The unit was initially under the command of Group 17 but was transferred to Group 42 in 1991, so that several units could be merged and be used in the greater Witwatersrand.
Leadership
From | Honorary Colonels | To |
From | Commanding Officers | To |
From | Regimental Sergeants Major | To |
Insignia
Dress Insignia
References
- ^ http://dspace.nwu.ac.za/bitstream/handle/10394/14075/Fourie_SM_Chapter6.pdf?sequence=7 [bare URL PDF]
See also
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- GSB Youngsfield
- 10 x Commandos
- Two Oceans Commando
- Cape Flats Commando
- False Bay Commando
- Koeberg Commando
- Lions Head Commando
- Skiereiland Commando/Peninsula Commando
- Tygerberg Commando
- Wynberg Commando
- GSB Oudtshoorn
- 8 x Commandos
- Oudtshoorn Commando
- Worcester Commando
- Cradock Commando
- Katberg Commando
- Murraydeen Commando
- Somerset East Commando
- Stormberg Commando
- Midland Commando, (previously Fort Beaufort Commando)
- GSB Pietermaritzburg
- 5 x Commandos
- Pietermaritzburg Commando/Natalia Regiment
- Umkomaas Commando
- Umvoti Commando
- Midmar Commando
- Weenen-Kliprivier Commando
- Griqualand-East Commando
- GSB Pietersburg
- 7 x Commandos
- Pietersburg Commando
- Limpopo Commando(SMA)
- Magdol Commando
- Soutpansberg Commando(SMA)
- Thabazimbi Commando
- Warmbad Commando
- Waterberg Commando Nylstroom
- Potgietersrus Commando
- GSB Johannesburg
- 8 x Commandos
- Delmas Commando
- Heidelberg Commando
- Nigel Commando
- Springs Commando
- GSB Kimberley
- 10 x Commandos
- 11 Commando
- Barkly West Commando
- Herbert Commando
- Hopetown Commando
- Kimberley Commando
- Karoo Commando
- Vaalharts Commando
- Victoria West Commando
- GSB Lohathla
- 7 x Commandos
- Boegoeberg Commando
- Gordonia Commando
- Kakamas Commando
- Hay Commando
- Orania Commando
- Prieska Commando
- GSB Bloemfontein
- 16 x Commandos
- Caledon River Commando
- Fauresmith Commando
- Ladybrand Commando
- Senekal Commando
- Alberton Commando
- Edenvale Commando
- Modderfontein Commando
- Sandton Commando (previously West Park Commando)
- West Park Commando (renamed Sandton Commando)
- GSB Port Elizabeth
- 7 x Commandos
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