Vale
 Josh McGrath
Sad new's. Trp Josh McGrath 14 Troop, 3 Commando, 1977-79 died on 7th Feb 2008 after a long illness. He leaves behind a son and daughter. Josh & Danielle. If you knew Josh or served in the Rhodesian forces and would like to leave a message for Josh and Danielle please go to www.solimine.com select obituaries click on Josh McGrath you can then read the obituary written by his family and see a recent picture of him. Click on his guestbook and leave your message. Josh lived up to his own high moral standards all through his life.

I was lucky enough to go over to his house on 3 or 4 occasions just before his illness. He met me at Swampscot station the first time in over 25 years his first words were "Hey Elvis" (my hair before the barber of Cranbourne got hold of me) "you can cut that Limey hand shaking sh*t out and give me a hug man" We got to his house about 3pm and sat at his kitchen table just drinking beers,talking and reliving Rhodesia untill well into the next morning, it was just like 2 brother's meeting again his house was my house just like that.

Josh was a great man respected by all who knew him (so long as you did not have an AK47 in your hand's) I salute you Josh Your friend and ex-troopie Jim
 Josh McGrath
Dear Chaps,

Below you will find a most recent picture of Josh McGrath and James Eagle. The picture was taken by a relatively recent visit by James Eagle to the states. The picture clearly demonstrates the special bond that RLI men share. I have little doubt that this was probably one of the greatest days for both josh, and James in recent years.

Just thought that you fine men of the RLI, could appreciate the bond that these two saints share/shared.

According to josh and James these two sat at the kitchen table and talked from one day into the next. Family members and neighbors came and went, the hours flew by and seemed like minutes but nothing could keep these two from enjoying each others company. No one will ever realize the bond that these two shared unless of course you're a Rhodesian light infantry man yourself.

A celebration of his life is taken place at this moment so hoist a beer and bid farewell to josh. For those of you who don't indulge in alcoholic beverages raise a cup of tea and bid a Saint farewell.

Cheers,

Rich Byrne
rich@ontrackactivewear.com


Josh McGrath and James Eagle.
 Colin Bruchhausen

Colin Bruchhausen RIP
 Joe Byrne
This was posted by Rich Byrne, nephew of Joe Byrne, an American KIA in 1978.

Another Saint that was in Joe's stick that fateful day has died. Josh McGrath. I was fortunate enough to speak with Josh on my birthday October 17th (The same as the anniversary of the RLI, marching off into history). He told me of the details surrounding the contact the day Sgt Paul Abbot's Stick was ambushed. We were to get together to go into greater details when he felt better but I knew that day would never come. I am sure my Uncle Joe, and the other fine Saints were waiting to welcome Josh home.

Only four members of Sgt Paul Abbot's stick of eight now grace this earth! Abbott, Pilbeam, Holmes, and Malan.

Josh, died last Thursday 7th Feb and will be laid to rest this Thursday 14th Feb 2008.

All the best, from a guy who realizes the contributions the Rhodesian security forces made in fighting communism.

Rich Byrne

 Ronnie PERVERSOV
Ronnie PERVERSOV, canadian nationality, he was in Canadian Army, moved to Rhodesian Army, Support Commando 1978-80 as a "Genie du Combat" in the call sign 83A. After he was in the French Foreign Legion for 10 years. After the Légion he went to Burma, before joining the Croatian Army in 1991 to 1995. Ronnie was killed in Hercegovine in 1995. His best friend ERICH remembers Ronnie as a very nice man and very very good figther brave and courageous.
Erich
 
 George Walsh
GEORGE WALSH’S FAREWELL
Bearsted, Kent
12th December 2007

Grateful thanks to Vic Walker for sending us this account of George Walsh's Cremation service.
Hi All

Mary and I attended George Walsh's Cremation at Bearsted, Kent just outside Maidstone this morning. The service, which was simple but moving, was conducted by the Reverend van Straaten (was a teacher at Michaelhouse, Natal). Other ex-Rhodesian Army members who attended were Dave Heppenstall, Mike Shute, Jimmy Ley and his wife Jane, Jock Hutton and his wife Doreen. The eulogy, which was given by Dave Heppenstall, was quite outstanding and covered George's life in the Irish Guards, the Federal Army, and the Rhodesian Army (including the short time he spent in the Zimbabwe National Army) from which he retired with the rank of Lt Col.

After the service all present attended a short wake in the Royal British Legion Village where Merle has a flat.
Merle was accompanied by one of her daughters, Margaret (the second daughter, Sandra, is in Zimbabwe and could not make it). George and Merle's son, Alan, was able to fly in from Malawi, but has to return fairly soon. At this time Merle is holding up very well and all of the family's friends are asked to remember them in their prayers during this traumatic time, and particularly over the Christmas period.

Regards
Vic
 
 Al Strachan
Charlie Greenwood (1 Cdo & medic) in a car accident. My sincere condolences go out to his loved ones.

Nicholas Skipworth-Michell
 
 Rod Ellison, 1947 - 2007
It is my very sad duty to report that on Tuesday 11th December in Wagga-Wagga (NSW), RLIRA Australasia Branch member Rod Ellison suffered a massive heart attack, and without regaining consciousness, slipped away early this morning (Saturday 15/12/2007) to join the band of our other “fallen” Saints.

Our deepest sympathy goes to Rod’s wife Jayne, and their adult children, Lorien & Kyle

Being a born & bred Aussie, Rod was one of RLI’s “Foreigners” who, believing Rhodesia was being unjustly dealt with by the majority of the world, went to Rhodesia to aid in a “just cause”.

Rod had distinguished service with RLI, having seen the majority of his service in 1 Commando where his outstanding combat leadership abilities were such that he steadily rose through the ranks and ultimately, became a commissioned officer. In the closing days of 1980, Rod was appointed OC of Support Commando.
As the ranking member present, earlier this year Rod led the RLI Contingent in it’s proud march through the streets of Sydney at the Branch’s inaugural Anzac Day reunion.

I had the opportunity of talking at length to Rod a number of occasions after the 2007 reunion during which, Rod strongly expressed how proud he felt that (via the reunions) the memory of what RLI once was, and what the unit achieved, was not simply being allowed to fade away into oblivion and thus, was planning to attend the Brisbane 2008 Anzac Day gathering.

I will miss you Rod, you were a good soldier and friend - Humbala Garshly old son.
Rod’s funeral will be held in Wagga Wagga at a time & date yet to be set, but, probably early next week - further information will be emailed as details come to hand.
For those RLI who may be able to attend Rod's funeral, Jacket/Tie and RLI Beret would be appropriate wear.

Regards,

Tony Young

They shall not grow old, as we that are left grow old,
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn,
At the going down of the sun, and in the morning,
We will remember them.

 
 Corporal Charly Greenwood
To all those who served with Corporal Charly Greenwood of One Commando - 1977 to 1980. I don't know if you have received the bad news but if not, I am sorry to be the one to let you know that Charly Greenwood was killed in a motor car accident on the morning of 15th December 2007. I don't have too much detail but it appears that he fell asleep at the wheel on Harare Drive, not far from his home. He was on his own and no other car was involved. I’m really sorry and here’s to a really good buddy.

Regards, Alan Strachan
 
 
 Cliff van Rensburg
Cliff van Rensburg  
Cpl Batty N, C Company number one Training Unit then 1 R.L.I
Tpr Lorne Knox3 commando - 2006
Tony Pugh Roberts
Ian Gillespie (Giles) 12 Tp, 3 Cdo. 1977/78
 
Colin Bruchhausen
It is with deep sadness that we have learned of the passing of Colin Bruchhausen, in Alberton on Sunday 25 November 2007. A South African, Colin joined Support Commando in 1976 before transferring to 14 Troop 3 Commando in 1977 where he served until 1979. He died of a heart attack induced by a lung disease that he’d contracted in his work.

He met and married his wife in Salisbury when he was 17, and was still happily married when he died. He will be remembered as an MAG gunner par excellence and equally for his gentle, laid-back humour. RIP china.


Chris Cocks
30° South Publishers
tel (+27) 011-673 2218
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