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Full Name |
John Essex-Clark |
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Date |
Tues, 26/06/2007 |
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Comments |
The superb and spectacular launch of The
Saints.
My Dear Steve,
When we first met briefly while strolling across
the quadrangle between the Guards' Museum and Chapel,
I said I would let you know what I thought of the
launch of 'The Saints' after it was all over. Well,
after it was over, very few could find whom they
wanted to meet, as we all became frenetically involved
in book signing, meeting new friends and renewing
old friendships, imbibing smoothly and munching
an abundance of tasty delights The only quiet place
for a chat would have been sacrilegiously sitting
in a pew in the Guards' Chapel and then being correctly
but embarrassingly turfed out by that splendidly
forceful Guards Chaplain. Mind you the chapel provided
a most emotive moment when viewing the two sets
of our Colours. I had never seen the Presidential
or new regimental Colours before then.
The launch was an unmitigated and brilliant success.
It was warmly emotive, pleasantly English, and the
setting could not have been more appropriate. I
hope it was also financially successful for Chris
and Kerrin Cocks and their Thirty Degrees South
Publishing business because they put so much of
themselves and their lives into the book
I felt awkward being first 'cab of the rank' in
my overly serious address to our 'congregation'
but some-one had to do it. I thought Alex Binda,
Kerrin Cocks, and Lord Salisbury said just the right
things to warm and interest the atmosphere. I must
admit some slight astonishment when the Guards Chapel
Padre decided to make an impromptu statement and
lead us in prayer: describing the relationship between
the Guards and Southern Africa; and ending with
'The Lord's Prayer', but I was quickly put at ease
with his sincerity, clarity, and style. He added
a fine ending to our addresses. Of Course the regimental
band of the Scots Guards were magnificent with 'Sarie
Marais' that I have sung using my banjo at many
a braaivleis in Southern Africa; and 'The Saints
Go Marching In' followed by the haunting strains
of 'The last Post'; all making the hair on the back
of my neck crackle. It was a perfect finale for
a day that had started militarily for Susan and
I with watching the colourful and nostalgically
musical 'Changing of the Guard' at the Palace in
brilliant sunshine.
I believe that the book and the DVD accompanying
the book are also superb, and well matched by the
the occasion.
Therefore Steve, once again, you are most heartily
and warmly congratulated for organizing a splendid
and memorable event that I'm sure all attending
will never forget. You will have to let me know
how you kept the rain at bay! Mind you it seems
to be belting down in the midlands of the UK at
the moment. We Australians all wish it were raining
here instead!
Yours sincerely,
John Essex-Clark |
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Full Name |
Vince Zoricic |
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Date |
Tues 19/06/2007 |
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Comments |
On behalf of the Australian Chapter of the Rhodesian
Light Infantry Regimental Association, I would like
to extend our deepest sympathy to the family, friends
and associates of Tom van Rensburg on their untimely
loss. As quoted from a source in SA - 17/06/2007
Tomorrow we are attending Tom van Rensburg's funeral
here in our home village of Bathurst. You might
like to notify your Rhodie Association, Tom was
an early RLI stalwart from about 1962. He was the
senior Drill & Weapons Insructor at School of Infantry
in Gwelo for many many years and finished as a WOI
at war's end, still at School of Inf. Anyone who
went there for a Drill & Weapons Course will remember
Tom 'Spook' van Rensburg. He was a one man building
contractor here in Bathurst, and had been a builder
since our war ended. Last Wednesday he was on his
way to Johannesburg with all five of his black builders
(all of them good ex Bulawayo Matabele's), to renew
their work permits for South Africa. We think he
fell asleep at the wheel, but just north of Bloemfontein,
he left the road and rolled his vehicle, killing
himself and all five of his builders. The business
was effectively wiped out. All in all, pretty damn
tragic, Tom was 68 but very active
Vince Zoricic Secretary, Australasia Branch Rhodesian
Light Infantry Regimental Association (www.therli.com
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Full Name: |
Bruce McGregor |
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Date |
Sun, 10/06/2007 |
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Comments |
On behalf of the Australian Chapter of the Rhodesian
Light Infantry Regimental Association, I would like
to extend greetings to the Barclays and apologies
for those who are not able to attend the memorial
Service on the 10th June 2007 at Manorbier, Wales.
Our thoughts will be with you on this day.
Bruce McGregor |
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Full Name: |
Trevor Matthews |
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Date |
Thurs, 003/05/2007 |
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Comments |
Hi Chris,
My dad was under 'Uncle Ron's' command in Support
Group with Charlie Krause, Willie Van der Riet,
Bandy Eemerick, Vance Meyers, Paul Holdt and Frank
Ricardo etc. I don't think I've seen or heard about
them for several years.
Actually I just found the Group photo from March
1973 on your website and my Father's name is there
but was absent the day of the photo. I was so annoyed
because I have looked for a photo of him in his
army uniform all my life but have never been able
to find one. All the photos and kit was stolen from
our house a long time ago and I've never been able
to find replacements. That was the closest I been
to finding one. His name was TJ Matthews (Sgt)Trevor
James. Service from 1966 - 1973 Mortar section
My other Uncles were CJ Matthews (Cecil John) WO2
Originally 3 commando then base group Driver and
Maintenance. Service 1966 - 1987. Basil Matthews
(Service in the early 70's also base group. Was
apparently a dynamite boxer in the army. My uncle
whom I think you may know as his service was around
the same time as yours was Keith Matthews 3 Commando
RLI service '74 to '75. My other two uncles were
there from inception I think to about 1965.
Great job you are doing keeping the spirit alive.
It is about time a history was written on the RLI
and love the website. Was too young to me in the
army but still Proudly Rhodesian. Used to enjoy
all the Rhodesian parties and the stories.
Trevor Matthews
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Full Name: |
Alex Binda |
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Date |
Mon, 14/05/2007 |
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Comments |
Comments: Enjoyed reading of the Anzac Day celebrations.
Looks like the Rhodesians are everywhere! Liked
Digger's commentary on the events. Super pics of
the day. Alex Binda |
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Full Name: |
Trevor palmer |
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Date: |
Thurs, 03/05/2007 |
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Comments: |
Pleased to advise have found BEST
RECRIUTS TROPHY IT IS IN GOOD HANDS OF TROPHY WINNER
, DEREK LONGHURST also met up with mike dodds, zane
welensky, henry roode all of 2 cdo intakes 148,
149 regasds trevor palmer |
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Full Name: |
Roy Brownlow |
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Date: |
Fri. 2007/04/27 |
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Comments: |
I was in the RLI in the early 1960
and shared many experience with Denis O'Neil (Jock)
wondering if you are still out their Jock or if
any body has any information about him |
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Full Name: |
Bruce McGregor |
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Date: |
Tue, 2007/04/10 |
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Comments: |
Barbara Katherine and James On behalf
of the NSW (Australia Chapter) branch of the RLI
Regimental Association, we offer condolences at
the passing of Giles, Your family member - husband,
and father - and our brother-in-arms. Please accept
these words of respect in the hope that it will
steel you in this time of loss. We thank you at
your right of passage And call the muster to speak
this message Brother-In-Arms, to you the glory Your
contribution to the regiment’s story You showed
your country in its hour of need That worldly action
is actual deed And as we cheer from this assembled
parade We remember you - our comrade To the dedication
of your heart and soul For you friend - now we call
the roll Like soldiers before - you do not die We
salute you as you pass us by Once more our condolences
during this time of your bereavement Regards Bruce
McGregor |
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Full Name: |
Tony Kruger |
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Date: |
Sun, 2007/01/14 |
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Comments: |
Well done to all those who put this
site together . We are scattered far and wide ,
this site at last gives us a place to meet again
. I would like to hear from all those who know me. |
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Full Name: |
Bugs Moran |
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Date: |
Tue, 2007/01/02 |
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Comments: |
I have just learnt today that 1920
Cpl Batty N, C Company number one Training Unit
then 1 R.L.I. has died at Airedale Hospital near
Keighley, West Yorkshire after suffering a massive
stroke. Noel and I attended the Remembrance Day
Parades in Ilkley yearly remembering all those who
gave their lives for Rhodesia. He was also a member
of the Ilkley Bowling Club and will be sorely missed. |
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Full Name: |
Tony Young |
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Date: |
Tue, 2007/01/02 |
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Comments: |
Bugs,
Thank you for providing news of the sad death of
your friend, Cpl N. Batty........an original Saint
has lost his halo and we will duly post notice of
same on the RLIRA website.
On behalf of the Rhodesian Light Infantry regimental
Association, I extend our condolences to yourself
and other friends/family of Cpl Batty.
Sincerely yours,
Tony Young |
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Full Name: |
Phil Kaye |
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Date: |
Tue, 2007/01/02 |
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Comments: |
Well done to all involved the site
looks great. I hope it will be possible to ferret
out all the AWOL members and encourage them to rejoin
the association. Best wishes to all ex members for
2007! |
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Full Name: |
argraret Benson |
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Date: |
Sunday, February 24, 2008 |
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Comments: |
Mr. Buttenshaw,
I
ran across your website on the RLI last year
and I congratulate you on your very effective
site. I came across it via some links
to other Rhodesian military sites. I have
had an interest in the Rhodesian military and
the Bush War period beginning with the war years
themselves. I was a bit young then, but
since have progressed through a career in the
United States Army (Infantry, Special Forces
and Medical Corps) spanning currently 28 years.
The bulk of my career has been in Special Operations
and Army Special Forces and as such I have an
abiding interest in counter-insurgency and counter-guerrilla
operations. I have read everything I could
get a copy of on the Rhodesian military and
the Bush War – the most recent being The
Saints (of which I wrote a book review for
“Special Warfare” – the official journal of
the US Army Special Warfare Center and School)
and I just finished Charlie Warren’s book
Stick Leader: RLI . I congratulate
you on you efforts to build an abiding tribute
to such a fine combat unit as the 1st
Battalion, RLI.
My
rather odd question, as an amateur historian
and collector, is: is there a forum or
electronic “bulletin board” where I may post
a message on the RLI site to the veteran members?
I am in the process of collecting Rhodesian
militaria and I am interested in field kit,
webbing and like items. I have been collecting
Rhodesian military uniforms since the early
1980’s, and I am interested in perhaps querying
the RLI veterans, who would like their old kit
to have a “respectable home” of a fellow soldier-collector
if they are willing to sell any of the items
they may be holding onto.
I’ve corresponded with Chris Cocks who suggested
some other militaria and collector sources –
but Rhodesian kit is difficult to find.
I thought that may be going closer to the troopies
themselves, there might be those so inclined
to sell some old kit to a fellow soldier.
This
may seem to forward a suggestion or something
you’re not interested in – if you’re not interested
or can’t help – just say so, I won’t be offended.
Thank you for your service and the great web-site.
Please
know I have nothing but the deepest respect
for the RLI and the valor of so fine a force.
Best Regards,
Peter J. Benson, MD, FACEP
Lieutenant Colonel (Promotable), Medical Corps
Command Surgeon
US Army Special Forces Command (Airborne)
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