Lieutenant-Colonel John Charles Wyatt Aust MLM
Served as CO 4 December 1979 to 31 October 1980c

 
Charlie Aust was born in Enkeldoorn, Rhodesia in 1942. He attended Rhodes Estate Preparatory School and Plumtree High School and underwent National Service training at the age of 17. This early period of military service ignited an inherent interest in the profession. In truth, the Aust family’s African military tradition would read as something out of the pages of Rider Haggard or Wilbur Smith. His maternal grandfather fought in the Matabele War and his great-uncle died with Alan Wilson at the famous ‘Last Stand’ on the Shangani River.

Charlie Aust attested into the Federal Army in early 1962 and underwent 15 months officer training at the School of Infantry in Gwelo. He was awarded the Belt of Honour for best academic results and the Sword of Honour. A three-year posting to 1RAR followed. In 1968, he commenced a three-year period of service at the School of Infantry as a National Service officer cadet instructor. This was followed by a Staff posting to HQ 2 Brigade in Salisbury where he served as GSO3 (Operations). In 1972, as a major, he joined 2 Commando, RLI, and took over command of the sub-unit as the concentrated terrorist war commenced.

Possessed of great tactical skill, and with a fine eye for detail (he is a gifted artist), he very quickly established himself as an outstanding Fireforce commander. Of his skill in this capacity Dennis Croukamp in his book, Only my friends call me ‘Crouks’, writes: ‘Not only did he have an uncanny ability to anticipate the terrorists’ every move, but he was able to re-direct ground forces to cut the terrorists off. He could encourage the ground forces to go that extra distance, pushing themselves to their limit and beyond. Most Selous Scouts pseudo commanders loved having the then Major Aust in the K-car directing the action and they considered him to be the best among many successful Fireforce commanders.’ For his work in this capacity, extending over three years, Lieutenant-Colonel Aust was made a Member of the Legion of Merit (Combatant).

Absorbed by the unique spirit and comradeship of the unit, he changed his parent regiment from 1RAR to 1RLI. In 1975, he commenced duties as a grade 2 staff officer at the Joint Planning Staff in Milton Buildings, Salisbury (the senior command’s forerunner to Combined Operations). This was followed by a return to 1RLI and an appointment as Battalion Second-in-Command. A year’s service as Commandant, School of Infantry followed. Highly talented and self-effacing he was greatly respected by all. He returned to 1RLI as Commanding Officer in December 1979. He remained in the post until the unit was disbanded in 1980 and, as such, was the last Commanding Officer. After eleven years in South Africa, Charlie Aust returned to the family farm in Matabeleland in late 1991. Ten years of productive development followed but came to an end in 2001 when the Mugabe government took over the property in concert with the nationwide ‘land grab’ policy. Charlie Aust now lives in England with his wife Pam and has two daughters and a son.

Following is a memorandum that Charlie Aust wrote on his appointment as CO on 4 December 1979. It goes a long way in demonstrating the kind of man he is:

“MESSAGE TO ALL SOLDIERS”
FROM COMMANDING OFFICER
1ST BATTALION, THE RHODESIAN LIGHT INFANTRY

1. The attached message is to be read to all soldiers and then displayed where they can read it. Explain where necessary.
2. Please ensure Officers and NCOs have had a look at it. A file copy should suffice to brief newly joined members.
3. The message is self explanatory.

Introduction
With undoubted disinterest you will have noted that there has been a changeover of COs. I have taken over from Lt-Col. Bate. I want to tell you that I am extremely proud to assume command of the battalion. I cannot see/speak to you all and for that reason I am sending a written message. I should ask you to read it because it serves the purpose of putting over to you some of my thoughts and philosophies. This is important because what I think will affect every man.

Conduct
I have always been a great admirer of the RLI trooper. I have never had any illusions about him, however, here are my hitherto unwritten laws:

1. Duty: It is up to all of you to do your duty at all times and to the best of your ability. This is what soldering is about. If you do this we are friends. To shirk duty in any way is the arch military crime. If you do this we will not be friends. Those who perform above and beyond the call of duty will receive the military honour due to them. They will be most senior in my eyes. There are many in 1RLI.
2. Relationships:
1. I have no interest in your personal backgrounds or pasts. If you are punished in any way that punishment is forgotten on the last day of sentence.
2. I don’t like sulking or dumb insolence. You will get no mercy from me if cases involve ill-discipline.
3. If you have a problem, don’t brood on it. I have heard so many cases where the explanation for going AWOL is based on personal problems. If any personal problem reaches me I promise you that I will do my utmost to assist. I know your officers and NCOs will continue to do the same. I will help whenever I can. If you don’t believe me—try me.
4. I know all your officers and most of your NCOs very well. They are the best. They will look after you if you look after them. Don’t let them down.
5. There is a hell of a lot to be ‘un-cheerful’ about in your job. Nevertheless try and be cheerful. My morale is improved by a “Good morning” coupled with a Japanese grin.

The Future

1. I am very well aware of all the problems which exist today i.e. incentives, pay, and shortage of manpower. I know what you are looking for. Army HQ knows what you want. We are trying, believe me.
2. Let’s wait and see. If you want to be a soldier, or alternatively if you are NS and have no choice, then get on with it. Don’t moan. It doesn’t help anyone. I am a great moaner but when possible I try and curb it. This doesn’t mean your prerogative to bitch at minor issues is removed. You can do this—all soldiers do and it helps to let off steam.
3. There will be no collapse of the unit without warning. We will continue exactly as we are. Any change will be brought to your notice at once. No change is expected.

Behaviour

1. If you are not proud of your unit you shouldn’t be here. Wear your uniform with pride. Better still, behave with pride. Don’t make a spectacle of yourself in uniform. I will be totally unhappy with any behaviour which brings discredit to the unit. It comes under the heading of ill-discipline.
2. I want you to adopt a professional attitude. Don’t tell war stories (particularly after a few grogs). Keep your mouth shut unless you are asked to open it in the interest of your job. Be quiet but good at your job. People will trust you if you do this.
3. Look after each other. We must all stick together as a unit—at all times.

General
A lot of people rely on us. Let not let them down. I personally have never been let down by an RLI soldier and I can’t believe standards have changed. In an effort to avoid the embarrassing stories told by past COs please try and recognize your CO as such and not as the Battalion groundsman. Description:

1. 6 feet tall
2. Large protruding ears
3. Dark brown hair
4. Seedy moustache
5. Glasses and intensely ugly
6. Two false teeth

Conclusion
Let’s all get on with the job in the best RLI traditions. The best Battalion in the world? I believe it is, but let’s prove it to the world.