Lion's Head 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

The Lions Head Commando was one of several 'urban commandos' which were established in 1962, when the Army's focus was on internal security.

Lions Head Commando

Operations

With the SADF

During this era, the unit was mainly involved in area force protection, cordon and search operations assisting the local police and stock theft control.

Lions Head Commando

The unit was organised under Group 1 Headquarters at Youngsfield part of Western Province Command.

Lions Head Commando

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.

Unit Insignia

Note : the flash captioned "Lion's Head Commando shoulder flash Type 2" was designed and approved, and prototypes were made, but it was never worn.

Leadership

References

See also

South African Commando System

Infantry regiments of South Africa

South African Commando Units

Disbanded military units and formations in Cape Town