11 Commando (South African)

11 Commando
11 Commando emblem
Active	November 1973 (1973-11)–2003 (2003)
Disbanded	2003
Country	South Africa
Allegiance	Republic of South Africa
Branch	South African Army
Type	Artillery
Size	Regiment
Part of	South African Army Infantry Corps Army Territorial Reserve
Garrison/HQ	Kimberley
Motto(s)	Per Gladium (The Sword)

11 Commando was an infantry training battalion of the South African Army Infantry Formation Corps.

Origin

11 Commando was formed at Kimberly around November 1973. The majority of the Danie Theron Combat School training/recruit wing staff were transferred to this unit.

The majority of the recruits were area bound farmers, business owners, or essentials services).

These recruits were to be allocated to regional commandos after their initial training.

Relationship with Intelligence

When 11 Commando closed down, the Intelligence School took control of the facility and continued to use 11 Commando's insignia.

In September 1982, SA Intelligence School took over from 11 Commando. The unit flash with the red Chief of Army Higher Formation bar was introduced thereafter. In December 1988, SA Intelligence School moved to Potchefstroom. From January 1989, the C Army reporting line was changed to the regional command reporting structure, so the school fell under North West Command from 1989 until the SADF was replaced by the SANDF in 1994, after which the regional command system fell away and was replaced by a new Army structure based on formations.

Commanding Officers

• Commandant W.S. van der Waals 1973
• Commandant A.K. de Lager 1974
• Commandant R, van Rensburg 1977

Insignia

11 Commando retained the standard commando beret badge

SADF era 11 Commando insignia

See also

• South African Commando System