| Corps Pandoeren | |
|---|---|
| Corps Vrijen Hottentotten | |
 Reproduction of the uniform of a private in the Korps Pandoeren. | |
| Active | 1793-1795, 1803-1806 |
| Country |  VOC  Batavian Republic |
| Allegiance | Dutch East India Company Batavian Republic |
| Size | One battalion |
| Garrison/HQ | Castle of Good Hope |
| Engagements | Invasion of the Cape Colony Battle of Blaauwberg |
The Korps Pandoeren, or Corps Pandoeren, was a light infantry unit raised in the Cape Colony from the Khoekhoe and mixed population to aid in the colony's defence. The unite was raised in 1793 following France's declaration of war with the Netherlands at the outbreak of the French Revolutionary Wars. The unit was disbanded by the British following the capture of the Cape Colony in 1806. The unit saw action during the Invasion of the Cape Colony in 1795 and the Battle of Blaauwberg in 1806.[1] The corps was noted for its skill in fighting unconventional actions.[2]
During the British administration of the Cape Colony the unit would be reconstituted into a British line regiment, the Cape Corps, initially based at Rietvlei just outside of Cape Town, disbanded in 1870 then reformed in 1915 until disbandment again in 1991.[1]
The name "Pandoeren" was derived from the Hungarian “pandur” light infantry founded 46 years before.[3]
References[edit]
- ^ a b "South African Military History Society - Journal - The Khoekhoe soldier at the Cape of Good Hope". samilitaryhistory.org. Retrieved 2024-03-23.
- ^ Villiers, Johan de (March 2020). "The Pandour Corps, 1793-1795 : Soldiers in defence of the Cape Colony towards the end of Dutch rule". Tydskrif vir Geesteswetenskappe. 60 (1): 205–217. doi:10.17159/2224-7912/2020/v60n1a14. ISSN 0041-4751.
- ^ "Die "Corps Pandoeren", 1793-1795: Krygers ter verdediging van die Kaapkolonie teen die einde van die Nederlandse bewind". Tydskrif vir Geesteswetenskappe. 60 (1). 1 March 2020.