Rhodesian Light Infantry Regimental Association. Australia/New Zealand Branch. Report Back from call sign “Delta Lima” Greetings one and all. Here follows a newsletter/update. It is the intention of the news letters to provide info on upcoming events/dates etc as well as points of interest and importance, relevant to the Battalion and its members. We feel it important to open with comments regarding the current situation, Corona Virus, which unfortunately impacts on all of us globally. In Australia, we are seeing varying levels of success in curbing the full effects of CV 19. Western Australia is “Almost” business as usual, similar for NT, SA, Tasmania etc. Unfortunately, some of our Eastern States are experiencing renewed out brakes. We are keen, to make preparations for ANZAC 2021, this being of significant importance as it coincides with the Battalions 60th Birthday. However, uncertainty surrounding travel restrictions, both inter-state and international are preventing us from committing towards bookings for accommodation, venues for celebrations etc. (deposits for hotel venues and rooms are often non-refundable!). We will keep all members updated regarding progress of planning for ANZAC 2021. In the meantime, we urge all members to maintain contact, as and where possible to ensure the wellbeing of our members. Contact to be in accordance with current regulations. Acknowledgment: The previous newsletter included a poem, titled “Thoughts of a Troopie”. We would like to acknowledge the original author of this work, Rusty Drysdale, and thank him for allowing its use. Rusty served in RLI 1Cdo, and then went on to become a Selous Scout. Recent Events of Interest Operation Gatling. On 14th July, presentation was given by Dave Shirley RhAF at the RSL Club Belmont Perth, detailing Operation Gatling, which was launched on 19th October 1978. The operation was divided into three separate and distinct phases. Phase One. A series of air strikes by the RhAF against the ZIPRA base located at Westlands Farm 16km’s NE of Lusaka. This phase was led by squadron leader Chris Dixon, who identified himself to the Lusaka Airport Tower as “Green Leader” Phase Two. Attacks by members of the SAS on the ZIPRA camp located at Mkushi 125km’s NE of Lusaka. The attacks were timed to take place simultaneously with the air strikes of Phase one. Phase Three. Attacks by members of the RLI on Camp “CGT2” located 15km’s North of Lusaka. The presentation was made at the request of SAMVOA, who have shown a very keen interest in the operations and methods employed by Rhodesian Security forces. The presentation was very well attended with in excess of 60 persons in attendance (representatives of Australian, Rhodesian, South African and British Armed Forces). We thank Dave Shirley for a well-structured, detailed and informative presentation. Wreath Laying, Australian Commando Association. The Australian Commando Association, “ACA”, of Queensland recently held the 76th Commemorative Service of Operation Rimau. This was the second raid into Singapore Harbour by Special Unit ”Z” in 1944. All 23 operators were either killed in action, died in captivity or were executed by the Japanese. Rimau Day also commentates the Australian Commandos from WW2 and the post WW2. Richard Johnson (RLI 2 Cdo) had the privilege of being asked by the ACA, to lay a wreath on behalf of the RLI for all those who paid the supreme sacrifice during the Rhodesian War. The service was in conjunction with 75th Annual Commemorative service, known as Commando and Special Forces Day & Operation Rimau The RLI were the only non-Australian unit to be invited by the ACA, to lay a wreath at the ceremony. The Rhodesian Light Infantry Wreath The Salute The Ceremony Noticas Cpl Russell Phillips SCR Above and Beyond. On 19 May 1978, the Government Gazette listed the award of the Silver Cross of Rhodesia to Temporary Corporal Russell Phillips of Support Commando, 1st Battalion the Rhodesian Light Infantry. In September 1977, L/Cpl Phillips and another NCO tried to extricate a wounded officer from a cave which he had entered in pursuit of a terrorist. However, they found that movement within the confined space of the cave made it difficult for them to use their FN rifles, so Phillips returned by himself armed only with a borrowed 9mm pistol. Despite the fact that he was met by heavy fire from a range of less than five metres, he shot and killed one of the terrorists, before retiring to reload. For a third time Phillips entered the dark cave, this time moving beyond the wounded officer so as to provide covering fire to allow medics to recover the wounded officer. In the process, Phillips crawled deeper into the cave, killing a second terrorist and wounding another. After the officer had been successfully evacuated, Phillips used grenades to silence any further resistance from any remaining terrorists still hiding in the dark. At first light, a search found three dead terrorists in the cave. His citation for his actions during this forty-minute incident, states that he displayed supreme valour, placing himself in the gravest danger with total disregard for his own safety. "His outstanding personal courage and skill permitted the evacuation of a wounded man in the most hazardous of situations." Marios Tassios Dear Member / Friend It is with regret that we inform you of the death of Marios Tassios. Marios passed away on July 29th at 02h00 after a protracted struggle with cancer. Below follows a eulogy from his Commanding Officer. Our sincere condolences go to sister Elvira,Mario's mother and friends. EULOGY : MARIOS SERAPHIM TASSIOS As presented by Major Don Price BCR Ex OC 3 Commando, 1 RLI. As we come together today to mourn the sad passing of our father, husband, friend and comrade Tass, let us celebrate his life and share some of his attributes and memories. I turn first to his children, son Anthony and daughter Arielle. Be proud, your dad was a true giant amongst men, and someone greatly respected and loved….. Tass had the biggest smile always, lent an ear to all and listened to everyone with their troubles. Marios, or Tass as he was called, joined the 1st Battalion, The Rhodesian Light Infantry on January the 10th 1979 with intake 163, where he served with distinction. Right from the beginning he stood out amongst his peers, not merely for his size, but for the guts and heart he showed. He was powerful and always there to help his mates. He was the pillar and their strength whether in a night club brawl, or on the rugby field where he excelled as fullback having played first team for his old school, Ellis Robins, (even though he was bigger than most props!) or, as troop machine gunner. Yes, here he was at his best….. Tass saw a lot of action in Fire Force where he acquitted himself admirably always taking the fight to the enemy and protecting, wherever possible, his mates. He loved the action and here he proved to be a true warrior. Time and time again he won the day with great machine gun fire, neutralizing the enemy. The heavy gun, weighing 29 pounds with belts, was like a toy in his powerful hands. He loved it. Tass led by example. He was a gentle giant, too, kind and respected by all in the commando and indeed the battalion. We salute you, pal, and know you will be a main player in that big Fire Force in the sky. Till we meet again. To be read to the sound of the Last Post. We stand alone, and yet as one In the fading light of a setting sun We've all gathered to say goodbye To our fallen comrade who's set to fly The eulogy's read about his life Sometimes with words from pals or wife We all know when the OC's done What kind of soldier he'd become The padre then calls us all to pray The bugler has Last Post to play The cannon roars and belches flame We will recall, with pride, his name A minute's silence stood in place As tears roll down the hardest face Deafening silence fills the air With each of us in personal prayer. SALUTE BRAVE WARRIOR. Major Don Price BCR Ex OC 3 Commando, 1 RLI. Both Russel and Mario are held in the highest regard, and fond memory, by all who had the privilege of knowing them, they will be sorely missed. Our heartfelt condolences to their families “The Saints go marching on” Prayer Meetings The RLI Prayer meetings in WA are held on the first Saturday of the month. The meetings commence at 17:00 hrs and are well attended and most enjoyable. The format of the meeting allows for a get together of former member along with a number of invited guests. Typically, the formal part of the meeting commences at 18:00hrs with a calling on, of all present, for a series of toasts and announcements. The August meeting allowed the assembled members to give reflection on the recent passing of two members of the battalion, namely Cpl Russel Phillips and Marios Tassios. Glasses were raised and toasts were given in their honour. The August meeting was held at the home of Ellie Hammond (wife of Stu Hammond Ex 2 Cdo). Grateful thanks go to Ellie for an excellent display of hospitality and for making all most welcome in her home. Any ex members of the battalion who may be in Perth and would like to attend are most welcome (please contact either myself or Dawn Losper for further details) Part of the August Team, with members from 1Cdo, 2Cdo, 3Cdo and Sp Cdo and various other units Words were spoken and glasses raised to our recently fallen, May they rest in Peace.