#Rhodesian

White Portuguese troopie carrying a wounded African comrade in Mozambique, 1970.

1 Platoon, “A” Coy, 1st Battalion, #Rhodesian African Rifles, at the “sharp end” along the Lukosi River, keeping the peace at the end of the Bush War, 1980. #RAR

In those final weeks and months, their world would be turned upside down. Among Robert Mugabe’s many crimes was a “reform” of the military, by first forcing out former Rhodesian…Read More

#Rhodesian #INTAF (Internal Affairs) Paramilitary Operators, circa. 1970s.

#Eland Crew of #Rhodesian Armoured Car Regiment, circa. late 1970s.

Paratroopers or “Parabats” from the 3 Parachute Battalion, South African Army, recovering the body of Rifleman Edward “Eddie” James Backhouse, today in 1977. He was 22 years old.

The opposing SWAPO forces he faced, had been funded and trained by the Eastern Bloc. They were well entrenched behind a maze of infantry trenches, anti-aircraft guns,…Read More

#Rhodesian mom, doing her part to defend a civilian convoy, circa. 1970s

A Portuguese Air Force #F-84 Thunderjet being loaded with ordnance in the 1960s, at #Luanda Air Base.

Portugal was the last user of the trusty Thunderjet, putting it to great use during the long Colonial Wars. Equipped with rockets or bombs, Thunderjets operated with relative impunity alongside the Fiat G.91 until around 1972, when PAIGC and…Read More

Black Boots are comin’ to get you!

#BSAP (according to the caption online, but I can’t be sure) dog handlers dismounting to hunt for the terrs #Rhodesian #Alouette

A #Rhodesian Air Force Electric #Canberra

This was no drill. This was no simulation. Between 1964-1979, this was the every day reality in Rhodesia. It was not about race, it was not about politics, it was guys in the “bush” trying to survive. The war has long since ended, but should never be forgotten:

“The #Rhodesian fighting men, both black and white, knew they were fighting for the…Read More

“Kwese Kwese” – EVERYWHERE! The motto of the #Rhodesian Guard Force

Some pretty high energy blokes! Commandant Horst Schobesberger in the black Commando sweater, and short-shorts inspecting members of the Rhodesian Guard Force, circa. 1970s

These men played a critical role ensuring internal security during the Rhodesian Bush War