Rhodesian Light Infantry - 'The Saints'

The authentic history of the Rhodesian Light Infantry from its origins as 'A' Company in 1960, to the lowering of the Regimental Colours in 1980. More details, DVD and book available from Msasa Enterprises at www.rhodesianvideos.co.za

[@msasauk]

I was not in the RLI, but worked with them at times. Minority rule is global - the UK is run by a priveleged few with little regard for the needs and wishes of the majority? I believe the 'minority' that ruled Rhodesia was better than the one that rules Zimbabwe today...

[@sass225]

I did not realize that the RLI were so young. 16 years old I learned to drive a car These brave lads were fighting for their lives against odds of 40 to 1 and winning. 1 of my uncles friends when to rhodesia in the 70s He died there. my uncle spent 4 years in nam figured he had fought his war. returned to being a farmer taking care of his parents till they passed away. He never married or had childen of his own. war changes a man

[@Jeweldee]

Thank you for this. Beloved land so many people died for.

[@gwhunter1986]

what a professional army!!!! If only they still existed.Id discharge from my Army and join them!!!

[@davidmercer7283]

A good regiment and they served their reputation as profession soldiers

[@msasauk]

'When the Saints Go Marching In' - the regimental march of 1 Batt RLI, is included on the CD 'A Tribute in Sound' - along with a number of other rare miltary marches, history and songs - available from Msasa Enterprises. See sample video clip at MsasaVideos channel.

[@duxberry1958]

rhodesia for ever

[@sass225]

In the 70s there was a black middle class growing in rhodesia. Its why so many Black Rhodesians fought so hard to preserve her. they wanted the public education for there own children. Ian Smith had in fact agreed to black majority rule as early as 75 he just wasn't going to give the country to terrorist who had been murrderering rhodesian citizens both black and white

[@msasauk]

thanks for clarifying mate - appreciated! There is not always the time to get around to this myself - and there are just so many who genuinely cannot be expected to know the details of the history! nrt

[@johannesjbotha3870]

The guys were young I did not serve with the RLI but my brother did. I served in other units and knew many guys in the RLI and other professional units such as SAS and Selous Scouts. We were all mostly young, teenagers, by the time you got into your 20s you were an ''old soldier', highly skilled bush fighters. As the video shows our 'normal' battle dress was tee shirts, shorts and takkies (running shoes or hockey boots). Some ops, mainly externals, called for more conventional dress.

[@jfunnyguy]

Hero's. Every last one of them. Semper FI you saints.

[@monsider]

No, its a Cessna 336/337, commonly called the Skymaster. It had two engines in a push/pull setup.

[@msasauk]

It is a rare collector's compilation of all the military music from the country and the period - certainly not free!

[@excommando1]

There are a lot of RLI photos on their various facebook pages.

[@msasauk]

The best childhood - AND adult life we could have wished for in this world - and one that has enabled most of us to contribute as remain decent human beings where ever we find ourselves today. nrt

[@mukewa0zw]

..brings back a-hell-la-va lot of memories! both good and bad! Still dream of them as if it was yesterday then realise how many years have passed since the last contact. Loved these days and will never regret them seeing what has happened to this wonderful country we all tried to protect and save from this evil that has such a grip on this once treasured country. I also remember the fallen family members and buddies & my heart weeps, making me understand what we stood for both black and white.

[@tprdfh51]

Further to the last segment 5:57 - 6:02 shows Selous Scout 2.5 armoured Unimog during Op Miracle mounted with twin .50 aircraft Browning machine guns each firing approx 1000rpm. When the gunner stopped firing all u could hear was the mt brass cartridge cases hitting the metal floor of the vehicle like a brass waterfall!

[@XMeK]

I remember watching t.v. news, and other news reports about the insurgency in Rhodesia. The happenings in my favorite African country were like watching a dramatic movie. I was enthralled. I was only 12 in 1979, and didn't understand anything about UDI or Ian Smith... but I knew, almost instinctively... the good guys lost.

[@msasauk]

I now some who would sincerely argue that, having served in both units!

[@rrrime]

Free Rhodesia!

[@davidmercer7283]

All governments are like that, We are only numbers in the military, but its good to see a page dedicated to the Saints

[@Jeweldee]

Thank you for this.

[@tprdfh51]

And mounted with 7.62 Browning MG's, SNEB rocket pods and a Golf Bomb it was a nasty little piece of kit!

[@duxberry1958]

RHODESIA FOR EVER

[@205gtist170]

My dad was in 5RR 'C' company, intake D4. These guys look hard as nails!

[@msasauk]

Thanks for the comment - the present 'destroyer' of what Rhodesia once was is presently trying desperately to retain control of 'his' Zimbabwe. Sadly, the Rhodesia that once was not only the 'jewel of Africa', but also a major jewel in the Commonwealth crown is not likely to exist in any more than selected history books!

[@DonnyBaker45]

200 AGL in shorts!!! I don't really know much about the cause but I you've gotta respect guys that are that badass.

[@tprdfh51]

If you mean some members of the Rhodesian Army were KIA then I guess you are sort of correct. The reality is Rhodesian Forces almost always were overwhelmingly victorious when they encountered the PF in the field. That is a statistical fact that not even the propagandists can discount. That is not to say the PF were incompetent - they could fight, especially towards the end of the war. Their war was a revolutionary battle conducted amongst/against the people of Zimbabwe avoiding the Army.

[@msasauk]

@1jilu you can view other videos and CD at the Msasa Enterprises website - other stuff you will need to search through the rhodie lists and links yourself.

[@tprdfh51]

FYI - the last few moements of this tape are from Op Miracle Sep/Oct/79. 5:17 shows RhArty firing from Madison Square; 5:31 shows RLI Spt Trp mortar trucks firing on Monte Cassino from the admin posi inside the terr camp; 5:35 - 6:02 showing Hunter jets pounding Monte Cassino with cannon and bombs (probably during the time Maj Winkler and Spt Trp RhACR were ambushed and pinned down while attacking Cassino from the bottom up. Oh what a time it was! (from one who was there)

[@msasauk]

@MrSqueegie The dates referring to the video clip and the period covered are in the description above?

[@gdb777]

Brings back some memories of support Commando ;)

[@msasauk]

The RLI were originally formed as an all white unit to do specific duties at the time of the Congo crisis in the early 60s. By the end of the bush war there were far more 'black' faces in the SF than white - go do your homework! nrt

[@goodshipkaraboudjan]

My dad flew a RAAF C-130 in the Bush War. Reckons they should have never left, looking at the place I can see why.

[@suryavajra]

crusemate, you're right that the RLI was an all white unit. But they worked very closely with the RAR (Rhodesian African Rifles) which was a majority Black unit and the men of both units developed very close bonds with one another. RLI and RAR would more often than not operate on the same missions as well!! Also the very elite Selous Scouts had both Blacks and Whites serving together.

[@excommando1]

msasauk- Thanks for responding, China.

[@msasauk]

piets, me old son... The man said his AIM was to get the wounded out of the area within 7 minutes? A nice idea - and very honourable as an OC... Perhaps you were one of those less fortunate souls who had to wait a little longer :-)

[@wogmait]

my grandfather fought alongside these fine, brave men

[@GrayFoxROU]

I want that march! Where can I find it? Thanks!

[@msasauk]

@excommando1 There were (as far as we could find out) 3 or 4 films made from the PF side - some training in Tanzania or Mozambique - possibly also Russia - hard to recall now. We tried to get access permission to include this content in our movies, but the support was never forthcoming at the time - a pity, as there are two sides to any conflict.

[@msasauk]

An interesting question - the wheel does eventually turn, and along with it perhaps the hearts and minds of civilised men too!

[@msasauk]

@RhodesianBok Not really the forum / platform to discus studs bok?

[@duxberry1958]

l lived in RHODESIA has a child very fond memeris , going fishing in mazoe standing next cecil rhodes grave standing on karbie dam ,just a beautful county

[@excommando1]

Byunzawabaya- I'd be very interested to see any videos posted which are from the ZIPRA and ZANLA side of the war. Are there any that you know of?

[@msasauk]

We know the technical standards we adhere to for our products AND we know the source of the material. You apparently have not visited the Msasa website at rhodesianvideos dotcodotza? On it you will find comments from satisfied customers and institutions over the years. The steady stream of customers we have supplied following poor MofR purchase experiences should reassure you which purchase to make!

[@msasauk]

They were a part of the process at the time, but were not alone... the 'bigger picture' becomes a lot more sinister when one starts to dig a little deeper and wider on the global stage!

[@tprdfh51]

@msasauk I think he may be referring to the Commonwealth Ceasefire Monitoring Force aircraft - Canada and Australia both contributed C-130's during the ceasefire and election period in 1980.

[@msasauk]

Same surname - different soldier! (2nd Lt. John Dixon eventually rose to Captain in the RLI - not the famous GL Dixon you are thinking of.) NT

[@m16a1rifle]

Some of the finest soldiers

[@MrSqueegie]

How long ago was this?

[@goodshipkaraboudjan]

@msasauk You didn't! Haha, The Royal New Zealand Air Force and Royal Australian Air Force both had one each based in SA flying in supplies for the Rhodesian forces and humanitarian aid, often under fire. I think he was there for about a year, must have been about 78 or 79

[@brandaoz]

Very similar to the Portuguese in Mozambique...the uniforms,helicopters etc...Portugues and Rhodesian forces acted together against Frelimo in the Tete region.

[@msasauk]

Question: A little like Mugabe has been doing to the self-same indigenous African people for the last couple of decades? That is, after being handed a thriving and vibrant economy that fed and supported much of the sub-continent around it? (And this at the cost of the very same 'old glory' soldiers OF ALL RACES who fought to protect and defend the land they built...) Thinker, think again?

[@msasauk]

I did my time in the north east, yes - all history now.

[@msasauk]

We know the technical standards we adhere to for our products. I suggest you purchase a 'common title' from M of R and Msasa and make up your own mind?

[@Banastre61]

Rhodesian Security Forces - simply the best.

[@superduperdug]

may the spirits of the fallen rise and never be forgotten as long as those traitors in "zimbabwe" walk the earth.

[@msasauk]

@Bvunzawabaya ...your memories are pretty good bvunza - food, education, health care, good water / electricity and the mechanics in place in 1961 to grow responsible local blacks into the system. The sudden rush brought on by your 10 year old arm carrying a gun has resulted in a different kind of happiness and freedom - where there will ALWAYS be those driven by greed who ignore the needs of the people - they will ALWAYS be MORE EQUAL than others - despite the common colour if their skins...

[@gameking50P]

What was it like?

[@msasauk]

There is a Gerry Doyle - not sure if he is an Aussie - believe somewhere in the UK? nrt

[@msasauk]

@gnarkillkicksass I didn't know we had C-130s!

[@RosoMC]

Okay, there's no need to be rude about it. I have no personal grudge against Rhodesia/Zimbabwe, I simply asked a question. I wish I could read more about it, but there are hardly any books concerning Bush War in Poland, and as a university student I don't hold internet in very high regard. Besides, it's all history now - no need to get worked up about it.

[@msasauk]

Your point is noted and you are entitled to your opinion. I believe 'your people' were subject to one form of slavery or another since the dawn of time? The period in question did bring about a better life for the majority of the peoples in the country - and the system was actively working towards change from the early 60s - that is until 'your people' chose the armed struggle path - assisted by foreign nations with no connection to the region at all - just their eyes on wealth - not people...

[@msasauk]

Freedom today to CHOOSE your oppressor - its much the same in the UK!

[@stephaniebrugel]

Iwas born in matabeleland.Ian Smith forever.

[@msasauk]

@logprome2 Not so... it was money that won in the end, not men and arms. nrt

[@tprdfh51]

Please name one explorer/conquerer who has not been motivated by the most basest of human behaviors/charachter?

[@tprdfh51]

Hey - are you Mike McD's daughter?

[@Dziki202]

@msasauk the reason why um proud to be Zimbabwean is that i got a taste of freedom and um sorry for my fellow countryman who ddn't. get a chance to do so...My country may be poor but atleast we are free...i don't see the reason why one would prefer to be in a rich country where he or she is oppressed.. all the africans ever wanted was equality, but no the whiteman had to deny them that. All things come to an end, um sure the Rhodesians know that now.....Mugabe will realize that also.

[@thunderflash82]

Wow, the Rhodesian army dress uniform is identical to the current Canadian army dress uniform.

[@xekul]

much respect for these brave men and all those who fought for rhodesia. its a shame that my country (USA) and all the west basically condemned rhodesia with the sanctions and all that. now we have mugabe and zimbabwe and look at the mess it is.

[@msasauk]

@Dziki202 ...and as a young person (born into a 'free country') you are right to feel that way. I just question that freedom - all you have these days is a black ruled nation of mostly decent (but now MUCH poorer people) suffering under an even worse oppressor - but so long as they are the same colour, this is ok! Sorry mate... I do not follow your reasoning - especially as the country was already growing and developing towards a new order in 1961- to be derailed by the greed of the nationalists

[@freebeerfordworkers]

Apart from the religious wars of the 17th century Europe's wars were small affairs. The 18th century the historian Gibbon described them as moderate and indecisive contests. No European "royal" could afford a large army nor did they need them. They fought for local advantage not to put each other out of a job and had to pay for everything at market rates. It was the French Revolutionaries who realized you could pay men in the one thing they had in plenty - ideas. Then it got really nasty.

[@biggrigga]

Convince me on why your product is superior to Memories of Rhodesia. thanks

[@Mikemcc001]

Such a shame that so much effort and loss of life went into trying to keep the country only to lose it to irrational politics,my dad served with 3 commando and I got to see first hand what effects the war had on the soldiers.

[@tcsabu]

Just as an aside...I served in 12 Troop 3Cdo, 77-80 these so-called "modern military" types could learn a lesson from our accomplishments....a number of senior officers in US Marines referred to us at the time as the "Killing Machine" Given American and Canadian casualities in Afghanistan and Iraq, who was right? We slew everybody in the zone...let the angels sort them out. I think perhaps a few of you people should actually go to war before you comment.

[@GrayFoxROU]

Oh, thanks! It`s free, right?

[@msasauk]

A bit like the settlers set out to achieve after mooring the Mayflower a while back? Or another bunch of more modern day yahoos are busy doing in the Middle East - and this in the name of (oily) freedom? Just a couple thoughts... this is not a forum for continued (lengthy) debate / discussion... really only space for short comments. Please use your own comms if you wish to get more involved in any aspect of the history - thank you.

[@msasauk]

@Bvunzawabaya This channel does not glorify or rekindle 'old bones' - it simply serves to document a period that history (especially British) has forgotten... all people have the fundamental right to self destruction - any man would rather govern himself badly than be governed by someone else. Does this make for a 'just life' for the people whose liberation was so bravely fought for by the heroes you praise - and who are now depriving them of basic human rights and dignity? One more strike...

[@biggrigga]

You are unable to have an opinion on a competitor product? I asked this question because I didn't want to buy products from both services, heh...ala monis is of tight.

[@B1N4RYGH0ST]

Hi meth, Awesome Comment.

[@msasauk]

@MrZingy ... all people have the fundamental right to self destruction - any man would rather govern himself badly than be governed by someone else. Does this make for a 'just life' for the people whose liberation was so bravely fought for by the heroes you praise - and who are now depriving them of basic human rights and dignity?

[@excommando1]

@Bvunzawabaya It's hard to believe you were among Mugabe's fighters. Bob has reduced the life expectancy in Zimbabwe to, what, 40 years.

[@Dziki202]

@KFTXBU hahaha i wonder what the 80% was fighting for...and where are they now?

[@msasauk]

The videos on the channel are short samples only - even so, your powers of observation do not justify your comment. There were actually more black soldiers fighting for their country in the end than we whites - do your homework... better still, buy the videos and learn a little more about them perhaps? nrt

[@sonofrattler]

I'm looking for anyone who may have known Chris Breedt. He was a helicopter pilot in the Rhodesian Air Force who came to the US after Rhodesia was lost. Thanks for posting the video, this history must never be forgotten. Look at the shit-hole Rhodesia has become under Mugabe. What a waste... All my best to all you Rhodesians. Sorry the US pulled the plug on you.

[@msasauk]

The short 'freedom' comment was meant to be tongue in cheek? I agree... there is very little true freedom anywhere in the 'free' world today.

[@msasauk]

Sadly, history and the world's leaders did not see fit to hold the same sentiment! They were the best - and the worst of times... that's just life I guess? nrt

[@methuselus]

Selective history may show exactly what your sentiments would want them to show. Chronological history, however, shows that the most wars have been waged not by Africans, but by Europe, Middle East, Americas et al. In the great cauldron of blood spilled in war, Africa is but a drop compared to the Mongols, Alexander, Napoleon, Hitler, Pol Pot, Rome, the royals in England ... I could go on ad infinitum - but you don't want facts, you want sanctimonious 'cling ons' to make yourself feel good

[@msasauk]

@Bvunzawabaya ...aye, and it seems that you do not stay in the country that you so prize so dearly and fought so hard for (at the age of 10) - I wonder why this is?? Perhaps my madness is a better place to live in than what the poor souls left in Zimbabwe can perhaps see when they cower at the shiny boots of their cherished leader!! My turn to laugh - thanks for the visit...

[@msasauk]

Interesting comment... at least if you were with the FFL you would still have a job! nrt

[@msasauk]

@Dziki202 Probably still trying to survive in what remains of the country that you are so proud to have been born in - AND no longer live in! (And you have the cheek to laugh about it...)

[@gameking50P]

I definitely agree with you that Smith was FAR better than Mugabe. Did you fight in the Bush war?

[@excommando1]

@owatadikiam RLI couldn't have fought Nazis; the unit wasn't formed until 1961.

[@gameking50P]

Hello, how are you. Im a black guy from the UK. Most people here unfortunate;y see you as a group of race mad neo-nazis i on the otherhand believe that although minority-rule is wrong respect the courage and conviction with which by many of you fought with. so you fought in the RLI?

[@msasauk]

@logprome2 Leaving it all a bit late for global domination aren't you? (I thought that France was part of the Western world...) You are correct - no man has the right to be superior to another until such time as he has proved himself to be so... history has shown today's 'superior' leadership to be VERY far from this! nrt

[@davidmercer7283]

The 60's and the 70's then the humanitarian Mugabe took over and it flourished into the Utopia that is Zimbabwe

[@ThreePuttBogeys88]

I'm proud to be born in Zim and not rhodesia. I'd rather be born with freedom to make my own mistakes than to be shackled by oppression and inferiority. ZIMBO4LIFE

[@sass225]

Sarcasim I should realized that went to college with some brits from liverpool who played soccer in athens when I was there. Governments are composed of men as such they are faliable instatutions they made mistakes. I Gave 8 years of my life to the US Gov the last 4 I was OIC of a Security detail protecting US gov facilities we dealt with Ieds Id still be doing that except I went over my bosses head and tried to get reaplacement comms for my men.

[@MrSqueegie]

Zimbabwe??? Seriously?