Rhodesian Light Infantry Regimental
Association


UK Branch Newsletter

1. The Launch of MASODJA
   
   This was a gala occasion at a splendid and ancient venue. Many have asked how did it compare with the launch of the Saints, comparisons are odorous wrote Shakespeare in his “ Much Ado about Nothing” but the venues, the atmospheres and emotions were so different that it is impossible to do so anyway. Alex Binda’s excellent book Masodja in its style of presentation and of narrative matches that of the Saints except that the Saints have many more colour pictures. Both have been superbly edited and produced by Chris Cocks company, 30 degrees South. The humorous highlight of the launch was Butch Zeederberg (ex RAR, and MC for the Launch ) addressing Lord Salisbury as “ Lord Cranberry” because of his earlier title, as Lord Cranbourne before his elder brother (who then had the title, of Lord Salisbury) was killed while reporting with the RAR in the bush war and the title then passed to his younger brother on his death. This beautiful but inadvertent “ faux pas” brought the house down.



2. Attend the preliminary activity (opening) at the Field of Remembrance, Westminster Abbey, and visit by HRH the Duke of Edinburgh.
   
   This was done between 10.00 – 12.00 hrs on Thursday, 8th November. I placed a Poppy on the RLI Badged cross on the plot. Four Mdala ex RAR Masodja had been flown in from Zimbabwe by the RAA and at the expense of the Royal Commonwealth Ex-services League (RCEL) to attend the week’s Remembrances activities. This included all costs : accommodation , pocket money costs, buying new suits, shirts , shoes, winter coats and berets for them. These four askari from 1 RAR( Masodja) all of whom had also served in Malaya added vast emotional depth to the Launch



3. Attend with the RAA Representatives, the Royal Commonwealth Ex-services league Lunch and Meeting which followed the opening of the Field of Remembrance, the lunch and signing by the Duke of Edinburgh of the 1RAR drum skin at Canada House, London.
   I escorted the four askari with David Heppenstall on a walk up Whitehall to Canada House , during which I pointed out Mandela’s statue in Parliament Square, the Old War Office, Churchill’s war cabinet rooms, the statue of Slim, Montgomery etc. At the entrance to Horse Guards I gave a smart “Salute to the left, Salute order to the M’dala askari, to both the resplendent red caped and Chrome helmeted, Horse Guardsmen on mounted duty.The M’dalas did so and each horse guardsmen gave a polished and smooth flowing cavalry sword salute to our salutes. I also pointed out the war cabinet rooms , described Trafalgar Square and the importance of the battle of Trafalgar to the by now quite stunned old warriors. In the reception rooms of Canada House the Duke of Edinburgh signed the 1RAR drum Skin and chatted with the M’dala Masodja and exuded charm and wit and was not the cranky snob portrayed in the film “The QUEEN”



4. Attend the RAA Remembrance Day Service at the Field of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey at 10.30 am Sunday, 11th November.
   This was a moving yet crisp service conducted by the once upon a time Bishop of Mashonaland, Robert Mercer, from which I walked back to the Novotel, Waterloo with Martyn Hudson, John Wynne-Hopkins and Pat Lawless (chairman of RAA) for the RAA Luncheon. I had been invited to be Guest of Honour and to give the Oration at the RAA Luncheon following the Remembrance Day Ceremonies at the Field of Remembrance at Westminster
   
   The lunch was preceded by a few drinks at the pub bar then we sat down at our lunch tables for the Annual general Meeting of the RAA smartly conducted by Pat Lawless, Chairman and followed by my oration to the 122 packed into the lunch venue at the Novotel, Waterloo.
   
   The major points to be established during my visit were:
   
   A) To establish closer relationships with the Chairman/President UK Branch RLIRA. We first met at the Masodja Launch and then had many fruitful discussions at the visit to Hatfield House and the Remembrance Day Service and the following RAA Luncheon. Because the UK Branch RLIRA will have a major role to play in the health and longevity of the RLIRA and because it could be the most powerful bloc of our Association I also think of the UK Branch as the “ Chipembere Branch”
   
   B) To find an appropriate home for the RLI Regimental Colours.
   
   Martyn Hudson, Shaun Ryan, John Wynne-Hopkins (of RAA Museum Trust and our link with the British Empire and Commonwealth Museum (BECM) in Bristol and I visited Hatfield House for a tour of the home and of the estate of Lord and Lady Salisbury on Saturday, 10th November. They escorted us through the estate and house and there is no doubt in my mind that our Queen’s and Regimental Colours will be most appropriately displayed with dignity and respect in the chapel gallery at Hatfield House with the 1RAR Colours, both separated by a splendid 16th century stained glass window.The colours should be hermetically preserved and glass framed to improve their longevity I suggest too that the Post UDI President’s and Regimental Colours should be retained on their staffs wrapped and preserved correctly by the President UK Branch RLIRA or as directed by the RLIRA Exco for display on appropriate RLIRA/RAA occasions or special functions in the UK or overseas.
   
   C) Relocating the Troopie Statue
   
   We visited a site on the right or south bank of the river Lee on the estate, and selected a perfect site on a gentle and low spur on the edge of a young wood in front of an old knurled tree facing the river. It is an idyllic spot on the river bank that has a long sward of cut grass between the proposed statue site and the bulrushes by the river. The site can be approached by a vehicle track towards the river and Lord Salisbury has stated that he would allow groups to the site by vehicle if permission was requested. The site is rarely seen by other than a few fishermen that are allowed into the area. Lord Salisbury has agreed that only the words:
   
   

   RHODESIA TO THOSE WHO SERVED

   should be inscribed on the base of a narrow plinth. It was agreed that the statue and its site should exude a sense of dignity and allow quiet and undisturbed reflection and commemoration rather than that of celebration therefore it should not be monumental, but be displayed on a low plinth which would raise Troopie a little beyond the height of a very tall man. Lord and Lady Salisbury said that the site would be carefully tended and any tree growth removed that prevented Troopie being easily seen
   
   D) Enable closer relations between RLIRA and RAA in the UK
   
   Martyn Hudson met and established good liaisons with RAA principals, Pat Lawless and David Heppenstall and also Iain Harper and John Wynne-Hopkins of the RAA Museum trust. More needs to be done to forge links with the RAA and RLIRA UK But Martyn Hudson has this well in hand
   
   E) Re –establish rapport with Lord Salisbury
   
   This has been well established by Chris Pearce, Shaun Ryan and now Martyn Hudson
   
   F) Further RLIRA Action
   
   Branch Presidents are now members of the Executive Council i.e. Martyn Hudson UK, Hamish MacIntyre RSA, and Tony Young ,Australasia Shaun Ryan has become Legal Advisor of RLIRA, a non executive position on the Executive Council.
   
   G) ASAP: to obtain the costs of : Repair of Troopie
   The long-term preservation and mounting under framed glass of the RLI Queen’s and Regimental Colours. Liaise with Brig. Pat Lawless.
   Site preparation and move Troopie from BECM to Hatfield House.
   Erection of Troopie on site
   The mounting of framed colours in the chapel Hatfield House
   
   H) To organise a fundraising campaign to obtain money to pay for the costs needed for the above actions
   
   Digger enjoyed his all too short visit to the UK and a very busy week indeed but has achieved all his RLIRA responsibilities and objectives with minimum fuss and the maximum enjoyment ! Thanks to all concerned.
   
   NEW BOOK LAUNCHES :
   
   The Kevin Woods Story
   
   Masodja
   
   This time Alex Binda had his moment of glory mentioned in the United Kingdom Parliament Hansard 16th October, 2007 Column744 with reference to the Saints book and the RLI Fireforce tactics
   
   Steve Crump, London, will be agent for all these books and previous Rhodesian books and I will publish his address when his office is set up in Jan 2008
   
   NEWS FORM OTHER BRANCHES
   
   AUSTRALASIA: BRISBANE REUNION 24th - 25th April 2008 Anzac Day Only a few months preparation time left. This is open to all members, for any queries regarding Brisbane or the Reunion :
   
   Contact : Marshall Ross myross@bigpond.com
   Jack Lamont lamont4@digisurf.com.au
   Full details available RLI web site
   
   
   SOUTH AFRICA :
   
   The new South African Branch was formed on 27th October, 2007 . 53 delegates gathered at the Fourways Garden Club House in Johannesburg.
   The committee was elected as follows :
   

   Chairman	Hamish MacIntyre
   Secretary	Chris Cocks email address : info@30degreessouth.co.za
   District rep	Capetown JOHN Van Zyl and Trevor Desfountain
   	Durban To be notified
   	Johannesburg Ian Bate

   Best wishes was sent from Ian Douglas Smith and Chris Cocks read an address of support from our Patron Digger Essex-Clark
   
   NEW ZEALAND :
   
   We are now in contact with Rhodesian Services Association
   CONTACT : Hugh Bomford email address hbomford@clear.net.nz
   Previous news letters are available on the web http://www.rhodesianservices.org
   
   At the beginning of November I wrote / emailed all the members with reference to our first Meeting on 9th February, 2008. and informing of a possible change of venue. Due to the increased membership I can confirm that we have had an overwhelming response with over 100 members, partners and guests wishing to come along. This has left no alternative but to change venues. PLEASE SEE SEPARATE PAGE ON THE REUNION DAY.I can assure you it is easier to get to and a good deal has been agreed with a local hotel.The costs are still £20.00 per person and I would be grateful if you could forward payment to me as you will understand there are a lot of up front costs that need to be covered. We are catering for 20 people who may not have replied for various reasons. Cheques should be payable to M.A. Hudson, with Xmas just around the corner a £10 .00 deposit will do.
   
   As you would have read from Digger’s report there is a lot to do next year and we have had a picture donated by John Wynne-Hopkins of an RLI Fireforce scene, beautifully done and beautifully mounted. This will be auctioned in the evening with a reserve price.
   
   There will be a Raffle with lots of wonderful prizes :
   Colour TV, Digital camera,The Saints and Masodja Books donated by 30degreessouth,Lots of Booze !!! Rally Jackets, incar CD Player, Sweat shirts, Cuddly toy and lots of other prizes too many to mention If anyone would like to donate a prize all will be gratefully received!!
   The tickets will be £ 1.00 each and in books of ten.
   
   I would be grateful if you could sell as many tickets as possible to friends and family. Please order in multiples of 10 and include payment with Reunion/AGM Tickets.
   If you are not coming to the Reunion / AGM perhaps you could try and sell some tickets for us , once again send your cheque payable to M.A. Hudson. I will guarantee that prizes will be sent postage free to all winners who do not attend.
   
   Anyone wishing to purchase official RLI merchandise;
   On sale will be :
   Ties $29.99
   Combat infantry badge to be arranged
   Parachute Wings $7.00
   Blazer badges $40.00
   
   Anyone wishing to obtain berets, badges , medals and ribbons please see www.rhodesianservices.org All the merchandise mentioned will be available for sale on the day, 9th February,2008, and will be charged at the exchange rate paid to the Australasia branch for the goods. The decision has been taken that all memorabilia will be charged at the same rate worldwide. There will also be T shirts and Baseball caps with RLI insignia available.
   
   CLOSER TIES WITH OTHER FORMER RHODESIAN ARMY ASSOCIATIONS
   
   In the UK there are lots of Rhodesian forces associations. However, it is felt that our ties with the Rhodesian Army Association and the Rhodesian African Rifles should remain very close, they have been established for a long time and are willing to share their experience and banking facilities. The Remembrance Sunday ceremonies were well organised and a very special day, and it would be great to see more RLI folk there next year.
   
   TASKS FOR 2008
   
   1) AGM / Reunion Saturday, 9th February,2008 1.30 pm
   2) Repair of the Troopie Statue and have a plinth made
   3) Mount Troopie Statue at Hatfield House
   4) Have the colours Framed in airtight glass cases and mounted in the Chapel, Hatfield House.
   5) Organise Open Day and Dedication Service at Hatfield House
   
   SPECIAL THANKYOU’S
   
   1) Digger Essex-Clark on his visit and support for the UK Branch and his help.
   2) Chris Cocks, 30degreessouth company for the donation of the two books for the Raffle
   3) John Wynne- Hopkins the artist, and donation of the picture of RLI Fireforce
   4) Iain Harper for help in tracking you all down!!
   5) Tony Young , Australasia Branch for organising and acquiring the RLI merchandise.
   6) Ed Potter ton for giving us our own Page on Rhodesian Forces.org off the RLI home page
   7) Carparts Direct Ltd, my own company suppliers for all the Raffle prizes
   8) Hugh Bomford in New Zealand for keeping us informed of events there and the invitation to the Prayer Meeting on the 25th January 2008
   
   THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL
   
   The three major Branch Chairman / President, Tony Young, Australasia, Hamish MacIntyre, RSA and myself for the UK Branch have been appointed permanent members of the Council.
   
   OBITUARIES
   
   It is with great sadness that we have to announce the following deaths.
   Ted Wray 2cdo UK Funeral in London, 20th December.
   John Bolton-Smith 3cdo ZIM
   George Walsh QM UK
   Colin Bruchhausen SP cdo RSA
   
   Ian Douglas Smith
   The man who defied the world, died in Cape Town November 20th 2007 at the age of 88
   1919- 2007
   RIP
   All pictures of events mentioned in this news letter will be on display at the AGM /Reunion
   There were far too many to be included in this letter and would cost a fortune in printer cartridges !.
   Martyn Hudson
   Chairman UK Branch
   TEL : 01234 376712
   MOBILE 07788788095
   EMAIL : martyn.hudson2 @btinternet.com
   Cornerview, 1, School Lane, Bolnhurst, Bedfordshire, MK44 2EN
   
   REUNION / AGM AGENDA
   
   SATURDAY, 9TH FEBRUARY, 2008
   

   VENUE	:THE CONSERVATIVE CLUB, BEDFORD ROAD,SANDY, BEDFORDSHIRE
   LUNCH	:1.30PM - 2.30 PM
   AGM	:3.00PM
   SOCIAL	:4.30PM – 5.30P0M
   PLEASE NOTE WE NEED TO CLOSE THE HALL TO SET TABLES FOR THE EVENING BUT THE BAR WILL REMAIN OPEN !!
   EVENING	:7.00 PM DOORS OPEN
   BUFFET	:7.30PM
   SPEECHES / RAFFLE
   AUCTION	:8.00PM – 830PM
   DISCO	:8.30PM -12.00 MIDNIGHT Last orders at the bar 1130pm.

   SANDY is easily accessible by road just off the A1 road at Sandy Roundabout. There is ample car parking behind the Conservative Club which is a 10minute walk from the station. Taxis are available and pick up can be arranged tel. mobile 07788788095 Martyn Hudson
   
   By train Sandy is on the Kings Cross / St Neots/ Peterborough line
   
   The Holiday Inn Garden Court Hotel have given us a discounted price for a double or twin room £52.00 for two people.Tel : 01767 692220 Contact June Melrose Director of Sales.
   
   Please quote RLI Reunion when booking , payment required on booking to get discounted price. Breakfast £8.00 per person payable on booking. These prices are for Friday and Sunday nights also during that weekend.