Rhodesian COIN (consolidated thread, inc original RLI)

[davidbfpo]

Once more a discovery thanks to the BSAP History Group email; again published in 2014 on a website I'd not seen before 'Our Rhodesian Heritage'.

It is a long report by a Special Branch officer on 'Operation Enterprise - The Battle for Salisbury' as the war ended, so to just after the elections. A few snippets: the US SF Master Sgt who joined the Army who was a spy; the use of motorcycles in the open ground and the value of intelligence. Most of the operation was conducted in the African rural areas around Salisbury (now Harare) and some in the city itself.

Link:http://rhodesianheritage.blogspot.co...attle-for.html

[davidbfpo]

A set of medals is due to be auctioned and the bio sketch illustrates what the Selous Scouts did:

A scarce Rhodesian Military Division Order of the Legion of Merit pair awarded to Sergeant-Major A. J. Balaam, Selous Scouts, late Rhodesian Light Infantry, a master ‘pseudo-operator’ during the Bush War, who thought nothing of operating behind enemy lines for stints of a month at a time, often on his own in horrendous conditions, whilst co-ordinating multiple pseudo groups.

A Mortar expert, Balaam also suffered shrapnel wounds whilst serving on a covert operation against a Frelimo target in Mozambique. Over the course of five years’ service with the Selous Scouts he took part in the attack on Mapai in June 1976, and the notorious raid on Nyazonya, 9 August 1976, which resulted in the deaths of over 1,000 ZANLA insurgents (four Scouts wounded).

After the formation of Zimbabwe in 1980, Balaam was employed in 5 Reconnaissance, South African Defence Force, Special Forces. He subsequently became a civilian advisor responsible for training the Transkei Defence Force, and from there became involved with the training of both the Lesotho Liberation Army and the Ciskei Liberation Army. The latter led to a failed coup, 19 February 1987, which ultimately led to Balaam’s arrest.

Link:https://www.dnw.co.uk/auctions/catal...3&lot_id=50692

[davidbfpo]

Checked out their website just, quite a few articles to read and so enjoy.
Link:http://www.therli.com/

[davidbfpo]

I found this previously unknown website and a 'long read' on Rhodesia, which I have quickly skimmed through. Note the author appears to be sympathetic to the Rhodesian cause, but does include a first-hand witness to the situation faced by the mainly rural African population.
Link:https://www.psywar.org/content/rhodesia

The website's 'About Us' states:

PsyWar.Org is an archive of wartime aerial propaganda leaflets and research site for the history and techniques of psychological warfare, PSYOPS and information operations. The website which would become www.psywar.org was first launched in mid-1997 by Lee Richards. Since then the site has established a reputation for primary research in this field and has built a large following from professionals working in the information, influence and social science spheres, educators, war studies students and those with a general interest in military history and propaganda.