I served with Ken in the Rhodesian Light Infantry, Recce Troop, Support Commando. A fine soldier and a very good friend. The Vietnam Veterans were invaluable & we learned much from their experiences.
I am an ex Rhodesian and fought for years. I want to thank Ken for his service with us from the bottom of my heart and hope he has a great and peaceful life. I wonder if our paths crossed. I was not RLI and will not name my unit but I came across quite a few yanks and other nationalities fighting for us, nearly all with the RLI. Tot siens and baie dankie.
Please have more Rhodesian and South African veterans if possible. I find their stories fascinating when compared to American veterans. Your episodes are great. Thanks for posting them.
Nice talk - thanks to Ken for his recollections - but especially for coming to our aid in the Rhodesian war. You may be an American but you are also considered one of us Rhodesians now. You earned it so wear it with pride, China!!
Respect and thanks for his service in Rhodesia and South Africa. His service for my motherland (Rhodesia) is greatly appreciated. Keep marching 'Saint'.
Thankyou Ken for coming to help us in Rhodesia we are very proud of you brother, you a legend. We fought hard against communism and won, we know we won as Zimbabwe is in ruins now because of the communist enemy that took over. Pamberi ne hondo brother.
For the producers of this program, I would like to ask, if possible that you could get in touch with two or three guys who where also with the 44 pathfinder group, at the same 1980s time, being Robert Crisp. Sven Hansen and Leon Lombaard. I would love to hear their story. Thanks.
“What a time it was.” My dads stories of vacation in Rhodesia to the falls with his family as a kid always makes Rhodesia seem so beautiful. I want to travel out there one day and see it for myself.
@@TheTeamHousePodcast May I suggest this guest who is a bit of a legend in Swedish military circles, if you are able to: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ulf_Henricsson He is a Swedish Army Senior Colonel who was known for scaring the politicians back home and the UN officials by very aggressively making sure that the Bosnian civilians were ACTUALLY safe. He received the moniker "The Sheriff of Vareš" due to his aggressive no-nonsense approach to the mission, and the school in the area is named after his battalion in thanks.
Thanks for your service in the SADF Ken, by a clerical error I landed up at 37Bn and not 32Bn as my route signal said otherwise we were both serving at Buffalo at the same time.
I am an Australian. I know of 5 Aussie Vietnam vets who took contracts between 1974>1982 when the money was good and 'Loose Causes' were worthwhile. Comparitably, Ken Gaudet was a gent i,d buy a beer for.
I’m subscribed. My dad jumped with the 101st bn for the SADF in the border war in the 80’s; this is an awesome podcast! His story is amazing, and will to work abroad is inspiring!
Bought my first Soldier of Fortune in 1978; I was 11. Would have taken a plane for Salisbury in a second if my mom and dad fronted the money. Great channel, great guest. Thanks
Ha! Me too. Same age! Lead me to a short and colorful airborne career winning the cold war. At least that's what I would say if I ever joined the Legion.
Excellent discussion, especially the segment close to my heart, Support Commando and the operation at Op auric in Mapai. Not our finest moment and of course losing the Puma was the single biggest loss of the war. Thank you gents…keep safe
Almost joined you and Sage B in SA. Unfortunately (or fortunately) I was the drunk soldier who fell out the train window when on the way to that Troop Medics Course in Byo and spend the next 2 months in Rehab 😊 Keep safe Ken, I salute you my China
My first Platoon Sergeant in 3-75 (way back in 85) was a Rhodesian Light Infantry Vet. Mike was a solid dude, not amped up like a lot of of other PSGs. I remember when, then, CPT Stan McChrystal, the A co Commander, took us on this gasser road march with full kit in August, hot as fuck (typical Ranger Bn shit). It was probably 15 or 18 miles, in the summer heat on Benning (before the heat cat training restrictions ...not that the Ranger BN would have followed that shit anyways) ... it was a real ball buster, then we rolled into the range to do platoon live fires. At the end, he gathered all of the NCOs in the company and asked 'Well what do you think men?' and Mike said "Fuck sir! We were moving so fast with all this weight, I'm telling you sir, if we had made contact every Ranger in the company would dropped their rucks laid behind them and said "FUUUUUCK! Thank God we're under fire!" Stan the Man, said "Good training eh Sergeant?!" After that, we did 10 or 12 milers every week with full kit, had to have 50lbs in the ruck, with the old spring scale on the company loading dock to weigh your shit in. True story. Proud to have served in the Regiment back in the Black Beret days ... Gotta go fellas I'm late for my yoga class! Sua Sponte Murph!
I have lived next to Ft Lewis/Mchord for 20 yrs. Like living in a warzone. They go at it with artillery, Strykers, Blackhawks, everything.All the time. I enjoy hearing it. The noise pisses some people off but I love it???!?
Love these guys & their books talking about ops overseas in conflicts that we in the US don't normally hear much about. Very interesting stuff. Thanks guys!!
I was in the SADF in the 70's and RLI came recruiting because we were conscripts they knew we were mostly in for short time I was accepted but my parents had to sign the documents and they refused so that was that I was 19 then I still wonder what may have happened and how my life would have been if I had gone
I served in 1 Parachute Battalion in SA, served under John Van Aswegan of Rhodesian SAS, scuba dived with Dennis Croukamp and worked with Pierre Lundberg who founded the Pathfinder unit- all great people and interesting times in Africa
It almost sounds like Ken was doing the same things James McDonough, author of 'Platoon Leader' did=he happened to be in 2nd platoon, Bravo/4th/503rd, late in the War (post Tet '68); as I recall from the book (that got turned into a not very good movie with Michael Dudikoff, filmed in South Africa, ironically), McDonough's platoon was also 'combined' with a local militia platoon.
I knew several Yanks in Rhodesia. I saw one ex-US Marine, (Charlie H.) as he was going down south in 1980. I asked him what he was going to do next. He said he'd served and lost in Vietnam. Laos and Cambodia. He had then served and lost in Angola and Rhodesia and he was now off to South West (Namibia) to complete a double hat trick of lost wars!
My God the beloved Dave Barr from Bakersfield CA. He came to visit me in Australia in 1993. I have his book, "Riding the Edge" forward by Mike Wourms. I wonder if he is still alive...I gave him hospitality when he visited here with his old Harley Shovelhead.
My best road dog was a medic in the 173rd in 1970 in Vietnam he was from Freemont ca. doc martins , i met doc at the menlo park VA in CA. when i was living in palo alto ca.. Doc martins is a very cool dude & all the other OG. i met that were in the bay area. "AINT NOTHING BUT THE BLUES" as he always says to me .N ow doc is out in Boise ID.9 US NAVY DISABLED COMBAT VETERAN GULF WAR/SOMALIA "OPERATION RESTORE HOPE" ) WELCOM TROOPS ! .
The Pathfinder platoon was actually incepted in 1978 by Col Archie Moore CO of 1 Parachute Bn. So there was a National Service Pathfinder Platoon that ran in parallel with the 44 Para Pathfinders "Philistines" who actually only existed for a year or so until disbandment.
Having watched a lot of documentaries and read many books about Rhodesia I notice they use a lot of British tactics which isn’t surprising being it a x colony but it’s interesting to hear an Americans view of it as I always assumed u.s troops pretty much operate the same as the uk
Great interview as always. Though for completeness, I should say that I thought the character of Cat Shannon in Dogs of War came from Taffy Williams (also a South African), who fought in the Biafran war when Forsyth was reporting there. The German character was definitely based on another Biafran merc, Rolf Steiner.
Ken did say it was at a braai - which is Afrikaans for a BBQ - in South Africa, the booze tends to flow freely and Col Breytenbach is known for a sense of humour, so he may have been having them on a bit - or maybe not. I wasn't there and I really don't know.
In the past eight months after learning about Rhodesia and its fight for independence and to preserve its way of life I’ve become fascinated with everything Rhodesian especially with the ferocious that its military fight to preserve their country while they were labeled as a pariah state by the international community during its existence. I do have a question though during Rhodesia’s existence does anybody know if the level of segregation in Rhodesia was at the same level as South Africa in relation to South Africas apartheid laws? If anybody could answer this for me I would really appreciate it!
The book, sadly, is not available on Amazon. I really enjoyed Mr Gaudet's stories. Keep up the great work guys. Recently I read "On Full Automatic" by William V. Taylor. Please guys consider him to interview in your show. I finished the book in 3 days, it was impossible to put down,.
Fascinating stories, what motivated you as an American soldier fighting in Vietnam to join the Rhodesian Light infantry to defend the apartheid regime in South Africa?
The South Africans also opened an anonymous recruiting office in an office block in Salisbury. An American friend (Arnold G.) went in there and was told to come back in a week. When he returned they had so much of his US military records that they could only have come directly from official US Army sources.
Rhodesia I mean and to parabats just for interest sake I saw you being interviewed it must have been you when you were in the bats anyway damn what a life and I wish you the best!
@@nicholasdavis1606 I take you are a yank ? How many wars have you lot lost ? Many .. so your point is ?? We lost it because your country America and Britain betrayed us Rhodesians . We lost it politically not physically . Get your facts straight !
Get access to Ken's articles about serving in Rhodesia and South Africa by joining our Patreon: www.patreon.com/posts/59606271
I served with Ken in the Rhodesian Light Infantry, Recce Troop, Support Commando. A fine soldier and a very good friend. The Vietnam Veterans were invaluable & we learned much from their experiences.
Was it common for foreign mercenaries to involve themselves on behalf of the Rhodesian terrs who oppressed the local indigenous population?
I am an ex Rhodesian and fought for years. I want to thank Ken for his service with us from the bottom of my heart and hope he has a great and peaceful life. I wonder if our paths crossed. I was not RLI and will not name my unit but I came across quite a few yanks and other nationalities fighting for us, nearly all with the RLI. Tot siens and baie dankie.
Two of my friends, Kevin Tailor and Bundu Peters. What people!!!! The stuff that you guys done......
@@johanvanrensburg1147 Such as committing war crimes against civilians and POWs?
Please have more Rhodesian and South African veterans if possible. I find their stories fascinating when compared to American veterans. Your episodes are great. Thanks for posting them.
@@DJNaija including stacking their own with friendly bush fire 😂
On TH-cam - Legacy conversations by Koos Kotze - lots of interesting interviews with ex SADF and Rhodesian soldiers
Nice talk - thanks to Ken for his recollections - but especially for coming to our aid in the Rhodesian war. You may be an American but you are also considered one of us Rhodesians now. You earned it so wear it with pride, China!!
Respect and thanks for his service in Rhodesia and South Africa. His service for my motherland (Rhodesia) is greatly appreciated. Keep marching 'Saint'.
motherland racist pig
My father was a LRP in Vietnam. Respect to all Vietnam vets.
Thankyou Ken for coming to help us in Rhodesia we are very proud of you brother, you a legend. We fought hard against communism and won, we know we won as Zimbabwe is in ruins now because of the communist enemy that took over.
Pamberi ne hondo brother.
We're going to need guys like him for the upcoming battles against global communism.
@@rasputin5746 We have more PMCs / mercs fighting in Ukraine than ever before.
For the producers of this program, I would like to ask, if possible that you could get in touch with two or three guys who where also with the 44 pathfinder group, at the same 1980s time, being Robert Crisp. Sven Hansen and Leon Lombaard. I would love to hear their story. Thanks.
Great to hear Ken's stories, especially his Rhodesia recollections, evocative stuff indeed. Thanks Ken, you had the RLI slang as well as any Rhodie!
“What a time it was.”
My dads stories of vacation in Rhodesia to the falls with his family as a kid always makes Rhodesia seem so beautiful. I want to travel out there one day and see it for myself.
Love your book ! Lol my head remains buried in it
Ken is a legend, a combat paratrooper in 3 separate armies!
This is one of the most underrated military podcasts.
Agreed
@@TheTeamHousePodcast May I suggest this guest who is a bit of a legend in Swedish military circles, if you are able to: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ulf_Henricsson
He is a Swedish Army Senior Colonel who was known for scaring the politicians back home and the UN officials by very aggressively making sure that the Bosnian civilians were ACTUALLY safe. He received the moniker "The Sheriff of Vareš" due to his aggressive no-nonsense approach to the mission, and the school in the area is named after his battalion in thanks.
Yep i served 83-85 Infantry. Can totally relate to his description about basics- non stop op fok. Then served 15 months in South West and Angola.
Thats a warrior. 3 major conflicts and lived to tell his tales. Incredible.
You misspelled „bloodthirsty killer“
Thanks for your service in the SADF Ken, by a clerical error I landed up at 37Bn and not 32Bn as my route signal said otherwise we were both serving at Buffalo at the same time.
I am an Australian. I know of 5 Aussie Vietnam vets who took contracts between 1974>1982 when the money was good and 'Loose Causes' were worthwhile. Comparitably, Ken Gaudet was a gent i,d buy a beer for.
I’m subscribed. My dad jumped with the 101st bn for the SADF in the border war in the 80’s; this is an awesome podcast! His story is amazing, and will to work abroad is inspiring!
Bought my first Soldier of Fortune in 1978; I was 11. Would have taken a plane for Salisbury in a second if my mom and dad fronted the money.
Great channel, great guest.
Thanks
Ha! Me too. Same age!
Lead me to a short and colorful airborne career winning the cold war. At least that's what I would say if I ever joined the Legion.
So many Americans today say that, but precious few did it at the time. SOF was more for Walter Mitty's.
Thanks for this great interview. I was in the SADF for 3 years in infantry signals 88/89/90. 32 Battalion were legends!
Excellent discussion, especially the segment close to my heart, Support Commando and the operation at Op auric in Mapai. Not our finest moment and of course losing the Puma was the single biggest loss of the war. Thank you gents…keep safe
What an incredible adventurous life Ken has had. He definitely must write a book. Time waits for no one!!!
Well done ken - love how you still throw in some Afrikaans words
Almost joined you and Sage B in SA. Unfortunately (or fortunately) I was the drunk soldier who fell out the train window when on the way to that Troop Medics Course in Byo and spend the next 2 months in Rehab 😊 Keep safe Ken, I salute you my China
Jono!! You old trooper!! How the hell are you?
Ken I must admit I enjoyed working with you guys...
Seriously, this was a mind-opening conversation. I had no idea.
What an incredible career as a professional adventurer. One of the best episodes yet.
My first Platoon Sergeant in 3-75 (way back in 85) was a Rhodesian Light Infantry Vet. Mike was a solid dude, not amped up like a lot of of other PSGs. I remember when, then, CPT Stan McChrystal, the A co Commander, took us on this gasser road march with full kit in August, hot as fuck (typical Ranger Bn shit). It was probably 15 or 18 miles, in the summer heat on Benning (before the heat cat training restrictions ...not that the Ranger BN would have followed that shit anyways) ... it was a real ball buster, then we rolled into the range to do platoon live fires. At the end, he gathered all of the NCOs in the company and asked 'Well what do you think men?' and Mike said "Fuck sir! We were moving so fast with all this weight, I'm telling you sir, if we had made contact every Ranger in the company would dropped their rucks laid behind them and said "FUUUUUCK! Thank God we're under fire!" Stan the Man, said "Good training eh Sergeant?!" After that, we did 10 or 12 milers every week with full kit, had to have 50lbs in the ruck, with the old spring scale on the company loading dock to weigh your shit in. True story. Proud to have served in the Regiment back in the Black Beret days ... Gotta go fellas I'm late for my yoga class! Sua Sponte Murph!
My buddy is friends with this man, they worked at the ship yard together in the past. Trippy, big hero.
I have lived next to Ft Lewis/Mchord for 20 yrs. Like living in a warzone. They go at it with artillery, Strykers, Blackhawks, everything.All the time. I enjoy hearing it. The noise pisses some people off but I love it???!?
Love these guys & their books talking about ops overseas in conflicts that we in the US don't normally hear much about. Very interesting stuff. Thanks guys!!
Yeah I’m on a fuckin roll with it. Can’t wait to read these books
What's the books names
Great story! Thank you so much for fighting for liberty and freedom.
"ouens" (sounded like owens on the interview) is just a word meaning guys
I know a Rhodesian Selous Scout personally the guys has some incredible stories.
Such as massacring rural peasants?
A very strong man. A pleasure to listen to him re-count his 'time'.
I hope he doesn't wait too long to write his story down, you never know when your time is up, and your stories go with you.
Best show I have ever seen on a true war dog.I'm AF survival school instructor 65 -69.
Wow. Talk about an incredible movie. Although Hollywood would never get it right. Amazing story
Ken is a great man, privilege to know him
Well done Ken our Rhodesian War and the RLI guys i knew from my Cranborne Boys High days thinking of the Beech brothers and the late Robert Beech.
I was in the SADF in the 70's and RLI came recruiting because we were conscripts they knew we were mostly in for short time I was accepted but my parents had to sign the documents and they refused so that was that I was 19 then I still wonder what may have happened and how my life would have been if I had gone
Legends are made of this , put his life on the line out for so many countries rhodesian south Africa and all Hero End of.
Been anticipating this one! Really enjoyed it and it was todays highlight. Fantastic job guys! Rhodesians Never Die!
Damnit i love Vietnam vets.
My dad cr clemo was in the Rhodesian army for over 20yrs
I remember you from Fireforce. I was a gunner on 7 Squadron flying in G and K Cars.
I served in 1 Parachute Battalion in SA, served under John Van Aswegan of Rhodesian SAS, scuba dived with Dennis Croukamp and worked with Pierre Lundberg who founded the Pathfinder unit- all great people and interesting times in Africa
Wow! This was a great episode. Thank you Mr. Gaudet.
Cool stuff! Yeah, the 80s was something else in central and south merica...
It almost sounds like Ken was doing the same things James McDonough, author of 'Platoon Leader' did=he happened to be in 2nd platoon, Bravo/4th/503rd, late in the War (post Tet '68); as I recall from the book (that got turned into a not very good movie with Michael Dudikoff, filmed in South Africa, ironically), McDonough's platoon was also 'combined' with a local militia platoon.
I knew several Yanks in Rhodesia. I saw one ex-US Marine, (Charlie H.) as he was going down south in 1980. I asked him what he was going to do next. He said he'd served and lost in Vietnam. Laos and Cambodia. He had then served and lost in Angola and Rhodesia and he was now off to South West (Namibia) to complete a double hat trick of lost wars!
My God the beloved Dave Barr from Bakersfield CA. He came to visit me in Australia in 1993. I have his book, "Riding the Edge" forward by Mike Wourms. I wonder if he is still alive...I gave him hospitality when he visited here with his old Harley Shovelhead.
Another great conversation! Thanks to all !
Ken Gaudet was featured in a documentary by Al J Venter called; _War on the Border_
Great episode, I watched in my Punisher onesie
😄
The Man who trained us Tracking was Rhodesian... Guy knows his stuff...
Shame Ken got to Rhodesia so late …. The ‘Fun War’ was over by then …. 73 -76 was full tilt.
My best road dog was a medic in the 173rd in 1970 in Vietnam he was from Freemont ca. doc martins , i met doc at the menlo park VA in CA. when i was living in palo alto ca.. Doc martins is a very cool dude & all the other OG. i met that were in the bay area. "AINT NOTHING BUT THE BLUES" as he always says to me .N ow doc is out in Boise ID.9 US NAVY DISABLED COMBAT VETERAN GULF WAR/SOMALIA "OPERATION RESTORE HOPE" ) WELCOM TROOPS ! .
Breytenbach is retired in Sedgefield, 32B ouens take care of him.
In other words you should be declared a national v I p a real gem!
Fantastic interview with Ken Gaudet...highly interesting and informative...he seems like a great guy!
Aw man I wanted to see this one I had questions like does he still use any of the slang he learn in Africa
He's had an interesting life, definitely interested in the book.
i think this guy is one of two american guys interviewed by al j venter in southwest africa in the time of the south african border war.
It is him
2 Legion buddies were 173rd ab, am. Just died from dioxin!! Bless you all from a career Coastie
What an interesting man. Vietnam was hell and Rhodesian Army was a ball buster and he acts like it's no big deal
That certainly was enlightening for me, great interview, thank you y’all very much!
Banger of a show... one of the best... many familiar names, thanks Ken...
The Pathfinder platoon was actually incepted in 1978 by Col Archie Moore CO of 1 Parachute Bn. So there was a National Service Pathfinder Platoon that ran in parallel with the 44 Para Pathfinders "Philistines" who actually only existed for a year or so until disbandment.
This is great.
Pity the "plan" didn't eventuate, at 47:30 , it would have saved the whole southern African region.
Wow just wow! It's a forgotten war/conflict It's so awesome to hear about it from "the horses mouth" so to speak.
Most enjoyable!! Respect, Ken. Thanks for the great work, guys. Merry Christmas!!
Great show ! Would have liked to hear more about 32 BN
Having watched a lot of documentaries and read many books about Rhodesia I notice they use a lot of British tactics which isn’t surprising being it a x colony but it’s interesting to hear an Americans view of it as I always assumed u.s troops pretty much operate the same as the uk
Dude needs to write a book for sure
Great interview as always. Though for completeness, I should say that I thought the character of Cat Shannon in Dogs of War came from Taffy Williams (also a South African), who fought in the Biafran war when Forsyth was reporting there. The German character was definitely based on another Biafran merc, Rolf Steiner.
Ken did say it was at a braai - which is Afrikaans for a BBQ - in South Africa, the booze tends to flow freely and Col Breytenbach is known for a sense of humour, so he may have been having them on a bit - or maybe not. I wasn't there and I really don't know.
What an incredible interview with such an incredible man
In Rgt were proud of our mustard stain, my Ranger buddy Ken has more combat jumps than a grand daddy grasshopper! RLTW
Rhodesia will never die
In the past eight months after learning about Rhodesia and its fight for independence and to preserve its way of life I’ve become fascinated with everything Rhodesian especially with the ferocious that its military fight to preserve their country while they were labeled as a pariah state by the international community during its existence.
I do have a question though during Rhodesia’s existence does anybody know if the level of segregation in Rhodesia was at the same level as South Africa in relation to South Africas apartheid laws?
If anybody could answer this for me I would really appreciate it!
Love these interviews
Superb, thanks for posting!
Great stories 🍿
Howzit boetie, Tony Swart here. Miss our evenings at Ondangwa, sitting around our fire pit klapping a few cold ones.
Great interview, really enjoyed listening to Ken, the stuff legends are made of 💯
The book, sadly, is not available on Amazon. I really enjoyed Mr Gaudet's stories. Keep up the great work guys.
Recently I read "On Full Automatic" by William V. Taylor. Please guys consider him to interview in your show. I finished the book in 3 days, it was impossible to put down,.
Some good books back there. Koos Stadlers being one.
Fascinating stories, what motivated you as an American soldier fighting in Vietnam to join the Rhodesian Light infantry to defend the apartheid regime in South Africa?
Doos ,
A serious dislike and disdain for communism.
Love Mr. Ken! Recently have been in contact with him! Lol he sent me the articles ⚡️🇺🇸
*Amazing videos, great thanks to you!!!*
Peace on Earth 🕊️✌️
Great interview Ken - Stay safe always.
The South Africans also opened an anonymous recruiting office in an office block in Salisbury. An American friend (Arnold G.) went in there and was told to come back in a week. When he returned they had so much of his US military records that they could only have come directly from official US Army sources.
Awesome podcast real interesting man , born soldier.
Love it,great stories, thanks
Rhodesia I mean and to parabats just for interest sake I saw you being interviewed it must have been you when you were in the bats anyway damn what a life and I wish you the best!
Make Zimbabwe Rhodesia Again
Hi sir thank you for your service especially to r l
served in ops Askari 82/83 Angola
Thank you Ken for your service to the Rhodesians . Gratitude and respect 🙏🏻
They lost the war
@@nicholasdavis1606 I take you are a yank ? How many wars have you lot lost ? Many .. so your point is ??
We lost it because your country America and Britain betrayed us Rhodesians . We lost it politically not physically . Get your facts straight !
Hello from one of the 61st AHC StarBlazer Guns.