I was born in Wankie. I weep for what has happened to Rhodesia. I lost my cousin in 1977, ambushed at the Gwaai River. I salute all who served and protected the citizens of Rhodesia. Thank you for your service.
Respect to your Cousin Boet, I was born in the uk but lived in Plumtree and Marula , My cousin served in the R.L.I I miss Rhodesia and the Bush . God bless Rhodesia
Yip I was intake 146 lewellyn then mukumbura chapinga layed Ap mines and drove a pookie mine detection vehicle I miss Rhodesia Engineers rule as a sapper
One thing that always has impressed me about interviews with Rhodesian soldiers is that all of them are proud and none seem horribly mentally scarred. This completely contrasts something like the war in Vietnam in which many soldiers aren’t proud much at all and ended up with a lot of trauma mentally
This may be due to the fact that we were fighting on our own soil, fighting to protect who and what we are, because we knew if we gave control of our lives to a different race with different cultures and values we would be finished, and guess what the world gave just that to them and look now at what has become of us.. Don't fall for the BS that all people are the same, don't let any other race or culture dictate how and by what means you must live by, if you do then life as you know it will never be the same, and your children and theirs will suffer for it.... cheers shamwari... Watch on you tube "Fighting men of Rhodesia"
A very interesting comparison and is one I had not thought about. I think the war affected people in different ways. The previous video I uploaded titled “A Mother’s Fears” details the effects of the war had on our family.
Part of that difference is in the fact that a vast number of Americans were very against the US being militarily active in South Vietnam--and many American veterans returned from Vietnam to encounter vicious persecution from fellow Americans. Big difference, eh?
@@yeshuaservant7 Maybe because America was fighting to keep something at bay, rather than for their survival and the survival of their country as a whole, If all the people felt that their lives were under threat they would have either sided with the enemy but in their hearts want to partake in all that makes you who and what you are, In shona "Zino erema"... Or they would have participated in the war offort rather then object..
This whole series really is amazing to me, my mum's side had been in Bulawayo since 1965, the lads did NS in the BSAP until 1980, my mum, her sisters and parents fled in 1979. my dad a few years prior was in the Portuguese army in Angola- small world that my parents would meet in the Algarve in 1989- totally ignored front of the cold war, men beyond what was asked of them.
I was a US Army paratrooper (2nd Bat. 503rd Regt. 173rd Abn Brigade. The Rock! 11B 1998-2006). In 2000, We had a naturalized US citizen from Rhodesia who enlisted in 1981 at 25 into the US Army Airborne. He was a former Para in the Rhodesian Army. With combat experience. He retired after 20 years a E7 and was one of our company's platoon Sgts. He would sometimes slip when instructing us in fire and maneuver and instead of saying 'the enemy.' He'd say ' terrorists.' In 2003, I met a medic senior enlisted who used to fight for the SDF against Angolan Terrorists in the late 80s. He was with a medical unit in Northern Iraq in OIF I in 2003.
I'm former US Navy, I wish I had the guts back then to go paratrooper, I'm the first guy in my family not to go Army, not for thirteen generations, but I still think, if I was twenty years old again...
Retired 11H/11BB4 here, 1983-2009 CIB w/ 2nd award as most Grunts have these days. I was in 2/502nd, 101st for over 6 years and a few other units but I always consider Ft. Campbell my home. The Rhodesian Army fought well and I always show my respect for those men, they earned it.
Parts 2 & 3 are the same! In fact, I’d say this part 1 is a little tame compared to the other two videos. I’ll be posting part 2 tomorrow (6th April). My brother is a no BS kind of guy 😉
I served in the British army and had a few guys from Rhodesia they were hard lads tough tough and great mates they came over to us to join the British army as once to county became Zimbabwe I think in the 1980’s. 30% of the guards regiments were these boys
I'm still learning a lot about the Rhodesian bush war but someone said they noticed Rhodesia's veterans seemed proud and were relatively unscathed mentally. Another said the comparison was based on the American population's disdain for vietnam and in turn took it out on returning veterans. From what I see? Rhodesians, especially out in the bush were extremely self reliant. While most men were out fighting the women, kids and elderly had to protect their homes from thieves, enemy soldiers and so on. The war could LITERALLY come to your doorstep and that gave the Rhodesian people a deep appreciation for their soldiers. Jack Carr mentions the Selous scouts quite a bit in his novels, definitely worth a read.
I think one of the reasons the Rhodesian soldiers didn't seem to suffer PTSD like American Vietnam Vets was because they were fighting on their own territory. Growing up in Africa often makes you more self-reliant. I am South African and met many ex-Rhodesians. Some of them were adversely affected by the war, especially those that served in the BSAP, and had to deal with the aftermath of terror inspired massacres.
Utmost respect for these men my father's friend a Vietnam vet zaff went to Rhodesia and worked with the selous scouts and said to me there the backbone off what we fight for today . R.I.P. Zaffnikkie .
My dad did 2 years national service in the Rhodesian army his name is Jeffrey Dixon also know as Jeff he passed away 13th of November 2022 I’ve been trying to find out if anybody served with him and has any stories I love and miss him so much thanks
Absolutely amazing. As a New Zealander, I wish we could learn more about Rhodesia, because our country is going down the same path, just without so much violence, but sadly we are becoming the New Zimbabwe instead
Hi, l live in Australia now, we will beat NZ, Australia is going down the same path to Leftist/ Socialist ruin , we are De-industrializing at an alarming rate , lead by Ideological fools who want to hand the Country over to ruin.
Went in for NS in 1975. Finally stood down in 1980. I went straight into the RLI, and thence into 2 commando. We did a lot of fireforce tours, and we were all para trained as well. Deployment was by the DC3 the Dakota.
@Brad Carter still have my beret, stable belt and some of the uniform. The vest webbing was disposed of by my folks when they were still on the farm. That’s long gone as well. Still wear my combat jacket on occasion on community watches
@Brad Carter stuff like our boots, our dpm uniform, which no longer fits, lol. Mess tins, water bottles with the metal cups. Our jump cards and other personal stuff.
The Rhodesian bush war didn't start in 1966 but rather it started in 1964 at Zidube ranch near Maphisa. The first shots were fired by a contingent of 6 pple commanded by Moffart Hadebe who is still alive
CHRISTmas 1971: I spent in Bulawayo at my sister's family house. They were ELIM missionaries. I don't remember much, except Victoria Falls, the soil was red as Kenya's. Copper copper copper knick knacks everywhere, no seaside! PART of my childhood I grew up in Kenya, late 60s & early 70s. I left Africa, because I had no choice, because I was a kid! STILL miss it, & I feel bad about Rhodesia. WHAT a bunch of selfhating PC baskets, my so-called 'countrymen' (UKGB) are! THIS was very good. PS Anybody been to the Rhodesia museum in Bedfordshire, somewhere near Bedford? Also heard on Armistice day Rhodie vets meet up in Bedford. NEXT time I'm in 'our' 3/4th World septic pit of a capital 'London, ' I am going to search out the Rhodesian war memorial. 💚
@@tmafungo84what a monumental fuck up Zimbabwe has become . Yet you seem proud of that? These rhodesians were incredibly smart and hardworking making that country great. All your leaders have bought to the party is famine and suffering. Still you got your black rule you wanted
Super interesting period of history and super interesting take on it all. Would also be interesting to hear from some of the black people on both sides of the war.
I never knew about the water in the tires as a mine resistance measure. Infantry in the Marines Corps 1980 to 92. US. Never saw combat up to that time.
I remember Rhodesia as a young boy. It was far nicer than ZA. Loved it. I went back to Zimbabwe in my late 20’s. What a crying shame! God bless all the wonderful people of Rhodesia/Zimbabwe. The only thing wrong with Rhodesia was the man Cecil. An oligarchic bastard - of the Gnostic type - similar to the ones in the US/CH oligarchic WEF today (in fact related).
Was there and lived through it .. often saw the Alouettes landing at the hospital on the mine I lived at .On the sports fields at Mangula Mine ..The Alouettes would assemble prior to deploying North on raids into Zambia. The gunner techs would give us kids their i empty 20 mm cannon shells and the steel link. So we would clip together the black belt steel links and clip in the empty shells. thereby..we completed to see as kids who could create the longest belts of empty shells..exciting times for a kid.. saw many dead removed on stretchers out of Alouettes too .very sobering to the see the bloodied sheet draped over the soldiers body.
Thank you. Dodsington Farm Eddie and Moira Mostert. Hartley/Gatooma/Chakari loop road. Where at all can I research any possible news regarding these wonderful people. Or their kin? Please, and thank you.
My late father fought as a junior cavalry officer for nearly three years in the north of Angola for the total union of the country we call then Portugal. In the fall of 1961, he witnessed the terrible remains of the awful massacres perpetrated by UPA terrorists on farmers on the 15th of march 1961 when hundreds of Portuguese were murdered. It was an experience that affected his life forever. Now, in my country, those patriots are completely forgotten by the government, the rotten politicians, and the ignorant younger generations. Lest we forget.
Because I lived in a small town when I was home for 6 weeks I was part of the local reaction stick. but the guys who lived in the towns were not called up at all. During my 6 weeks home I would react to at least 1 incidence per week.
I was in the BSAP and did some work with the Bulawayo guys, 6 Batt, in the Bikita area, Victoria province. For some reason they were called "the enemy". I still chuckle about that.
Yea..I heard about that term used for us... I think it was due to blue on blue incidents...and AD s leading to casualties... But a good bunch of guys Still miss them..
I did some military training in Australia, I volunteered to do the parachute course, I meet some ex special forces soldiers, (they are something else) if you join the Special Forces ie SAS, you say goodbye to a normal life, average time in the unit is 12 to 14 years, then they usually do something else very secretive.
the rhodesian soldiers were highly trained and highly motivated,they were surrounded by unfriendly nations in a dirty war with terrorists,even though rhodesia is gone,their spirit and heroism isn`t.....
John Barrett how long did school children have in 1965-1980? How many days did children have off per week from school? How many days did Rhodesians have off work per week?
Interesting....I believe that this chaps time of intake and intake number are incorrect.... but that immaterial....it was a tough time...my intake was 132 7 th July 1972... yep ....brave men and young men....RIP.... Y
If the white Rhodesians had started to phase in democratic reforms bit by bit, earlier, the war would never have happened. Instead, they resorted to terrorising anyone who sought freedom by peaceful means. Detention without trial, banishment, torture, murder, "protected villages," or "keeps," racial discrimination, segregated housing, and so on. There was no way to sustain a system like that.
I accompanied a joint Rhodesian Portuguese operation in Mozambique in 1973. There were 6 Rhodesians some SAS and a couple of Police. The Portuguese were 12 paras. They had valuable info that ZANU had a secret base Madzuire caves, near Mungari road at Guro. The Portuguese were led by a experienced captain who was in his third commision. His previous commissions had been in Angola and in Guinea Bissau. He wasn’t happy with the operation. The Rhodesian leader was a BSAP chief inspector detective special branch. He didn’t trust the Portuguese. The operation was however a great success thanks to the Portuguese. Great quantaties of war material was captured, several ZAPU and Frelimo guerrillas were killed and captured. The Rhodesians downplayed the Portuguese role. The Portuguese ignored them completly.What a pity. I never did understand why when they were supposed to be allies. I found the Portuguese better trained, real professional soldiers. They did their job in silence. The Rhodesians all they did was bragg how good they were.
What a load of absolute claptrap you have written here - who on earth are you and on what basis did you 'accompany the mission?' I too worked with the Portuguese and I was BSAP. Most were national serviceman who wanted nothing to do with an African conflict, couldn't wait to get back on the plane to Lisbon and I don't blame them for that. Rhodesians, even National Servicemen, were fighting for their own country. And therein lies the difference. Granted, Portuguese para-quedista were well trained, proud, and the best of the bunch, but to put them above Rhodesian SAS is pure fantasy. Finally 'I never understood why they....were allies'. Do you know anything at all about the bush war?? I suggest you read ' A handful of hard men' by Hannes Wessels and maybe, next time you spout off, you'll have a basic idea of what you are typing.
Well I've heard hundreds of stories which say the complete opposite. Granted there were some really good Porra units but they were few and far between. Some individuals were very good too. But the vast majority of the Porra army were conscripts who were reluctant to leave their bases let alone go on dangerous missions.
Damn right they did! The designs were perfected in South Africa afterward, long before the West realized how dangerous and numerous landmines were. You would think Malasia and Vietnam would have made the British and Americans, respectively, understand this, but it didn't. Google the Pookie landmine detection vehicle.
Thanks, boet. My brother was up there in 86/87. I klaared-in in 89 when it was just about all over. We were put on standby in 89 when SWAPO swarmed across the border, scaring the hell out of UNTAG. I was at School of Armour, in the middle of Basics still, and they considered sending us! That still gives me the shivers to this day... we knew nothing except how to get killed. I was put on standby again when Mandela was released in 1990. Sitting in the barracks at Akkadisdorp in Tempe with our R-5's, wondering if the sh*t was going to hit the fan. I'll be honest; I'm still not right in head after my National Service, and I didn't even see Border Duty.
I hate to say this..but Rodhesian were better then us(portuguese..) altough we had 3 fronts..the fireforce was a magnificient response to the guerrilla and they were very good trackers!! They follow the enemy 10/20 miles in the bush,we didn't..
Hi Alastair, many thanks for the question. You’re the second person to ask for full details. Unfortunately, I have no plans in making this kind of information public. These recordings are from our private family archive. After a film I made 9 years ago recently got a lot of interest on this channel, I decided to make more of our recordings public. This interview with my brother was recorded in 2017. There’s another reason why I don’t want to make such information (as service #) public, is that our family has been personally targeted by those in Mugabe’s office. We still have family in Zimbabwe. We will be releasing more about the intimidation and the tactics used by the CIO, but will be mindful of loved ones still there... The “Jailed In Zimbabwe” video is one small part of a larger story about the intimidation we received and the motive and intent that ZANU PF had against us. We had employees taken out of the factory at gun point and they were tortured for 6 weeks. Sadly they were never the same again... My brother stated in part 1 that he was in intake 129, which was January 1973. Once again, thank you for your question 🙏
@@CapturingMemories Very wise. I would never publicly share specific personal information about individuals. It would be a violation of personal security. Those heathen communists have no sense of morality.
@@CapturingMemories Please urge your brother to be careful. And you as well, friend. There are some sick, brainwashed, racists out there--consumed with hatred. Shalom from the US.
American Patriots sniping British soldiers from trees and tar and feathering Loyalists were also terrorists. See? "Terrorist" is not always a dirty word.
@@ayodejiolowokere1076 Don't confuse fad with fashion. 'Terrorist' applied to communists is always a dirty word, because, well, communists are filthy subhumans.
qaddaffi was allowing refugee farmers from rhodesia and south africa into his country in the late seventies. he would set them up on small farms met these folks in the airport.
What happened to these men after Mugabe solidified his power? Were the majority forced to leave the country? Those that remained in the armed forces or the police and intelligence agencies, were they marginalized due to race and politics?
Treated with kindness and humanity is what happened to them. Some remained in govt, in parliament, in the security services, in business, wealth and assets untouched until the chaotic land reform two decades later. Something none of these white racists would have ever offered to the blacks.
Many Rhodesians emigrated to South Africa and England at first. Some served in the SADF, but the insistence that they learn Afrikaans put them off. Here in South Africa, there was a subtle Afrikaans vs. English fight going on. Sometimes not so subtle, as I ended up in hospital as a result of Afrikaans pro Apartheid pigheadedness.
Capturing memories What if Rhodesia kept Zambia and Malawi? Not only that Angola, Namibia, South Africa, Lesotho, Eswatini, Comoros and Madagascar is added Rhodesia? Rhodesia Area: 2,537,384 sq miles 21.63% of the African continent Demographics Government unitary parliamentary republic Black 49.01% White 49.00% Asian 1% Other 0.99% Ethnic European Groups Anglos 27% German 25% Irish 21% Scottish 14% Scandinavian Finnish Baltic 11% Other 2% How different would the world be if this was real life not fantasy? Fun fact In real life Rhodesia used to have 11% of the world corn supply. Zimbabwe is the seventh largest of diamond mining. Capturing memories if you read my comment please let me know what the school schedule is like? I want to know what the school schedule was like in Rhodesia 1965-1980 how much homework you got how long was Christmas Break and Summer Vacation? Thanks
Hi Derek, many thanks for your question. It’s my brother Cliff. Two other people have asked for detailed information which I have no plans in making public. These recordings are from our private family archive. After a film I made 9 years ago recently got a lot of interest on this channel, I decided to make more of our recordings public. This interview with my brother was recorded in 2017. There’s another reason why I don’t want to make such detailed information public, is that our family have been personally targeted by those in Mugabe’s office. We still have family in Zimbabwe. We will be releasing more about the intimidation and the tactics used by the CIO, but will be mindful of loved ones still there... The “Jailed In Zimbabwe” video is one small part of a larger story about the intimidation we received and the motive and intent that ZANU PF had against us. We had employees taken out of the factory at gun point and they were tortured for 6 weeks. Sadly they were never the same again... My brother states that he was in intake 129, which was January 1973.
@@CapturingMemories I thank you for your reply that came through so quickly. His face looks so familiar but I can't name it. I thought that he would be un-nameable and that is why I asked the question how I did. He was a madoda which I think is obvious and he tells a great unblemished story. May all of you stay safe and remain healthy from another old Rhodie. Cheers, Derek.
This all sounds like BS to me - having fought in that war there are too many holes in this story for him to be SAS. The training was anything other than a "piece of cake" and with his pompous attitude that would have got him cut early on. My father was a base commander in 1973/4 and I can assure you troops on the ground never got to call in Hunters in a ground attack role. That was left to the Cessna 172 push pulls and the K cars. The Hunters were used in ground attack on static targets mainly outside the countries borders. Just saying - could be wrong.
Steve Pink. .... you're about the most disrespectful reply to what this man went through during the bush war....you obviously were not combat trained, though I suspect you actually were a desk jockey aka jam stealer. Nothing wrong about that seeing as the Rhodesian army ran like a well oiled machine with the smallest base group contingency of any army. You could have been a reserve bugler under dads command, also no sweat, your task would have been unique to say the least, you see I never met a reserve bugler only the stirring RAR band members. Some men were physical machines during our younger days and they really could breeze through anthing requiring fitness testing, Ray Mordt to name a person. .. As for calling in a hunter strike from the ground forces, well Steve, it was not unusual.... now then Steve, about you, I may be wrong, or am I?
Steve, you start like a lion and end meek as a lamb.. your 'cover your arse' approach tells me you are either a politician or an ex-serviceman in the rear echelon, i.e., support services. Mind you, I was a clerk in the army myself, so I recognize the signs, although I did later volunteer for an infantry battalion as a rifleman.
Settlemunt my arse, let's slot ... Remember the T-shirts? I had a couple of Rhodesian school friends in the 70's while at boarding school in the Northern Transvaal.
I taught in a white school in Rhodesia in the '70's. One teacher was blown up by a land-mine, one teacher was shot dead by a terrorist, one teacher was stabbed to death walking into the school, another teacher committed suicide. " What's going to happen to my pension if the Blacks take over?" he whined. "You're forty" I replied. " What makes you think you'll make it to sixty-five"? He didn't. He just topped himself. Don't glamourise the situation.
What was Rhodesia actually? I ask with utmost honesty. The land that became known as Rhodesia was a Shona, Kalanga, Venda, Nambya, Tonga country. Where exactly did Rhodesia exist? On whose land? Lobengula couldn't have sold anything to anyone because he never owned that land. If we agree that Rhodesia represented European conquest of natives then it's time to get over it people!!! Move on. Your luck ran out!!
He certainly did win, with a little help from his friends - and look what a good job he made of it - from the bread basket of Africa to the basket case of Africa in a few short years - mind you his kids are now living high on the hog what with all the riches stolen from his own people, who are now so poor they don't even have a pot to piss in.
Total rubbish! My brother went on SAS selection and after four days running a 104° C temperature he was RTU and ended up in RLI Support Commando. He was told he could try SAS selection again which of course there was never time for it. The one British training of real note is the Royal Marines...
@@russelsellick3649 I would love a ex selous scout answer that statement aswell.Tough men that operated in extremely harsh conditions.Conditions where normal troops would shit themselves.Same in regards to SADF 32 battalion ,Recces and Koevoet.Rhodesian SAS selection is tough.Nothing like normal basic training. If you don’t belief me search Rhodesian SAS selection and come back.22 SAS trained them.
I was born in Wankie. I weep for what has happened to Rhodesia. I lost my cousin in 1977, ambushed at the Gwaai River. I salute all who served and protected the citizens of Rhodesia. Thank you for your service.
Respect to your Cousin Boet, I was born in the uk but lived in Plumtree and Marula , My cousin served in the R.L.I
I miss Rhodesia and the Bush . God bless Rhodesia
God bless all you freedom fighters! Rhodesia forever!
Your cousin had it coming.
@@DiscoStringHit Typical comment from a coward who hides behind a pseudonym.
@@DiscoStringHit his dead body accomplished more than Mugabe ever did.
Thank you for your service. My father was in the 2nd Battalion Rhodesia Regiment. I was born in Bulawayo in 1976. Deepest respect ✊
I shall pass your message on to my brother... thank you 🙏
Name? I served there too.
+1 born 1976 Bulawayo, Father RLI Dodgen
Tough as nails. Always a pleasure to hear the stories from the Rhodesians!
Thank you for your kind words 🙏 I think the next 2 videos will be very interesting! 😉
Yea they really got their just deserves eh
@@legendaussie465 Meaning?
Yip I was intake 146 lewellyn then mukumbura chapinga layed Ap mines and drove a pookie mine detection vehicle I miss Rhodesia Engineers rule as a sapper
One thing that always has impressed me about interviews with Rhodesian soldiers is that all of them are proud and none seem horribly mentally scarred. This completely contrasts something like the war in Vietnam in which many soldiers aren’t proud much at all and ended up with a lot of trauma mentally
This may be due to the fact that we were fighting on our own soil, fighting to protect who and what we are, because we knew if we gave control of our lives to a different race with different cultures and values we would be finished, and guess what the world gave just that to them and look now at what has become of us..
Don't fall for the BS that all people are the same, don't let any other race or culture dictate how and by what means you must live by, if you do then life as you know it will never be the same, and your children and theirs will suffer for it.... cheers shamwari...
Watch on you tube "Fighting men of Rhodesia"
A very interesting comparison and is one I had not thought about. I think the war affected people in different ways. The previous video I uploaded titled “A Mother’s Fears” details the effects of the war had on our family.
Part of that difference is in the fact that a vast number of Americans were very against the US being militarily active in South Vietnam--and many American veterans returned from Vietnam to encounter vicious persecution from fellow Americans. Big difference, eh?
@@yeshuaservant7 absolutely
@@yeshuaservant7 Maybe because America was fighting to keep something at bay, rather than for their survival and the survival of their country as a whole, If all the people felt that their lives were under threat they would have either sided with the enemy but in their hearts want to partake in all that makes you who and what you are, In shona "Zino erema"... Or they would have participated in the war offort rather then object..
This whole series really is amazing to me, my mum's side had been in Bulawayo since 1965, the lads did NS in the BSAP until 1980, my mum, her sisters and parents fled in 1979. my dad a few years prior was in the Portuguese army in Angola- small world that my parents would meet in the Algarve in 1989- totally ignored front of the cold war, men beyond what was asked of them.
I was a US Army paratrooper (2nd Bat. 503rd Regt. 173rd Abn Brigade. The Rock! 11B 1998-2006). In 2000, We had a naturalized US citizen from Rhodesia who enlisted in 1981 at 25 into the US Army Airborne. He was a former Para in the Rhodesian Army. With combat experience. He retired after 20 years a E7 and was one of our company's platoon Sgts.
He would sometimes slip when instructing us in fire and maneuver and instead of saying 'the enemy.' He'd say ' terrorists.'
In 2003, I met a medic senior enlisted who used to fight for the SDF against Angolan Terrorists in the late 80s. He was with a medical unit in Northern Iraq in OIF I in 2003.
@Jonathan Spier welcome home brother
@Otto Skorzeny says the week old TH-cam account holder
I'm former US Navy, I wish I had the guts back then to go paratrooper, I'm the first guy in my family not to go Army, not for thirteen generations, but I still think, if I was twenty years old again...
@@freddymarcel-marcum6831 man, thank you for your service bro
Retired 11H/11BB4 here, 1983-2009 CIB w/ 2nd award as most Grunts have these days. I was in 2/502nd, 101st for over 6 years and a few other units but I always consider Ft. Campbell my home. The Rhodesian Army fought well and I always show my respect for those men, they earned it.
Started my 2 years National Service in '77, thereabouts. Memories hey.
Very well done. No BS just matter of fact presentation.
Parts 2 & 3 are the same! In fact, I’d say this part 1 is a little tame compared to the other two videos. I’ll be posting part 2 tomorrow (6th April). My brother is a no BS kind of guy 😉
@@CapturingMemories. Looking forward to them.
I served in the British army and had a few guys from Rhodesia they were hard lads tough tough and great mates they came over to us to join the British army as once to county became Zimbabwe I think in the 1980’s. 30% of the guards regiments were these boys
I'm still learning a lot about the Rhodesian bush war but someone said they noticed Rhodesia's veterans seemed proud and were relatively unscathed mentally. Another said the comparison was based on the American population's disdain for vietnam and in turn took it out on returning veterans. From what I see? Rhodesians, especially out in the bush were extremely self reliant. While most men were out fighting the women, kids and elderly had to protect their homes from thieves, enemy soldiers and so on. The war could LITERALLY come to your doorstep and that gave the Rhodesian people a deep appreciation for their soldiers. Jack Carr mentions the Selous scouts quite a bit in his novels, definitely worth a read.
I think one of the reasons the Rhodesian soldiers didn't seem to suffer PTSD like American Vietnam Vets was because they were fighting on their own territory.
Growing up in Africa often makes you more self-reliant.
I am South African and met many ex-Rhodesians.
Some of them were adversely affected by the war, especially those that served in the BSAP, and had to deal with the aftermath of terror inspired massacres.
Utmost respect for these men my father's friend a Vietnam vet zaff went to Rhodesia and worked with the selous scouts and said to me there the backbone off what we fight for today . R.I.P. Zaffnikkie .
Good post, I look forward to seeing the next 2.
Thank you 🙏 The next video will be in 2 or 3 days time.
My dad did 2 years national service in the Rhodesian army his name is Jeffrey Dixon also know as Jeff he passed away 13th of November 2022 I’ve been trying to find out if anybody served with him and has any stories I love and miss him so much thanks
Great Videos, Thanks a lot, I only heard the other side of the story but never the Rhodesian side.
Thank you for your kind words 🙏
Great interview!
Thank you 🙏
I cry for my beloved country. Nothing compares. So sad.
God bless him from america.
Thank you 🙏 and I’ll pass on your comment to my brother.
Rhodesian, ain't AMERICAN by a 1000 miles , STUMPERT.
Absolutely amazing. As a New Zealander, I wish we could learn more about Rhodesia, because our country is going down the same path, just without so much violence, but sadly we are becoming the New Zimbabwe instead
Why is that? What is happening in NZ? Greetings from Germany.
Hi, l live in Australia now, we will beat NZ, Australia is going down the same path to Leftist/ Socialist ruin , we are De-industrializing at an alarming rate , lead by Ideological fools who want to hand the Country over to ruin.
Same as the u.k 😢
Going woke and going broke just like Australia
Went in for NS in 1975. Finally stood down in 1980. I went straight into the RLI, and thence into 2 commando. We did a lot of fireforce tours, and we were all para trained as well. Deployment was by the DC3 the Dakota.
@Brad Carter still have my beret, stable belt and some of the uniform. The vest webbing was disposed of by my folks when they were still on the farm. That’s long gone as well. Still wear my combat jacket on occasion on community watches
@Brad Carter stuff like our boots, our dpm uniform, which no longer fits, lol. Mess tins, water bottles with the metal cups. Our jump cards and other personal stuff.
They don't make many men like this anymore 👍🇺🇸
Dankie vir u diens!
Awesome video!
Amazing!
Thank you 🙏
Big Respect old Rodesian Forces veterans.
The Rhodesian bush war didn't start in 1966 but rather it started in 1964 at Zidube ranch near Maphisa. The first shots were fired by a contingent of 6 pple commanded by Moffart Hadebe who is still alive
CHRISTmas 1971: I spent in Bulawayo at my sister's family house. They were ELIM missionaries.
I don't remember much, except Victoria Falls, the soil was red as Kenya's. Copper copper copper knick knacks everywhere, no seaside!
PART of my childhood I grew up in Kenya, late 60s & early 70s.
I left Africa, because I had no choice, because I was a kid!
STILL miss it, & I feel bad about Rhodesia.
WHAT a bunch of selfhating PC baskets, my so-called 'countrymen' (UKGB) are!
THIS was very good.
PS Anybody been to the Rhodesia museum in Bedfordshire, somewhere near Bedford? Also heard on Armistice day Rhodie vets meet up in Bedford.
NEXT time I'm in 'our' 3/4th World septic pit of a capital 'London, ' I am going to search out the Rhodesian war memorial. 💚
Great video
Thank you 🙏
Rhodesians Never Die! Respect from Serbia.
typical, Serbirian murderers acknowledge other murderers! both committed war crimes!
Thanks to Serbia for training our ZANLA fighters to take out these Rhodesians 😂😅
@@tmafungo84what a monumental fuck up Zimbabwe has become . Yet you seem proud of that? These rhodesians were incredibly smart and hardworking making that country great. All your leaders have bought to the party is famine and suffering. Still you got your black rule you wanted
Super interesting period of history and super interesting take on it all. Would also be interesting to hear from some of the black people on both sides of the war.
Very close friend of mine was a Selous Scout medic. He was fresh out of the 173rd Airborne Brigade and wanted to do more. RIP Auddis.
I never knew about the water in the tires as a mine resistance measure. Infantry in the Marines Corps 1980 to 92. US. Never saw combat up to that time.
I remember Rhodesia as a young boy. It was far nicer than ZA. Loved it. I went back to Zimbabwe in my late 20’s. What a crying shame! God bless all the wonderful people of Rhodesia/Zimbabwe. The only thing wrong with Rhodesia was the man Cecil. An oligarchic bastard - of the Gnostic type - similar to the ones in the US/CH oligarchic WEF today (in fact related).
Was there and lived through it .. often saw the Alouettes landing at the hospital on the mine I lived at .On the sports fields at Mangula Mine ..The Alouettes would assemble prior to deploying North on raids into Zambia. The gunner techs would give us kids their i empty 20 mm cannon shells and the steel link. So we would clip together the black belt steel links and clip in the empty shells. thereby..we completed to see as kids who could create the longest belts of empty shells..exciting times for a kid.. saw many dead removed on stretchers out of Alouettes too .very sobering to the see the bloodied sheet draped over the soldiers body.
Thank you.
Dodsington Farm
Eddie and Moira Mostert. Hartley/Gatooma/Chakari loop road. Where at all can I research any possible news regarding these wonderful people. Or their kin? Please, and thank you.
My late father fought as a junior cavalry officer for nearly three years in the north of Angola for the total union of the country we call then Portugal. In the fall of 1961, he witnessed the terrible remains of the awful massacres perpetrated by UPA terrorists on farmers on the 15th of march 1961 when hundreds of Portuguese were murdered. It was an experience that affected his life forever. Now, in my country, those patriots are completely forgotten by the government, the rotten politicians, and the ignorant younger generations. Lest we forget.
Because I lived in a small town when I was home for 6 weeks I was part of the local reaction stick. but the guys who lived in the towns were not called up at all. During my 6 weeks home I would react to at least 1 incidence per week.
Very interesting. Thank you. I left Zim in 1999..............
He’s a legend
Thank you 🙏 I’ll pass on your comment to him 😊
🇿🇼
I was in the BSAP and did some work with the Bulawayo guys, 6 Batt, in the Bikita area, Victoria province. For some reason they were called "the enemy". I still chuckle about that.
Yea..I heard about that term used for us...
I think it was due to blue on blue incidents...and AD s leading to casualties...
But a good bunch of guys
Still miss them..
@@petervanwyngaard4788 So do I mate, so do I
Respect...
Thank you 🙏 I shall pass your comment onto my brother.
I have a question about the dolls in the background! Were they made by Madame Queveauvilliers in Harare?
Why oh why do they have the very annoying background music playing during the interview
I did some military training in Australia, I volunteered to do the parachute course, I meet some ex special forces soldiers, (they are something else) if you join the Special Forces ie SAS, you say goodbye to a normal life, average time in the unit is 12 to 14 years, then they usually do something else very secretive.
I have nothing but respect for the Rhodies,they were in the thick of things!
Jumping from civilian to front line conflict must have been horrific
Wow! 6:41 This intelligent design helped with landmines in the 70's. I had no idea such a thing existed then.
the rhodesian soldiers were highly trained and highly motivated,they were surrounded by unfriendly nations in a dirty war with terrorists,even though rhodesia is gone,their spirit and heroism isn`t.....
Surrounded by Africans, in Africa..
John Barrett how long did school children have in 1965-1980?
How many days did children have off per week from school?
How many days did Rhodesians have off work per week?
Retarded question
I was in V Troop CHIRUNDU 1973...
A real Rhodie, bless you .
What's is this man's name please??
This is my brother Cliff. Elsewhere in the comments he volunteered his rank and number, “Cpl Cole 95153”.
@@CapturingMemories that was great- is there any other material out there with his experience.
12 thumbs down? Must be the enemy. Many can learn from these stories.
The one thumbs down is from a C.T. 😡
Rhodesia = Awesome people! ❤️
🇿🇼
We were trained properly
Indeed!! The next part 2 should be going up tomorrow...
Very nice videos, to bad about theses 30 thumbs down. theses ppl really...
Damn, I couldn't imagine doing six weeks on and six off for conscription.
Interesting....I believe that this chaps time of intake and intake number are incorrect.... but that immaterial....it was a tough time...my intake was 132 7 th July 1972... yep ....brave men and young men....RIP....
Y
respect sir
His nice collection of figurines must have been a good diversion from the trauma.
Betrayed by the British and the Queen. They fought hard. Look what has became of Rhodesia. Never should have happened.
They were betrayed by the entire international community, nobody supported them except South Africa and Portugal.
If the white Rhodesians had started to phase in democratic reforms bit by bit, earlier, the war would never have happened.
Instead, they resorted to terrorising anyone who sought freedom by peaceful means.
Detention without trial, banishment, torture, murder, "protected villages," or "keeps," racial discrimination, segregated housing, and so on.
There was no way to sustain a system like that.
I accompanied a joint Rhodesian Portuguese operation in Mozambique in 1973. There were 6 Rhodesians some SAS and a couple of Police. The Portuguese were 12 paras. They had valuable info that ZANU had a secret base Madzuire caves, near Mungari road at Guro. The Portuguese were led by a experienced captain who was in his third commision. His previous commissions had been in Angola and in Guinea Bissau. He wasn’t happy with the operation. The Rhodesian leader was a BSAP chief inspector detective special branch. He didn’t trust the Portuguese. The operation was however a great success thanks to the Portuguese. Great quantaties of war material was captured, several ZAPU and Frelimo guerrillas were killed and captured. The Rhodesians downplayed the Portuguese role. The Portuguese ignored them completly.What a pity. I never did understand why when they were supposed to be allies. I found the Portuguese better trained, real professional soldiers. They did their job in silence. The Rhodesians all they did was bragg how good they were.
What a load of absolute claptrap you have written here - who on earth are you and on what basis did you 'accompany the mission?' I too worked with the Portuguese and I was BSAP. Most were national serviceman who wanted nothing to do with an African conflict, couldn't wait to get back on the plane to Lisbon and I don't blame them for that. Rhodesians, even National Servicemen, were fighting for their own country. And therein lies the difference. Granted, Portuguese para-quedista were well trained, proud, and the best of the bunch, but to put them above Rhodesian SAS is pure fantasy. Finally 'I never understood why they....were allies'. Do you know anything at all about the bush war?? I suggest you read ' A handful of hard men' by Hannes Wessels and maybe, next time you spout off, you'll have a basic idea of what you are typing.
@@alastairhenderson6709 There it is..better then Rhodesian SAS?? No one!! You're really humble mr..
@@brandaoz ROFL - dream on, Walt.
Well I've heard hundreds of stories which say the complete opposite.
Granted there were some really good Porra units but they were few and far between. Some individuals were very good too. But the vast majority of the Porra army were conscripts who were reluctant to leave their bases let alone go on dangerous missions.
So as Alistair said.....who are you? In which capacity were you there? What was your function? What were your duties, roles and responsibilities?
Only a Rhodesian could look badass in hot pants
6:28 What a minute, so the Rhodies invented MRAPS?
Damn right they did! The designs were perfected in South Africa afterward, long before the West realized how dangerous and numerous landmines were.
You would think Malasia and Vietnam would have made the British and Americans, respectively, understand this, but it didn't.
Google the Pookie landmine detection vehicle.
I salute you
I was choppered out after chap lost his leg next to me I had 3 operations on my left eye
Where is Rhodesia now?
Rhodesians never die.
I wish to live in order , perfection and fairness
Intake 129 was actually 1973.
Thank you for fact checking that 🙏 I’ll let my brother know... 😊
yeah tbh this vid was really sus
@@willmerwin2226 How come? It was just a minor mistake.
@@willmerwin2226 I felt the same about it. Might post it on the Rhodesian Military FB forum to see if anyone can verify him.
@@willmerwin2226 for sure
Did national service with the South West African Defence Force 1975 to 1989
Thanks, boet.
My brother was up there in 86/87. I klaared-in in 89 when it was just about all over.
We were put on standby in 89 when SWAPO swarmed across the border, scaring the hell out of UNTAG. I was at School of Armour, in the middle of Basics still, and they considered sending us! That still gives me the shivers to this day... we knew nothing except how to get killed.
I was put on standby again when Mandela was released in 1990. Sitting in the barracks at Akkadisdorp in Tempe with our R-5's, wondering if the sh*t was going to hit the fan.
I'll be honest; I'm still not right in head after my National Service, and I didn't even see Border Duty.
I hate to say this..but Rodhesian were better then us(portuguese..) altough we had 3 fronts..the fireforce was a magnificient response to the guerrilla and they were very good trackers!! They follow the enemy 10/20 miles in the bush,we didn't..
Before the darkness descended
He 's a modest bloke thats for sure...
9:19 Send little *what* out?
Hey admin - any chance of getting your brother's name and service number plus confirmation of Intake/date? Thanks.
Hi Alastair, many thanks for the question. You’re the second person to ask for full details. Unfortunately, I have no plans in making this kind of information public. These recordings are from our private family archive. After a film I made 9 years ago recently got a lot of interest on this channel, I decided to make more of our recordings public. This interview with my brother was recorded in 2017.
There’s another reason why I don’t want to make such information (as service #) public, is that our family has been personally targeted by those in Mugabe’s office. We still have family in Zimbabwe. We will be releasing more about the intimidation and the tactics used by the CIO, but will be mindful of loved ones still there... The “Jailed In Zimbabwe” video is one small part of a larger story about the intimidation we received and the motive and intent that ZANU PF had against us. We had employees taken out of the factory at gun point and they were tortured for 6 weeks. Sadly they were never the same again...
My brother stated in part 1 that he was in intake 129, which was January 1973.
Once again, thank you for your question 🙏
@@CapturingMemories Very wise. I would never publicly share specific personal information about individuals. It would be a violation of personal security. Those heathen communists have no sense of morality.
My brother elsewhere in the comments volunteered his rank and number, “Cpl Cole 95153”.
@@CapturingMemories saw it a few days ago thanks
@@CapturingMemories Please urge your brother to be careful. And you as well, friend. There are some sick, brainwashed, racists out there--consumed with hatred. Shalom from the US.
What are this man's names, then?
I love how he calls them 'terrorists', because that's what they were/are.
American Patriots sniping British soldiers from trees and tar and feathering Loyalists were also terrorists.
See? "Terrorist" is not always a dirty word.
@@ayodejiolowokere1076 Don't confuse fad with fashion. 'Terrorist' applied to communists is always a dirty word, because, well, communists are filthy subhumans.
Nonsense
qaddaffi was allowing refugee farmers from rhodesia and south africa into his country in the late seventies. he would set them up on small farms met these folks in the airport.
Really?
What happened to these men after Mugabe solidified his power? Were the majority forced to leave the country? Those that remained in the armed forces or the police and intelligence agencies, were they marginalized due to race and politics?
Treated with kindness and humanity is what happened to them. Some remained in govt, in parliament, in the security services, in business, wealth and assets untouched until the chaotic land reform two decades later. Something none of these white racists would have ever offered to the blacks.
Many Rhodesians emigrated to South Africa and England at first.
Some served in the SADF, but the insistence that they learn Afrikaans put them off.
Here in South Africa, there was a subtle Afrikaans vs. English fight going on.
Sometimes not so subtle, as I ended up in hospital as a result of Afrikaans pro Apartheid pigheadedness.
Lank respect
Capturing memories
What if Rhodesia kept Zambia and Malawi?
Not only that Angola, Namibia, South Africa, Lesotho, Eswatini, Comoros and Madagascar is added Rhodesia?
Rhodesia Area: 2,537,384 sq miles 21.63% of the African continent
Demographics
Government unitary parliamentary republic
Black 49.01%
White 49.00%
Asian 1%
Other 0.99%
Ethnic European Groups
Anglos 27%
German 25%
Irish 21%
Scottish 14%
Scandinavian Finnish Baltic 11%
Other 2%
How different would the world be if this was real life not fantasy?
Fun fact
In real life Rhodesia used to have 11% of the world corn supply.
Zimbabwe is the seventh largest of diamond mining.
Capturing memories if you read my comment please let me know what the school schedule is like?
I want to know what the school schedule was like in Rhodesia 1965-1980 how much homework you got how long was Christmas Break and Summer Vacation?
Thanks
Please ignore my ignorance. Please tell me who is speaking. Can you? Or can't you?
Hi Derek, many thanks for your question. It’s my brother Cliff. Two other people have asked for detailed information which I have no plans in making public. These recordings are from our private family archive. After a film I made 9 years ago recently got a lot of interest on this channel, I decided to make more of our recordings public. This interview with my brother was recorded in 2017.
There’s another reason why I don’t want to make such detailed information public, is that our family have been personally targeted by those in Mugabe’s office. We still have family in Zimbabwe. We will be releasing more about the intimidation and the tactics used by the CIO, but will be mindful of loved ones still there...
The “Jailed In Zimbabwe” video is one small part of a larger story about the intimidation we received and the motive and intent that ZANU PF had against us. We had employees taken out of the factory at gun point and they were tortured for 6 weeks. Sadly they were never the same again...
My brother states that he was in intake 129, which was January 1973.
@@CapturingMemories I thank you for your reply that came through so quickly. His face looks so familiar but I can't name it. I thought that he would be un-nameable and that is why I asked the question how I did. He was a madoda which I think is obvious and he tells a great unblemished story. May all of you stay safe and remain healthy from another old Rhodie.
Cheers,
Derek.
Thank you 🙏 My brother elsewhere in the comments volunteered his rank and number, “Cpl Cole 95153”.
@@CapturingMemories Thank you very much
thats a terribly flawed conscription service. how the hell were these men expected to cope, and succeed?
We did and had to mate
who is this guy
////
//
He is my brother 😊
My brother elsewhere in the comments volunteered his rank and number, “Cpl Cole 95153”.
Będziemy
Die boere kom hulle kom hulle kom.👊
This all sounds like BS to me - having fought in that war there are too many holes in this story for him to be SAS. The training was anything other than a "piece of cake" and with his pompous attitude that would have got him cut early on. My father was a base commander in 1973/4 and I can assure you troops on the ground never got to call in Hunters in a ground attack role. That was left to the Cessna 172 push pulls and the K cars. The Hunters were used in ground attack on static targets mainly outside the countries borders. Just saying - could be wrong.
Steve Pink. .... you're about the most disrespectful reply to what this man went through during the bush war....you obviously were not combat trained, though I suspect you actually were a desk jockey aka jam stealer. Nothing wrong about that seeing as the Rhodesian army ran like a well oiled machine with the smallest base group contingency of any army. You could have been a reserve bugler under dads command, also no sweat, your task would have been unique to say the least, you see I never met a reserve bugler only the stirring RAR band members.
Some men were physical machines during our younger days and they really could breeze through anthing requiring fitness testing, Ray Mordt to name a person. ..
As for calling in a hunter strike from the ground forces, well Steve, it was not unusual.... now then Steve, about you, I may be wrong, or am I?
Steve, you start like a lion and end meek as a lamb.. your 'cover your arse' approach tells me you are either a politician or an ex-serviceman in the rear echelon, i.e., support services.
Mind you, I was a clerk in the army myself, so I recognize the signs, although I did later volunteer for an infantry battalion as a rifleman.
Floppies 😂
Settlemunt my arse, let's slot ...
Remember the T-shirts?
I had a couple of Rhodesian school friends in the 70's while at boarding school in the Northern Transvaal.
Do SAS selection then your father say no!😀 I would of been really unhappy!
That’s a crazy story but yeah, you’d probably be dead if your pa hadn’t made you quit. Thank you for serving.
R L I KICKED ASS.
Pugnamus Amo Leo
I taught in a white school in Rhodesia in the '70's. One teacher was blown up by a land-mine, one teacher was shot dead by a terrorist, one teacher was stabbed to death walking into the school, another teacher committed suicide. " What's going to happen to my pension if the Blacks take over?" he whined. "You're forty" I replied. " What makes you think you'll make it to sixty-five"? He didn't. He just topped himself. Don't glamourise the situation.
What was Rhodesia actually? I ask with utmost honesty. The land that became known as Rhodesia was a Shona, Kalanga, Venda, Nambya, Tonga country. Where exactly did Rhodesia exist? On whose land? Lobengula couldn't have sold anything to anyone because he never owned that land. If we agree that Rhodesia represented European conquest of natives then it's time to get over it people!!! Move on. Your luck ran out!!
What a waste of youth during that war.
Thanks China
15 million Zimbabweans now, and 40,000 whites. Looks like Mugabe won.
He certainly did win, with a little help from his friends - and look what a good job he made of it - from the bread basket of Africa to the basket case of Africa in a few short years - mind you his kids are now living high on the hog what with all the riches stolen from his own people, who are now so poor they don't even have a pot to piss in.
Reflections of a thug is a more fitting title
Funny, never heard anyone describe SAS training as a “piece of cake”. 🥱
Rhodesian SAS selection was equivelant to British Army basic infantry training. Source Peter McAleese ex Brit Paras, Brit SAS, Rhodesian SAS, SADF
@@carloshannon8346 Rubbish.
@@carloshannon8346 never…absolute rubbish
Total rubbish! My brother went on SAS selection and after four days running a 104° C temperature he was RTU and ended up in RLI Support Commando. He was told he could try SAS selection again which of course there was never time for it. The one British training of real note is the Royal Marines...
@@russelsellick3649 I would love a ex selous scout answer that statement aswell.Tough men that operated in extremely harsh conditions.Conditions where normal troops would shit themselves.Same in regards to SADF 32 battalion ,Recces and Koevoet.Rhodesian SAS selection is tough.Nothing like normal basic training.
If you don’t belief me search Rhodesian SAS selection and come back.22 SAS trained them.