My first Platoon Sergeant in the US Army's Ranger Regiment was a veteran of the RLI. He had served three years in the unit. He was a consummate professional and we learned loads from him. The man was steady as a rock, never bragged or told war stories unless it was to emphasize a point. He was well read and a student of history, and ... he had ice water running through his veins. He had that same front page of a newspaper in frame in his home, the one on the raid into Mozambique. I recall a radio transmission during the invasion of Panama that went like this "We have five enemy moving to our front, over" and the reply from him was three words "Kill them, out." The next thing you heard was the roar of a M249 and three M4 carbines getting there job done. He retired as a Command Sergeant Major, a great soldier and one of the men who shaped the modern American Ranger Regiment. Thank you and all of the men of the Rhodesian Light Infantry.

@nicolasdennis1792

3 жыл бұрын

Pungwe

@clone176

3 жыл бұрын

I know who you speak of, now hidden...

@yoopermann7942

3 жыл бұрын

i think i knew him but danged if i can place a name to him, in my time of US ARMY service i met many from the PROUD RLI !!

@piccaninkaffir6073

3 жыл бұрын

A few years ago,on the phone,i was chatting to this American guy who was setting up call centres,and he remarked on my accent.When I said Rhodesian,he said he had been a U.S. Ranger and that the coveted paratroopers wings were Rhodesian,not Israeli,British SAS which i found interesting.

@robertsoucy9725

3 жыл бұрын

Boomer,you must be talking about CSM Mike Kelso. My Best bud growing up was in 13 Troop, 3 CDO which had a lot of foreign troopers!

I was born and raised in Rhodesia, my dad and brother both served in the forces, my children were born there and have grown up in the UK not knowing the land of their birth, I still have pride in my country, God bless us all 🙏

My claim to fame - at 7.22 the fresh looking kid on the right. 19 going on 30. Looking back on my life the best thing I did was volunteer for RLI during my National Service. Served with 3 Troop, 1 Commando. Respect to all veterans from whichever country who served.

@richardhead3211

Жыл бұрын

nothing at 7 22

There will never be anything like them again! The Incredibles.

@rafaels.5503

4 ай бұрын

There will be a time, not so far from now, when Men and women of value will have to do it again. Lets not forget them. So we can draw inspiration from them.

Thank you RLI. You will never be forgotten. You inspired me to fight communism by joining the US Army. I met some of your Rhodesian Army exiles serving with me. Great soldiers!

@useryggfdcc

3 жыл бұрын

Interesting times, I served 12 years in the South Africa airforce but today I will rather serve in the Russian military then the traitor nations of the West.

@carolinus7566

2 жыл бұрын

"Holy Russia" ain't the Russ govt today or society. They play a role of 'conservative' but theyre fully WCC & WEF run (that's church & state there). Fully on board w the technocracy - CV. I say this as western Orthodox. If you want to help Southern Africa, or Russia or the west read them akathists and ask the God & the saints esp Passionbearers Nicholas, Alexandra, Olga, Tatiana, Anastasia, & Alexei & st vladika(father) John Maximovitch of Shanghai & San Francisco. He was very partial to western Orthodoxy. And in addition just continue w/faith "hora et labora" prayer & work. God has plans for the nations in Africa yet I firmly believe.

These guys are born soldiers! I believe my country (Britain) let these people down big time.

@merledoughty5787

3 жыл бұрын

Yes all the behind the scene I often wonder if any of these people are still alive to say we cocked this up all because of politics and said they were sorry, not one I understand bloody snakes in the grass, read some of the books written by these brave sodiers doing their best to keep the place they loved out of the hands of the Marxist powere and still they are there in Africa today, as for getting Mugabe in what a joke he became nothing more than jsut another African dictator like Amin

@itslogical8459

2 жыл бұрын

@@merledoughty5787 Biden is another dirty scoundrel against Rhodies and the boys down South. Check where the dithering old geriatric is today, cocking up big time. Should have got the proverbial third eye in the '60's

My mates were all in 2nd commando. Rhodesia was the best country I ever lived in. So sad to see it go the way it has.

@redskyatnight123

3 жыл бұрын

Unfortunately the west is now letting itself go

@lordacefrost956

2 жыл бұрын

its a shame i fear the same will happen to the south...well lets be honest pretty much the whole Africa

At 2:58 'The faces of boys, yet they fought like Lions' The RAR said that.

I cannot believe we are are all old now. We seemed invincible back then. I think time has proven us right. That which fought for and against unfolded before our very eyes and in our lifetime. History has proven us correct. I salute you all.

@fightingmenofrhodesia

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

“What a time it was” RIP to all the brave men who fought and died for Rhodesia. You’re still in our prayers

It make my heart cry to see these brave men stand up against all odds against tyranny..

I had forgotten just how young most of them were. Respect

An amazing visual tribute to one of the greatest counterinsurgency forces the world has ever seen. The Rhodesian Light Infantry. Salute & Respect.

@fightingmenofrhodesia

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

I'm Ex 1RAR (Royal Australian Regt) Inf and my Mentor, who I most respectfully called Uncle, was a former Special branch liaison to the Selous Scouts. He taught me what to expect and how to conduct myself on Operations as well as how to deal with the return to Civvie life post conflict. He was one of the greatest men I ever had the honor of calling a friend. You will all have a place in my heart forever and I send you all a Prayer every ANZAC day. I feel the RLI are kindred spirits with the RAR as our tactics, attitude and professionalism are virtually the same. Much respect to all Bush war Veterans. Long live the spirit of Rhodesia!

@TheTigerOC

3 жыл бұрын

In the Rhodesian sense the RAR was the Rhodesian African Rifles (formerly Kings African Rifles) who formed the backbone of the standing army. 75% of the standing army was the RAR. They saw service in WW2 in Burma and later in Malaya with British forces. Most were soldiers for generations. They were housed in military bases along with their families and didn't really have a home outside the army. When Mugabe came to power they fled and many were fingered as "sell outs" and murdered by Mugabe. In 1979 we had an insurrection from a group of 1500 Pfumo Revanu (poiltical army) in our area. The military liaison officer there was one of the first African officers in the army. When the insurrection occurred 12 Aerospatiale Allouettes of Fire Force were in the air to sort them out. This group fired on elements of Rhodesian Artillery there killing an officer and wounding 3 others. Fire Force deployed (48 men) and killed plenty and the rest surrendered in a fire fight lasting 20 minutes. Later that day the African officer came into our hospital having broken his arm. I was chatting to him and he said to me he would give up his commission to become a troopie in the RLI Fire Force.

Bloody legends all! May our heavenly father bless you all, Dave PROUDLY RECLAIMING MY COLONIAL HERITAGE

Folks, Russell Phillips, the guy leaning against the tree with his FN, has sadly passed away last week. RIP

@fightingmenofrhodesia

3 жыл бұрын

One of the few recipients of the silver cross. RIP

I am proud to say that my dad was in the RLI, and is still alive, his name is Johnny van der Schyff.

Rhodesians Never Die, as long as men remember the courage and sprite of these men

@marcelluswhyte2291

Жыл бұрын

Brave heroic words but all said and done. The writing was on the wall . War is a numbers game . How can 5 % fight and win against 95 % . Its doesn't matter how great the quality and how brave your soldiers are. A German officer fighting on the eastern front. Said "we are like the elephant fighting against ants , we can kill thousands and thousands eventually the ants will eat us a live. They could have negotiate a way to share power, but instead choice war and lost . Thousands of blacks and whites lost their life's for nought. Mr Smith was like king Canute trying his best too stop the tide from coming a shore .Mr Smith could never have won only delay the evable.

That took me back to the last 4 months before mugabe was voted in. I was in 6 South Africa infantry in the gonrezou game reserve fighting incognito

@richardking6066

3 жыл бұрын

I remember I once landed at Mabalauta airstrip to find guys in Rhodesian camo, but speaking fluent Afrikaans....!!

@hungwematapatira8705

3 жыл бұрын

Gonarezhou** - Elephant’s habitat

Greetings from C Sqn. A lot of water has passed under the bridge.

Incredible soldiers and a fine Army. The fact that such a minority held the communists back for so long is testament to the courage and brilliance of these men.

More tears and memories here.Many RLI in UK have met some.Great team of soldiers.Be Blessed all.

Thank you for video,top notch troops, deep respect from America.

@fightingmenofrhodesia

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Joseph

I have loved that Rhodie cammo pattern since I first saw it in the 80's in Soldier of Fortune Magazine.

@useryggfdcc

3 жыл бұрын

I remember reading the Soldier of Fortune mag, wonder if it still being published?

@patkav7067

3 жыл бұрын

Yeah and the stories on combat and survival mag, about the RLI and Scouts. Inspired me to Join the Army, Absolute Warriors. Rhodesia Lions ✝️💪🇮🇪🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

@mh53j

3 жыл бұрын

@@useryggfdcc magazine stopped several years back, went to online format only. Don't know if it's still going or not. Still have my copies from late 70s-early 90s.

These men were tougher than woodpecker lips! I didn't go into the brush with skivies on! (A little cold in the Afghan mountains!

Sadly,back then I was too young to be there.I¨m still missin¨it.Incredible warriors.

At 4.48 I saw Bill Metcalf , I served with him in 3 Para . Both of us were wounded in the Falklands War.

@fightingmenofrhodesia

3 жыл бұрын

Respect!

Beautiful COUNTRY..and good men what more could one ask for..besides GODS BLESSING TO ALL

Respect , somewhere reminds me when I was in French foreign legion back in 1985 , I’m 55 now but I have never ever forget the discipline.

An ex RLI turns up at our Remembrance Day parade in Inverness, top man well worth buying him a beer and having a chat.

I just wanted to Thank you personally for putting up this video. “ Three Sips of Gyn “ , is a book recommended by a former SEAL , Jack Carr. What happened to your country is criminal. So little is known now As its Not politially correct etc. You were all so Young , thin and truly Expert light Infantry. Semper Fidelis , Mike

@fightingmenofrhodesia

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Mike! Respect to the Marines..

Superior in every aspect! Respect from Austria!

Thank you men of the RLI = Our first defence = We will never forget you 👊

Never to be forgotten...

Brings tears to my eyes, those incredible young men. Thank you John

Brave men. Salute.

You did us so proud boys. God bless and good rest to those of you that have already been summoned to the big mess in the sky.

So young so many of them but really nice young men. A credit to their parents. It was my privilege to serve with them but in a different mob.

The Incredibles.

That's a very good rendition of "Abide with me" - the brass band always gets me...

This was the true “Spirit of Rhodesia”, a small Nation bravely fighting against the outside World! I was lucky enough to spend some time in Salisbury, in the 70s, and could see - by myself - how deeply proud Rhodesians were concerning their many achievements. As time went by, though, the once prosperous Nation happened to be captured by "The Lancaster-House Agreements", and it meant the 1st step down the hill… RIP, Rhodesia!

To all the RLI guy's i knew,then and now my sincere thanks and gratitude.Thank God for the RLI.Salute to you all.

@fightingmenofrhodesia

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you 🙏🏼

Every Rhodesian was either a farmer or a soldier or both!

you can not tell me that you dont miss those days

Our Heroes we never forget. From me 10th Battalion Rhodesia Regiment. .

Thank you my friend some great photographs they nearly got me crying.I'm a British person who understands hello I can't be let you down big time by not giving you more support to have a great Rhodesia which would've helped the black people not for them to be in a quagmire they are today.respect my friend

Such an amazing video. I will never forget my time with RLI. What a great experience.

@godfroi10991

4 жыл бұрын

Respect Brother, from a former Aussie Grunt.

@robertsoucy9725

4 жыл бұрын

Who served in RLI 3 CDO with Charlie Warren? 78-79

@edmundfletcher3483

4 жыл бұрын

Hello sir You served in the Rhodesian army ?

@max4750

4 жыл бұрын

If you served please consider writing and self-publishing your experiences! I'm a 3rd-year history student and the number of primary resources (aka sources that historians need to write on Rhodesia) is low! The history of Rhodesia and the experiences you found die with men like you. As does the history. If Historians are ever to set the record straight. We need your stories! Thanks for reading.

@fightingmenofrhodesia

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks John!

There will never be anyone like this ever again.......there couldn't be!!!

Thanks for the video. Respects. 🇬🇧

@fightingmenofrhodesia

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Nick

Proud soldiers love of country..... may the Rhodesian legacy live forever

My respects. You fought a good fight. Long live all veterans out there.

Our Sergeant at Llewellyn was from the RLI, a great guy and dead serious about training us for the war in the bush. This video was well produced and brought a lump to the throat. Unfortunately when on patrol few of us carried a camera so these pictures are a great reminder of those days. Well done.

Lord do I remember trying for that glass shine on our stick boots at Llewellyn

@terrynaude284

3 жыл бұрын

Kiwi did the trick with wet cotton wool.

So Moving. Best wishes to to these Brave lads, from the UK.

@fightingmenofrhodesia

3 жыл бұрын

Much appreciated!

@stephensmith4480

3 жыл бұрын

@@fightingmenofrhodesia 👌

At 2:56 into the video looks like a fireforce call out in progress. Clearly the troopie can be seen gathering his thoughts to the task that lay ahead. Fireforce.... maximum force as ruthlessly quick as possible to get the job done. Sometimes on more than occasion during the duration of, first wave. You get a good idea just how young we were back then.

Iv met a few Rhodesians here in New Zealand that served with the RLI ,great men that are still proud of their history and their BBQ meat is amazing and washed down with copious amounts of beer

A friend of mine was a medic with the RLI

And you know there's nothing worse, then doing the assault course, when the sweat is running free, and it smells like Chiboolie.

I'm extremely proud of my uncle Dave Anderson who served in the RLI and the RAR between 1972 and 1977. R.I.P. Dave.

Absolutely great tribute to one of the worlds best fighting regiment. So much potential.......

In the early 1970s there was an RLI recruiter working in Canada. He'd approach people who had just left a combat trade (ie: Infantry, Artillery, Combat Engineers)in the Canadian Army. I've always believed that someone in Canadian Forces HQ was supplying leads. Several Canadians went and served in the RLI, and at least one ended up in Rhodesian Army jail because he felt that he was asked to do things he hadn't signed up for. I chose not to, simply because I didn't want to serve as a mercenary. I think it was the right decision for me, but I have a lot of respect for the Rhodesian soldiers who gave it such a great reputation.

@recceeboy1237

3 жыл бұрын

I met him in Buffalo new york, and the rest is history, what a time we had.

@terrynaude284

3 жыл бұрын

I don’t believe we employed mercenaries. They joined us as soldiers, on the same payroll, with no, rank & name.

@ardshielcomplex8917

2 жыл бұрын

There were no "mercenaries" in the RSF

They were just kids. But they were Heroes

Respect to all of You, brave soldiers.

All the best from Germany

Remembering Ronnie Peresov, medic RLI. Great soldier, but a better man. Miss you mate

I was at Stellenbosch University with a guy that served in the RLI ...Nigel Payne. He studied forestry. A great soutie. Very quiet and modest. I believe he is a big shot today in Zimbabwe in the forestry service.

Courageous people, splendid land.

@fightingmenofrhodesia

3 жыл бұрын

😢

I would love to meet a Rhodie trooper,and buy the pints till dawn. God Bless 🤘 Great channel. Thank You

@fightingmenofrhodesia

3 жыл бұрын

That would be cool

When I served in the Australian army I served with a ex Rhodesian soldier god he missed his country But Mugabe was in power then

Real men who could fight 🇦🇺👍🏻

Cant believe this great nation is now Zimbabwe

When I was young I read Soldier of Fortune and there was always articles about Rhodesia. I had a T shirt that said "Be a man umoung men.. The Rhodesian Army" I think the T shirt rang true👍

@robertkowalski9263

2 жыл бұрын

I remember seeing the articles and classified ad for joining the Rhodesian army in Soldier of fortune magazine when I was in ROTC in 1978.

"Hmm commandos in hotpants... These must be either Recces or Rhodesians."

@fightingmenofrhodesia

3 жыл бұрын

🤣🤣

@terraspent

3 жыл бұрын

a man needs to keep cool in the bush lol :)

@yoopermann7942

3 жыл бұрын

just wondering what the females would have worn if they were in the service at that time??

Thanks, Patti and John put together so beautifully for the Anniversary. Young, tough worked and played hard a fighting machine. Salute and Respect such wonderful memories must never be forgotten.

@fightingmenofrhodesia

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

@JKJK-vz2bf

3 жыл бұрын

@@fightingmenofrhodesia all good keep safe

Outstanding men! SEMPER FI!!

Great video and respect for the Rhodesian vets.

Ads nan aussie I have been touched by what i ahvre Learned. I knew some Rhodesians in the 70s but they left and were not supporters. I have learned alot. May God Bless all those who fell.

For principle we made a stand. Courageous people, splendid land.💚🤍

Abide with me...so emotional. I am sure I saw some familiar faces. They started as boys and grew up quickly into one of the best anti-terrorist forces the world has known. Salute you Saints.

Great soldiers ! Heroes !

Respect to such an elite unit and those who served Rhodesia!, never forgotten!

Respect

Frikken men in boys bodies these lads...Respect!

well.. found my new favorite video on youtube. what a brave and tenacious people. while the whole world has you up against a wall, you fought back fiercely. you never lost a battle and IMO, you didn’t lose the war. political crap….. anyways; troopie, ya won.

Glad there was a happy ending for the guys. Thanks and well done.

Respect for you guys

Left with memories...😓😢😔

God bless the Saints!

A fine body of men. They put me in mind of Aussie soldiers of the same period.

@ardshielcomplex8917

2 жыл бұрын

Some of whom served in the RLI

Wow, what a contrast to the ragged bunch in the bush compared to how they looked on the parade ground.

If only I had been 15 years older..

Gone for ever ...Rhodesia [x] South Africa [ soon] America [coming soon] ....

Thanks for this. I am sure I recognized the chopper pilot with the hat and the smoke in his mouth. His name was Dick Paxton from Redcliff. I was his skivvy at Gifford Tech High School 1964, that was 56 yrs ago, anybody know where he is now?

@fightingmenofrhodesia

3 жыл бұрын

Dick is in Cape Town. Hasn't changed a bit. I still see him from time to time at our get togethers..

Respect Guys!!!

Dag Plogwall was in RLI, I'm a former FFL 83-89. Lost contact with him when he went back to SA some 10 yrs back. He did a "few" jumps in combat. Former Swedish para and went down 77-78 I think

Great chat, thanks Guys. Look forward to conclusion. I was such a tragedy for so many who eventually said thanks world, that enough for me. I know of many who tried in vain to live a good healthy life after the war and failed for no fault of theirs and eventually threw in the towel. God Bless

Thank God for the RLI and blessings to all the Veterans. With friends like these, who needed enemies

Thank you

In 1972 I came out of No.1 Commando of the Citizens Military Forces, today known as Australian Army Reserve. I was in my early 20's and I had my reasons for not going on with military service. But, I overlooked a perfect opportunity to travel to South Africa and enlist in the Rhodesian Forces. I had already trained as an infantryman, radio course, small-craft course, parachute soldier and most importantly I was ready and willing to accept army discipline. Looking back I think that my training was not as deeply ingrained as it should have been, not by a long stretch. Probably that could have been made up over time. I never went to Rhodesia because it never occurred to me to go at the time. I have since wondered how it would have been. Luckily I still have all my bits and pieces and do not need disability support. I find looking back that the radio course was the one segment of training that I enjoyed and could have done more of. The one important thing that I did not think of as being so important as I do now is that there was a very worthy cause to support.

My pops was dead set on moving there after leaving the FFL..all his buddy's moved there ..but moms wanted the USA so ..or I'd have my pic along side you most likely..gr8 vids and never give up the fight..