The 4 Reconnaissance Commando was a South African Special Forces unit of the South African Defence Force that was formed in July 1978, specialising in air assault and airborne operations, amphibious warfare, clandestine operation, commando style raids, counterinsurgency, long-range penetration, naval boarding, special reconnaissance, special warfare, and underwater demolition.

[1]: Ch2  It was formed at Salisbury Island, Durban and consisted of a headquarters unit of Kinghorn and a NCO and two units of six men each and was called Charlie (C) Group of 1 Reconnaissance Commando.

[1]: Ch2 On 1 May 1976, the Defence Minister approved the formation of 4 Reconnaissance Commando but it would take a further two years before it was formally established.

[1]: Ch2  The unit was formed on the 17 July 1978 as 4 Reconnaissance Commando at Langebaan with Major Kinghorn as the first commanding officer and the first RSM was Warrant Officer “Chili” du Plessis.

[2] The unit was said to be small with mainly white soldiers who operated in Angola and Mozambique[3]: Chp3 In 1978, 4 Reconnaissance Commando was initially structured into three groups:[1]: Ch3 but when 4 Reconnaissance Commando was renamed 4 Reconnaissance Regiment in 1981 it was structured as: 4.1 Commando – operational component with five teams:[1]: Ch3 4.2 Commando – training element later called Special Forces Amphibious and Urban School[1]: Ch3 The next reorganisation occurred in 1992 when the Special Forces HQ was disbanded and renamed the Directorate Reconnaissance Forces and 4 RR remained but 2RR, the citizen force unit, was disbanded.