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Bluff Commando

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Bluff Commando
Bluff Commando / Regiment Congella emblems
ActiveCongella (1980)
Country South Africa
Allegiance
Branch
TypeInfantry
RoleLight Infantry
SizeOne Battalion
Part ofSouth African Infantry Corps
Army Territorial Reserve, Group 10
Garrison/HQBluff, KwaZulu-Natal, Blamey Road Montclair Durban

Bluff 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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From Commando to Regiment

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Congella Regiment can claim descent from Bluff Commando and other citizen force personnel in the Durban area.

Operations

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With the SADF

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It was raised in 1980 and its first headquarters was at Bluff Commando HQ on Salisbury Island on the SA Navy Base. The Regiment was later moved to Blamey Road Montclair.

By 1990, Durban Regiment, Congella Regiment and 12 Reception Depot were all placed under command of Group 10. The regimental badge was based on the Inniskilling Fusiliers castle.

Congella Regiment was deployed to South West Africa on border duties and also participated in numerous deployments within South Africa to combat internal unrest.

Congella Regiment had a unique composition in that it had specialist components such as a tactical support team and dog handlers.

With the SANDF

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Disbandment
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These units along with all other Commando units was disbanded after a decision by South African President Thabo Mbeki to disband all Commando Units.[1][2] 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.[3]

Leadership

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Leadership
From Honorary Colonels To
From Commanding Officer To
1980 Commandant I. Deetlefs 1984
1984 Commandant D. Edgecombe 1989
1989 Commandant K.R. Brewis 1995
1995 Lieutenant Colonel J.A. Moxham nd
From Regimental Sergeant Major To

Insignia

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Dress Insignia

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SADF Bluff Commando Regiment Congella insignia

References

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  1. ^ 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.
  2. ^ "About the Commando system". Archived from the original on 6 December 2007. Retrieved 17 January 2008.
  3. ^ de Lange, Deon. "South Africa: Commandos Were 'Hostile to New SA'". Cape Argus. Retrieved 5 March 2015.

See also

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