Rhodesian Veterans Association in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia | Non-profit organisation

Rhodesian Veterans Association

Locality: Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

Phone: +61 408 729 793

Address: Park Road 4102 Brisbane, QLD, Australia

Website: http://www.rhodesian.vet

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25.01.2022 Vic Falls 6 December 1977 K Car t/c arrive -Borlace Vic Falls 7 Dec 77 Vic Falls Airport contact K Cat t/c -Borlace 6 Dec 77 Sprayview contact K Car t/c-Borla...ce 7 Dec 77 Sprayview contact K Car t/c- Borlace 8 Dec Vic Falls contact K Car t/c -Spence -2 sorties 9 Dec 77 Vic Falls K Cat t/c Spence -3.10 hrs 10 Dec 77 Vic Falls K Car t/c Spence 11 Dec 77 Vic Falls K Car t/c -Spence up to 20 Dec 77 Kamativi See more

24.01.2022 Rhodesia's 'Big Stick'. The Canberra B2 of the RhAFs 5 Squadron had the capability of carrying out strikes into any of the 'Front Line States', and often did. Aquarelle pencils and airbrushed sky on Fabriano board.

24.01.2022 The Fallen: 29 November On this day, we remember with honour and pride members of the Rhodesian forces who paid the ultimate sacrifice. May they rest in eternal... peace. 1977 District Security Assistant Herod MPOFU, Keep Protection, Intaf, died on active service. 1977 Keep Commandant James Robert SCOTT, Protected Village Protection Group, Guard Force, died on active service. 1978 Private Samuel CHILENJE, 1 (Independent) Company, RAR, killed on active service. Killed in a vehicle accident, aged 17. Buried in the Athlone Cemetery, Bulawayo. 1978 District Security Assistant Peter James MUNETSI, Keep Protection, Intaf, murdered. Killed by CTs. 1978 District Security Assistant Watson MUTETA, Keep Protection, Intaf, died on active service. 1978 District Security Assistant Phahlani NDHLOVU, Keep Protection, Intaf, murdered. Killed by CTs whilst on R&R in Luhonjana Line, Tjolotjo, Op Tangent. 1978 Private A. NYONI, 1 (Independent) Company, RAR, killed on active service. Killed in a vehicle accident, aged 28. Buried in Lady Stanley Cemetery, Bulawayo. So for those who fell in battle, let us stand, Remember just for what they died, Of those shall be our boast and pride. Gerry van Tonder (Images: Dudley Wall)

23.01.2022 The Fallen: 22 November On this day, we remember with honour and pride members of the Rhodesian forces who paid the ultimate sacrifice. May they rest in eternal... peace. 1975 Warrant Officer 2 Sayino Runyowa TSHUMA, 1st Battalion, RAR, murdered. Died aged 37 from gunshot wounds, Mfungo Hills, Nemangwe, Gokwe, Op Grapple. He is buried in Gokwe. 1976 Field Assistant Barend Jacobus MYNHARDT, ADF, Intaf, murdered. He died aged 54 from gunshot wounds received in an ambush in Bikita TTL, Op Repulse. He was cremated at Warren Hills, Salisbury. 1977 District Security Assistant Amos DUBE, Keep Protection, Intaf, died on active service. Aged 25. 1977 District Security Assistant Benzenie NYATI, Keep Protection, Intaf, died on active service. Aged 36. 1977 District Security Assistant Buyisa TSHUMA, Keep Protection, Intaf, died on active service. Aged 37. 1977 Corporal Teddy TSHUMA, Regular Intaf, died on active service. Aged 29 1977 Private Oliver GUEST, 1 Protection Unit, killed on active service. Died in a vehicle accident, aged 19. Buried in the Athlone Cemetery, Bulawayo. 1977 District Security Assistant Henry MPOFU, School of Infantry, Intaf, murdered. Killed by terrorists. 1977 Guard Ephraim NGOSHI, Protected Village Protection Group, Guard Force, murdered. Murdered by terrorists aged 21. 1978 Auxiliary Constable Tinago Peter MAKECHE, Police Reserve, BSAP, killed on active service. Died in a vehicle accident, at the age of 25. Whilst on protection duty for a PTC unit conducting maintenance and repair work in the operational area, the PTC vehicle they were travelling in overturned. His private funeral took place in the Macheke Township, Ft Victoria, on 28 November. 1979 Sapper Vincent BAZARA, 7 Squadron, Rhodesian Corps of Engineers, KIA. Died from shrapnel wounds in action. 1979 Lance Corporal James Arnold DOUGLAS, 1st Battalion, Rhodesia Defence Regiment, died on active service. Died aged 24 years. He is buried in the Warren Hills Cemetery, Salisbury. 1979 Rifleman James Stewart KERR, C Company, 2nd Battalion, Rhodesia Regiment, KIA. Died from gunshot wounds received in a contact. See also G. Muvangani. 1979 Lance Corporal Gideon MUVANGANI, C Company, 2nd Battalion, Rhodesia Regiment, KIA. Died from gunshot wounds received in a contact. See also J. Kerr. 1979 Private Peter MAGONDA, 2nd Battalion, RAR, KIA. Died from gunshot wounds received in a CT action. 1979 Private Simangaliso NGULUBE, 3rd Maintenance, GSC, Army HQ, KIA. Died from gunshot wounds received in a CT action. 1979 Constable Taurayi Jackson SITHOLE, Support Unit, BSAP, KIA. Killed in a CT action in the Op Grapple area, at the age of 23. His semi-military funeral was held at the Shurugwi Cemetery on 29 November. 1979 Private Simon SITHOLE, 8th Battalion, Rhodesia Regiment, KIA. Killed in a CT action. 1979 Signalman Mark VON LICHTENSTEIN, Rhodesian Corps of Signals, died on active service. So for those who fell in battle, let us stand, Remember just for what they died, Of those shall be our boast and pride. Gerry van Tonder (Images: Dudley Wall)

22.01.2022 The Fallen: 28 November On this day, we remember with honour and pride members of the Rhodesian forces who paid the ultimate sacrifice. May they rest in eternal... peace. 1972 Fire Fighter Stanislaus Never MUKANDATSAMA, Thornhill, Rhodesian Air Force, killed on active service. Drowned in Diana's Pool, Melsetter. He was 18 years old and is buried in Gwelo. 1976 Sergeant Constantine Gora MUNENGWA MFC (13/09/74), 11 Platoon, D Company, 1st Battalion, RAR, KIA. Died from gunshot wounds received in a contact in Bikita district, Op Repulse, at the age of 34. He is buried in the Kadoma area. 1976 Corporal Tapson Dube NDAZA, D Company, 1st Battalion, RAR, KIA. Died from gunshot wounds received in a contact in Bikita district, Op Repulse, at the age of 27. He is buried in the Lupane area. 1977 Warrant Officer 1 Arthur Edward "Barney" BARNES, Rhodesian Air Force, died on active service. Died from a heart attack. Cremated and interred at Warren Hills Cemetery, Salisbury. 1977 Temporary Corporal Albert Adam "Alfie" TENNANT, C Company, 6th Battalion, Rhodesia Regiment, KIA. Killed in a contact, aged 31 years. Buried in Warren Hills Cemetery, Salisbury. 1978 District Officer Robert Norman James "Rob" CARRUTHERS MCM (Post) (05/1079), RegularIntaf, KIA. Died in a vehicle ambush, Chiswiti area, Mount Darwin, Op Hurricane, aged 23 years. Whilst travelling in between PVs in a 5-tonne Isuzu, Rob was manning a light machine gun when they were ambushed. He returned fire but was hit and killed instantly. 2 CTs were killed by return fire from the vehicle. His body was flown to Gwelo where he is buried. 1978 Lance Corporal Timothy Joseph "Tim" MURDOCK, 1 Platoon, 3 (Independent) Company, RAR, KIA. Killed in a vehicle ambush, Inyanga, Op Thrasher. They were escorting sticks back from Nyamaropa when the truck hit a landmine, followed by an ambush from about 200 yards away. 1978 District Security Assistant Dzimba MUZENDA, Keep Protection, Intaf, murdered. Killed by CTs. 1979 Sapper F. HANGANAYI, 3 Squadron, Rhodesian Corps of Engineers, KIA. Died from shrapnel wounds received in a CT action. 1979 Field Reservist John Headland MANN, PATU, BSAP, KIA. Killed in a CT action in the Lutope area, Gokwe, Op Grapple, at the age of 32. His semi-military funeral took place in Salisbury on 3 December. See also M. Rowland. 1979 Field Reservist Michael Godfrey ROWLAND, Police Reserve, BSAP, KIA. Killed in a CT action in the Lutope area, Gokwe, Op Grapple, at the age of 36. His semi-military funeral was held at Warren Hills Cemetery, Salisbury on 5 December. See also J. Mann. 1979 ConstableAndreas ZINJERA, UniformBSAP, KIA. Killed in a CT action, at the age of 23. His semi-military funeral was held on 3 December. So for those who fell in battle, let us stand, Remember just for what they died, Of those shall be our boast and pride. Gerry van Tonder (Images: Dudley Wall)

22.01.2022 The Fallen: 05 October On this day, we remember with honour and pride members of the Rhodesian forces who paid the ultimate sacrifice. May they rest in eternal ...peace. 1977 ConstableBernardCHIANIKE, Uniform BSAP, died on active service. Died in Harare Hospital from injuries received in a motor cycle accident on 30 September, at the age of 33. His funeral was held in Salisbury on 7 October. Attested 10 Nov 1969. 1978 ConstableThomasCHORUWA, ZA Troop, Support Unit, BSAP, murdered. Killed by CTs whilst on leave at his home in the Hartley area, aged 25 years. His private funeral was held at his home in the Mhondoro TTL 1978 Sergeant M.D. STEELE, Rhodesian Intelligence Corps, killed on active service. Died in a vehicle accident. 1979 Auxiliary Constable Pangai DZINGIRAYI, Police Reserve, BSAP, killed on active service. Died in tragic circumstances, Bikita, Op Repulse, aged 25 years. He was buried in the Bikita district on 10 October. So for those who fell in battle, let us stand, Remember just for what they died, Of those shall be our boast and pride. Gerry van Tonder (Images: Dudley Wall)

21.01.2022 The Fallen: 16 October On this day, we remember with honour and pride members of the Rhodesian forces who paid the ultimate sacrifice. May they rest in eternal ...peace. 1976 District Assistant Francis TONHORA, Keep Protection, Intaf, killed on active service. Died aged 25 in a vehicle accident about 4 km from Nikiwa Keep, Mrewa, Op Hurricane. He was buried in Mrewa. 1977 Field Reservist Robert Randall ASHWORTH, Police Reserve, BSAP, killed on active service. Killed by a passing vehicle whilst on road block duty in Salisbury, Salops. The tragic accident occurred only two months after Robert had joined the reserve. He was buried in Warren Hills Cemetery, Salisbury, on 19 October. 1978 Corporal Geography KANDEYA, Keep Protection, Intaf, murdered. Killed whilst on leave. 1978 District Security Assistant Sani Jekanyika MUZONDIWA, Keep Protection, Intaf, murdered. Killed by CTs in the Sipolilo district, Op Hurricane. 1979 Corporal V.I. MUSAVENGANA, HQ, 4 Brigade, missing in action. Official Rhodesian Army records only list him as 'death presumed'. So for those who fell in battle, let us stand, Remember just for what they died, Of those shall be our boast and pride. Gerry van Tonder (Images: Dudley Wall)

20.01.2022 One of the worst things to happen when doing K Car duties was when someone on the ground was killed in action or seriously wounded. I must say the K Car Sunrays... were on the ball together with our pilots who handled the situations with utmost professionalism and within the next few minutes a G Car would come into the contact area to the rescue sometimes under intense fire being spoken on to the LZ by the K Car. On one occasion I remember being in a G Car with Sqn Ldr Mark Smithdorff during a really hot contact in the Mtoko area when we flew over a nest of terrorists. I just got a glimpse of them as we flew over their position when all hell let loose and they peppered our G Car with small arms fire. I actually saw one of them lying on his back firing at me with an AK 47 rifle. A round hit the strike plate I was sitting on splintering and peppering my legs with tiny shrapnel from the copper jacket from the round. Other rounds tore through the cabin of the helicopter cabin and hit the leading edge of the rotor blade and ricocheted back into the cabin. The worst was it was impossible to get my guns to bear and when we touched down they pumped more rounds into our tail. Luckily missing the tail rotor gearbox and blades. Mark made a hurried departure from the LZ which was tight and our blade tips striking tree branches destroying the sacrificial orange coloured tips. On another contact in a home near Bangla dam with John Blythe Wood in K Car a SAS stick war shot to pieces by some trees killing Steve Seymour that I remember and seriously injuring Torty King . I was in a G Car with Willie Knight and we were tasked to land in the contact area and I was to assist in getting the bodies and wounded off the contact area and recover back to the G Car. We landed fast and hot with me finding my FN jammed from dust and debris from the landing. Getting Willies FN thrown at me. I ran up the gomo under fire but luckily did not hear it because of my bone dome. I remember being g very uncomfortable and sore from my flak vest bumping on my chest as I approached the kill zone with dust zipping around me as I was being fired on by a hidden Terr. I made it to the area and assisted in bringing all the guys out to the G Car a story better told in my book. It was one of the scariest times in my life as it was the first week of my first bushtrip as a greenhorn Choppertech. Another time I was revved on the ground was near Ngezi dam when Chas Goatley landed the K Car and we both went after a stick of policemen whose radio had failed to give them a spare set we carried in the K Car. A gook was lying in a river line and revved the shit out of us. Luckily a SAAF G Car was overhead and a guy called Rookie slotted him before he could take us out. We certainly lived in interesting times. See more

17.01.2022 The Fallen: 08 October On this day, we remember with honour and pride members of the Rhodesian forces who paid the ultimate sacrifice. May they rest in eternal ...peace. 1974 Sergeant Kerah KERAH, Uniform BSAP, died on active service. Died aged 35 in Kariba African Hospital of natural causes. 1975 Private Amos Buggie MILLER, 3 Protection Company, RHU, Rhodesia Defence Regiment, killed on active service. Died in a vehicle accident, at the age of 19. Buried in Banket. 1976 District Assistant Custom CHIPWANYA, Regular Intaf, killed on active service. Died aged 23 from gunshot wounds to the chest in an accidental shooting in the barrack room of Pachanza Keep, Kandeya TTL, Mt Darwin, Op Hurricane. He was buried in Sipolilo. 1976 Officer Cadet Anthony STAINTHORPE, 5th Battalion, Rhodesia Regiment, KIA. Died from a gunshot wound to the head, in a contact in Mt Darwin, Op Hurricane, at the age of 35. Cremated at Warren Hills, Salisbury. 1977 Sergeant Nevison CHORWADZA, GC, BSAP, murdered. Killed by CTs in Inyanga, Op Thrasher, aged 26. Nevison was murdered by terrorists whilst on duty in plainclothes. At the time of his death, he was travelling on a bus which was stopped by terrorists who removed the sergeant from the bus before shooting him and throwing his body down a mine shaft. His body was recovered four days later by local police. 1978 Rifleman Anthony Kenneth CRIPPS, 5th Battalion, Rhodesia Regiment, killed on active service. Died in a vehicle accident. 1978 District Assistant Weston VHUDZIJENA, D Troop, ARU (Victoria ), Intaf, KIA. Killed near Fort Victoria, Op Repulse. He was in a Puma in convoy when ambushed. He debussed with the rest and whilst the troop, under Commander DO Charles Hosking retaliated and moved towards the CTs, Weston was shot three times in the stomach. He died from loss of blood. 1978 Lance Corporal F. ZIMUNYA, 4 (Independent) Company, RAR, died on active service. 1979 District Security Assistant Lot MATHE, Keep Protection, Intaf, died on active service. So for those who fell in battle, let us stand, Remember just for what they died, Of those shall be our boast and pride. Gerry van Tonder (Images: Dudley Wall)

16.01.2022 The Fallen: 30 November On this day, we remember with honour and pride members of the Rhodesian forces who paid the ultimate sacrifice. May they rest in eternal... peace. 1969 Senior Technician Johan Matheus Jansen VAN VUUREN, New Sarum, Rhodesian Air Force, killed on active service. Died aged 20 in Salisbury Central Hospital from injuries sustained in a collision with another car on the ring road at New Sarum. He is buried at Warren Hills, Salisbury. 1974 Staff Sergeant Patreck Armando PEREIRA, 2 Transport Company, Rhodesia Defence Regiment, killed on active service. Died aged 22 in Gatooma Hospital (Asian Section) from multiple injuries. He is buried in Warren Hills Cemetery, Salisbury. 1977 Corporal Kenneth John Michael TIERNAY, Army, killed on active service. Died in an accident. 1978 Field Reservist Nesbit CHAKAZA, Police Reserve, BSAP, murdered. Murdered by CTs in the Umtali area, Op Thrasher. So for those who fell in battle, let us stand, Remember just for what they died, Of those shall be our boast and pride. Gerry van Tonder (Images: Dudley Wall)

15.01.2022 The Fallen: 27 November On this day, we remember with honour and pride members of the Rhodesian forces who paid the ultimate sacrifice. May they rest in eternal... peace. 1974 Sergeant Peter NHAWU, 4 Squadron, Rhodesian Corps of Signals, died on active service. Died aged 45 in Salisbury Hospital, Salisbury, from severe internal haemorrhaging. 1977 Field Reservist Keith Anthony HILDICK, Police Reserve, BSAP, died on active service. Died following his collapse whilst on operational duties in the Gokwe area, Op Grapple. 1977 Field Reservist Savure Misheck MTETWA, Police Reserve, BSAP, killed on active service. Killed in a shooting accident, Genta Camp, Beitbridge, Op Tangent. His private funeral was held in the Tjolotjo district. 1977 Lance Sergeant Obert MULASI Bronze Baton for Bravery (1976), L Troop, Support Unit, BSAP, killed on active service. Killed aged 24 in a shooting accident in Ops area. He was awarded the Bronze Baton for cool thinking and swift reaction which avoided an ambush and resulted in a contact against CTs. His military funeral took place in Salisbury on 2 December. 1978 ConstableMosherd MAPASO, S Troop, Support Unit, BSAP, killed on active service. Died aged 22 in a vehicle accident in Sipolilo, Op Hurricane, in which Constable Alec Mavata also died. His semi-military funeral was held at Warren Hills Cemetery, Salisbury, on 08 December. 1978 Constable Alec , Support Unit, BSAP, killed on active service. Died aged 22 in a vehicle accident in Sipolilo, Op Hurricane. His semi-military funeral took place at Warren Hills Cemetery, Salisbury, on 08 December. 1978 Guard Fanuel URAYAYI, Protected Village Protection Group, Guard Force, died on active service. 1979 Private Chitsovi BALENKANI, 8th Battalion, Rhodesia Regiment, died on active service. So for those who fell in battle, let us stand, Remember just for what they died, Of those shall be our boast and pride. Gerry van Tonder (Images: Dudley Wall)

15.01.2022 The Fallen: 14 October On this day, we remember with honour and pride members of the Rhodesian forces who paid the ultimate sacrifice. May they rest in eternal ...peace. 1976 Corporal Anthony John HARDY, 3 (Independent) Company, Rhodesia Regiment, KIA. Died aged 19 from multiple injuries from a mortar and small arms attack southwest of the forward base when his stick was surprised by CT’s whilst chilling out in a riverbed. The contact was just south of the Chikore, in the Tanda TTL. Cremated at Warren Hills, Salisbury. See also Rifleman Alan Lovie and WO2 Roderick Hayworth.1976 Temporary Warrant Officer 2 Roderick Charles HAYWORTH, F Company, 4th Battalion, Rhodesia Regiment, KIA. Died aged 38 from multiple injuries in a mortar and small arms attack, Buhera district, Op Thrasher. Cremated at Warren Hills, Salisbury. 1976 Rifleman Alan Gray LOVIE, F Company, 4th Battalion, Rhodesia Regiment, KIA. Died aged 27 from multiple injuries from a mortar and small arms attack, Buhera district, Op Thrasher. Cremated at Warren Hills, Salisbury. 1977 Lance Corporal Anthony Maxwell HARMER, 1st Battalion, RLI, killed on active service. Died in a vehicle accident. 1977 Recruit L. HLABISO, Depot, RAR, died on active service. 1977 Private Tarirayi KUREBWA , 2nd Battalion, RAR, died on active service. 1979 Trooper Henry Lawrence H. "Geordie" FURNESS, Recce Troop, Support Commando, 1st Battalion, RLI, KIA. Killed in the Op Thrasher area. So for those who fell in battle, let us stand, Remember just for what they died, Of those shall be our boast and pride. Gerry van Tonder (Images: Dudley Wall)

15.01.2022 The Fallen: 20 November On this day, we remember with honour and pride members of the Rhodesian forces who paid the ultimate sacrifice. May they rest in eternal... peace. 1966 Gunner Geoffrey Stuart SCHONNBERG, 1st Field Regiment, Rhodesian Artillery, killed on active service. Died aged 18 in Harare Hospital, Salisbury, of a pulmonary fat embolism with fractured femur, sustained in a vehicle accident on 15 November near Makuti. He is buried in Warren Hills Cemetery, Salisbury. Lance Corporal John Korb was killed in the same accident. 1970 Officer (Lieutenant?) Thomas Hart BENNETT, 1st Battalion, RAR, killed on active service. Died aged 23 in a vehicle accident on the Salisbury/Bulawayo road. He was cremated at West Park, Bulawayo. 1973 Corporal Kevin Robert BROWN, 2 Signals Squadron, Rhodesian Corps of Signals, killed on active service. Died from a gunshot wound in a shooting accident in the African Barracks, JOC Bindura, Op Hurricane, at the age of 21. Kevin and a friend were playing a Halloween prank, with masks, when the shooting occurred. Suspicions surrounded the shooting because the African soldier, who shot Kevin, had a loaded, and cocked, FN in the barracks. The friend served a prison sentence for his part in the prank. Kevin was cremated at Warren Hills, Salisbury. 1976 Constable Epison ZVIREVO, Uniform BSAP, murdered. Killed by CTs whilst on leave in the Bikita district, aged 21. Off-duty at the time, he was abducted and reported missing. His body was found on 31 December and buried the same day in a private funeral in the Njajena TTL. 1978 Private Clever CHINGOZA, 4th Battalion, Rhodesia Regiment, killed on active service. Died in a vehicle accident. 1978 Private Richard ERIKANI, 2nd Battalion, RAR, killed on active service, Killed in a shooting accident. 1979 Sapper Alfred N. DUBE, 3 Squadron, Rhodesian Corps of Engineers, KIA. Died of shrapnel wounds. So for those who fell in battle, let us stand, Remember just for what they died, Of those shall be our boast and pride. Gerry van Tonder (Images: Dudley Wall)

14.01.2022 The Fallen: 10 October On this day, we remember with honour and pride members of the Rhodesian forces who paid the ultimate sacrifice. May they rest in eternal ...peace. 1970 Captain Peter Noel SMEE, HQ, RAR, died on active service. Died in Hendrik Verwoerd, Pretoria, after succumbing to Leukaemia, aged 44 years. 1977 Private Nicholas Paul BARBAGE, 2 Protection Company, RHU, Rhodesia Defence Regiment, die don active service. Died of natural causes. 1977 Extension Supervisor Addison Pondo MUROZVI, ADF, Intaf, murdered. Killed by CTs. 1979 Auxiliary Constable Thomas THLAWATI, Police Reserve, BSAP, killed on active service. Killed in tragic circumstances aged 25 years. His funeral was held in the Mangula district on 15 October. So for those who fell in battle, let us stand, Remember just for what they died, Of those shall be our boast and pride. Gerry van Tonder (Images: Dudley Wall)

14.01.2022 The Fallen: 24 November On this day, we remember with honour and pride members of the Rhodesian forces who paid the ultimate sacrifice. May they rest in eternal... peace. 1976 District Security Assistant Francis CHIHURUNGWA, Keep Protection, Intaf, KIA. Died aged 25 of a gunshot wound to the neck, Manyika TTL, Mrewa, Op Hurricane. He is buried in Mrewa. 1976 District Assistant Gervas JOKETERA, Regular Intaf, KIA. Killed in Bikita, Op Repulse. 1976 District Assistant Nyararayi NAHWIRE, Regular Intaf, KIA. Killed in Bikita, Op Repulse. So for those who fell in battle, let us stand, Remember just for what they died, Of those shall be our boast and pride. Gerry van Tonder (Images: Dudley Wall)

14.01.2022 The Fallen: 21 November On this day, we remember with honour and pride members of the Rhodesian forces who paid the ultimate sacrifice. May they rest in eternal... peace. 1970 Private Never MUTENGIZANWA, 1st Battalion, RAR, killed on active service. Died aged 25 from multiple injuries, Grey Street, Bulawayo. He is buried in Kadoma. 1976 ConstableGeorge Stanley MUNGAZI, J Troop, Support Unit, BSAP, killed on active service. Died aged 21 from gunshot wounds to the chest and abdomen, in a shooting accident in the Wedza area, Op Thrasher. He was on a night patrol with his troop in the operational area when he was killed by an accidental discharge. His funeral took place at Warren Hills Cemetery, Salisbury, on 26 November. 1978 Rifleman Jessie James FRIEND, Attached 1 (Independent) Company, Rhodesian Intelligence Corps (Mat), KIA. Died in a landmine explosion near Mlibizi, Op Tangent. Sergeant Wally Scott was killed in the same incident. Both men were casevaced to Wankie Hospital where Wally died on arrival and Jessie passed away a while later having been operated on. 1978 Sergeant (Regular Intaf Commandant) Walter Robert Ian "Wally" SCOTT, National Service, Rhodesian Intelligence Corps (Mat), KIA. Died in a landmine explosion near Mlibizi, Op Tangent. See J. Friend. 1978 District Security Assistant Charles MADZIVIRI, Keep Protection, Intaf, KIA. Killed by a landmine. See also DSAs J. Mhaka and E. Rushinga. 1978 District Security Assistant Jimson MHAKA, Keep Protection, Intaf, KIA. Killed by a landmine. 1978 District Security Assistant Erisha RUSHINGA, Keep Protection, Intaf, KIA. Killed by a landmine. 1979 Rifleman Timothy David "Tim" KESBY, B Company, 5th Battalion, Rhodesia Regiment, KIA. Died from gunshot wounds in a CT action, aged 32 years. Buried in Hartley. 1979 District Security Assistant Beauty NDLOVU, Keep Protection, Intaf, KIA. Killed in an ambush. So for those who fell in battle, let us stand, Remember just for what they died, Of those shall be our boast and pride. Gerry van Tonder (Images: Dudley Wall)

13.01.2022 The Fallen: 11 October On this day, we remember with honour and pride members of the Rhodesian forces who paid the ultimate sacrifice. May they rest in eternal ...peace. 1976 Trooper Richard John "Bob" HOPE, 9 Troop, 2 Commando, 1st Battalion, RLI, KIA. Killed aged 17 in the Chipinga area, Op Thrasher. Whilst en route by helicopter to a sighting, the aircraft was subjected to CT ground fire, taking two hits, resulting in Bob's death. Cremated at Warren Hills, Salisbury. 1977 Rifleman William GREIG, National Service, killed on active service. Died in a vehicle accident. 1977 Trooper Mark Anthony HARRIS, Squadron, Grey Scouts, died on active service. 1978 District Security Assistant Black CHEMAMBO, Keep Protection, Intaf, murdered. Killed at Mount Darwin by CTs, Op Hurricane. 1978 District Security Assistant Trakisoni CHIYAMURO, Keep Protection, Intaf, died on active service. 1978 Private Christopher NKALA, D Company, 1st Battalion, RAR, killed on active service. Died from injuries received in a parachute drop on 27 July 1978 that killed Private Johanne Phiri instantly. 1978 District Security Assistant June TAURO, Keep Protection, Intaf, murdered. Killed at Mount Darwin by CTs, Op Hurricane. 1979 Lance Corporal Syrial GATAWA, CTD, General Service Corps, Army HQ, KIA. Died of gunshot wounds in a CT action. So for those who fell in battle, let us stand, Remember just for what they died, Of those shall be our boast and pride. Gerry van Tonder (Images: Dudley Wall)

12.01.2022 The Fallen: 26 November On this day, we remember with honour and pride members of the Rhodesian forces who paid the ultimate sacrifice. May they rest in eternal... peace. 1977 2nd Lieutenant Thomas Albion KIRTON, 6 (Independent) Company, Rhodesia Regiment, killed on active service. Killed in an accidental shooting during a mistaken contact between two friendly sticks. See also Rifleman Simon Spink. 1977 Rifleman Simon Alexander SPINK, 6 (Independent) Company, Rhodesia Regiment, killed on active service. Killed in an accidental shooting during a mistaken contact between two friendly sticks. Died aged 19. Buried in Warren Hills Cemetery, Salisbury. 1977 Guard C. MASHAMBA, Protected Village Protection Group, Guard Force, died on active service. 1977 Community Advisor Lamech M. NEMUTAMBWE, ADF, Intaf, murdered. Killed by CTs. 1978 Auxiliary Constable Patrick KWARAMBA, Police Reserve, BSAP, KIA. Killed in a CT action, at the age of 22. His semi-military funeral was held at his home in Centenary on 01 December. 1978 Trooper Anthony John MILLAR, 2 Commando, 1st Battalion, RLI, KIA. Killed in a contact in the Sinoia/Karoi area, Karoi Fire Force, Op Hurricane. Died 3 days before his final bush trip was to end. 1979 Lance Corporal Jerifanosi CHAPUTIKA, 2nd Battalion, RAR, KIA. Died from gunshot wounds received in a CT action. 1979 Sapper Njabula NCUBE, 1 Squadron, Rhodesian Corps of Engineers, killed on active service. Accidental explosion causing death by shrapnel wounds. So for those who fell in battle, let us stand, Remember just for what they died, Of those shall be our boast and pride. Gerry van Tonder (Images: Dudley Wall)

12.01.2022 John Blythe Wood on extreme left and a rather young looking Percy Ferreira second from right with Slade Healey standing right.

10.01.2022 The Fallen: 06 October On this day, we remember with honour and pride members of the Rhodesian forces who paid the ultimate sacrifice. May they rest in eternal ...peace. 1966 Non-Commissioned Officer Michael John SPARKS, Depot, RRR, died on active service. Killed in a vehicle accident on the Salisbury/ Bulawayo road, aged 33 years. He was cremated at West Park, Bulawayo. So for those who fell in battle, let us stand, Remember just for what they died, Of those shall be our boast and pride. Gerry van Tonder (Images: Dudley Wall)

10.01.2022 The Fallen: 01 December On this day, we remember with honour and pride members of the Rhodesian forces who paid the ultimate sacrifice. May they rest in eternal... peace. 1974 Inspector Charles Edward Blair FREEBAIRN, Staff, BSAP, died on active service. Died aged 32 of carbon monoxide poisoning in Marlborough, Salisbury. He was cremated in the Warren Hills Crematorium, Salisbury. 1976 Lance Corporal Christiaan Rudolf KOTZE, Army, died on active service. 1976 Rifleman Hendrik Petrus KRUGER, Army, died on active service. 1976 Private A. MABHENA, 2nd Battalion, RAR, died on active service. 1976 Guard John Wise (Marks?) MAGAWISE, Protected Village, Protection Group, Guard Force, KIA. Killed in a CT action. 1976 Private Martin MARANGE, Regular Army, died on active service. 1976 Private Simba MATSENHURE, Army, died on active service. Died of natural causes. 1976 Sapper Denis MUKUNDWA, Squadron, Rhodesian Corps of Engineers, died on active service. 1976 Recruit Louis MUNYANA, died on active service. Died of natural causes. 1976 Private Andrew ZIVURA, Regular Army, killed on active service. Died in a training accident. 1978 Temporary Captain Peter John CASWELL, Rhodesian Army Education Corps, killed on active service. Pete was travelling in a Land Rover on the outskirts of Ft Victoria on the Birchenough Bridge Road, but did not see a train coming from the left. Peter was thrown from the vehicle and broke his neck. 1978 Guard T. CHAKUWEYA, Protected Village Protection Group, Guard Force, KIA. Killed in a CT action. 1978 Guard E. MATAMBURIGWA, Protected Village Protection Group, Guard Force, died on active service. 1978 Corporal J. MUSHAYA, Regular Army, died on active service. 1978 Sapper Charles PINDURA, Squadron, Rhodesian Corps of Engineers, killed on active service. Killed in a vehicle accident. 1978 Guard G. POSI, Protected Village Protection Group, Guard Force, died on active service. 1978 Guard L. SUNGAYI, Protected Village Protection Group, Guard Force, died on active service. 1979 Sergeant Marako CHAWATAMA, Uniform BSAP, killed on active service. Died in a vehicle accident, aged 26. He was buried during a semi-military funeral at Warren Hills Cemetery, Salisbury, on 7 December. 1979 Private Peter CHIWONESO, Army, died on active service. 1979 Sapper Freddy KANGANAYI, Squadron, Rhodesian Corps of Engineers, died on active service. 1979 Junior Corporal K. MASHONGA, RHQ Delta, Op Tangent, Guard Force, died on active service. 1979 Detective Constable Simon Taziveyi VITO, CIO, BSAP, killed on active service. Died in a vehicle accident in the Op Thrasher area, aged 27. He was buried in Umvuma on 5 December. So for those who fell in battle, let us stand, Remember just for what they died, Of those shall be our boast and pride. Gerry van Tonder (Images: Dudley Wall)

09.01.2022 The Fallen: 07 October On this day, we remember with honour and pride members of the Rhodesian forces who paid the ultimate sacrifice. May they rest in eternal ...peace. 1976 District Security Assistant Amon MPOFU, Keep Protection, Intaf, died on active service. 1977 Trooper Clive Warwick GRIFFIN, 3 Commando, 1st Battalion, RLI, killed on active service. Died in a vehicle accident. 1977 Rifleman Conrad Jacobus GROBBELAAR, 5th Battalion, Rhodesia Regiment, killed on active service. Died in a vehicle accident aged 33 and buried in Hartley. See also P. Lottering and C. van Zyl. 1977 Rifleman Peter Christopher LOTTERING, 5th Battalion, Rhodesia Regiment, killed on active service. Died in a vehicle accident. See also C. Grobbelaar and C. van Zyl. 1977 Rifleman Clarence Dudley VAN ZYL, 5th Battalion, Rhodesia Regiment, killed on active service. Died in a vehicle accident. See also C. Grobbelaar and P. Lottering. So for those who fell in battle, let us stand, Remember just for what they died, Of those shall be our boast and pride. Gerry van Tonder (Images: Dudley Wall)

08.01.2022 The Fallen: 12 October On this day, we remember with honour and pride members of the Rhodesian forces who paid the ultimate sacrifice. May they rest in eternal ...peace. 1966 Warrant Officer 2 Robert Albert "Bob" BOUCH MCM (Post. 23/10/76), C Squadron, SAS, killed on active service. Killed in an accidental explosion at the Zambezi River, near Chirundu, aged 33 years. Major Dudley Coventry of the SAS was about to lead a team of operatives on a clandestine mission into Zambia with the objective of destroying a bridge over the Kafue River. Waiting for night to fall, the team prepared their Klepper canoes and kit on the banks of the Zambezi River, opposite the Kafue River mouth. Water-proofed pentolite charges had been packed in a suitcase and stashed in one of the canoes, ready for Bouch and Cahill to set off, with Wright andWickenden to follow later to exfiltrate their comrades. At about 1900, disaster struck, as the explosives detonated prematurely. In the blast, WOII Bob Bouch, Colour Sergeant Mick Cahill and Superintendent John Wickenden were killed instantly, with Colour Sergeant Geordie Wright dying in Dudley Coventry's arms minutes later, the latter surviving the blast with blown eardrums. Bob is buried in the Warren Hills Cemetery, Salisbury. 1966 Colour Sergeant Michael Patrick "Mick" CAHILL MCM (Post. 23/10/76), C Squadron, SAS, killed on active service. Killed in an accidental explosion at the Zambezi River, near Chirundu, aged 25 years. Mick is buried in the Warren Hills Cemetery, Salisbury. 1966 Superintendent John WICKENDEN MCM (Post. 23/10/76), BSAP (Attached to the SAS), killed on active service. Killed in an accidental explosion at the Zambezi River, near Chirundu, aged 44 years. John's full military funeral took place at Warren Hills, Salisbury. 1966 Colour Sergeant John "Geordie" WRIGHT MCM (Post. 23/10/76), C Squadron, SAS, killed on active service. Killed in an accidental explosion at the Zambezi River, near Chirundu, aged 39 years. Bob is buried in the Warren Hills Cemetery, Salisbury. 1977 Rifleman Dennis Campbell BEATTIE, 3 RHU, Rhodesia Defence Regiment, died on active service. 1977 Patrol Officer Jeremy Oliver "Jerry" LESTER, Uniform BSAP, killed on active service. Killed at Sipolilo in a shooting accident when an AK mounted on the back of a vehicle was fired during a morning maintenance check, Op Hurricane. The incident occurred at the police station itself. His military funeral took place in Salisbury on 14 October. 1978 Private Shandare GANDANGA, D Company, 1st Battalion, RAR, killed on active service. Killed when he fell from a helicopter, Mangwende TTL, Mrewa district, Op Hurricane. He lost a rifle magazine and as he tried to grab it, he sadly lost balance and fell out. Buried in Lady Stanley Cemetery, Bulawayo. 1978 Rifleman Edward James HARTLEY, 6 (Independent) Company, RAR, killed on active service. Died in a vehicle accident. 1979 Rifleman M.H. BURSLEM, 2nd Battalion, Rhodesia Defence Regiment, died on active service. 1979 District Security Assistant Daniel Brighton MHAKAYAKORA, Keep Protection, Intaf, died on active service. 1979 ConstableEdson NEDZA, Uniform BSAP, KIA. Killed in a CT action, Op Thrasher, at the age of 23. His semi-military funeral was held at Warren Hills Cemetery, Salisbury, on 22 October. So for those who fell in battle, let us stand, Remember just for what they died, Of those shall be our boast and pride. Gerry van Tonder (Images: Dudley Wall)

08.01.2022 The Fallen: 23 November On this day, we remember with honour and pride members of the Rhodesian forces who paid the ultimate sacrifice. May they rest in eternal... peace. 1974 Private Thomas MABIZA, Support Company, 2 Brigade, killed on active service. Died aged 21 from multiple injuries sustained in a vehicle accident on the Lomagundi Road. 1976 District Security Assistant Elias REVAI, Keep Protection, Intaf, KIA. Killed in Bikita, Op Repulse. 1977 Air Lieutenant (Pilot) Philip Wilfred "Phil" HAIGH MFC (Ops) (24/06/77), No. 2 Squadron, Rhodesian Air Force, KIA. Killed crash-landing a Vampire FB52 R1386 after being hit by anti-aircraft fire whilst attacking Vanduzi Camp, Chimoio, Mozambique, during Op Dingo-Zulu1. The vampire flown by Phil on the day was one of four which did not have ejection seats. When Squadron Leader Steve Kesby found out that Phil had not reported in to Grand Reef, he descended to search for him. Flying towards a pall of smoke in a field, Kesby noticed that Phil had managed to crash land, but had hit a ditch, resulting in the Vampire, with Phil still inside, bursting into flames. 1977 Trooper Frans Jacobus NEL, C Squadron, SAS, KIA. Killed on Op Dingo-Zulu 1 at Chimoio in a combined SAS, RLI and RhAF attack on Venduzi Camp in Manica Province, Mozambique. He is buried in Karoi. 1978 Corporal W.M. DEKKER, Army, killed on active service. Accidental death. 1979 Private L. URAYAYI, 2nd Battalion, Rhodesia Regiment, KIA. Died from gunshot wounds in a CT action. So for those who fell in battle, let us stand, Remember just for what they died, Of those shall be our boast and pride. Gerry van Tonder (Images: Dudley Wall)

07.01.2022 The Fallen: 09 October On this day, we remember with honour and pride members of the Rhodesian forces who paid the ultimate sacrifice. May they rest in eternal ...peace. 1976 District Assistant Innocent MANYENGA, Regular Intaf, KIA. Killed near Mudzi, Op Hurricane. 1977 District Assistant John Kunyana Buka NKOMO, RegularIntaf, murdered. Killed by CTs whilst on R&R, Buka Line, Tjolotjo, Op Tangent. 1979 Detective Chief Inspector James Gerard CLELAND, CID, BSAP, died on active service. Died of cancer at his home in Gwelo, aged 37 years. His memorial service was held in the Gwelo Catholic Church on 12 October. 1979 District Security Assistant Zenzo Nobody Ntutha , Keep Protection, Intaf, KIA. Killed in a contact, Garigari Line, Tjolotjo TTL, Op Tangent. NS Vedette Phil Attenborough and fellow Vedette Wessel Zietsman encountered a small group of ZIPRA on the other side of a pan nearby Dlamini Protected Sub-Office. A fire fight ensued, with elements of Intaf engaging the CTs from the back of a Puma troop carrier. As Zenzo stood up to change the magazine in the Bren gun he was operating, he was struck in the head by a single AK bullet, killing him instantly. His MSM was awarded but never presented when he was involved in an earlier incident in the district. DC Ian Matheson had led an Intaf stick on a follow-up after they were attacked by ZIPRA CTs the previous day, near Pumula Mission on the Botswana border. Zenzo, a very experienced tracker, followed the spoor which resulted in a contact in which several CTs were killed So for those who fell in battle, let us stand, Remember just for what they died, Of those shall be our boast and pride. Gerry van Tonder (Images: Dudley Wall)

05.01.2022 The Fallen: 15 October On this day, we remember with honour and pride members of the Rhodesian forces who paid the ultimate sacrifice. May they rest in eternal ...peace. 1966 Rifleman Douglas Walter PARSONS, B Company, Depot, RRR, killed on active service. Killed aged 20 in an accidental shooting, Llewellin Barracks, Bulawayo. Douglas was undergoing basic national service training and was on magazine guard duty at the time. He was buried in Salisbury. 1976 Temporary Corporal Alfred Charles "Butch" NEWMAN, 4th Battalion, Rhodesia Regiment, KIA. Died aged 31 in Andrew Fleming Hospital, Salisbury, of shrapnel wounds in a mortar attack on the F Coy 4RR base camp the previous day. Buried in Umtali. 1979 Deputy Warden Paul Andre ECKARD, Special Reserve, BSAP, killed on active service. Accidental death in Salisbury, Salops, aged 53 years. His funeral service was held on 18 October at St Paul's Church, Marlborough, followed by a private cremation. 1979 Lance Corporal Pineal MUTASA, Support Company, 1st Battalion, RAR, murdered. Murdered by CTs. 1979 District Security Assistant Coffee SYBERT, Keep Protection, Intaf, died on active service. 1979 Lance Corporal Siriro TATAWA, Army, died on active service. So for those who fell in battle, let us stand, Remember just for what they died, Of those shall be our boast and pride. Gerry van Tonder (Images: Dudley Wall)

05.01.2022 The Fallen: 18 November On this day, we remember with honour and pride members of the Rhodesian forces who paid the ultimate sacrifice. May they rest in eternal... peace. 1972 Private Terence Joseph RUBESTEIN, Transport Section, Rhodesia Defence Regiment, killed on active service. Died in Bulawayo of multiple injuries and is buried in Bulawayo. 1976 Rifleman Albertus Johannes "Joe" FERREIRA, 5 (Independent) Company, Rhodesia Regiment, KIA. Died aged 19 from gunshot wounds in a contact near Silver Streams, Op Thrasher. A group of four CTs were sighted near a weir where the stick had been in ambush. Three were accounted for, but the fourth returned fire, killing Ferreira. Buried at Warren Hills, Salisbury. 1977 District Security Assistant Amon DUBE, Keep Protection, Intaf, died on active service. 1977 Trooper Andre Cecil MILLER, National Service, Rhodesian Armoured Car Regiment, died on active service. 1978 Corporal Calvern DUMIRA, 3 Squadron, Rhodesian Corps of Engineers, killed on active service. Killed in an accidental explosion. 1978 Private Nabot MAGEDE, 8th Battalion, Rhodesia Regiment, KIA. Killed in a CT action. 1979 Sergeant Chinatidzo Jesphet MADAFI, Uniform BSAP, died on active service. Died of leukaemia in Mpilo Hospital Bulawayo, aged 34. His semi-military funeral was held at Warren Hills Cemetery, Salisbury, on 26 November. 1979 Senior District Security Assistant Joseph MARUMAZONDO, Keep Protection, Intaf, died on active service. So for those who fell in battle, let us stand, Remember just for what they died, Of those shall be our boast and pride. Gerry van Tonder (Images: Dudley Wall)

05.01.2022 The Fallen: 19 November On this day, we remember with honour and pride members of the Rhodesian forces who paid the ultimate sacrifice. May they rest in eternal... peace. 1973 Corporal Kephas Gwina NYAKAZA, Driver, General Service Unit, Rhodesian Air Force, KIA. Killed by a landmine 2 km west of Marymount Mission, Mt Darwin, Op Hurricane, at the age of 32. Buried in Gutu. 1974 District Assistant Lazarus GUMUNYU, RegularIntaf, killed on active service. Died aged 32 in a road accident in Mt Darwin Village on the Mukumbura Road. He is buried in Gokwe. 1974 District Assistant Tongai , Regular Intaf, killed on active service. Died aged 23 in a road accident in Mt Darwin Village on the Mukumbura Road. He is buried in Chibi. 1976 Rifleman Jeremy Richard JONES, 5th Battalion, Rhodesia Regiment, KIA. Killed by a landmine in the Kariba area, at the age of 35. Cremated at Warren Hills, Salisbury. 1977 Patrol Officer Mark John MCDONAGH, Uniform BSAP, killed on active service. Killed in a shooting accident, Inyati, Op Tangent, aged 19 years. Mark and other personnel had returned to Inyati police station. As everyone was alighting from the vehicle in the station yard, a shot was heard and it was found that Mark's weapon had accidentally discharged, severely wounding him. Mark was rushed to a Bulawayo hospital where he died shortly after arrival. His semi-military funeral was held at the Athlone Cemetery, Bulawayo on 24 November. 1978 Auxiliary Constable Pitson KARIKOGAH, Police Reserve, BSAP, KIA. Died in Harare Hospital from wounds received in action, at the age of 23. His semi-military funeral took place at Sinoia on 27 November. 1979 Guard P. MAPONDERA, RHQ Alpha, Op Hurricane, Guard Force, died on active service. 1979 Junior Corporal E. MUZANENHAMO, RHQ Alpha, Op Hurricane, Guard Force, died on active service. So for those who fell in battle, let us stand, Remember just for what they died, Of those shall be our boast and pride. Gerry van Tonder (Images: Dudley Wall)

02.01.2022 RHODESIA: BONDED BY WAR. I am, oftentimes, asked the same question: Why do soldiers miss war? What is it that you are truly missing? These are my thoughts alo...ne and I don’t presume to speak for anyone else despite the fact that there may well be parallels between my perceptions, memories and considered opinions that some will be able to relate to and, conversely and, fairly, those that diverge from my position. One thing that I do know, having debated many issues about our service and what I remain truly confident about is, and despite soldiers being involved in the same contact, we all viewed what was going on with different eyes. Call it angles of attack, first engagement or whatever. In the heat of battle, physical contact or call it what you will, it was seen differently through the eyes of each man. Contact was simply a will to engage with our enemy whenever, wherever and to survive and those night and day experiences remain indelibly imprinted in our memories. For many, contact was ‘intoxicating’. At the sound of enemy fire, the proverbial ‘crack and thump’ adrenalin kicked in. By the same token, you were in some kind of moral free-fall into a place of darkness where you are killing people, and some of your own were dying. What happened in our rugged and otherwise beautiful countryWAR! It was frightening and anyone who tells you that they weren’t afraid was, in my very humble opinion, lying. We knew that that death was omnipresent, but you just had to compartmentalise that probable outcome and ‘file it away’. Many good, oftentimes incredibly young men died or were grievously injured, and remembrance is an incredibly special, sacred and time-honoured tradition to honour those both in uniform and post. Those who served in the defence of Rhodesia, regardless of unit or service affiliation, we truly experienced an unreasonable measure of ‘battle fatigue’ but we shared a common bond that is impossible to accurately describe but we were, ultimately, absolutely united in purposewell now, what a question! Where our adversaries were concerned, there was an unbridled contempt for both ZIPRA and ZANLA and everything they stood for. We faced incursion from Zambia to our North (ZIPRA), Botswana to our West (ZIPRA) and Mozambique to our East (ZANLA) but we were up for ‘it’. Rhodesians were ‘fit for purpose’ and we demonstrated our ability to defeat our enemy within and beyond Rhodesia’s borders. That’s not bravado, it is a simple and widely respected, agreed and undisputed fact. Once you were ‘out there’, our Country was merely an abstractionwhat we were really doing was fighting to survive, to protect our kith and kin, our way of life but we were also looking out for the man on either side of you. This has been the way of the military man for millennia. Consider, if you will, the Greek soldiers at the Walls of Troy who really didn’t care about Helen. They were fighting because they were with their brothers. On the field of battle that was your only concern and we did it passionately, deliberately, resolutely and aggressively, and always! We defended, we avenged, we sacrificed and, for the most part, we bled. We were prepared to die for the unique creation that was Rhodesia and our continued existence. This is about our fellow countrymen. Those were our friends and our fallen Brothers, men of men, who never got the chance to experience the cycle of life, the birth and growth of their children. They will never grow old, because they chose to stand alongside their Rhodesian brothers and face our common enemy, regardless of race, religion, tribal affiliation, ethnicity or however one wishes to describe it. There is no greater honour than to fall for your Brother. I live, so those words are very easy to ‘toss out there’ but I say them without equivocation. If it were me or one of my team, no question about it, I would have put my life on the line. That is how we were trained and how our love for those in our midst developed. It was never in question. It is not sufficient to acknowledge our fallen by name, or simply inscribe their names in marble as proof that they lived and died. To truly honour our fallen, we must acknowledge how and why they gave their lives. Their death wasn't a random act or a splash of misfortune. A great many men voluntarily put themselves in harm’s way, were prepared to die, so that we could rest secure at home. They were the insurance policy that guaranteed that our God-given rights, were more worthy than their own tomorrows. For the infantrymen in combat, there is nobility and purpose in our lives, and that is unique. We in the military never saw ourselves as a people apart. We were citizens of Rhodesia and no more than that. The best soldiers and leaders in battle became that way by being loyal and dutiful subordinates. We never got a vote. We executed the lawful intent of our commanders and government of the day. There was no political affiliation on our dog tags. We continued the warrior legacy of our forebears with disregard for adulation or unanimous approval. We never cared what you looked like. We didn’t care who you voted for, who you worshipped, what you worshipped, who you loved. It never mattered if your Dad left you millions when he died, or if you knew who your father was. Through our training, we were honed into a machine of lethal moving parts that our enemy knew the better to avoid whenever possible. We would not countenance threat nor intimidation without a hostile and deadly response. That was the Rhodesian military way. We saw, and were involved in, a war of attrition we never asked for and we truly gave better than we received. That is the truth and, in Rhodie parlance, the long and short of the matter.