title: Smithfield Commando
text: # Smithfield Commando
  
  Smithfield 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
  
  ### Origin
  
  **With the Orange River Sovereignty**
  
  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."
  
  **With the Orange Free State Republic**
  
  The commando was again involved in the Anglo Boer War most notable being:
  
  * The Battle of Stormberg in 1899,
  * The battle of Biddulphberg in 1900.
  
  **With the UDF**
  
  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.
  
  **With the SADF**
  
  During this era, the unit was mainly used for area force protection, search and cordones and assisting the rural police in stock theft control.
  
  **With the SANDF**
  
  **Disbandment**
  
  This unit, along with all other Commando units was disbanded after a decision by South African President Thabo Mbeki to disband all Commando Units. 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.
  
  ## Leadership
  
  Leadership :
  
  | 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 |
  