| Smithfield Commando | |
|---|---|
 Smithfield Commando emblem | |
| Disbanded | March 14, 2003 (22 years ago) (2003-03-14) |
| Country |  South Africa |
| Allegiance |
|
| Branch | |
| Type | Infantry |
| Role | Light Infantry |
| Size | One Battalion |
| Part of | South African Infantry Corps Army Territorial Reserve |
| Garrison/HQ | Smithfield Free State |
Smithfield Commando was alight infantryregiment of theSouth African Army. It formed part of theSouth African Army Infantry Formation as well as the South African Territorial Reserve.
In 1858, Smithfield was a frontier town between the Sovereignty and the Basotho. It was therefore involved in the Basotho Wars and even could muster its own cannon called "old grietjie."
The commando was again involved in the Anglo Boer War most notable being:
By 1902 all Commando remnants were under British military control and disarmed.
By 1912, however previous Commando members could join shooting associations.
By 1940, such commandos were under control of the National Reserve of Volunteers.
These commandos were formally reactivated by 1948.
During this era, the unit was mainly used for area force protection, search and cordones and assisting the rural police in stock theft control.
This unit, along with all otherCommando units was disbanded after a decision by South African PresidentThabo 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 theMinister of Safety and SecurityCharles Nqakula.[4]
| From | Honorary Colonels | To |
| From | Commanding Officers | To |
| 1899 | Commandant J Potgieter | nd |
| 1900 | Commandant Jan Le Roux Pieterse | nd |
| From | Regimental Sergeants Major | To |
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