Danie Theron Combat School

Danie Theron Combat School
Danie Theron Combat School
Active	1967 (1967)–1982 (1982)
Country	Republic of South Africa
Allegiance	Republic of South Africa
Branch	South African Army
Type	Infantry Training Centre
Role	Light Infantry
Size	One Battalion
Part of	South African Infantry Corps Army Territorial Reserve
Garrison/HQ	Diskolobos, Kimberley

Danie Theron Combat School was a light infantry training 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

Danie Theron Combat School was established near Kimberley around 1967, aimed at primary infantry training for the Commando system. The school was initially called the Commando Combat School, but by 1968 was renamed in honour of Danie Theron, a renowned Boer war soldier.

Operations

The School was initially responsible for basic military training. The majority of the recruits were area bound farmers, business owners, or essentials services). These recruits were to be allocated to regional commandos after their initial training.

The school was also responsible for promotional training of Civilian Force officers and non-commissioned officers.

Other training modules include conventional and rural counter insurgency training.

By 1973, the majority of the Danie Theron Combat School training/recruit wing staff were transferred to a new unit 11 Commando (South African).

Promotional and Corp specific Training was eventually transferred to other Infantry schools by the mid 1980s.

SADF era Danie Theron Combat School Commemorative letter

Unit Insignia

SADF era Danie Theron Combat School insignia

Leadership

Leadership

From	Honorary Colonel	To
From	Officer Commanding	To
1967	Col J. Fourie	c. 1969
1969	Col P.E.K. Bosman	c. 1973
1973	Col B. Redlinghuys	c. 1974
1974	Col H.F.P. Riekert	c. 1976
1976	Col J.S. van Heerden	c. 1978
1978	Col M. Faul	c. 1980
1980	Col G.C.M.G. Fourie	c. 1982
1982	Col J.L. Jordaan	c. 1985
1985	Col C.J. Bornman	c. 1994
From	Regimental Sergeant Major	To
c. 1967	WO1 G.C. Heyns	c. 1975
1975	WO2 J. Matthews	c. 1975
1975	WO1 J.H. Burger	c. 1977
1978	WO1 J.L. Scherman	c. 1982
1983	WO1 J.F. Somers	c. 1986
1986	WO1 H.A. Westraadt	c. nd

See also

• South African Commando System