The Rhodesian Light Infantry Regimental Association

RLIRA News

European Branch News

Click on the Article below to expand full version.

Year End Message

expand

MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIRMAN

What a great year the Association has had, with two 50th Birthday Celebrations, the first in South Africa in February and the second in England in September. Both were superb events and got together members from all over the globe, many who had not met for 30 years or more and got that old RLI comradeship back together again. The organisers of both events did a superb job and both were really unique occasions and very much enjoyed by all those who attended.

Also during 2011 we saw the establishment of a new Australia and New Zealand Branch, and Digger Essex-Clark, Jimmy Swan and ‘Granny’ Johnson need to be thanked for this. Their first major function will be the ANZAC Parade and Dinner in Canberra in April 2012, and I urge all those who can arrange to be in Australia at that time to join them in the March and Dinner, to show our support for this newly formed Branch. We want them to feel part of the global RLI Brotherhood, like all those who made the effort to attend this year’s celebration in RSA and UK did.

Sadly this year saw the passing of our most senior former CO, Lieutenant General John Hickman, who had fortunately been able to attend both the RSA and UK Celebrations this year and whose attendance was much appreciated by all those present. He was a great CO, who during his tenure set the way forward for RLI’s COIN Role, and really got the Unit ‘on net’ for the war that followed. He was a great Soldier and Rhodesian Patriot and we offer our sincere condolences to all his family.

Also during the year George Dempster gave up his appointment as our Webmaster. George has done a fantastic job for the Association and it was his establishment of the Web Site in October 2006 that really got things moving in the Association. Since then he has been an active member of ExCo and also the Chairman of the Africa Branch. To George and Shirley we thank you for all your efforts in getting the Association to the buoyant stage it is now.

This year the UK Branch was also invited to participate in the Royal British Legions Remembrance Day Parade in Bedford, which they did and opened the invitation to all Ex- Rhodesian Servicemen in the area. It went off well, and looks as to become a regular landmark on the UK Calendar.

Our Museum continues to improve and expand and is attracting increasing numbers of visitors as more people hear about it. We have expanded to include displays of uniforms and memorabilia of all Rhodesian Services and in September the RhAF display was opened. It really is an excellent Museum and Martyn Hudson and his team deserve our sincere thanks for their ongoing efforts to enhance the displays. In this regard if any members still have items that could be displayed please get hold of Martyn.

All in all it has been an excellent year for the Association, the membership globally continues to expand, and it is great to have those members from ‘down under’ back in the global fold. To continue the momentum we all need to support the RSA 51st Celebrations in Cape Town on 3/4 March 2012, and more especially the ANZAC Day Dinner and Parade on 24/25 April 2012 in Canberra.

To all our members, on behalf of ExCo I wish you a Happy Festive Season and all the best for 2012.

May the Saints continue Marching on

Ian Buttenshaw
Chairman
RLIRA

RLIRA UK Newsletter August, 2010

expand

RLIRA UK Newsletter August, 2010

Howzit folks,

It has been a while now since the last newsletter and we would like to apologise to you for this. We hope to make up for this with this edition which should bring all of the ouens and crows back up to date with the comings and goings of the ever growing and dynamic Association which is the RLIRA and in particular the UK branch. The success of the RLIRA is based upon a shared experience and the esprit de corps that that experience nurtured and grew. With this in mind we would like to again take this opportunity to remember Lt. Colonel Ron Reid-Daly affectionately known as Uncle Ron who passed away earlier this month. Uncle Ron, the Patron of the RLIRA will be remembered as a soldier’s soldier and our commiserations go out to his family at this sad time.

As you should all be aware – see the warning order issued at the beginning of August – we are holding our annual get-together on the 25th of September at the Royal Air Force Association Club in Bedford, the details of which are given below. A memorial ceremony to celebrate the life of Uncle Ron will take place at the start of the day and it is hoped that as many as possible will be there to remember a quite extraordinary man.

Memorial celebration for Lt. Colonel Ron Reid-Daly A memorial ceremony celebrating the life of Lt. Colonel Ron Reid-Daly, patron of the RLIRA, will be held on the 25 of September, 2010 as part of the UK RLIRA annual get-together. The ceremony will begin at 1:00 and will be held at the Royal Air force Association (RAFA) club in Bedford. We would like to advise all of those who intend coming to this ceremony that the dress code will be casual and that all participants must be on parade by 12:50 at the front of the RAFA Club.

Rhodes and Founders braii in Derbyshire! At the end of July the Pioneer Club held its annual get-together in Derbyshire. This weekend, for you folks who don’t know, is a huge affair with Rhodies coming from all over the UK to celebrate a little bit of Rhodesia in the Midlands. The place is cramped with tents, caravans, portable loos (they are supplied, you don’t have to worry about bringing your own) wors, steak, beer and first aid facilities! The RLIRA, with the help of the Pioneer club, set up a marquee where exhibits from our Bedford museum were put on show together with a shop selling RLIRA kit and katundu. The display of weapons and Regimental memorabilia, and the showing of our RLI DVD, “Rhodesia Remembered” proved a huge draw as the tent was inundated with happy campers, all interested in the exhibitions and the Association. We have to thank Vicki Boker and the folks from the Pioneer Club for giving us the opportunity to put up our stand. The next year promises to be even better when we plan to re-introduce a rifle range with air soft weapons; replicas of FNs, AKs and so on, which fire pellets using gas. It is hoped that a training cadre for 2 Commando on the use of the MAG will be offered; any 2 Commando ouens interested in this course should contact the Editor! A big thank you to all of the folks who helped to make the stand such an amazing success, particularly Ewan Fleming whose work behind the scenes on behalf of the Association is outstanding – a big thanks Ewan!

Visit from the Ulster Defence Regiment Association The UK RLIRA were happy to welcome representatives of the Ulster Defence Regiment Association, members of the UK MOTHs, and representatives of the Ulster police and Specials to the RAFA Club on the 14 of August. The group, around 20 in number, were shown a DVD of the bush war in Rhodesia and then an informed tour of the RLIRA museum on the first floor of the RAFA Club conducted by Martyn and Mark. This was followed by a bombshell to the bar where memories and experiences were enthusiastically shared. A great evening, despite and possibly because of a raid from an undesirable of one, who was promptly shown the door (and the error of his ways!) was concluded by a fine rendition of piping by the UDR’s talented Piper who concluded the evening with a playing of “The Saints!” A big thank you to all of the Ulster lads and we look forward to having the opportunity to welcome them back at the club. Could we take this opportunity to point out that there is a strong representation of MOTHs all around the UK. On the 18 of September, 2010, in Hackney, East London, the Hackney Shellhole will be holding a dinner where all members of the RLIRA are very welcome. If anyone is interested in this Do, please get in contact with Mark for further details.

Family day and annual get-together: 25 September, 2010 Further to our warning order, members are advised that there will be a monumental opportunity to fine hone their war story skills at the annual get-together at the RAFA Club on the 25 of September. It promises to be the best yet with a bar, braai and not one, not two, but three bands playing throughout the day and well into the night! These are not your oom pah pah type brass thingee majingee boom boom, aabout tirn, dress to the right you **!!$$**, type bands, but the kind of bands that used to play at Clubbies or the Golden Chongwe which at the time we thought were bloody excellent as we danced partnered by our chickie, Ouzo and Coke, (is that one partner or two?) but couldn’t remember a bloody thing about them once we woke up! In the morning (or maybe the afternoon!)

The day will begin with the memorial service for uncle Ron, as already described previously, and then go on till midnight. Dress is casual, We appreciate that the start of the day will be with a formal ceremony but we believe that casual wear even for the ceremony will be appropriate taking into account the nature of the day in its entirety.

This is a family day and we would encourage all members to bring as many of their relatives as they feel they can safely control! We would also like to point out that although this is an RLIRA get-together all are welcome to join in and to be part of our celebrations. We will have fires available for braais, but ouens and crows must bring their own wors and steak. There will be a cover charge of £5 per person to off-set the costs of the bands, salads and rolls (we supply) and other costs related to the event. There will be an opportunity to visit the museum, which has grown and grown since its opening, and the opportunity to purchase RLI memorabilia. A price list for this kit is given at the end of the newsletter along with payment details. Please note that these details can also be used for the payment of subs (yup, still a lot of folks who are outstanding!) and for any other contributions to the RLIRA.

Dancing and poetry recitals will be held throughout the day, (well, maybe not the poetry bit) and ouens and crows will have the opportunity to put their own personal stamp on the day with the inclusion of Kariba Karaoke – personally the Editor can’t wait! At this point we wish to make it clear that anyone who participates in any event at any time during the day (and in particular, the evening,) may and will find themselves subject to in-depth investigation by our roving camera folks!! Any and all embarrassing photos and movies will be made available, either through the payment of a fixed negotiable sum (to avoid public humiliation the next day) or to keep as souvenirs for what promises to be a Spot On time!

Raffles with Exceeelent prizes will be held on the day to raise money to update our museum with multi-media facilities; the ability to show music and movies in all rooms in the museum and the installation of appropriate lighting.

So.sort yourselves out and get on down to Bedford. Accommodation is available at:

HOTELS NEAREST TO RAFA CLUB:

SHAKESPEARE HOTEL TEL:01234 213147
Shakespeare Road, Bedford 5 minute walk from RAFA Club
www.shakespearehotel.com
Email: info@shakespearehotel.com

RAILWAY HOTEL 5 minute walk from RAFA Club
15, Shakespeare Road, Bedford.TEL: 01234 211156
WWW.RAILWAYHOTELBEDFORD.CO.UK

B&B LOW COST The Tennyson House Hotel
SHAKESPEARE ROAD TEL 01234 328876
5 minute walk from RAFA Club

TRAVELODGE BEDFORD 1MILE WALK FROM RAFA Club
www.travelodge.co.uk for bookings

TRAVEL TO BEDFORD BY TRAIN
Train Station two minute walk from RAFA Club. Turn Left as you come out of Train station, walk up road , RAFA Club on right side of street .

Bus Station five minute walk from RAFA Club, follow signs from
Bus station.

The address of the club is:
93 Ashburnham Road, Bedford,
Parking is available at the rear of the club on Guru Ravidass Lane, Off Ashburnham Lane, MK40 1ED

Grey Scouts reunion
We received the following information from the folks of the Grey Scouts:
On November 13th 2010 Grey's Scouts will be holding a commemorative parade in Houghton Regis, Dunstable, England to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the disbandment of the unit in Salisbury on the day of the elections in 1980 before it became a Zimbabwean unit.
A full military band ( Harpenden Pipe Band) will precede the parade and all members of the unit are invited to attend. The Grey's Scouts flag will be raised and lowered for the last time in remembrance of those that lost their lives.
Senior officers of the unit will be attending the parade and a number of invited guests, including the town Mayor. Lt Col Chris Pearce will take the salute.
There will be a Lunch on the Green under marquee after the parade.
For those who would like to attend please could you contact Email:
Neville Croxford
greyscouts@aol.co.uk
for information and Lunch tickets

E-mail confusions!!
Members have been in contact with us regarding the lack of communication by e-mail. We apologise when this happens but believe it or not it is usually not our fault (they would say that wouldn’t they!) First off, we need to have your working (up to date) e-mail address in order for us to make contact with you –obvious or what! At present we have approximately 35 addresses which constantly and continually return error messages saying things like, “Zut! Don’t tune me grief! No such possie; No such oke!” and similar messages. We will be providing a list of members and their e-mail address which can and should be scrutinised to ensure that we have your correct e-mail address at the get-together in September. You will have an opportunity to confirm or to alter your address at that time. Some members will receive and then not receive mails, and this is particularly true if the mail contains an attachment. There are a number of reasons for this: We do not use a bulk e-mail service which would allow us to send all three hundred and more single e-mails with a single mail shot and then forget about it. No! some poor bugger has to break up the members list into groups of approximately 50 and then send each group individually. – any comments as to how this system can be improved other than contributions of money should be sent to: RG Mugabe, Zanu PF Headquarters, toilet Way etc As you can appreciate this is not the most effective way of sending bulk e-mail and the programme used to do it is not designed to do so, hence errors in sending which are arbitrary and may mean that from time to time you will not receive mail. Another reason is that your mail server (your ISP service) may reject any incoming mail because it has an attachment and believes that this attachment may be a Trojan or virus. This again can be arbitrary and may not happen every time. Finally you should check your e-mail programme to see that you have set your security settings to allow mails with attachments to be received.
So, what to do about it…
First off, stop bloody whinging!
Send a mail to Mark at:
Mark.pilbeam@dsl.pipex.com
Informing him of the problem, either a change in your address or that you have stopped receiving mails from the RLIRA.
Believe it or not Mark does not have any master plan to spoil your day or your life by not sending you e-mails (the exception to this rule is any e-mail to Shaun Ryan, now almost house trained,)
Mark will note your comments, check your mail and then if necessary forward on any missing mail at your request.

50th birthday celebrations, September 2011
Although still a while to go – but coming up from behind very rapidly – work on the Regiments 50th birthday celebrations in 2011, are actively being pursued.
Negotiations for accommodation, food, beverage, music and transportation are being finalised even as we speak.
So far we have received a huge ground swell of approval and promises of attendance and we would like to thank all of those who have got in touch indicating their intention to come to the celebration. We would like to remind those who have not made their minds up that there will be a limited number of tickets for the events of the weekend; distributed on a first come first serve basis and we would encourage all members to book their places by contacting the UK RLIRA with their intentions to avoid disappointment.

RLI MERCHANDISE:

RLI TIES	£12.50 + pp
RLI Blazer badges, Green Backed	£14.50 + pp
RLI Blazer badges Black backed	£14.50 + pp
Boxed sets RLI Cuff links, Tie pin & lapel badge	£20.00+ pp
Boxed sets RLI Wings Cuff links, Tie pin & lapel badge	£20.00+pp
RLI Wings Badge (worn above medals)	£6.00 + pp
RLI Silver beret Badges (from New Zealand)	£12.00 + pp
RLI Polo Shirts	£15.00 + pp
DVD Rhodesia Remembered	£10.00 + pp
POPPY Lapel Badges	£1.50

HOW TO PAY :

Pay by Cheque payable RLIRA

Pay Direct to RLIRA bank account at any NATWEST Bank
Account number : 62234151 Sort Code : 60-02- 13

IBAN - BG42 NWBK 6002 1362 2341 45

BIC - NWBK GB 2L

Bank address : NATWEST Bedford Branch

81 High Street
BEDFORD
MK40 1YN
Send Cheques payable RLIRA to : Martyn Hudson, CornerView, School Lane, Bolnhurst, Bedfordshire. MK44 2EN
Tel : 01234 376712 Mobile 07788788095

Pay by credit card, Tel. 01234 852800 ask for Dick to process details
We here at the committee would like to wish you all the very best and are looking forward to getting the opportunity to catch up with you all.
Remember that this is your Association and the AGM is your opportunity to tell us what is right and what is wrong with it. Details of the agenda and the timings for the AGM will be made available prior to the 25 of September.

Till we see you..
Stay well

UK committee

WorldFest-Houston Award Update

expand

WorldFest-Houston Award Update

27 April 2010
Patrick King
WESTMINSTER KING PRODUCTIONS
London, England NW11 8ER
Dear Patrick:

On behalf of the Staff and Board of Directors and the Grand Awards Jury of the 43rd Annual WorldFest- Houston International Film Festival, I wanted to personally thank you for being part of this year’s Festival Awards Competition and to offer my personal congratulations for your Special Jury Remi Award Winning entry “RHODESIA REMEMBERED” and Platinum Remi Winning entry "AN AFRICAN SOLUTION." The awards were in the Independent Short Subjects - Films & Video - Historical and Film & Video Productions - Charitable/Non Profit division.

We are delighted to say that your Awards assume a very special significance this year, as more than 4,400 category entries were competing from 33 countries. There were over 50 entries in your specific categories of competition. My sincerest personal congratulations to you for the outstanding creative excellence of your fine award-winning entries in the 43rd Annual WorldFest-Houston. WorldFest is the 3rd oldest International Film Festival in North America! All Remi Winners are on the website!

We are sorry that you could not attend the festival, but we thank you for your support. We will send your framed 11x14 Remi Awards in the next few days. You may obtain as many copies as you require for your associates on this excellent project. In addition to the original Framed Awards that we are sending, you may also obtain Crystal Vision Awards, Stars, the Cloisonné Medallion, or Remi Statuette, engraved as you wish. We also offer “WorldFest Express” overnight service on urgent framed and unframed awards for special presentations! We now have a new Remi Awards supplier, and can ship your duplicate awards within 7-10 days! Go to www.worldfest.org - Click on Special Items at the top gray bar, then on Ordering Dupe Awards... download the form, fill it out and send it in!

This year's 43^rd Annual WorldFest - Houston was an outstanding success. The entire 10-day event ran smoothly with 55 Feature Film Premieres, 75 short films, 14 sell-outs, 6 excellent seminars and workshops, plus 89 directors appearing personally with their film premieres. The screenings in the AMC Studio 30 theaters and the digital video section was presented on the new Christie DLP Black Chip Digital Video Projector from Wagner Media…a remarkable look at the future! The NASA / Space Center VIP Tour for more than 200 filmmakers and the highly successful Houston Yacht Club Regatta and Texas BBQ, with Texas Wines and French Bubbly! We enjoyed spectacular day with brilliant sunshine, low humidity, and good winds for the 30+ yachts and sailboats that participated, all filled with happy filmmakers! Not to forget the Longhorn Steers!

We honored The Avati Brothers, Pupi and Antonio with the WorldFest Career Achievement Award. They attended with the Opening Night Premiere of the film “The Joneses.” The beauty and special excitement of Houston, Texas make this festival a very special event. I am confident that in the years to come, Houston will continue to evolve as the most significant Independent Film Festival in North America! Once again, my personal congratulations and thanks for your support and interest, I am delighted to be sending you this Email to let you know that you are in the winners circle for our 43rd Annual WorldFest-Houston International Film & Video Festival! The dates for the 44^th WorldFest are April 80-17, 2011, with the closing date of December 15. We will send you all the entry information in August and entries open August 15, 2010.

For WorldFest - Houston, my congratulations and warmest regards,

J. Hunter Todd Kathleen Haney
Chairman & Founding Director Program & Artistic Director

RLIRA – Newsletter – European Branch – April 2010

expand

RLIRA UK Second Newsletter March/April, 2010

Following the first news letter for March/April, we have received requests from members to provide details of how much and how to pay for membership fees. We would like to thank those folks who, prompted and unprompted, by the newsletter have got in touch and we hope that this initiative will be successfully followed up by the members who, as of yet, have not paid their subscriptions. Another reason for spoiling everyone with a second newsletter is in order for the Editor and his team (always share your failures – there is always a lot of it to go round – to apologise to Gerry for not including his “warning order” for the prayer meeting in London – see below. Sorry Gerry, hope this is suitable penitence!

Membership postal details
Our membership continues to grow and as it does, we have discovered that we are missing information that we should have. The failure to gather some of this information has been in the main caused by the use of e-mail addresses to the exclusion of all else. We now need to update our database with members snail mail addresses in order to ensure that we are able to send membership cards and as well as to give us a better understanding of where our members are in the UK; important for planning future events.
Could I please ask all members to send us the following information:

Full name and postal address;
Commando (if RLI Full member) or details of Associate or Affiliate membership;
Start and end year of service – where applicable;
Membership type – Full, Honorary, Affiliate, or Life; Where Affiliate, please could you provide brief details.

For the majority of our members, we already have this information, but for the sake of completeness and efficiency, we would urge all of our members to send in their details.

Membership subscriptions As a result of our last newsletter, members have requested (again!) details of how they can pay membership fees. The membership runs from 1 January, 2010, to 31 December, 2010 and any members who have not so far paid, are encouraged to do so.
Please find below details of how this can be done, including credit and debit card transactions and international payments. Membership type and details are also provided below:

Full members £15
Full members and family £20
Associate members £10
Associate members and family £15
Affiliate members £10
Affiliate members and family £15
Honorary and Life members – No subscription ,

Payment of your subscription by credit/debit card can be made by telephone ,
Monday to Friday – after 3:00 PM to:
Dick – 01234 852800
This is Martyn’s business number and you will be passing info

Cheques can be made payable to:
RLIRA
NATIONAL & WESTMINSTER BANK
81, HIGH STREET
BEDFORD
MK40 1YN

TEL : 0845 3041910

ACCOUNT NAME : RHODESIAN LIGHT INFANTRY REGIMENTAL ASSOCIATION ( RLIRA )
Account Number 62234145
Branch Sort Code 60 - 02 - 13

International BANKING

BIC: NWBK GB 2L
IBAN: GB42 NWBK 6002 1362 2341 45

WARNING ORDER! Prayer meeting.
‘The Globe’ pub, opposite Baker St tube Station, London.
SATURDAY, 1ST MAY, 2010.

Informal, casual, get together for people in or around London, or just passing through.
From lunchtime onwards, earlier if you like.
The pub is within easy reach of Marleybone, Euston,Kings Cross/ St. Pancras stations.
If possible wear RLI shirt, cap whatever, so you are recognised, otherwise just shout! You will probably recognise the rest of us!
We hope to make this a monthly event, and in future do stuff to support the great work of the RLI Regimental Association, so please turn out and support if you can!
Cheers,
Gerry.

Museum donations
The RLI – RA Collection (we are not allowed to call it a museum because it would cost us a fortune!) is well on its way and we would encourage you all to come along and take a look. However, we are still looking for memorabilia and equipment. If you have any, and we mean anything that you have stored away and you would like to donate it – even a button from a dress uniform – get in contact with us and we will arrange to have it delivered to the museum.

The Trooper at Hatfield House
Hatfield House, site of the Troopie, has just published its brochure on the various walks that are available on the estate. The brochure now includes the Troopie statue and we would urge you all to go to:
http://www.therli.com
and click on the Hatfield House link to take a look.
If you would like more information on the RLIRA, the museum, or future events, please get in touch with us and we will be glad to hear from you.

RLIRA UK Newsletter March/April, 2010

expand

RLIRA UK Newsletter March/April, 2010
UK BRANCH

Warning orders!
Please find below a list of dates and functions that you should have in your diary.
Further information on the events will be issued as soon as they become available.

24 April, 2010, RAA Annual General meeting
The Rhodesian Army Association will be holding its Annual General meeting and dinner dance . Please note that only members of the RAA will be able to vote so if you are interested in putting your point of view forward at the AGM, please remember to pay your annual subscription fees.

24 July, 2010 Gooks and Spooks weekend
The RLIRA will be putting up a marquis at the Pioneer Club’s annual “Gooks and Spooks” weekend to be held over the 24 of July, 2010. The location, in Derbyshire is off of the M1 sort of near Donnington Race Track and the East Midlands airportish – with no aeroplane noises though!
A huge gathering of ex Rhodies, this is always a great weekend with the opportunity to enjoy yourself with your family and friends. The weekend includes entertainment during the day and evening, with shops selling South African and Rhodesian produce
The RLIRA will be setting up a base camp over the weekend where it will be putting on a number of attractions including a visit to the ZANU PF UK headquarters.
The site allows campers to pitch tents, fish, and discuss philosophy as well as boogying in the evening and braaing and munching lekker scoff.
It is hoped that approximately 30 fartsak locations will be available for ouens and crows to spend the night in the marquis, but further information will be made available at a later date, on this point.
For those folks who are a bit short of the spondolikies, and might find it a little difficult funding the weekend adventure, please get in touch with us and we will see what we can do. We believe that we have the opportunity to assist around about 30 folks in all.
All members who would like to attend the weekend Do should contact and book via Pioneer club:

Vicki bowker - vickibowker@mazoe.fsnet.co.uk

Also note that day visitors are more than welcome.

25 September 2010, RLIRA AGM and family day
The Rhodesian Light Infantry Regimental Association will hold its Annual General meeting at the Royal Air Force club, (RAFA) in Bedford. Further details will follow but to date we will have 3 live bands playing throughout the day together with a karaoke sound system for the ouens and crows to out perform each other.
Food and beverages will be available all day and night but all accommodation must be sourced by those members wishing to spend the night in Bedford.
This is an important day in the RLIRA calendar, not only to support the committee and the UK branch of the Association with decisions that have to be taken in order to ensure the continual success of the RLIRA, but also to get together with mates, new and old to share in a dop or two.
In addition to the festivities planned, there will also be an opportunity to take a really good look at the RLI RA museum which although only opened in January has had a huge amount of additional material added to it and is probably one of the best military museums in the universe!
So, sort yourselves out and get you and your family ready to enjoy a first class day in Bedford.

14 November, 2010 Remembrance day, Hatfield house
We are currently putting together a programme for a remembrance day ceremony to be held at the sight of the Trooper, in Hatfield House, Hertfordshire.
More details of this will be given at the annual AGM and in later communications.

24 September, 2011, Rhodesian Light Infantry Regimental 50th anniversary
We are planning a great weekend in London to celebrate the 50th birthday of the first Battalion Rhodesian Light Infantry. The weekend will revolve around the Rifles Club in London, Mayfair with accommodation at the Millennium hotel in Grosvenor Square, a mere five minute walk from the Rifles Club. The festivities will include prayer meetings, visits to the RLI Museum at the Royal Air force Association Club in Bedford, the Troopie statue and the opportunity to view the Queens Colours in Hatfield house as well as a gala dinner dance with serious scoff and music provided by the Rifles dance band.
Special rates for the weekend will be available to RLIRA members and guests, which together with transportation, the provision of top quality graze, music, war stories from Support Commando and mega cheap liquid chicken ensures that this is one place the ouens want to be to celebrate the Regiment.
Full and finite details of the weekend will be made available soon, and we would urge all of the members of the RLIRA, world-wide, to not only consider attending but also to start planning and saving to make the 50th birthday bash one to remember.

Volunteers
The RLIRA UK branch is looking for volunteers to help keep the statue of the Trooper clean. At the moment Martyn Hudson has taken it upon himself to complete this task but we are now looking for members who live in the surrounding area to come forward over April to September to help clean Troopie.
We reckon that the statue will need cleaning at least once a month, possibly twice, so All we need is your enthusiasm and motivation; the cleaning kit will be provided to you on site. Don’t see it as a chore, see it as an opportunity to visit the Troopie in his idyllic setting. Bring the family along and have a picnic at the site and take in the beautiful views and the tranquil rural atmosphere.
Unfortunately, no braais.

Membership fees
Again, the committee is sad to report that we have not received any membership fees from the vast majority of our members here in the UK. Frankly it is not good enough and we would request that all members immediately pay up their membership fees.
We have put a lot of effort and money into moving the UK Association forward and we think it is about time that our members supported our efforts with a bit of cash – hey, how much is £10 or £20 to you folks? A couple of beers maybe; so ask yourself, what’s more important?
As we have already said, more information will be made available when we have it, but please be proactive in arranging your attendance at these festivities.

If you are in any doubt, or have questions, please do not hesitate to contact a member of the committee.
Stay well and enjoy the sun!!

Melbourne – March, 2010

expand

European Branch Newsletter – Feb 2010

expand

RLIRA UK Newsletter February, 2010

Howzit folks,

Welcome to the January/February newsletter of the RLIRA.
Another busy couple of months have been and gone since our last newsletter and as is usual a lot has happened. This newsletter focuses primarily on our new museum which although only just opened, is proving to be a big success with all who have so far visited. You can see photos of the museum on our web page:
http://www.therli.com
as well as on countless Face Book sites.
The UK RLIRA continues to grow its membership with another 26 members joining us in the last 8 months, taking our UK membership alone to over 350! Believe it or not, it seems that there are still ouens and crows out there who are not aware of our Association. If you can spread the word, please do so. We know that Face Book and other social networking sites are proving very successful in this respect and we would like to keep up the momentum and to strengthen our membership even further.

Duplicate Presidential colours

Last year we decided to have a duplicate set of Presidential Colours made for us. The Colours were beginning to show wear and tear – they are over forty years old – and we were concerned that they would not last long in their current state and with their current use. Our solution was to have a duplicate set made and the originals sealed to prevent any further deterioration.

We can now announce that this has now happened and we have now taken custody of a duplicate set, made in Pakistan, believe it or not, which are wonderfully made and excellent replica of the originals.
From now on, the duplicate Colours will be available for all RLIRA ceremonial occasions.

Museum opening
It is with great pleasure that we are able to announce that on the 30th of January the Rhodesian Light Infantry Regimental Association opened its museum on the first floor of the Royal Air Force Association Club in Bedford. The museum consists of three large rooms packed with weapons, uniformed mannequins and memorabilia from the Regiment’s history. Maps, photographs, models and medals are housed in impressive glass cabinets, while Commando trophies and plaques, gleaming guard the walls and corridors.

The display, consisting of memorabilia from the RLI also contains equipment and kit from other units, such as the Rhodesian African Rifles, Selous Scouts, Rhodesian Regiment and the SAS, which offers the visitor a fascinating insight into the military history and esprit d’corp of its troops.

The opening of the museum was attended by well over a hundred ouens, crows and visitors who enjoyed the colourful spectacle expressing their admiration at the paintings by John Wynn-Hopkins and Craig Bone and the myriad of items donated or loaned to the Association and the museum by contributors from all over the world.

If the feast of military memorabilia was not enough, the staff of the RAFA club welcomed all to the opening by laying on an excellent array of food throughout the day and into the evening, challenging even the most gargantuan appetite. As The RAFA bar followed suit, and as is usual with ouens who are challenged, the duel went on well into the night, where a valiant rear-guard action was fought resulting in a draw, although there were a number of casualties suffering from post traumatic dress disorder when the bar closed, one case of an attack of unexpected gravity syndrome with accompanying complications of A and E; fortunately not critical, cured by a long wait and a short rest, and a number of cases of short term memory loss and morning after light intolerance syndrome! We would like to take this opportunity to thank the staff of the RAFA club for helping to make the opening of the museum such a success, many many thanks.

To all of you who contributed your kit and katundu to the museum, on behalf of the world-wide Association we would like to say many tatendas. Again, thanks to your generosity we have been able to successfully complete another major project creating one more prompt to assist in maintaining The memory of the role played by the RLI in Rhodesian history.
The museum is continuing to grow and it would seem that it has taken on a life of its own, including attracting new friends and associates who having seen the museum, have been so impressed that they have offered their help to add to its success by providing their skills and expertise free of charge.

To everyone who has and is helping with this project we would like to say a very big thank you.

Museum opening hours

Please find below arrangements for visiting the museum. There is no charge but we would ask that anyone who does visit the museum contributes to its maintenance by providing a donation. In addition, would you please sign the visitors book adding your comments.

Monday ....... Closed
Tuesday – Friday: 11am - 2.30 pm ... Evenings 7pm - 11pm
Saturday:.......11am - 3pm .... Evening 7pm - 11pm
Sunday ....... open 11am - 4pm
Visitors to the Museum should present their RLI or Forces Membership cards to the Bar staff on duty and sign the Visitors Book Non Members should contact Martyn Hudson Mobile : 07788788095 or Ewan Fleming Tel. 017515019051.
Anyone wishing to visit outside of these hours should contact Martyn Hudson tel.07788788095 and arrangements will be made

Museum donations
Below is a list of equipment and articles that we are still looking for. Any articles can either be donated or loaned to the museum and a receipt will be provided for equipment left in our care.
A special request to any Blue Job out there who would like to donate a “blues” uniform. This is probably the only uniform that we are currently outstanding and we would appreciate it if you could donate one to us. It is important to remember the role played by the Rhodesian Air force and we would welcome the opportunity to include this in our display.
A lot of hard work has gone into the museum project and its success so far has been as a result of the generosity of RLIRA members and friends from around the world who have given up their time and memorabilia to support our project.

Ouens, we need some bucks!

WE have still not completed the museum and require burglar bars, lighting as well as the installation of a security CCTV system to ensure that the collection is kept safe.

Could we ask members to assist by donating to the museum project. We would be grateful for any contributions and any contributions that you give will be useful in both the maintenance and enhancement of our museum project.

White Sergeants mess jacket – we already have the trousers;

Clandestine tackies;
Medals – individual and collections;
Plaques – Assorted;
Beer tankards;
Water bottles, dixies and webbing;
Money – lots of it!

Subscriptions for 2010
it was decided that subscriptions to support new and existing projects would continue.
The subscription period will run from January 2010 to December 2010; details of the cost of subscriptions is given below.

Full members £15 Full members and family £20
Associate members £10 Associate members and family £15
Affiliate members £10 Affiliate members and family £15
Honorary and Life members – No subscription ,
Folks, it is vital for the continuation of the Association that we are able to raise funds in order to support the maintenance of the Troopie, the museum, as well as developing new projects and the operation of the association in general.
Committee members give up their time and in the majority of cases, their expenses too, in order to run the Association and maintain its success. We don’t think that this is fair and so we would ask you all to send in your subscriptions to keep the Association alive and flourishing. We have more than 300 members and if we all subscribe, we should be in a much better financial state than what we are in now.
This is our Association. It continues or dies dependent upon the enthusiasm and motivation of its members. Without your support and your intention to maintain this association of friendship and shared history, it will falter and all of the work that we have done to date will be of no value. We need your support.

CQMS stores
You can still buy RLIRA polo shirts and Rhodesia remembered DVDs from our stores.
The RLI shirts (assorted sizes still available) do not have any commando badges, but the RLI emblem on the breast. These items are reasonably priced (every little helps) and of excellent quality.

Rhodesia Remembered DVD’s £15
RLIRA golf shirts £15

We hope to be able to expand our CQMS stores with the inclusion of ties, berets and so on in the near future.
To purchase any of these items, or to pay your subscriptions fees, or to make a donation, please see below.

London prayer meeting
Gerry Doyle and a couple of ouens from 2 Commando arranged a prayer meeting in London in January, in a pub just outside of Marylebone station. Gerry would like to thank those who attended and wondered if it would be an idea to arrange to stage another prayer meeting, possibly at the same venue?
If anyone is interested in joining Gerry’s meeting, or thinking of holding one in their area, let Mark know and comms will be sent out to all call signs to report and encourage attendance.
This would be a great way of keeping in contact with RLIRA members in your area.
Well done Gerry!

Selous Scouts and SAS get-together.
On Saturday, 17 April, the Selous Scouts and SAS are holding a get-together at Chick sands.
Members of the RLIRA have been invited to come along and join in with their celebration.
If you would like to go along, please contact Barbara Breseler at:

b.bresler23@googlemail.com
for more details.

RLIRA bank and payment details
Below are details of the RLIRA bank account which should allow overseas and those UK members who wish to pay by cheque or bank transfer. In addition, it is possible to pay by credit or debit card to Dick, on +44 1234 852 800 Or 01234 852800
If you are going to phone please could you note the times when Dick will be available. Dick works for Martyn Hudson and has very kindly donated his time to help our members pay their subscription fees, donate and purchase RLIRA goods.

Please phone Monday to Friday – UK GMT:

Before 9:00
During lunch time: 12:30 – 1:30
After 4:00

Those members who wish to use cheque, postal order or bank transfer, please note the following details:

RLIRA BANK DETAILS
ACCOUNT AT
NATIONAL & WESTMINSTER BANK ( NAT WEST )
81, HIGH STREET
BEDFORD
MK40 1YN
TEL : 0845 3041910
ACCOUNT NAME : RHODESIAN LIGHT INFANTRY REGIMENTAL ASSOCIATION ( RLIRA )
SORT CODE : 60-02-13
ACCOUNT NUMBER : 62234145
International BANKING
IBAN: GB42 NWBK 6002 1362 2341 45

With the winter fast coming to an end (hope springs eternal) it won’t be long now until shorts and vellies make their new spring and summer fashion must wear items. We hope that this newsletter finds you all well and we look forward to meeting you all at our forth coming events. Stay well

RLIRA Australasia - Newsletter October 2009

expand

RLIRA UK Newsletter October/November 2009

expand

Rhodesian Light Infantry Regimental Association
UK BRANCH

RLIRA UK Newsletter October/November , 2009

Please can we apologise to everyone for the dearth of communications coming out of UK’s RLIRA communications centre, affectionately known as the spare room, since our last news brief around September time.

Truth be told a combination of work, required RnR and domestic responsibilities have resulted in a M25 style traffic jam of the old pins, ratchets, cogs and twiddely bits called the brain, resulting in gridlock of the imagination, only resolved quite recently with a sharp but firm message to the back of the head with a half brick – but enough of this psycho babble!

This newsletter will be brief, and as you only ever get one apology at a time from us, we are not going to apologise for this newsletter being brief until the next newsletter, by which time you will hopefully have forgotten about how brief this newsletter is, and things will be back to normal.

Important thing to remember is that the committee is still beavering away on your behalf, with the museum project trundling forward and beginning to pick up pace.

We have also begun planning for our summer get-together which we believe will be a crowd pleaser and will, with a bit of luck, not only help to increase the membership, but will give all of our members the opportunity to participate in the planned festivities.

The committee is also proceeding with plans for the 50th birthday celebrations to be held in 2011, possibly in London, but we are still..still..still…waiting for someone out there to give us feedback on whether they think that this is a good or bad plan. So far we have had the offer of a small string quartet but that is about it. So c’mon ouens, proverbial finger out and get back to us!

By the way ladies, this is an opportunity to place firm pressure to the rear. Remember that we are planning a dressie up thing for the evening, so you get the chance to not only choose the feathers, but the possie where you can spot the graze and shake the glitter! Arm-lock the old man and make your ideas known!

RLIRA Summer Do!
Every year the Rhodesian Pioneer Corp – a charity that helps relocate folks who leave Zims – has a long weekend braai. The place is usually packed with folks and we thought that it might be an idea to combine their do with ours.

We thought that we could set up an RLI Base Group (we already have promises of very large tents) in which we will hold our own braais, kit and katundu, and even organise inter-commando games, thus giving Support commando ouens the opportunity to win something after all of these years!!

The area would include all of the comforts of home, possibly a sleeping area for ouens and crows who only require a possie for the night (or two) while at the same time provide the opportunity for happy campers to pull in with their own canvass and deck chairs, or hire one of the more permanent chalets (small wooden kia).

We could offer breakfast, beers, braais, beers, competition, beers, mid afternoon tea, beers, quiz’s, like university challenge, beers, evening poetry recitals, and for the ladies, beers!

The weekend usually runs for 3 or 4 days and when you arrive, or leave is left up to you. We would probably arrange a formal RLI day, say the Saturday while leaving the opportunity to come and go as the ouens and crows please.

We, as the RLIRA, would participate as part of the weekend, although we would hope to add our own special and subtle way of doing things and smaak a lekker jole ek se.

It’s an idea and we would like to hear your comments on it. The weekend is a planned, well organised affair with all of the comforts of home including the selling of Rhodesian, food and beverage, fishing pools, (can’t comment on them) and planned entertainment with bands and discos.

So, if you think this is a winner, (or not) then please get in touch with us in the usual way.

RLIRA polo shirts, golf caps and DVDs
Further to an external involving a number of our special operatives cunningly described as rugby supporters flying into the RSA, we would like to report a successful repatriation of polo shirts and golf caps which are now available for sale.

As you all know, (we are always banging on about it,) we need to refurbish the bank account in order to continue to maintain what we believe to be a good standard of support and maintenance for the Association in general, and the Trooper in particular.

Sales of the DVDs are going ok, but could be a lot better and we would urge folks to spread the news about it and persuade friends, relatives, and populations of small emerging nations to purchase a copy of it for posterity, but also for its well put together story of the RLI and the RLIRA.

In addition we also have a limited number of polo shirts (green in assorted sizes) and golf caps for sale. The RLI shirts do not have any commando badges, but the RLI emblem on the breast. These items are reasonable priced (every little helps) and of excellent quality.

DVD’s £15
RLIRA shirts £15
Golf caps £10
All of these items include postage here in the UK.

To order these over the phone contact:
01234 852800 and speak to dick.

Article in the Rhodesians World Wide Magazine
Many of you who are subscribers to the RWW magazine will have seen the write up of the August ceremony and the accompanying photographs of it and the Troopie.

The RWW did us proud with their spread and we would like to take this opportunity to thank Chris and his team from the RWW for being good enough to publish the details.

If you have not seen the September/November issue of the RWW it is worthwhile taking a look. Chris has included a fair few photos of the event in both colour and black and white.

RSA RLIRA AGM
Martyn Hudson travelled over to RSA to attend the Annual General Meeting of the RSA branch of the RLIRA. Martyn spoke to a well attended meeting bringing the south African members up to date on the projects that have been completed and continue to be worked on here in the UK.

His news and report was well received and the ouens over there would like to express their thanks to all who have helped in making our shared projects completed to date, the success that they are.

At the same time a number of new committee members were elected to the SA committee and we would like to take this opportunity to welcome them all on board.

Our thanks to Martyn for his work over there in RSA, apparently the beer only costs 35p, hell in the trenches!

Well, that is it for the mo. Hope this finds you all well.

Please remember that this is your Association, so if you have any comments, criticism, or helpful cooking tips, please get in contact with us and make your feelings known.

Stay well

YOUR PATRON’S IMPRESSIONS OF THE BRISBANE 2008 REUNION

expand

Rhodesian Light Infantry Regimental
Association

UK Branch Newsletter

OCTOBER 2007

Dear All

Well , at last our region is finally constituted and established as "The UK Branch of the Rhodesian Light Infantry Regimental Association ." I would like to thank you all for your support in getting us this far.

I would also like to give a big welcome and congratulations to our new Committee members.

YOUR PATRON’S IMPRESSIONS OF THE BRISBANE 2008 REUNION

I also sent these ‘impressions' as part of a ‘thank you 'letter, to all the ex-RLI ouens attending the reunion

‘ The Rhodesian Light Infantry Regimental Association (RLIRA) Australasian Branch annual Anzac Day Reunion was held in Brisbane , Queensland , over the period 24 - 25 April 2008. Over forty of us well –retired but still vigorous Saints' and our ladies, plus some of our children and relatives, and some parents, travelled from all over Australia to Brisbane for this reunion.

The reunion started with pre-dinner drinks, followed by dinner at the posh Stamford Hotel, Brisbane , on 24 th April, where many of us were staying. Those attending the dinner were grouped at Commando tables, with the top table consisting of the reunion chaplain, the Rt Rev Nicolas Jackson, plus four ‘original Saints' - ‘The Incorrigibles' - 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, Susan, and Kate, respectively. I nicknamed the original members, whom I took to the Congo in 1961: ‘The Incorrigibles'. The members at the top table were also privileged to have behind them, the splendidly mounted and displayed unconsecrated (post UDI) Presidential Colours, which Shaun and Annette Ryan had gallantly and awkwardly brought over from the United Kingdom in a ski bag.

Four of the original RLI Saints ~ ‘The Incorrigibles' after breakfast; standing right ‘Incorigible' Alan Lucy, with left; later Saints john Costopoulus, then Andrew Gibson, BCR; seated left, ‘Incorrigibles' Lew Lloyd-Evans, then ‘Digger' Essex-Clark, and Miles MacDonald.

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 beautiful morning, at O545 hrs or ‘first light ~ or more colloquially, ‘sparrow fart' ~ we held an emotionally moving Anzac Day Dawn Service, on the bank of the Brisbane River in the City Botanic Gardens. With our Colours proudly with us, the Rt Rev Nicolas Jackson conducted the service. Vince Zorocic read Psalm 23 and we all responded; after which we sang the Rhodesian National Anthem; I recited the Ode of Remembrance, and then we closed on the river's edge and I cast onto the river the splendid poppied wreath to represent the loss of RLI ouens and Rhodesia

‘To Old Rhodesia and the RLI'

This was followed immediately by many casting, individually, poppies representing their 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 Tony Young playing sad pipe music ( Thug Me Goal ) and then, slightly more brightly but slowly, our Regimental march ( The Saints ).

On the steps down to the River after the Dawn Service

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 masthead: it looked splendid.

Later that perfect morning, we formed up in Brisbane in our RLI blazers, badged berets, and 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, and the palpable 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. I was also very proud to have two of my grand-daughters marching with us.

On the march

All in all, I was overwhelmed by the sheer enthusiasm, dedication, spirited drill movements, 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 forebears' 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 plus marching, including my two adult granddaughters, Belinda and Amanda, representing the families of those of our Australasia Branch who have died since its formation.

Mandy and Belinda (my granddaughters) with RLI Colours

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 clear 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 statement 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 still recognized by the Returned Services League of Australia (which organises 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 to be Governor-General of Australia, Ms Quentin Bryce, took the salute as we gave her a very smart ‘eyes left' and unfurled and dipped the Presidential Colours, carried gallantly by Miles MacDonald, an ‘Original-Incorrigible-Saint' and Vince Zorocic, our branch secretary, a younger and final ‘Incredible'-Saint'; whose proud father was watching the march.

Front rank and Colours

Major General Dick Wilson, Commander of the 1 st 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. He 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 point. 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 onto 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 combined 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 indelibly 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 organisational 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, once 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 graced to have with us Andrew Gibson, once of 3 Commando, a Bronze Cross of Rhodesia winner.

It was a memorable and heartening two days; especially meeting so many old friends; and I look forward to seeing all of you again in Perth next year!

I wish all of you and your loved ones a most healthy and fortunate twelve months in the meantime. We will all have to save up for that grand occasion, with our brother ouens from West Australia .

~The Saints go marching on~

Digger Essex-Clark

Patron, The Rhodesian Light Infantry Regimental Association

30 th April 2008

ANZAC DAY The 2007 Sydney Reunion

expand

ANZAC DAY
The 2007 Sydney Reunion

The RLIRA Reunion in Sydney April 2007

These are my immediate observations, impressions and comment about the Rhodesian Light Infantry Regimental Association (Australasian Branch) re-union before and during the Anzac day holiday in Sydney, Australia 0n Wednesday 25th April 2007.

The dinner the night before the Anzac Day parade and then the Anzac Day parade and following get-together enabled a magnificent surge of comradeship and renewal of self-belief and self-respect in all that we had stood for as soldiers in Rhodesia.

The massive and enthusiastic crowds watching the march took the RLI contingent to their hearts and enthusiastically applauded our Ouens. This, in itself, was a heart-warming and encouraging experience. Many of my friends and my (probably much biased) Rhodesian born children said spontaneously after the march that the RLI contingent was the smartest of all the civilian attired groups on the three hour long column of veterans and others on the march. The Ouens marched with such obvious pride and precision that the effect on the watchers was palpable.

The reunion was a significant occasion for the wives of many who attended because they could see the importance that friendship and mutual respect forged in combat have on teams of men, and also the significance and importance of the RLIRA to maintain that comradeship, respect and self-confidence. The wives could also forge a special and unique bond between themselves that will only strengthen the worth of the Association to all whom are involved in it and its objectives.

All in all it was a joyous and memorable event of much vitality and regeneration of dormant regimental spirit that I expect will long remain in the memories of those who attended and enjoyed the camaraderie, sense of team, and unique ‘occasion’ of their short time together.

The Saints forever!

Digger Essex-Clark

Click here to watch a video of the parade. To download the video please right click here an click on the save as option.

Below are some pictures from the event. Please click on the pictures to enlarge.

MEDICAL APPEAL for ALAN HAWK
Alan Hawk (aged 58), an ex-RLI corporal, is seriously ill in Harare. His friends are desperate to get him to South Africa for medical treatment. The cost of the operation will be around US$15,000 + costs of getting him to SA.

Alan is currently in a government hospital in Harare, suffering from some form of gangrenous thrombosis that has attacked his feet and legs – he has already had a toe amputated. Suffice to say, hospital conditions are appalling – no drips, no medicine.

If you can help in any way, please urgently contact Martin in Zimbabwe on 00-2634-851842 or 00-263-912-336644 or via email on bubi@ecoweb.co.za or Chris Cocks on info@30degreessouth.co.za or 0027-11-673 2218

IN CONCLUSION
Our intention is to forward a short monthly newsletter to all members of the SA branch from now on with information on events and a membership update.

If you have a regular or planned meeting in your area – or looking to re-establish contact with an old mate – then forward details by e-mail to gd@e2.co.za.

For now
Kind Regards
George Dempster
0832844957
gd@e2.co.za

UK Branch Newsletter - September 2008

expand

Rhodesian Light Infantry Regimental
Association

UK BRANCH

September 2008 News Letter

Dear All,

It is now three weeks until the Rededication Service /Weekend on 27th/28th September, 2008. a few more tickets have been made available 24 exactly. Please follow directions on the website www.therli.com click on the statue right hand side and menu comes up on the left hand side, if you have not already booked your ticket accomodation is available at the Ramada Jarvis Hotel, St Albans Road West. Hatfield AL10 9RH Tel : 01707 252402, three, two and one night packages available at a discounted price for us, all information on website.

REGISTRATION: when tickets, identification badges / bracelets and welcome packages will be given out as you register with us ON ARRIVAL at the hotel, this has become necessary due to some bad press from a few of our Australian EXCO members. It will be essential that you wear your identification badges at all times as the hotel staff have been instructed only to serve meals to folks wearing the identification badges etc Registration in reception will be:

Tickets cost members £25.95 plus Partners £10.00 all hotel packages include Sunday lunch on your return from the Rededication Service / Laying up of the Colours at Hatfield House and disembarkation of your coach.

SUNDAY ONLY TICKETS: cost £25.95 plus £10.00 for Partners but £15.00 extra is added for Lunch i.e. Members £40.95 plus partners £25.00.If you are coming on the Sunday only, please be at the hotel no later than 0800 am to register with us and board your coach for Hatfield House, NO Entry to Hatfield House other than by coach and NO Entry to coaches unless identification badges and bracelets are worn.. There is plenty of car parking space to leave your car at the hotel. Coffee will be available in reception from 8 am. Pick up at Hatfield Railway station will be 9am please advise us beforehand if you require this.

PROGRAMME FOR THE WEEKEND:

This is going to be a spectacular and perhaps emotional weekend, where you are going to meet up with long lost friends, comrades and share memories and war stories and perhaps our last major parade.

Friday, 26th September, 2008 Registration 6pm -7pm and will be an opportunity to meet your UK Committee and members of the Exco Committee whilst enjoying an informal buffet supper.

Saturday, 27th September, 2008 Registration 12 noon until 2pm

WORLDWIDE AGM 2.30 pm until 5pm. Agenda will be published later

Please make sure you have given your Proxy votes to your respective Branch Chairman if you are not attending. We want your Questions and Views, this is your Association and we need to plan for the future. Agenda will be published for you before the event.

There will be Books on sale by courtesy 30degreessouth UK and also Memorabilia.

Ties £9.50 Blazer Badges £23.50 CIBs £9.00 RLI golf umbrellas £10.00 Ladies umbrellas £6.00 extra programmes £5.00 Beer Tankards £12.00 Bags £3.00.

Saturday Evening Dinner / Disco 8pm

Sunday 28th September,2008 Registration for Sunday tickets 8 am until 845 am in Reception Coffee will also be available there.

Coaches will leave outside hotel reception at 09.00 am PROMPT No admittance to coaches unless wearing your identification badges and bracelet, please take spare shoes on the coach for service down by the river Lee due to our British weather and RLIRA Umbrellas will be on sale at hotel. ONLY coaches will be allowed into Hatfield House for the Services and down at the river.

9.30 am Rededication Service in Chapel / Armoury, Hatfield House and Laying up of Queens Colours.Call to Service by the Bugles of the Rifles, the service will be led by the Rev Clive Larrett.
10.30 am Re – embarkation of your coaches and drive to Statue site by River Lee
11.00 am Unveiling Ceremony of the Trooper Statue, with Badges, Plaques and it is hoped the Rolls of Honour.The Band of the Rifles will participate with a marching display.
There will be plenty of photo opportunities by the Statue , a full colour programme of events is included in your ticket price and is included in your Welcome Packagee

Return to the Hotel is by your coaches at 12.30 pm

1.00pm. Lunch at the Ramada Jarvis Hotel, Hatfield
Speeches and Raffle will be drawn following Lunch.
With regard to the Raffle, please do not forget to bring your counterfoils with the money and especially any unsold tickets so that they can be sold over the weekend. We have just heard Craig Bone one of our members and the artist may be here to present the first prize.Unfortunately, the prize of the Television has been with drawn by the sponsor and instead they have given us a Camera, Olympus U840 digital, due to donor on difficult times. Lots more prizes have been donated over and above the prizes already listed.

Remember the 1st prize has been valued at $10.000.00 what a fantastic prize, keep selling those tickets..

NEWS FROM AROUND THE WORLD

PATRON

During August our Patron Brigadier Retd. John “Digger” Essex- Clark resigned. We sadly have to accept his resignation but owe him a tremendous debt of gratitude for all his wisdom and input to help form this worldwide association and guide us thus far through these turbulent times.He will be with us in spirit.

However, we now proudly announce and welcome our new patron, Lt Col Ron Reid-Daly CLM, DMM, MBE, first RSM of RLI and later Training Officer, OC Support Group and latterly CO Selous Scouts, who will be present on the Re-dedication weekend and we look forward to meeting him there and thank him for doing us this honour.

Australia :

Tony Young has resigned from the post of Chairman of the Australasia Branch but will remain a member of the RLIRA, meantime Vince Zoricic, Australasia Secretary, is handling all communications.

MISINFORMATION FROM AUSTRALIA

Bruce McGregor from Australasia Branch has been sending missives questioning our transparency and running of the Rededication weekend as well as the manner in which we have collected funds for the Trooper.
It has now come to light that Tony Young the previous Australasian Chairman held a Raffle on Anzacs Day in April to collect money for the Trooper. They have now been asked by our Chairman, Ian Butteshaw to state where the money is, which has only come to light through the honesty of one of their members.

With this in mind, together with what Bruce McGregor published on Lekkerwear website I now urge you to boycott the Lekkerwear website and do not purchase their tacky clothing with our Badge on it. I am sure, like me, you are all fed up with this now.

PROXY VOTES

Many of you received abusive emails about the current RLIRA Exco and more specifically the Troopie Rededication project being organised by our UK Branch Committee These mails were initiated by a few members of the RLIRA Australian Branch and posted on a number of open websites.

The International Exco took the decision not to enter into a slanging match but instead decided to set the record straight by correcting blatant lies and inaccuracies. The Exco of Australia branch then decided to call for a UDI which has effectively split the branch

An email from one of the Australian members Quentin Fourie to Tony Young tells the full story of what’s going on within the Australian exco.Any one wishing a copy I will willingly send out.

As you will see from the programme our Worldwide AGM is on Saturday, 27th September at 2pm and in spite of knowing 90 of you will be attending this, it would be convenient to have your proxy votes before hand therefore would you please fill in the proxy voting forms with your desired option and return to me on line or just send an email. All postal voting forms have gone out to members on our postal list. We the International Exco will have to take decisions for which I will need your suggestions and Proxy votes.

I currently have 56 proxy votes out of a membership of 280 members if you have not yet given me your proxy to vote on your behalf at the International AGM I ask you to email me now martyn.hudson2@btinternet.com saying I give Martyn my proxy to vote at the International AGM on Saturday, 27th September2008.

Remember this surge by the Australia EXCO was designed to destabilise the Rededication Service and split our members and hopefully try to get my committee and I to resign under pressure , but they were wrong it has made us stronger and has united us more with the RSA Branch and members world wide, infact we have members coming from USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, RSA, Zimbabwe, Malawi, UAE, The Oman, Hong Kong and Europe, as well as the UK and Ireland this shows the massive support we have, if any of the Australian members are feeling disillusioned with their EXCO and do not want to be part of theie UDI scheme they are very welcome to align themselves to another branch, just ask and it will be done.

I would also like to point out that Tony Young refused to distribute the Patrons Appeal for donations and sell any of the RLIRA raffle tickets, however some of their members did find out about it and sent very generous donations.

FILM

Patrick King , Producer, Westminster King Productions Ltd. will be making a documentary film of the whole weekend and you may be asked for interviews during the course of the weekend. Some of you may become film stars, if you need an agent Messrs Hudson and Pilbeam will be available.

We have acquired some very old Ceremonial and Fireforce film footage which will be showing on plasma screens in the Bar area during the weekend. Copies will be available for purchasing.

THERE MAY BE ONE FINAL SURPRISE!!!!!! NO, Tony Young is not coming!!

With no further news I look forward to seeing as many of you as possible in Hatfield over this very special weekend and enjoying the friendship and camaraderie we always had and marching together in step together as we always did.

Finally, I would like to thank my UK Committee for all their hard work and dedicated support during all our planning stages for the Re-Dedication Weekend

Any further queries for the Re-dedication Weekend please just ask.

Best Regards

Martyn Hudson
Chairman UK Branch RLIRA and CEO Worldwide Exco.

Cornerview,
School Lane
Bolnhurst
Bedfordshiree
MK44 2 EN
Tel: 01234 376712 or Mobile 07788788095
Email : martyn.hudon2@btinternet.com

UK Branch Newsletter - December, 2008

expand

Rhodesian Light Infantry Regimental Association

Newsletter December, 2008

It’s been a busy year for the Rhodesian Light Infantry Regimental Association, UK branch, and as 2008 draws to a close it would be a good idea to summarize our journey and to highlight our progress.
In February the RLIRA UK branch had its inaugural meeting in Sandy, Bedfordshire where a committee was elected and immediately identified its objectives which included the drive to increase the membership and an ambitious project to rededicate the Trooper statue.

The scale of the project to rededicate the Trooper was certainly ambitious and had the members of the infant Association known that the Trooper was currently in a state of disrepair, with no home, and more importantly, no money to support the project, then it may well have been that the rededication of the Trooper might have been seen as a bridge too far.

Seven short months later the Trooper stood resplendent in his new home at Hatfield House and the world-wide membership of the Rhodesian Light Infantry Regimental Association, some of whom were there in body, all of whom were there in spirit, saluted and welcomed him home. Well done buggers.
The UK branch now has over 300 members and is still growing. It has been identified that despite all of our efforts there are still former members of the RLI who do not know of the Associations existence. It is our intention in the New Year to raise our profile and to play a more active role in bringing to the notice of these ouens the existence of the RLIRA.

Money continues to be in short supply and it is important that fund raising for the Association continues. We would ask all of our members to assist where ever possible in their fund raising efforts as it is vital that we raise money in order to continue with the projects that have been identified for the new year.
In closing, the UK committee would like to thank all of the ouens and their families, for the support that they have given to the Association over the past year and we are confident that with your help the UK branch of the RLIRA will continue to move forward and grow in strength.
To all of you and your families, may you have a happy Christmas and a wonderful and prosperous new year.

Committee news
Notes from the RLIRA UK Association committee meeting on the 6 of December, 2008:

Neill Storey was co-opted on to the committee as Artefacts Officer to assist in the Museum Project, to collect and display RLI memorabilia. On behalf of the Association, we would like to welcome Neill, a 1 Commando ouen, to the committee and to thank him for the work that he has already done on the project.
Martyn Hudson, chairman of the RLIUK Assoc informed us of his intention to step down from his post, in order to concentrate on the planning and execution of the creation of an RLI museum and the celebrations for the Regiment’s 50 birthday bash.

Mark Pilbeam was nominated by Shaun Ryan and seconded by Neill Storey as the new Chairman of the Assoc in the UK. Mark will act as the Chairman until such times as his nomination is officially confirmed.
At the same meeting the committee were informed that Nigel (Budgie) Holmes would not be able to carry on as the Secretary to the Association as a result of a very heavy work load. We would like to thank Budge for all of his help in the preparation and planning for the Rededication Ceremony at Hatfield on the weekend of the 27 and 28 of September, thanks bugger.

The new committee is as follows:

Chairman and Secretary: Mark Pilbeam;
Vice Chairman and Treasurer: Martyn Hudson;
Padre and all round nice guy: Revd. Clive Larrett;
Legal Advisor (but still under suspicion): Shaun Ryan;
Artefacts Officer: Neill Storey.

A general communication requesting nominations from members to the post of Chairman of the UK Association will go out in the very near future and until such times any inquiries or questions relating to the Association in the United kingdom can be forwarded to Mark at:
Mark.pilbeam@dsl.pipex.com
Telephone: 02476 370506

On behalf of the UK Association we would like to express our thanks to Martyn and Maggie for their dedication and perseverance without which the Rededication of the Troopie statue would never have happened. Martyn and Maggie worked tirelessly to make the weekend the ultimate success that it was and the Association will always be grateful for their hard work and generous spirit, tatenda.

The UK committee would also like to thank their Crows, the unsung heroines of this particular play, for all of their help, support, food, advice, Enos, “have I missed anything Dear?” and patience throughout the year. Our love and thanks.

Awards
The following have been recognized by the RLIRA Association for their service, help and support in making the Rededication of the Trooper weekend such a success:

Life members
The Marques of Salisbury, Martyn Hudson and Craig Bone

Honorary members
Lt Colonel Richard Frost MBE, Isla St Clair, and Patrick King

Regimental Stalwarts
Revd Clive Larrett and Mark Pilbeam

Our thanks go out to you all.

Armistice Weekend, 8 and 9 November, 2008
On Saturday the 8 of November, a short ceremony of remembrance was held at the Trooper statue at Hatfield House.
Poppy wreaths were laid at the foot of the statue by Martyn Hudson, Shaun Ryan and by Brigadier John Essex-Clark, former patron of the RLI Association, to remember all those who had made the ultimate sacrifice.
It was an emotional time for the small party consisting of members of the UK Association and their families, who gathered in the rain to observe a minutes silence in honour of the fallen.
Digger has written a personal account of his first meeting with Troopie and the short ceremony which can be viewed at:
http://www.therli.com/Troper_memberFeedback.asp

The following day, Sunday 9 November, members of the RLIRA Association joined with members of the Rhodesian Army Association (RAA) at the Field of Remembrance, St Margaret’s Church, Westminster Abbey, in London for the official Armistice day ceremony.
Well attended, the service was conducted by Major, the Revd T.J. Mesley-Spong, formally senior Chaplain of HQ No1 Brigade, who was flanked by Colour Parties of the RAR, RLI, RR, the BSAP and the RAA.
At the conclusion of the ceremony guests and their families returned to the Novotel hotel for lunch and the AGM of the RAA. Further information on this AGM is given later on in the newsletter.

Warning orders
We would like to draw ouens attention to the following:

1. Following agreement by members at the AGM, an annual subscription for membership to the RLIRA UK branch will begin early next year. Although the finer details have not yet been ironed out, it is thought that the membership subscription will be £15 per year.
The annual subscription will form an important part of the funds necessary to maintain the Association here in the UK, but will also provide the foundation for the funds necessary to implement future projects which are essential to the continuing growth and success of the UK branch.

2. We are planning to have our annual meeting of the Association on the weekend of the 1 of August, 2009. Could we please ask members to make a note of this date in their diaries in preparation. Further details to be given in the new year.

3. In the new year the Artefacts Officer will begin the collection of RLI regimental memorabilia for later housing and display in the new RLI regimental museum.
It is hoped that a successful collection of a wide range of Regimental artefacts will be sent in by members so that they can later be displayed for the benefit of all and help to keep the memory of the RLI strong and active in the minds of both her members and the public in general.

4. RLIRA golf shirts
We have been offered the opportunity to obtain golf shirts with RLI and Commando insignia on the breast. Details of these shirts together with an order form are attached to this e-mail.
These shirts are high quality with the proceeds from their sale going to the RLIRA UK funds, so buy into this wonderful Xmas opportunity (an example of why I never went into advertising!) To save money get your orders in before 15 January.

5. Marching at the Cenotaph – November, 2009
We are currently investigating the possibility of the RLIRA marching at the main ceremony at the Cenotaph on Armistice Day, 2009.
We will keep members appraised of our progress.

Annual general meeting of the RAA, 9 September, 2008
On the 9 of November, after the Armistice service, the RAA held its Annual General Meeting at the Novotel hotel, just down the road from Vauxhall bridge, in London.
As usual and keeping with Regimental tradition, the meeting was “warmed up” by a number of penetrating questions raised by Martyn Hudson who was concerned that there was not greater unity amongst all of the security forces who served in Rhodesia. Martyn proposed that the RAA should work towards bringing together all of these units under an umbrella organization with representatives of each association working together on a single joint committee.
It was pointed out that some of the associations had very few members and as a result without the support of a larger, but representative organization, they would find it very difficult to continue.
Martyn felt that joining together all of the associations under an umbrella organization would enhance both the RAA and ensure the continuing success of all of the associations who represent those who served in Rhodesia.
The RAA committee noted Martyn’s questions and said that they would discuss these issues at future committee meetings.

Congratulations Captain Clive!
The Revd Clive Larrett, Padre to the UK Association, is now Captain, the Revd. Clive after being commissioned as an officer in the British Army.
Apparently it wasn’t easy.
As part of the officer selection course, Captain Clive had to drag his unwilling body over an assault course, and as the story goes it was more will than power!
On behalf of the ouens, well done Captain, The Revd. Clive.

RICM medal
A new medal, the Rhodesian Independence Commemorative medal (RICM) is
now available for order from Award Productions, although delivery will only take place in February, 2009.
Information on the medal and the reason for its striking can be found at:
http://www.therli.com

More information about the medal and how to order can be found at:
www.awardmedals.com/RICM
Alternatively you can contact Award at:
award@crown-lane.co.uk

Award Productions Ltd, PO Box 300, Shrewsbury SY5 6WP, UK

RLI artefacts and the new museums
At the AGM in September the idea of an RLI museum which would display artefacts and memorabilia of the Rhodesian Light Infantry was introduced to members.
The location of the museum was discussed with two possible venues considered. The first was a room above the RAF club in Bedford which would allow for the storage and display of the Regiments history which had the advantage of being able to provide catering facilities as well as having a very reasonable annual rent and easy access to Hatfield House for the Trooper statue.
The second, through the very kind invitation of the Light Brigade, was to house the Regiment’s memorabilia in the Light Brigades building in London.
This site would offer a central London location and the opportunity to display Regimental artefacts alongside those of the rifles Brigade in a more formal setting.
The committee has decided to make use of both locations providing different experiences for those who visit the museums.
The Rifles Brigade Museum will be used to house formal memorabilia of the Regiment, such as silverware from the Officers Mess, drums and so on.
The Bedford location will be used to display the “working” side of the Regiment with a display which will include uniforms, weapons and such like, similar to the museum in Toranga, New Zealand.
Neill Storey, our new Artefacts Officer, together with Martyn Hudson have taken ownership of this project and members will continue to be updated on the progress of the project in the New Year.

Members corner
We would like to invite you ouens to submit letters, articles or comments which would be relevant to the Association. Although the news letter is primarily used to keep members up to date with the goings on in the Association, it would be nice if we could get amongst other things, feedback and news of members and their families.
If you have anything that you feel would be of interest, (Editor’s decision is final and Klaar) please mail it to:
Mark.pilbeam@dsl.pipex.com

UK Branch Shirts and Caps

expand

UK Branch Shirts & Caps Order Form

expand

UK Branch Newsletter - October 2008

expand

Dear All,

In our first year since our formation in October 2007 we have come a long way and increased our membership to 250 members. The climax of this year has been taking up the challenge given to us by the Exco committee to have the RLI Trooper Statue repaired and erected in his final resting place and the Laying Up of the Queen’s and Regimental Colours at Hatfield House this culminated in our Re-Dedication Service for the Trooper Statue and Laying Up of the Queen’s Colours at Hatfield House on 28th September,2008 through the generosity of The Marquess of Salisbury.

Are you still buzzing with excitement ? The weekend was a huge success as the ouens and their "crows" relived many memories as well as discovering the whereabouts of lost souls and addresses exchanged. We were so blessed to have a whole weekend of fine English sunshine to adorn the Troopie as he was unveiled by Lord Salisbury in such a beautiful final resting place as the autumn tints were appearing in the surrounding foliages and trees. The Trooper Statue stands on a wide bank in a sylvan setting backing on to a commercial wood of tall pine trees fronted by a copse of deciduous trees, but looking out across the River Lee Many great men had tears in their eyes as the speeches of Lord Salisbury and Charlie Aust, the last CO of RLI, bridged the years from 1980 to 2008.The wreath laying was particularly poignant the Flame Lillies resplendent in the sunshine as they were laid at the base of the statue whilst the Band of the Bugles and Rifles played Nimrod, first by Lord Salisbury, Col. Charlie Aust, Martyn Hudson assisted by Mark Pilbeam,then George Dempster for South Africa and finally Shaun Ryan on behalf of Australia.

The Band of the Bugles and Rifles gave a splendid display of marching and playing finishing with a rousing rendition of the "Saints"
We then returned to our Coaches and the hotel, where we were seated for Lunch at tables for ten, and during his speech Martyn yelled "Contact" and as we rushed outside to see the surprise, a flypast of a Dakota! Five times he flew round, door open and a crew member waving to us!

All too soon it was time to go home and for me back to hospital! I have to thank all of you who managed to be with us for this memorable occasion and to thank you for all your kind letters and emails since the event. I am now home from hospital and on the mend at long last. We have now to move onwards and upwards as they say and we have ideas already for next year, Saturday, 1st August,2009, at Hatfield House to be the date, and it will be a family occasion, put it in your diaries, and also it will be the date of our UK Branch AGM.

All reports of the weekend and AGM with photographs and members memories are all on the website www.therli.com We are indebted to George Dempster for all his hard work in getting all on the website. There is also Rededication Weekend Memorabilia for sale : Engraved Glass Tankards £12.00, Umbrellas Mens £10.00, extra programmes £2.00 and Trooper carrier bags £1.00.

There will be a DVD of the Re-Dedication weekend complete with interviews produced, and should be out in time for Christmas priced £15.95. There are also Trooper Statue Christmas cards available showing a picture of our Troopie, these can be bought from RAA, Taungup, 23 Highfield Road, Lymington.SO41 9JD Quote : RLI Ceremonial A7 priced at 10 for £10.00, 20 for £15.00, 30 for £18.00, 50 for £25.00
Pay by Sterling Cheques / Postal orders made out to Rhodesian Army Association

There is much to be done this next year too, we have been offered, through Richard Frost of the Rifles and Bugles Band, a place in their Museum, in Mayfair, London to show and store our RLI Artefacts free of charge, so there will be much work in store for us and finally to move them to London from Bristol. Neil Storey has been co-opted to the UK Committee as Artefacts officer.

REMEMBRANCE DAY SUNDAY, 9TH November 2008

The Rhodesian Army Association are holding a Service of Remembrance at Plot 65, The Field of Remembrance, St Margaret’s Church, next to Westminster Abbey in London. Members and families wishing to attend please arrive there 10.15 -1030am for the service to be taken by the Rev. T.J. Mesley- Spong, formerly Senior Padre HQ 1 Bde, Bulawayo.
Brigadier "Digger" Essex-Clark, our previous Patron will be attending as will our Chairman Ian Buttenshaw.

Following the service the RAA will have their Luncheon / Reunion at the Novotel ( Waterloo) London, Lambeth Road London SE1 7LS. Those wishing tickets for lunch £20.00 per person from Geoffe Cooke, Tel : 01474 322767 asap. Address: 14, Hibernia Drive, Gravesend,DA12 4HT Tables will be allocated to specific groups and it is hoped a good number of RLIRA will be in attendance at the service.

SATURDAY, 8Th November,2008

Richard Frost, on behalf of the Band of the Bugles and Rifles, has donated a wreath to us to lay on their behalf at our Trooper Statue at Hatfield House. I will also be laying a wreath of Poppies there, on behalf of the RLIRA Association at 11am Saturday, 8th November,2008. If anyone would like to attend Hatfield House with me for the wreath laying please let me know as soon as possible. Hatfield House is closed for Winter however I can arrange for our entry, but I will need to know the names of those attending. We should meet in your own transport, at Hatfield Railway Station, across from the gates to Hatfield House, at 11.00 am. Please let me know asap.

NEWS FROM THE BRANCHES:

AUSTRALIA : It has been announced that John Kirkman, from Perth is the newly appointed Chairman of the Australia Branch, whom we warmly welcome to the Exco Committee. We wish him well with re-organising his branch following the unfortunate recent issues. He has received a cheque for $530.00 from Tony Young being revenue from the Brisbane Reunion, April, 2008 and they have decided it should go towards the Perth Reunion April 2009. We should at this point thank the many Australian individual donors who contributed generously towards the Trooper Fund, collectively £1200.00.

I should also point out I am unable to show the balance sheet on the expenditure of the Trooper funds as we are awaiting three large bills !! Namely, Installation of the Trooper Statue, Making of the Plinth and Costs incurred at Hatfield House to erect the Statue, which I am assured will be presented in due course !

SOUTH AFRICA

Chris Cocks has resigned as Historian of the Association due to business pressures and we are deeply indebted to him for a lot of painstaking work and wish him much success in these difficult times. He remains on their Committee.

Meantime, was just so good to see so many happy faces at the Re-dedication weekend, thank you all again for the efforts made to be there, you will be kept informed as the plans for 2009 evolve.

Regards to you all,

Martyn Hudson
Chairman
Address Cornerview, School Lane, Bolnhurst, Bedfordshire.MK44 2EN
Telephone : Home 01234 376712 Mobile 07788788095

UK Branch Newsletter - January 2008

expand

Rhodesian Light Infantry Regimental
Association

UK Branch Newsletter

At the beginning of November I wrote / emailed all the members with reference to our first Meeting on 9th February, 2008.and informing of a possible change of venue. Due to the increased membership I can confirm that we have had an overwhelming response with over 100 members, partners and guests wishing to come along. This has left no alternative but to change venues.

PLEASE SEE SEPARATE PAGE ON THE REUNION DAY.I can assure you it is easier to get to and a good deal has been agreed with a local hotel.The costs are still £20.00 per person and I would be grateful if you could forward payment to me as you will understand there are a lot of up front costs that need to be covered. We are catering for 20 people who may not have replied for various reasons. Cheques should be payable to M.A. Hudson, with Xmas just around the corner a £10 .00 deposit will do.

As you would have read from Digger’s report there is a lot to do next year and we have had a picture donated by John Wynne-Hopkins of an RLI Fireforce scene, beautifully done and beautifully mounted. This will be auctioned in the evening with a reserve price.

There will be a Raffle with lots of wonderful prizes :
Colour TV, Digital camera,
The Saints and Masodja Books donated by 30degreessouth,
Lots of Booze !!!
Rally Jackets, incar CD Player, Sweat shirts, Cuddly toy and lots of other prizes too many to mention If anyone would like to donate a prize all will be gratefully received!!
The tickets will be £ 1.00 each and in books of ten.

I would be grateful if you could sell as many tickets as possible to friends and family. Please order in multiples of 10 and include payment with Reunion/AGM Tickets.
If you are not coming to the Reunion / AGM perhaps you could try and sell some tickets for us , once again send your cheque payable to M.A. Hudson. I will guarantee that prizes will be sent postage free to all winners who do not attend.

Anyone wishing to purchase official RLI merchandise;
On sale will be :
Ties $29.99
Combat infantry badge to be arranged
Parachute Wings $7.00
Blazer badges $40.00

Anyone wishing to obtain berets, badges , medals and ribbons please see www.rhodesianservices.org
All the merchandise mentioned will be available for sale on the day, 9th February,2008, and will be charged at the exchange rate paid to the Australasia branch for the goods. The decision has been taken that all memorabilia will be charged at the same rate worldwide. There will also be T shirts and Baseball caps with RLI insignia available.

All pictures of events mentioned in this news letter will be on display at the AGM /Reunion There were far too many to be included in this letter and would cost a fortune in printer cartridges !.
Martyn Hudson
Chairman UK Branch
TEL : 01234 376712
MOBILE 07788788095
EMAIL : martyn.hudson2@btinternet.com
Cornerview, 1, School Lane, Bolnhurst, Bedfordshire, MK44 2EN

REUNION / AGM AGENDA

SATURDAY, 9TH FEBRUARY, 2008
VENUE : THE CONSERVATIVE CLUB, BEDFORD ROAD,SANDY, BEDFORDSHIRE
LUNCH : 1.30PM - 2.30 PM
AGM : 3.00PM
SOCIAL 4.30PM – 5.30P0M

PLEASE NOTE WE NEED TO CLOSE THE HALL TO SET TABLES FOR THE EVENING BUT THE BAR WILL REMAIN OPEN !!

EVENING : 7.00 PM DOORS OPEN
BUFFET : 7.30PM
SPEECHES / RAFFLE
AUCTION : 8.00PM – 830PM
DISCO : 8.30PM -12.00 MIDNIGHT
Last orders at the bar 1130pm.

SANDY is easily accessible by road just off the A1 road at Sandy Roundabout. There is ample car parking behind the Conservative Club which is a 10minute walk from the station. Taxis are available and pick up can be arranged tel. mobile 07788788095 Martyn Hudson

By train Sandy is on the Kings Cross / St Neots/ Peterborough line

The Holiday Inn Garden Court Hotel have given us a discounted price for a double or twin room £52.00 for two people. Tel : 01767 692220 Contact June Melrose Director of Sales.
Please quote RLI Reunion when booking , payment required on booking to get discounted price. Breakfast £8.00 per person payable on booking. These prices are for Friday and Sunday nights also during that weekend.

Meeting Venue: THE CONSERVATIVE CLUB, BEDFORD ROAD,SANDY, BEDFORDSHIRE

UK Branch Newsletter - Christmas 2007

expand

FIRSTLY CAN I TAKE THIS OPPORTUNITY TO WISH EVERYBODY A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR AND MAY 2008 BE A YEAR FOR US TO REMEMBER ALL THAT WE STOOD TOGETHER FOR, FRIENDSHIP AND COMRADESHIP

Since our last news letter so much has happened our membership has moved on to a staggering 176 members and I would like to thank everybody for their help in achieving this, there is still time to get to our target of 200 by February 2008 !

During the month of November our Patron, Digger Essex-Clark was here from Australia and it was a great pleasure to meet him. We attended three functions and I am sure he won’t mind me copying his report to the Executive Council

The Launch of MASODJA

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

Attend the preliminary activity (opening) at the Field of Remembrance, Westminster Abbey, and visit by HRH the Duke of Edinburgh.

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

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

Attend the RAA Remembrance Day Service at the Field of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey at 10.30 am Sunday, 11th November.
This was a moving yet crisp service conducted by the once upon a time Bishop of Mashonaland, Robert Mercer, from which I walked back to the Novotel, Waterloo with Martyn Hudson, John Wynne-Hopkins and Pat Lawless (chairman of RAA) for the RAA Luncheon. I had been invited to be Guest of Honour and to give the Oration at the RAA Luncheon following the Remembrance Day Ceremonies at the Field of Remembrance at Westminster

The lunch was preceded by a few drinks at the pub bar then we sat down at our lunch tables for the Annual general Meeting of the RAA smartly conducted by Pat Lawless, Chairman and followed by my oration to the 122 packed into the lunch venue at the Novotel, Waterloo.

The major points to be established during my visit were:

A) To establish closer relationships with the Chairman/President UK Branch RLIRA. We first met at the Masodja Launch and then had many fruitful discussions at the visit to Hatfield House and the Remembrance Day Service and the following RAA Luncheon. Because the UK Branch RLIRA will have a major role to play in the health and longevity of the RLIRA and because it could be the most powerful bloc of our Association I also think of the UK Branch as the “ Chipembere Branch”

B) To find an appropriate home for the RLI Regimental Colours.

Martyn Hudson, Shaun Ryan, John Wynne-Hopkins (of RAA Museum Trust and our link with the British Empire and Commonwealth Museum (BECM) in Bristol and I visited Hatfield House for a tour of the home and of the estate of Lord and Lady Salisbury on Saturday, 10th November. They escorted us through the estate and house and there is no doubt in my mind that our Queen’s and Regimental Colours will be most appropriately displayed with dignity and respect in the chapel gallery at Hatfield House with the 1RAR Colours, both separated by a splendid 16th century stained glass window.The colours should be hermetically preserved and glass framed to improve their longevity I suggest too that the Post UDI President’s and Regimental Colours should be retained on their staffs wrapped and preserved correctly by the President UK Branch RLIRA or as directed by the RLIRA Exco for display on appropriate RLIRA/RAA occasions or special functions in the UK or overseas.

C) Relocating the Troopie Statue

We visited a site on the right or south bank of the river Lee on the estate, and selected a perfect site on a gentle and low spur on the edge of a young wood in front of an old knurled tree facing the river. It is an idyllic spot on the river bank that has a long sward of cut grass between the proposed statue site and the bulrushes by the river. The site can be approached by a vehicle track towards the river and Lord Salisbury has stated that he would allow groups to the site by vehicle if permission was requested. The site is rarely seen by other than a few fishermen that are allowed into the area. Lord Salisbury has agreed that only the words:

RHODESIA TO THOSE WHO SERVED

should be inscribed on the base of a narrow plinth. It was agreed that the statue and its site should exude a sense of dignity and allow quiet and undisturbed reflection and commemoration rather than that of celebration therefore it should not be monumental, but be displayed on a low plinth which would raise Troopie a little beyond the height of a very tall man. Lord and Lady Salisbury said that the site would be carefully tended and any tree growth removed that prevented Troopie being easily seen

D) Enable closer relations between RLIRA and RAA in the UK

Martyn Hudson met and established good liaisons with RAA principals, Pat Lawless and David Heppenstall and also Iain Harper and John Wynne-Hopkins of the RAA Museum trust. More needs to be done to forge links with the RAA and RLIRA UK But Martyn Hudson has this well in hand

E) Re –establish rapport with Lord Salisbury

This has been well established by Chris Pearce, Shaun Ryan and now Martyn Hudson

F) Further RLIRA Action

Branch Presidents are now members of the Executive Council i.e. Martyn Hudson UK, Hamish MacIntyre RSA, and Tony Young ,Australasia Shaun Ryan has become Legal Advisor of RLIRA, a non executive position on the Executive Council.

G) ASAP: to obtain the costs of : Repair of Troopie
The long-term preservation and mounting under framed glass of the RLI Queen’s and Regimental Colours. Liaise with Brig. Pat Lawless.
Site preparation and move Troopie from BECM to Hatfield House.
Erection of Troopie on site
The mounting of framed colours in the chapel Hatfield House

H) To organise a fundraising campaign to obtain money to pay for the costs needed for the above actions

Digger enjoyed his all too short visit to the UK and a very busy week indeed but has achieved all his RLIRA responsibilities and objectives with minimum fuss and the maximum enjoyment ! Thanks to all concerned.

NEW BOOK LAUNCHES :

The Kevin Woods Story

Masodja

This time Alex Binda had his moment of glory mentioned in the United Kingdom Parliament Hansard 16th October, 2007 Column744 with reference to the Saints book and the RLI Fireforce tactics

Steve Crump, London, will be agent for all these books and previous Rhodesian books and I will publish his address when his office is set up in Jan 2008

NEWS FORM OTHER BRANCHES

AUSTRALASIA: BRISBANE REUNION 24th - 25th April 2008 Anzac Day Only a few months preparation time left. This is open to all members, for any queries regarding Brisbane or the Reunion :

Contact : Marshall Ross myross@bigpond.com
Jack Lamont lamont4@digisurf.com.au
Full details available RLI web site

SOUTH AFRICA :

The new South African Branch was formed on 27th October, 2007 . 53 delegates gathered at the Fourways Garden Club House in Johannesburg.
The committee was elected as follows :

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

Best wishes was sent from Ian Douglas Smith and Chris Cocks read an address of support from our Patron Digger Essex-Clark

NEW ZEALAND :

We are now in contact with Rhodesian Services Association
CONTACT : Hugh Bomford email address hbomford@clear.net.nz
Previous news letters are available on the web http://www.rhodesianservices.org

At the beginning of November I wrote / emailed all the members with reference to our first Meeting on 9th February, 2008. and informing of a possible change of venue. Due to the increased membership I can confirm that we have had an overwhelming response with over 100 members, partners and guests wishing to come along. This has left no alternative but to change venues. PLEASE SEE SEPARATE PAGE ON THE REUNION DAY.I can assure you it is easier to get to and a good deal has been agreed with a local hotel.The costs are still £20.00 per person and I would be grateful if you could forward payment to me as you will understand there are a lot of up front costs that need to be covered. We are catering for 20 people who may not have replied for various reasons. Cheques should be payable to M.A. Hudson, with Xmas just around the corner a £10 .00 deposit will do.

As you would have read from Digger’s report there is a lot to do next year and we have had a picture donated by John Wynne-Hopkins of an RLI Fireforce scene, beautifully done and beautifully mounted. This will be auctioned in the evening with a reserve price.

There will be a Raffle with lots of wonderful prizes :
Colour TV, Digital camera,The Saints and Masodja Books donated by 30degreessouth,Lots of Booze !!! Rally Jackets, incar CD Player, Sweat shirts, Cuddly toy and lots of other prizes too many to mention If anyone would like to donate a prize all will be gratefully received!!
The tickets will be £ 1.00 each and in books of ten.

I would be grateful if you could sell as many tickets as possible to friends and family. Please order in multiples of 10 and include payment with Reunion/AGM Tickets.
If you are not coming to the Reunion / AGM perhaps you could try and sell some tickets for us , once again send your cheque payable to M.A. Hudson. I will guarantee that prizes will be sent postage free to all winners who do not attend.

Anyone wishing to purchase official RLI merchandise;
On sale will be :
Ties $29.99
Combat infantry badge to be arranged
Parachute Wings $7.00
Blazer badges $40.00

Anyone wishing to obtain berets, badges , medals and ribbons please see www.rhodesianservices.org All the merchandise mentioned will be available for sale on the day, 9th February,2008, and will be charged at the exchange rate paid to the Australasia branch for the goods. The decision has been taken that all memorabilia will be charged at the same rate worldwide. There will also be T shirts and Baseball caps with RLI insignia available.

CLOSER TIES WITH OTHER FORMER RHODESIAN ARMY ASSOCIATIONS

In the UK there are lots of Rhodesian forces associations. However, it is felt that our ties with the Rhodesian Army Association and the Rhodesian African Rifles should remain very close, they have been established for a long time and are willing to share their experience and banking facilities. The Remembrance Sunday ceremonies were well organised and a very special day, and it would be great to see more RLI folk there next year.

TASKS FOR 2008

1) AGM / Reunion Saturday, 9th February,2008 1.30 pm
2) Repair of the Troopie Statue and have a plinth made
3) Mount Troopie Statue at Hatfield House
4) Have the colours Framed in airtight glass cases and mounted in the Chapel, Hatfield House.
5) Organise Open Day and Dedication Service at Hatfield House

SPECIAL THANKYOU’S

1) Digger Essex-Clark on his visit and support for the UK Branch and his help.
2) Chris Cocks, 30degreessouth company for the donation of the two books for the Raffle
3) John Wynne- Hopkins the artist, and donation of the picture of RLI Fireforce
4) Iain Harper for help in tracking you all down!!
5) Tony Young , Australasia Branch for organising and acquiring the RLI merchandise.
6) Ed Potter ton for giving us our own Page on Rhodesian Forces.org off the RLI home page
7) Carparts Direct Ltd, my own company suppliers for all the Raffle prizes
8) Hugh Bomford in New Zealand for keeping us informed of events there and the invitation to the Prayer Meeting on the 25th January 2008

THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL

The three major Branch Chairman / President, Tony Young, Australasia, Hamish MacIntyre, RSA and myself for the UK Branch have been appointed permanent members of the Council.

OBITUARIES

It is with great sadness that we have to announce the following deaths.
Ted Wray 2cdo UK Funeral in London, 20th December.
John Bolton-Smith 3cdo ZIM
George Walsh QM UK
Colin Bruchhausen SP cdo RSA

Ian Douglas Smith
The man who defied the world, died in Cape Town November 20th 2007 at the age of 88
1919- 2007
RIP
All pictures of events mentioned in this news letter will be on display at the AGM /Reunion
There were far too many to be included in this letter and would cost a fortune in printer cartridges !.
Martyn Hudson
Chairman UK Branch
TEL : 01234 376712
MOBILE 07788788095
EMAIL : martyn.hudson2 @btinternet.com
Cornerview, 1, School Lane, Bolnhurst, Bedfordshire, MK44 2EN

REUNION / AGM AGENDA

SATURDAY, 9TH FEBRUARY, 2008

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

SANDY is easily accessible by road just off the A1 road at Sandy Roundabout. There is ample car parking behind the Conservative Club which is a 10minute walk from the station. Taxis are available and pick up can be arranged tel. mobile 07788788095 Martyn Hudson

By train Sandy is on the Kings Cross / St Neots/ Peterborough line

The Holiday Inn Garden Court Hotel have given us a discounted price for a double or twin room £52.00 for two people.Tel : 01767 692220 Contact June Melrose Director of Sales.

Please quote RLI Reunion when booking , payment required on booking to get discounted price. Breakfast £8.00 per person payable on booking. These prices are for Friday and Sunday nights also during that weekend.

UK Branch Newsletter - October 2007

expand

UK Branch Newsletter - August 2007

expand

Rhodesian Light Infantry Regimental
Association

UK Branch Newsletter

AUGUST 2007

To you all,

I would like to thank you all who have responded to my invitation to hold a Reunion and form a UK Branch of RLI Regimental Association. These have been both encouraging and creative!!

To date I have a mailing list of 80 Registered ex RLI members here in the UK and 22 of these definitely interested in the Reunion in February 2008. I shall send out monthly reminders to get an idea of the required numbers for catering!! Please spread the word as we can’t let Australia and South Africa steal a march on us !! This is not cricket!

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.

Shaun Ryan, is our representative on the Executive Committee, whose task is to look into the welfare of the Troopie Statue. This is broken just above the ankles and is housed with the Regimental Colours in the British Empire and Colonial Museum ( BECM) in Bristol. Shaun is a practising lawyer and well equipped to deal with the problems of who will pay and repair the statue on our behalf.

Simon McIlwaine has found and can recommend a supplier of embroidered RLI polo shirts, who seems fairly reasonable, their website and business page :http//www.lynelbys.co.uk/Aboutuspage.htm.
A few of you are asking regarding photographs of the Saints launch, please check the website www.therli.com
Also Chris Cocks publishing company, www.30degreessouth.co.za will be bringing out a DVD.

From Alex Binda,
Hi Guys, had to share to this one with you all. The "Saints" was written for ouens like Gerry and his family, his email makes it all worthwhile ! Cheers Alex.

Hi Alex,
Well done on an excellent book, long overdue. My son and I assemble a Rhodesia library, and to date have all the main “definitive “ books on the BSAP, the Scouts, SAS, Pride of Eagles, also the book Contact, a limited edition of Badcocks’s Shadows of War, Ian Smith’s Great Betrayal (signed) etc and many other books relating to the country of my birth. Your book is arguably the best in our growing collection, but my opinion would be very biased in that I am one of four brothers who all had a connection with the RLI

My oldest brother Adriaan joined the RLI as a boy soldier in1966 and is listed in your book as a recipient in 1975 of the Non-Operational MFC. He was initially with 1Cdo and I remember him telling us of his participation in Op Cauldron in1968, including the death of Tpr Thornley towards the end of that operation. In August 1978 he went on a Para course in Bloemfontein to get his wings, he ended up sergeant in MT and is now living in Lydenburg RSA, having left Zim 1984.

My second eldest brother, Daniel joined a few years later and was corporal in 2Cdo.He also spent some time in the RP. He loved the army, and had an excellent collection of photos from the border patrol days. A few of these photos had been taken by Scope magazine and included in one of their many articles on the Rhodesian war, he is pictured at the rear of a stick, carrying an MAG. Unfortunately all these photos were lost as he was tragically killed in 19999 in a hit and run car accident two months before we left Zim for the UK, and I don’t know what his estranged wife would have done with them-such an important and exciting part of our lives lost!

My third eldest brother, Jo’ did his national service with RLI in 1974/1975.Their training officer was the decorated WO Ed Fouche. Jo subsequently on RR call-up, was seriously wounded in a post contact sweep in Kandeya, Mt Darwin in 1977- his failed night time casevac from Karanda Mission is mentioned in Beryl Salt’s Pride of Eagles. He was eventually casevaced by road to Andrew Fleming, where the medical staff successfully patched up his severely perforated abdomen, compliments of a stick grenade.

Upon leaving school in 1974, I joined Intaf with the naïve view to making a career out of it, including government University sponsorship. This did mean that my that my National service training in1976 would be in-house, but I was not to know , until debussing at the Intaf training facility at Chikurubi, that our whole team of training officers were fresh from RLI, prior to their secondment to Guard Force. The team was headed by one Robin Tarr (ex RSM, RLI), Terry Wilde (ex WO, RLI ) and two ex RLI corporals, one being Paddy Gallacher, a ruthless, hard man who scared us shitless. Don’t let anyone say that Intake 4 (NS 150 ) had it easy !!

Ron Reid-Daly indicated in his book on the Scouts that he was looking at something similar on the RLI, so my son and I, in our surfing for Rhodesiana, have always been on the lookout for that RLI bible .Thank you for not only filling the gap, but also for doing so in such a professional manner- the memories keep flooding back.

Kind regards,

Gerry van Tonder, Derby, England

Any other news gratefully received or suggestions!!

My address :
Martyn Hudson
"Corner view"
School Lane
Bolnhurst
Bedfordshire
MK44 2EN

TEL : 01234 376712
Mobile: 07788788095

Cheers
Martyn

A | website terms | Privacy Policy

Bank: FNB Woodbridge | Account Name: Rhodesian Light Infantry Regimental Association. Account Type: Current | Account Number: 62240919756 | Branch Code: 205609 |
Bank Swift Code: FIRNZAJJ contact rakp@mweb.co.za for subs and financial issues

RLIRA News

European Branch News

Rhodesian Light Infantry Regimental Association UK Branch NewsletterOCTOBER 2007

YOUR PATRON’S IMPRESSIONS OF THE BRISBANE 2008 REUNION

Rhodesian Light Infantry RegimentalAssociation UK Branch Newsletter

Rhodesian Light Infantry RegimentalAssociation UK Branch Newsletter OCTOBER 2007

Rhodesian Light Infantry RegimentalAssociation UK Branch Newsletter AUGUST 2007

Rhodesian Light Infantry Regimental
Association

UK Branch Newsletter

OCTOBER 2007

Rhodesian Light Infantry Regimental
Association

UK Branch Newsletter

Rhodesian Light Infantry Regimental
Association

UK Branch Newsletter

OCTOBER 2007

Rhodesian Light Infantry Regimental
Association

UK Branch Newsletter

AUGUST 2007