Worcester Commando

Worcester Commando
Founded	June 21, 1883; 142 years ago (1883-06-21)
Disbanded	February 14, 2003; 23 years ago (2003-02-14)
Country	South Africa
Allegiance	Cape Colony Union of South Africa Republic of South Africa Republic of South Africa
Branch	South African Army  South African Army
Type	Infantry
Role	Light Infantry
Size	One Battalion
Part of	South African Infantry Corps Army Territorial Reserve, Group 2
Garrison/HQ	Worcester

Worcester 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.

Worcester Commando was the second oldest unit in South African military history. It started as the Worcester Volunteer Rifles on 21 June 1883 and has had many name changes over the years such as:

• Western Rifles A Company
• Worcester Skiet Kommando^{[citation needed]}

This unit volunteered members for both World Wars and was involved in border duty during the Border War as well as during internal unrest.

The units banner was unveiled in 1910.^{[citation needed]}

The unit received the Freedom of Worcester in 1982 and received its colours in 1992.^{[citation needed]}

This unit, 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

From	Honorary Colonels	To
From	Commanding Officer	To
From	Regimental Sergeant Major	To

• South African Commando System