The Rhodesian Light Infantry Regimental Association | RLIRA

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RLIRA 2012 Africa Reunion

51st RLI RA AFRICA REUNION
INVITATION

You are hereby invited to celebrate the 51st Anniversary of the Rhodesian Light Infantry with the RLI Regimental Association (Africa) in Cape Town, South Africa
The decision has been made to align the Africa AGM with the Reunion in March and thereafter in the future, AGM’s will be held with the annual reunion,

PROGRAMME of EVENTS
Dates: 2/3/4 March 2012

EVENT/VENUE:

1. Friday 2 March 2012
1.1. AFRICA AGM – all RLI RA full members are welcome
a) Venue: Timour Hall – International Police Association (IPA)
Hospitality House - Conference Room, Plumstead, Cape Town.
b) Timings: 17H00 – 18H00

1.2. INFORMAL GATHERING – all RLI RA members and friends are welcome
a) Venue: Timour Hall Bar/Lounge/Verandah facilities.
b) Timings: 18H00 till late
c) Refreshments: Wors Rolls available with cash bar (BSAP prices)
d) N.B.: i) RLI memorabilia on sale.
ii) Piper in attendance.

2. Saturday 3 March 2012
2.1. FORMAL GATHERING – restricted to registered delegates only
Dress – Blazers/Jackets/Suits (Medals and headdress are encouraged for the Service with enough time afterwards to change into dinner attire)
a) Venue: Kelvin Grove Club, Newlands, Cape Town
b) Timings: 15H30: Registration opens
16H50: VIP’s arrive
17H00: Regimental Colours Take Post followed by the
Drum Head Service and Honour Roll
(Cape Field Artillery Band in attendance)
18H00: Refreshment Break
19H00: Dinner, Drums and Pipes, Dancing to Disco music.

3. Sunday 4 March 2012
3.1. INFORMAL GATHERING – all RLI RA members and friends are welcome
a) Venue: Dukes Officers Mess, The SA Military Castle, CBD, C.Town
b) Timings: 11H00 onwards
c) Refreshments: Oxtail and Sadza on sale with cash bar (Mess prices)

4. SPEAKERS
4.1. Padre Bill Dodgen (Remembrance Service)
4.2. Bill Wiggill (CEO ExCo address)
4.3. Jackie Hickman (The RLI Ladies)
4.4. MC Trevor DesFountain

5. Accommodation Available (Book now to avoid disappointment)
You will be required to make your own accommodation bookings and not via the Cape Planning Group or the Association

6. COSTS
Click here to view the registration form

Mark Blagus has room at his B&B at Esperanza at R 700.00 Double, Bed and Breakfast. Contact Mark: mark@esperanza.co.za

Esperanza Guest House
11 Belvedere Avenue
Cape Town
South Africa
Phone 27 21 4622451
Fax 27 0866501241
Mobile 0824071269

Gary Pentanld-Smith, ex 1 CDO has a guest house in Fresnaye, it is called Sundown Manor and the web address is www.sundownmanor.co.za you can book online, also at R 700.00 Double (Two people) bed breakfast.

Rooms are available at Timour Hall (Friday Night Venue). There are 7 x double rooms available (4 x in suit and 3 x shared bathroom) which, collectively, can house 16 x persons.

ALL Forces Bash 30th April 2011

Prayer Meeting 1st April 2011

First Friday Meeting 1st April 2011

2011: Gauteng Region Prayer Meeting – March 4th

2011: 50TH RLIRA Anniversary Celebration – 4 - 5 February 2011

50th ANNVERSARY ( SOUTH AFRICA)
THE CHAIRMAN’S REFLECTIONS

What a great couple of day’s we experienced over 4-5 February at the South African Branch 50th Anniversary Reunion. It was exceptionally well organised by Bill Wiggill and his team ably supported by their “Crows”, and all members attending thoroughly enjoyed themselves and owe them a great debt of thanks.

For me the weekend began on the evening of 3 February after 16 hours of travel, when George Dempster collected me from the Hotel and whisked me off to his house for an ExCo meeting. It was the first time the ExCo had all been physically in the same place, and it was great to hear viewpoints and have face to face discussions, rather than those by e-mail. Anyway the meeting went off well and the future of the Association plotted.

I really knew the Reunion was on at lunchtime on the 4th when I bumped into Sandy Miller and some Ex 2 Commando Ouens, and immediately the stories began to be told about times gone by. It was the start of a great 2 days.

The evening of the 4th was at the Dickie Fritz Shellhole in Edenvale. What a great get together, as I walked in I immediately spotted people I had not seen for over 30 years, but we all just melded back in together, chatting and catching up. The years fell away quickly and the RLI’s “Band of Brothers” was back together again. Members had come from far and wide, not only from the four corners of South Africa, but Zimbabwe, Namibia, UK, Australia, Hong Kong and the Middle East. It was a great evening and set the tone for the next day’s events.

The main events were on 5 February in a Hangar at Swartkops Airforce Base outside Pretoria. The organising team and their Crows had decorated the Hangar and the tables superbly with Commando Logos and Posters adorning the walls just to add to the atmosphere, and Gary Huxham and his wife had the CQ Store open and did a roaring trade in Association Memorabilia.

As we gradually assembled from 1200 hours to Register, it was very fitting that it coincided with the tail end of an air show, and we were all reminded of old times when an Alouette 3 came flying past. The day started with drinks and light snacks as everyone waited for the arrival of the surviving CO’s, RSM’s and their wives, accompanied by myself (Less my Speech notes still in my Hotel Room!!) We all flew in, in a SAAF Puma piloted by Gen John Church (retd.), and set down in front of the venue. Then being led by General John Hickman on the hard standing, were greeted by Bill Wiggill and led past the Colours, carried by Rick Van Malsen and Neil Jackson, under the watchful eye of Sandy Miller, into the Hangar where we were all seated for the ongoing proceedings.

The Colours were then marched in and placed on either side of the lectern. A dedication from Brig.Gen (retd) Peter (Crow) Stannard to the crew and passengers of Puma 164 felled during Operation Uric was read out.

This was promptly followed by a Remembrance Service conducted by Padre Lt Col Bill Dodgen, the highlight being the reading of the Roll of Honour by former RSM Robin Tarr, who despite microphone problems half way through was easily heard in all corners of the hangar! This was really moving as we all heard names of close friends who had given their lives for our country and it brought tears to several eyes as the Roll unfolded. During the reading an inclusion was made to those men of the RLI, Rhodesian Army Engineers and the SAAF crew of Puma 164 shot down killing all on board in September 1979. The Service concluded with a Wreath Laying as the Saints was played by a Lone Piper.

After a 45 minute break to charge our glasses, during which individual Commando photos were taken and some changed into their Association golf shirts, the proceedings resumed. These started with Robin Tarr (without microphone) leading those attending in singing ‘The Saints’. The South African Chairman started the speeches and thanked all those who had helped organise and sponsor the function as well as reading a message from General Coster a former Army Commander. This was followed by a moving speech from our Patron Lt Col Charlie Aust and then Craig Bone came forward and gave a heartfelt rendition of the similarities of 9/11 and our Viscount disasters and how he was putting the message across to the Americans of the wrongs done to Rhodesia. I briefly followed outlining the Associations achievements in preserving RLI’s Heritage by the establishment of the Museum and relocation of our Colours and The Trooper, before presenting Bill Wiggill with Life Membership and Mervyn Kluckow and Gary Huxham Regimental Stalwart Status.

This was followed by a meal and music where all of us milled around, re-establishing the comradeship not seen since the days of the old Battalion.

The irrepressible Martyn Hudson conducted an auction for a painting of the original Trooper and two from Craig Bone that raised in excess of R33,000/-

All in all it was a great couple of days, that augers well for the UK Reunion in September, where hopefully members will turn out in the numbers they did in South Africa. What was great about the event is that we all came together as we had never been apart, war stories were told, those that were no longer with us were remembered with reverence and affection, and despite the years and no longer being the steely eyed killers of yesteryear, the RLI’s capacity to consume ’Chibulies’ was again demonstrated to be as good as ever!!

Finally, I must again thank Bill Wiggill and his team for a really stupendous and memorable couple of days.

May the Saints continue Marching on

Ian Buttenshaw
Chairman
RLIRA

2010:The RLIRA Christmas Party (Gauteng) - 4 December 2010

2010: Remembrance Sunday Memorial Service - 7 November 2010

REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY MEMORIAL SERVICE
7 November 2010

Please join us at the Annual Remembrance Service to honour those who paid the supreme sacrifice for their country in the fight against terrorism.

Date: 7 November 2010
Time: 10:00 for 10:15
Dress: Smart casual/Regimental Headdress and medals
(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, rolls desserts and coffee will be available at R30 per head,
children under 12 years, no charge.

Please purchase your drinks from the from the MOTH BAR
– the prices are very reasonable and they value your 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.

2010 Annual Meeting, Las Vagas – 8 - 10 Ocotber 2010

2010: Notice of the Annual General Meeting (AGM) - 28 August 2010

2010: 1^stGauteng Areas Annual Bash - 3 July 2010

2010: 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

2009: KZN Prayer meeting December ^4th 2009

expand

2009: ALL FORCES BASH – 3rd October 2009

2009: SA Branch AGM - 2ND 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

2009: 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.

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

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: Boerewors Competition in Gaborone

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: Remembrance Sunday Memorial Service

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

2007: BOOK LAUNCH - The Saints

– 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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