The Rhodesian Light Infantry Regimental Association

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EVENTS - Upcoming

1st Battalion Rhodesian Light Infantry 49th Birthday Celebration

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1st Battalion Rhodesian Light Infantry 49th Birthday Celebration

49th Birthday Reunion Museum Artefacts
Final orders for those 200+ members attending the RLI 49th Birthday Reunion in Durban on the 5th and 6th February 2010

Order of events

Friday, 5th February
18h30 Informal gathering at the DHS Old Boys Club
20 Gainsborough Road, Durban North
Cash bar and light snacks available

Saturday 6th February
14h15 ‘Ops’ briefing and sherry Committee, KZN Team & VIPs

49th Birthday Reunion

15h00 Registration
16h00 VIPS arrive
16h15 Remembrance Service
17h00 Reunion Celebrations commences – cash bar available

o Regimental Colours marched in Colour Party
o The Tartan Green - Cecilia
o Opening Address Bill Wiggill, Chairman 1RLIRA (Africa)
o Guest of Honour, Address Lt-Gen G.P. Walls GLM, DCD, MBE
o 1RLIRA Patron, Address Lt-Col R.F. Reid-Daly CLM, DMM, MBE
o 1RLIRA UK, Address Martyn Hudson
o Requiem for a Soldier Cecilia
o Thanksgiving The Reverend, Lt-Col Bill Dodgen
o Dinner 1RLIRA KZN Team
o Music Ian Scott & Scott Wiggill

Dress Code
Smart- RLIRA Golf Shirt (or ladies RA golf shirt), Grey slacks (or grey skirt) and appropriate footwear. or - Blazers green RLI with Reg. Association ties, and white shirt is encouraged.

‘Vellies’ are permitted. Be warned!, any ‘ouen’ caught wearing socks with ‘vellies’ will be fined one crate of beer.

Directions
Proceed onto the M4 South and come off at Virginia Airport. Follow the road signage to JNC Helicopters which is located at the Southern end of the airfield.

Accommodation
City lodge Durban – special RLI rate available -R580.00 per room per night for the nights of the 05th and 06th February – Cnr. K.E. Masinga and Sylvester Ntuli Roads, Durban. Tel: +27 (0) 31 332 1447

EVENTS - Past

KZN Prayer meeting December ^4th 2009

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ALL FORCES BASH – 3rd October 2009

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SA Branch AGM - 2ND RLIRA - AGM – Notice convening the meeting

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SA Branch AGM - 2^ND RLIRA - AGM – Notice convening the meeting

2^ND AGM on August the 29th, this mail is restricted to information
regarding the meeting including:

Notice convening the meeting
Access to the 2008 minutes – click here
The 2009 Chairman’s report
A proxy form – click here
Proposals for discussion and the passing of possible resolutions
A request for members to pay 2009 branch subs
AGM attendance – click here

Notice Convening the Meeting

Rhodesian Light Infantry Regimental Association South African Branch
2nd Annual General Meeting August 29th 2009
Time:14h00. Location: Dicky Fritz Month Hall, Edenvale

Agenda

Notice convening the meeting
Opening / welcome
Apologies
Approval of minutes of the Annual General Meeting held on 2nd August 2008.
Matters arising from the minutes (Aug 08)
Chairman’s Report
Financial Report
General
Election of Committee Members
Social Function

Notice Convening the Meeting
Notice is hereby given that the Annual General Meeting of members of the Rhodesian Light Infantry Regimental Association (South African Branch) will be held at 1400 on Saturday the 29th August 2009 at the Dicky Fritz Moth Hall – Edenvale – Johannesburg.

Kindly note that in terms of the RLIRA Constitution (section 16) participation and voting at the AGM is restricted to full members only.

Should you be unable to attend the meeting you are requested to submit the online proxy form (click here) by no later than Thursday August 27th at 0700.

In terms of the RLIRA Constitution control of the Branch shall be vested in an executive committee comprising the branch chairperson, secretariat, treasurer (as required) and area representatives. 2008 Minutes

I have set up an area on the open section of the website (www.therli.com) to save a few trees and assist with the running of this AGM. The information on the website related to the AGM includes:

Minutes from the 1st AGM – which was held on August 2nd 2009
A proxy form
Ability for you to comment on proposals
Ability for you to submit proposals for discussion at the meeting
Minutes from the 1st International AGM

2009 Chairman’s Report
At the 1st Annual General Meeting held at the E2 Offices / Johannesburg on August 2nd 2008 the following members were elected to the SA Branch executive committee.

Chairman – George Dempster
Secretariat – Chris Cocks
JHB representative – Ian Bate supported by Phil Kaye
Durban representative – Boerie Hume supported by Nick Skipworth-Mitchell
Cape representative – Denis Croukamp
Nelspruit representative – Terry Pittaway

1ST International RLIRA AGM – 25th Sept 2008
The highlight of the year for me as your Chairman was attending the 1st AGM held at the Ramadan Hotel (Hatfield) just outside London with my good mate – Chris Ras.

The AGM which was attended by nearly 200 members from throughout the world, was to be run by the Associations President (Ian Buttenshaw) supported by the CEO – Martyn Hudson.

Ian was denied travel documents and Martyn ended up in hospital. On the evening before the meeting a decision was taken by the remaining committee for me to preside over the meeting.

Minutes of the meeting are available on the website.

Troopie Rededication Update – September 26th 2008
The rededication service held at Hatfield House (just outside London) followed by the unveiling of Statue down by the river to the sounds of the Saints come marching in – brought tears to many an eye.

The DVD that was produced by the UK branch is a must for all historians. Chris will be selling copies at the AGM.

Costs associated with the rededication amounted to 10,397 pounds (R146000) with 9768 pounds received as donations, leaving a shortfall of 629 pounds. Future DVD sales donations will cover the shortfall within this calendar year.

Birthday Bash Feb 1st 2009
A very successful birthday bash was attended by about 120 individuals at the Dicky Fritz Moth Hall with Ron Reid-Daly (our Patron) as the guest speaker.

Merchandize
At the birthday bash I was requested to source selected merchandize. We now have Caps and Golf shirts which will be on sale at the AGM.

Financials
I received an e-mail from Mervyn Kluckow (RAK administration services) offering to Audit our financials – which I duly accepted. I will ask Mervyn to present the financials at the AGM.

We are cash positive (just short of R10,000) with no liabilities and merchandize in hand that will produce additional revenues.

General

1. Social Gatherings: A few Friday afternoon social gatherings were held at the E2 offices in JHB over the last year as well as the German club in Durban and an Air-force venue in the Cape.
2. Carol Doughty: I came under a fair amount of flack (from a NON MEMBER) for not participating and promoting the awards event for Carol. I declined the RLIRA participation (stating the RLIRA has a stalwart award which is bestowed on individuals for service recognition). I agreed to promote the event to the members (which I failed to do so) I forgot to add to my monthly news letter – For this I am sorry.

Standing Down
My work commitments have prevented me from allocating as much time as I would like to the association. Please be advised that I will not be standing as the Chairman or a member of the local executive.

Proposals
Please be advised that I would like to add the following for discussion at the 2009 AGM

Proposal 1
1. That the Chairperson of the RLIRA – SA Branch is elected for one year ONLY.
The Chairman’s responsibilities will include:

a. Representing the SA branch on the National executive
b. Interacting with other military and Rhodesian associations
c. Generating a monthly news letter
d. A member of the birthday bash committee
e. Chairing the next AGM

Proposal 2
2. That a Treasurer takes responsibility for all financial issues including:

a. Setting up a new bank account
b. Establishing a budget
c. Building up a reserve fund (amount to be agreed – I would propose R20,000)
d. Collecting subs from the members
e. Paying for merchandize
f. Informing the secretariat with regards to paid and non paid members.
g. A member of the birthday bash committee

Proposal 3
3. That the Secretariat takes responsibility for:

a. Processing new member applications
b. Maintaining the members database
c. Managing the merchandize
d. A member of the birthday bash committee

Proposal 4

4. That the Executive committee consisting of the chairman, secretary, treasurer and immediate past chairman (for continuity purposes) assume responsibility for the day to day activities of the association.

Proposal 5

5. That provincial representatives are appointed for Gauteng / Kwazulu Natal / Eastern Cape / Western Cape / Limpopo with a mandate to arrange at least one provincial meeting during the year. One or more members of the executive committee will make a conserted effort to attend the provincial meetings

2009 Subs
Thank you to those members that have paid your 2009 subs (R50) into the Absa bank Northcliff branch (334705) SAVINGS account number (9202735349) – Account name (E2 / RLIRA) For those that have paid a membership card will be waiting for you at the registration desk

AGM attendance
The Moth ladies are UNABLE to provide a meal for our function (they have a bowls day) – As such may I suggest we all bring our own meat – salads – rolls etc. I will arrange the fires

Forms

RLIRA AGM and Get-together Weekend: 7, 8 and 9 of August

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The annual get-together of the Rhodesian Light Infantry Regimental Association (RLIRA) will take place on the weekend of the 7,8 and 9 of August at the Ramada Jarvis hotel, Hatfield, Hertfordshire.

The weekend will consist of the Annual General meeting of the Association to be held early on Saturday afternoon followed by a visit to the Troopie statue at Hatfield house with a dinner dance to be held in the evening.

At the statue we will hold a short memorial service which will include the laying of poppies and crosses to commemorate those who served and fought in the RLI. The end of the service will be marked by the playing of retreat and reveille. We will return to the hotel where we have arranged a dinner dance for the evening.

Although the weekend is specifically an RLIRA event, we will open the weekend up to members of other Regiments who served in Rhodesia, giving them and us an opportunity to meet new and old friends who shared in our experiences.

We feel that this is an important part of maintaining our Regiment’s history as we worked hand in glove with the Selous Scouts, the SAS, Air force and other units of the Rhodesian Army, many of whom have little opportunity to get together due to their small numbers and wide dispersal around the UK.

In the same way, we feel that it is right that members of other units and their guests can share in our honour and respect for those who fought and died by attending our memorial service at the Troopie statue.

RSVP as soon as possible by e-mailing Mark Pillbeam by e-mail - mark.pilbeam@dsl.pipex.com

Kind Regards
Mark

RLIRA AGM and Get-together
Weekend: 7, 8 and 9 of August

The annual get-together of the Rhodesian Light Infantry Regimental Association (RLIRA) will take place on the weekend of the 7,8 and 9 of August at the Ramada Jarvis hotel, Hatfield, Hertfordshire.

The weekend will consist of the Annual General meeting of the Association to be held early on Saturday afternoon followed by a visit to the Troopie statue at Hatfield house with a dinner dance to be held in the evening.
At the statue we will hold a short memorial service which will include the laying of poppies and crosses to commemorate those who served and fought in the RLI.
The end of the service will be marked by the playing of retreat and reveille.
We will return to the hotel where we have arranged a dinner dance for the evening.

Although the weekend is specifically an RLIRA event, we will open the weekend up to members of other Regiments who served in Rhodesia, giving them and us an opportunity to meet new and old friends who shared in our experiences.
We feel that this is an important part of maintaining our Regiment’s history as we worked hand in glove with the Selous Scouts, the SAS, Air force and other units of the Rhodesian Army, many of whom have little opportunity to get together due to their small numbers and wide dispersal around the UK.

In the same way, we feel that it is right that members of other units and their guests can share in our honour and respect for those who fought and died by attending our memorial service at the Troopie statue.

Warning order

It is imperative that we have a firm indication from the Ouens and Crows who will be intending to come to the bash. Please can we stress that we need you to get back to us as soon as possible, and let us know if you will be coming.
If we do not get enough positive replies then we will unfortunately have to knock it on the head.
Remember, this is your association, lets keep up the momentum that is the envy of all other army associations.

Agenda

The agenda will be as follows:
Day and date time Event
Saturday 8 August 12:00 Registration
Saturday 8 August 14:00 Annual general Meeting of RLIRA
Saturday 8 August 15:15 Board provided buses for Hatfield House and Troopie commemoration service
Saturday 8 August 15:45 Commemoration Service
Saturday 8 August 16:45 Opportunity to take photographs and to visit the Chapel to see the Colours. A minibus will be available to transport guests back to the hotel
Saturday 8 August 17:45 Buses return to Ramada Hotel
Saturday 8 August 18:00 Buses arrive at hotel. Preparation for evening and dinner
Saturday 8 August 19:30 Dinner dance

Members and guests may arrive at any time over the weekend, accommodation and meals will be left to the individual and individual party to organise and pay for.

Costings and accommodation
All costs for meals and accommodation are to be organised with the Ramada hotel, details of which are provided below.
The RLIRA will charge a total of £10 for the day, which will include transportation to and from Hatfield house.

Hotel details

Ramada Hatfield
St Albans Road West
Hatfield, AL10 9RH, GB
Telephone: +44 (0)844 815 9042
Fax: +44 (0)1707 264019
Website: www.ramadajarvis.co.uk
Booking Name: RLIRA
Itinerary and costs

Day Event Includes Pay to
Friday Accommodation - £50 per room Bed and breakfast Ramada Jarvis hotel
Friday Dinner - £12.50 Buffet Ramada Jarvis hotel
Saturday Accommodation - £60 per room Bed and breakfast + band and evening entertainment Ramada Jarvis hotel
Saturday Lunch - £11.50 Finger buffet Ramada Jarvis hotel
Saturday Dinner - £20 Per person Set menu with waitress service Ramada Jarvis hotel
Sunday Lunch - £12.50 Buffet Ramada Jarvis hotel
Sunday Dinner Al a cart Ramada Jarvis hotel

Memorabilia
Members and guests will have the opportunity to purchase RLI memorabilia, ties, badges etc as well as the stunning DVD, “Rhodesia Remembered” which has had nothing but excellent reviews from all who that have seen it.

In closing could we again urge you to do your best to attend the weekend. The committee has worked hard in order to organise things and we believe that we will, with your help, repeat the success of the rededication weekend, held in September of last year.
The Troopie still stands proud on his site overlooking the woods and water of the Hatfield estate and we believe that not only will we have a lot of good fun, but that the arranged memorial service will provide a poignant and lasting image that will remain long in the memory.
We look forward to seeing you all there, so, you Ouens, get a grip!

2009: RLIRA UK Museum Project Appeal

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2009 RLIRA UK MUSEUM PROJECT APPEAL

This is an appeal to all those who served with the RLI,their families or friends who have any memorabilia or artefacts they would be prepared to loan or donate to the Museum Project based in the UK.

We have kindly been offered glass cabinets in the Bar of The Rifles (pictured left) at their Drill Hall in central London just off Oxford St. next to Bond St. underground station. The Association have forged a close relationship with The Rifles whose Band & Bugles did us proud at the Troopie Rededication Click here for more info on the Rifles)

We expect to place medals, mess china/silverware, drums, photos etc in these cabinets.

In addition the UK Association has rented space above the RAF Association Club in Bedford north of London (45 mins by train from St. Pancras station)The intention is to create a ‘Fire Force’ museum at this location complete with uniforms, weapons, books, maps, colours, rolling DVD etc.

The overriding motive is to create a lasting memorial for our Regiment that current & future generations can easily visit in conjunction with a trip to the Troopie at Hatfield House.

THIS CANNOT HAPPEN WITHOUT YOUR HELP WITH ARTEFACTS OR DONATIONS

Please contact Neill Storey – Memorabilia & Artefacts RLIRA UK neillstorey@gmail.com in the first instance if you are able to assist with any items no matter how small or large or wherever in the world they are currently located.

2009: RLI reunion 2009 ANZAC day

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2009 RLI REUNION IN PERTH

The 2009 RLI Reunion will take place in Perth on the 24th and 25th April (ANZAC DAY). A formal dinner will take place at Seasons of Perth Hotel on 24th April where accommodation is available under a block booking for RLIRA at $180 per room. Please book as soon as possible, quoting the following reference number: 101089

tel + 61 (08) 93257655
fax+ 61 (08) 93257383
email : res@seasonsofperth.com.au

You can check out the hotel at: www.seasonsofperth.com.au

If you will be making other accommodation arrangements and attending the dinner, march and boat cruise (see notice on the web site), please notify John Kirkman at kirkmanaj@bigpond.com

Click here to view video #1
Click here to view video #2
Click here to view video #3
Click here to view video #4

Events - Aus Branch

You are invited to Perth for RLI reunion 2009 ANZAC day, 25th April

Events planned:

Formal dinner with guest speaker at a 4 or 5 star hotel

Dawn Service in King’s Park

ANZAC day parade through Perth

Post- march cruise on the Swan River with on board buffet lunch, bar, music (subject to adequate number of bookings)

Please assist us, the organisers, by informing us if you are planning to attend.

	PRICE GUIDE $ AUD
Formal Dinner.	$ 60 per person
Parade
Swan River Cruise	$ 95 pp includes food and drinks.

ACCOMMODATION

Accommodation at a 5 star hotel a short walk from the march assembly point in Adelaide Terrace, will cost approx $ 240 for a double room, breakfast included. The formal dinner will be held at this venue. Budget accommodation is also available within easy walking distance.

The embarkation point for the cruise is 5 minutes walk from the Parade fall out point.

TO ENABLE US TO NEGOTIATE THE BEST RATES PLEASE INDICATE THE FOLLOWING:

I/we plan to stay at the 5 star hotel.

I/we plan to stay at a budget hotel.

I/we will make our own accommodation arrangements.

Please e-mail this information to John Kirkman: kirkmanaj@bigpond.com

FURTHER INFORMATION
Info on Perth: www.perthtouristcentre.com.au
www.experienceperth.com

King’s Park where the dawn service is held.

2009: Boerewors Competition in Gaborone

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Thanks for your time and assistance.

We need to know numbers before making a final decision.

A brief overview of the event is as follows.

The event will be organized in aid of a worth while cause, details of which will be advised at a later date.

The proposed event will enable team or individual entries to participate in a Boerewors Competition.

Only raw Boerewor's is eligible and Contestants will be responsible for the cooking of the same.

An array of Prizes will be awarded in selected categories and a Raffle Draw held during the proceedings.

Live music and Salad's, Bread Roll's, Ice etc, Braai Places and Fire wood will be supplied by the organizers.

The intended venue has been confirmed and is located on private property in a Bush like environment, on the outskirts of Gaborone in Botswana.

The venue is secure with ample parking, has a small and limited amount of facilities. It is not a Hotel or Guest Lodge, the host is unable to cater for food or washing.

It would be advisable for people to bring along their own Cooler Box's ( Ice available on site)

Those members willing to participate must make their own travel arrangements and ensure that all Passport/ Visa formalities are completed (where applicable), prior to departure.

The rules for the Competition will be published at a later date but would follow those stipulated at the last one held on the 12 October 2008 at the MOTH Dickie/Shellhole in Edenvale.

A cover charge will apply and advised later.

We need to know numbers before making a final decision.

Member's wishing to contact me can do so through Face Book, email or telephone and the details are.

Email	-	johncannon@telkomsa.net
Telephone/Fax	-	012 345 6657
Cell	-	082 452 1240

Regards
John Cannon

2008: Troopie Rededication: United Kingdom

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Rededication Report

Rededication Report	Members feedback	Image Gallery
International AGM	Message from the Chairman	Charlie Aust - speech

TROOPIE REDEDICATION

RLI Ouens, their "Crows", families and honoured guests started arriving on the Friday evening from all corners of the world to attend the inaugural Annual General Meeting of the RLI RA. This was followed by the laying-up of the Queen's and Regimental Colours of the Rhodesian Light Infantry and the unveiling and re-dedication of the RLI Trooper Statue.

Complimentary green bags were handed out, each being adorned with RLI badge and picture of The Trooper, and containing a glass tankard with engravings of the badge and Trooper, an elegant souvenir brochure, a plastic wristband with Troopie picture (for security) and a name badge. The latter was to enable old comrades to recognise each other on the off chance that the years may have changed some of us. It was also suggested that, after swapping war stories at the bar and imbibing from the cup that doth both cheer and inebriate, these would be needed as aide memoir for our own names. On Saturday afternoon, George Dempster (supported by Shaun Ryan, Mark Pilbeam and our Patron, Ron Reid-Daily) chaired the AGM (which lasted nearly 2 hours) in place of the Association Chairman Ian Buttenshaw (no passport and stateless) and Martyn Hudson who was in hospital. The minutes of the AGM will be distributed within the next 10 days. The hotel bar was well supported from shortly after the AGM till the early hours of Sunday morning with dinner and a disco interrupting the many refreshments.

Sunday morning started with an early breakfast - hotel intact - couples still together (how we have aged) perfect sunshine and much anticipation. Four coaches were boarded at 0900 by 205 delegates for the short ride to Hatfield House to attend the service in the Chapel and the Armoury by kind permission of the Marquess of Salisbury. The steps of Hatfield House were graced by six standard bearers holding the Presidential and Regimental Colours of the RLI together with those of the RAR, Rhodesia Regiment and the RAA - supported by eight buglers of the Band and Bugles of the Rifles. The buglers greeted us with a triumphant fanfare.

RLI Colour Party - Gordon Harland - 3 Cdo and Marcus Austin - Support Cdo
Rhodesian Army and RAA Colour party - Jock Hutton - SAS and Iain Harper - 9RR
RAR Colour Party - John Wynn Hopkins - 1RAR
Rhodesia Regiment Colour Party - Ian Robertson - 1RR.

The chapel suffices for the household but is too small to seat two hundred and five delegates - so well over one hundred were seated in the armoury and honoured guests were seated in the Chapel. Our Patron, Colonel Ron Reid-Daly, in true Selous Scout style, managed to blend in with the crowd in the armoury until discovered and seated in the Chapel. A moving service lasting forty five minutes was conducted by the Reverend Clive Larrett. There were four large television screens in the armoury so that all could see and hear the service. Pipe Major John Spoor, in his splendid Scottish regalia, played the bagpipes and marched from the armoury into the chapel. The beautiful Isla St Clare, well known actress and singer, treated us to an emotional rendition of "The flowers of the forest". A real treat.

We returned to the coaches and transported to the banks of the River Lee. A short walk later and we came across the Troopie statue draped in the Green and White. A short service was conducted by the Reverend Clive Larrett followed by speeches from Lt Colonel Charlie Aust, the last CO of the RLI, and the Marquess of Salisbury. The Trooper Statue stands on a wide grass bank in a sylvan setting backing on to a commercial wood of tall straight pine trees fronted by a copse of deciduous trees. The statue faces out across the River Lee to the far bank where the deciduous trees were resplendent in their autumn colours. The RLI badge is prominently displayed on both sides of the plinth and our Roll of Honour faces the copse.

The Marquess of Salisbury then unveiled the Trooper Statue with NIMROD played by the buglers of the Rifles Band. Wreaths of Flame Lilies were laid at the base of the statue by the Marquess of Salisbury, Colonel Charlie Aust and the Chairmen of the United Kingdom branch (Martyn Hudson assisted by Mark Pilbeam), the South African branch (George Dempster) and Australian members (Shaun Ryan). This was followed by the playing and marching of the Rifles Band and Buglers who gave a stirring performance including a rendition of "The Saints". They received a rousing three cheers and a "Nog'n Piep".

We then returned by coach to the Comet Hotel bar. All at the same time and in true RLI fashion the bar-staff were overwhelmed in a fine frontal assault, with a few queue jumpers mounting determined flanking attacks. We were then ushered into the dining room where we were seated at round tables of ten, a mixture of Ouens and guests. Lunchtime speeches ensued by Martyn Hudson organiser superb of the Rededication followed by a rousing address from Pat Lawless, the Chairman of the RAA. It would be remiss not to point out that in a very short space of time Martyn has had three major operations and left his hospital bed to attend and supervise the proceedings. Martyn epitomises the "Can do" spirit of what made the RLI.

After Pat's speech Colonel Ron Reid-Daly, affectionately known to us all as "Uncle Ron" stood up to say a few words. To the delight of us all "Uncle Ron" described the history of the RLI and the emotional attachment that he has with the regiment. A brief history of the trials and tribulations of The Trooper was given and we have many to thank for its preservation but in particular "Uncle Ron" himself, Pat Armstrong, members of the RAA and Tim Calvert. A deserved standing ovation was then given to this fine soldier and gentleman.

This report would not be complete without a mention of the low level air display given by the RAF Dakota over the venue - arranged by Mark Pilbeam. Contrary to some reports the Dak arrived five minutes early. Martyn, taken by surprise during his speech, yelled "Contact" and, as per previous instruction, most of us poured outside to watch the display. We were treated to several low level passes, the Dak door open, the dispatcher waving - and tears were shed.

Some say our own Blue Job guests of the Rhodesian Air force used Mark to create this diversion - just before the lunch buffet opened - in order to gain forward positions in the buffet queue! In conclusion, our gratitude to Martyn and his team, Lord and Lady Salisbury and The Band and Bugles of the Rifles. Our thanks to Field Marshal Lord Bramall (Retd.) Lt. Colonel Richard Frost MBE of The Rifles, CSM Ewan Flemming of the Parachute Regiment and RSM Pete D'Alton of the Intelligence Corp of the British Army who attended as our guests. A special mention of thanks to Maggie Hudson, Diane Pilbeam and Brenda Larrett who amongst many other duties attended to the reception of the delegates.

George Dempster
Chairman SA Branch

2008: Remembrance Sunday Memorial Service

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REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY MEMORIAL SERVICE

9 November 2008

Please join us for a service to remember the sons, husbands and fathers who were called upon to do their national duty with the security forces. We will honour the sacrifice they and so many others made in the fight against terrorism.

If you served in the security forces, please wear your medals.
Date: 9 November 2008
Time: 10:30 for 11:00
Dress: Smart casual/regiment beret (bring casual clothes if you’re braaiing)
Venue: Dickie Fritz Shellhole, Edenvale

Wreaths may be laid

After the service, we’ll have some braai fires going, so if you’d like to stay on and reminisce with friends, please bring your own meat, salads and rolls, we’d love to see you.
Drinks can be purchased from the MOTH BAR
– the prices are very reasonable and they’ll value the support.
R.S.V.P. Carol Doughty on 073 523 5987 by no later than 5 November.

DIRECTIONS:
If you’re on the N3 coming from Rivonia, take the LINKSFIELD off ramp. At the robot turn left into LINKSFIELD Road. At the first set of robots, turn left into ELM. The 4th road is DICKIE FRITZ, turn left. You will go through booms guarded by ADT and the shellhole is on your left. If you are on the N3 coming from the airport, take the LINKSFIELD off ramp. At the robot, turn right over the highway. Turn left at the first set of robots after the highway into ELM. The 4th road to your left is Dickie Fritz. You will go through booms guarded by ADT and the shellhole is on your left.

click here to download the pdf version of this invite

2008: AGM Photos

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2008: ANZAC Day 2008

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Patron’s Impressions of the Australasia Branch Anzac Day Reunion

The RLIRA annual Anzac Day Reunion was held in Brisbane, Queensland, over the period 24 -25 April 2008.

The reunion started with pre-dinner drinks followed by dinner at the Stamford Hotel, Brisbane, on 24th April. Those attending the dinner were grouped at ‘1,2,3, Spt, and Base Commando tables, with the top- table consisting of the reunion chaplain, the Rt Rev Nicolas Jackson; plus four ‘original Saints’: - ‘The consisting of Lew Lloyd-Evans, Miles MacDonald, Alan Lucy, and me (all A Company) and Michael Buchanan (D Company).; with our ladies Anne, Carole, Margaret, Brenda Kate and Susan respectively. The top-table were also privileged to have behind them the splendidly mounted and displayed unconsecrated (post UDI) Presidential Colours that Shaun and Annette Ryan had gallantly and awkwardly brought over from the United Kingdom in a ski-bag.

We were welcomed to the dinner by Jack Lamont. and a moving address was given by Marshall Ross. We toasted ‘The Regiment’, and ‘Rhodesia’; and a splendid buffet dinner was enjoyed by all.

The next morning. at O545 hr or ‘first light: or more colloquially –‘sparrow phart’, we held an emotionally moving Anzac Day Dawn Service, on the bank of the Brisbane River in the Brisbane River Botanical Gardens. With our colours proudly with us, the Rt Rev Nicolas Jackson conducted the service with Vince Zorocic reading Psalm 23 and us all responding; after which we sang the Rhodesian National Anthem; I recited the Ode of Remembrance, after which we closed on the river’s edge and I cast the splendid poppied wreath (‘To Rhodesia and the Rhodesian Light Infantry’) into the river to represent the loss of RLI Ouens and Rhodesia. This was followed immediately by many casting, individually, the poppies representing the loved ones and friends of those who died as a result of war. These poppies then settled by the wreath as it flowed slowly downstream to represent all we have lost. This casting of our past was accompanied by sad pipe music played by Tony Young: - ‘Thug me goal’, and then, slightly more brightly but slowly our Regimental march: - ‘The Saints’.

After the service we returned to the hotel for breakfast where Tony Young had organised the Rhodesian Republican Flag to fly proudly on the cross tee of a flagpole that had the Australian National Flag at the mast-head: it looked splendid.

Later that morning we formed up in Brisbane in our RLI blazers and badged berets, glittering medals, and , after a long wait, marched smartly and proudly in the massive and long columned memorial march through the centre of Brisbane. My most vivid memories are of the precision of our drill movements, the sheer pride of all of us marching in step to the much needed cadence call of step, because there were far too many pipe and bugle bands thumping discordantly and confusingly ahead and behind us; and finally, I was overwhelmed by the sheer enthusiasm, dedication, and well-merited pride of all within our contingent.

On the matter of wearing medals, particularly those of our forebears on our right chest, Lew Lloyd-Evans, who came with his family from South Africa, wore his forebear’s medals going back, incredibly, to the 1879 Zulu, or Kaffrarian Wars. The Presidential Colours had already added much lustre and pride to our reunion dinner and Anzac Day Dawn Service . Now they became our symbol of our pride and Rhodesian service as we marched through the centre of the City.

We marched six abreast and the six deep column indicated that there must have been about 40 marching including my two adult granddaughters representing the families of those of our Australasia Branch who have died since its formation.

Once again, I believe that, as in Sydney last year, our march together as a team, and ebullient crowd support, gave us all a strong sense of acceptance and welcome from the people of Australia and a recognition of the value of our past endeavours as Rhodesians. Though we marched with Section ‘F ‘ of the march as ‘Allied Forces‘ we were still placed ahead of the United States of America but, naturally, behind those representatives of the United Kingdom: a clear recognition that we had fought alongside Australian Forces in the Boer War, the First and Second World Wars and in Malaya. In fact ‘Rhodesia’, but not Zimbabwe, is recognized by the Returned Services League of Australia (who organise the marches in each capital city) as an allied Nation and once member of the Commonwealth of Nations.

The Governor of Queensland and the next Governor General of Australia, Ms Quentin Bryce, took the salute as we gave her a very smart ‘eyes left’, unfurled and dipped the Presidential Colours, carried gallantly by Miles MacDonald, an ‘Original-Incorrigible-Saint’ and Vince Zorocic, a younger and final ‘Incredible-Saint’. Major General Dick Wilson, Commander of the 1st Australian Division and the Australian Joint Deployable Force, who was taking the salute with Quentin Bryce, saluted as soon as he saw our Colours dipped and later commented about our smart dress, drill, and impressive presentation, and the brilliance of our Colours. Many others have since commented that, apart from some of the many Australian Regular Army Infantry Units marching on the parade, we were ‘second to none!’. This became obvious to us all as the clapping and shouting surged louder and louder as we approached and marched past elements of the huge crowd (estimated as the largest ever to attend the Anzac Day march in Brisbane) that lined the whole three kilometre route from assembly area to dispersal points. Some sudden whoops and joyous shouts from the crowd indicated that there must have been the odd pocket of ecstatic Rhodie spectators. The march however, due to stoppages from collapsing old soldiers, and some spectators and halts for their medical attention and the typically late arrival of the Royal Australian Navy band took three and a half long standing-and-marching hours. After the march we assembled with our families in a small reserved area at the Port Office Hotel for some much needed refreshments and a snack lunch where again many memories of past warrior and other events past were recalled and enjoyed.

It has been reported that some 250,000 came out on the streets of Brisbane to watch the march and well over two million are estimated to have watched it on Television.
The reunion dinner, dawn service and march was a grand occasion that reignited our pride in our service for Rhodesia and particularly, our time spent creating and experiencing the eternal bonds of comradeship and the excellence of professional soldiers within the magnificent Rhodesian Light Infantry – ‘The Incredibles’.

The reunion as a whole, and especially the march, also enabled our families to see our pride, the worthiness and strength of our RLI bonding; and the importance and respect that Australia gives to those who have served well as soldiers, sailors, or airmen. One ex Rhodesian Air Force man identified himself to me at our Dawn Service, but I saw none with us or with the other Rhodesian group at the march.

It was a superbly memorable and emotionally rewarding two days for all of us that gathered in Brisbane for our RLIRA Reunion. Our Branch President, Tony Young and the Queensland Chapter principals, Marshall Ross and Jack Lamont, must be congratulated and thanked for their organizational skills and dedication. There are of course many others who deserve special and warm thanks for their efforts, but I must mention Shaun and Annette Ryan for bringing out and returning our colours in a most awkward ski-bag; Lew and Carole Lloyd-Evans for journeying from South Africa with their son Darren; and Margaret and Miles MacDonald for organizing the Dawn Service. I must also thank Tony and Jean Young, again, for their masterminding and constant guidance to all involved in the reunion and its primary organisers of the Queensland Chapter, Marshall Ross and Jack Lamont and their supportive ladies, Yvonne and Jennine respectively. We were also gifted and delighted to have with us Andrew Gibson, once of 3 Commando, a Bronze Cross of Rhodesia winner.

It was a grand and memorable two days; and I look forward to seeing all of you again in Perth next year!

I wish you all and your loved ones a most healthy and fortunate twelve months in the meantime.

Digger Essex-Clark

30th April 2008

Patron,. The Rhodesian Light Infantry Regimental Association

2008: Zimbabwean Festival in New Zealand Camping and Day tickets available

2008: UK Reunion

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UK Reunion - Saturday 9th February 2008

The date I propose for this Reunion is Saturday, 9th February, 2008.The venue is the RAFA Club, Bedford, easily accessible from Luton Airport, having good rail and bus links and also between A1 and M1 roads.The club itself has plenty of car parking space and is just across the road from the railway station and a short walk from the bus terminus. There are two reasonable hotels nearby, The Shakespeare Hotel, tel: 01234 213147, walking distance www.shakespearehotel.com or info@shakespearehotel.com and Travelodge Bedford Hotel tel: 0871 984 6276, Fax 01234 270908 a short taxi ride away. The club is open from 11am and I shall be there to set up for our meeting at midday although the scheduled start time will be 2 pm.

Tea and sandwiches will be available on arrival as well as a pay bar, and our first hour will be taken up with the formal business of electing our Branch committee i.e. a chairman and secretary etc votes according to membership as follows:
Full member =2 votes ex RLI folks

Associate- relatives of deceased RLI folks = 1 vote, Honorary- no connection to RLI but wish to be associated with same = no vote.

A properly constituted branch requires a minimum of 8 members! A cold buffet will be available at 5pm, thereafter let battle commence! I anticipate the cost per head no more than £12.

2008: Parachute Training School Reunion & book

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Parachute Training School Reunion & book

Hi ouens!

We (some Ex PTS Types) are having a reunion in Busselton, Western Australia. The dates are set down for January 4-5-6, 2008.

We would like to invite ALL who had dealings with PTS during the struggle. To date we can confirm the attendance of Derek De Kock, Tony Hughes, Dick Gledhill and my self Paul Hogan.

Mike Duffy and Ian Douglas have expressed their intention to attend. We expect many more people to put their hands up once the word gets out.

As an added incentive, Southern Skydivers will extend the use of their equipment and facilities to people wishing to partake of a plunge or two. Tandem skydives will be available for people who may be either a little rusty, or who may have been attacked by a sudden burst of common sense! Attendees will also be able to have a flight around the Margaret River wine region. We have a Cessna 182 and a Britten Norman Islander aircraft.

I can be contacted for further info at paulhogan@oceanbroadband.net
Also of interest, a fellow called Peter Garratt, is in the process of writing a book about PTS. Any photos or other revel ant information that could be passed to Peter would be greatly appreciated. He will credit and acknowledge the senders of information and photos. He intends to produce a very broad account of the PTS involvement. Photos from SAS, RLI, Selous Scouts, RAR, SADF Recce and Air Force are all welcome, as PTS worked with all.
Peter in contactable at pcgarratt@iinet.net.au

Stay Well
Best regards
Paul Hogan

2007: BOOK LAUNCH - The Saints

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The Saints – The Rhodesian Light Infantry

– Alexandre Binda, compiled and edited by Chris Cocks

30° South Publishing, Johannesburg, 2007, £50, 544pp, 500+ illustrations, ISBN:1 920143 07 7


	The Saints, The Rhodesian Light Infantry by Alexandre Binda and Chris Cocks is a book that will give the reader an insight into the last vestiges of colonialism in Southern Africa. It will also give the reader an insight into one of the finest regiments to bear arms on the African Continent. On 11 November 1965 the Prime Minister of Southern Rhodesia, Ian Smith, declared a Unilateral Declaration of Independence from Britain, principally to avoid a London-imposed majority black government in Rhodesia. The Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland had collapsed in 1963 and Smith was keen to avoid the perceived anarchy and chaos of other former colonies and take a white-ruled, western-orientated, Rhodesia forward in to the post colonial era.
The World did not like Smith’s concept for a modern Rhodesia. Economic sanctions are implemented, diplomatic relations cut. The now-former colony, founded by pioneers funded by Cecil Rhodes’ British South Africa Company in the 1890s, was now alone in the World. Only apartheid South Africa to the south, across the Limpopo River, remained on cordial terms. These political setbacks did not deter the tenacious and resourceful Rhodesians. The economy was a good shape, the country had some resources and the [former Southern] Rhodesian Army was small but highly trained and well led. Rhodesians also maintained the twin pioneer attributes (least in the early days) of an unshakable self belief and a spirit of adventure which allowed the former colonists not to fear an uncertain future. Books pertaining to the former units of the Rhodesian Army are few; many now command high prices on the second hand book market – if you can find them. This present volume is a coffeetable history of one of the most successful of those Rhodesian Army units, The Rhodesian Light Infantry1 (RLI). The RLI had it’s origins in a European ‘white’ infantry battalion raised in the former Federation in 1961; by it’s demise in 1980 it had forged a reputation in battle, second to none. This reputation, most of all to those Rhodesians now dotted about the World, remains legendary. The early operational experience for the Battalion came from deployment on the Northern Rhodesian/Congolese border during the Katanga crisis, but it was the defending of Rhodesia against the onslaught of communist armed insurgents2 during the 1970s that the soldiers of the RLI were really to earn their reputation. Aggressive and well motivated, these soldiers were never numerous. Indeed, the ranks were necessarily swelled by volunteers from over 30 countries who joined for the adventure and thrill of battle as well as to fight for a cause. The conventional nature of the RLI changed in 1964 when the Regiment was converted into a commando regiment, the companies becoming ‘commandos’, the soldiers became troopers or ‘Troopies’; the green beret was adopted by all ranks at this time. Parachute training of the Battalion began in 1975. The RLI is probably best known for the forging of the ‘Fire Force’ counter-insurgency strategy. This pre-emptive and highly aggressive method to counter-insurgency was fed by a well informed intelligence-gathering network3 and required the RLI be to highly mobile (insertion was generally by helicopter) and to be operationally flexible enough to move quickly to a location when the ever-elusive terrorists (termed ‘terrs’ in Rhodesian parlance) were discovered operating. The Fire-Force tactic was simple and highly effective. Operating on information, four four-man fire-teams deployed as ‘stop groups’ to block the terrs, generally inserting by Rhodesian Air Force (RhAF) Alouette helicopters. These stop groups carried formidable firepower; Troopies were armed with FN FALs and FN MAGs (termed GPMG in British use) and carried plenty of ammunition. If required, these stop groups were backed up by helicopter and or parachute-deployed reinforcements. The ensuing fire fights in the African bush were fierce and generally ended with a high number of enemy dead. The book follows a logical format for unit histories by taking the chronological journey along the road of the regiment’s annals from 1961 to 1980. Through a blend of historical narrative and personal recollections by former members of the Regiment, each chapter is a window of time; the reader easily gets to grips with the personalities and events that shaped the character and development of the RLI. Those unfamiliar with the topography of Rhodesia will appreciate the numerous high quality maps that the book contains. The feel for the escalation in the Rhodesian Bush War is established as these windows of time get smaller as the conflict intensified. For example, the chapter dealing with the period 1961/2 occupies 13 pages, 1978 takes 69 pages. Each chapter is enhanced by an assortment of pictures, reproductions of newspaper cuttings and other illustrations; many of the paintings are by the Zimbabwean artist, Craig Bone. The full Roll of Honour is included as are listings of senior personal, biographical notes on former Commanding Officers and Regimental Sergeants Major and listings and citations for the Honours and Awards received by members of the Regiment. The inclusion of this material makes this book an extremely valuable research source for historians of Rhodesia and the Rhodesian security forces. Because of the lack of published works about the Rhodesian Army, this is a significant book. A clear labour of love by the author and compiler to chronicle the history of a remarkable regiment, the book is skilfully written and very well illustrated. It also represents the most detailed account yet of the RLI’s significant contribution to Rhodesia’s ill-fated fight for survival. The publication of The Saints now allows the RLI’s story to be far more accessible to the wider reading public. The book is a welcome addition to one’s bookshelf. As is rather the norm for such books recently emanating from South Africa, this book comes with a 90 minute DVD about the Rhodesian Light Infantry. Marketed as containing ‘previously unseen combat footage’, this medium gives an overview history of the RLI and allows one to actually see and hear the men of the RLI. If you are interested in adding this book to your library, the DVD will serve to enhance your knowledge of this now long-gone regiment. To Purchase the book click here>>

2006: Johannesburg get together

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Johannesburg get together

Carol Doughty (sister of Dawn Doughty who was the 1 Commando orderly room clerk) organised a get together. It was bitterly cold but was well attended by ex SAS, Scouts, Blues and RLI Guys where, the MOTHS had laid on the braai fires; salads and rolls so that all we had to do was bring our own meat and buy the drinks from the bar - the booze was flowed like VIC FALLS.

I went with Bez Bezuidenhout (13 troop) and saw people like Basil Dippenaar, Beaver Shaw (one of the K Car Gunners) Simon Carpenter, Gary Huxham, the Taylor brothers, Bev Taylor, Phil Kaye and whole lot of other ouens whose names I have forgotten.

Most of them recognised me immediately, and once I looked at them I knew who they were even though, we hadn't seen each other for about 20 odd years. Must also say that most of the guys have beer barrel bellies like Colour Lewis (acting RSM at the end) and are all pretty much grey, going on white - one wonders where the years have gone?

The crowd started drifting at about midnight, but Bez and I were about the last two to leave at around 0130 Hours……..I haven’t had a hangover like that since army days!

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