Fighting Men of Rhodesia ep104 | Flt. Lt. "Baldy" Baldwin MFC & Bar, DCD
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 29 ก.ย. 2024
- Flight Lieutenant Baldwin completed more than 80 operational sorties during his service career. He served with 7 Squadron (Helicopters) and with No 1 Squadron (Hunters). Throughout this long period on operations, he displayed outstanding dedication to duty. His distinguished performance made a notable contribution to the operational effectiveness of the air force.
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Gems of on history , that's the history that needed to be in books .
Great session and thanks for the memories. Bill Sykes was a big man, remember on BFS he put his bone dome through the canopy of the Prov, after landing rushed him to a Vamp to see if he would fit. Big man, big heart, gentle soul, positive attitude, totally unflappable, RIP my mate. Jim Stagman was also on our course.
Thanks again guys.
Such my heroes, these men.
Excellent, Malcolm "Baldy" Baldwin - enjoyed it tremendously. Tete hangar spectacular!
Thanks John and Hannes.
What a pleasure to listen to Baldy. Its been many years since I saw that legendary grin! . So good. Thanks guys.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Much respect Baldy, I was with Willie on my first bush tour when you skabangas caused terror and mayhem with Passie. Also good memories of the Dilman club in Bahrain when I was with the Police Airwing and you were with Gulf Air.
As characteristic as ever, great interview Baldy
Wonderful stories. Thanks so much.
Dickie Bradshaw another character, a dear friend of my father in Victoria Falls. Dickie flew for RUAC the “Flight of Angels” over Vic Falls.
Another great interview, thanks guys.
This was a really insightful interview of Baldie Baldwin. He came up in discussions with various RhAF pilots I have met. Thanks Hannes and John, I really enjoyed this in the series.
Thanks for listening
Without a doubt, an eye opener. Well done, folks.
Great interview thank you.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Was Willie a Sinoia boy ?
Salute Blue Jobs of 7 Squadron our horses that took us to battle!
As an ex 2 Commando man I can attest to the brave and effective men of the Rhodesian Airforce, especially 7 Squadron. To this day if I hear an Alouette or a dakota I rush outside to see these amazing machines.Salute to you Sir.
Well said!
What a magnificent bugger Baldy is, a man whose reputation truly preceded him back in the day. Blessed with a quick wit and naughty as they came but an exceptional aviator above all else. Salute Baldy and respect to you from a 'brown job' whose arse you saved on many an occasion.
What an entertaining interview. What a wonderful character Mr Baldwin .. much humour in the mist of war and drama . Much respect for the blue jobs in their flying machines .. such skill and determination to overcome what seemed impossible at the time with the little Rhodesian had in aircraft and weapons. Salute to you Sir 🙏🏻👏👏👏 . I remember Ian Harvey flying in 7 squadron.. what a wonderful pilot he was .. amazing skills in those choppers . Tatenda Mr Baldwin , Hannes and John .. another brilliant episode. Your production gets better and better. More is better . Look forward to more . Long live these Rhodesians . Rest In Peace the fallen . 🙏🏻
Well done Baldy, Hannes and John. Another excellent interview and historical hole filled. It was always a pleasure to operate with Baldy on 7 Sqn. There was never a dull moment but the job he did was always totally professional, efficient and brave. The high jinx were a way of letting off steam and coping in shit circumstances. Baldy never did anything in anger or hatred. To be charged for throwing rocks on the JOC meeting roof was just ridiculous and brought on by non combatants. We had some brilliant senior, very operational, officers in the Airforce but far too few and many had no idea what was happening in the bush war. Thanks for being a life long compatriot Baldy and well done on a bloody good and important interview.
This was actually sent by Pete Simmonds using Colleen's computer!!!
So good to see "Baldy" again. My ex in-laws were great friends with his folks, Larry & Chrissie. Amazing to realise what these guys did without GPS & no smart bombs. Look at the accuracy of that hit on the hanger. This was the calibre of the men in the Rhodesian fighting forces, & Baldy personifies that. Salute to an exceptionally brave blue job
I feel for Baldy's superiors, what a good giggle I had listening. Thank you. I am sure that the lads on the ground must have been thankful for your efforts from the sky. Great stories.
I was there on 28th February. 1976. Doug Cookson was killed in initial contact. Mr Morpass and Dave Hoskins wounded. We lost 4 killed and 4 wounded out of a total of 40 guys. We killed 17. I remember Baldy well and flew with him on fireforce.
Often used the Becker Homing device with A60's - pink prestle switch - which generally provided good direction for the choppers. As pilots you did an excellent job coming straight in on us on the ground - A 63 personally found pretty poor ground to air comms! - had to rely on rebros ! Thank you Baldy - recall you from Mtoko / Mrewa days !
Thanks John, Hannes, and Baldy for putting this together. Really enjoyable
Thank you once again chaps
Thanks so much for these interviews. My old man was tech in the Rhodesian Air Force from ‘61 till ‘82 and I know he loved the camaraderie and the professionalism that was formed. Great stories and so many names popping up that I have heard over the years.
Baldy, great to listen to your exploits. Also your mention of Mark Berry takes us all back many years. Jameson wasn’t too bad, good school, even Trevor landed up with us, and Mark Connor!
Great to see you and hear your story .Have great memories of you and your advice to me as a new oke.
Best regards,
Russell Broadbent
Great warriors fighting against communist fools
Any of you in contact with a R.A.B Tasker who served in the airforce?
A great interview guys. Thanks for sharing soy of your experiences Baldy. I went on an overseas tour with Willie after leaving school and can vouch for what a skabenga he was.
I think that perhaps Flt Lt Baldwin (Rtd),and the R.A.F Hunter pilot that went 'AWOL' and flew his Hunter below London Bridge, as a final 'Hunter Hoorah', when the road-bridge was in use by traffic and pedestrians at the time, might get along very well. Gutsy buggers, and bloody good flyers. Thank you John, Hannes, and "Baldy".
I ŵorked with Richsrd Smith from Nat Parks in Matopos. Later he got pulled.
Great Chat, Salute...I'm still mates with mad Mike Mulligan. MGM motors. Mike had that Red etype jag and record/vinal selection of note.
Wow, absolutely fascinating! Here's hoping you can twist Benecke and Borlace's arms to do an interview too.
What a bloody character. Too funny.
What a wonderful character! Loved that interview...brilliant!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️'s ......terrific..... Baldy you're a madman ....😎🥃
I am so proud to have been raised in a country with men and women of this calibre. Outstanding. I would like to hear from an airforce technician as to how damage was repaired and what work was done on engines in particular. For example how was that long gash in Baldy's plane repaired?
Fucking Beautiful !
Great interview. Good seeing a pilot i had the honour to crew for on 7.
I remember on a F/Force call out hearing Baldy click his microphone on and transmitting "Twinkle twinkle little rectum, Pink section always gets 'em".
😂
One of those gifts that keep on giving, I got from the army, Tinnitis, the constant ringing in my ears. And now as the years accumulate my hearing is just not good enough to follow this episode.
He does tend to mumble/swallow his words, with respect.
I'm.
Great stories again guys, thanks
Absolutely Baldy - nailed it - trying to work out a back bearing from a landmark you cant see wasn't easy!
Fascinating conversation
Ginge Baldy Baldwin is a legend. This is the best interview yet. Would love to have a beer with you one day shamwari. My brother Beaver spoke highly of you. I was in Customs at Buffalo Range. When your chopper landed and your old English sheepdog hopped out my mate Ken Blair and I knew you were back in town. You probably don’t remember me but had the odd beer in the mess with you, Kevin, Leon and Beaver.
Baldy, my twin brothers Glenn and the late Colin started their first job with Whiteheads. Your dad was the boss. After he interviewed my brothers he took them to the local hotel for a snack and a beer. When they were done he very strictly instructed Glenn and Colin that this was they last beer they were allowed to have until they were 18. They were 17 at the time.. After the war was over and Beaver had left the Airforce your Dad gave Beaver a job at Whiteheads.
Awesome fellas. 😅😂❤
Brilliant Baldy!! Thank you for sharing your story.
Great interview guys
Thoroughly enjoyed this instalment.
Glad to hear it!
we loved every Hunter and chopper, still do. Thankyou, another awesome upload
I was recently reading about the exploits of "Baldy" in "Pride of Eagles". His name comes up more than a few times, some good photos in there too.
Thank you for the interviews
Fantastic chat
Thank you
Just in time ,,,,,,
It's interesting, can you still fly a Hunter or Vampire, if you had a chance in an air show?
Thanks!
Wow! Thank you so much Paddy 🙏
Fantastic interview...... The Rhodesians did so much with so little. My hat is off to all you fighting men.