Hercules 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.

Hercules Commando
Hercules Commando / Regiment Pretorius emblem
Country South Africa
Allegiance
Branch
TypeInfantry
RoleLight Infantry
SizeOne Battalion
Part ofSouth African Infantry Corps
Army Territorial Reserve
Garrison/HQHercules, Pretoria
Motto(s)"Pede intrepide" (forward fearlessly)

History

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Origin

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This unit was initially established as the Pretoria North West Rifle Association in 1923.

Operations

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With the UDF

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By 1925, the name was changed to the Pretoria Moot Rifle Association. Rifle Association s were however disbanded with the outbreak of WW2.

By 1948, skietkommandos were established and Hercules Commando was initially based in the Pretoria suburb of Hercules. A total of 490 men were recruited.

With the SADF

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Upgraded to Regiment
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By 1983 the existing elements of the commando was converted into Regiment Pretorius.

The unit served in the operational areas of South West Africa and the Far Northern Transvaal.

The Regiment continued to wear the infantry Bok up to 1989 when a new badge with a caracals head was introduced.

The Regiment received its National Colours on 31 May 1990.

The Regiment was converted to an urban coin unit, now with Northern Transvaal Command.

The Regiment was moved to a new HQ at Voortrekkerhoogte in May 1992.

With the SANDF

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Amalgamation into Tshwane Regiment
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In December 2002, Regiment Pretorius with other structures in the Greater Pretoria area was amalgamated into the new Tshwane Regiment.

 
SANDF History of Tshwane Regiment

Leadership

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Leadership
From Honorary Colonels To
From Commanding Officers To
From Regimental Sergeants Major To

Insignia

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Dress Insignia

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SADF era Regiment Pretorius insignia

References

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See also

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