Rhodesian Regimental Association. /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 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 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 Association.

The Australian Commando Association, “ACA”, of Queensland recently held the 76th Commemorative Service of Operation Rimau. This was the second raid into 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 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 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 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.

ANZAC Day Parade and Battalion 60 Birthday celebrations 2021

The situation regarding firm commitments/planning for this event remain largely unchanged as reported in the last newsletter and as repeated below.

Given the gradual lifting of restrictions imposed due to the CV19 Pandemic, we are guardedly optimistic for the ANZAC Parade of 2021 taking place. Provided all goes according to plan, the Birthday celebration of the battalion will take place during the evening preceding the ANZAC Parade.

Accordingly, necessary preparations are being tentatively implemented/considered. It will however depend upon the actual situation closer to the time, as to whether or not the birthday celebration and parade will proceed.

Our History

The RLI Customs and Traditions’ (extracts from the Cheetah magazine of October 1980)

Regimental marches:

Quick march “The Saints” On the formation of No 1 Training Unit (the forerunner of the present Regiment) a considerable number of recruits originated from the United Kingdom. One member of the unit at this time was 1705 L/Cpl Martin, D.M. a previous member of the Highland Regiment. On route marches L/Cpl Martin played his bagpipes and a tune that became very popular was the “Saints”. Bandmaster Lewis of The Rhodesian Africa Rifles scored the tune and it was played at the passing out parade of the new recruits.

Army Headquarters offered a 50 Pound prize to the Bandmasters of the federation for a suitable Regimental march. By this stage “ The Saints” had been unofficially accepted by the members of the Unit as the Regimental march. Owing to the opposition by the Unit to any other march being accepted, “The Saints” was officially declared the Regimental March of the First Battalion, The Rhodesian Light Infantry.

Slow March “The Rhodesian Light Infantry” The tune was specially written for the presentation of the Colours by Captain F. Sutton of the Rhodesian Corp of Signals Band. The first occasion it was played was the ceremonial parade held on 19th June 1965, for the Presentation of the Colours.

In 1968 The Prime Minister of Rhodesia The Hon I. D. Smith attended the Annual Regimental Sundowner and proposed the toast to the Regiment in which he Proposed the health of the “INCREDIBLE RLI”. This remark was much publicised in the local press and Captain F. Sutton requested that his composition be renamed “The Incredibles” and as such it is known today.

Regimental day

The official “Birthday” of the Regiment was the 1st February 1961 which was the dateof the formation of First Battalion, The Rhodesian Light Infantry. Each Year, on or about the 1st February, the Regimental Day is celebrated.

Next news letter will cover the “Regimental Motto” and “The Holy Ground”

International News As many are aware, we have a replica of the Troopie Statue located at the Dicky Fritz Shell Hole in .

The Troopie has recently been installed onto a new plinth, as can be seen i n the picture below.

The plinth was built by John Stanton, and the statue erected by Derek Rausch. An excellent outcome!.

Merchandise A cigarette lighter has been made to commemorate the Battalions 60th Birthday.

The lighter is finished to a very high quality and will become a much sought after item in the near future.

Only 60 of these lighters have been manufactured and have already gone on sale in RSA. All lighters are numbered from 1 – 60. Fierce bidding was seen for Lighter No1!

The lighters can be purchased through Charlie Warren on RLI CQ. They are priced at R500.00.

We understand that these are selling quickly, with only 29 still available.

Battalion Birthday. Celebrations for the Battalions 60th Birthday will be held at various venues internationally.

Attendance at these will be dictated closer to the time by any remaining travel restrictions due to the CV- 19 pandemic.

We do however feel it only right, to advise all of our members well in advance of any celebrations we become aware of. Below are details of the event which will be held in Johannesburg RSA.

RHODESIAN LIGHT INFANTRY REGIMENTAL ASSOCIATION – AFRICA 60th ANNIVERSARY RLI REGIMENTAL DAY JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA

DATE: 05 FEBRUARY 2021 MEET AND GREET WITH BRING AND BRAAI 06 FEBRUARY 2021 60th ANNIVERSARY PARADE LUNCH AFTER THE PARADE VENUE: DICKIE FRITZ EDENVALE

REGISTRATION NOW OPEN

Roll of honour (June, July and August)

June Number Rank Name Commando Date 781236 2Lt Falzoi F.G 1 Cdo 12-Jun-78 729601 Tpr Botes A.J 2 Cdo 22-Jun-78 728892 Tpr Lang C.F 1 Cdo 4-Jun-79 123360 Cpl Rice P.O 1 Cdo 4-Jun-79 726466 L/Cpl Nel E.F 1 Cdo 4-Jun-79 126683 Tpr Francis R 3 Cdo 10-Jun-79

July Number Rank Name Commando Date 726212 Cpl De Beer M.J 2 Cdo 19-Jul-75 725702 Cpl Coey J.A 2 Cdo 19-Jul-75 103738 Rfn Potgieter E. 2 Cdo 19-Jul-75 107452 Tpr Barclay D.I.F Spt Cdo 7-Jul-77 729874 Tpr Elsaesser W.E 3 Cdo 16-Jul-79 125542 Tpr McKend B.J 3 Cdo 16-Jul-79 727941 A/Sgt McCall H.J 3 Cdo 16-Jul-79 729803 Tpr Dwyer S.M 3 Cdo 16-Jul-79

August Number Rank Name Commando Date 726606 L/Cpl Pfeil H.G 3 Cdo 20-Aug-75 727613 Tpr Turkington G 1 Cdo 16-Aug-77 726518 Cpl O'Driscoll A.G 1 Cdo 23-Aug-77 727588 Sgt Marneweck J.C 1 Cdo 8-Aug-78 728864 Tpr Clark S.J 3 Cdo 28-Aug-78

“Lest We Forget”

Closing note

We are striving to make the newsletter more inclusive of all of the State’s Towns and Cities of both Australia and New Zealand, wherever our members reside.

To this end, we welcome any feedback/information/articles/stories of interest that could be included within future editions.

Should you have anything pertinent or of interest that could be shared, then please do not hesitate in forwarding your information to myself, Les Garratt, [email protected]

Please pass this report along to all members of the RLI RA, family and friends as appropriate. We trust that this report has found you in good health.

With best regards

Les Garratt Dawn Losper Richard (Granny) Johnson Chairman Secretary Treasurer