ISSN 0816-6315 A contact magazine covering 6 continents

Vol. 24, No. 3 Keeping the Spirit Alive January - March, 2009

1 counter an armed coup by ZANU P/F if they lost the election. There was no question of a preemptive strike being made against ZANU P/F as has to 1980 been widely suggested. The possibility of a coup by the Rhodesian Security Forces was never Extracts from The Silent War: South African Recce Operations discussed ‘in Combined Operations or any other responsible forum’. 1969-1994 by Peter Stiff, published by Galago. Besides, many senior military officers had made it clear they would not Published with permission. www.galago.co.za. have participated. The British Police, a powerful arm of the security forces indeed, would definitely not have supported it.19 Operation Quartz 1980 - Part 1 It is likely that most lower rankers of the Security Forces believed a During the election run-up, the Patriotic Front combination of ZIPRA coup against ZANU P/F, rather than a counter coup, was being mount- and ZANLA fighters established a joint military HQ in the three storey ed but this was wishful thinking. Most, for the usual reason of ‘need to audio/visual centre at the University of Rhodesia, Mount Pleasant. It know’, were briefed only on their own tasks and were not introduced to was occupied by about 200 cadres drawn from ZANLA and ZIPRA, the broader picture. as well as senior military officers including ZANLA’s Rex Nhongo and Nevertheless various attempts, officially sanctioned by Combined Op- ZIPRA’s Dumiso Dabengwa and Lookout Masuku. The factions also erations to assassinate Robert Mugabe were embarked on over the pe- occupied three other major buildings including one in Belvedere and riod under the code name Operation Hectic. They were designed to get another, housing ZANU P/F’s administrative HQ and about a hundred rid of him because he was considered a dangerous radical and a threat ZANLA cadres, in the Medical Arts Centre in Highlands. to the country’s future. This caused concern to the senior planners of Rhodesia’s Combined Such attempts, variously mounted by the SAS and the Selous Scouts Operations, because of ZANU P/F’s open threats that if they did not win were supplementary to and had no connection with Operation Quartz. the elections they would return to the bush and continue the war. The determination of Combined Operations to see them through was If that happened, those strategically placed buildings in Salisbury continually punctuated by vacillations. could become ZANLA’s Trojan horses to house reinforcements covertly From what the author could determine, all these operations, certainly brought in from the assembly points. They could be used as launch those mounted by the SAS, were planned at Combined Operations level pads from which to grab control of the capital city, followed by the whole and involved the commanders of the various services. It is remotely pos- country. Meanwhile, guerrillas at the assembly points would melt away sible a few were planned on a ‘private enterprise’ basis but it seems into the countryside, ready to play whatever part had been designated unlikely. In any case, if they did occur, it would have been with the tacit for them in the insurrection. nod or a wink of higher authority. None of the assassination attempts ap- To guard against such a coup attempt, Operation Quartz was peared to have been particularly notable for thoroughness of planning. launched. Perhaps, on the other hand, their failures resulted from information be- The first stage involved SAS personnel and the Rhodesian Armoured ing fed back to ZANU P/F. Most, but not all attempts have already been Car Regiment. Flats and houses adjacent to the buildings occupied by documented, but there were others which were aborted or abandoned the Patriotic Front units were rented. From them surveillance was car- while still in the planning stages. ried out, counting personnel entering and leaving and generally moni- Ken Flower, although clearly involved in approving or vetoing such toring activity. Detailed intelligence was available on all the buildings, plans, made it clear in his memoirs that he did not regard plans to elimi- including floor plans. nate Robert Mugabe with favour. In a diary entry on 4 February, 1980 The SADF provided sophisticated radio communications and moni- he wrote of vetoing three plans to eliminate Mugabe that had been put toring equipment and a number of civilian vehicles were routed to the forward by ‘R’. Despite this ‘R’ and others contacted him the following SAS through the CIO, obtained from South African sources, for use morning and said ‘Plan No 3’ was too advanced to be stopped. When during the operation. he ‘said categorically it had to be stopped or he would go out and stop it The SAS wheedled its way into the organisation contracted to provide personally, and there was no other authority to whom they could appeal food to the headquarters. With this as a cover, operators were con- ─ R demurred’. stantly infiltrated into the Patriotic Front’s Mount Pleasant HQ to gain ‘In the event I managed to stop the original plans,’ he said, ‘but not the first hand knowledge of what was going on. They accumulated details massacre of fifteen or more wedding guests who should have played of who slept in what bed, personal weapon holdings and the availability no part in this . . . it has never been our practise to approve the killing of and quantities of machine-guns and RPG-7 rocket launchers. innocents.’20 Just before the election, an operator was recognised by a ZANLA He was referring to an officially sanctioned attempt to lay the respon- guerrilla who had once worked as a labourer at Cranborne Barracks, sibility for atrocities at the door of ZANU P/F, when a party of Selous when the SAS was still based there. He raised the alarm and during the Scouts commanded by a captain ambushed a bus carrying fifteen of fracas that followed the operator was arrested, threatened and came Bishop Muzorewa’s supporters who were returning from a wedding. near to being badly beaten up before he was released. This was re- They ruthlessly murdered them, killing them all with RPG-7 rocket and ported to Robert Mugabe and resulted in some interesting repercus- machine-gun fire. sions later. Another pointless operation born out of desperate reasoning, involved If ZANU P/F lost the election and a coup attempt was clearly immi- two Selous Scouts acting under orders, Lieutenant Edward Piringondo nent, air strikes by the and ground assaults by the and a sergeant. They badly damaged the Presbyterian Church in Jame- Rhodesian Light Infantry and Selous Scouts would be launched against son Avenue with explosives, blew up the Interdenominational Church, ZANLA’s major assembly points. Borrowdale and St. Mary’s Anglican Church in the African Town- ZANU P/F’s perceived plans to grab Salisbury would be foiled by the ship. While fleeing the scene of the St. Mary’s atrocity, explosives in their SAS and the Armoured Car Regiment. They would attack the military car accidentally detonated and both were killed. HQ at Mount Pleasant, using Soviet T-55 tanks diverted to Rhodesia by The purpose again was to lay the blame at the feet of ZANU P/F, so the South Africans while en route to Uganda, Eland-90 armoured cars, they could be shown up not only as Marxists but as the anti-Christ. The 106-mm recoilless rifles and other heavy weapons. main failing of this reasoning was that while ZANLA had systematically Before attacking, ZIPRA personnel, who would be regarded as friend- engaged in atrocities against the civil population and even men and wom- ly and not hostile, would be given the chance to surrender. If they re- en of the cloth, they had never burned, blown up or razed churches. mained, they would take their chances with the rest. The target would be softened up by the heavy guns before being finally cleared by an Ken Flower said it led ‘to sharp confrontation at top level ─ rap- infantry assault. idly resolved I’m pleased to say ─ between Peter Allum [Commissioner The same would occur at other buildings occupied by ZANLA. Robert of Police], [Commander Combined Operations] and myself’. Mugabe’s house and that of his deputy,Simon Muzenda, would also be How it was rapidly resolved, the details of the top level ‘sharp confronta- attacked and the occupants killed. tion’ and the final result remained unsaid. It is stressed, however, that the operation was designed purely to 2 Look & Listen Welcome… As I write this the Arizona temperatures have risen sharply to make us wonder if there really was ever a winter this year. Our economy is in tatters and massive cuts to the education budget are in the offing, all pleasant signs of Spring here in the U.S.A. As I have been hearing from you when you received the magazine I have come to the conclusion that postal times for the magazine to the various parts of the world will be what they are and I have no control over them. I have tried to get the magazine out on time each three months. In December we had the magazine to the freight company by December Cover Picture: From The Heights-Kariba at its Fullest 5, but due to snow and inclement weather it only left the forward mailer 1981. Picture by Mick HAWKES on Dec 22. So I have a plan that might help those of you with access to the internet on your own computer. I have just successfully sent out the first copy of Rhodesians Worldwide E-magazine to a subscriber. I Contents tested this service with Hugh Bomford in New Zealand and he had no Rhodesia to Zimbabwe 1980 2 difficulties with opening the file and viewing the magazine. I am opening this offer up to those of you who would like to try this service not as Look and Listen 3 a replacement to your printed copy, but in addition to it. The benefits The RWAF 4 are that you would get the magazine within a week of it being printed 1000 Club Report 4 and all of the pictures would be in colour. The negatives would be that Bush Telegraph 5 you could not print it out nor could you send the file on to others. If you would like to try this out there is a file that Adobe needs to identify your Book Review-Mugabe 8 computer so you need to email me to request this service. I will open Book Review-Plumtree School 8 it up free of charge to the first 20 subscribers to contact me, with the Zimbabwe Pensioner Support Trip 9 option to expand the service if it is successful and if it proves popular. Viscount Umniati 10 You will continue to get a printed copy in the mail and there will be no Rhodesian Independence change in your subscription price at this time. Our email as always is [email protected]. Commemorative Medal 11 As far as subscriptions go please bear with me through this information. Northern Rhodesia Report 12 Six months ago our UKP12 sub was netting US$22 today it is netting Children of the Veldt 13 US$16. The Australian $30 sub was netting US$23, today it is netting Zimbabwe Round Up 14 US$18. This gives you an idea of the financial impact that this economic crisis has had on the magazine. We have already cut our costs to the Harare Central 16 bone to make the raising of subscription rates unlikely befoire the current The Rhodesia Herald 17 economic crisis. In order to save some costs to the magazine we will An Older White Zimbabwean Speaks18 no longer offer a dedicated fax number as we have not had a fax in Cowboys Don’t Cry 19 nearly six months. As of April 1, 2009 if you need to fax something please Bridges, Kiss and Tell 19 call us first and we will set up a fax machine for you. The number to call is USA 480-924-0431 and the best time is in our evenings from 5pm to Speedway 20 midnight. I am committed to keeping the subscription prices the same for Blast from the Past 20 the next six to nine months (2 - 3 editions), but I may have to raise them A White African Reminisces 21 slightly after that time just to keep the magazine alive. Your comments Sports in Rhodesia 22 as always are welcome. Your donations have been instrumental in the longevity of this magazine and I am incredibly thankful to those of you Rhodesian Websites 23 who send us a donation. Where not specified it goes to the running of Association Roundup 23 the magazine. We will be publishing our income and expenditure in the Cecil Mendham Ludlow 27 next magazine so that you can see where the funds have gone. I am Rowcliffe Brown 27 sorry that I cannot write individually to each of you, but my life and job Classifieds 28 just don’t allow that sort of extra time. The new unity government of Zimbabwe has been installed for a few 12th Hatfield Scout Group 32 weeks as I write this and it is a hopeful sign for the country, but doesn’t Contact 33 seem very productive at this time. I ask that you continue to pray for Cover Sheet Collage 36 everyone in Zimbabwe and for an end to the brutalisation of the country and its people. As I write, Roy Bennett is still in prison and his arrest Jesus answered them, “Have faith in God. Truly I tell you, if speaks volumes about the idea of a unity government. you say to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the Please continue to support our aged pensioners both in Zimbabwe sea,’ and if you do not doubt in your heart, but believe that and South Africa through your donations to ZPSF and the FLF. If you have elderly friends or relatives there, please check on them regularly what you say will come to pass, it will be done for you.” as there have been instances of people being too proud to ask for help Jesu akapindura, akati kwavari: Ivai nokutenda kuna Mwari. and then starving or committing suicide. Zvirokwazvo ndinoti kwamuri: Mumwe nomumwe anoti As always I apologise if I have left something of yours out-it is not kugomo iri: Simudzwa, ukandwe mugungwa, asingazezi ku- intentional. Also all errors are placed in this magazine solely for the tenda mumwoyo make, asi achitenda kuti zviya zvaanenge pleasure of those that wish to find them. Until next time... areva zvichaitika achava nazvo. Sarai zvakanaka Mark 11 22-23 Chris and Annette Whitehead 3 of the Fund and to helping our people in need. My best wishes to you all. The Z. R. W. A. F. Regards - Stuart Registered Charity No. 802274 Report from the Chairman – STUART R.W.A.F. 1000 Club Report SAWYERS Contact: Mrs Mary Sawyers, The Orchard, Penbidwal Contact details – The Administrator, Vicki Lane, Pandy, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, NP7 8EA. BOWKER, UK. Tel: (01873) 890-744. P.O. Box 213 Lingfield RH7 6WW e-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] For those of you who haven’t yet joined our Lottery it’s a great way to help the Assistance Fund. Half of the proceeds of the lottery Greetings to you all. I hope you have had a good year so far and go towards helping those in need and the other half is paid out in are not being unduly affected by the current recession. prizes. For just £12 a year you can make a difference to someone’s Here in Wales we have had the coldest winter for many years and life and get a chance to win a prize at the same time. The lottery is are very much looking forward to more warmth and light. drawn monthly and the first prize currently stands at £103.80 The Trustees had a busy December with Fund affairs and an extra Congratulations to the following prize winners:- meeting was held at the home of Chris and Debbie Tonge in the December 2008 Draw beautiful Peak District. First D.A. Lockhart Hook £105.00 You will note from the heading of this article that the name of our Second Mary Todd Blaydon £51.90 charity has been changed to Z.R.W.A.F. The name change was Third Liane Kettle Brakcnell £17.30 recommended by the Charity Commission. It does not in anyway affect the operation of the fund. This is both the registered name January 2009 Draw and the operating name. The name change does not in any way First W.M Watt Paington £104.70 affect the other organisations in the Rhodesians Worldwide “Family”. Second S. Evans Camberley £52.35 A new website has been set up which contains information about Third A. Potter Bradford £17.45 the Fund and from which an application for assistance form can be downloaded. The web address is www.zrwaf.com. February 2009 Draw Since the Trustees meeting on 15th November the Fund has paid First J.M. Borthwick Sudbury £103.80 out nearly £9000 in awards and a further £6000 in Christmas awards Second M. Stewart Alresford £51.90 to Rhodesian pensioners in the U.K. Over the past year we have Third John Cripwell Calne £17.30 assisted several pensioners from Zimbabwe to settle into the U.K. They were directed to Z.R.W.A.F. by the British Embassy in Harare. In Consolation Prizes addition, more Zimbabwe pensioners have been helped by the Royal L.J. Cox Bracknell British Legion and many have attended the Kent Branch meetings. Myra Kennedy Manchester There is also a steady stream of younger people who come to us for Susan Whittle Bolton help in getting set up in the U.K. They are usually assisted by way of rent and deposit for accommodation or sometimes we provide second hand furniture from a stock of donated items. As mentioned in my last report, the Fund has been having to draw Pioneer Club on its reserves over the past 8 months and we will be getting less in the way of investment income and interest in the present financial climate. I appeal to those of you who can, to make a donation to 2009 Braai Z.R.W.A.F., preferably through the Gift Aid scheme, to help us continue with assisting former Rhodesians and Zimbabweans. We have been continuing to assist Zimbabwean asylum seekers through the drop in centre in London which is organised by the Zimbabwe Association. A big thank you to Big Ian who has collected clothing and furniture and delivered it to the Zimbabwe Association for distribution to needy asylum seekers. July 24-26, 2009 As reported in the December issue the 2008 Dinner Dance held New Location: in November was an enjoyable and successful event. The Trustees Beechwood Park in Derbyshire. have decided that the 2009 Dinner Dance will again be held at the Calcot Hotel, Reading. This year’s event will be on Saturday 14th November, 2009. John O’Brien and the Berkshire Branch have Pioneer Club Website for booking forms and news is at agreed to host the event and make all the arrangements and Dan http://RPCUK.synthasite.com/ and Cherry Coetzee have agreed to handle the bookings. Our thanks Call UK to Dan, Cherry, John and the Berkshire Branch for their willingness For more details contact to help Z.R.W.A.F. The costings will be discussed by the Trustees at their next meeting on 22nd February. The Mailshot for bookings Ian DIXON at email: [email protected] and for the tickets for the Grand Prize Draw will be posted out in or call the summer. Vicki BOWKER Phone UK 08703 708 704 Finally, I wish to thank our administrator Vicki Bowker and all the Trustees of the Fund for their dedication and time given to the affairs 4 only home for five days before taking off again. Dennis still came on the 20th. Tamsin also flew up with me she was a great help. Thank Bush goodness we went when we did as Terry really didn’t look good when we saw her and she had absolutely no energy so couldn’t do much and had lost a great deal of weight. Terry was having Tamsin’s Dad Telegraph and his friend to stay for Christmas as well (they arrived on the 24th from Jo’burg) and she was having 28 people (mainly family Watsons/ Parhams) for Christmas day and we were all seated luckily she has Geraldine MORRIS wrote to us recently to tell us of her husbands, a big house. Terry has two very good maids which was a great help. I Edwin, death. She says that he passed as a result of a melanoma on worked quite hard too, but I don’t mind as it keeps me on my toes and his leg that they thought was cleared up. He was able to have a won- I am not one for sitting around doing nothing. We made the Christmas derful family reunion just before he was taken ill; it was the first time the cake which all the kids helped ice we also made mince pies, biscuits family had all been together for 10 years. Edwin was a great supporter and all sorts of goodies for Christmas. I also covered cushions for of Rhodesians Worldwide and both he and Geraldine grieved over the Terry’s garden furniture which she had cut out and wanted to sew demise of their beloved country. herself, but fell ill before doing so. Anyway we all had a wonderful Mrs Josephine PADGETT (nee Stidolph) writes in response to Joy time over Christmas and it was special for Tam to have her Dad and BRINK’s memories of the old Mac Murray Hall in the Grand Hotel, Bu- Ren there too; they had a ball. We all went to Nyanga for four days lawayo “Yes-yes- my husband and I thoroughly enjoyed many New over New Year. That was a lovely relaxing time and it is still such a Year’s dances and Balls in the old McMurray Hall – what a wonderful beautiful and peaceful spot. While we were in Harare we saw quite sprung floor it had (as did the dance floor at Hotel Rio – used to be a bit of Dennis’s brother Willie and his wife Louise, also his sister known as the Round House, out at Lakeside, in Bulawayo. Many a Lorna who was up from Bulawayo. She was staying with her son time did we too, climb up to Worlds View to see the sun rise – (Long Bobby and his girlfriend Tina. It was Lorna’s birthday on the 20th Dec before petrol rationing – terrorists – and National Park entry fees to so Bobby and Tina had a birthday dinner for her which Dennis and be paid in FOREX.) Many a film we used to watch at the Old Palace I went to and we had such a super evening. Terry and Gary’s three in Abercorn Street – (next to the Hotel) I was 8 years old when the old young ones are growing so fast can’t keep up with them any more. Empire Bioscope burnt down. It was situated on 9th Ave/Main St. It was Riegan will be 10 on the 6th March and Ella 8 on the 15th March and an old wood and iron building. The fee was 6d to get in, and at interval Marshall turned five on the 7th Jan. He goes to boarding school next we were served Marie Biscuits and fresh orange slices! My husband, year, he is a real little ‘hood’ but loves Dennis to bits. Reigan and Edward, served in the B.S.A.P. for over 25 years “ Ella were due to start school on the 12th Jan, but Zim being Zim, the schools were delayed going back by two weeks and only started yes- Rob EASTLEY writes “Life in Hervey Bay gets more difficult by the terday 26th as apparently there was some problem with school fees day as Bev continues to find gardening jobs for me to do, insisting for the Government schools. R and E are at a Private school but the I’m out of bed by 8am for breakfast each morning and then giving me Gov wouldn’t let them go back either, it really is a shambles. I am not a verbal “list” of going to go into the Gov of Zim as you all know it is a complete and duties, enough utter farce, but I do have faith that in the not too distant future things to cut in to my will improve. Always have to have hope. Surprisingly enough when cricket / tennis we were there, the supermarkets were full of most things to buy. The viewing until one Spar was even open 24hrs but you could only buy in SA Rand at least 11am! or the US Dollar and most things were double to what we pay here, It really is not but I guess if you couldn’t get it in the past you were happy to see it. good enough Never saw a Zim bank note the whole time we were there. As far as for an old bloke Cholera was concerned T and G have their own borehole so we were like me. How- fine. As usual it is the less fortunate that suffer and Bob and his fat ever, that aside, cats are allowed to put on an act and still get away with it. Anyway all we continue to in all we had a lovely holiday in Zimbabwe with the family, especially love our new the kids whom we really miss as we don’t see them too often. Tamsin life here hav- by the way is now 15 she is still living with her Dad in Jo’burg and is ing friends visit, in grade 10 at Crawford Lonehill she does well at school and enjoys visiting local friends, enjoying the glorious weather and constant over- her sport still. night rains. The gardens are looking lovely, the dam is full and water- All is well with Les, Howard and Reece they are still living in the lilies currently in flower, we are picking our own bananas and mango’s, Docklands area in London and are quite happy there. Reece turned mandarins (naartjies) due soon, vegetables thriving in the huge green 9 in Dec has really shot up, it looks as if he will be broad as well as house and tall palms swaying in the breeze. Together with my Bev, tall. Les got a temporary job in May for eight months working for the what more could an old bloke from Bulawayo wish for?” Daily Mirror, as one of their employees went on maternity leave. The Jackie WATSON writes “Firstly I would like to wish you all a happy, job has just come to an end and she is taking a short break before healthy and prosperous 2009 from both Dennis and myself and sec- she looks for another one. Although in the economical situation it is ondly I would like to apologise to you all for not sending my usual end of not as easy as it use to be but I’m sure she will find something. With the year letter but unfortunately my Computer gave up the ‘Ghost’ mid the cost of living now days she feels she needs to work otherwise it is Nov just before Dennis and I were due to leave for . I took a bit of a struggle. Reece goes to a private school too and they aren’t it to our Computer guy but he just said non fixable. Anyway we were cheap. I really missed not having them with us at Christmas but at in Mozambique for two weeks and got back on the 5th Dec, I phoned least we were with them Xmas 2007 and we all had such a great time Terry in Zimbabwe to let her know we were back and she said she then and also with my Aunts 90th last Jan. Les says they may try and wasn’t at all well as she had gone down with Glandular fever. We were come out in August this year so we shall see. due to fly to Zimbabwe on the 20th Dec for Christmas, but when I heard On the home front all is well with Den and myself still in Cookhouse, she was so ill I went a week earlier flying on the 12th instead so was still have the Garage and have now been here for 20 years, can’t 5 believe it. The Garage is going along well and we can’t complain. foot in France he would probably face prison for some unspecified of- We manage to go away quite a bit, last year we went to our place at fences. More prominent in the trade brought by Jack to Libreville was Pomene in Moz three times April, Oct and towards the end of Nov. Gerard, the energetic son of the owner of SODUCO, the principal agen- We also went to Zim in August when Dennis went on a fishing trip cy for the distribution of Rhodesian prime beef from the Cold Storage down in the Zambezi valley to G camp for ten days arranged by our Commission under Nick SPOEL. This system was set up during Piet son-in-law Gary. Needless to say this was a great high light for Den- VAN DER BYL’s term as Minister of Foreign Affairs for the Rhodesian nis as he hadn’t been in that part of the valley for about 30 years, so Government and carried through by a few highly motivated civil ser- he was in his element. Gary took his boat and the fishing was won- vants who will remain unnamed. Captain Clements mentioned the pilots derful like the good old days and when Dennis came back he couldn’t and flight engineers from Lufthansa. As an aside, these men were not stop smiling. Gary also took Reigan, he so enjoyed the fishing too it vested in local politics and frequently needed intervention with regard to was his first time there. I stayed in Harare with Terry, Ella and Mar- the airport staff, most of whom were of the important Fang tribe, who felt shall. We had a lovely relaxing time and did quite a bit of gardening that their leaders should be running Gabon instead of President Bongo. as Terry was changing quite a few things then. We always go to Moz Bongo was from a minority group, but chosen by the ‘Father of the Na- with Terry, Gary and the kids in April, but this year they are going Ski- tion’ the first President, Leon Mba, to succeed him. So the Fang airport ing with friends of theirs so that will be fun for them. staff had to be treated with great tact, just one of the many realities of Dennis, Gary and another friend of ours Warwick EVANS who also African politics. Salutations to all who served in one way or another in has a share in the Chalets at Pomene have just bought a new boat this fascinating moment of history.” for the sea so there is great excitement. Dennis and Warwick are writes “Each issue updates me on the developments going up to Pomene on the 12th of March for two weeks to try it out. Piet VAN VLIET and activities of groups, individuals and clubs working to keep the spirit Another friend of ours Scott Branch who has an Avo farm not too far of Rhodesia alive. I am especially interested in the various books pub- from Nelspruit has very kindly said we can leave the boat at his place, lished and the stories of so many interesting people who built up the which will be a wonderful help to us as it is a long way to tow the boat country and it’s people. The story of Rhodesia told in these issues of from here every time. the magazine help to fill in the gaps in knowledge about how the country When we got back from Zim (5th Jan) we couldn’t get over how dry grew within the British Empire. I hope the current government will col- the area was as there had been no rain (and in Zim it had rained most lapse so a new generation of leaders can begin anew.” days where they don’t really need it as there are no crops). All the stock farmers were complaining and it was quite depressing, anyway Peter and Margaret BARRETT write “Our Grand-daughter April, Nev- we did have a little yesterday but I think it was still quite patchy. We ille’s daughter, got married at the end of August, 2008. We were all very need to get an awful lot more so the rivers can start flowing and fill excited about this. Debby and her two daughters, Chantel and Shaina the dams, otherwise not sure what will happen. Bad for our business plus boyfriends went, also Angela and Lorna, but not their families. if the farmers don’t get the rain. Peter and I were very happy to see them all together. The wedding was The rest of the year was uneventful but I still enjoyed Garden Club, wonderful as it was held on board a paddle ship and they were married Study group, Pilates and a wonderful social time with all our dear by the captain. On September 16th, Peter gave us all a big shock and friends we have in this area. had a heart attack. He had a quadruple bypass and stayed in hospital until the 25th. He is still on medication, but is progressing nicely.” Maureen WOOD wrote in January “Dear Family and Friends, Nor- man’s surgery went very well yesterday. He went under the knife at Celia ARMITAGE writes “Sadly my father, F. Bryan ARMITAGE, passed 8.30 a.m. and it took 2 hours. The surgeon was so funny as he said away on 13th July, 2002 and my mum, Vicky ARMITAGE, passed that he tried to make the two hips identical. There was however, he away on 25th September, 2008. My father was born in Fort Jamieson said a 1/16th of an inch difference! After he left the recovery room on March 4, 1921. He was the son of a farmer and former miner, my about midday and we saw him in the room, he was talking and al- grandfather, Frederick Granville Arthur ARMITAGE. My Dad grew up though a little groggy was amazingly alert about what was going on. on a farm and attended boarding school at Milton Boys School. I know At about 3 p.m. they had him up and wandering down the passage. he took a Bachelor of Science at Rhodes University in South Africa. Knowing that this hip was not as bad as the right hip was, it was still After that he won a Rhodes Scholarship to Oxford University where he pretty amazing to us. Caryn our daughter from Germany and Hilton studied Forestry. His attendance at Oxford was delayed four years due our youngest son were with us. Norman is in a great room where the to the time he spent in the forces in the Second World War. My mother, section has just been opened for two days. The biggest Digital TV on Vicky, went to Rhodesia to be a nurse, from London, England. She had the wall you could imagine. He is hoping that he will be able to come every intention of returning to London, but met my father and they mar- home on Friday. Thanks for the prayers. Love Maureen.” ried. They had two children, myself and my sister, Beverley. My father had a first wife,Tasia ATHENEOS, who sadly passed away at a young Derek VAN DER SYDE writes “Re Captain CLEMENTS reference age, soon after they married. I am still in contact with her sister who to Jack MALLOCH in your October–December, 2008 edition, the do- left Zimbabwe to return to Athens, Greece, the home of their family. main of international politics was somewhat murky, but during the My sister and I were born in Salisbury, Rhodesia and we emigrated to 70s, the French 2ieme Bureau (Secret Service) was active in all West Canada. We left behind a very dear friend, , who African Francophone countries. Its head was personal counsellor to Abisha BLESSING later named his two daughters and after my several Presidents including Gabonese President Bongo. Meanwhile Beverly Celia BLESSING sister and I. Should anyone know them I would be most grateful for French Military Intelligence representatives operating from the capi- contact information.” tal Libreville, protected traffic taking place between Salisbury and Europe. Incidentally the CIA was also there! Captain Clements also Judy VINCENT writes “George KNOWLES and I had a wonderful trip mentioned Louis DEMONGE. He was a very interesting character, to the UK and Europe in June, 2008. We did a nine day tour of Croatia whom I first came across in the early 60s when Col. DENARD was and Slovenia and thoroughly enjoyed it. Then we were on to London being flown to Salisbury Central Hospital, where I worked in the ad- where we contacted Fran and Andy DAVIS who had recently moved ministration, for treatment. The pilot had wanted to refuel enroute and to Wales from Harare. Fran’s daughter, Debbie, and her husband have was ‘persuaded’ by Jean-Louis to keep going to Salisbury Airport. In moved to Dubai. We then assisted Ted CREED to celebrate his 80th Libreville although he was station master, he kept a low profile and birthday in Wolverhampton. That was great fun with Ted trying Thai food was very reticent about his own affairs, but conceded that if he set for the first time. Then we caught up withTish VAAS and her daughter, 6 Hilary, and husband, John, and their two boys. It was truly wonderful As a consequence, he replied to the friend in the UK asking where to catch up with fellow Rhodesians and see them doing well. Discov- Pam was and, in return, received her email address. Nervous at first, ered a butcher in Stanmore, North London that was selling boerewors it took Bobby about 2 weeks to pluck up the courage to email Pam. and biltong-Yah.” This, he finally did, on 31/08/08, and was rather surprised to receive a quick reply. Anyway, a gradual email friendship developed between Sandra HINDMARCH writes reagrding the RBC pictures in the last them, building up to Bobby flying down from Bulawayo to attend the edition “Not too sure of first one - could it be in his Martin LOCKE 3-hour endurance race at Kyalami on 22/11/08. However, he arrived VERY young days. Second pic - . Third pic - Nigel KANE John 3 days before that and immediately went to see Pam. From then on, . Have no stories relating to them, but loved them. So profes- BISHOP they were seldom apart until he flew back to Bulawayo on 30/11/08, sional! Thanks for the latest edition of RWW. Stopped working just to with an amazing love having started to develop between them. Due read it. Many thanks for all your hard work in getting this issue out to all to the fact that these 2 – both now in their 60s – could not bear to be of us. Always appreciated. apart, Bobby flew down to Jo’burg to be with Pam for the 2 weeks Rob MACLEAN of Cape Town writes “By the way, I found the DE VIL- over Christmas and New Year, and this resulted in them pledging LIERS Clan that I mentioned was looking for - Ian lives with his son their troth to each other and becoming engaged! They are now work- John near Surfers Paradise on the Gold Coast of Australia and Cyn- ing flat out to get Bobby permanent residence in South Africa so that thia works for the IMF and is based in Washington D.C. Mrs de Villiers they can marry and share the rest of their lives together. Another (May), the mother, passed away about 4 years ago and they confirmed happy Rhodesian couple!” that Dan, who was in my class at high school, had died of cancer about Joy BRINK writes “My respects to Peter SLADDEN in his commem- 10 years ago. How I made the contact was when I met an ex-Rhodie at oration of our pioneers and thanks for the article written, I think, by a New Years’ Day function and we got talking about things in our past Robert MERCER, but I must protest, please, the flag was raised at - he said that he knew Cynthia when she had worked in Swellendam in Fort Salisbury on 12th September, 1890 not 13th, verified by all the the 1980’s - I had started running river trips and canoeing the Breede reference books I have here to hand. The flag was raised at the foot River in that area in 1985, but had not made any contact, although of Salisbury kopje. I’m sure I am only one of many who through- since linking up with her I have established that she knew my brother- out our school years attended Occupation Day services on 12th in-law’s brother! Anyway, this New Year Day contact linked me up with September. In Bulwayo we gathered around Rhodes statue in Main another ex-Rhodie in Somerset West and the rest, as they say, is his- Street on the intersection with Eighth Avenue. To this day I have tory, as contact was made after a break of about 30 years or so! In the clear memories of participating wearing various uniforms over the Oct-Dec 2008 edition, in the Contact section there was a request from years, in many of the moving annual services. As the sun declined, a couple trying to connect with and - well, I can Greg Debbie ALVORD the High Court was the back-drop for a gathering around the found- tell you that Greg read it in the magazine and contacted them, as I did, er, of City dignitaries, representatives from Schools, all branches of because Greg was at Rhodes University with me and his wife Debbie the scouting movement, St Johns, etc. etc. It was a great honour to is the sister of an ex BSAP buddy of mine, who lives Tony GRANGER be the scholar selected to recite the traditional Kipling poem... end- in Shrewsbury in the U.K. and with whom I am in fairly regular con- ing: ‘living he was the land, and dead his soul shall be her soul, the tact. The people trying to find them live about 1 km away from where I immense and brooding spirit still shall quicken and control’. Originally am - in Marina da Gama, Muizenberg, Cape Town and also know my known as Occupation day, I believe the commemoration name was mother! I suppose where ex-Rhodies are concerned, it isn’t a small changed to Pioneer Day after Rhodesia became Independent. world - we are just everywhere!” Cheryl ALDRIDGE of RSA writes “I am a 3rd generation Rhodesian. Pam GRAVES writes from South Africa “This story starts back in Bu- My mom, Maureen MUGGLETON, and my gran both being Rhode- lawayo, in 1965. and were good dating Bobby DIXON Pam DARBY sian born. I left Rhodesia at the age of 19 went to the UK with my partners – friends, but not lovers. They spent a lot of their time at the husband for 3 years and then South Africa where we have been for Kumalo Race Track and, of course, at Fritz’ Drive-In, which was a fa- the past 25 years. We are now relocating once again, I hope for the vourite hang-out in those days. As it happened, Bobby called Pam one last time, back to the UK where our children are now living. My mom evening, as he needed a partner for a party. However, as Pam had a passed away in Johannesburg on 31 July, 2007 and now that we previous arrangement for that particular evening, she introduced Bobby are packing up to go back to the UK, I have been deciding what we to one of her hairdressing students. Pam, at that time, was a part-time will take and what we will ditch. My mom was a real die hard Rho- lecturer at Bulawayo Technical College – theory at the college in the die and kept many mementos. morning, followed by an evening of practical classes at René’s Salon She started a hobby when in town. Due to the fact that she could not accompany Bobby, she in- she was 10 years old in the troduced him to Barbara, who subsequently became his wife. Bobby’s 1950’s of collecting newspa- and Barbara’s happy marriage lasted some 38 years, until she sadly per headlines. I have kept a passed away from cancer and lupus in January, 2008. They had one few so that my children have child – a daughter – , in 1972. During the period from when Bobby Lisa an insight into their Rhodie and Pam had parted company, Pam had been twice married and twice heritage and have given some widowed; had 2 daughters and 3 grandchildren, and used her married away to friends. One of the surnames of, first, Nel, and then Graves. She had spent 20 years in newspapers that I am going to South Africa, then gone to the UK to care for her aged mother, who died keep as it has been signed by in 2007, after which Pam decided to return to South Africa to be near on 31 May, 1979 her children and grandchildren. As the months passed, during which - when Muzorewa was going time Bobby became more and more lonely and depressed, he finally to take over from 1 June. My plucked up the courage to email friends who had sent condolences. mom arrived at Ian Smith’s of- Amongst these friends was one living in the UK, who replied to Bobby, fices and insisted she wanted giving him a list of mutual friends he had seen, over a period, in the to see him. She eventually got UK. Amongst these names was Pam’s. From the moment Bobby saw in to see him, as she was so Pam’s name, he had an instant memory flash, and pictured her clearly, persistent, and she told him of particularly on one particular date when she had “dolled” herself up! 7 her hobby and if he could please sign her copy of the newspaper on 5909 Jamie Openshaw his last day in office. He was apparently very gracious, sat down and 5911 John Bagley had a chat with her, signed the paper and then said “Mrs Muggleton I 5912 John Furnival would love to chat but I do have quite a bit to do today!”” 5914 Mike Feeny Squad Instructor 4753 Ted Cutfield B.S.A. Police recruit squad 9/58 attested into the force on Novem- ber 3, 1958. It consisted of 14 members of which 10 were from Eng- Not bad after 50 years - (Ed: picture on the back cover) land, 2 from Rhodesia and 2 from South Africa. We managed to get Beulah FROST reports” Michelle FROST is a third generation Rho- the following to celebrate the occasion of the 50th anniversary on desian, born in Bulawayo. She attended Hillside Junior before mov- 12th November, 2008 in Oxford, England. Aptly the occasion was ing with her parents to South Africa at the age of ten. Michelle is the celebrated in a converted prison, now a hotel - the MalMaison author of the much loved poem “Homeland”. She now has her first The following attended book, “First Light” (ISBN-10: 1849232644), published and on sale on 5905 John Robson Amazon in all countries including China and Japan. Also in many book 5906 Martin Wells stores in the UK and USA.” 5907 Pete Wilson quote from Mugabe in chapter sixteen, “The people cannot be fooled Book Review Book Review for long into accepting…” He followed this by listing ways in which MUGABE - Teacher, Revolutionary, Tyrant Mugabe abused his power and even appropriated farms dooming the country to its current troubles. The book Mugabe, Teacher, Revolutionary, Tyrant, written by An- The second thing that troubled me was the lack of footnotes, and drew Norman is his accounting of what happened and Mugabe’s role supporting information for the second chapter. Andrew Norman has in it. He tries to offer an explanation for “Mugabe’s willful destruc- gone to great pains to footnote and list the sources he used for each tion of his own country.” Andrew Norman was born in the United chapter and credit the pictures he used. To me this shows not only Kingdom and was later educated in Thornhill High School, Gwelo, a responsible author but also a well -informed one. There was one . He returned to the to qualify chapter that lacked any footnoting and seemed to me more of a mem- to become a general practitioner at the Radcliffe Infirmary, in Oxford. ory and less of a statement of fact being that no footnotes were in- After receiving a spinal injury he now writes books, biographies. cluded at all for chapter two. The title of the chapter is, “A Humiliating As I started to read the book Mugabe, Teacher, Revolutionary, Life Under Apartheid”. The title itself makes me wonder, seeing that Tyrant two things struck me. The first on being the way the author, Rhodesia never had the Andrew Norman, delivered the information throughout the book. In- Apartheid polices that had been adopted in stead of being dry and list-like it seemed to be easy to read and given South Africa, where the information came from. It also has vari- in a straight-forward manor that most readers could understand and ous inaccurate pieces of information included in it that were more appreciate. Having said this, I have to admit that the first chapter relevant to South Africa at the time than to Rhodesia. That being was very unlike the rest of the book. The author was prone to sup- said, I do believe that the book is worth the read and it gives one an plying some information and then leaving off with a question. After understanding of Mugabe and his ambitions. It does not excuse him about the third time Andrew Norman did this I was more annoyed than for what has happened but shows how he has been and is an important intrigued. A simple example of this is, “Is this really what he desired, part of what has happened, and is happening to Zimbabwe now. or did he choose Marxism simply because of its diametric opposition The book, ISBN 978 1 86627 491 4, can be obtained at a cost of to the capitalist system and practiced by Britain and the West, and, of course, by the white rulers of his country? Or was there yet another £9.99 plus shipping from The History Press Ltd. at www.thehistory- reason?” This being said he also delivers information with a punch, press.co.uk or from Andrew Norman at UK tel 01202-706198 or on a no holds barred approach. An example of this would be his direct email [email protected]

Book Review Book Review and friends have now been forced to leave Zimbabwe to seek a living in the four corners of the globe. They were not able to take their pos- Plumtree School - In Memorium sessions with them and had no compensation for property left behind. Some books defy being reviewed by their very nature. This is one of The next of kin of those who fought and died for Britain in these wars them, Plumtree School Southern Rhodesia In Memorium 1914-1918, received no pension or compensation from Britain. . . 1939-1945, as it is truly a book dedicated to the men in this book and I hope that this book will help keep alive the memories of those not a book that exonerated the one who compiled the information. who feature in it. I find it very sad to stand at their gravesides and This being said I think the only way for me to give the book the honour see the young ages they died. To come straight from school or leave it is due is to reprint a portion of the Preamble. an established job to come to Britain to fight in war was accepted “What motivated me to put together this book? I went to Plumtree patriotic practice in those days. At the beginning of 1940 Plumtree School in Southern Rhodesia wherein were the sons of many farm- had less than 240 pupils. 92 died in WWII from over 650 ex OP’s ers who then themselves went farming. It had the reputation of being who answered the call of duty. No next of kin got any financial help one of the finest schools in the world with fine English public school when their loved ones were killed. I know one O.P. (Old Prunitian), traditions. Fine sportsmen were produced who played for Springbok, who has supported his mother for all his working life after his father Rhodesian, Oxbridge, and English country teams. In my day it pro- was killed.” claimed to have had more Rhodes Scholars than any other school The author truly does a service to all that have served from Plumtree in the world. No longer. The last description of the school given to and to all their families. me by someone who was recently there was that it is now an “empty This book limited to 100 copies can be obtained from Ian MACDON- institution”, where all old records of past achievements are being torn ALD, Cranford, Bracknell Lane, Hartley Wintney, Hook RG27 8QL, UK up. or at UK Tel 01252 843622 or on email [email protected]. The This book expands on the records of the boys from this school who book is about 250 pages with colour photos on every page, hard cover were killed in both world wars. As time goes by and records are de- with dust jacket. The cost price is £12.00 a copy and the postage is stroyed, they too, will be forgotten. Their remaining family members £10.61 worldwide, but much less in the UK or Europe. 8 Zimbabwe Pensioners Support Fund who’s who and so on. At this point I must add, at every stop we had, we were enthusi- astically thanked and ordered to pass on those thanks to all who January 2009 Trip Report. made up Christmas gifts and gift hampers and parcels for all our Greetings to all friends, supporters, donors and all the other good Oldies throughout Zimbabwe. The men pulled out their pocket- folk out there. You were wondering if we are still existing, well yes, knives and the ladies graced us with various sweet fragrances. we are, and the first trip for the year was carried out by Hannes and Some even dried tears of thankfulness with their new feminine lacy I with the assistance of Otto Doman from Roodeport, of which I am handkerchiefs. Everyone remembered the Christmas fruit cakes led to believe, Johannesburg is a suburb of. and crackers. Well done to our donors of these items, countrywide. Otto and I drove up in the new Nissan UD90 with the big trailer You made us look good. and did the long trip around Harare and outlying areas and back out We returned to Gweru and spent the night with Otto’s friends, through Masvingo whilst Hannes used the “Glory Lorry”, old faithful Pastor Peter Albasini and his wife who spoilt us with a really tasty Dyna to do the shorter trip including, Esigodini, Bulawayo and Zv- meal of which I will not divulge any further detail, it was good. It is ishavane. He also picked up on some late requests for medication just wonderful how we are blessed on these trips with good food to folk in Gweru and Kwe Kwe. because when we started this outreach project some seven odd We, Otto and I, cleared the border on Thursday 22nd at about 9 years ago, and even as recent as 2007, we were loathe to allow folk pm after an altercation with our clearing agents one employee who to feed us. It is amazing how God is blessing not only the oldies, “MISSLAID” our import permits and we had to pay to have a new but us too. He says in his Word, those who look after and care for batch couriered to us overnight from Harare. Man, can it get more the aged and needy will be blessed. It is so good to be doing His sinister!! work and receiving His Blessing through the hands of the needy. Thank you to Dave Ellis, Patrick Scott Martin and of course their God is good. Proverbs. 22:9, Proverbs. 28:27, Psalm. 71:9 and loyal Attendant cum Manager, Mr. Philemon who came in and spe- Leviticus.19:32. cially to help us after our protracted delay with ZIMRA. Thanks to Some interesting quotes by “Mother Teresa” that help to motivate Turville Kille again for opening up and assisting us in Harare on one away from “me and mine” to - - the needs of others; “Being Saturday morning. You people are so considerate and good to us. unwanted, unloved, uncared for, I think is a much greater hunger, Your assistance is greatly appreciated. a much greater poverty than those who have nothing to eat. Our We drove through to Masvingo arriving at 2 am on Friday 23rd hugs cannot be measured in effort, give them where and when you and took in a well-earned quick nap to rise again and do our deliver- can.” ies to the homes and depart by 10 am. “At the end of life we will not be judged by how many diplomas We did our delivery in Chivhu and our good friend Mrs. Lennie we have, or how much money we have accumulated or achieved in Kirsten would not let us go on without the “have to have” cup of tea the corporate world; we will be judged by - - “I was hungry and you and cookies and a small “bag” for the road. Again I say, these dear gave me to eat, hungry not only for bread, but for love, was naked folk don’t ever let you pass without sharing of their meagre sus- and you clothed me, naked not only for clothing, but for human tenance keeping aside some dough and oil for the ones that help dignity and respect; was homeless and you took me in, homeless them. God is so good. You drive away washing down the cookies not only for want of a room of bricks, but homeless because of with tears. rejection.” We, on these trips, are often confronted by such love in On arrival in Harare we met with our good friends Mike and Mari- empty eyes that allow you to peek into the hungry souls of these on Futter whom ably run the task of distributing the goods we drop dear, dear rejected loved ones who not only wait for their food ham- there. Their two sons made quick work of off loading the supplies per, but more so, that honest hugging, yummy, resounding, “How we brought through and they organized that Anton Luis from Borra- are you. Good and glad to see you again”. daile Trust in Marondera, who were due in Harare early the follow- On Monday morning the 26th we did Boggies in Gweru and there ing week, would pick up the goods we had for them.. That enabled learnt that Liz Hatfield had just lost her hubby, Ron, three days prior us to run through to Malvern Trust in Mvurwi and do our customary to our arrival on the 21st January. We left our condolences, but it visit and drop there. was a sad time. After some quality time with the folk, we headed We spent the night with Phillip and Claire, being well ca- for the border arriving around 4.30 pm and clearing out and back in tered for in every aspect and paid in Zim $ for our ef- S.A. in two hours. We were back in Duiwelskloof around 9 pm and fort. Got Z$.100,000,000,000,000:00 by the way of 10 x Otto pressed on to his home arriving home after midnight. Z$.10,000,000,000,000:00 (trillions) Actually, as I use these in pre- Hannes also had a good trip and met with some folk, namely Mr. sentations he virtually gave them to me. I parted with a few Rand M.C. Eloff and Mr. Frik du Preez from the Orkney area, who did in exchange. Early Saturday 24th, we set off for Sunningdale home some stops with him and saw what we do and how we operate. in Chinhoyi, on to Westview in Kadoma, spent some time with the Hannes has also been talking to our clearing agent in Beit Bridge to folk and drove on to Kwe Kwe to overnight with Ken Connelly and streamline our border crossing in order to save time and money so his dear wife. They in turn organized a braai with some of the folk we can be more efficient and run the trips according to schedule. from Lynbrook as well as some of the outside folk we never get to Folks, that about sums up the January trip. We should be back up see. We had a great time and a great feast. Thank you guys, God there mid March with the two Nissan trucks and maybe the Dyna bless you. too. Oh yes, our Danny boy, Daniel Koekemoer should have his Early Sunday 25th we did our deliveries to Lynbrook and pro- Heavy duty truck license by then - - - go for it young man! ceeded to do Hubert Lee in Redcliff before going on to Gweru, did Thank you all once again and God bless you all. our delivery to Huisvergesig where the men folk were all at church Pastor Attie Botha. and the ladies, bless them Lord, helped to disperse the hampers. Cell : 0829012291 email : [email protected] We moved on to Shurugwe to do M.U.U.S Lodge. Here we were met by a bunch of happy people, really thankful to see us. Fortu- MAGAZINE DEADLINE nately we always carry spare hampers and we were able to cater The deadline for information for the next magazine is for 4 new folk not listed with us. We were again treated to tea and cookies by Fred and Sannie Vermaak who gave us a run down on May 15, 2009 9 Christine (14) until she moved to Salisbury. Viscount Umniati Miss Chigwada’s parents live in Mpopoma, Bulawayo. Lest we Forget She began training as an air hostess on February 8 and was to have THE HERALD become ’s fourth black air hostess. SALISBURY, TUESDAY FEBRUARY 13 1979 Miss Creigh-Smith was born in Que Que and attended Que Que Herald Reporters High School. She worked for the Income Tax Department in Salisbury AN Air Rhodesia Viscount with 59 people on board crashed min- before joining Air Rhodesia’s accounts section. Later she transferred utes after take-off from Kariba late yesterday afternoon.There were to the flying staff as a senior hostess. She had been a air hostess for no survivors. about seven years. The full plane, which was followed soon afterwards by another Within minutes of the crash report being received at the Air Rhodesia carrying an overflow of passengers bound for Salisbury, came down flight operations centre, the ’s information centre was set up to about 46 kilometres due east of Kariba, in the Vuti Purchase Area. handle inquiries — a grim repetition of the procedure on September First news of the disaster came in a brief statement from the air- 3. line’s general manager, Captain Pat Travers, which said a distress In the only comment from a political party sent to the Herald last signal was made from Viscount VP-YND operating flight RH827 night, a statement from the Zimbabwe People’s Party expressed sym- from Victoria Falls, Wankie and Kariba. pathy. for the loss of life, and deplored the incident if it were an act of The arrow on the left terrorism. marks the point where The party’s secretary-general, Mr Lovemore Chiyangwa added: “If the Air Rhodesia Viscount such acts of barbarism are to continue, the Transitional Government crash-landed after be- should think again on the necessity of having elections under such ing hit by a heat-seeking conditions.” terrorist missile on Sept 3. The arrow above right Dear God, how can we be brave for the dead? marks the approximate Herald Reporter Heather Silk area where Flight RH 827 I can’t believe we’re alive. Why we are alive and 59 people are crash landed yesterday dead. afternoon. Fifty-nine laughing, happy, tanned people who had spent a few glori- “The location of the air- ous, carefree days enjoying the fun and sun of Kariba. craft is known and it has Why? We were all there. Loving it, frolicking in the lake and the pools, been established that there are no survivors,” he said. fluttering at the casino. Losing some, winning some. And loving it. The aircraft, the Umniati was carrying 54 passengers and a crew We were away from the news, the incessant communiqués, the of five. The crash site is only about 50 kilometres north-east of the pressures of war-torn Rhodesia. spot where a sister Viscount, the Hunyani, was shot down by a ter- We went to the airport together. Two busloads. Two little girls with rorist missile on September 3. tousled blonde heads sat in front of me. Sisters in a large family party Thirty-eight people died In that crash and 10 of the 18 survivors I’d seen frolicking in the water, sitting at the pool-side, eating in the were murdered by terrorists. Last night there was widespread spec- dining room. ulation that terrorists were responsible. However, no comment was They’re dead. available from Combined Operations Headquarters as to the cause At the airport we queued together, milled around the booking clerks, of the crash, or on what follow-up operations are taking place. checked our flights. Some were given red boarding cards We were An Air Rhodesia spokesman said the Umniati took off from Kari- given green ones. ba at 5 p.m. and the captain’s distress call was heard six minutes The red ones were for flight RH827, the green ones for flight later. RH825. A spokesman for the Department of Civil Aviation said an inves- We sat together in the departure lounge, drinking soft drinks, admir- tigation team was being sent to the crash site to start work at first ing tans, burbling on about Kariba and how it really was the Riviera of light today. Rhodesia; how there was no need to go to the Seychelles. The names of the crew were released later in the evening. They There was an English air hostess who chatted to one of our party. were Captain Jan Andre Du Plessis, married; First Officer Michael She was wearing stockings and it seemed so incongruous in the Kar- Thomas Moolman (37), married with two small children; air host- iba heat. esses Miss Kathryn Jane She had recently been on a flight to Moscow, 50 degrees below, and Creigh-Smith (29), Miss was enjoying a trip to Rhodesia. Caroline Lynette du Chemin She had missed the previous day’s flight and my friend urged her to (21), and Miss Regina Chig- hurry along. wada (23), a trainee air She had a red card. hostess. ‘Those on RH827, the early flight took off. The spokesman said Captain du Plessis was born in South Af- There were 28 adults and four children left for the second flight. We rica and “served with distinction” with the South African Air Force were due to take off 15 minutes later. in the Korean War. First Officer Moolman was “born and bred” in Then a light aircraft took off. We saw some people running for it, but Salisbury. we didn’t know why. It was a Police Reserve Air Wing plane. Our Bulawayo correspondent writes that Miss du Chemin and We boarded, shortly after five, jostling good-naturedly for the back Miss Chigwada were Bulawayo girls. Miss Creigh-Smith was from seats — and ended up in the middle. Que Que. We seemed to take off in a different direction to our sister plane, Miss du Chemin was Miss Eveline at the Girls’ High School in banking sharply to the right. We went over Kariba mainland and 1974. She was a ground hostess at Bulawayo Airport until about six then, strangely, circled. I said, “we’re going back, there’s something months ago when she went to Salisbury to become an air hostess. wrong.” Before joining Air Rhodesia she was on the staff of the Standard But we made a full circle and went out over the lake. It was haunt- Bank, Main Branch, Bulawayo, and later on the staff of Raylton ingly beautiful. The whole lake seemed to stretch out below us, the Post Office. Kariba hotels, the dam wall, Zambia. Her mother is Mrs M. L. du Chemin of Neasden Avenue, Brad- We went up over the lake and then over Fothergill and Spurwing is- field, Bulawayo. Her father is Mr David du Chemin of Montrose, lands, and we circled again; and again, rising, with everything beneath Bulawayo. She lived with her mother and sisters, Deidre (19) and us a devastatingly beautiful relief. The man behind me “It’s not often Air Rhodesia gives you a flip like 10