Rhodesian COIN (consolidated thread, inc original RLI)

[Rhodesian]

Howzit

FYI there were some photographs taken at the RLI book launch held recently in London. We kept up the fine tradition of getting absolutely planked after the event, understandable I guess when you meet with friends again some 27 years plus after the fact. Nevertheless it proved to be a superb evening all in all, with the Scots Guards band in attendance and in fine order.

Jon I believe you may recognise a friend of yours.

http://www.therli.com/A_Events_Booklaunch.asp

I`m not wishing (or needing) to promote sales etc, but the book "The Saints" and the DVD that comes with it are frankly superb (I can say that with a smug grin as I`m in the latter somewhere). If you happen to be interested in our particular bun-fight then these might fill in a few blanks.

Cheers
I.R.

[jcustis]

What is the going price in $US for a copy, if any, and are there going to be any US distributors as far as anyone can tell?

It would truly round out my collection to get this new book, and I hope to not have to pay Egay prices after only a month from the release date!

[jcustis]

And in the photos...is that tall gentleman on the platform whom I think he is?

[Rhodesian]

Jon

I`m not sure which fellow you are referring to, but the ex-officer on the platform giving the salute is the last C.O. of the RLI, Lt Col. Charlie Aust.

I believe the book, which includes the DVD, would cost about US$95-00 excluding post and packaging. I`m not aware at the moment of any agents selling it in the US.

The advertising spiel is as follows:

Book Description

The Saints is a glossy, coffee-table, pictorial format book of the history
of the Rhodesian Light Infantry. Often underrated, but arguably one of the
most effective counter-insurgency units of all time, the RLI brought the
`Fireforce' concept to the world's attention--a devastatingly ruthless
airborne tactic. The RLI was a veritable `foreign legion' with over 20
nationalities represented. They fought the bitter Zimbabwean `bush war' for 15 years and RLI soldiers were recipients of four Silver Crosses and 42
Bronze Crosses of Rhodesia. An RLI trooper holds the world record for
operational parachute descents - a staggering 73 op jumps - most under 500 feet. The Saints contains hundreds of colour photos, maps, rolls of honour, honours and awards. It includes a host of previously unpublished material and many former RLI members contributed photos, memorabilia and anecdotes to the project. Also included is a DVD containing previously unseen combat footage.

Synopsis
At last! This is the history of the Rhodesian Light Infantry. We've seen the stories of the more 'glamourous' Selous Scouts, the SAS and the Rhodesian Air Force, but very little about the RLI, often underrated, but arguably one of the most effective counter-insurgency units of all time. This was the unit that brought the 'Fireforce' concept to the world's attention - the devastatingly ruthless airborne envelopment and annihilation of a guerrilla enemy. The RLI was a veritable 'foreign legion' with over 20 diverse nationalities serving in her ranks. It is a glossy coffee-table, pictorial format with hundreds of colour photos, maps, rolls, honours and awards. It is not intended as a definitive history but, with more of a classic 'scrapbook' feel, the presentation attempts to capture the essence of this fine unit - what it was like to be a troopie. We have accessed a host of unique, previously unpublished photos and illustrative material and many former RLI members have embraced the project, generously contributing photos, memorabilia and anecdotes. Ian Smith has written his tribute in the front and the foreword is by the last CO, Lieutenant-Colonel Charlie Aust.


You can order online via website www.30degreessouth.co.zaFull colour, hard cover, coffee-table format544 pages, with over 1,500 photos and maps Price: ZAR 695.00 (approx US$95.00 or £50.00) + shipping


I.R.